Come on 2010!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Wishing that 2010 is better than 2009! As Shorty says...

"It can't get much worse."

Economics....I enjoyed the class in college. What bits and pieces I understood. Pretty sure this graph is simple enough to paint the picture of a recession.

They say we are out of it...and should see a slow recovery.

So...here is to 2010! Bring it on!

Happy New Year everyone!

"Morgan Stanley: economic growth =2.8% in 2010 and 2011; core inflation = 1.4% in 2010 and 1.9% in 2011; Fed increases interest rate in third quarter 2010, reaching 1.5% by end of 2010 and 2% by end of 2011

Wells Fargo Securities Economic Forecast (annual economic outlook - Dec 2009): economic growth 2.6% in fourth quarter of 2009, 2.2% in 2010 and 2.3% in 2011; core PCE inflation = 1.5% in 2009, 1.3% in 2010 and 1.6% in 2011 (note: CPI inflation = -0.4% in 2009); unemployment rate rising to 10.6% in the third quarter of 2010 and remaining there until first quarter of 2011 declining to 9.9% in the fourth quarter of 2011 (slow job creation beginning Spring 2010)"

Princess wonderland

Ahh....nothing like a crunchy polyester dress on a 2 year old.

Our child is obsessed with all things Disney princess. She has the jewels, crowns, shoes, dresses, and a total of 6 costumes. This picture is of the little princess opening her gifts from Minnie and Jelly. (My parents....yes, I know our family has odd names.) ;)

Good thing I don't have to buy a Halloween costume in 2010.

I do however draw the line at princess clothes for outside of the home. Not that there is anything wrong with them....but, if a certain 2 year old had her way....everything she touched would be Cinderella.

A girly girl. That is one thing for sure.

My house is covered in glitter. It is everywhere.

Better go lint roller the couch...Shorty is not fond of glitter on his golf shirts. Just not quite manly enough.

Bippity Boppity Boo!

Do I really have to make one?

Here it comes....time to make those empty promises to yourself for your New Year's resolution!

Remember reading somewhere about how gym memberships take a total nose dive in late February or March.

The plan for me...is to make reasonable resolutions for myself.

Like for example...

In 2010 I will

1. Try really hard to close cabinets and drawers when I am finished with them. (Shorty hates that I leave things open)

2. Try extra special hard not to use phrases like "Come on people" while driving. My 2 year old is a parrot.

3. Try really really hard to not eat a whole box of crackers in 30 minutes.

4. Hope to break my addiction to black turtlenecks somewhere in the near future. *this is when I begin to realize I am becoming unrealistic. So, I should stop there.

What are your promises to yourself in 2010? I hope my lofty expectations of myself bring you much needed inspiration to do something above and beyond.

Way to go! ;)

I got skipped....

If you read my inspiring status updates and look at my fabulous photos on Facebook.... ;)

Then, you may remember this bottle of wine. It is called "Ali."

I found it on a trip to the wine store and I couldn't pass it up. If it had been called "Assy" I would have bought a case. (For those of you that don't know....Mrs. Short is also AKA...Assy to many people. Lovely name.... ;)

Back on track...so, my aunt is a talented lady. I was showing it off on Thanksgiving Day and she said "want me to take it home and put a cross on it?"

Well hello?! What do YOU think?

So she took it. I didn't expect to see it again at Christmas...especially with a cross on it!

These cross bottles are amazing. She normally puts them on smaller bottles....they are simply beautiful. She sells them in North Texas and a few other spots. Total unique treasures....
I know the picture is blurry....but, it was the best I could do. The pictures don't really do it justice.

Looking for just the right place....a perfect home for it in the Shorty home. I am sure it will make a few stops before finding it's final resting place.

My title "I got skipped" is referring to the talent gene. My family has a silversmith, people that sew, those who can paint, a professional guitar player, a doctor, master gardeners, a computer whiz....I could go on.

The talent gene skipped me. But hey...that is OK. I can clean a toilet like no one else on the planet. And I can fold a perfect bath towel. ;)

Thanks again Tammy....I LOVE my bottle.

A new view

Some people hate cats. Some people treat them better than they treat humans.

This is Lucky. One of the kitties that was relocated to my kind parents home when my evil neighbor took them to the pound before notifying me of their annoying nature.

This is an upside down shot of Cabby. He does not have a tail. Looks like a cross between a cat and a rabbit...Cabbit = Cabby. He is also one of the victims of cat kidnapping. He is resting very comfortably in cat haven.

This is a picture of the only living thing in my parent's yard. Well, the only blooming thing that is. A hard freeze turned a gardener's paradise into a wilted land of rubber leaves and flowers. Don't you love winter?

This lucky and dorky blogger got a new flash and a new portrait lens for Christmas. Here I sit with a camera and 4 lenses. Today I am happy to say I learned how to change the aperture and f stop on my camera. Whatever that means.....not that I know what numbers they should be....but I at least learned what buttons and wheels to turn.

Pretty impressive since I have only owned the camera for exactly 1 year. What a overachiever I am!

So these were the first pictures I got with my new lens. Not good...but it is kinda making sense a little more to this incredibly un-technological 30 something.

Maybe one day...I will get it.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Always enjoy visiting or cats at my parent's home. They are so happy there. And, must think the evil neighbor did it for a reason. If he wouldn't have been so hateful and mean, Cabby and Lucky wouldn't have such a wonderful home and the Shorty family wouldn't have Doodle the Poodle.

So, there IS a reason for mean people in this world! ;)

Mistaken identity

On the last day of "school" my little one was weighed down with arts and crafts. Homemade wreaths, stockings, ornaments, glitter art. You name it.

Every day I rummage through her back pack looking for notes from the teacher, extra homemade prizes and I have to make sure we have her lovey...aka "bata"

I came across this piece of fabric about 4 inches square and it was decorated in marker...inside it was a rice filled sock with a neck segment made from a pipe cleaner. The figure had eyes and a mouth.

"Oh my! Look how cute this is! Is this a snowman?" I asked her before we drove off.

"No Mommy! It's Baby Jesus!"

I laughed until my stomach hurt.

Those words coming out of a 2 year old's mouth.....just makes you laugh.

Glad to hear they were talking about Baby Jesus at school....it is easy to forget the "reason for the season" with all the hustle and bustle we create for ourselves.

So, on this Christmas....cherish the time with your family and remember WHY we celebrate.

"No Mommy! It's Baby Jesus!"

Merry Christmas everyone!

Music to my ears

Music...it rocks. But, to me...only certain kind of music rocks. Some people like it all...some people only like the whine of a steal guitar, and others only like hip hop.

I love Elvis, The Beatles, Pearl Jam, U2, Coldplay, The Cure...I could list 100 more.

One thing I have never done is play kid music in my car. Ever since E was born....we have listened to the "normal" radio.

Pretty sure I listened to Eddie Vedder pretty loud when I had the bun in the oven.....

One kind of music I do not enjoy is "teenager pop."

Didn't even like it when I was a teenager. In my teen years....it was the New Kids on the Block.

Truthfully...I can think of nothing worse. Oh, maybe Hootie and the Blowfish....that being the band that if it comes on....A. Leave the room or B. Change the station.

When I was a kid, I listened to the music my parents liked. Pretty sure that is why I like Elvis and The Beatles.

We were in the car today....and an Elvis Christmas carol came on. My kid started dancing....and singing....she said "I really like him!" That made me smile....

We have had that same experience with Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, U2, and a few others.

So, I will continue to keep my fingers crossed that my daughter will follow in my footsteps.

Because I am pretty sure I couldn't handle listening to Miley Cyrus in the car.....or anywhere for that matter.

Needless to say....when my kid perks up to classics, and to songs that ARE really good....it makes me think the odds may be in my favor.

Think my Mom of the Year award is in the mail? Voted best Mom for letting her 2 year old listen to Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam?

Hey....it could be worse....like Miley Cyrus worse. ;)

For those who adore her....sorry....different strokes....right?

Where did it go?

Where has the time gone? It is December 21st? WHAT?

As the old saying goes "running around like a chicken with it's head cut off"

That is what it seems like everyone is doing. Running....getting that last gift....that last bag of candy, that last roll of tape, that last gift bag.

Everything always gets done....always....just seems like every year...at the end...the last week.....I am running.

I don't like to run.

But, I have to.

Merry Christmas....right? ;)

Another 40 year old...

ANOTHER one of my friends just celebrated her 40th birthday. Seems like everyone I know has had a milestone birthday this year....feels like every time I turn around we are having to get a sitter to go to a 40th or a 3oth birthday!

Happy 40th to Mona! She had a fun and fancy party on Friday night....Shorty and I had a great time....so many people we hadn't seen in a while.

Mona looked great on her birthday....hard to believe she is 40. She was 26 when I met her...

Kinda bothering me how fast life goes by....

Ho Hum.... :)

Especially boring is the description for today.

And, I like it.

Seems as if the last 2 weeks have been on full throttle, pedal to the medal, and I could keep going, but cuss words might get involved.....and we all know I would never say a cuss word....

So, I will continue to sit here like a bump on a log. Yes, I have plenty of things to do...but, you know what? Don't wanna do them. So there.

I will be getting ready for an adult birthday party in a few hours. And by adult, I mean a 40 year old birthday party. 3 of my friends have all turned 40 in a 2 month span...as well as a handful of 30 year old parties.

When did my friends get so old? And so young?

Happy Birthday!

Serious yumness.....

Shorty can make some mean BBQ.

He whipped up this brisket earlier in the week...and my tight pants are proof of how good it was.

Shorty will not eat leftovers.....of any kind. So, WHEN I cook...I have to make meals for "right here right now" because it will just get thrown away.

However...I have come to find out Shorty WILL eat leftover BBQ....only if he made it.

We had serious yumness sandwiches the next night.

In Shorty's dreams....he will have a BBQ stand. One of those junky ones....on the side of the road....the ones with the best iced tea and brisket.

Man, now I am hungry.

I love BBQ and I love Shorty.

SHE DID IT!

Our kid did it!

She overcame her fear and danced her little heart out in front of an audience.....it was the cutest thing on the planet. Well, my planet anyway....

My day has been made. Maybe even my week! Not much to make me happy....

I love Rudolph!

he did WHAT?!

I am not a sports fan. I do not follow football....of any sort. I could care less about baseball...and basketball....whatever.

The only team I know anything remotely about is the Dallas Cowboys...simply because Shorty likes ( I mean loves) them. And their performance dictates his frame of mind on certain Sundays and Mondays.

I will watch a golf tournament every now and then...I can knock a ball around...enough to keep up with Shorty....and I used to like Tiger.

No matter what your opinion is...leave him alone, it's his business, he deserves privacy, he is a dirt bag, he should be stoned.....my opinion is no longer favorable.

And, it will remain that way. Pretty sure I will not be able to look at that perfect gleaming white smile the same way ever again. No matter how perfectly he swings a club.

Humans mess up. They cheat and they can be forgiven.....I know. I could forgive for 1 person....1 woman....but not 12. Not hookers.

As I was sitting in line waiting for an iced tea today...I came across a story about Tiger being possibly suspected of taking HGH. (Human Growth Hormones)

I remember when the whole baseball shakedown happened...and I could have cared less. Like I said earlier...I don't follow baseball...I am not a fan....so, I didn't care.

Now, I understand why people were so up in arms about it.

IF Tiger did take them...even once....his whole deal is fake.

Just makes me mad...because I liked Tiger. My kid liked Tiger, my husband....he loved him.

You just never know what goes on behind closed doors....but, he shouldn't have been doing those sorts of things BEHIND the doors....obviously he never thought they would open....

What a let down.

Food

Being the weirdo planner that I am...I made a "Christmas Morning Frittata" yesterday....on Dec. 12th, not Dec.25th.

And clearly...I have no idea how to take pictures of food...so, let the recipe do the talking...not the picture. It looks like a mustard pie.

This recipe sounded good...it had good reviews....but, I couldn't just trust a bunch of strangers with my food on Christmas. So, I made it ahead of time to make sure it was worth making on the 25th.

It was super yum!

Shorty put it in corn tortillas and added a few jalapenos.

So, if you are looking for something yummy and easy to feed your family on Christmas morning...try this. I will chop everything the day before...just to save time.

Here is the recipe. I followed everything to the tee....but, I skipped on the Worcestershire sauce. Just didn't sound good....and I didn't have it in my pantry.

Canadian bacon, sausage, or any other artery clogging meat would make it yum too.

Enjoy!

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 5 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a skillet, saute the onion, green pepper and garlic in butter for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in tomatoes and parsley; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in reserved vegetables.
2. Pour into an ungreased 9-in. pie plate. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Fifi? Is that you?

Look at my dog. Does she look happy? Aside from her Batman feet, do you think she likes that wreath around her neck?

Doodle the Poodle tried out a new groomer. They did a wonderful job...aside from cutting her feet a little short...they even decorated her with a Christmas wreath.

Wait a minute, I own a dog that wears holiday decor? Will the real Mrs. Short please stand up?

Shorty picked her up from the groomer.....I was out cleaning the driveway when he came piling down the street.

Picture a man, driving an SUV, with a baseball hat on backwards, listening to sports radio, with a huge Poodle in the front seat...sitting tall and proud....with a Christmas wreath on.

It would have been perfect if Shorty would have had antlers on his truck...

My plan is to clip her myself next time. So, at least I have a good baseline to follow.

Merry Christmas from Doodle the Poodle.

It WORKS!

This image usually means "this does not work."

In my past...I have been known to be lured by infomercials and heal scrubbers destined to make my feet look like they were 14 again.

In my very early 20's, I had my gallbladder removed. I was on the couch for weeks.

So, what do you do when you are stuck on the couch? You watch tv.

There was this commercial for a cleaning product. Promising to make your tile and shower shine like it was just installed by a builder.

So, I ordered it. I have said before...I like to clean things....and I had to have it.

No, it did not work. Not one bit.

I was at my home away from home the other day....wondering the isles while my kid was learning to sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at day school....and I passed the "as seen on tv" isle at Target.

A Twin Draft Guard...promising to insulate doors and windows...

We have an issue with the old back door...tried to repair it to no avail.

So, I thought...$9.99....if it is junk...I will just return it.

IT WORKS! It is a miracle! No more cold air and bugs coming into the house.

So, if you have an ill fitting door/door jam....buy this! It really does work!

*note...I am not being paid to type this. I know the volume of readers that I have will significantly affect the Twin Draft Guards sales...so I had to disclose that for legal reasons.

The first day

Holy moly....

95 pound German Shepard....with a prong collar....sniffing my 5 month old 30 pound Poodle....kinda makes you nervous.

His name is Oscar. He is enrolled in the puppy Mensa classes as well. I have never seen a German Shepard that big. Ever.

The class is a hit.

Remember your first day of school? Meeting the teacher? Combing your hair just right? Meeting your new class mates?

Well...times that by 2. You are there...and your dog too.

Everyone was looking around the room...sizing each other up....thinking "my dog is better than yours, mine is the worst, oh I can't believe they let their dog act like that."

We all went around the room introducing ourselves...and introducing our dogs.

Funny and nice people.

The first couple and dog pairing is a couple in their early 30's with a miniature Schnauzer. They do not have children...and this dog is their child. The husband and wife bicker over how to train the dog, and each time the dog messes up...the husband tries to correct it. Then the wife picks it up...and hugs it claiming it to be just a puppy. She is in love with this dog...and to top it off...the dog's name is Emma June.

Another couple is in their late 60's. They have a 5 month old German Shepard named Holly.

Holly was calm the entire class...seems to only listen to the wife. The couple lives out in the county and have 6 other Shepards and a Husky. Shorty and I have come to the conclusion they probably have more money than they know what do do with.

The third couple...well, their situation is out of control. They have 2 6 month old Lab puppies....brothers. When they introduced themselves and the dogs....the dog trainer said "Oh, a trainer's worst nightmare." Meaning...sibling puppies. They yelped the entire hour and 15 minutes during the class. They could hardly be controlled. I can not imagine...not for one minute.

There is a single lady in the class...I didn't get her name or the dog's name. The dog looks like a Dingo.....some kind of wild dog. It just sat there....she had it in class to for socialization. I have already planned to ask her what kind of pooch it is. The dog is a fan of Baylor...since it had on a Baylor collar and matching leash. Wonder what the dog thought of football season this year.

And last but not least, Oscar. The 95 pound Shepard. And to think this dog is not finished growing. His owner was in the class with her Dad. He was there for support. I am pretty sure Oscar weighs more than she does. For real people. He is HUGE. But, I wasn't scared of him. Good thing since bees and dogs smell fear.

The trainer...she is great. She puts up with zero bull....and corrected us every time she made a mistake. Wish she would follow me around all day.

Of course Doodle the Poodle was on her best behavior...we are working on hand signals and "look at me" this week.

Wonder if this stuff works on 2 year olds?

Head of the Class

Today is the day.

Today is the day we take Doodle the Poodle to begin her puppy Mensa classes.

She is signed up for an 8 week group lesson session.

I am not the dog whisperer...think I have mentioned that before. I have taught her to sit, shake, she is pretty much house broken, and I have taught her to walk fairly well on a leash.

With the exception of walking next to storm drains....she is petrified. Who knows...

I am hoping that Doodle will be playing chess soon. I love a good game of chess.

Wonder how many treats that will take.

She really is a good pooch....I just need some direction. So, guess you could say the classes are more for her masters....

I will share Doodle the Poodle's progress over the coming 2 months. I am sure you are on pins and needles to hear all about it!

Now, Sit!

Smarter than you think

We all are guilty.

We all under mind the intelligence of little ones.

I do it, you do it....we all do it.

Hard to remember that babies and children actually understand more than we could ever imagine. Our tone of voice, the look in your eye, what you say.

My 2 1/2 year old has recently started talking about monsters. Several times a day. Who knows where she picked this up...she is too young to be "afraid" of monsters.

We love the Cookie Monster...but she isn't talking about him.

She says he comes in the house, eats her food, and then goes back to his monster house...after she tells him to leave. It is bizarre.

She picked it up from another kid...off tv...or whatever.

I have to constantly remind myself what little sponges they are.

If you say "he is being so bad, he drives me crazy." Don't think they don't understand you.

"He does not like that...he won't eat it." Then, he won't eat it.

"My kid is such a brat" Then....they will be a brat.

What they watch on TV....who they are around....etc....they understand so much.

Just been on my mind lately with the whole monster talk.

So, watch what you say...when you are around little people....of all ages.

I bite my tongue and slip up daily.

Country girls can survive

The words of Hank Williams Jr....just switched boys to girls.

Yes, the picture is fuzzy....I did it that way on purpose....in the interest of my Rocky Mountain jeans.

That was my horse....Pocos Holly Doc. (I was a young teen at the time...so her name spelling may be off)

I was in love with that horse...

My Mom found this picture...showed it to my kid...and she said that the girl in the picture was "a little girl named Mommy."

I really wasn't a country girl...I just love horses...my love of cowboy hats and belt buckles was short lived. I am from Conroe, Texas....and in some parts of that town...those go hand in hand...but, not all parts.

There are days when I imagine living in the hill country...on property...with horses, dogs, and chickens....then I kick myself in the booty and remember why I love my house in the burbs.

Ride em' cowgirl!

Global Warming

2 years in a row...it has snowed in Southeast Houston.

Blame global warming.

During the blizzard, we made cookies. Gingerbread ones....

E placed the redhots.....and wanted to take a bite off each leg....of every cookie.

She was interested....for a bit....then wanted to go inside.

Seems as if she has taken after her father in his dislike for cold weather.

BRRRRRRRR!

now THIS is fun.

"You want a piece of candy? Say pickle! Smile for Elmo! Do you love Wonder Pets? Smile for Santa! If you smile, you can pick out candy at the store! Put your head down, look this way, don't do that with your arm, pull your dress down, sit up straight! Touch the tree! No, not like that! Show me your teeth! Say, I love Christmas!"

This is what I said all afternoon. All while toting my giant camera, camera bag, and keeping my hand over my back so my underwear did not peek over my jeans.

My shirt was too short today....not an appropriate shirt choice to make for bending over taking my kid's picture....but, it was kind of a last minute decision...and I just have so much extra time to spend thinking about what shirt won't show my under roos.

This picture is just an example. 99.9% of my pictures turned out like this. I was sweating when I was done.

Our photographer and I just couldn't get together this year. Fevers, broken cameras, yucky weather, 4 children in the mix, and a 50 mile distance made it kinda hard this year.

So, if you get a Christmas card from us. Keep that in mind. The 100% camera illiterate Mom snapped the pics.

At least my subject is cute.

Do YOU want some candy? I do!

Marlboro Santa

These are the kind of smiles I get now. Head cocked, fake, huge, funny, overly sweet smiles. It is this or a similar smile....with her fists next to her cheeks.

Almost reminiscent of some friends of mine and their party pics from sorority parties. Not being ugly about sororities people....but, you do know the head tilt / smile combo I am talking about.

This was on our way to see Santa.
This is our picture of E with Marlboro Santa.

As we were waiting in line for him to come from his "feeding the reindeer" break....Santa entered the South end of the mall....right by Forever 21....and our child yells out "Santa has a ponytail!"

Sure enough....he did. Just stood there picturing Santa out on a smoke break. Not accusing Santa of any bad habits....just the first thought that came to mind.

So, as we waited in line to see him....Shorty commented on how fast they get the kids in and out.

As I placed my kid on his lap....I soon learned why.

I had to say "Tell Santa what you want for Christmas!" So she followed my instructions and softly told him "A jewelry box, jewelry, candy, and presents"

He gave her a book and off she went.

Good thing I reminded her!

Almost reminded me of "A Christmas Story" kinda....well, not really....but, maybe....

Oh well...you get my point.

Ho ho ho....

Rule breaker

We are rule breakers. We disrupt the ecosystem...

Notice the piece of 2 day old bread in my kids hand....then read the sign behind her.

"Please do not feed the ducks"

Seems as if these two ducks have been fed by humans for a LONG time....they come right up to you....these ducks have no fear.

Took this picture on an afternoon trip to our neighborhood pond....with the Shorty family and my cousin and his sweet baby girl.

After I went back and looked at the pictures....they are blurry. And I have no idea why.

My goal is to really learn my camera. I mean really learn it. Not just the on off button, auto, and how to turn off the flash.

So, in between dog walks, potty breaks, hot dog slicing, vacuuming, laundry sorting, toilet scrubbing, dinner cooking, and Christmas shopping, I plan to know my camera by the back of my hand.

Should take me a few years. I am such a techno genius and I read instructions really well too.

This should be fun!

Smile!