How did we survive?

"Don't do that, it's dangerous." "That is not safe, be careful where you walk."

"Pretty sure that is against the law."

Do you ever wonder how on earth we lived and made it through our childhoods? All the things we used to do as kids.....and magically...we are all still here.

Drinking out of the hose, standing up in the front seat, living through infancy without the "LATCH" system..... ::gasp::

Seems as if everything is dangerous. Don't eat this, it causes cancer. Don't drink that, it will ruin your teeth. Airbags could deploy and knock you unconscious.

Serious?

My Mom (Minnie) came by the other day and we were out on our walk with Doodle the Poodle. She asked if the kid could sit in her lap and ride back to the house. My overprotective self kinda hesitated. Then, I came back to the real world and remembered doing it with my parents as a kid.

I figured the 4 houses down the road at less than 5 miles per hour wouldn't hurt anyone.

Sometimes I just wish there weren't so many rules.

Really....

Sucker...

Men are suckers. Not in a bad sense...they just get swept into what women say sometimes.

This is especially true in the father daughter relationship. The so called string is wrapped around the little girls finger so tight...it makes Daddy forget the rules.

I vividly remember secretly hoping my Dad would be the one to take me shopping as a child. Or, at least come along on the trip. Seems as if I ended up getting more goodies when he was around. The "get it and let's go" factor always played a part. And I used it to my advantage.

A "Guess" blue jean jacket. Just what every 5th grade girl longs for in the 80's. My Mother would have eventually bought it for me...I am sure....but, my Dad....he bought it for me right off the bat. No whining, begging, pleading, or promising involved.

I remember bringing it home....so proud....couldn't wait to wear it to school the next day to show off my new digs.

Well...seems as if our little one is winding the string tighter and tighter.

And, you just have to laugh.

The little one is pretty much potty trained. We still give treats after she goes. It works for us....yes, we practice bribery in our home.

One morning, she climbed into bed with a bag of chocolate pretzels. This is at like 7 am.

She did her business on the potty and convinced Shorty that she got an entire bag of pretzels each time she went. Just think it is so funny that she talked him into it.

That little sales girl.

I'm going to see what I can get away with now.

The barn

We took Little E to the barn. Not just any old barn....but, the one I spent many hours and years as a young girl in....with my horse. Sharon (my horse trainer back in the day) kindly invited us to come visit....play outside and just have fun with horses. Sign me up.

This pic above .... I love it. Sharon gave our kid the cutest pink pony. Seems as if it may be her new favorite toy. I can smell the aroma of horse hair in our future. Pretty sure Shorty knows....our kid needs a horse.
She listened to everything Sharon said. Intently. Just like she does with me at home. Yep.
This is the horse we rode. Perry. He is 27 years old. I used to ride him when I was 13. He is Sharon's husband's old roping horse....what a great and gentle animal.

Teaching E how to brush a horse....you know....WITH the grain....not against.
Sharon has a degree from Texas A & M in Equine Science. Yes, I wish I were her sometimes.

She IS someone I feel 110% comfortable riding with my 25 pound child. Sharon is all things horse...she took the time to explain all the little details about horses....how you feed them....how to hang their halter...she even gave Little E an old horse tooth. Mmmmm...is that what I hear banging in my washer? Dang it...I put that sucker in my pocket! Hey, easier to clean up than Kleenex. (Don't you hate when that happens?)
Here is E...all tiny 25 pounds. Holding on to the saddle horn and the reins. What a little rider.
Important to teach kids to get the horse ready yourself, ride it yourself, clean it yourself, and just do everything by yourself. Self sufficient lesson for the day.
Wash, rinse, scrape, fly spray.....all clean.
Taking Perry back to the stall...showed E exactly how to do it. Took her in the stall....showed her the ropes...and she totally got it.
After the horse session was over...we headed to the other part of the barn. To visit the other livestock....E is "helping" Sharon herd the sheep back to their pin for dinner. If I were a sheep...rest assured no one would have to chase me to get me to eat my dinner.
Petting the sheep. Note the green bag. The pink pony is in here. Pink pony = love.
"Tell me a story about a cow." Every night. I have to tell her a story....yes, about a cow. So, this close encounter is a dream come true, people.

Meeting up close.

I can't say thank you enough to Sharon. What a cool afternoon. (Not really "cool" cause it was DANG hot) but so much fun.

Sharon invited us to come back anytime to help take care of Perry. Think we will. It is plain old therapy for me and Little E has the time of her life.

How fun.

Can't wait to do it again!

who are those people?

After looking at that last picture of myself....I felt the need to put a different one....one of what I used to look like BEFORE a Gap Maternity size large was feeling a little snug.

I love this picture.  It was my 21st birthday.  First time for me to ever step foot in a bar.  Nothing like the experience of something new...right?  Yes...I AM joking...if you know me well at all you know that I was stretching the truth just a weee bit.

So this picture was taken just over a decade ago.  How fun.  Shorty and I had the time of our lives.  He played golf...I sold lipstick...we lived it up.

Then, reality slapped us in the face and we sucked it up...put our tails between our legs and both went back to finish college.

Shorty went south to University of Houston and I went toward my redneck ways and went north to Sam Houston State.

We both finished school....made excellent grades....and actually enjoyed class.  Well...kinda.

Amazing what can get accomplished when you don't have beer for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Back to the picture....I mean, how cute is Shorty?  His TPC The Woodlands golf shirt...and I can assure you he had on starched Polo slacks and his Footjoy shoes.  How can a girl not fall in love with that?  

One day when I have tons of spare time floating around...I will load all my old snap shots onto the computer.  

So....that should happen REAL soon.

Love the memories...and I love Shorty.

Ummm....who is that?

Who is bigger?  Me, or my 10 pounder of a "newborn?"

In all my spare time between corralling a 2 year old and entertaining a puppy...I decided to take a trip down digital photo memory lane.

This popped up in my desire to rekindle warm fuzzy memories of my life with a newborn baby girl.    Those warm fuzzy's were quickly extinguished when I looked at my chins.

What was I eating?  Oh that's right, hamburgers, french fries, candy, chocolate, lemonade, cokes, doughnuts..... lard.  

I quit looking  after a certain number hit on the scale.  If I knew...I would most certainly need anti depressants and those aren't good for pregnant women.  SO, I just pretended it wasn't happening as I stuffed my face with cookies and cream ice cream.

Makes me kinda laugh...I mean, I look back and remember that I thought right after that baby came out.. all the weight would magically disappear from my postpartum figure.  Then, a book fell off the shelf and knocked me back into the real world.

The day I was able to walk after the c cection....I asked where the nearest scale was.....hobbled towards the device that would either break my heart or make my dreams come true.

Let's just say the number I had never wanted to see on the scale...well...it was still there....and I was mortified.

The pajamas I had brought to the hospital...they didn't fit.  The underwear that I had to put on...I burned them....the way I looked in a nursing bra....it made me shutter.

Of course it is all worth it....but, it is just funny to go back and look.  I thought I looked SO good...and so "normal" in this picture.  Boy, time sure does tell doesn't it.  

Why are all those old sayings so true?  

2 1/2 years later...I pretty much weigh what I used to.  My body is 180 degrees opposite from what it used to be.  My old clothes don't fit me right anymore...and I am too cheap to buy new ones that truly fit.  So, my closet is filled with ensembles from Target and a few shirts that I got on sale at one of my many favorite stores...along with those few things I just can't seem to part with.

If Shorty hears me say "I don't have anything to wear" one more time...he may loose it.

Really...I don't.  

But, have you ever heard any woman say they do?  

I doubt it.

This picture makes me want to run....

Where is my ipod....

Champagne taste

Seems as if the apple does not fall from the tree.  "Champagne taste on a beer budget" as the old saying goes.

Took the munchkin to a tack store yesterday...I was right by one and I just couldn't help but to go in.  I wanted to test her responsiveness....does she really like horses?  Or, do I just keep telling myself she does.

We walk in the door...the smell of leather and all things horse overwhelms you as you enter...intoxicating smell to me.  The saddles, the clothes, the bridles, everything...I want to buy it all and take it to my perfect barn in the hill country filled with beautiful horses.  Dreaming again....

So, my little girl gravitates towards this one saddle.  A Stubben English saddle.  The most expensive one in the entire store.  It was "used" and was 1200 bucks.  I wanted it too....think it had been used once or twice.

Think she has "the gene" for horses...you either love them, hate them, or could care less.  And when you love them....it is something that will never go away....follows you forever.

Hopefully sometime soon, I will resume my riding lessons.  I was riding once a week when I found out I was pregnant...and I stopped.  There are a few barns with Dressage lesson horses in the area...maybe just once a month will cure my craving.

The picture is the best I could do...she was pawing all over the saddle and my cell phone can only do so much.  Can't walk around with my big camera strapped around my neck all day...what a weirdo!  

Naturally, the fact that I think my kid may have the same love...thrills me beyond belief.  

Won't be throwing her up on a hunter jumper at 3 years old or anything.....3 1/2 is better.

Just kidding......

Hamburglar

Apparently you aren't American if you don't love McDonald's.  At least, that is what I have been told.  Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, Apple Pies....yeah, won't eat that.  But, their Chicken Wraps and fries are decent.   Our kid LOVES their tiny burgers...and so do I.

We took the Hamburglar to Old McDonald's (as she calls it) for a bite.  We had limited time...The Cowboys were on in less than an hour, I didn't have time to cook, and nowhere else was fast enough.

So, she ordered a Cheeseburger Happy Meal.  What could be better?  And, it came with the coolest pink, black, and sparkly Barbie bracelets.  McDonald's knows how to make women happy.  Cheese and jewelry.

Sitting next to her scarfing down her burger reminded me of my early pregnancy days.

Think we all know I used to have a pretty nasty habit.  I gave it up cold turkey the moment I found out I was splitting cells and gonna have a kid!  

Needless to say...a pregnant woman, in withdraw, with morning sickness, and raging hormones, is not a fun person to be around.  I still to this day wonder how Shorty put up with me.

Anyway....meandering around my point again.....

I used to eat those hamburgers when I was pregnant.  They made everything better.  

And, I still wonder why I gained all that weight.  Guess cause I had such a big baby....nothing to do with those delightful little burgers that cured all my ills.  

So, when I tasted her burger...it was a full on reminder of my 1st trimester.

Needless to say....I was very thankful I wasn't back in time....

mmmmmmmm........

Forget that...

Called the travel agent and cancelled our family vacation to Disney World.  It appears that our daughter has a massive fear of characters.  

No...we weren't going to Disney...but, Shorty and I want to go.  Having a kid just gives you an excuse...maybe another year or 2.

So, we went to a birthday party at the infamous Chuck E Cheese yesterday.  The kid was having the time of her life...while I obsessed that my travel Purell bottle was in my pocket at all times....and then....everything changed.

Chuck E Cheese HIMSELF came out of the back to wish everyone a Happy Birthday.  

I am thankful for the child check at the front door.  If it wasn't in place...I am more than positive my child would have been in the parking lot looking for the fastest way out.  

She was 100% terrified of him.  Shaking....crying...and just plain old wanting him to go on the other side of the building.  Once he walked away from our table....she was fine...and kept eating her delectable chocolate birthday cake.

She talked about him the whole way home.  

"The mouse won't get me in the bathtub.  The mouse won't come to my house."

Poor kid.  I told her he was nice and made pizza and birthday cake for kids.  She still didn't care.

 

Just another one of those things that will pass...I know.    As you can tell in the picture...she loved Chuck E that wasn't "alive." I am pretty sure she rode that ride 17 times.   

Dang it...wish she would hurry up.  I am ready to go hug Goofy!

A new vacuum!

It's alive!  My vacuum cleaner is alive!  My dream come true...

Turns out that Doodle the Poodle is an excellent floor cleaner.  With a toddler roaming the property...you never know what you will find on the floor.

After dinner....our wood floors look like you know what.  Crumbs...everywhere.  My least favorite part of cooking...is the wiping up floors after dinner.

Well...seems as if my new 4 legged furry family member is helping me in this department...

We don't feed her table food...I know....I hear you....it isn't good for them.  But, I don't think breadcrumbs and a few itsy bitsy pieces of food will hurt her.  Pretty sure the rocks and dirt she wants to eat are worse.  

Just noticed how the floors seemed cleaner than usual.  I don't mean shinny clean...because that is so not the case.  I mean debris free clean.  There are tongue swirl marks all over the floor...but....no crumbs.  So, I guess I can't complain.

Maybe we should have named her Hoover or Dyson.  Yeah...don't think so.

Off to Swiffer away the slobber.  

I love my dog.

MINE!!!

Isn't she fabulous?!  A stroller, 3 bags, an apron, a necktie, and sunglasses.

I just had to share this picture.  We were playing with friends today...and she dressed herself.

Playing mostly consists of yelling "MINE!"  100 times at one another.  That is a 2 year old for you! ;)

Part of their normal development.  Although...I don't think I ever moved on from that stage of development.  I don't like to share.  Really, I don't. 

It depends on what it is really...and who wants to use it.  I will not share my make up with anyone...not that anyone wants to use it....I'm just sayin'. ;)  And, I don't love to share clothes.  My friends used to ask when I was in school...and I would say no.  No one asks me anymore.  Pretty sure they would rather get their own Target tshirt than wear mine. 

Shorty won't share his food.  He will....but he will stare you down during the whole sharing process....unless it is his kid...he WILL share with her.  He even offers his food to her....never offered to me... hmmmph.   ;)  

So, we are a mean family I guess.  No, it just boils down to an only child Mom, a 2 year old who isn't supposed to like to share...she is only normal....and a Dad who will cut you if you touch his dinner plate.

Y'all want to come over?  Will be so much fun!

Pills anyone?

I need a pill.  One to cure me of something that has followed me around my entire life.  I wish it were that simple.

This Mom is not a morning person.....never have been.  No matter what time I go to bed...no matter what tricks I try...I am still not a morning person.

There was a study done a few months ago about morning vs. night people.  Apparently there is some sort of genetic link they have found...and you can test for it.  Really?  You really think I need to swab the inside of my cheek and overnight a package to some wacko lab to tell me that I am not a morning person?  Just made me laugh.  Do people really wonder this about themselves?

Blond hair - brown hair.  Blue eyes -  green eyes.  Tan skin - fair skin.   Long legs - short legs.

Morning person - night person.  Apparently they have proven that you are in fact one or the other.

Duh.

I could stay up until 230 am every night...and sleep till 1030 am and be one happy camper.

But, that won't work.  So, I am looking for a pill.  One that makes me excited and happy and chipper in the morning.  One of those people.  Like Shorty, my husband.  

He is so happy in the morning...I wish I could be like that.  Takes me about 15 minutes to get a grip...have my iced tea....and get started.  Then, I am ok to go.  

So, if anyone knows a pill to magically transform me into a morning song bird...let me know.

Signed, 

Sleepy head

I need to go!

Ahh...those four words....music to a toddler's Mom's ears.

The little gal has been a champ on the old porcelain throne.  I am so proud.  Can you sense my excitement?  We have been in "big girl panties" for days now.  Even in public.

Note: If you don't want to hear gushy reenactments of toilet training...this post is not for you.

We have been going on and off with toilet training for months...starting and stopping...so on and so forth.  Pull ups...no pull ups...candy no candy....the list goes on.

Ever since we got Doodle the Poodle, it was like a light bulb went off in the little one's head.  She just got it.  Not sure if the dog actually helped....I talk about #1 & #2 all day long...so maybe it just reinforced it.

And today....well, today was another first.  She went in public.  In the restroom of course.  

So, I am happy to say...that I won't have to be spending money on diapers any more.  She will of course wear them at night...and naps...and an occasional time.  But, I think we are there.  And I couldn't be happier....and neither could she.

Need to go potty?  Those words ring in my head as I am falling asleep every night.  I need to get one of those stroke counters....like little old lady golfers have.  Just so I can keep count of how many times I actually say it in one day. 

Ahhh.....what a delightful subject.    

I love Shampoo

Show dog.  Isn't she beautiful?  She smelled like puppy..so, I washed her.

I love to wash things...I take too many baths, I bathe my kid every single day....no matter what...now, I get to bathe a dog....how fun!

When I was young...I had a Quarter Horse.  I LOVED that horse.  When we got her...she had the perfect Quarter Horse tail.  That is a long tail...that is straight and almost touching the ground.  They make these bags you keep your horse's tail in....keeps it from getting stepped on...pulled....just keeps it safe.

My love of washing things was apparent with my horse.  I washed her all the time...maybe too much.  My horse trainer told my Mom not to let me wash her so much...that I was going to wash the hair off the horse.  Her tail did suffer from my incessant washing.  Hey, she was the cleanest horse in the stables.

I will restrain myself not to wash Doodle the Poodle too much.  

It was strange...she just stood there during the bath, did not squirm or try to jump, and let me soap her up.  

Who am I?  I am blogging about bathing my dog.  Oh my.  One of THOSE people.  ;)

What a day....

This picture says it all.  First time she has fallen asleep anywhere aside from her bed or car seat.  I just couldn't help but to take her picture.

Today was one of those days.  One that almost never happens in the Short household.  We got up...went to eat breakfast...went to the grocery and came home.  Shorty picked up some baby back ribs to cook for dinner...I actually planned ahead, and picked up stuff for the next night's dinner.  

We came home...the Cowboy's played at noon...so, all TVs were tuned in.  I set up a TV for E in the study...so she could play and watch a DVD.  I couldn't find the TV changer for the little TV...and in my tirade looking throughout the house, I realized I needed to do some organizing.

I set up the movie...she was pleased, Doodle the Poodle was napping after a long walk, and Shorty was camped on the couch watching his beloved Cowboys.  And me, well...I started tearing into drawers, and closets.  

I cleaned out the antique cabinet in the guest room, finished organizing that closet, cleaned out my nightstand, or bedroom TV cabinet, and 3 desks.  I gathered 6 bags of junk...and put things in their proper place.  Still have about 70% of the drawers and cabinets to go through.

About 4 years ago...I lost my IPod.  It was one of the fancy ones...I bought it in celebration of a good sales month.  I gave up looking for it a LONG time ago.  Well...I found it.  Buried in an old makeup bag that was shoved in the back of our TV cabinet in the bedroom.  I was SO excited...plugged it in...and all my music is still there!  

I am embarrassed to say that I never even got dressed during that lazy Sunday.  Neither did Shorty.  I can not remember the last time I have done that.  I may have gone till 4 pm and then put on my MAC lip gloss...but today...it never happened.  It was kinda nice...well, kinda.  I was pretty put out with myself at the end of the day.

All in all it was a really good day.  The fact that Shorty stayed in one place all afternoon is a miracle in itself.  But, the Cowboys, Tiger, and NFL, were all on TV today...think that had quite a bit to do with it.

The rug rat enjoyed staying home too...playing with all her toys and pouncing around with the dog.  It looked like a bomb went off about 7pm at our house.  All cleaned up...all organized for the week ahead.  Well, kinda....have to work on the kitchen drawers next.  I can never keep that part of my house clean.  

Oh well.  I am sure it will be a LONG time until we have a day like that again.

But, we all need them every now and then.  Does a body good! 

I love my friends

What a fun day.  We got to have a shower for one of our dear friends.  She is having her first baby in about 6 weeks....a little boy.  I can SO see her with a little dude....how FUN!

We have been friends since I was 19.  Hard to believe.  We all worked together in the cosmetics department of a department store.  Some of the best and most fun years of my life!  We all still keep in touch...even after all these years.  

Melissa has been there for all of our showers, weddings, birthdays, and I was just so excited for it to be HER baby shower!  

Paige and I hosted the shindig.  She came over early to prepare the Monkey Bread....while I assembled the breakfast casserole.  She also came early to help me make sure the champagne punch was just right.  Can't have a shower without it.

The menu was my favorite.  Monkey Bread, breakfast casserole, fruit, muffins, strudel, and CAKE.  MMMMMM!  

If you have never made Monkey Bread, raise your hand.  If your hand is raised, you need to make it.  It is addictive.  A perfect party food, great for a shower, and I even thought about how great it would be on Christmas morning...or any other holiday.

Melissa couldn't be any cuter as a pregnant momma.  I am just so happy for her.  She has picked some great names...can't wait to hear what they decide on.

When she left today,  I told her I would come visit 3 days after the baby was born.  I told her I was bringing Shorty, Little E, Doodle, and Paige was coming with her family as well.  

Won't that be fun?  ;)  Ha ha!  Can't wait to meet that little guy!  

A new order

Some people thrive on it.  It makes their day happen....encourages them along.....inspires creativity.  Well, not this person! 

Chaos.  Something I have never had much of in my life.  As you know, I am an only child....and was raised in a very quiet and orderly home.  Don't get me wrong...I have created quite a bit of drama for myself in the past...but, not chaos.  Everything happening at once.  I am just not used to it at all.

I like things quiet.  I like schedules.  I prefer order...loud homes, screaming people, stacks of papers, and just plain old craziness makes me nuts.

Some people love to live with it.  Sometimes...I wish I was that person.  Like yesterday.  

Having a 2 1/2 year old, a 33 year old husband, and a 11 month old puppy has pushed my life into the chaotic lane.  Well...chaotic for me.  It is still calm around here...unless it is when Doodle is needing a walk while the kid is in the tub, and the door bell is ringing....everything happening at once.

Things are a little different around here....but, it is fun.  Right?  It will be back to the same old quiet house in 6 months I bet.  Well...that is what all the "puppy experts" keep telling me.

Where is the leash??!  

awww....Sh*t!

Serious.  I feel like it is all I am thinking about all day long.  Who has done it...where is it, and I need to clean it up.

I know...I hear you.  "Puppies poop, I told you so!"  I know they do...I am just feeling a little engrossed in it right now.

Very happy to report that "Doodle" the Poodle has an amazing sense of smell.  She can sniff out evil neighbors and wants to poop in their yards.  

Most of you ( 2 people) remember the horrid  man down the street who took our precious and vicious kittens to the pound.  Well, Doodle wants to poop in his yard so bad.  I of course won't let her....but she so wants to.

She pooped in the street right in front of his house. I hope he was watching out the window.  

See, I TOLD you she belongs in a puppy Mensa group.  

I kinda get it....i guess.....

Back in the days before I had a kid...I never understood what the fuss was about.  I mean, I knew I wanted a baby...but, I never got all googly over them. I would ooh and ahh at my friend's baby showers.....as I wondered what time the champagne punch would be served.

Well...then my life changed....I had Little E and then I KNEW what all the fuss was about.  Sharing stories about your kids...who's birth story was more traumatic, who was where on the growth charts, and the ever important milestone "races."  

People come up to you in the grocery store....talk to your children, gooh and gaah at them.  

Then, I got it.  But, I NEVER understood the thing about dogs.  I had dogs as a child...but I was never the "financial owner" of one.  If that makes sense....

Seems as if dogs have the same effect on some people as babies.  That one...I still don't get.

I am LOVING our new dog..."Doodle" and she is loving us.  But, I fail to understand how a 4 legged animal can make someone talk to you.  Someone who has only spoken 3 words to you in the past.  

Seems as if Doodle is our new social barrier breaker in the neighborhood.  People who have hardly acknowledged our existence now think we are best friends.  All because of a dog.  

I am sure the longer we have Doodle...the more I will understand.  Some people just need a "common ground" to find conversation in.  Seems as if dogs and babies fit that mold.

Have I ever told you how big Little E was when she was born?  Did I tell you about how well my dog sleeps?  Did you know that Little E is in the 12th% for her weight and 95th% for her height?  Did you know that Doodle weighs 12.1 pounds?  Did I tell you about her trip to the vet yesterday?  Did you know that my rugrat can say the entire alphabet without missing a beat?  Did you know my 10 week old dog is a member of puppy Mensa?

I think you get my point.  ;)  I love babies....and dogs.

 

ABC's & 123's

Today was the day!  Little E's first day of "school."  She was so excited in this picture...helped me decorate her lunch bag...loves her new shoes and socks...and was filled with anticipation about what color the play dough would be today.

I decided to send her to a little church day school 2 days a week for 3 hours at a time.  She is leaning towards being a little clingy...and I think this is best for her.  Was worried that she was too young....but, she isn't.  She is one of the only kids I know who hasn't been to some sort of organized educational setting without Mom.  So, I signed her up.

It is a great little school...with a curriculum, wonderful teachers, a fun playground...and so many more cool things for kids.

As we drove there...she was 100% excited.  As we approached the school...her tone changed....quick!

She grabbed onto my leg...held tight and was crying pretty hard.  I just gave her a kiss...said I would be back to get her and left it at that.  

I was waiting for the "Mom of the Year" nomination committee to take my entry form and remove me from the running when I walked out of the class room.  I didn't cry...I wasn't sad....but, I did want her to stop crying.  And, she did.  

My 3 hours of  "freedom" were filled with walking a 10 week old puppy 3 times, picking up dog poop, a load of laundry, playing with the dog, and before I knew it...it was time to go and pick her up.

She loved it...cried a little during the day....but, all in all...she did way better than expected.

Happy first day of "school"  :)

THAT person?!?

Oh no.  I was that person today.  You know...the one who holds their dog in the car so they can see out the window.  Couldn't believe it was me....that person.

So we went to pick up the pooch this afternoon.  We get there with the biggest carrier we had.  Thought we were right on track.  Well, the dog wasn't going to fit in the box....no how no way.  

She doubled in size from the last time we saw her 2 weeks ago.  So, I had no choice but to cart her on my lap.  I pretended like I didn't care....but, if the puppy was going to pee on me....I was NOT going to be a happy person.  

As we were leaving the breeders house, she mentioned that they can get car sick.  GREAT.  I get car sick too...now we have two weenie car riders in our house.

Sure enough.  7 minutes from our house....she started those horrible noises..you know....the ones dogs make right before they toss their cookies.  For whatever reason, Shorty had a plastic bag in his hand....I held it over her face and she barfed in the bag.  Awesome.

As I was wiping her face off....I looked over my shoulder at the car sitting next to us.  Guess they saw the whole thing transpire while we were at the stop light.  

Here I am with this Poodle in my lap wiping its face with a baby wipe.  Excuse me...but, could the real Mrs. Short please raise her hand?  I had to laugh at myself....even thinking like that.

Amazing how you can find yourself doing something you never thought you would.    I really do like the dog....she has been as good as you could ask for.  Well...at least for now. ;)  

Reminds me to never say never.  Cause it will always come back and haunt you.

Off to paint my sweet Poodle's toenails a nice shade of fuchsia.  :)

Marketing brilliance!

Pure marketing genius!  That is exactly what this picture represents to me.  Yes, I am joking.

For whatever reason...this just screamed for me to take a picture.  

I took this picture with my cell phone in a little restaurant down on the west end of Galveston Island.  

In just a few days...it will be the 1 year mark since Hurricane Ike ravaged the Texas coastline. 

As most of you know...Galveston took a huge hit...but....one year later...it is amazing to see the recovery efforts...people love Galveston.

We have a tiny little beach house just west of Jamaica Beach.  We suffered some damage...but, nothing in comparison to what many folks experienced.

Needless to say, the real estate market in Galveston took a HUGE hit.  The "housing crisis" a recession and Hurricane Ike all balled into one make for a skeleton real estate market.

We put our little place on the market...just seeing what would happen.  If it sells...it sells...if it doesn't...oh well.  We love the place...but, it is kind of hard to get down there and....most of the time it is rented...and it makes planning trips a little difficult.

So, this picture just got me.  Maybe you don't see how goofy it is....but I just found it simple marketing genius.  

We were sitting at dinner in one of the only places to eat on the west end of the island.  The prime place to advertise....and this is that they do?!

All the residents, workers, Realtors, visitors, patrons, want to see Galveston Island returned to it's original splendor "pre Ike" and to revisit the booming real estate market.

Clearly...this mechanism to market property is not the way to go.  What an eye catching plastic bin, love the mail box letters, and the  t shirt on the outside is the crowning touch.  

If you were down in Galveston...thinking about owning a beach front property...wouldn't this grab your attention?  Something everyone wants to be a part of!  Right?  

Pure genius!  

Hello, my name is.....

 

Hello, my name is Mrs. Short....and I am a germaphobe.  There....I said it.  And, I love this cartoon.....

We all have our "issues" with certain things right?  Some people like to count their steps,  check locks, obsess over food, drink too much whiskey, or whatever their fault may be.

Not saying that my "germaphobe" tendency is my only fault...cause it isn't....just one of many.

I am not a complete weirdo....nothing like Howie Mandel or anything....just am weird about certain things with germs.

My kid spent some time in her new "classroom" setting today.  She will be attending a church day school for 2 days a week 3 hours at a time.

My germaphobeness came out in full force today.  I am sure it will ease...but, it made me laugh at myself.  Well....kinda. 

Little E was playing with a fellow rug rat...and he coughed.  Just a normal cough...but, I immediately wanted to grab her and put her in the shower.  I looked around the room at all the wonderful toys and imagination stations...and all I could think about was how many germs were floating around on the toys.

Terrible isn't it?

So, of course I had her wash her hands when we were leaving...and a wet wipe in the car.  I will admit that I even changed her clothes before I put her down for her nap.  But, that is something I would do for myself.  So, that is why I do it for her.  I wouldn't want to lay down in my bed in my street clothes...but again, I am a weirdo....I heard you.

So, I will be giving my child a flu shot this year.  I am a 100% supporter of all things immunizations.  They are made, developed, manufactured, invented, and created to help us fight disease and death.  NOT to simply fill the pockets of evil doctors and pharmaceutical companies like some conspiracy theorists would like you to believe.

Wow....think I got off subject there.  It is a hot topic...and when my life is really boring...I may fall back to the hot button issue to take up a day's post.

On another note...I don't use Purell.  Only because you really aren't supposed to.  Only in a situation when you have no other choice...it kills the good germs too and can create a "superbug" and that would REALLY freak this neurotic Mom out.

So there.  I admitted another weird thing about myself.   

Are you a germaphobe?

Fine arts major

Think I immersed my kid into the wonderful world of art and dance today.    This morning was ballet class....we changed clothes and went to "Waterway Wednesdays."  Our community association puts it all together...happens once a month...costs 7 bucks...they bring everything...and the creativity doors open wide.

The little ballerina did great at her weekly dance lesson...they are moving on to actual ballet moves and poses.  I just call them twirls and "hands over head" because I have no clue what they are doing....but, that is ok too!  ;)

Our "art outing" in the park was fun.  Very busy...but worth it.  Little E made her own poster board finger paint masterpiece, a sock "bug" with custom paint, and her own ceramic hand painted tile with her name on it...a stand too!  

She LOVES this bug she made....it is a sock stuffed with dry rice, rubber bands to make the body segments, pipe cleaners for legs and antennas....followed up with googly eyes and some finger paint.  What is not to love?

She looked like a 100% ragamuffin when she was finished.  Disheveled ballet ponytail...and a dress covered in paint.  Good thing it is washable.....

Spray n wash....here I come.

I'm Sad....

My cousin and her family are moving.  Moving far far away.  They are moving to NJ while her husband gets his PhD from Princeton.  No, I did not help him with his application.....  

Moving is exciting, sad, nerve wrecking, promising, and full of new beginnings.  Just sad they are leaving us here.  

Thankful they weren't moving 60 years ago...no email...webcam...commercial airplanes...

They will be back for our crazy Christmas Eve festivities...and....we plan to visit.

Just a little melancholy....

We had a little "going away lunch" for my cousin and her sweet baby girl.  I managed not to cry...but felt a little teary as she left.

But, it is for the best....an advancement....more education....different way of life....new experiences...and lots of airplane trips for them and their families.

Sniff sniff......