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Last Day of Pre-K

2011-05-11T07:48:00.001-05:00

Walking to the car. Excited for graduation day! :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Piper

2011-05-03T20:58:00.008-05:00

After lots and lots of research and careful consideration - and even going to check out a few different puppies - we found the perfect addition to our family. A 3 pound, 11 week old Maltese that we named Piper. We all sure love her! Especially Brinkley. :)

In these pics she had just had her first haircut. I had waited patiently for her second round of shots and a couple of weeks before taking her. I love her so much more now that she is clean and fluffy. Sadly, I am one of those 'fair weather' dog lovers. They have to be mine and clean. And they can't shed. I really didn't bond or love her until I could give her Angels' Eyes for a couple of weeks and take her to the groomer. Lol.

We seemed to have lucked out again with a great dog. She hardly barks. Her and Brinkley for the most part get along great. She loves to snuggle. Is well on her way to being totally potty trained and has slept through the night in her crate since the day we got her. She is pretty funny and has a cute sassy personality.

You want to see what the little stink bug looked like the day we picked her up? She was dirty and crunchy and shaggy...

Allowance

2011-05-01T16:09:00.003-05:00

We thought we needed a new approach to earning allowance. The kids decided that they wanted to pick something to work toward so they can learn to save money instead of it burning a hole in their pocket like normal. :)

This morning we sat down and made a little visual so we can post it on the board in the kitchen and have it front and center to remind us every day what we are working toward! Robert and I decided to get in on the action too.

Apparently Robert is cool with saving his pennies for a long, long time! :)

Carson's Quotes of the Day

2011-04-15T00:08:00.002-05:00

While driving to visit a possible puppy addition to our fam today he asked if were where there yet. I told him we were half way there. A few minutes later he said to me... "Mom. I've been wondering my whole life... What does 'we are half way there' really mean?"

On the same trip to see the puppy he sat criss-cross-applesauce in his booster seat. Whenever he does that his legs go to sleep. Lately I have been trying to teach him about limbs 'going to sleep' and why it hurts and feels 'like bugs biting me', as Carson puts it. So today when they started to feel like that I reminded him to uncross his legs and wiggle them around. A minute later I heard him saying to his legs... "Good morning sunshine! Did you have a good night sleep?"

LOL. He is so clever. :)

Easter Desktop Wallpapers

2011-04-11T18:54:00.006-05:00

I found the cutest Easter desktop pics today so I thought I would share some. Click the picture to zoom. Then click the picture one more time and it will zoom in even more. That will give you the highest resolution photo to save. Right click and 'Save Picture As'. Or just right click and 'Set as Background'. Enjoy!

I'm an aunt again.

2011-04-08T02:17:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Robert's sister Deah and her husband Nick. They welcomed their first baby Wednesday night. Vincent Anthony Alfano. Isn't he darling?

Andy Warhol Quotes

2011-03-25T14:01:00.008-05:00

I am looking for a new print for my bathroom and while I was searching allposters.com I came across these great quotes by Andy Warhol. The are pretty simple - not too profound. But I like them.

(By the way - I love that website. I love it for finding any picture/poster/print/fine art piece you could possibly want. And you can have it framed or mounted any way you want. AND you can use the site to snatch an image for a post or project, etc. Usually they do not have a watermark.)

My New Favorite Quote

2011-03-19T19:01:00.003-05:00

Vintage Postcards - St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-15T17:03:00.011-05:00

Vacation Like a Hobbit

2011-03-14T04:31:00.008-05:00

If I had unlimited resources I would take trips like this to Kolarbyn Eco-Lodge in Sweden. Life could be all about making totally unique memories. Think of the things your kids would remember and learn from adventures all over the world. Totally cool and obscure places and experiences!

Anyone who doesn't believe that money can buy happiness is full of cr@p. It can certainly give you one huge shove in the right direction.

Mint Hershey's Kisses

2011-03-14T03:32:00.008-05:00

Carson:
"Mom PLEASE!? They look delicious and they are green all over!"

(This after he has already had about 10 and the St. Patty's Day cheer in my decorative vintage candy jar is dwindling. At least a few of these little guys have to last until the 17th. That jar needs a splash of green until then!)

If I lived at Ikea...

2011-03-14T03:13:00.008-05:00

This would be my name.

Click HERE to see what your name would be if you were a Swedish piece of furniture! :)

I wish I lived in Demi's room...

2011-03-06T03:45:00.004-06:00

Demi just got some new drapes for her room. They look pretty cute. Although she was mad when she realized that they wouldn't block out the sun when she is asleep. Uummm... Isn't 12 a little young to be wanting or needing hotel type black-out drapes? I mean don't get me wrong. I LOVE hotel drapes. But only because I fantasize about not being bothered and being able to go to sleep without waking for a good 2 or 3 days.

Notice her Christmas tree on the far right? Well she decided that she wants to keep it up year round. And I don't blame her. It is sweet! It's all shimmery and silver with pink ornaments. Very festive! :)

Carson decided he wanted to stay and chill awhile with Demi after I finished hanging up the drapes :)

Does this bow make my butt look big?

2011-03-06T03:34:00.002-06:00

And yes. You do remember correctly. He is a boy. :)

Erin Go Bragh

2011-03-05T14:14:00.005-06:00

Since I share vintage postcards all the time I'm guessing that I have already posted this one. Oh well. I am sure you will be getting many duplicates over time.

If you are interested in the origins of the phrase Erin go Bragh then click HERE. For all I know, I have probably already shared that as well. I get so confused!

Along those same lines - my advice for any person starting a blog - be SURE to use tags correctly and smartly when posting from the very beginning. It will help so much in finding things in the future! I wish so badly that i had done that.

St. Patrick's Day Yarn Wreath

2011-03-05T12:59:00.008-06:00

I just finished my yarn wreath for St. Patty's Day. I decided to go with no bunting on it like I have with my others. I don't know. It seems kinda naked to me. I may have to go back and add something in a day or two.

I found so many cute things to put on a St. Patty's Day wreath that I had the hardest time deciding what look to go with. So - the conclusion I came up with is that I just have to make another green wreath! This one will be all shades of green & a touch of brown, with moss and twigs and earthy florals. And then I can use the little garden gnome that I bought last year that has been waiting in the wings for the perfect wreath to rest on!

I guess after that it will be 4th of July again! I have to make another wreath to replace the one I did last year. I hated it with a passion. It just wasn't me...

If you want to take a look at my previous yarn wreaths, then click the following --> Easter, Halloween and Valentine's. All this happy craftiness due to my sister Megan's craft blog and her very first yarn wreath!

Click HERE and HERE and HERE for her yarn wreath creations. :)

And finally, if you want the bomb dot com of yarn wreaths - click HERE. But only if you are mentally prepared for all of the awesomeness which is Knock Knocking.

Chicken Scallopini w/ Mushrooms

2011-03-03T18:13:00.004-06:00

The Pioneer Woman just tweeted this recipe through Tasty Kitchen. I would literally kill to be eating it right now.

Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms
A stovetop preparation of sauteed chicken with a rich mushroom sauce.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound spaghetti or linguine prepared according to package directions
6 boned and skinned chicken breast halves
1/4 cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. olive oil
12 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
Juice of one lemon
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots or 4 green onions, chopped
1/3 c. chicken broth
3/4 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. half and half
salt and pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese

PREPERATION

1.Place breast pieces between 2 sheets of waxed paper and pound with a mallet or other flat instrument to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. I usually cut the resulting pieces in half to be more manageable.

2.Heat 2 Tbsp. each of butter and oil in skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender about 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms and reserve.

3.Heat remaining butter and oil over medium-high heat. Dredge breasts in combination of flour, salt and pepper. Sauté in skillet, turning once, until browned, 4-5 minutes total cooking time. Remove from pan and reserve.

4.Add shallots or green onions to pan and cook, scraping bottom until tender about 4 minutes. Add lemon, white wine and broth, boil, reduce to simmer and cook until liquids are reduced by half. Stir in half and half and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add mushrooms and chicken and simmer to reheat. Serve immediately over spaghetti or linguine.

5.Garnish with Parmesan.

{via}

Some St. Patty's Day Fun

2011-02-25T14:45:00.004-06:00

Or if you prefer the original...

If you are interested in a little fun reading - click HERE.

Oh my gosh. How could you not love him!?

2011-02-25T14:43:00.003-06:00

Even though he has been described as a 'dirty mop' by 2 seperate people in the last week. I don't care! I love my shaggy puppy!

I miss him right now. He is at the doggie spa. :)

His favorite show was on...

2011-02-25T14:42:00.001-06:00

Silly Puppy

2011-02-25T14:38:00.005-06:00

Brinkley has decided that he is a cat. Out of nowhere the other day I turn my head and see him balancing on the back of the chair. Stinker pot!

Speaking of Go Texan Day...

2011-02-24T11:15:00.004-06:00

We had a big story this morning in Houston. A narcotics officer for HPD was shot while serving a warrant. Of course it turned into a huge story. They broke into shows to keep giving us 'breaking news'. We had to watch the ambulance's journey to the hospital OJ style. It was a bit ridiculous. Not that I don't have compassion. Of course I do. But do they really have to interrupt my morning guilty pleasure of watching The Today Show and catching up on news from Libya before Carson starts flipping out for cartoons. And the officer is totally fine.

Anyway - the thing that cracked me up about all of it was watching the footage of ALL of the cops converging on the hospital. And ESPECIALLY when the news commentator said, 'Officers have been steadily arriving in their cars, on their motorcycles and on horseback'. Horseback? Really? LOL. That's Houston for you!

Go Texan Day

2011-02-24T10:55:00.005-06:00

Demi decided this year she would do Go Texan day unconventionally. She decided she would dress Go 'Texas' instead. :)

Hook 'em Horns!

Parker's First Sleepover

2011-02-21T14:13:00.006-06:00

Parker had his first sleepover this weekend! He was so excited.

...Mommy was a little anxious. She is not too keen on sleepovers.

Parker and his friend Tyler both had their birthday parties this weekend. To keep the fun going they had a sleepover. A first for both boys. I have known Tyler's parents for years - since before they were married - and trust them completely so I thought I could finally let my little guy go... He is 8 now after all! :)

You can see that he went prepared! Nerf gun? Check. Nerf vest, clips, magazines and bullets? Check. Back up gun? Check. Gun tri-pod? Check. Karate headband from Tyler's party? Check. New iPod Touch? Check. Bag packed all by himself with jammies, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and iPod adaptor? Check.

They had a blast! Parker told me that he slept in his clothes. He was having so much fun he forgot to put his jammies on! :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I finished my Valentine's wreath...

2011-02-21T14:10:00.001-06:00

My Darling Boy Turned 8 Today!

2011-02-20T01:36:00.004-06:00

And by today I mean February 19th - which was technically yesterday except that I haven't gone to bed yet. :)

Supercross 2011

2011-02-17T14:43:00.011-06:00

Robert wanted to take Parker to Supercross for a special bday treat. They had such a great time. They got there early and where able to watch them get the track ready and they got to walk around in the pits and stuff.

They ate some yummy chicken nachos and had a soda..

The even snatched a pic of Bubba Stewart.

Parker is still a sensitive guy. He was a little hesitant about the fireworks. ;)

They had a great time!

So Yummy!

2011-02-17T14:36:00.002-06:00

These were the cutest little treats! I found them at Target. I hope they start making them for all the holidays because they are so handy and good! They are so easy and look so cute for a party or whatever. And they were DELICIOUS. Like straight from a bakery.

Valentine's Day at Our House

2011-02-17T14:27:00.009-06:00

What could be a better Valentine breakfast then pink milk and mini brownies with pink icing? ...With a little breakfast burrito thrown in for nutrition!

All the kiddos had to wear red of course!

And do I have the nicest neighbor and friend ever...

Look what she brought me. :) It was so beautiful and fresh before it got a little bit of frost bite in the fridge.

Thanks Debbie! :)

It's all about the green...

2011-02-16T12:43:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty excited this year because I have time to decorate for St. Patty's Day. I don't have much stuff, but what I do have I love. And I haven't been able to use it in years it seems -- but since Easter is not until April 24th this year - I will have plenty of time to enjoy some green before the bunnies make their appearance!

Happy Valentine's Day -- Freaky Vintage Style

2011-02-12T15:19:00.005-06:00

Apparently people ripping out of hearts said I love you in days gone by...

Seriously. Who came up with this idea? And it was definitely a thing because I have come across a tone of them. Kids. Adults. Whole bodies. Just faces. You name it - you can find it ripping out of a heart.

{via cardcow.com}

Vintage Valentine

2011-02-10T21:23:00.002-06:00

{via cardcow.com}

Wait a minute. Is it Valentine's Day or Thanksgiving? I'm confused.

2011-02-10T21:02:00.004-06:00

{via cardcow.com}

Minnie Mouse & The Birthday Girl

2011-02-05T14:57:00.004-06:00

If this isn't the cutest birthday cake you have ever seen then I don't know what is! :)

And of course -- the cutest mommy and birthday girl ever!

(Robert's sister Dorri and her little girl Presley)

Happy 2nd Bithday Pres Pres! Aunt Hilarie loves you! :)

Demi. What a teenager.

2011-02-05T14:06:00.005-06:00

Demi is growing up so quickly. I can't believe that she will be starting middle school soon! She actually should be in middle school this year - but I think it is great that she had a little extra time before taking that big step. :)

Recently she got her first cell phone. She wears a little makeup. And now she wants 'teenager' clothes and shoes all the time. She is so funny. :)

Here are pics of her new boots and the cell phone cover that she chose. :) She has definite ideas of what she like and does not like! It is best for me to just meet her in the middle. Lol.

Pinewood Derby 2011

2011-02-05T13:26:00.008-06:00

Parker just participated in his second Pinewood Derby. He loved it, as he did last year. But this year he loved it even more because he had a definite idea of what his car should look like. It was pretty cute. He wanted a camo car. Mommy was responsible for the looks and daddy was responsible for the speed. Both turned out great! He even won a trophy! 3rd place in his pack for Wolves! He was so excited! He went on to the finals and probably could have won a trophy for that as well except that daddy was being a little greedy and fiddled with his car to make it faster inbetween races. ;( He thinks he may have made it a little slower in the process. Oh well. By the time Parker is a Webelo - watch out! He will be a pro from trial and error and will have all the kinks worked out! :)

Oh Houston. You are funny.

2011-02-05T13:08:00.003-06:00

Houston went a little crazy over the last few days gearing up for dangerous and frigid weather. You would think it was the end of the world. All schools were closed. Businesses where closed. Highways around the city where closed down for a couple of days. Sanding and de-icing galore was unfolding. The forecasts where expecting up to 2" of snow accumulation.

Sure it was cold for H-Town. And there was ice in some places (including our cars as you can see in the pic above). But all-in-all, I stick with my above statement...

Houston. You are funny.

Snowpocalypse 2011

2011-02-03T09:54:00.013-06:00

Brooklyn, New York

Tulsa, Oklahoma

East Hartford, Connecticut

Enfield, Connecticut

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Port Washington, Wisconsin

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

New York, New York

Kansans City, Missouri
Lady. Put a hat on.

Webster Groves, Missouri

Baby Blue Eyes

2011-01-29T12:27:00.005-06:00

If our friends baby Gigi isn't the cutest thing you have ever seen, I don't know what is! :) Look at those eyes and that hair! :)

{via}

I can't believe I am doing this...

2011-01-27T08:53:00.004-06:00

THE 'BARING OF THE SOUL'
Most people that know me think of me as an open book. Especially my friends. Lol. But there are a few things I keep very private. One of them is my weight. I hate talking about it and dieting and 'goals' and all of that. It is not that I don't think about it every single day of my life. It is just that I don't want to be one of those people that talks about it incessantly but with no action.

Well - the time has come. And I mean it. Time has run out. I HAVE to loose weight. I have to become healthy and active for my family and for myself. I have been thinking about aging alot lately and honestly, it depresses the hell out of me. It is weird because I never understood how people feared getting old and aging until a couple of years ago. It REALLY hit me about 35. That was a tough birthday. And now 3 years later, it is only getting worse. Lol. I feel like my whole life is passing me by, and more so, like I have wasted it by missing activities and experiences because of my weight.

Now, with all that being said, I have also had alot of positive thoughts lately. About ways that I can stay 'young'. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I mean it. One thing that I have come to realize is that having young kids keeps me young. Especially pistols like mine. ;) And who knows. Maybe we will even have one or two more. I would love to have another baby, but one of the reasons that I don't is because of my weight. I was absolutely miserable with my last pregnancy and I have gained quite a bit of weight since then. So that is definitely one major motivation for me that I have not had in the past.

The other thing that I have thought about alot is kinda cliche, but it is absolutely true. And that is - life is what you make it. The future is an open book. The possibilities are endless... and all of that jazz. I know that I have it in me to change my life, and by doing that, the life of my family as well. I can participate in life with them. I can live long for them. And I can teach them important lessons like perseverance and having healthy habits.

THE 'POINT'
So, with all of that being said I come to my point. It is not a big revelation or anything. Just something small that I want to do to help me achieve my goal. I am going to start posting my weight loss on the sidebar of my blog. My cousin Mandy did it recently on her blog after having her darling baby Wilson. I thought it was so cool but didn't think much more of it until I was talking to my sister Mallory about dieting. She told me that she had read that they have recently proven that people who post their weight loss and/or gain online are 25% more successful. 25% is alot. If this is what it takes to give me that extra oomph then I will do it! I will take any extra oomph I can get! If bearing my soul about the thing I am most sensitive to and risking the possibility of my failure broadcasted to those who are closest to me shames me into sticking with it then I will take it. I mean business!

THE 'DIET'
I have dieted my whole life. The first I remember was around the time I was in the 4th grade when my parents put me on Weight Watchers. It was hell and traumatic and started the process of what would consume my life. My sister would tattle on me for sneaking a bite of something and then I would feel shame and the disappointment of others. It was followed by The Diet Center, grandma's tuna fish and green beans out of a can diet, Jenny Craig, Medifast (the early days when it was only chocolate & vanilla shakes and monthly blood tests through a doctor), Fen-Phen, more Weight Watchers, Redux, Adipex, Dr. T's diet & water pills, more Weight Watchers, Medifast again, Alli, and just plain ole waking up every morning of life thinking 'today is the day' and failing by noon. You get the idea. By the way, Fen-Phen was the biggest miracle on the planet. I wish it was still on the market. If I could find some way to get it illegally in some back alley from a guy in a trench coat I totally would. I wonder if they even make Fenfluramine anymore.

I am of the opinion that every diet out there works if you just do it. It is just a matter of finding what works for your lifestyle and for the amount of weight you have to loose. Since I have an enormous amount of weight to loose the only way I can wrap my head around it is to lose it rapidly, and the best way for me to do it is through Medifast. The first time I did it it worked great and I got down to the thinnest I have been. That was when I was in high school and I didn't have nearly the amount I have to lose now. The second time I tried it I was not successful. It was after I had Carson and I was struggling with the baby blues and it was definitely not the time to be doing a diet with super low calorie content. I think I was hormonally all out of whack and I got really depressed. Plus the 'food' was so gross I would gag just thinking about having to consume it.

That brings us to now... They have improved the diet a ton and it is now available online so you can order it and do it yourself. They also have Medifast Centers all over but it is WAY more expensive to do it that way. When I consulted them they told me that I could lose all my weight within 1 year. So that is my goal. I would tell you how much I have to loose but that would be way too embarrassing for me. Maybe later. ;) And I will FOR SURE not be posting my actual weight. I would be way mortified. For now let's just keep it a running tally of how much I lose a week. :) Notice how I said 'lose' a week?

The reason I finally broke down to write this post and actually put my weight loss online is because I started Medifast on January 3rd and had a great start! In the first 10 days I lost 22 pounds. ...Then I slowly started to fall off the wagon. I CAN'T do that. I WON'T! Now I am just mad that I have waisted the last 10 days. I could have doubled my weight loss by now and would be seeing results. So - back on track! It is on like donkey kong.

THE 'SIDE NOTE'
One more quick thing... I have always had a secret goal to become a runner - to fall in love with running and to run a marathon. I think because that would be the total manifestation of losing all the weight I set my mind to and changing my life. Coincidentally over time I saw my aunt and uncle, a couple of cousins, and 2 of my sisters become runners and run marathons. It made me even more excited.

Now lets not go crazy. Let's take one goal at a time. But... let's just say that the return of The Woodlands Marathon was announced recently and will be held on March 3, 2012. Hhmmmmmm...

Red Riding Hood Trailer

2011-01-24T11:14:00.004-06:00

Wow. Peeps are riding this Twilight thing all the way to the end! This one is even by the same production company. And by the same director as the first Twilight - Catherine Hardwicke. The music is even reminiscent.

But you don't see me complaining. It looks fun! :)

* On a Twilight related note -- Since I am not in the biz of putting half naked pics on my blog, lol, I'll give you a link... Click HERE to see an official pic of Edward & Bella on Isle Esme... if you know what I mean. ;)

Sweetopia

2011-01-22T22:04:00.005-06:00

What a beautiful website and yummy recipes. Click HERE to visit Sweetopia.

Printables by Amy

2011-01-22T21:00:00.010-06:00

What a darling website! Really cute stuff. And beautiful pictures. This Red & Black Birthday Party is about the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Her whole business is selling you the digital file of the things you need for the party.

It is a bit depressing because this is the idea I came up with for a business several years ago and have thought of often ever since. :(

Click HERE to see some of her other party ideas.

--------

Oh wait! I just realized that she has a blog as well. Click HERE to visit Living Locurto. The Printables by Amy is just her 'shop' within her blog I guess.

Gift Coupons & A Great Blog

2011-01-22T20:43:00.007-06:00

Here is another fun site I just came across. A great blog called Just Something I Made. She is also a paid blogger for SC Johnson, so she links to alot of her articles on that site.

Click HERE for her cute gift coupon idea. And click HERE for her actual templates.

More Fun Instagram Pictures :)

2011-01-21T03:12:00.020-06:00

I had a little too much fun with this app {Instagram} the other night. I took some of the pics on my phone and fiddled with them. So here is a little stroll down memory lane. And a few new pics thrown in for good measure...

My cute boys. They are growing too quick.

My little Carson with his bottle. It's hard to believe that he is already 5 years old.

Here he is totally absorbed in watching cartoons...

I thought the newness of having a dog would wear off, but that is totally not the case for Carson. Unfortunately for the puppy, Brinkley is his best friend. ;) Brinkley always has a look on his face that says, 'for the love of everything holy, help me' when Carson is around.

It is freezing here again. It's so much fun! Anytime there is a chill in the air I immediately get the wood out and build a fire. And yesterday the temp dropped over 20 degrees in a matter of hours. It is 33 degrees here right now. I hope it lasts!

If we ever clean up Brinkley's toy basket he gets so mad and will sit next to you and yell at you until you tip it over so he can get them all out again. And his favorite toys are squeaky toys. He will only pick it up on the squeaker part and then run around the house squeaking it rapidly by clenching his teeth. He is so funny. And smart! If you give him a new toy he will systematically bite every square inch of it until he finds a squeaker. And if you know what is good for you - there better be a squeaker in it or you have wasted some money. :)

One of my favorite pics of Demi of all time. Rockin' out on her guitar. Of course now she is 'so over' Hannah Montana that she wouldn't be caught dead holding that thing. :) That reminds me - I need to sell that bad boy on eBay or something!

Wait! There are these 3 too. Def some of my other favorite Demi pics. :)

Parker's first day of preschool at Kids Village in Utah. He was so darling. He was so nervous. It lasted about 2 days before he cried all day because he missed me and I had to pull him out. He is still my little sensitive guy. Although now he carries a football around, plays Madden 11 on his PSP and acts like a teenager.

I take way too many pictures of Brinkley. I freely admit it. I can't help it though. He is my buddy and always next to me. And just like one of my kids - he does funny stuff all day long. I'm smitten. Who would have thought it?

Robert and I at a Lyle Lovett concert in Park City, Utah several years ago.

Little Scarlett-Loo-Hoo (Megan's youngest) turned two this week. :) Isn't she darling?

We had to make a late night run to Petco because Brinkley was out of food ...and he might just have possibly needed a new Valentine toy. :) He LOVES riding in the car! When he was little he used to crawl up and sit near my shoulder and look out the window. He still thinks he is 2 pounds and can do that sort of thing. Lol.

And just for fun -- one of the best movies of all time...

Fantastic Mr. Fox. If you haven't seen it - you really MUST.

Instagram iPhone App

2011-01-19T03:36:00.008-06:00

So many choices, so little time. :)

I'm addicted to this app tonight. It is so fun. I love all of the different filters available

Raspberry Blush Vinegar

2011-01-19T01:46:00.003-06:00

I'm obsessed with this vinegar. It is so yummy! All I do is sprinkle it on lettuce. Nothing else needed. :) I just saw on their website that they make a pear vinegar too. Mmmmm... I wonder how that is?

Mascarpone Oreo Snowflake Cookies

2011-01-10T10:09:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh. These cookies look about as good as a cookie can possibly look. I wish I could make them right now and eat about a dozen of them. Click HERE to visit kevinandamanda.com to see more yummy pictures. I love this girl's blog.

Mascarpone Oreo Snowflake Cookies

1 cup butter
3 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2.5 cups flour
1 tsp vanilla
5-7 crushed Oreo cookies

Preheat oven to 325 F. Cream the butter and mascarpone cheese for about 3 minutes. Slowly beat in the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla, then slowly beat in the flour until mixed. Stir in crushed Oreo cookies. Scoop or spoon cookie dough on to a cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Candy Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Ritz Sandwiches

2011-01-10T10:02:00.007-06:00

Well shoot. I might as well post this recipe too since it looks so yummy. Robert's mom makes something similar that are to die for. Her's are made with wheat thins, peanut butter and milk chocolate. I will have to post that recipe as well later.

Candy Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Ritz Sandwiches

1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
1/2 cup peanut butter
4 squares (8 oz) white almond bark

Spread a bit of peanut butter on as many crackers as you want, and top with another cracker to make a sandwich. Melt the almond bark in the microwave on low to medium heat, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s melted and smooth. Grab a sandwich with tongs and drop it in the melted almond bark, turning over a few times to coat. Place on wax paper to cool for about 20-30 mins before serving.

{via}

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-06T23:33:00.002-06:00

Family Photos 2010

2011-01-06T20:10:00.009-06:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-12T03:37:00.015-06:00

We had such a great Thanksgiving this year. We are so happy that Mallory and Ryan live near us now. Especially on Thanksgiving day! Because Mallory is such a Martha! It is so cute how she loves to cook and anything she makes is delicious. I am so mad that I didn't get a picture of her spread. My contribution was the table, shrimp cocktails, brussels sprouts & cranberry sauce. ...I forgot to buy the orange to make the cranberry sauce. I forgot to make the brussels sprouts. And I forgot to chop up the celery for our shrimp cocktails. I am sure that is why even after telling Mallory I could make more for the meal she still insisted that she wanted to do all of it. ;) Or more likely - she just knows that's how I roll and thought she would just save us all from missing out on some part of the meal that was REALLY important. This actually will be a great example to tell my doc so he will prescribe me Adderall next week. ...And I am totally serious.

Mallory's turkey was seriously the prettiest and most juicy and delicious turkey that I think I have ever had. She brined it. Mmmmmm... yummy! And 'grandma's rolls' turned out perfectly.

Shrimp cocktails (normally with a pretty layer of green celery & if I am feeling sassy, lump crab meat) and Martinelli's are tradition and a must for Thanksgiving. Also a tradition - brussels sprouts ...but we know how that turned out this year. :(

Ryan and Robert got hooked on the sauce and we had to tear them away! And Parker had made himself an Indian headband to celebrate the day.

After dinner Robert got a roaring fire going in the fireplace and we settled in the family room.

First we went around and each gave 2 things we where thankful for this year. Below is Robert and his little buddy sharing his list with us. One of his things was that he was thankful for Brinkley and the fun and happiness that he has brought to our life. Aawwwww...

And finally after a fun day and yummy dinner the kids got their jammies on, grabbed their pillows and blankies and we settled into another Thanksgiving tradition - watching Christmas Vacation. The kids may have had to 'earmuff it' several times during the showing, but we wouldn't have missed watching it. It is not truly Thanksgiving in our house without the Christmas decorations up and ending the day with Cousin Eddie.

It was a perfect and festive day! :)

This Snowman Freaks Me Out A Bit

2010-12-11T02:12:00.001-06:00

The Sing-Off on NBC

2010-12-07T10:25:00.004-06:00

Oh my gosh. I am so addicted to The Sing Off on NBC! I marked it on my calendar awhile ago so we wouldn't miss it because I thought it looked good and it would be fun to watch as a family. Well last night it finally came on and now we are all HOOKED! It is the perfect family show. And it is the perfect holiday show because it is so uplifting and happy. Nick Lachey does a good job and I like the judges - even with the paula-esque woman judge. Ben Folds is GREAT. I heart him!

Click HERE to visit their website. You can also watch the whole season premiere from last night HERE. Believe me. It is worth the time to watch it and get caught up.

The kids were dying the whole time begging me to find the songs to buy so I could put them on their iPods. Lol. I told them I would get them today when they are made available. But last night when I looked I stumbled upon their Christmas album. Lol. Yep they already have a Christmas album released. And its great! Click HERE to get their music.

Demi's 12th Birthday

2010-12-06T19:16:00.025-06:00

I have been such a horrible blogger lately. I have totally missed everything over the last several months. Since I was posting Carson's birthday pictures I figured I needed to post Demi's really quick too.

Demi started out the day by dressing appropriately for school with a Team Jacob t-shirt on! :) And then that night she had a Twilight (Team Jacob) party for her 12th birthday. :) It was a slumber party. And as you can see below...

...her cake was ghetto-fabulous!

Demi had decided that she wanted a red velvet cake. And she desperately wanted a real Twilight picture on it. So since Mallory is such a baker extrodinarre we decided that she should make it! My contribution was finding the cake topper picture on etsy. Let's just say that the cake didn't quite live up to expectations. Lol. We gave Mallory enough grief to last a lifetime. Even though it wasn't really her fault. I am sure it was the Houston humidity! ;)

That is what we get for skipping a year of RJ Goodie tradition!

But it was still delicious!

And we were so flattered and excited that Taylor Lautner would stop by and hang out with us too!

The whole time Mallory was cutting the cake he was totally checking out her butt!

After pizza, cake and gifts the girls went upstairs to hang out. All they needed was a smoke machine to complete the club vibe!

For an activity we made dream catchers and we also had 'puppy chow' or 'wolf chow'. ;)

And Taylor was so nice to sign autographs for everyone!

Carson's 5th Birthday

2010-12-06T18:04:00.009-06:00

Carson's favorite gifts were his new Scooby Doo Wii game and a tent that goes on top of his bed. He was so excited when I picked him up from school that all he wanted to do was run home, bring his tent downstairs and sit in it and play his new Wii game while watching through the tent window. :)

I Am Thankful

2010-11-25T19:46:00.005-06:00

I am thankful for so many things this year. I didn't want the day to end without acknowledging at least a few of them.

I am so thankful, especially today on our 10th anniversary, that I found a great friend to marry and share my life with.

I am thankful that I was able to have 2 beautiful kids and for their hilarious personalities!

I am thankful that I was raised in a devoted, fun and supportive family. My parents would do anything and have done everything for us. And I can't imagine life without my 3 sisters and brother. We have so much fun together!

I am thankful to live in a country where the sky is the limit and where I am free to live, work and do as I wish.

I am thankful that Robert has a job that he enjoys and excels at and for the wonderful company that he works for & I am thankful to have the most perfect job on the planet for a mom - one that I can do from home with my kids surrounding me. :)

I am thankful for my friends. I know that they will always be here for me and that they will be a part of my life forever.

I am thankful for wonderful in-laws. I could not ask for better! They have become my best friends and would do anything for me and my family.

I am thankful for Brinkley. It is a small thing, but he has brought so much joy and fun to our family.

My list could go on and on. I am lucky. I am blessed.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Bring It. Don't Sing It.

2010-11-17T22:30:00.014-06:00

...unless it's a Christmas carol. And then it is ok.

Welcome Christmas!

Necessity Is The Mother of Invention

2010-11-10T08:29:00.004-06:00

This picture totally reminds me of the cruise we went on when Parker was a toddler. They had a 'kids club' babysitting area and I knew I would never use it. It was my first child and he was sensitive to boot so I hated to leave him - aside from him being only 2. And it was on a cruise ship for crying-out-loud! Well -- my insecurities where confirmed when I went for fun to check out the 'facilities'. I remember walking out to the play area and I about died. It was literally hanging off the back of the ship with nothing but that heavy rope netting from floor to ceiling separating the kids from a cliff dive off the back of the ship into churning water. Are you kidding me? Oh hell no. I wouldn't care if Parker was totally independent and dying to get down to play. I would have nightmares forever!

{via}

Front Door - Before & After

2010-11-09T09:07:00.006-06:00

Man I love having a handy and talented father-in-law! :) He spent a whole day over here this weekend helping Robert out with house projects. But the best has to be the front door. It looks great! Thanks Ran!

Oh yeah... You ain't too shabby either Robert! :)

Quotes of the Day - Carson

2010-11-07T13:04:00.002-06:00

Carson ran out of the playroom to tattle on his cousin Christopher (or Topher as he goes by sometimes) and he was yelling to Tiffany, "K-opher won't let me play!" Well Tiffany kept trying to tell him how to say 'Topher' or 'Christopher' and was trying to tell him that he was combing the two together and finally he just stopped and looked at her and said, "Aunt Tiffany. You know that one of yours that is bigger!? Well he isn't letting me play!" (while stretching one arm high and one low to show her 'bigger'). LOL.

and...

I found a box of old cell phones in our garage which Robert wanted to sell on eBay or something and I gave a couple of them to Carson to play with - since I am pretty sure they will never be sold on eBay! That ship has definitely sailed. He was so excited and said, "Are they real!?". I told him they were and he said, "But are they alive!?" :)

I think I will try to plug them in so they can be alive too!

Chocolate French Silk Pie

2010-11-07T11:20:00.004-06:00

Oh my! Chocolate Pie!

My sister Mallory just called from the grocery store and wanted me to look up this pie real quick. Apparently my sister Megan makes it all the time. Yummy!

Click HERE to get the recipe for French Silk Pie from The Pioneer Woman.

Mallory said it takes like you are eating our mom's homemade brownie batter. And it is SUPER easy.

My kind of recipe! Mmmmmmmm.

Streets of Paris - circa 1838

2010-11-03T21:00:00.005-05:00

Click HERE to read this fascinating article on this photo! It's a short little article so you have to read the whole thing. It's so cool! They think that the tiny person in the picture could be the first human ever photographed. Interesting.

Welcome November

2010-11-01T15:18:00.004-05:00

Trick-Or-Treat

2010-10-30T14:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone. Be safe and have fun!

Halloween At Our House

2010-10-30T14:11:00.011-05:00

Since my sister Megan posted her darling Halloween decorations this year I thought I would post the new additions to my Halloween collection. :)

This year was a crafty year. I made a new yarn wreath and a little tombstone/skeleton 'thing'. I say 'thing' because it is really not much of anything. I just wanted to make something with moss. So now the moss has a tombstone and skeleton on top of it!

Also, I have wanted a Bethany Lowe Halloween tree for years but couldn't dish out the 50 bucks for one this year so I made my own by spray painting a little Christmas tree. You gotta do what you gotta do!

And new this year is I have decided to start 'making over' my mantle for the holidays. I have always been way too lazy, but finally this year I sucked it up and moved some things around. I loved how it turned out.

Oh. And I got some cute paper lanterns from Party City that I hung over the island in my kitchen.

It has been fun - but like my sister, I am excited to move on to Christmas!

Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

2010-10-24T00:07:00.005-05:00

Click HERE to check out this yummy looking recipe on Good Life Eats.

Swagger Wagon

2010-10-21T11:23:00.005-05:00

One of the funniest things I have seen in a looooong time.

Carson's First Day of Preschool

2010-10-21T11:09:00.001-05:00

On Monday Robert's sister Tiffany called me to tell me that they had a space in the preschool program that her son Carter goes to. I was so excited! I hopped on the phone and got all the info and by the next day Carson was attending. Yay!

I had tried to get him in this summer but they were already full. The program usually has a very long waiting list but for some reason this year was an exception and at the very last minute they lost several enrolled kids.

The program is at the high school by us. It is a college course credit for high school students that want to go into teaching. It is so cute. And it literally has like a 1:2 teacher to child ratio. It is awesome. He goes M/T/W from 7:25 to 10:45 am. And once or twice a month they have extended days until 2:15 pm. You drop them off at the curb and they come to your car and walk them in - and they do the same when you pick them up. And all this for the bargain price of $95 a semester! Can't beat that! They have a little school shirt that they wear on Tuesdays and a little tote bag with their name on it that they take to and from school.

He is LOVIN' it and is so excited and proud! And it is darling because he goes with his cousin Carter. They are so funny together. :)

Two Peas In A Pod

2010-10-21T11:05:00.003-05:00

This video is for Tiffany. She may be the only one who can appreciate it. :) Carter is the one with the 'white circles' as Carson would say -- or curly blond hair to the layperson. Lol.

If you are not the mom of one of these two kids it will probably be the most boring thing on the planet. We however, find it absolutely adorable! :)

All About Preschool Video

2010-10-21T10:27:00.001-05:00

Don't worry. My eyes were on the road the whole time. :)

Crock Pot Roast

2010-10-17T21:08:00.002-05:00

3 ½ - 6 lb chuck roast
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 soft cubes of Knorr Beef Bouillon Cubes (long skinny box - big soft fat cubes)
2 med yellow onions

Place 1 thinly sliced onion on the bottom of the crock pot. Place meat on top of onions. You can cut the roast to make it fit completely on the bottom. Then put the other thinly sliced onion on top of meat. Mix the 3 cans of soup and the crushed up bouillon cubes with wire whisk and then spread evenly all over top. Stick in the 2 bay leaves - one on each side of roast. Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of kosher salt all over top. Cover and cook on low in a crock pot for 12 - 14 hours.

You can serve as is or you can serve it as a sandwich with a good roll and a slice of provolone cheese.

(My mom made this delicious roast today for dinner. Yummy! It is super easy.)

Vintage Halloween Coloring Book - by Little Golden

2010-10-15T12:19:00.010-05:00

This is the cutest coloring book ever. I found one at Barnes & Noble, but you can find it online at Amazon and other places. It is over-sized with heavy, nice paper. The front cover is flocked and the pages are vintage coloring pictures and activities with splashes of orange. So cute!

The Crypt Keepers

2010-10-15T12:07:00.004-05:00

Carson's quote of the day:

"I like Grandma Robin. She is just kinda old. Like she has kinda old arms and hands. But she is not really old. Grandpa is old though. You know. He has that old hair kinda and face."

Translation = Grandpa is bald and Grandma has boney fingers.

Pumpkin Recipes

2010-10-15T09:14:00.005-05:00

Click HERE to check out this compilation of pumpkin recipes from the Houston Chronicle this morning. Some of them don't appeal to me much - but some look sooo yummy!

Doggie Tag

2010-10-12T22:53:00.008-05:00

Look at the cute doggie tag that I just bought for Brinkley from Happy Tags on Etsy. I love it!

Austin Trip - Summer 2010

2010-10-09T10:00:00.040-05:00

We would have been so sad to make it through the summer of 2010 with at least taking a little trip since we missed our family vacation to Utah. So we took the boys to Austin for a few days while Demi was in Utah.

We packed up, the kids got comfy, and we hit the rode...

You can see that Parker comes prepared! Whether it is a vacation to Austin or a trip to the store. It really doesn't matter. :)

We decided on Austin because we have been wanting to take them to the Congress Avenue Bridge to see the bats. We ended up not seeing too many. Really there is just a week or so window when it is the best of the year. And we missed it by about a month. We will try again sometime for sure, because even if you don't see bats - the cruise on the river was fun enough. Especially if you have a good guide that gives you lots of interesting Austin facts.

You can see all the people lining the bridge on the picture below. Thousands upon thousands of bats leave the bridge every night to go hunt. The best way to see them is from the river. The boats have special permission to use a red light to help you see them better.

We of course had lots of yummy meals!

And some fun swimming in the 'inside pool' as Carson would say...

And had lots of good relaxing time hanging out in the hotel room - which was practically the boys favorite part. :)

And even with all the fun activities - the whole trip basically turned out to be 'The Summer of Lego'! It was cute. Parker has always loved Lego's, but Carson got his first 'big boy' set on this trip. They loved them. And played them in the hotel room at night. And they loved their first trip to a real Lego store! :)

Brinkley

2010-10-08T18:03:00.008-05:00

Brinkley's First Couple of Days

2010-10-08T16:14:00.010-05:00

Here the kiddos are picking up Brinkley from Poodle Rescue of Houston. Boy did we luck out finding this place. What a nice facility. And the work they do is amazing!

Even though we got a perfect little puppy, it makes me happy that the fee we paid for Brinkley is going to good use for all of the other dogs that they have. You wouldn't believe what bad shape some of the dogs are when they come in. They fix them up and adopt them out. :)

Most of the pics I have up to this point are of Carson and Brinkley because he is the one at home during the day with me while Demi and Parker are at school. I will have to get some cute pics of the rest of the fam too.

Brinkley has found a snuggle spot under my desk next to my feet. It is pretty cute. Now I need to get him a doggie bed so he doesn't have to snooze on the hard floor.

I am having a bit of a hard time with the 'germ' aspect of having an animal in the house. It still grosses me out. But I have to tell myself that this whole situation is for the kiddos. And they do love him! So it is still worth it. And I am sure I will feel better once I can get him bathed and groomed. Only 6 more days! (I have to wait 10 days after he was neutered to get him wet.) I can't wait to get a good smelling shampoo because he is going to have bathies ALL the time!

Brinkley Comes Home

2010-10-08T14:49:00.000-05:00

Time To Pick Up Puppy

2010-10-05T09:42:00.010-05:00

We are all set and ready to go. We can finally pick up little puppy-schnitzel today. I'm a little nervous because I know that today our lives change. Hopefully they will get back to normal soon. I am not looking forward to all the hard work associated with a puppy...

For instance, yesterday they told me he has a little puppy problem called Coccidia - or diarrhea - that needs to be treated with a medicine that they are sending home with him. Oh yay. I'm so excited.

Maybe we should have just stayed a one animal family...

Our New Little Addition

2010-09-30T21:30:00.002-05:00

This is the video I took when I went to look at him at the shelter. We showed it to the kids when we told them we got a puppy. It was pretty cute. They are so excited. I just knew I couldn't wait until Tuesday to tell them! :)

And don't get confused -- I call him Dakota in the video because that is the name the shelter gave him. I still need you to VOTE for his name! The poll is on the right side of my blog. I'm not guaranteeing that the winning name makes it - but it will be fun none-the-less!

It's A Book - By Lane Smith

2010-09-28T02:00:00.004-05:00

Cutest book ever. I want to get it. And how did I not know about it? I love Lane Smith. Kids think his books are the funniest thing ever. The Happy Hocky Family = Hilarious.

Good Morning

2010-09-27T09:00:00.005-05:00

This picture looks just like it feels outside this morning. And we all LOVE it! :)

Just Another Morning

2010-09-27T08:31:00.005-05:00

I can not imagine not being a mom and not having kids. They crack me up on a minute by minute basis. Sometimes the hilarity of them strikes me more then other times. This morning was one of those times.

It is early morning and the blinds are still drawn so it is dark in the house. And we are all excited because it is really chilly for the first time this fall. Parker is dressed but his hair is sticking out every which way but sideways because we haven't combed it yet, and Carson has just snuck downstairs from his pallet next to our bed, which is where he sleeps now every night, and his hair is even worse.

They are on each side of me resting their elbows on my shoulders as I am trying to type early dismissals for school really quick. I need to pick Demi and Parker up early today because of an orthodontist appt.

I am typing hurriedly or we will be late for school since they have already missed the bus and then I have to stop typing because they are cracking me up. Carson is making this weird squeaking sound, telling me over and over again, “Look mom it makes a funny noise when I bite my cheek!" And Parker has been studying my paycheck that is laying on my desk to deposit and all of the sudden breaks out in, “Mom are you going to use this on your wants or your needs?" Lol. How did I get such polar opposites in personalities? As a mom I think it couldn't be better because I have all of the comedic bases covered.

After I laugh at them for a good 60 seconds I make them go away and tell them that they are distracting me. Carson goes to the couch and starts playing his PSP (which is really a red Duplo block that he carries with him ALL of the time) while telling me that he downloaded a shooting game and that it is rated T for Teen - I guess it is his way of rebelling since he knows we are not allowed to play a game like that. And Parker walks back to the pantry to get his toothbrush and toothpaste out for the 10th time this morning complaining, yet again, that he has to wait until AFTER he eats his toaster strudel to brush his teeth because toothpaste and cinnamon don't mix.

And the whole time this has been going on Demi is still only half way through putting her daily hoards of Zanybandz on both arms.

I love my little moppets.

Vintage Halloween

2010-09-21T23:15:00.002-05:00

The Owl & The Pumpkin

2010-09-19T13:50:00.008-05:00

Remember the post a few days ago about the Owl on a Pumpkin decoration that I wanted so bad... Well, I found a similar one for only 10 bucks at Hobby Lobby this week! I was so excited - so I sat down to compose this post and I pulled the 2 pics together and such...

And then I realized that mine is ugly. Now I am just plain ole' depressed. It is cheezy and cartoon-like and I will never be happy again. I will try desperately to live with it though, because I just can't justify spending more then I did right now. I will never look at the original picture again and I will bury the image deep in my mind. I can only hope that over time my fond memories will fade and one day I can learn to love my cheap owl/pumpkin knockoff decoration again. It will be a long journey. But I must try... For the sake of my fireplace mantle.

For this reason, I will not be posting comparison pics of the knock off Christmas Nativity set that I just got to take the place of the beautiful Southern Living at Home Nativity that I have wanted for years. I don't think that my mental status can handle that much sorrow right now.

Halloween Yarn Wreath

2010-09-14T21:40:00.004-05:00

I'm still lovin' yarn wreaths. All thanks to my sister Megan who got me hooked last Easter. My 4th of July attempt was a dismal failure - but I think I have redeemed myself with my Halloween cheer!

I love how it turned out with two little exceptions. First - my bunting is too low. But once it is glued, there is no turning back. And two - I totally forgot to 'antique' the white letter triangles before I glued them to the rest of the bunting. I had to go back and try to do it after. Woops. What are ya gonna do?

I love the font I found also. It is called Wild Wood and I found it on one of my favorite font sites, dafont.com.

My New Halloween Addition

2010-09-14T18:35:00.003-05:00

Water for Elephants & Robert Pattinson

2010-09-09T11:17:00.006-05:00

I recently read an article about the filming of Water for Elephants and they asked Robert Pattinson a question about his perfect day. I loved his answer.

You seem to only work. What would the perfect day look like for you?

"Recently I stood in the desert far outside of L. A. and watched the sun set on a circus tent from 1930. Everywhere stood animals. Elephants and tigers that should be loaded into a steam train. 300 extras in costumes raced around. The modern world had disappeared totally. Although that was totally fake, it still happened directly before my eyes! That was my perfect day. I would gladly experience that every day. It happens continually to me. It calls itself work. That is wonderful and more than enough."

Wouldn't it be the most amazing thing in the world to be an actor? I can't imagine being able to live in an alternate reality part of the day. That is not to say that actor's don't work incredibly hard. But I just can't imagine how interesting it would be.

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie now and I hope it's good. It's cast includes some of my favorites - including Christoph Waltz, James Frain and Reese Witherspoon. And I really hope R Pattz doesn't suck. Now I want to read the book before it is released in April.

And as a little side note - we all know that I think Robert Pattinson is the sexiest man alive - but isn't he just a nicest guy too? Of course I don't know him personally. He could be a total jack a@#. Lol. But I doubt it - according to all reports - he is just as nice in real life as he is in my little dream world. ;)

The Vampire Diaries Season Premiere

2010-09-08T13:03:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow night - Be There or Be Square!

Birthday Round 2

2010-09-05T18:08:00.004-05:00

Demi had 'birthday round 2' today - on her 'real' birthday. :) She picked grilled hot dogs with all the fixin's for dinner & red velvet with chocolate frosting for her birthday cake. Thank goodness Aunt Mallory lives in H-Town now or we wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. It was so yummy!

She opened a few gifts and then all the boys settled into a little Super Mario Brothers tourney on the Wii.

Happy 12th Birthday Demi!

Happy 12th Birthday Demi!

2010-09-05T10:26:00.008-05:00

Last night we took Demi out for her 12th birthday with Robert's family. 12th birthday!? What!? She is getting so old. She is a total tween now and loves all things girly.

We went to one of our favorite mexican restaurants, El Palenque. And then of course we had to do the sombrero/singing/whipped cream in her face extravaganza! That is totally Demi and she loved it. She was just disappointed that so little whipped cream was actually smashed in her face. Lol.

Demi has a birthday trifecta workin' -- last night was dinner, today is grilled hotdogs with all the fixin's & a red velvet cake w/ chocolate filling & frosting (her choices) with Mallory & Ryan, and next weekend is her Twilight inspired slumber party. Aaaaa... It's good to be twelve.

I want this so bad.

2010-09-03T11:08:00.002-05:00

I have a thing for owls lately. So owls & Halloween? Perfect!

Click HERE to see it on one of my favorite sites of all time, Bayberry Cove.

Pumpkin Candles & Fall Wreaths

2010-09-02T12:09:00.006-05:00

I am loving my new fall wreath. I looked everywhere for one and found this at Target for only $24.99! That seemed pretty inexpensive to me compared to some I have looked at. Now I need to re-finish my front door. It is very exposed to the rain and such and is in horrible shape and totally faded from the sun after only 3 years. Maybe 3 years is a long time for this kind of thing. I don't know. Look how horrible it is at the bottom...

And it used to be a dark, rich brown color. Anyway - it's on my list to do!

And while we are at it. Let me just say that it is not fall to me unless I have a Pumpkin Spice candle burning within 12 inches of me at all times. I just put this one on my (very dusty) desk.

It's going to cost me a fortune to keep it supplied with votives. Lol. I might have to limit my burn time to only 6 hrs a day or something.

Yep. It's totally that time of year.

2010-09-01T00:42:00.003-05:00

It is all coming out today! Let the burning of the Pumpkin Spice candles begin!

(I told you I wouldn't make it until the 15th.)

New Website & Halloween Decorating

2010-08-31T10:06:00.008-05:00

My neighbor just told me about the coolest site - Grandin Road. I have never heard of it before. Really cool stuff and Martha Stewart has a line with them as well.

Check out their Halloween section by clicking HERE. I am so excited to get my stuff out. I have tried to set some little boundaries for myself and have made a plan to wait until Sept. 15th - but looking at this website today in conjunction with getting the stuff to make my Halloween yarn wreath at Michael's last night... I can tell you right now I am not going to make it. I am pretty sure my stuff will be going out tomorrow! At least it will be in the month of September. That is not too bad right? I must have at least 2 months to enjoy it all! :)

Click HERE to check these pumpkin masks out. Aren't they so cute! What a great alternative for someone like me who hates carving pumpkins. All you have to do is carve out the eyes and mouth through the mask. I would love to put them on my kitchen counter with a bunch of moss around the base of the pumpkins and light them for Halloween night dinner. So cute!

Oh! Better yet -- I think I have seen pumpkins that are hollow and that you can carve at craft stores to put a candle in. That would be great if they looked real enough because then you could keep it year to year rather than carving a real pumpkin. I'm going to have to check that option out!

Astro's Game

2010-08-27T14:17:00.018-05:00

Last week we went to the Astro's game with our friends Adrienne and Travis and their son Grayson. It was a fun day!

We had totally nose bleed seats. And with the 120 degree heat index (even with the roof of the stadium closed) we finally bailed a bit early.

It took Demi about 5 minutes before she realized that she was sitting between 2 old men. She quickly came and sat with me. :)

The first 10,000 kids in the park got free Astro's backpack. They were pretty cute. Parker turned his around and pretended to be a catcher all day. :)

Demi and Parker are waiting in line to 'race the giant baseball player'.

This is right after we lost Carson for about 10 minutes and finally found him with a policeman. Don't ask.

I found these pics online of the roof at Minute Maid Park opened and closed. I thought they were interesting so I am posting them also.

Parker & Snorkeling

2010-08-25T11:20:00.002-05:00

It is no secret that Parker is and has always been obsessed with ocean life. But now he is specifically obsessed with scuba diving. We finally had to find him a little snorkeling set. He was a little disappointed that the snorkel didn't have a purge (a valve on a snorkel that releases water) and he was alot disappointed that he couldn't actually scuba dive with a tank. And not a regular tank, but a rebreather specifically. Lol.

The minute he got his snorkeling set he put it on and wore it around the house for 3 days straight.

(In the picture above he combines his other obsession of being a solider. Snorkeling, backpack and a gun = Navy SEAL. Lol.)

We finally made it to the weekend and a day of swimming at our friends house. Thank goodness for Adrienne and Travis' pool! And thank goodness for Parker's new best friend Travis, who happens to be a fellow scuba diver. Parker told me the other morning that he really wants Travis to go on vacation with us next time so they can go snorkeling together. :)

Sorry Ade. I guess you aren't invited. :)

Snorkeling Video

2010-08-25T11:15:00.002-05:00