Urban Farmwife

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T13:13:00.001-05:00

Ohhhh! I'm in trouble! I made these bad boys for the special Heart day...and now I can never go back...to where, I don't know- but these cookies just changed my life!

They are ridonculous!!!! I couldn't even eat the whole cookie- cause it kinda took my breath away.
I, of course, found them on Pinterest. You can find the recipe here...although I would tell you, that unless you are ready for an additional 5-7 pounds on your figure, today alone, stay away!!!

The icing is probably the best cream cheese icing I've ever had! And I don't even generally like it! I unfortunately ate quite a bit of it on a spoon. Hey! I'm prego...I'm allowed!

My cookies turned out more like cookies than cake cookies, which I am certain is because of the consistency of the butter. Butter is very finicky in cookie recipes. The recipe called for room temperature, so I put in the microwave for a few 10 seconds...but I don't think it was exactly right. You can tell they aren't as puffy as cake like cookies. Seriously though- who cares! They are still friggin' delicious! Did I mention I went to the gym yesterday...so I'm allowed to eat more!!!!

And this little peanut is sound asleep and has no idea what awaits her when she wakes up! Of course, I may be in a sugar coma! But oh my! My sweet tooth little girl is gonna love it! Yeah- that's chocolate milk mustache on her!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Now get your sweet on!

Excuse the mess...

2012-02-11T11:38:00.003-05:00

On both my blog and in my house! I'm tinkering with blog designs and layouts...so pardon the construction for a little bit! And we are finally working on beautifying our 60 year old house.

I started ripping down wall paper last week, my Mother helped me remove the glue, and T and I started taking up the lime green carpet in the kids bedrooms. So we are living in a construction zone! We have a long way to go...but its nice to get it started.

Little P's Room: Before carpet removal!

Little P's Room: After carpet removal...during wallpaper removal! (The wallpaper has little houses on it!)

Baby's Room: Before

Baby's Room: Before...lots of yellow!

Baby's Room: During Wallpaper removal!

Baby's Room: Carpet removal! P being Daddy's helper!

Baby's Room: During...isn't it just precious...these 2 working together. (The walls will not be blue- that's just what is underneath the wallpaper).

I am loving hearing their conversations while they are removing staples (Little P is using her tools, and not really working...really just talking! So don't worry, she's safe!). I keep hearing her say "I a good helper!" Apparently, we are going to Chuckie Cheese this evening for all the hardwork she's doing!

Oh, and I guess you all know now...we are having another baby. Due early July! Now that I'm feeling slightly better, we have kickstarted our cosmetic renovations!! So- I'm on a break, off my feet for a few minutes before I get back to work!!!

Y'all have any fun renovations you are doing this weekend?

The Scholar

2012-02-09T20:25:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Little P was on a mission to go to school. See, its funny, cause she doesn't go to school...we just pretend. I'm usually the teacher or the cafeteria lady and she packs up her backpack and goes from room to room in the house collecting things to take with her. And she's usually screaming "I'm going to school now!" as she is gathering.

I was the teacher yesterday, and I walked in right as she was unpacking and setting up her desk. First, she set up her Ariel jewelry box and started playing music. Then she took out her Minnie Mouse Snow Globe, and shook it to make the glitter snow. Then she picked up her pencil and began to do her work.

Not only did she have her backpack (which she placed on the back of her chair), she also brought her suitcase...which was full of treasures.

The little girl was very serious about her school work.

She's so dang particular, and knows exactly what is going on and where everything is. EVERYTHING!

As I was putting her down for a nap, she asked for Flounder. I told her I knew exactly where he was and I would go to the art room to get him (see, he's on the table with her, ready for school). She said "Mama....NOOOO! He's not in there." I said "yes, he is! I know it! I saw him." (And I said this as I am walking to the art room. But of course he wasn't in the art room. So I asked her where he was (I should have just listened in the first place!). Her response...."He's with my paperwork in your bedroom. In my suitcase!"

Sure enough...there he was, in the suitcase, with her paperwork! Hehehe! Man that girl! She's too smart for her own good.

And have I mentioned how sweet she is? Yesterday was my birthday and the girl kept saying "Happy Birthday Mama!" Totally unprompted! So cute!!

A Blissful Moment

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my very sweet, but very tired little girl gave me an early birthday present...a 3 hour nap! Oh the glory. And not only was the nap long and beautiful...the little one woke up pleasant, happy, and funny! So we celebrated with ice cream. It was gorgeous!

During those 3 hours, I unloaded the dishwasher, read some my new book (more on that in a minute), and took a very long and restful nap myself! When I woke up, I stayed on the couch and read for another hour. It was glorious.

And of all things, after we had ice cream, we did some serious play with her new horses and barn from her cousins...which lead to her dressing up as Snow White! Don't ask how or why! But she was very happy to be dressed in such a beautiful dress.

So, the book...I'm reading Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali, a recommendation from my blogger friend MamaUK. So far it is speaking to me. I've needed some calm around myself, so this is the perfect book to help me transition into that more. I've been dealing with a lot of power struggles, tantrums, a sleepy 3 year old, and a tired Mama. And in every instance, I have realized that when I'm calm and center myself, the situations get so much better. If Little P sees me get agitated, boy does she lay it on thick! She loves to make it worse. So, I have to be the bigger person (I guess I am the Mama, right?), but man, its hard! She knows exactly what buttons to push.

I'm not that far into the book, but a couple of things have really resonated with me...particularly this...

Being mindful and present take less energy than not. I love the analogy she uses of when walking with a bowl full of water, if you take careful, deliberate steps the water is calm and stays in the bowl. If you try to walk quickly and make uncontrolled movements, the water jostles around and spills out. So really, having a scattered or unclear mind can deplete you...and boy is it so true!

So this week, I'm going to concentrate on being being present, being mindful, and really "being" where I am. Which will include turning another year older! I swear I'm just 25...with early gray. But the calendar is telling me something different. But I will be present, I will be mindful!

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I am working on some changes to my blog and some new ways to help me get my thoughts around my days. Anyone have expertise in writing HTML code? Want to use my blog as a showcase to start your blog design business? I'd be willing to help you out! Hehehe!

What Did You Eat For the Super Bowl?

2012-02-06T08:56:00.002-05:00

Good Super Bowl recovery day to you. I hope your team won! We had a lovely, low key Super Bowl at home. But I love, love, love party food...and I love the variety at Super Bowl parties, so we had to fix a couple of things!

We had wings, of course! In the Fry Daddy! They were wonderful! Just so you know, we like Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce or Sticky Fingers Carolina Classic Mustard Sauce slathered all over our wings!! And I like to dip them in homemade Ranch dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing.

Then we had these lovelies. Buffalo Chicken Bites. So yummy! And the recipe made so many that I froze a lot. They were a Pinterest find! We fried them instead of baking them, and I used Panko crumbs instead of corn flakes. These were so delicious. Similar to Cheesecake Factory's Buffalo Blasts. The inside is so creamy and yummy, I can see putting it in eggroll wrappers and baking or frying them. Yumola!

And we had Bacon Double Cheeseburger Dip. It was delicious some Fritos, but I put a little too much garlic in it. But still- soooo good! I didn't take any photos of it, cause it looked like a big globby mess. It was good- but not exactly photo worthy.

So do you Pinterest? You can follow me here. We like to call it crack around here! But man, its good for some ideas! I found Pinterest back last April when I was planning my Mother's 65th. And I'm so excited that the hype has caught on!! Let me know if you are on Pinterest, cause I'd love to see what you are addicted to! Do you have any favorite recipes that you found on Pinterest?

It's like Spring Around Here

2012-02-03T08:41:00.002-05:00

If Puxatany Phil says there will be 6 more weeks of this weather...BRING IT ON! It was nearly 70 degrees yesterday by 10am yesterday. It was gorgeous! I threw open all the windows in the house...yes all! It was wonderful, and oh so fresh.

So we packed the snack bag and headed for our favorite park, Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. It couldn't have been a better afternoon with our buddy R! Those 2 have the best time. And you would have thought they hadn't seen each other in a year they way they ran and hugged each other! (Paisley even said "I love you R" as they were leaving...unprompted too!)

After a week at Disney, this little girl was having nothing to do with my taking pictures of her! Plus, she was way too busy playing to look at me!

I just think this is the most magical sand box! And boy does this girl love digging in the sand! I can't wait to fix up her sandbox this Spring!

I said she's a little sassy...and I meant it!

These are the cool xylophones they have in the park. They are made of natural materials and make the coolest sounds. She asked me to play for her so she could dance on the stage! Ahhh! Like Mother, Like Daughter!

I had to put this blurry one in, cause it is so typical of Little P. This is inside the Nature Preserve center, where they have very cool stuff to play with, like puppets, wood blocks, binoculars, magnifying glasses, and real snakes and turtles. She and R spent a long time taking the magnifying glasses around looking at stuff. And while I don't want to label her just yet- my girl is a little bit of a leader. We could hear her the whole time...."Over here R!" "Let's go look at this." "No R, not that!" Ok...So maybe its more of a nag! But still. She loves this tent and goes right on in and takes her shoes off. The girl would never wore shoes if it were an option!

Today's supposed to be just as beautiful...so I will again ignore the grocery shopping (yep- still haven't been since we got back!), cleaning the house, changing the sheets, all so we can go on some other kind of outdoor adventure!

Happy Belated 3rd Birthday P!

2012-01-31T21:22:00.001-05:00

Well, first off...Hello everyone!! Hope you are all well...heck...I hope people are still out there reading since I've taken quite a break from blogging. My energy hasn't been in to it- and I figured, if I weren't inspired to write it, no one would be inspired to read it. But I have a new energy for it and I'm excited about a couple new things I'm going to be doing out here. I figured out that I was bothered by not having a true purpose with my blog. I mean, I love, let me stress that...LOVE...talking about myself and my little girl...but I felt like it just wasn't all that I wanted out here. So...stay tuned for some new stuff, stuff that isn't just going to revolve around Little P (although, let's be real...a LOT still will!).

But, in the meantime...a little post about my Little P that just turned 3! 3!!! I still can't believe I have a three year old. I especially can't believe that I have a tall and slender 3 year old (38.5 inches tall and a mean 31.8 pounds!) To celebrate her birthday, we went to Walt Disney World. A very magical trip that we will always treasure.

A few highlights from the trip- that I just don't ever ever want to forget!

1) She's kinda a big girl now! Just as cute and independent as can be! She was very excited to see Cinderella's castle! It was kinda a big deal. (This makes P's 3rd time to Disney, but she really didn't remember anything about the other trips!)

2) She loves to look at herself in pictures- but taking pictures can sometimes not be her thing!

3) I'm rarely in pictures with her! We stayed at Fort Wilderness Cabins so we took a boat to the Magic Kingdom, which was kinda cool.

4) For her birthday, we went to Chef Mickey's to see all the characters. She LOVED it!

5)She was so excited to see everyone of her best friends! However...Mickey did not have the right shoes on! (They are supposed to be yellow!) The girl does not forget ANYTHING!

6) She was crazy about some Minnie Mouse! Probably the highlight! Minnie and Mickey even gave her a special birthday kiss!

7) This was the art on the wall of Chef Mickey's. I love it.

8) Of all the Mickey ears to choose from...she chose the Princess ones...which is hysterical considering her distain for the princesses...more on that later. (Excuse the panty shot...) See Baby Simba...this girl is so particular about what she gets. She looks though the entire Disney Marketplace, and never asked for a thing. She saw this Simba and says "I need this. Let's go pay the man." So sweet!

9) Waiting for the Princess breakfast in Epcot! Little did we know....

10) She's not a fan of the Princesses. Could have cared less! Actually, I'm pretty sure she would have rather been elsewhere!

11) The staff was quite sweet and asked if we wanted a retake later in the morning...Little P didn't want to, but I said I'd go with her- and that was ok. See her nice fake smile...still having nothing to do with it!

12) This is how she was to all the Princesses, except Snow White, who we thought she was going to have a throw down with! The little girl hated it! She plays with Princess dolls at home (heck, we even brought them with us). She loves her princess shoes! But the actual Princesses... NOTHING!

13) For the Princess Parade around the resturant, we asked if she wanted to march with them...the girl stuffs some food in her mouth and says "No, I still eating my breakfast!" When Snow White came around (who forever was her favorite) to take pictures, she stuffed a muffin in her mouth and said "No!" And I'm not kidding. Nothing to do with them! T and I couldn't stop laughing the entire breakfast! And all we kept saying to each other was "Thank goodness we got the Disney Dining Plan for free!!).

14) Now to Snow White! Little Miss P had about had it when Snow White walked by and said "Bye Bashful." Little P looked at her with the death stare and said...in her really mean aggressive voice...."I NOT BASHFUL...I P." It still makes T and I laugh hysterically! The good news is that we didn't have to wait in any lines to get our picture taken with the Princesses. In fact, every time we passed one in the park, we'd ask her if she wanted to stop and say hello...and of course, she said "NO!"

15) By the way- thanks to her father...she calls Jasmine the Hooker. Its not Jasmine...its Jasmine the Hooker. So we are really glad that she didn't want to stop and talk to Jasmine...the Hooker!

16) She also picked up Flounder and was very attached to him!

17) It was about 80 the whole time...and sunny...so we had to have some new sunglasses!

18) This is my favorite picture from the whole trip! It just captures her so well! It was taken in Canada after we ate a delicious steak at Le Celier!

19) She's just goofy! P has been potty trained for nearly a year...but I was so worried about being out and about at Disney without her potty. But man, she did an awesome job! I was very proud of her!

20) I never really thought I'd talk about her bathroom habits on my blog! But heck...it is a big deal!

21) She could have cared less about those Princesses, but man, she didn't have a single problem with any of the Characters. Right after this picture she gave Tiger and Pooh spontaneous hugs! Very cute!

22) For those of you who don't know- I worked at Disney, as did T...so I've been A LOT! A LOT! And this is the first time EVER that I've been to Epcot and not eaten a Chocolate Eclair in France. I mean, back when I was salaried there, I would make a special trip to Epcot just for an Eclair. But I couldn't do it! I was way too full from lunch!

23) We stayed at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, which were way cool! P had her own bunkbed!

24) Because we were on the Disney Dining Plan, we had desert after every meal! After a couple of days- it was hard to even eat them! But don't they look pretty! This little girl is only quiet when she's eating ice cream. Seriously...its the only time she's quiet.

25) She has really long legs. Last year, she couldn't come close to getting on the giant ant!

26) For comparison sake...this was her birthday at Disney last year...oh my how tiny!!

Well- there's the little recap of our girl's big trip! It was a fabulous time- but we are all still so tired! We can't wait to go back to see all the improvements to Magic Kingdom with the new parts of Fantasyland. Of course....it is pretty Princess themed...so it might not be such a treat for Little P!!

I'll be back shortly with some new stuff! Until then, ya'll have a great one!

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

There are so many precious moments I've been wanting to document since the new year, but I just haven't found the energy yet. Which is so odd...right, cause isn't the new year when we are supposed to be renewed and refocused. And of course, now I forgot all the things I wanted to write about! Well, I have had the intention...so maybe that counts.

So here is a little photo recap of what we have done!

Lots of art and stickers in the beautiful, yellow art room.

And while this probably needs it's own post...Little P partied with her best friend for his 3rd birthday! They had quite the time!!

Oddly, this little girl is a total sucker for carnival games! And especially for those little tickets! Did you know you could actually get a rubber snake, a plastic dog....AND a sticker for 75 tickets! Its true! And its amazing!!

Here are the two besties...living it up at Monkey Joes!

They love to hold hands and walk together. Its so cute! And so innocent!

We have had plenty of time lately to play with the dogs too...and yes, we've even played with them on the bed. She calls Murphy (the little black dog) her best friend. She gets really upset when Yancey (the 90 pound big dog!) tries to eat him, or if Murphy runs away from her!

And we have had some really really cold days. Ok- so don't laugh...but in the South that means it didn't get about 39 degrees....and the windchill was 23. We just don't have clothes for that...so it makes it seem much colder.

I even pulled out my snow boots...cause my feet were so cold!

But rain or shine, cold or hot...this girl wants to be outside (with her best friend!). She adores being outside, running around, digging in the mud. You name it! If its outside, it rocks!

Little P was even sporting her snow boots!!

Oh- and I'm so excited about our Happyland Royal Wedding set. I've talked about getting one forever...but could never find a way to get it home from England. But lucky for me...well...lucky for P, our friend Richard went home for the holidays and brought one back for us! (Cue Mama jumping up and down in excitement!)

After playing with it for about 20 minutes she screamed at me..."MAMA! I love it! I really love it!" So needless to say, we've already had hours of fun playing it. Little P even played wedding music on her record player, and was the wedding photographer! (Which reminds me...I must download her photos of the big event!).

We went to Imaginon today too! Its the children's library in Charlotte and it pretty much rocks! Little P was very patient waiting for me! Again- how old is she?

And probably my favorite photo (taken with my iPhone) from the past few days is this little beauty! We went for a little walk around our neighborhood and ventured to the "forest" down the street (the "forest" is 4 or 5 empty acres on our loop. There aren't too many trees, just really vacant lots...but hey...if she wants that to be the forest, I'm fine with that!). She would spend hours in the "forest" if I let her!

On our walk there, we saw about 8 deer running in our neighbors back yard. When we got to the otherside of the house, the deer were all standing there looking at us. We locked eyes with one for about 5 minutes. Little P wanted to get closer and closer...and the deer didn't move. It was a little magical. But of course- we had to get to the "forest" so we couldn't stay too long!

We had a very Merry Christmas

2011-12-29T15:49:00.000-05:00

Happy happy holidays to everyone! I hope you had a wonderful time and a joyful holiday! We sure did! There was a lot of adventure, excitement, and there continues to be a lot of tiredness!

This is the first year in many that we have had a real Christmas tree...and I loved it. Well, except for the fact that I completely burned it up! I had over 1400 lights on it, and as you can see, we had a the big old fashioned bulbs that, well, they apparently are like little fires all over the tree. Poor tree! It made it through Christmas day...and we learned our lesson for next year!

On Christmas eve we went to visit Santa.

And my little poser was very excited. Ok- I was excited. She, being a little homebody, did not really want to go! Does she look 8 here or what? Oh my!

But she did...and she was very serious about the whole Santa thing! Actually, she knew that Santa had candy canes, and that's all she cared about.

As we were putting her to bed on Christmas eve, T told her that if she heard anything on the roof, that it was just Santa and she needed to stay in bed!

Cue to Christmas morning...she slept until 10! Merry Christmas Mama and Daddy!!! We heard her run into the living room...and several minutes later she ran back to our bedroom.

Little P: "Mama, Daddy! You have to come quick. There is something very special in there!"

Me: "Oh really! Did Santa come?"

Little P: "Uh, no! I not hear him on the roof!"

Hehehe! She is so precious! You just want to kiss her!

But she a marvelous Christmas! A little much, a little overwhelming! But very good. It took us 3 1/2 hours to open presents cause she had to play with each and everyone...well, except for the new clothes she got...she could have cared less about those!

She's a superstar with her new Ukulele. She actually incredibly gifted (if I do say so myself!) in the music department. She was playing the Ukulele the other day and really listening to it. I could see her wheels turning...she put it down and started tuning it. Then she would play it, tune it again. I told her to be gentle...cause its a real instrument!! And she said "It alright Mama. I making it sound better!" Fing genius!!!!

The wood barn was a huge hit! We noticed that the things that she really loved she would immediately say "You want to take it in my room and play with me? Yeah!" This barn was at the top of that list! Thanks Uncle D and Aunt P and the cousins!!

And T got 3 Fry Daddies! It has been a long standing joke that even though he has always wanted one, I will never ever have one! (Yeah- looks who's laughing now!!) And so I finally thought it would be fun to get him what he really wanted. Well, guess what, so did other people!!!!

The aftermath! What a fun time! We have lots of new things to play with, tons of new puzzles, which are a staple around here, games, new art supplies, and new cooking equipment! Hoorayy! Hooray!

I will leave with a picture of our Christmas dinner! I do believe T heard angels sing!

Merry Christmas To All!

2011-12-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

We are celebrating the holiday like crazy here! And I have a little girl that is so excited for Santa's arrival. She looks up the chimney to see if he's coming and talks about being on the nice list (and sometimes self declares she is on the naughty list!).

To share our Christmas Spirit...please enjoy a little singing by my little entertainer!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Thanksgiving Break

2011-12-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday on the coast with some pretty amazing folks! While I was tad sick with a cold, we still had a wonderful time. The weather was even great enough to go to the beach. Now- this little girl must not have any sensation in her body- cause the water was ice cold...but it didn't seem to bother her.

She ran, found feathers and sea shells...

Ran some more

Laughed while running....

Caught water, ran from the waves, got knocked down in the waves

And got dirty in the sand!

It was so much fun and so relaxing and lazy!

We even went to the Garden City Arcade...a piece of my youth! We played some good ole fashioned Skee Ball, got some meaningless junk with our tickets, and used lots of hand sanitizer afterwards!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to everyone!

Backup to Fall

2011-12-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

We had a beautiful fall in Charlotte, and particularly at our new house. Gosh we love this place. Its so wonderful...even with the lime green carpet! Our trees, well, the one's that are still standing, are beautiful too. Our front yard was just bathed in golden leaves for a couple of week... Just GORGEOUS!

And speaking of GORGEOUS! Look at this big girl of mine! Just as full of life as you can imagine! The smiles are pretty much perceptually on her face!

This, I'm fairly certain, is the mischievous smile or the "I'm trying to make you laugh" smile. This girl loves to make me laugh...and I so encourage her!

It was a good Fall, but I'm all ready for the Winter! I just love the seasons.

We've Been Livin'!

2011-11-30T20:56:00.000-05:00

I wanted to say that I haven't blogged in a while cause we've been soooo busy...but after reading Kelle Hampton's post the other day, I realized that I'm not busy...I'm just livin'! I'm sick of the word Busy too! Maybe we are busy at livin'....but we are having some cool fun. We've been wrapped up in puzzles, books, painting, drawing, playing, and playing some more. Sometimes we even fill our days with just lazing around...but we are livin' good!

In all this livin' we have been doing, my precious Little P has been turning them out left and right! She's quite the comedic genius and keeps us on our toes with every little thing she says. There are so many, but I have to write about the things that are the best, the creme of the crop!

So here's to some of the livin' we've been doing.

1) Little P chipped my tooth a couple of weeks ago. I ran to the bathroom and then started crying uncontrollably on the bed. She followed me, and when she saw me start crying she slowly backed up and said "You stay right here Mama and you feel better, I close the door." And she did! Closed the door on me! Crying hysterically! T watched the whole thing happen and laughed so hard. ...Update...tooth was shaved off by the dentist and is fine now!

2) She loves to say things are "Gorgeous!" "Its a gorgeous painting I did, Mama!" "Your hair looks gorgeous today!" "Yes, this is gorgeous." And my favorite..."Its a gorgeous day today."

3) We do a lot of puzzles. Little P does a lot of puzzles. I often find her just in her room or the art room doing puzzles. But when she puts the last piece in she always hits it and says "BAM" real loud! You know, Emeril style. Its really funny....

4) And as cute as the "BAM" is...she also loves to say "Damnnnnnn" or "Damn It". And she totally uses it appropriately. "Damnnnn, we left the lights on." or "Damn it, the lightbulb is burned out." or "Damn, I did it again." ....Update....while its hilariously funny because she uses it so perfectly, we do tell her it is not appropriate for young ladies to say Damn. To which, you will not be surprised, she said "Damn it! Ok, Mama!" Oh we are in for some trouble, aren't we.

4) We do a lot of art. She loves painting, and requests it everyday. We have a wonderful room (the former dining room) that is our art room. Its a mess. Always is. But its a room that I don't care if playdough gets in the beautiful carpet (oh the carpet!), or if the table gets painted on...its just a great room. Anywho...one day I asked what kind of paints she wanted to use, and I suggested watercolors. The girl got so excited "HOORAY! HOORAY! Watercolors." Gosh I love her!

5) When she paints, I always ask her what the title of the painting is. Some are "Our new house." "A big Fish for Daddy." "A Christmas tree." But the best one yet...."Mickey Mouse with a Big One." I can't stop laughing at that!

"Mickey Mouse with a Big One"

The art wall! Notice the yellow wallpaper!!!

A a shot of the art room. Notice the matching wallpaper and cornice board! Top shelf huh? I can't stay in the room too long cause the color burns my eyes!

6) One day after a lunch outing, the little one tripped...all by herself. But she turned around and looked at T and said "Daddddy." In the most accusatory tone ever! Like he had pushed her. It was hysterical. He was about 10 steps behind her- but man, she needed to blame someone!

7) Yesterday, she decided not to nap, which was fine, but I told her she needed to stay in her room and play by herself until I got her. She came out about 20 minutes later. I took her back and said I would come get her when I was ready for her quiet time to be done. 20 minutes later, I hear "Mama come get me." "Mama, hurry." So I ran down the hall, all urgent like, and she had her head sticking out the door..."Mama come get me out." It was so cute and innocent. I told her I'd come get her!

Spectacular Days

2011-11-06T19:32:00.000-05:00

We have had some spectacular days around these parts. A lot of which we have spent outside on Bamboo walks (through our large Bamboo forest that is our backyard), picking up acorns, on nature walks, and finding parks to play in. We have spent equal time inside too...so don't be fooled. But the weather is perfect for playing outside.

We like to take our babies on walks.

And let's keep in mind that Mama ends up holding or walking the babies for most of the trip, as Little P doesn't have time to stick to just one activity.

We cheese a lot for Mama's camera...because, come on....look how cute she is!

And we spend time feeding all our animal friends.

Even if it is Tato Skins to the geese and old lettuce to the deer in our backyard.

This happy little child loves to be outside.

So, this week, depending on the weather, I plan on setting up the camping tent in the backyard so we can have an adventure, like a pirate, and hide out and look for buried treasures. I hope you have an adventurous week too!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:24:00.000-04:00

From my little Buzz Lightyear!

We went Trick or Treating in our old neighborhood down here. Little P had a blast! Pardon the pun! At the last house she told us to stay at the end of the driveway that she wanted to do it herself. She walked up to the door, rang the doorbell, and said Trick or Treat! Then she even said Thank you! Such a big girl!

To think this was just a year ago!! And please don't make fun of my horrible pumpkin!

Look What Happened at Our House!

2011-10-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

It was the craziest thing EVER! You know we just moved into the house...a house that has been vacant for quite a while...and so not everything was kept up...trees included. So we had our tree guy out last week to give us an estimate on taking this bugger out along with some others. We called him back on Tuesday to get on his calendar. Then yesterday...BOOM!

I was lying in bed waiting for P to wake up when I heard a horrible crash. Then the power went out (oh yeah- it knocked out power in the entire neighborhood until 7pm!). I totally thought P had climbed her tall dresser and it had fallen our on her- cause the crash was that loud and it vibrated the house. I ran into her room and she was in bed. She sat up and said "What's that noise, Mama?" I looked out her window and there was the tree!

Its about a 40 foot tree!

And this little lady had a blast climbing all over it!

This was the tree on Tuesday! She was playing house at the base of it. TUESDAY!! Just 2 days before it fell to the ground...on its own...no wind, no storms...just on its own.

Just a crazy crazy day! I can't believe it happened. So thankful that we are all ok and that nothing was harmed!

Here are the tree guys cutting it up! It was nutso! It only took them about 1.5 hours to cut all this up! We may or may not have had a cooler of beer and our lawn chairs out watching them cut it up! Hey, we didn't have any power- so it was our entertainment!

And here is just about a third of the tree in the truck. They have to come back and get the rest, cause they didn't have enough room in the truck!

Like I said- Nutso of a day! Let's just hope all the other trees decide to stay where there are.

Homecoming

2011-10-23T21:42:00.002-04:00

There is the most beautiful weather happening here in the Carolinas. It's crisp in the morning, and the sun stings just enough in the afternoon...and there is always a light breeze. I was made for this weather.

And what perfect weather to hit the annual Lexington BBQ festival. For those who are not from the South...that is BBQ as in pork...shredded, diced, or pulled. It does not mean an outdoor grilling barbecue. There are so many debates about BBQ here in North Carolina as well. Eastern BBQ? Or Western BBQ? The difference, although I'm still not sure of, is vinegar vs. mustard...or maybe even tomato sauce. Who knows. But its a big deal around here.

In Lexington, NC, BBQ is a REAL BIG deal! Especially during October (The OFFICIAL BBQ MONTH!). And this festival is huge. 150,000 people...all in a very small town. About 125,000 more than I could handle. I didn't even have the BBQ, but from what I gathered....it wasn't fantastic.

Yes....those are pic balloons! Isn't that sky amazing?

And this little beauty! She looks like such a diva here, with her feet up, sunglasses pulled down. Steals my heart....

And that's funnel cake. The one and only true festival food. That's all she wanted. And loved every bite of it!

She's just cute...so I thought I'd throw this one in here.

They even had a trick bike demonstration. It was fun to get some photos.

And a little scenery. She the loads of people? This isn't even a good shot to get the full onslaught of people. But I never could stop in the crowd long enough to take a picture...I would have been trampled.

So enough about that. What was the sparkling crown jewel of the day was our little side trip (after the BBQ festival) to our Alma Mater...Elon University...for Homecoming! This is where T and I met (over Ricki Lake (the Talk Show...back when she had a talk show!)...so it is VERY important to us. We love it there!

Isn't it beautiful? This is the main campus. So many fond memories. T jokes (well...we laugh about it...) that I still don't know where the library is! Hehehe!

I didn't know where the library was...because I was too busy socializing here...Good Ole Carolina Hall. I didn't have time to go to the library! Please!

Look at my little girl trying to escape? Hehehe! That's why the wall is there, sweetie...so you can't get out!

And I can assure you that I NEVER ran to class! EVER!

The fountain was a gathering place between classes. And even one day a week they have College Coffee, where all the professors come out with the students and everybody just hangs out for 30 minutes. Its so very cool. And you know Little P loved the fountain. And I love this photo. Probably one of my favorites, EVER. I caught her just at the right moment.

I'm sure she was singing or talking about something!

And examining the squirrel food. This is a very busy little girl.

We made it over to the football game eventually. The first football game for the little one too! Pretty fun. A very sweet young lady gave Little P a pom pom, and we had to show her what to do with its (cause she hasn't seen them in context before...if she's ever seen them?).

We sat up on a hill and watched some of the game. Although P was more interested in watching the kids slide down said hill on cardboard!

Go Elon!

And carrying that pom pom in her pocket. Really? Does it get cuter? Yeah...I don't think so either!

Fun filled Saturday. So much so that we had to lay around all day Sunday and recuperate! Now that's a weekend! Hope yours was just as fabulous!

Homecoming

2011-10-23T21:41:00.000-04:00

And this little beauty! She looks like such a diva here, with her feet up, sunglasses pulled down. Steals my heart....

And that's funnel cake. The one and only true festival food. That's all she wanted. And loved every bite of it!

She's just cute...so I thought I'd throw this one in here.

They even had a trick bike demonstration. It was fun to get some photos.

So enough about that. What was the sparkling crown jewel of the day was our little side trip (after the BBQ festival) to our Alma Mater...Elon University...for Homecoming! This is where T and I met...so it is VERY important to us. We love it there!

Isn't it beautiful? This is the main campus. So many fond memories. T jokes (well...we laugh about it...) that I still don't know where the library is! Hehehe!

I didn't know where the library was...because I was too busy socializing here...Good Ole Carolina Hall. I didn't have time to go to the library! Please!

Look at my little girl trying to escape? Hehehe! That's why the wall is there, sweetie...so you can't get out!

And I can assure you that I NEVER ran to class! EVER!

I'm sure she was singing or talking about something!

And examining the squirrel food. This is a very busy little girl.

We sat up on a hill and watched some of the game. Although P was more interested in watching the kids slide down said hill on cardboard!

Go Elon!

And carrying that pom pom in her pocket. Really? Does it get cuter? Yeah...I don't think so either!

Fun filled Saturday. So much so that we had to lay around all day Sunday and recuperate! Now that's a weekend! Hope yours was just as fabulous!

She's 101 Now! Holy Cow!

2011-10-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we celebrated another birthday with Hattie! That's 101 years folks. 101! Remember this celebration we had for 100 years?

Cake By Nancy at Dolce Paradiso in Charlotte.

This lady is pretty incredible. Still gets her hair did every week, dyed every now and then, and LOOKAT THOSE NAILS, FOLKS! They are red! She's 101!

And boy was she glad to had cake!

T is going to kill me for this one...but look at us...an actual family picture of us! Fun huh? Man that lady looks good. The 101 year old is cute too! hehehe

Hattie was 84 when I first met her. I just can't get over that. I still can't believe that she had her first and only child when she was 36ish. Or that she just moved into a nursing home a year and a half ago. Before that she was living in The Farmhouse...by herself! She's a pretty incredible lady, and I'm so happy that I have been a part of her family for 16 years!

My Future Lyricist!

2011-10-12T14:31:00.000-04:00

This is just a funny one that I wanted to remember...and hopefully you will find amusement in it too!

As you know my little one loves to sing (and dance, and talk!). One time her father told her that she was a "Talker!" She responded with "No...I am a talker and a singer!"

Anywho...we have this Toddler's Sing album, that we have listened to since she was probably 4 months old. She has really gotten into it lately...I mean INTO it! She goes crazy if we turn the car off before the little boy can say "The End." Its an obsession.

Ok- enough background...So today- I was buckling her into her carseat and she kicked her shows off (as is normal!). I said "shew! those are some stinky shoes." She laughed and said- OUT OF THE BLUE..."Are you stinky, are you stinky, Brother John." Really, Weird Al? Really? As in Frere Jacques, which is of course on the album! I was laughing so much- she kept doing it. (She's just like me in those regards...loves an audience, especially if they continually laugh!) Just funny!

And these photos are so typical of this little girl! Outside...no shoes on...singing...and getting dirty! I'm pretty sure she was singing Do-Re-Mi when I took these!

And saying cheese!!!

No worries!

2011-10-06T15:09:00.000-04:00

I'm an idiot and broke my digital camera card...and had the cutest pictures of Little P on it from today! Its so annoying...but I'm blogging anyway (I hate blogging without pictures), cause I want to remember this one.

If I haven't said it enough- I LOVE our new house. More importantly, I love the freedom that Little P has. She loves running around the backyard, collecting nature, swinging on her swing set and digging in the dirt. Today, I was putting groceries up and Little P was playing in the backyard (the kitchen sink overlooks the backyard), and I was listening to her play with Dollie. Dollie is a very old, kinda sad looking doll that is usually at my Mother's house. When Little P is visiting with them, she strolls that Dollie everywhere. Well- it had to come home with us last time!

She was pushing Dollie in the swing, putting Dollie on her shoulders, and giving her a nap. As she was giving her a nap, she kept saying "No Worries Dollie, it be ALLLright!" It was precious.

A few minutes later I heard the door and tiny footsteps coming upstairs...

"I need a bag, Mama. To collect acorns."

Back downstairs...where I heard her telling Dollie it would be "ALLLLright."

Then the door, and footsteps again.

"Mama, I need a.....SPOON....and a Stove."

I gave her the spoon and she grabbed one of her plates and said "This will be the stove."

She took them outside, and made Dollie some Acorn Soup.

I have really cute pictures of the event. Actually, its the first time I've had my camera out since we moved...Finally (and i break the card!). Oh well. It is all in my memory.

So as I was putting Little P down for a nap (uh- not to brag...but 4 days in a row with a nap!) I told a story about Acorn Soup...and she says "Yuck. I no like Acorn Soup. No Dollie like Acorn Soup!"

I guess we won't cook Acorn Soup anymore!

Things This Girl Says

2011-10-03T15:35:00.000-04:00

We've been pretty busy with this moving thing the past week. Between unpacking boxes, having the in-laws, and trying to still have fun, I haven't had much time for blogging. I love that my computer is in the kitchen and very easily accessible, but I've been wanting to play vs. write.

But anywho...here's just a little bit of what my girl is doing these days.

Little P has quite a mouth on her these days...and by mouth I mean she talk A LOT! It so funny! And man, she can get on a tangent! But some of the things I hear just crack me up and I wonder where in the world she gets them. AND she has this incredibly thick Southern accent...and we can't figure out where she gets it (for real!).

So here's a little sample of what's Little P is saying these days:

I need some private time! (Did I mention she's two and a half?)
Let's talk about this deal!
You're killing me Dad/Mom. (She totally says this at the appropriate time)
Stop teasing me!
That's Bombtastic. (Really? Where did she pick that up?)

And this is my favorite...and it makes me look like a horrible parent...the girl loves Flo Rida's Low. And loves to give her booty a smack. Its hysterical. And it makes me laugh, which makes her do it even more. We heard in the car the other day, and she said "I can't give my booty a smack cause I'm in my carseat!" Hysterical!

And, I am proud to admit that 2 days in a row she has taken a nap. THIS IS HUGE! I can't believe it. I'm sure it is a freak occurrence...but I'm surely enjoying it while I can.

Sound asleep. Such a rare occasion during the day.

Having her first taste of a funnel cake...I believe it was love at first taste!

This is right after she had her first funnel cake...and was not pleased that it was all gone.

Still rocking the rainboots!

Having lunch with Daddy...well, his picture anyway!

On a nature walk at the park. She's so big. Those are 4T pants!! I can't believe it!

Blogging from the 60s!

2011-09-20T22:11:00.000-04:00

Good day to you fine folks! I'm sitting here in my 1962 kitchen...blogging...from a desk that has no wiring and that is sized for a child.

Oh, I'm not super-imposed. That is for real, me, sitting in my new kitchen! Straight bomb diggity from the 60s!

We moved last week from our planned urban neighborhood and our planned urban house that looked just like the one 4 doors down...to our 1960s ranch with basement on 3/4 an acre with deer in the backyard! (We've counted 8 at one time!) And I love it.

Our new house hasn't been touched, decorating wise, since it was built in 1962...well, the lime green carpet might have been new in 1972 (and that oven is new too!). It still has all the original lime green counter tops, original wallpaper (on every wall), and it even has curtains that match the wallpaper (hand sewn too!). Needless to say, it's a blank canvas. Which means....we have a lot of planning to do! We will remodel and make it much more modern...but...I've learned that I love its usefulness, its functionality, its size, and its shape!

I've also learned that in 1962...

1) They didn't have STUFF. None. Zip. Nada! While we have a lot of storage space...it is tucked in corners, in closets, and behind doors.

2) With that...it means that space was well planned. Every corner is used.

3) Bathrooms weren't important. They are to me!! That has taken priority over everything else in the renovation...including that kickass kitchen! We have 3 full baths now...but will hope to make it a 3.5 bath so I don't have to share with people! No offense...I just have a thing!

4) Houses were made for living, not entertaining. Our last house had a huge open concept...open kitchen, loft, etc...and I learned to hate it. Our new home feels like a home. Its cozy! Its made for living.

5) People weren't afraid to decorate with yellow! My head gets a little dizzy in our dining/art room because of the yellow.

6) Things were VERY well built! This house is tight! Its amazing. Let's just say our inspection went better on this house than on our old house.

I will share a picture tour with you later. And of course will take you with us as we renovate this bad boy, which won't be for a year or so...but I'll keep you posted.

Oh yeah....and I totally forgot to mention...IT HAS A BOMB SHELTER!!!!

iPhone Download

2011-09-12T09:24:00.002-04:00

Another walk down memory lane. Its been so long. So long!

Notice the heals? Red Paten Leather Please!

Someone loves sweets! Any kind!

"We're the best three friends, I ever did have."

If only there were more naps, there would this kind of smile more often!

Don't be jealous of that lime green carpet!!

The first of many picnics in front of our new house

Those beer bottles are actually shaped sugar!!!!

In Memory

2011-09-11T08:48:00.008-04:00

It's all around an emotional day for the country...no doubt...with lots of reflection, tears, joy, and sadness. I, for one, can't believe its been 10 years. 10 whole years. While some parts of it seem like yesterday, mostly, it seems like I only read about it in a text book...like Pearl Harbor or The Great Depression.

But there are parts I remember clearly. We had just moved back to Charlotte and I had just started my job at Bank of America 2 months before. T was in graduate school and was at home that day. He called me and said "A plane just hit the World Trade Center." I was totally out of it and immediately started thinking that he was talking about the Sears Tower in Chicago. I told my co-worker quickly, cause his wife was in Chicago...then I realized it wasn't Chicago at all. We jumped on CNN.com (which was kinda a big deal to have access then...I mean, I'm not old or anything...but having that kind of access is relatively new). About that time, the second plane hit.

Now, if you don't know this (I didn't either at the time), Charlotte is the 2nd or 3rd largest banking/financial center in the country. And that terrified everyone. Once the plane hit the Pentagon, our assistant ran down our cube row and said "Go Home Now!"

And everyone started running.

I took a co-worker home, and by the time I got home...T was just in disbelief. And he just couldn't watch it anymore. So we turned off the TV. Every little bit, I'd turn it on, but just for a few minutes. So I never saw the whole story, never saw all the pictures and videos. I know it's crazy, but it was just hard to believe, so we didn't watch it.

10 years later and I'm seeing all the footage for the first time. Crazy isn't it. Insane actually.

I had to travel a lot for work, and my first trip after 9/11 was really scary. I had 2 drinks in the airport lobby before boarding the plane. I was scared. But it got better. Less than a year later, I was in New York, and went to visit "the site" It was INSANE. Here I was, standing in a disaster zone...and I couldn't believe the destruction. I knew what had happened, and seen a few images...but to see it in person was crazy. Even seeing it, less than a year after, didn't compare to seeing all the footage I've seen lately. Its haunting.

And to think, just 2 years before, T and I were on our Honeymoon in the city. It was Christmas time and we did all the touristy things...including going to the "Top of the World." We have a really cool shot of us looking up at the towers. And they are gone. People are gone. And I'll always remember it.

Year to Year

2011-09-10T16:12:00.005-04:00

Its AMAZING what happens in a year! I cannot get over how big my little girl has gotten. She and I went for ice cream a few weeks ago and I snapped the first photo with my phone...and remembered I did the same last year, so I couldn't wait to get home and compare! OH MY GOODNESS!!

I think its hysterical that she has the totally same facial expressions and is just as cute as she was last year- but she looks like she is 7 years old! What happened? I had to do a double check the dates on the pictures from last year cause I seriously thought there was no way she was that little last year at this time.

But besides the fact she is so big...let me tell you how much this lady likes ice cream. Loves it! Doesn't waste! Well, I took her to Brusters (where these photos were taken), and they give kids under a certain height a free mini ice cream. So Little P got chocolate with sprinkles. And when I handed it to her- you should have seen the look on her face. She was so deflated at the size of it (like a teenager). Even said "owww." Then she proceed to ask for mine. It thought it was so funny I had to let her have it!

Rise and Shine

2011-09-09T15:49:00.000-04:00

As I may have mentioned yesterday, there were a lot of very early mornings at the beach...just too much excitement. One morning, it was SOOOO early, I said "F" it and went for a sunrise walk on the beach with the Little One. She loved it so much, she requested the same thing the next day. BOOOO for sleep, but it was one of my favorite memories of the trip.

I took all these photos with my iPhone! Can you believe it? I guess early morning light is beautiful no matter what kind of camera you use.

This Little Lady was a little too ready to go with her bucket and shovel!

Those were some pretty big smiles for 6am! But its so funny, cause I look at this picture now and all I can think is HOLY COW that girl and I look exactly alike. Do you agree?

The peacefulness of this moment below was interrupted by "CARRY ME MAMA!" I walked the entire beach carrying this little girl. She never let's me hold her...so I kinda liked it. But when we got back to the house, she made me take her shoes off...and there must have been 10 gallons of sand in them. No wonder she wanted me to carry her...I should have known better!

Trees left by Mean Irene!

How about this stunner? Can you believe it. Its a huge tree...just sitting on the beach! Nutso!

As early as it was, it was so serene. We were the only ones on the beach and there was a calmness that I wanted to last a long time. It didn't! And I'm good with that...cause I got this girl that has some kind of spirit!

Mean Irene's Beach Bash

2011-09-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

My family goes to the beach every year! There used to be 40 some of us, cousins and grandparents and such, but now its just my brother, sister, their families and our parents. We get a big house and generally have good family fun! We eat a lot, drink a lot, and play a lot...but this year Hurricane Irene had other plans! Our family trip to Duck, NC on the Outer Banks got cut short...and once we did get there...we had to deal with her aftermath (which, granted was nothing compared with people experienced in the storm!).

This was taken on Wednesday. The storm hit Saturday/Sunday...and this stuff, including that tree, arrived on Wednesday morning. Apparently, it traveled all the way from Maryland!

But...that didn't stop this little peach from having the time of her life on the beach!

And really- these are just obligatory Mom photos of my beautiful little girl. Let me tell you this girl has a spirit like you wouldn't believe. And a will that will stop you in your tracks. Someone once told me she was "magnetic!" And that's the truth!

I'm pretty sure this is my all time favorite photo of her right now! It totally captures her free and captivating spirit!

And here is a rare shot of the 2 of us!

And how cute is she with my Dad jumping waves.

And of course...if you recall from last year, we had MRE's for lunch again! Always a hit...although, I'm pretty sure the military personal that are reading would think we are beyond crazy! (Let's be honest though, its my brother who is into these and has a stock pile for years! So he's the crazy one!)

It was a fabulous time at the beach, even though it was cut short, and T couldn't join us (What with our moving in a week and all!)...but it was precious time for my girl to spend with her cousins!

Its Magical!

2011-09-07T15:26:00.000-04:00

Hey you guyyyyyyys! Well sorry for being MIA for quite a while...over a month apparently! I'm glad to hear that this blog has been missed- but man, I just haven't had the mental capacity to blog. Lots going on in our neck of the woods...not only is it summer and we are doing normal summer fun stuff, we are also in the process of selling our house, buying a new one, packing, moving, you name it! So we've had a lot going on.

But there are so many things that I want to blog about- so I'll remember that we did them when I look back at the blog next summer. And probably one of my favorites is our finding this new, most awesome park in Charlotte at the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. Its incredible. Right out of a story book!

The area is all natural, lots of shade, and well maintained...and the playset is to die for!

Little Ms. Thing loved all the ways she could climb up.

There are even little houses at the base of the playset.

And the most magical sandbox ever! Now, my little girl can play it up in the sand!!

And since it's been so long since I've blogged...look how big this girl is!

There is even this cool balance beam made from a tree.

And a nature hike to finish off the day!

I didn't take any good pictures of the xylophones that are made from granite, wood, and wrenches...which Little P absolutely loved. And even better- there was a stage and T would play the xylophones while the little one and I danced.

And this little ball of personality had the audacity to "get a phone call" while she and I were dancing. She yelled "Stop you guys, I got a phone call." Reached in her pocket...pretended her hand was the phone, clicked it and went "Beep" and said "HEEEELLLLO!"

We are so in trouble!!!

And...if I didn't already brag about how smart she is before...as we are driving into the preserve, we passed a body of water. I told her to look at the lake...to which she replied..."That's not a lake mama, that's a pond." SERIOUSLY!!

She's a ball of energy that I mostly can't contain! But man, she makes us laugh and smile like you wouldn't believe.

Its good to be back. Although I imagine that it will still be sporadic with the move...but I can't wait to tell you all about it and share the renovation with you! Oh yeah...major renovation!! So wish us luck!

What We've Been Doing...

2011-07-13T19:45:00.000-04:00

Its been quite a break from the blogging world. I miss it...but just don't have the time. I miss capturing little moments that I can look back on in years to come...you know, to remember those sweet little things...like Little P screaming at the top of her lungs "GEEET INNNN" (Translation: "Get In") at a restaurant when she couldn't do the buckle on the highchair! And more importantly, the inappropriate parental reaction, which was our bursting out laughing!

But other than that, we've been having quite a good time. T and I took off for a little Parental Vacation to The Dominican Republic. Yes, that's twice in 2 months for me! Whoot whoot!!

I digress...

Here are the things we have been doing stateside!

Little P's first movie...Cars 2...with her Cousins! And yes, we sneaked in snacks!

We've seen rainbows! Although- it wasn't captured well!

We've played Wheee ooh Wheee ohh at Discovery Place Kids.

We've watched our wild flowers go wild with color.

We spend a lot of time analyzing the bugs that also like our wild flowers.

Little P got to spend some quality time with her Cousins and her Grandparents while T and I were away. And we came away with some of the most precious pictures of this girl!

I am totally spoiled...but I had another girl's weekend away last weekend (in Myrtle Beach to boot!)...and caught up with a dear lifelong friend (I mean furever ever!)...which was great un-to-itself- but since it happened in Myrtle Beach there was even more hilarity!

(That's me in the black! M in the pretty blue!)

And let's see, what else. Pool, lake, crafts, heat, homemade bread, homemade cookies, TV in bed (you heard it!), and lots and lots of fun! Summer is slowly becoming a favorite!

Cardboard Boat Races

2011-07-06T22:37:00.004-04:00

Every year my parents host a huge July 4th Cardboard Boat Race...with actual boats made from real cardboard. No really! Google it! Its a thing! There are rules, there are heats, there are divisions...and their are trophies.

There is an inspection area...to make sure no one cheats and uses an unauthorized part, such as styrofoam.

And we had lots of spectators in the water this year!

This is the boat my sister, mother, aunt, and I piloted. We won our heat, but lost the grand champion race due to our sinking boat...which won us the Moat Spectacular Sinking Award.

Here are the Little Kiddos racing hard.

Look at that concentration.

We only had one dud boat...that didn't make it past the starting line. The rest floated. Check out the crowd of boats watching the action.

The kayak was not part of the race...he is merely a spectator.

Even Uncle Sam payed us a visit.

We even had major drama unfold...

Hehehe. Not really. But it looks like the girls totally knocked him down... He just slipped.

Even Little P got in on the action in the super little heat.

And of course there is an awards ceremony. With Cardboard Trophies.

And the gratuitous shot of my precious Little P!

And I'd be remiss if I didn't publicly say Happy Birthday to my most favorite husband in the world! I love you babe!!!

Sums it Up

2011-06-25T21:34:00.000-04:00

Did you know I've been with T for 16 years? I didn't either, until he reminded me! Whoops! Well- I think we've been together that long- not just because of the love...but because we could not be more different. Not just in the "you say toMAto, I say toMAYto!" kind of way- but the we NEVER see eye to eye on the stupid stuff (big stuff, yes, little stuff..NO!) Like meals- if I love it...he'll hate it! I like Chocolate, he likes Vanilla....you get the drift. And we always laugh about it! Its what makes us tick!

Anywho...I mainly do Little P's laundry. And this is what it looks like in the basket, when its clean and folded.

Thomas did her laundry last week...and this is what it looked like! Everything folded just right!

He's so meticulous! I love it! The first time he ever did my laundry (probably 15 years ago!) He had folded my unmentionables...and I thought it was the funniest thing! I had NEVER seen that before! And he folded washcloths so weird too! But 16 years later...he still folds my unmentionables the same way...and I love him for it! I love that he folds Little P's little bitty clothes with the same care as everyone else's. We couldn't be more opposite- even how we do laundry!

But this I love even more!!!! I put Little P's folded Dosham Pants (What she calls her unmentionables) in her drawer...lined up very neat, just as her Father had folded them...and the next day...I hear her excited shriek when she opened the drawer.

I asked her what was so cool and she said "Look Mama!" And I said- "I know- your dosham pants are all folded...isn't that cool!?" And she said "YEAH!!" And while she said "YEAH!" She grabbed them all and started stirring them up like soup!! HEHEHEHEHEHEH! I said "You like it better all messy!" And she said...even more excited than before..."YEAH!"

Totally priceless!!!

We've Been Working A Lot

2011-06-24T15:18:00.000-04:00

There is an amazing Park/Splash Park near our house. And I love this quote on one of the benches...it captures the attitude of our our summer...heck...of our days in this house!

Little P found this gackel of ladies in the playhouse and just got herself right in on their play...it was so fun to watch!

We are also having a lot of hot days around here that call for either indoor play- or really cool things to do outside. I found this idea on Pinterest and had to try it!

Frozen toys. See how long it takes for them to melt out of the ice.

And on the rainy days we are building forts inside. I found this sheet at Habitat for $1. Little P loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...so this was perfect for forts!

And we've been reading a ton of books. Little P is on a huge book kick. She has always loved books- but she probably reads 50 a day. Between the ones we read to her, and the ones that she reads by herself...she is consumed. Some of our favorites have been Charlie, the Ranch Dog (Pioneer Woman's Book), and anything Fancy Nancy. We are participating with or county library system's Summer Reading program...and Little P has already done the required program in 1 week!

Mothering

2011-06-23T21:17:00.000-04:00

This picture has nothing to do with this post...except Little P is just cute...in her new Fancy Nancy Skirt!

I've had trouble with Mothering lately. I'm struggling with the balance of loving Mother and disciplinarian. Quite frankly, I'm exhausted from it. So I popped 2 Aleve (for the muscle pains from the yoga I've been doing to calm my nerves!), a Vitamin D (to help with my emotions), and now I'm having huge glass of wine (cause that how I roll...and deal with my problems).

Now...on to my issues.

I don't like Rules (mostly of the social type). I don't like to follow them, I think that people that follow them are kinda boring (yeah...thats probably offensive...oh well!), and I hate making people follow rules. I think there is a time and place for rules (Holding hands in a parking lot, obeying traffic laws, and going the speed limit in a residential neighborhood...come on people, there are children playing!!!).

But, I think a lot of rules suck! (the current legal drinking age, that marajuana is illegal, and that Gays can't get married (Seriously people! Lets go! Perhaps the Gays can do better than 50% divorce rate...cause as it is now, the heteros are no poster children for the meaning of marriage!)...ok...so those are laws, not really rules, but same premise!

I also think people make up rules just so they feel they have power over people. And those people just suck!

Any who...opening several cans of worms here...but my point is...I am so sick of having to be the rule maker and the punisher. It sucks! I know that I, as a parent, must create the individual, create the atmosphere, and establish the type of life we have....but I'm finding it very difficult when it comes to rules.

Lets look at an example....Swim Lessons. Little P goes every Thursday. Loves playing in the pool...but could give two shits about what the teacher is saying or doing. She is her own woman...and does whatever she wants to do! (I know that at this point, anyone who knows me is saying..."apple doesn't fall far!"). And here's my dilemma...why in the world should I care? She's 2! I should be so proud that she is this beautiful creative creature that doesn't need to be lead, shown what to do, or by gosh, told what to do!

But I see the stares, see the poor teacher trying to engage her, see the other moms looking at me like I can't control my child, oh wait...that is what I think they are thinking...cause that is what I totally feel like, often!

She was like this in Gymboree too! Thats why I stopped going... I felt we could do all that stuff on our own since she wasn't listening anyway!

Now...on to my other issue....

I HATE being mean! HATE it! I never learned how to be direct and productive when people pissed me off...I just got madder, and became meaner (in my head, mind you-not to the person!)...then I get mad at myself for being meaner and I just get meaner...perhaps why I got laid off...wait...nope, I got laid off cause I called my boss Lord Douchebag... to his face...and with a lot of our co-workers standing there. It was all in good fun...and I called myself Lady Douchebag at the same time. But that's how I get...much more passive aggressive. And I've totally learned that the whole passive aggressive thing doesn't work with a 2 year old...Who knew? Its all mental meanness...which I think is more consuming at times than actually just being mean!!

Now- keep in mind, I think that mean people suck! People who hit their kids are real shits! Spanking/hitting its all the same to me...you're bullying a defenseless person...and I think people who do it are quite cowardly and overall real shitty...they should just let the meanness consume themselves (like I do....All healthy like!).

Oh- I'm really into opening cans tonight!

Onward....So those two issues combined make this parenting/mothering thing the hardest thing that I have ever done! I know that we must be the parents and create the rules and laws that we want her to follow...afterall, we are the architects of her life (At least for now!) and our family. But my two big huge issues are just coming at me all day! And I hate it! I hate not being the fun parent, the jovial one...I hate being mean! And just a side note...it doesn't help that Little P is totally on a Daddy kick either!! She tells me "Go Away...Only Daddy!" It's heartbreaking!

Its crazy! I never thought I would be this obsessive about it! I have to take back my mind and just be calm..."I am calm and serene in my thoughts!" is my constant mantra/affirmation! I must continue to say it! MUST!

Ok- thanks for the therapy! I needed that! And feel much better.

Stay tuned for some video of my most adorable child singing Maybe...from Annie! She's a real pro!

Its Summertime

2011-06-20T14:42:00.000-04:00

And that means we are officially busy! I remember in the summer's past that it seemed to just be a similar type flow...but not this year! We are full on busy! We go swimming at the pool or the lake, we take adventures on trains, to libraries, and we are really tired at the end of the day! But man oh man is it fun!

Last weekend we went to "Touch a Truck" and even though it was hotter than blazes...we still had a good time. However...even with all these cool trucks, police cars, firetrucks and fireboats...Little P was most excited about the giant Ice Cream Cone on top of the ice cream truck! So typical of my sweet-toothed child!

I'm sure I will see this face a thousand more times in my life time...the "Mom...stop taking my picture" face!

And then I'm hoping she'll get over it!

This girl loves some Wheeuuu Wheeuuuuus. (Make a siren noise...that's what she calls them!)

She wouldn't get in the back of the police car...and we kept telling her that she should take this opportunity to sit in the back, because she better not have another opportunity to!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T22:13:00.000-04:00

I love this man...and Little P is head over heels in love with him! They are the best of buddies...and generally get each other in trouble with the Mama! But I couldn't have asked for a more fun loving, funny, and very loving father for this Little P!

(He hates having his picture taken...but every now and then I capture just the right moment between these two...and these are some of my favorites!) He's gonna kill me for putting them up here! I love you honey!!

Cleaning Out

2011-06-06T22:19:00.000-04:00

I may or may not have been told by a very wise person that I needed to let go of some stuff! So I started with one of my infamous "memory boxes." I've had these boxes since I was probably 8...and I have different ones, for various times in my life. They are filled with tiny treasures, old boyfriend letters, stupid crap, and some more stupid crap...and EVERY SINGLE LETTER I ever received. No shiznits! EVERY letter! I had letters from people I didn't even know!

I read about 20% of 100% of the letters. Very funny! And I was surprised at how many letters were in response to letters I had written these folks. I must have written a ton of letters! Here are a couple of little notes that I found amusing (keep in mind these were mostly handwritten!)...

1) A 1992 letter from my cousins confirming that they would be picking me up at the airport in Texas...the flight number...and the exact time! Wow- how far in advance did we plan that trip?

2) While I was away at summer camp...An boyfriend wrote to tell me he had never loved anyone before...and he still wasn't sure if he loved me! Hehehe! Nice huh?

3) Another boyfriend telling me I was his first love.

4) My now husband telling me he thought I was his "best friend." SUCKA!!!!!

5) Notes from my Nana telling me to "Let your light shine!" (I saved all those)

6) A Happy 21st Birthday card from my father saying "Free at last, free at last...I am free at last!" (Meaning he was free at last!) Lovely huh? I still kept it!

7) Notes my Mother sent me in college filling me in on gossip from my hometown.

8) Lots of letters from people I had long forgotten about...whoops! Guess its time to Facebook some folks that I was apparently really good friends with!

9) Letters from my Russian Pen Pal (do people still do that?)

10) Lots of letters from my Arizonian Pen Pal...and she had the coolest paper ever!

11) A letter I wrote to Patrick Swayze and never sent (looks like I didn't have his address...how could that be? We were so close!) that detailed how my 6th grade teacher was a jerk!

12) A letter from a family friend...who was also our High School Assistant Principle...during his deployment during the first Gulf War/Situation. (With Saudi Money and a Water Bottle Label...which I thought was the coolest thing when I got it!)

13) And the most hysterical notes I received:
   a) From someone named Scott...but not exactly which Scott... that says...

"It was great to see you at Donnie's. If I was drunk and tried to pound you, I apologize..."

   b) From a dear dear friend while I was growing up (Well- you be the judge of my growing up)...the BEST ever...(this so explains where I grew up...and why I love and miss it so!). Donnie clearly brought lots of joy to everyone!

"Taco had a damn fox in the refrigerator. Donnie said "Dana come here, you'll never guess what's in the freezer." So I went in there and he had this big thing wrapped in a trash bag. I saw this little tiny claw sticking out and I showed Donnie and he was so drunk he laughed for about 72 hours. So he tears open the bag "Taco is going to kill me" he says and there all nicely curled up was a red fox. Taco is going to get it stuffed."

And in addition to all the letters I found...I found international money- of all kinds. I don't even think some of it exists anymore (CCCP isn't even around...right?), a wonderful collection of dotmatrixed cards that I created on my own (when I was like 8!) (and I'm not sure what "hert up" is!), and some vintage teen magazine ads.

And since I know that I'm a pack rat...I won't show you the trash bag of letters and cards that I did throw away...cause I know I have an issue.

Speaking of issues- did you know that I was MADLY in love with River Phoenix back in the day? I still have my portfolio of River Phoenix "Teen" and "Teen Beat" magazine covers/pictures/ etc. But I did fin this one in my memory box exploration today! Ohhhh...River!

And finally....some classic 1980 stuff from YM Magazine...

Leg Warmers always bring the best out in me!!!

The End Of An Era

2011-06-02T09:51:00.000-04:00

We are all done with these! Yeah! Little P is potty trained! We are going on three weeks now of no diapers...and while I love not washing...the whole potty training thing is not for the faint of heart...especially if you are a germaphob like myself. But she did it...she's a champ! She even goes all night...no diaper, no accidents (knock on wood!).

Its actually pretty incredible. Once she figured out she could wear Rapunzel and Fancy Nancy pants she never went back! And I love her for that! Overall, its been super easy! And again, I love her for that!

When I said she could get a prize for potty training so well, I asked her what she wanted...and she said she wanted a book. How cool is that!? So we got her Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fashion Boutique. This girl loves Fancy Nancy...and always points out which Fancy Nancy book she wants next! Its very cute!

But I can't leave this post without rubbing it in that using Bum Genius cloth diapers, I saved about $1200-$1400 over the 2 years, 3.5 months that Little P wore diapers...holy moly! Not to mention all the diapers that didn't make it into the landfill! And that makes me so happy!

Would I use them again? Absolutely!
Would I tell every mother and father around to use them! Without a doubt!
Do I think people are silly for not using them or exploring them! Oh yeah! (but I do understand daycare restrictions...but I would talk to your daycare to explain the ease and benefits of them to see if you can convince them!)

Here's my original post about cloth diapers! I did figure out a better way to wash them about a month ago...oh well! I'll know for next time. (No...there is no baby on the way...I'm just saying that maybe one day in the future).

Way to go Little P! I'm so proud of you!

Long Legs

2011-05-31T10:24:00.000-04:00

Ever since this Little P was born, she's been long. Tall. Even when she came out and they said she was long and lean, I asked if she were mine...cause "long and lean" are not words that have ever been used to describe me!

But here she is...big girl...riding her bike! Using the pedals. All by herself!

And I'm pretty sure that every kid on every blog I read has this same bathing suit! I think we all got them on sale at Target at the exact same time! But its so cute!

And another note...those are Dora Band-Aids on Little P's legs. We like to put them every where...and fortunately for us, we have a major Band-Aid connection...so we can indulge the madness!

Little Buddies

2011-05-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

These little ones just melt me. You may remember this.

After a great day at the park with her buddy, Little P and I were laying in the grass...and this was our conversation.

Little P: Mama, Let's Talk! (This is one of her new things...she loves to just talk!)
Mama: Ok Sweetie. What do you want to talk about.
Little P: Rhett!
Mama: Ahhh. What about Rhett.
Little P: (After a brief moment) Play at the park today!
Mama: Yeah- you and Rhett played at the park today.
Little P: And drank Chocolate Miiiiiiiiiilk (with a slight Southern accent)
Mama: You guys sure did. What else about Rhett?
Little P: Ummmm
Mama: He's cute isn't he?
Little P: Yeeeeah.

Such a cute little friendship! I love their little moments together, and the hours of joy that last in her after they have left each other's company.

What's Blooming At Our House

2011-05-24T20:16:00.001-04:00

Ahhh...I love hydrangea season. They are such beauties, and we were so fortunate to buy a house that had wonderful bushes. Every summer I can't get over how beautiful they are. I always seem to post about them...and believe I said last year that I was going to make them pink this year...but as you can see, that didn't happen!

And OH SNAP...look what is in the HIZOUSE! Whoot whoot! Some good ole golden syrup! I was introduced to it by my friend MamaUK, then my British neighbors made fried bananas with golden syrup and I about died! And tonight...I get a text from the same neighbor and he has some for me! (Did I mention how awesome our neighbors are...no? Well...they are TOTALLY AWEEESOME (you have to say that last part like Rhino in Bolt!) Holy cow! They are selling it in our local grocery now. Its so yummy yummy...there will be some fried bananas in my very near future!

Ode to Naptime

2011-05-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

I HAVE A LITTLE GIRL...
Who really likes to play
In fact, she does it all throughout the day.
Yet, when naptime finally rolls around
She can't seem calm herself down.
You can see the tired in her eyes and hear it in her cry
But man she just stays awake...giving it the old college try.
Me...I'd love to take a shower,
Instead I'm strugglin' for some power.
I hate to hear the crying and the shouting...
And its so ridiculous that I'm the one that's pouting.
It didn't use to be so bad when the girl woke up at 8:30
But now she's up before birdies.
.................
When she does drift off and catch some zs
A quiet relief falls all over me.
I breathe a sigh, and close my eyes
to drink in the peaceful prize
But I kinda can't wait for her to wake up
And say "Hey Mama, Whazzup"
Oh that little girl has me wrapped around her finger
No wonder I let naptime become such a stinger.

OK- so I was delirious when I was struggling with a 2 year old to go down for a nap...so to occupy my little burst of time...I wrote this bad poem! I don't write poetry...but this seemed to be the way to tell this story...so sorry if its all kind of lame!

Lazy 5 Ranch

2011-05-19T09:58:00.000-04:00

If you live near Charlotte go, as fast as you can, to Lazy 5 Ranch. Its the most fun around. Its a drive through zoo where the animals come right up to your car and eat out of buckets or your hands. It's loads of fun...but beware, the animals have very sticky tongues.

You can drive your car through- and I think it is an awesome experience...but if you don't want to harm your car at all...take the horse drawn wagon ride through. You are amazingly exposed to the animals, but they are used to it!

We went a few weeks ago with my nieces and nephew from D.C. They have all kinds of animals- and you get so close to them! You must go!

Please forgive the picture quality- I took the wrong lens for my camera and couldn't get good shots!

Ready with feed!

Baby pigs...just a few days old.

Don't feed the zebras- they bite!

This is just so sweet. That's Little P's cousin...and she was so tired she just wanted him to hold her.

The Rhino is too far away to touch!

But this guy wasn't!

She was so stinking tired! She woke up with me to see the Royal Wedding (no-I didn't wake her, she's so nosey...she heard the TV on!)

A Big Birthday

2011-05-18T08:27:00.001-04:00

My Mom celebrated her 65th Birthday 2 weeks ago, and we had a wonderful surprise birthday party for her! I had so much fun helping my father pull it all together! But I had even more fun doing some craft projects for the shindig!

Like these fun felt pennants to identify the food. I had seen them on Etsy...but they were too easy to make to buy them!

The fun cake by Brandi!

Lots of bright colors for this birthday!

And in keeping with the celebration...I made this huge collage of photos from her 65 years! What fun to look over the years of haircuts, fashions and fun! This is a Martha Stewart idea from here.

And I custom ordered Koozies from Etsy. They turned out wonderful!! I just didn't take a picture of them!

So much fun!! I love party planning! Ummm...new career?

iPhone Download

2011-05-17T07:44:00.000-04:00

Once again- I went through my iPhone photos- and it's like a little time capsule. I'm trying to do it more often...and I might even be inspired to make this a bi-weekly post. But of course, I have to remember to download every other week.

Finally have a 2 way camera so Little P loves to look at herself and take pictures

I woke up to watch the wedding...and now I stalk ebay for the Happyland Royal Wedding Set. If anyone has one...i'll buy it!!!!!!

We went to see Amos Lee a couple of weeks ago. Love him! And if you know him...you will find it humorous that a fight broke out during his acoustic solo bit.

These signs seem to be popular now. I love the "Enjoy your Life..." and "Take Chances" ones.

And of course...simplify!

P went to her first Hockey Game.

We got a new dryer...and the box made a perfect playhouse.

Loving these IKEA pots. I just didn't need them or I would have bought them.

These may be reposts...sorry if they are. We took our niece and nephew to Discovery Place Kids when they were in town a few months ago...and we all had so much fun.

Ahoy!!

Managing the bank!

She might be a bit too big for the car!

Saving a life!

Little P likes to arrange things. These are some of her favorites...all lined up! Notice Barbie and Ken...that's the Heart Family, circa 1984/85. They were mine and boy does Little P get a kick out of playing with them!

I'm So Kicking Myself...

2011-05-16T09:38:00.000-04:00

For not buying these pieces and redoing them. I love love love them...and was so inspired to scrap all that horrible sponge paint off of them and paint them fun colors...red, turquoise...even white. The guy was selling ALL 3 pieces for $100. WHY OH WHY didn't I get them??? Please...everyone, feel free to tell me why...the hard work I'd have to put into it, how I never complete projects, how I don't NEED them...anything to make me stop regretting not getting them!

This is a twin headboard and footboard...it slightly curves on the edges. Kicking Myself...

The most beautiful substantial dressing table I've ever seen! The paint is hideous...but its so beautiful. I would have loved this as a desk maybe or an entry table.

Oh my goodness. The double stack chest of drawers. The doors on the top open to reveal 2 more inside drawers.

Ok...seriously...I should have gotten them...but the whole, I ain't got no job thing...you know...priorities! BOOOO priorities!

I've Had A Little Break...

2011-05-15T19:30:00.000-04:00

Ahhh...and what a break it was! I went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for 5 days of nothing but this...

That's one big happy smile!!!

A little friend of P's made it in my luggage....and she quite enjoyed the pool!

And drunken afternoons by the ocean!

And she loved hanging out with these girlies!!

We had an amazing time at the Iberostar Bravaro! It was beautiful, the folks were friendly, and the laughter was the best! It was a much needed getaway- but man it was nice to see my family when I got home! Nothing beats 'em!

Not Your Mother's Contact Paper

2011-04-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

I like to think that I keep a pretty clean house...considering! However, our kitchen was DISGUSTING! It's white...so it shows every speck of food that has been spilled, splattered, and thrown. So I had to get to cleaning.

First, I made a whitening scrub from my favorite Natural Home Cleaning Book...which worked amazingly! I mean, it cleaned dirt I didn't even know was there.

Then there was the task of making the drawers and cabinets look nice...and boy was it so easy. This ain't your mama's contact paper! Have you used contact paper in a while? I just remember it being awful and ugly...but not now! They are making really cool designs, and it is super easy to install.

Embarrassing photo #1: Our Napkin Drawer BEFORE

AFTER:

Embarrassing Photo #2: One of Three Junk Drawers BEFORE

AHHHHH AFTER:

See how shiny those drawers are too? No dirt anywhere!

Embarrassing Photo #3: Under the Sink BEFORE

OH NICE!! AFTER

It really was a simple job...it was time consuming, but what isn't with a 2 year old!!

Outdooring

2011-04-26T14:19:00.000-04:00

The Spring season gives us amazing little adventures! We found this moth on our fence...

And Little P loves seeing new animals...so this one had her attention for a while.

The Lake Season is officially here at my parents house. And of course, Little P has the perfect new rainboots to play in the lake!

And hard work playing in the lake equals Italian Ice on the swing! Do not interrupt her!

And the geese have all had their goslings...and they've shed a few feathers in the yard!

Such wonderful curiosities this season brings!

Smoothies

2011-04-25T15:18:00.000-04:00

We love a good smoothie around here. Frozen berries, milk, and flaxseed...and a straw! But sometimes, they are much better sipped, so you can get a smoothie mustache.

FYI- this is not cheesing for the camera...this is cheesing for Jenn. This little lady is a people person! She loves having people around and loves showing people her big smile...and occasionally her smoothie mustache.

She's Just Precious!

2011-04-22T13:57:00.000-04:00

There's no point to this post...just to show you how precious P is! She's so fun and so funny...and so entertaining!

Starbucks VIA...My New Best Friend!

2011-04-21T14:27:00.000-04:00

I'm a fortunate sleeper. I fall asleep easily, hard, and I get to sleep late because of a child that is very similar. So you'd think I'd be rested. However, these days...this is what gets me through the afternoon. Grinds and all! I love, love, love Starbucks VIA Iced Coffee. I only bought it because one day I spend $6.66 at Starbucks...and not being a big fan of that number...and kinda being superstitious...I had to buy something else, quick...and VIA was the only thing close. So glad I did! Thank you VIA for helping me survive the afternoons!

And no...they aren't paying me to say this...although I wish they were!

And perhaps its this little lady that keeps me so on the move that I have to drink the VIA! She is playing with her jewels here...which she loves her, and happily spends 15 minutes moving them from one container to another.

Because It's Wednesday

2011-04-20T16:14:00.000-04:00

And because these two friends couldn't be any cuter!

That's Little P with her friend R...best friend that is!

Little P and I went to the Sandpark today with our Buddy R! If I thought 2 year olds could have best friends, I'd say these two are totally BFFs!

These pictures just make my heart smile the biggest smile it possibly can! Oh- I just love them!

Now for a little story...After the sandpark, we went to Chick Fil A, and we were to meet R and his mom...but they were a few minutes behind us. Little P waked into Chick Fil A saying "R...R...where are you." When he arrived some 5 minutes later...she ran and gave him the biggest hug. Now R is a hugger too and gave her the biggest hug back. It was like they hadn't seen each other in months!

A little dab here...a little dab there

2011-04-20T14:26:00.000-04:00

Maximo (what T wants to be referred to as now on my blog!!) and I have taken extra steps to have Little P be as exposed to both gender specific toys (its the Sociologist in me!). She has trucks, hot wheels, Snow Whites, Dollhouses, and Dinosaurs (which go ROOOOAAAAR!). So I'd like to think that she is pretty well rounded in that department...but damn if she doesn't just turn all girl on us!

She LOVES makeup! Any kind! All kinds! The more the merrier. I now have only 1 tube of lipstick left...and I have to hide it!

I'm pretty smitten with her big blue eyes and her pink lips!! But its really her natural highlights that get me! Check out that hair. People pay big money to get highlights like that!!

Just because

2011-04-17T20:48:00.000-04:00

This was taken a few weeks ago- and its just really funny to me!

And for those safety nuts out there...the blade isn't on!!

"I Did It Herself"

2011-04-13T14:57:00.000-04:00

This morning I heard Little P get up and start playing and reading...as usual. I got up, took a quick shower, and said good morning to her from downstairs....

I hear...
"Diaper change Mama!"
Real excited like!

I go upstairs...
She's on the changing table...

No diaper on...

She has on her big girl pants. And she looks at me and say "I DID IT HERSELF."

Think she's ready for potty training?

P.S.
We call them Dosham (DOE SHAM) Pants around here. Dosham means "Cars on Them Pants." She can't pronounce C's sometimes...so Cars on Them Pants became Dosham Pants!

Download

2011-04-07T15:19:00.000-04:00

I just downloaded photos from my iPhone...from forever ago! Its such a fun treat...like a walk down memory lane! It's a time capsule of what we've done for the past few months!

Little P's first Basketball Game. Elon vs. Davidson. Elon lost...boooo!

Watching her first Thunderstorm with Daddy! So cute! She'd say "LIGHTS ON!" when lightening would strike.

Playing at Discovery Place Kids. We go about once a week- its like a huge kid playland.

We found a little puppy- who was really sweet, although you can't tell from this picture. P loved him and named him Nopey (for No Name Puppy!). We found his parents later in the day- and we were so disappointed!

This girl loves ice cream!!! But really, what's better than ice cream on a beautiful Spring Day!

I went antique shopping with my Mother, and found this most beautiful family tree I'd ever seen. It was done in 1908.

The girl taking down a hot dog at Costco! She ate almost the entire thing!

Getting 30 necklaces at consignment for $3 made this little girl's day! Just so you know- they can never be worn by themselves...they must always go together!

Finding a wonderful Snow White Dress at Consignment for $7 made this little girl so happy!

Prince in Concert! WOW! What an amazing concert! Later that night we even saw Wolfgang Puck at the Ritz Bar, but I was too embarrassed to take a picture!

A 100 Year Old Lady getting her hair did at the Nursing Home Beauty Parlor....the best is that she gets this done once a week! And yes- she wears jewelry every day!

The BIGGEST Find this past week...Chick Fil A Icedream! Wait- it gets better...If you get a kids meal and return the book/toy/prize...you get a FREE Icedream!!!!

Playing Around

2011-04-06T21:10:00.002-04:00

So we've had a wonderful day of nothing...just playing, being, and enjoying! I love days where there is no pressure, and love the liveliness of those days even more. There is a rhythm that develops so smoothly and is wildly enjoyable. Little P and I seem to flow well too...no arguments, no tantrums, and lots of laughter. But even with all the nothingness, there are extremely special moments that organically happen that bring the biggest smile to my face.

Goldfish Kisses
An impromptu painting party
An impromptu lunch with Daddy- which meant we had to actually get dressed at noon!
A very fun trip to WalMart, where Little P picked up a babydoll and said "Need this baby Mama!" I asked her if she would love the baby and cuddle with her and be nice to her. "Yeahhhh Mama! Need this baby." And then promptly named her Abby.
A quick trip to the park so Mama could slide down the slide and hear Little P giggle!
The Official Kickoff to the Ice Cream Truck Season! And there was no sharing with Mama or Daddy!

Dress Up Party

The rare Mama photo...

Showing off her lipstick

Reading with her favorite backpack

So interesting

The First Ice Cream Truck Treat of the Season! Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich...Yummy!

And this was taken a few days ago. I had to get some computer work done and this is what Little P did while I was working!

Mr. T

The disaster that was left!

Little Orphan Annie

2011-04-04T14:18:00.001-04:00

It's a real obsession around here, that Annie! Little P is constantly singing all the songs, including Maybe. Although, she really only says "Playing Piano...Maybe." I just think its the sweetest thing ever. And I've finally captured some of her fun on camera...so you all can share my smiles!

What I'm Loving

2011-04-03T21:46:00.000-04:00

I recently found this blog...and I love that I know some of the houses.

As we were pulling away from Chick Fil A the other day, my sweet little girl said "thank you for a dinner Mama." love her. Then again, after dinner the other night, she said it again! Ahhh! So sweet.

I'm enthralled with Pinterest. Do you Pinterest? Follow me on Pinterest here.

Along the same lines, does you Etsy Treasury? I'm captivated by here! Here are one that I did. Beware...this is HIGHLY addicting!

Little P loves Annie! She sings "Tomorrow" all the time. As I was changing her the other day she grabbed my cheeks and said "I love you Ms. Hannigan." I'm hoping she meant it out of affection...not that I really am like Ms. Hannigan.

Speaking of Annie...Little P didn't realize she could listen to the music without the movie on...so when I put the soundtrack on the iPod, she was glued to the speakers. She listened to the entire album like this...

The Farmhouse Renovation...Its Finished!

2011-03-31T11:36:00.000-04:00

After just a few 6 months, the Farmhouse Renovation has finally been completed...and its amazing! You can see past posts about it here and here.

The builder, Troy, is an amazing craftsman. All the cabinets and built ins are custom, hand built. He even custom built 3 amazing twin beds for the three grandchildren for a room upstairs, which I'm sick I didn't take pictures of.

We went to the Farm this weekend, our first visit since December (cause we didn't have a place to sleep due to the construction!), and the In-Laws hadn't even really moved in. Their old house is about 400 feet behind the Farmhouse, which means they are leisurely moving themselves in, slowly! So...this is the very early tour- the first out of the gates tour! Furniture isn't placed, their is no art on the walls, nothing on the shelfs, and things still lingering where they shouldn't! So keep that in mind!

I have included some before and after shots too. I tried to take pictures from the same angle so you can see the transformation...

But I digress....you want a tour, right? I know you do!

As you walk in the side door (which is the door everyone walks in!)

1/2 Bath is the door on your left.

Here is the living room...the side door is on your right. The baby gate on the fireplace isn't permanent! It is a cat training device at the moment. Beautiful fans by Fanamation!

AHHHH! The Pottery Barn Exeter Light Fixture... probably my favorite thing in the house.

The kitchen is a cooks dream! It is set up so wonderfully for cooking and entertaining! It will truly be the center of this home!

A view into the dining room from the kitchen.

I love this pot top drawer...it is so nice for storage of those pot tops that always get in the way!

Here is the pantry in the kitchen. The bottom cabinets have pull out drawers which are so convenient!

The Master Bedroom. Closets flank the fireplace. And they built a bay window seat with storage underneath. Please ignore the wolf!

The Office, how amazing are all the built ins?

Do you think they will have enough storage? This is the view from the office into the Master Bedroom. The Front Door is the door on the left.

I don't think that is the shop vacs permanent home.

And there you have it! An amazing transformation of a wonderfully historic home (At least in our family).

The Life of Tigger Bobbie

2011-03-30T20:37:00.000-04:00

A very loyal friend passed away yesterday....our Tigger Bobbie, and we miss him terribly. We had had him for almost 14 years. I found him as a tiny kitten at our first apartment. We weren't allowed to have cats, but I felt so sorry for him...and he kinda fit right in with us!

Little P called him Bob from the get go...and we don't know why. She loved that cat so much. He eventually became Bobbie when she started adding "ie" to the end of everything. Then when we tried to teach her his real name, Tigger, it became Tigger Bobbie! Those two were very best buds!

Tigger Bobbie was around for almost everything T and I have ever done, and it will feel a little empty without him. And I know a very sweet little girl that will continue to ask for Tigger Bobbie for a long time.

RIP Tigger Bobbie

How To Make Lined Panel Curtains

2011-03-20T11:47:00.001-04:00

Ok- so I've had a request for instructions on curtains...and since my Mother is the seamstress of all seamstresses, she graciously wrote down her how to for me! These are all her- not me! So if you have any problems...it isn't my fault! And since I don't make them, I don't have pictures...but I promise its easy.

1) Measure the length to be covered...i.e., from the top of the rod or hanging from a clip (NOT just the length of the window! Your rod will probably be above the window several inches) to below the window or the floor- where ever you want them to hang.
   - let's pretend for our example that from the top of our curtain rod to the floor is 72".

2) To your curtain material measurements...add to whatever length you got in Step 1 a 1/2" turn for the top.
   - so, in keeping with our example, that would make it 72.5"

3) Add a double 4' hem. This means you will add a total of 8 more inches. (A double hem means you will fold it twice...so you have pretty ends).
   - Now you will have 80.5" total length you need.

4) Hem the curtain material using the measurements above....just the hem, not the top! Don't forget to iron before sewing. it will make it much easier.

5) For your lining material measurements...Use the same base of 72.5". However, this time you will add a double 3" hem (6" total).
   - So the lining will now be 78.5". (Because the lining is generally shorter than the curtain fabric.)

6) Subtract 1 1/2". See the picture below. See how the lining is shorter than the curtain?
- This would make it a total of 77" This is the length of lining you need.

7) You will additionally make your lining 5" narrower than your curtain panel.

8) Hem lining using measurements above. But not the top.

9) Place lining on curtain, right sides together (the sides of the fabric you see will be placed together because you are essentially sewing inside out), allowing the lining to be 1.5" shorter (from step 5).

10) Stitch each long side with a 1/2" seam. If you've never sewn before- or haven't sewn much, this means that you will stitch 1/2 inches in from the edge of the fabric.

11) Center lining so side hems are equal and stitch across top with 1/2' seam.

12) Turn rightside out and press the seam allowance toward the center.

You will essentially sew 5 long stitches. Your hem on the lining, your hem on the curtain...then with the two pieces of material together, stitching inside out, you will stitch the length on each side, and the top.

Now- I have no responsibility for how it turns out! I just promised I would post! The prep work is the most important part...the measuring, ironing, etc.

Please let me know how it turns out for you!!

My Little Model

2011-03-15T15:27:00.000-04:00

Ok- so I'm THAT Mom! But seriously- how cute is my Little P? And how cute does she look in this top!

And yes, those are her favorite rainboots.

What I'm Loving

2011-03-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

Just a few things I'm loving this week!

Check out the awesome art supplies at The Stubby Pencil. I love these crayons!! Yummy!! You can also enter to win a $100 shopping spree by the 13th over at The Magic Onions.

I can't get this sink out of my head! Its from the Pottery Barn Kids Rooms Book.

Little P loves Snow White...so while I was looking for Snow White things on Etsy...I ran into these! I heart them bad! There are all kinds of designs for all kinds of Apple Products.

Speaking of Apple products. We just got Apple TV...and its awesome!

And I have to give a shout out to my friend B. She has an amazing little shop on Etsy! Check out these great custom prints.

My neighbor lent me this book...and I had to order it. Its amazing! Very insightful!!

I can't get enough of Michael Miller Fabrics. They are beautiful! And I can't wait for Sarah Jane's new textiles to come out. Here are a few of my favorites...

I got these to make a quilt for Little P...but not sure thats what I want to do with them yet!

And I love the dogs too!

And I just have to have this one for Christmas!

And this is a total inspiration for a bedroom one day!

Lots of Goodness

2011-03-08T20:59:00.001-05:00

We've had some wonderful little memories these past few days. And its funny, when some of the sweetest things happen, I don't have my camera, so I have to take a mental picture...but remember...I forget! So I thought I'd share quickly!

1) One evening after dinner, Little P was having a little treat and I said to her "Your Mama has a sweet tooth too." She said "Open Mama" and tried to touch my sweet tooth...the actual tooth. So funny!

2) I told her we needed to run to Target real quick. She took off running outside and I grabbed her and put her in her car seat. She burst out crying..."RUN to Target Mama!" I had to explain that I wasn't being literal! Such a tough concept for a two year old!

3) She mowed the grass with her Daddy today. It was the most precious thing I'd seen, those two walking side by side mowing the grass!

4) She got her dollhouse taken away today because she stepped on the dollhouse furniture and broke it, then wouldn't clean up the furniture. I gave her 2 chances, and a choice. She was quite sassy about it too. As I was putting the dollhouse in attic, she said "bye-bye dollhouse." She was un-phased.

5) We went to eat Mexican...a place we've been to a half dozen or so times in a year. She walks in and says...clear as a bell..."Quesadilla Store!!!" and she also called the waiter the "quesadilla man." guess what she eats when we go for Mexican.

6) The Little Girl fell today and bit through her lip, all the way through. Its nasty looking, and bled a lot. But she didn't care. She was more worried about going back up the steps.

7) Someone really really likes reggae music, especially UB40. I turned it on today, and the girl went nuts!

8) I gave an old Strawberry Shortcake Apricot doll that I had as a kid to Little P. She calls it Big Baby (like from Toy Story 3). I think its so funny! Cause it does kinda look like Big Baby.

9) We watched Annie. She loved it. Loved the singing, loved Sandy the dog, and now she sings "Tomorrow....Tomorrow...Tomorrow....Tomorrow." so cute.

10) I found my old recorders, like the ones from 5th grade. She loves having jam sessions with them. She especially loves it when T and I play them and she dances. Its very Griswold.

Hope you get a kick out of some of my favorite happenings from the week!

Afternoons in our front yard....

2011-03-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

Matchbox car races

Go, go, go!

And the winner is...this badass Hotwheel!

Inside, outside...and yes, those are beach chairs in our driveway! BOOOYAHHH!

Rainboots are a must for a sunny day!

And lots of smiles!

Dan Nichols Park

2011-03-04T08:26:00.000-05:00

Because of the crazy beautiful weather we have been having the last couple of week, we have taken full advantage of being outside. While serving a home repair mission to Salisbury, Little P and I took a side trip to Dan Nicholas Park.

They have a beautiful carousel, a small train you can ride, a petting zoo, and a huge playground. It was a great little outing.

Now, the carousel was beautiful...and Little P was so excited to ride it. She loved the carousel at Disney World, and kept saying "DISNEY WORLD" as we were riding it. (Can you here the "but" coming?). But....the carousel was so friggin' fast I got sick! And I don't get sick. It seriously was the fastest and longest ride I'd ever had. Oh I can feel my stomach turning just thinking about it!

There were beautifully imaginative creatures.

With beautiful glossy paint!

And unique tails!

But this little lady likes a good ole horse when it comes to carousel rides!

It was spinning so fast, this is the only picture I got!

Donkey....

DONKEY!

And does anyone remember this? Oh my gosh! I haven't seen a vending machine like this in probably 20 years! Little P wanted that chick to hatch so badly!

But the best part of the day was my little girl saying "Hand Mama" and holding on tight!

Tantrums

2011-03-03T08:07:00.000-05:00

We've grown accustomed to the tantrums around here. And most of them are quite amusing. I had to leave Target yesterday because a little girl, often referred to as Little P, went apeshit over the grocery cart. I HAD TO LEAVE!!! OVER A GROCERY CART!! I'm the most horrible mom too, I laugh! One day she will hate me for that! And I'm sure that one day there will be hours of therapy dedicated to my laughing at her. Oh well! We all have coping mechanisms.

Today, however, was a much more mild tantrum. But funny nonetheless. I even captured the gestures on camera...and I'm not sure if its as funny without the sound!

The tantrum....she wanted to go into the back yard to see Murphy...the dog!

"BACKYARD MAAAAMA."

"MURPHYYYYYYY."

"MMMMMMM"

"Life is so terrible!!!!!"

Then, just like that...the tantrum is interrupted by....the School Bus! So, the sassy one, takes a seat and watches the school bus go by!

Oh yeah....and trees to climb!

And funny enough...while this looks like part of the tantrum...this is actually her singing/screaming (i.e., having a good time!) and using the hand to really hit the high notes!

And every singer had to hold their ear to hear what it really sounds like!

Followed by a "AHHHH Shoot Mama!"

Tantrums come and go, but man, this girl is cute!!

Little P's Art Project

2011-03-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

If you remember this post from last Friday...well I finished Little P's room decor art project. And I couldn't be more excited!

Love the IKEA Ribba frames for just $20. I actually already had 3 of them that I was going to do something else with, but got different prints for that area instead (Wait til I tell you about those!).

Then I blew up the pictures to 12x12 at Costco for $3 a piece. I printed 5 of them, since I wasn't sure which would look the best...but I figured for $3 a piece, $6 extra was nothing!

And VOILA! Look what we have here!

It was so simple! Beautiful!

And...

So I was going to use the IKEA frames in our living room, but I found the 2 prints over the sofa at Furniture Land SALVAGE in High Point for a STEAL ($15 a piece).

Yummy Dinner

2011-02-28T19:18:00.001-05:00

No pictures...so you will have to take my word for it...its good! I found this recipe about 3 years on a blog, but who knows who's. So I have no idea to whom to give credit! But I thank them!

Keep in mind, we don't love casseroles around here...so we have renamed it Mexican Pizza (thank you P!). I've learned that anything with melted cheese is pizza to the little one!

Mexican Pizza:

2 Cups Shredded Chicken (get a rotisserie chicken at the store, roast one yourself, or chicken on a charcoal grill would add a great flavor to this!)
....or for my vegetarian friends, just use that soy/tofu/substitute you use!
1 cup shredded cheese or a little more to suit your needs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can of Rotel (I forgot this originally!)
1 can cream of chicken (or cream of mushroom for the vegetarians)
2 heaping spoonfuls of Penzys Chicken Taco Seasoning (or 1/2 a bag of good ole El Paso Taco Mix)
Doritos or tortilla chips

Mix everything together, except the chips. Crumble up chips and place on the bottom of a 2 qt casserole dish. Then top with 1/2 the mixture. Layer another thing of chips, then top with the other 1/2 of the mixture. Top with some more cheese.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Then put the broiler on and get the cheese on top nice and brown and bubbly.

I had enough left over to freeze some of the mixture to use as enchilada filling next week, and I'm going to make my own tortillas too!

Another food note...I planned meals for the entire month and went shopping today for 2 of those weeks. Even though I've already changed the meal order tonight, I'm so excited to not have to think about it and make meal decisions for a whole month! Yippie!!!

S*&$ My Kid Said

2011-02-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

Oh my little girl! She's so funny...and doesn't even know it! I keep telling myself I must write down all the funny s*&$ she says...but keep forgetting (remember, I forget a lot!). But here a few of the latest and greatest.

1) This morning:
   Little P: "Running! Nose...running."
   Mama: "Where's it running?"
   Little P: "IKEA!!!!!!"

2) Driving by the big buildings in uptwon Charlotte:
   Little P: "Daddy work up there."
   Mama: "Yep!"
   Little P: "Mama work up there."
   Mama: "I used to work up there."
   Little P: " P work up there."
   Mama: "P wants to work up there? What kind of work does P want to do up there?"
   Little P: "TALKING!"

3) She says her name all the time...but has decided she likes the sound of her stripper name better....
   Mama: "Say your whole name."
   Little P: "P Boom Boom!" or "Boom Boom P."

And just cause its sooooo funny....and sooo goes along with her calling herself Boom Boom....here is Little P with her buddy and his car. A car model already!!

4) Getting my eyebrows threaded today....
Little P: "Mama's eyeballs done!"
Mama: "Yes, Mama is getting her eyebrows done."

5) Every meal is breakfast! "Breakfast Ready!"

6) My new favorite is "Family Hug!" "Family Kiss." She stretches her arms wide to reach around the T and me! Ahhhh! Love!!

7) And just cause its Wednesday...and this is the best mechanical horse I've ever seen....