I love sales & planes

Not many things get me all excited...but, scoring a fairly expensive pair of shoes for $40.00 does indeed make me happy!   A good friend of mine told me about this big sale at Dillard's....so, off we went.  Me & the kiddo packed up and headed to the mall.  My friend actually pointed them out...I was thrilled beyond belief when they had my petite and dainty size 9 in stock!

As I have said before...my feet are awful...narrow as can be....so hard to find shoes.  So, when I find them...and they fit...it is even more delightful.  

Shorty and I are almost ready for the trip....just waiting for the packing fairy to ring my door bell.  Not thrilled about the plane...it is one of those commuter jets....should be fun for 2 1/2 hours.  Sure hope they will be serving cocktails.  

I know the 2 people who read this will be so sad without my blogs everyday.  But, just think of the anticipation you will feel as you wait for my next "Short Story."

Gosh, what will you do?  ;)  

Sparkly

Must have reached a new level of boring if I am blogging about cleaning.  Apparently I have...

My house is cleaner than it has been in a very, very, very long time.  Did I say very?  

You know that, "Wow!  The maid must have come!" clean that you shout as you walk in your back door.  

Back in the day, I had a maid.  I gave into having a maid...simply because I was sick of scrubbing toilets while I was on conference calls on my day off.  So, I just took the plunge....and let someone else do the cleaning.  Well...I decided to get rid of the maid when the kid was just a tiny infant.  I figured I could do it myself...and, I am home...so, I should do it.  Not that Shorty said I couldn't have the maid...but, I truly don't mind doing it....and I would rather spend the money on something more....I don't know....fun?

It may seem like bragging...but, I am a good housekeeper.  My house is never really dirty...but, it is also never clean all at the same time....you know, like when the maid comes.  I may have clean toilets, but a little dust on the shelves.   Getting your house ALL clean at the same time is almost impossible when you have a kid at home with you.  Let me rephrase that...it IS impossible.

Cleaning is something I have always kind of enjoyed...kind of therapeutic.  I'm a pretty particular person...and I like things a certain way.  I know...I'm just weird.  You know how some people are good at math and crossword puzzles?  Well, I can clean.  I am sure I would have benefited more in school if my ability were in differential equations and not Scrubbing Bubbles.   I used to love that stuff when I was little...loved the little cartoon bubbles or something.  Yes, I know, I am strange.  Hey, at least I admit it!

So today...my house is "Oh my!  Did the maid come?" clean.  Shorty's parents (Ganna & Papa) watched the kiddo while I scrubbed, mopped, dusted, folded...etc...for 4 hours.  The music was on full blast to keep me entertained while I worked.  Nothing like a little Elvis and Jane's Addiction while you wash the mildew out of the shower.

So, to end this long and terribly boring blog entry for the day...if you are the cleaner in your house, of if you are responsible for buying the stuff for the person who cleans your house...you need to buy the "Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner."  It really does work.  On everything.

So, go scrub something....

Actually learned something!

Can you believe it?  I actually learned something...called "The Rule of Thirds" in photography...

See the picture above?  It shows how you are supposed to divide the photo into thirds horizontally and vertically when you are shooting your subject.  

The subject should be focused along the lines or at the intersections.  

According to the "photography wizards" this is the natural way the eye would want to look at a photo.  Much more interesting than looking at something in the dead center of the photograph.

So, here is my example.  My photography guru said it was right on!  This is Cabby...one of our kitties that had to be relocated to Minnie & Jelly's.  A beautiful kitty that fetches sticks...I think he is part dog, rabbit, and cat.

Go practice your "rule of thirds"   

Wonder who would win...Cabby or the hawk.  

Yes, I am a nerd

It was Saturday night....Shorty and I had an evening on the town without Elmo, Kermit, Cinderella, or Crayons.  

We met one of our good friends out for dinner and a drink.  After dinner we went to this new cigar bar on the Waterway...cool little place.

When you walk in (after you almost pass out from cigar smoke)  you go in the humidor to pick out your cigar...I noticed this box right away.   I mean, how cool is that?  I use cigar boxes as decorations sometimes anyway...but this one....I had to have it.

There were only 4 cigars left in the box....Shorty bought them and the guy gave me the box.  

The guys thought I was a pretty big nerd for being that excited about a box....but, whatever it takes, right?  I still think it is pretty cool.  

Enough already!

My poor kid.  She is so sick of me taking her picture...think this picture says it all.

My good friend Rita (a fantastic photographer) is helping me learn how to use my camera.

As I have said before...I don't read manuals...someone must SHOW me how it works.   I do have a few good books about my camera...and read them as well.

Rita has a successful photography business... she may  branch out into teaching along with her photography.   Her blog is one that I follow(Sonrisa Photography)...check her stuff out...she is amazing...if you need a photographer...call her.  You will love her work.

Just thought this picture of the little one really shows how tired she was of me saying "Baby girl look here!  Do you see Cinderella?"  

Hopefully over the next couple of months...I will get a better grasp of all this camera business and take my camera of autopilot....for real.

7 Days

 

One week from today and Shorty and I leave for Kiawah Island, SC.  Really excited....it is rated the #2 golf resort in the country by Travel and Leisure...should be an awesome trip.

Shorty has been obsessing about his golf game.  It's no surprise...its summer time...he does it every year.  Changing his swing, reading a new book (this time it is Ben Hogan) and taking a lesson here and there.  

A few weeks ago, he was "practicing" his new swing on our back patio.  He had the video camera set up...so he could critique himself afterwards.   

I was inside doing what I always am doing (laundry) and I heard a pretty loud crash.  Apparently he had smacked the outdoor ceiling fan with his 8 iron in his back swing and cracked a fan blade off....thank God he didn't hurt himself...it was pretty funny at the time.

Golf is a great game...it really is...it is nice that we can do something together (sometimes)  ;) Shorty is a pretty good golfer...I can keep up with him...but, he always beats me.  I DID infact beat him on 9 holes  (by 2 strokes) about 2 months ago.  He wasn't too thrilled...and the fact that I told everyone 100 times wasn't so good either. ;)  But, I can't officially say I beat him...it was only 9 holes.  18 holes is what counts.

When we played last week...he took the video camera....I filmed Shorty and his new swing.  He filmed me too...I came as close as I have ever come to a hole in one.  And, I got it on film!

If I am feeling extra specially dorky...maybe I might put it on here.  

We are playing golf 3 days.  One course "The Ocean Course" requires you to walk and have a caddy.  Never had a walking caddy before...totally excited.  MAYBE I might beat Shorty.  

Yeah right...in my dreams.  

I love lunch

Wonder if my dining experiences could be any different in less than 24 hours.

Lunch today consisted of a corn dog, oranges out of a cup and an apple.  Oh, you know you think it sounds good.  And,  I ate lunch with a caterpillar too.

Shorty took me to dinner last night before Coldplay.  

Went to The Bistro in Hubble and Hudson on the Waterway.  If you haven't been...go....it is delicious!

Still can't decide if the roasted free range chicken and endive was better than my corn dog and oranges.  Maybe I was just missing the caterpillar.  

shhhh!!!!

Wonder where I can get one of these?  

Nothing is more enjoyable than taking a toddler to the bathroom with you in a public restroom.  Especially one who is in the process of being potty trained.  Pure joy....

Had the little one in tow to meet a friend and her kid for a yummy Tex Mex lunch.  During my "erranding" I had a little too much tea, so I needed to use the facilities before sitting down to grub down on chips.  

I grab my little talker's hand (she talks ALL DAY LONG) and took her into the stall with me.  

"What are you doing Mommy?"  I said "PLEASE don't touch anything...Mommy is almost finished."  She replies with "YEAH MOMMY!  You go poo poo!  Do you want some candy?  Way to go Mommy, high five!!"  

This was all at the top of her lungs....telling the entire ladies room that she thought her Mommy was going #2.  Lovely.  To set the record straight...I wasn't...she just thinks that is what everyone does when they go.  

I could here people laughing.  So, at least I gave them a laugh for the day.

Today...we were getting the car inspected.  Waiting in one of those tiny waiting rooms that car care places are famous for.   All of the sudden...she told me she needed to go....and it was too late.  SO, I was stuck changing a diaper (a dirty one) while she stood up in the germ pit of a bathroom.  She kept yelling "I wanna see it!" "I want to flush the toilet!" Over and over...

The lobby was RIGHT there and I know they heard her.

Again...glad I could make someone laugh.  Right?  So needless to say...we are on the road to a diaper free existence....but, I guess I have to trade it for guaranteed embarrassment every now and then.  

I don't like this....

I love to go to the mall.  Always have...I even worked there for many years.

Naturally, I enjoy taking my kid to the mall.  Lots of stuff for us to do...she loves to "shop" and so do I.  She is in love with the carousel...me, not so much...maybe I should take a Dramamine first.  

Well...recently....there have been many reports about robberies at the mall....home invasions...purse snatchings....some involving fire arms.  I get the "Woodlands Alert" via email...and I am sick and tired of hearing about these losers coming into our community and harassing us.  

We went to the mall today...I am not a nervous person...but, recently I have been.   I know you should always be cautious when in parking lots...but, I am down right paranoid.  Turning my ring to the inside of my hand...not wearing any jewelry...thinking any man that comes around the corner is going to get us.  And, being with a kid makes you even more vulnerable.  

Kinda wondering if my 911 incident stemmed from plain anxiety...my first thought was that someone was in our house.   But, I am going to forget about that...

The ADT security people are coming tomorrow.  We are hooking up the alarm.....just for piece of mind.  Think it will make me feel better....and poor Shorty won't have to check the house every time I ask him "DID YOU HEAR THAT?"  

We will continue to shop...not letting this stop me.  Just going to continue to be extra careful....I am sure all of you will do the same.  

Village Idiot

"911, what is your emergency?"  "I think my daughter's room is on fire!"  "Is everyone out of the house?"  "Yes!  We are all standing in the street....her door was closed, it was glowing under the door, and the door felt hot....are they on the way yet?"

Yes, I had to call 911 this morning.  Or better yet, I thought at the time I should call 911.

We were about to leave the house...the kiddo was on our bed watching TV...and I went to her room to get her clothes.  

The door was closed.  We NEVER close doors.  It felt warm in front of the door, and there was a glowing coming from under the door.  She had been in there without me earlier in the morning. She has a "white noise" maker that she has learned how to turn on and off...I was SURE she had turned it on...and turned it over or shoved a stuffed animal up against it or something.

I grabbed the kid, the phone, and my keys.  Ran into the street while I was on the phone with 911....I could here them coming 30 seconds later.  

My kid was confused...."What wrong Mommy?" repeated over and over.  

As I stood in the street, could hear them getting closer and closer....3 huge HAZ Mat trucks make the corner...I am so nervous....sweating....trying to be calm.  

4 huge firemen come out of the truck...masks on and the whole bit.  They hook the 1,000 ft fire hose up to the hydrant...go in the house...and come out.  "Nothing, no fire here." the lead fireman said.  

I went running up to the house...I was SURE her room was on fire.  I don't freak out about stuff....usually. 

Sure enough...it was just warm in the hallway...had the AC way up.  The "glowing" was her light.  We never turn it on....still haven't figured out how that happened.  And, I guess the kid just closed the door and left the fan running after she had finished playing.

I was just too scared to open the door to see what it was.  I remember from "Stop Drop and Roll" class in 3rd grade anyway....never open a door if you think a fire is behind it.

All the neighbors came out.  I am sure they think I am the village idiot.  We have lived here for less than 2 years...this is just one of my crazy things they have seen me do.  I'll tell those stories another time.  

So, I guess I should say I am glad there is no fire....I just feel kinda dumb for even thinking there was one.  At least I gave the firemen something to talk about the rest of the day...that dumb lady down the street.  

Don't do directions...

Shorty gave me "Photshop" for Mother's Day....3 months later...still confused.  

Never done well with directions...people have to SHOW me how to do stuff....I'm a visual learner I guess.

It always took my quantum physics professor in college to SHOW me how the formula worked...then I totally understood!  Right?

Our friend Jim came to the house the other day.  He is a talented "photoshopper" and he gave me a few pointers.  I thought this picture of the kiddo was cool.  It is a "watercolor" effect.  Lots of things wrong in the picture...I know.  Dress is too dark, too many shadows....  I've got a LONG way to go....but feel 5% less confused than a day or 2 ago.

Happy photoshopping :)  

ps...if you click on the picture...it will show a larger image and you can see more detail. 

Circus Tripper

Wonder how many people are here "tripping on acid?"    One of my very first thoughts as we entered the circus last night.  

As parents, I guess there are certain things you are obligated to do...we crossed one off the list last night and took the little one to the circus in the BIG city.  

It was almost too much to absorb....it was like a kiddy wonderland on drugs.  I can say I have never done the drug, but I can imagine the circus would be a place for a trip....or whatever you call it.

I had a few revelations last night....one of them being how to end the recession and how to return our economy to the glory days.

Another revelation last night was that some of the women in this show must have a secret desire to be in the porn industry.  They just decided to join the circus so their Dads wouldn't be too disappointed.  "Dad, I'm joining the circus" is so much better than "Dad, I got a job at Hearbreakers"  I wondered a few times when the poll dance would start...and when the dollar bills would start flying.

I didn't take my big camera...so, some of the photos aren't the best.  Who can hold a bulky camera when you are eating all your kids cotton candy anyway?  

Another thing I remembered last night....circus people are straight up wierd.  I mean, I am glad we have them....who else would entertain our kids and the drug doing adults?  
I love this picture.  It shows just how awesome it is to be a kid.  Just plain simple.  No worries whatsoever.  Give me a hat, a clown, and a bag of spun sugar and I am pleased as punch.

Oh yeah.  I almost forgot to tell you how we can drag our nation out of the grips of an ugly recession.  

Fill a room with parents and their beloved offspring.  Bring in crazy people selling blinking, whistling, noise making, annoying toys.  Buy them from China and mark them up 400%.  They will buy them.  A Dad in front of me spent almost 50 bucks on 2 piece of junk toys that probably broke on the way home....but, we do what is best for our kids....right?

Don't walk...run to your nearest circus.  It is a TRIP!

really?

I admit, I have a bad habit.  Shorty gets mad at me about it.  I have always done it.... can't help myself.  Just curious I guess.  And, it keeps me entertained sometimes.

Yep, I stare at people.  I try to do it when they aren't looking.  Guess you could refer to it as "people watching."  The best place for it is at the airport...you are SURROUNDED by strange folks there...surely you will find something to laugh about at the airport.

We were at lunch today (Chick fil a of course) and I saw a Mom there with her "Mom friends" and their kids.  She was a cute Mom.  Cute pink t shirt and matching shorts.  Then, she turned around.

She had one of those t shirts on with the dorky sayings printed on it.  

It said...are you ready for this?  It said "Too pretty to work!"  Just plain and simple.  I thought to myself, does she really think that is funny?  Or cute?  I don't think I could EVER muster the thought to wear something like that.  I mean, really.  

Wonder what her husband thinks of it.  I know Shorty would want me to get one of those.  His favorite color is blue.  So, I may run up to one of those mall kiosks after the kiddo wakes up and see what I can find.

Some people just crack me up.   So, my "people watching" habit found something for me to laugh at today. I do it discreetly....so, no worries.  ;)

try this...now!

My skin has been an issue for me ever since I can remember.  I don't even want to know how much money I have spent over the last ten years on skin care....I shudder to think.

I'm a sucker for any "miracle cure all" "instant results" "redness removing" "deep cleansing" "bright and beautiful" tag line.  I have tried it all...taken pills, had shots, used creams, scrubs, everything.   Some of it works for a while....then it just stops working.

So, my Mom (commonly referred to as Minnie) went to have a facial a month or so ago.  She tells me about this remedy her Korean facial lady told her about.  It went in one ear and out the other.  I thought to myself "yeah right, like that would work."

Over the weekend, I spend time with Minnie and my aunt.  Both of whom have been doing this "treatment" to their skin.  I noticed real results in both of them!  I mean, for real!

So, I went home and gave it a day in court.  And low and behold...it works!  It really works!  

My skin looks and feels smoother, it feels clean - but without that tight feeling, and Shorty even said my skin looked "brighter." 

So, do you want to know what to do yet?  Do you want to know how much it costs?  

Well, it costs about a dollar.  NO, not a dollar a day.  A dollar for the entire box.  All you need is baking soda.  

Use your preferred cleanser to remove your makeup...then, mix about a dime size amount of dry baking soda in with your cleanser.  I use Cetaphil.  Scrub and rinse.  I do it every day, morning and night...and, I noticed immediate difference!

If you are a boy, and you are reading this...you do it too!  Boys like nice skin.  

As many of you know...I spent about 5 years behind a makeup counter...never once did I see results from anything like this before.  

Just do it!

Happily Ever After

We had a life lesson last night.  We rented "Cinderella" for the kiddo yesterday.  I wanted to teach her how the real world works.  

It is so important to teach little girls these lessons at an early age.....you know, so she will know what to expect when she is old enough to date.   And, I think Cinderella is such a good story for little girls.  It is EXACTLY the way life is. 

Just wait for your prince on his white horse....he will rescue you from all your problems.  Yep!  Right.  

She was in love the minute she started singing..."Where Cinderella go?"  I think I have heard that question 500 times.   I think I should start working on grammar instead of teaching these all important and valuable life lessons.  

Easy dinner

While I doubt I will get any phone calls to do food photography...I think it is still safe to say that this was a delicious salad.  And, you should try it.  Soon.

Here is the deal

This "recipe" is for 3-4 people.  If your spouse is anything like mine...then make a little more.

Shorty loved the salad...and when a man loves salad...it must be good!

What you need

3-4 "split chicken breasts with ribs"

croutons

1 small tub of crumbled blue cheese

chopped purple onion (amount is up to personal taste)

1 small package of Crasins

Brianna's Blush Wine Vinaigrette (one with a strawberry on the label)

Chopped Romaine Lettuce (I use the bagged kind) just one bag will serve 3 or so people

What you do

Pre heat oven to 400.  Put chicken breasts in baking pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Once oven is pre heated, bake chicken until juices run clear.  30-45 minutes.  When the chicken skin is nice and brown...chicken will be done.  Remove chicken from the bone, and break up with your hands...kind of shred it.  I also remove the skin...makes it a little "healthier"  Place on a plate and refrigerate until the chicken is chilled.  10 - 15 minutes should be enough.

In the mean time rinse lettuce off and put in a large serving bowl.  Put in your onions (I used a half an onion) put in the cheese to your taste (I used a bout 3/4 the container) add the Crasins (about 1/2 cup)  Add the chilled chicken and toss with salad dressing and croutons.  

Serve with warm French bread...and enjoy.  Perfect meal for a hot summer day...and very little "cooking" involved.  

If you make it...let me know what you think!

Out!

For the 2 people who regularly read my blog...I just wanted to tell you to have a delightful weekend!

I know you will be heart broken without my weekend posts.  But, I will be on paradise island again.  Little girl family R & R.   

Check back on Monday.  I made the most scrumptious salad on the planet for dinner last night...I'll type up the recipe.  I made it up...all by my little self.

Check you later!  ;)

ps...I posted this random picture just cause I wanted to.  AND, because I wish I could live there.  It is a pic of a home in Shorty's work.  Amazing!  

Black lace anyone?

Nothing says style like the excessive decade of the 80's.  I have vivid memories of lace hair accessories, gaudy, tacky jewelery, fluorescent socks, and who could ever forget the twist beads.  

I'm sure all of you have heard of the store "Forever 21."  I shop in there on occasion and each time I am reminded that I am indeed NOT forever 21.   But, girl can get a deal in there...who doesn't love to get a jacket for 16 bucks and a tshirt for 6?   I just stay away from bottoms...because I would be forced to buy a size 8 sizes bigger than normal....and, my psyche won't let me go there.  

Well...I just went in the store the other day and I had flash backs from  shopping in the 80's.  Everything I listed above and everything that Madonna has on was in the store.  Even the twist beads.  Again, my Mom was right..."you never know, that may be in style again!"

On another note about the store...I just couldn't help but notice the clientele in the store.  The store was filled with their target consumer (18-25 year olds), a few young Mom's toting strollers, and some middle aged women.  I guess everyone wants a deal these days.  But, if I were the 20 year old in there...I might be kinda irritated that Mom's were shopping in my "hip" store.  ;) 

ps...I did give in to nostalgia and bought a lace headband.....ahhhh...the memories.

You know you are a redneck....

You know you are a redneck when you get e-mails like this and you actually are related to the people in the photo.  Yes, that is my Mom...holding the official state of Texas mammal in a net.  And, not just any old net..my Dad's large mouth bass fishing net.  SEE, I AM a redneck!

Before you jump to any conclusions about why my parents would be catching armadillos...I mean, they could do this for fun, right?  They "caught and released" 3 armadillos that were tearing up their pride and joy...their yard.

"Minnie & Jelly" (this is what my kid calls her grandparents) trapped the little suckers in nets, put them in garbage cans and drove them back to the woods to release them into the wild.  So, I guess you could say I am part redneck and a distant member of PETA.  

I'm pretty sure if we were TRUE rednecks, Minnie would have sent a photo of Jelly with a shotgun in one hand and a dead armadillo in the other.

Happy hunting!

For real?

This book makes me wonder.  Was life REALLY like that?  I mean, really?  Or, did people just pretend they lived like that?  

"Baby Dear" is my kid's favorite bedtime story.  I loved it as a kid too...guess great minds think alike, right?  ;)  

The book is basically about a little girl, her doll, her baby sister, and her Mom.  A simple story about how the Mom & big sister take care of their babies.  Sweet story.

The other night...while Shorty was reading...I was looking at the pictures and started to wonder if women really did dress like that...or was it just show?  Don't you think they wore their sweat pants and flip flops when no one was looking?  Wearing that petticoat and those high heels while cleaning the toilets couldn't have been fun.  Could it?  

The Mother in the story is dressed to perfection on each page.  Hair perfectly pulled into a bun, clean pressed ironed shirt, panty hose, and a 2 inch heal.  All while taking care of a newborn.

Reminds me of what I looked like right after my c-section.  

Life was simple back then, right?  No one had any problems, children were well behaved, women smiled and had dinner promptly on the table every night, all with no complaints.    

Don't think so.  But, sometimes I do imagine what it would have been like to be a Mother in the perfect 1950's.   I mean it looks so dreamy in "Baby Dear" so, that must have been exactly what it was like, right?

I LOVE PIZZA!

I know....talk shows are stupid and a waste of time...but this one caught my attention.  Besides, I am a Mom and that's what the show was about...so, I had to watch.

It was basically a show of eccentric strange Mothers airing their dirty laundry on the most popular show on daytime TV.   It was almost like they were just making stuff up.  Who does this kinda stuff?  Really?  I couldn't even imagine.

They were all complaining how hard Motherhood is.  "Confessed" to  feeding their kids pizza for breakfast, went 3 weeks without bathing their kids, went for a week without bathing themselves, used maxi pads and tape for diapers, taking Valium to get through the day, and just being plain crazy.

I just can't accept any of that.  Some of these Moms only had 1 kid.  So do I.  I have never come close to doing any of these crazy things.  I have taken a shower and gotten dressed every single day since my child was born.  It may not be till later in the day some days...but, never the less...I did.  She gets bathed....eats meal time appropriate food, and I do not use my feminine products to keep her dry.  That is just plain stupid.  Get in your butt in the car and drive to the store people.  Its not that hard.

We all have our moments.  You can' t be super Mom all the time....but, you do have to just be responsible.  That's not too much to ask for, is it?  

My Mom confession for the day..... I am guilty of giving my 2 year old doughnuts for dinner with Coke in her sippy cup and I let her watch Sponge Bob while she devours the fried dough and gulps the sugar water.  Then, an ice cream cone dipped in chocolate.  Just kidding.....   

Share your Mom confessions with me.....you know you want to.

So, what do I get?

"Do you want a medal or a chest to pin it on?"  One of my favorite sarcastic remarks.... 

The 4th has come and gone.  Would I be a bad Mom if I said I was glad?  Well, I am.

Our little firecracker had one of the busiest days of her 2 years here on this earth.   I woke her up early to get her to the advertising car line,  I mean parade.  Then we went swimming of course, followed that up with some typical 4th food, came to the house to gear up for fireworks....and off we went.

I immediately tensed up when we pulled up to the "Red White and Blue" festival.  I don't do crowds well...Shorty told me I was spoiled.  Maybe I am...but, oh well.  I did some deep breathing exercises and sucked it up.  Besides...the little one had been asking for "sireworks" all day long.

We finally found our seat....and enjoyed the show.

Once we got back to the house...I was beat.  It had been a long day.  Made me think.  

Hey!  I did all the "Good Mom" stuff today.  Where is my award?  I mean when you do something good at work you get a plaque or a certificate.  I felt like I deserved a Mom award yesterday....dragging myself and my kid all over town to be in the right place at the right time.

Then, I remembered....my reward was watching her see the shows for the first time and seeing her pure excitement...nothing is better than that.  

Candy anyone?

Almond Joy anyone?  Well....we ALMOST had a run in with one today...but it wasn't this kind!

The Olympian was swimming with Miss Lauren...perfecting her backstroke, and I was daydreaming while lounging in the sun and watching the swimmer out of the corner of my eye.

Suddenly, the whistle blew.  It wasn't time for safety break....I was confused.  It was like a watching the movie Jaws.  People came FLYING out of the pool.  

Once the whitecaps on the pool surface calmed...I was able to make out what was causing such a craze!  There it was.  A poop in the pool.  I almost lost the few goldfish I had been snacking on.

How GROSS.  I wanted to grab my girl and hose her off.  Luckily it happened on the other end of the pool...so, again....I reminded myself to stay calm.  Surely she didn't get any poop on her.

The pool was closed for the next hour and a half.  Workers scurried around scrubbing and cleaning the place.  I kinda wish they would come to my house next.  

So, needless to say...swim camp was shut down early.  But, we will make up for it.  My little clean freak has said "No poop in the pool" at least 100 times since the incident.  Glad it wasn't my kid.  How embarrassing........

Happy swimming!

Lollipop....lollipop....

Our future Olympic swimmer conquered her fear of being in the water with Miss Lauren....she is an official swimming champ!

The swimming lesson started out on a terrible note...but ended with a splash!  The little swimmer didn't want to leave.  Miss Lauren followed through and gave the good student a lollipop.  

So, we left the pool with blue stained teeth and cheeks...but worth it.

I can't count how many times she has asked me "Where did Miss Lauren go?"

2 down...6 more to go.   

2024 Summer Olympics

I'm already planning our trip to the 2024 Summer Olympics.....on pins and needles to find out which city will be hosting the games.  I am SURE that my little girl will be on the US Swim Team.

After our 1st private swim lesson today...she is showing SO much promise!

There it is again....my sarcasm.  We did indeed experience our first private swim lesson with Miss Lauren today.  The little one wasn't so stoked.  

I was however impressed with the teachers child psychology.  She uses my favorite parenting tool...bribery!  Once the screaming lesson was over, Miss Lauren offered my little swimmer a lollipop after tomorrows lesson.  The future swim team members eyes lit up.  She proceeded to tell both of us that she wouldn't cry tomorrow and couldn't wait to sing Humpty Dumpty with her new swim coach.

I'm off to pack my bags!