Empty crate

Today was the day. Today was the day we were supposed to bring home Gumbo.

But, there is an empty crate sitting in my office. No new dog smell for Doodle the Poodle to find...

We went to pick him up....the over worked people at the Poodle Rescue accidentally told us he was heart worm free.

But, when we went to pick him up, the vet tech came out from the back and started giving me instructions on the heart worm treatment.

My eyes filled with tears....not necessarily for me....but, for the dog and for my kid.

She has been talking about it for weeks. Planning, shopping, name choosing. And here I was with a brand new plaid collar with a name tag on it and I didn't have the "all healthy" dog I thought I was going to get.

He will be treated for heart worms....but our family can't provide the "quiet and calm" atmosphere he needs during his recovery. A 1 1/2 year old dog and a 3 1/2 year old kid leave no room for calm.

Standard Poodles are hard to find to adopt. I am confident he will find a wonderful home.

Still searching...and will just be patient for the right dog.

it's official

The name is official.

"Gumbo"

I will be the owner of not just one 50 pound Poodle tomorrow....but TWO.

Seems like just yesterday I traveled down the highway with a perfectly groomed champion blood line 12 week old Standard Poodle on my lap.

Tomorrow....I will be traveling down the highway with a scroungy, shaved, previously matted, sun bleached, Standard Poodle in the back of my station wagon and have no clue about his pedigree.

::Knock, Knock!:: Is Allison there? HELLO!? Has anyone seen Allison?

All kidding aside...all calling me crazy aside....all making fun of me aside....and all just calling me plain nuts.... ;)

We are looking forward to introducing Doodle the Poodle to Gumbo. I am sure the next month will be interesting.

Fingers crossed all the episodes of The Dog Whisperer that I have watched actually pay off. ;)

a new friend

Each day brings the Shorty family closer to being a little more crazy than we already are.

You see....we adopted a dog (pending a vet check, neuter job, and that the pup isn't playing host to any legless organisms.)

This scroungy looking dog is named Chopper. He is from Louisiana. He has not been given the best life....but seems to be the sweetest dog.

Adding a second dog to our family has been on our minds for 6 months I guess....and we finally decided to opt for a rescue dog instead of another puppy.

Standard Poodles seem to be the only canine that fits here....I like big dogs and Shorty is allergic to most all dogs aside from Poodles.

"Chopper" has his chopper surgery tomorrow....so I will know tomorrow if he is a go....

So, stay tuned for news....and....feel free to suggest names.

We are changing his name....Shorty had a dog named Chops that he called Chopper during his childhood...so that won't work.

A Cajun name is what we want....so...leave a comment with your suggestions!

This new dog looks scroungy yes....but, you can tell he is a pretty dog underneath all that lack of care.

Names please!

Christmas is....

Christmas is magical when you are 3 1/2.

Christmas is tiring when you are 33 1/2. But, still fun.

Christmas seems to always sneak up on me....every year. Never living up to the empty promises I make to myself every year about having all my shopping done and finished the first week in December. Typical style...I was finishing up on the 3rd week....

So back to normal....back to a schedule...and back to skipping toffee and haystacks for breakfast.

Happy New Year!

sick or something?

First time in three days these fingers have touched this keyboard...and first time I have sat up straight for longer than 5 minutes.

This lady was sick....

But, thankfully back to "normal" ;)

Here are 2 pictures from the Santa breakfast we went to last week. That was the day I came down with the funk.

This picture makes me smile....second visit with Santa this year....and the moment she sat on his lap she started posing for the picture. Guess she didn't want me to act like a fool and dance around like a loony farm resident. Kid is smart enough now to realize if she just smiles...it is over with faster. ;)
A friend of mine hosted the "Santa Breakfast" at her house. Serious fun.

Doughnuts, blueberry muffins, sausage balls, breakfast casserole, Chick fil a breakfast sandwiches, kolaches, cookies...and 956 other things to eat. All the ladies in the picture above and I went to school together. Known two of them since I was 4. So hard to believe I have known them for 20 years!!! ;)

Got to eat the delightful potluck buffet and visit and then Santa arrived. Each kid got to sit with him....share wishes....he passed out books...and had to hurry back to the North Pole!

There were several "older" kids there who were totally into the Santa experience...the younger ones...not so much.

Was fun....was a hit.

Now, time to get busy!!!

Santa rocks

Pictures of pictures don't turn out so well....

But, I'd say the kid likes Santa....a whole bunch....what do you think?

Merry Christmas Ya'll!

something new?

Had to share this old school Poodle picture I found online tonight.

Think I will clip Doodle the Poodle to look just like this.

The reason I was looking at pictures of Poodles on line is because I think I want another one.

Yep....I hear you....I am crazy.

Didn't say I was gonna get one....difference between want and get, right?

The Shorty house hold is a one kid family....and the kid keeps asking for a puppy.

As of right now I am 60% against....and 40% pro puppy.

Tomorrow it may be different.

Sing it Patsy!

"Crazy.............."

Twice in one day

So this new, organic, expensive, and trendy little market just opened right down the street from out house.

And, to top it off.....it has a little cafe with an organic, NOT expensive, and trendy little menu.

Salad bar, soup bar, free range chicken, Kobe beef, and fancy flat breads.

The market however specializes in things like $30.95 balsamic vinegar and $7.00 tiny Santas made from chocolate.

A fun place to browse around.

Shorty loves the place. Took my Mom there with the busy body 3 1/2 year old for her birthday lunch....and went again that night for a bite to eat after Christmas shopping for the said busy body.

I snapped a picture of my dinner.

Chicken and asparagus. That is it. Lean meat as big as your fist (yes this is a tad larger) and two veggies the size of your palm. How we should all eat, right?

Was really good....but was still hungry after this meal.

As they say "give your food time to digest, then you will be full." was true.....but was hungry again an hour later.

Dang healthy eating.....

mmmmmmmm.....wish I had a $7.00 chocolate Santa.....

Makes me want to cry

Giant piles of laundry....full washers....packed dryers....and folding laundry make me want to cry.

I know it is my job....yes, I am a housewife by choice and I signed up for folding socks while watching Dora the Explorer.

But, how on EARTH do 3 people make so much laundry?

My neurotic tendencies make me do laundry almost every day. I hate to have a full laundry basket, wet washcloths CAN NOT enter my piles, and gym clothes have to be washed that day.

Yes....I know....I need to make an appointment with a therapist.

So, little loads all combine in the dryer....and leaves me with one gargantuan stack to fold....and it takes forever.

Always remember my Mom being adamant that I NOT leave my clothes in the basket inside out.

Now, I know why.

Sorry Mom.

Gotta go. Laundry to fold.

Geezzzz.........

Love at first sight.

Boy oh boy! Another horse post! Aren't you excited?

At my lesson today....I got to ride a horse named Conrad. Just under 18 hands and flat out beautiful.

When my instructor pointed me in the direction of this lovely animal's stall....I fell in love when I opened his door!

Car lovers would dream to drive a Lamborghini or a Ferrari and a Porsche.....

This is the equivalent for a horse lover. Was an amazing ride....I was a tad more nervous that usual. Because of his size and the actually belongs to someone....

And being nervous around horses and bees isn't good.

The lesson was still so cool...he did everything I asked with no complaints....and was so fun to ride!

The horse isn't for sale....but would probably cost about what a brand spanking new BMW would sell for.

Crazy isn't it?

Too bad he can't come live with us. He would be so happy in our postage stamp back yard. ;)

Sorry it was another horse post....but, just couldn't help myself.

Conrad is on my mind. ;)

Blogging loser

So, I am officially a bad blogger. My 4 family members that read this must be so happy for my new post!

I have no new pictures.

This is a picture from last year....my movie actress dramatic daughter with her big smiles in front of the tree.

I would take some pictures of her in front of the tree this year....but, my back hurts from carrying the 9 ft fake tree out of the attic and assembling it all on my own while Shorty was at work.

Wanted to be nice and have the place all decorated when he got home....was 90% there when he arrived...and I think he was pleased he didn't have to help. ;) Do I win wife of the year?

Hope to have more pictures and captivating "Short Stories" up soon.

Gee whiz people....I've been busy. ;)

save your pennies and nickels

And the dollars will take care of themselves (Isn't that the old saying?)

SO, you can buy your kid (and wife) a horse some day. Are you reading this Shorty? ;)

Shorty and the little one came to watch me ride today. She has never seen me ride horses and I bet my husband has watched maybe 2 times.

Was fun to have an audience....think she liked watching me.

Every time I could sneak a peek at her, she was on Shorty's knee pretending to ride.

Think she was born with the horse gene....I gave it to her....cause Shorty isn't so fond. But, glad he came to watch....allergies and all.

Attitude...

"You better change your attitude..."

Something a teenager hears quite often....and something important to remember.

One of my dear friends has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Went to her house before 9 am this morning to take her to her doctors appointment and her 3+ hour weekly chemo session.

When I walked in her house this morning....all smiles. When we walked into the waiting room...all smiles. We sat in our chairs laughing about our goofy friends, celebrity gossip, and just had fun sitting together.

She went in her appointment alone and sent me a text message when she was settled into her chemo chair so I could go back and sit with her.

I walked in the room, she was sitting in a bleak, cold, and quiet room....but, there she was, all dressed up in her fancy jogging suit, sparkly flip flops, covered with a giant soft faux mink blanket with her US Weekly in hand with the biggest smile on her face. She was all ready to go.

When the nurse poked her in the chest to start her chemo....that was the only time I saw her frown.

Clearly she has her down moments....but I really look up to her for keeping such good spirits in the wake of not such good news.

Attitude is everything.

So, if yours is bad....change it.

Pray for my friend.

Thanks :)

Dorks are Us

Went to my first NFL game today. In a suite, with free food, drinks, ice cream, private bathroom, and waiters.

The Houston Texans cheerleaders even stopped by our suite to take pictures with the dorks who would participate. My friend Cristen (the other girl not in Texans gear) convinced me to take a picture and to be one of those dorks.

Was a fun day...even though we lost.

Funny how the men acted like 14 year old boys when those women came in the room. Even the older ones.

Amazing to see that some things never change. ;)

really worth it?

So, I decided to make Halloween cookies tonight. Friday nights are real exciting over here in the Shorty Household.

I spent a total of probably two hours and got 2 dozen cookies.

My kitchen is covered in royal icing, powdered sugar, paper towels, and dirty dishes. AND I have a full dishwasher to unload....just to fill up again with all the junk I used to make the cookies in the first place.
They are KINDA cute....aside from the fact the "pumpkin" cookies look like tomatoes.

They really are more orange in real life. No way was I doing faces on those darn pumpkins....so vines it was. And, they then turned into tomatokins.

Blurry picture...of a crazy messy kitchen.

Will you please come clean it for me?

Happy Halloween ya'll!

Happy Halloween Time!

I have zero new pictures to share.

Since Halloween is around the corner...found a picture of my little ladybug.

From back in the day when I was able to choose for her. This year, she is Ariel.

Was Cinderella and now it is Ariel. Gag me with a spoon. ;)

Trick or treating Sunday evening....Doodle the Poodle will also be dressed up, as Sebastian the Crab from The Little Mermaid.

Is that sick or what?

Maybe I need therapy since I agreed to all of this.

Cute pictures to come. Well....KINDA cute. ;)

Impossible? yep.

Taking pictures of seven 3 and 4 year olds is pretty tough. One smiles - six don't - six smile -

1 won't. Or make silly faces....

Almost everyone smiling here...and my kid sticks out her bottom lip. And one not looking at the camera
not paying attention
Two really good smilers and five not intersted
This is my favorite one....I love how a hand is on a shoulder....too funny.
Love all our friends from play group....they like each other so much.

And, last but not least, my favorite kid.

decor

I am not one for Halloween decorations. No, I am not anti - Halloween....but, just don't go all out with fake grave yard scenes with half dead skeletons crawling out of my weed infested flower beds.

And, for those of you who ARE into Halloween decor, thank you. At least I get to let my kid enjoy the scenery somewhere!

Our Halloween decor consists of a pumpkin on the front porch, a fake plug in jack - o - lantern on the desk in the kitchen, a pumpkin candle, and the cat votive holder.

I thought it was cute. So did my kid. So, we bought it yesterday....and I promptly put a fall scented candle in it....2 hours later, this is what happened.

WHY didn't I realize this would happen? And, WHY did someone MAKE a candle holder with holes in the bottom? No, you can't put a votive in its own holder....too small.

So, my black Halloween kitty barfed pumpkin flavored candle wax all over my kitchen sink.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

temptation....

It was just too much....too much temptation for a 3 1/2 year old.

We promised the kid we would buy her a fish.

So, tonight...we took her to Petsmart and let her select the fish she wanted. She had already named him Dopey before we even owned him.

Brought the fish home, prepared the bowl, washed the multicolored rocks and pink princess castle for the fish (yes, gag me...I know)

We decided to keep the fish in her adjoining bathroom.

She had asked to keep it in the dining room several times...but, pink resin plastic castles in clear bowls don't exactly go with my decor.

So she went with the idea to keep it in the bathroom.

She is an easy child...goes right to sleep...no arguments....never gets out of bed....no whining....

But, tonight was different.

We kept hearing her messing in her room....went in once and found her stirring the fish bowl with her hair clip and had given him enough food for 3 days.

So we cleaned her up....and said that you can't mess with Dopey...only look.

45 minutes later, I hear marble like objects dropping at the foot of her bedroom door...I open the door and she had piled up a hand full of the "decorative" rocks we had purchased for the bottom of Dopey's bowl.

She had changed clothes, several times, and had been "playing" with her fish all evening....while we thought she was asleep.

So, needless to say, Dopey has to find a new home. And, he may loose the castle and resin sea turtle if he is going to live on my antique hutch.

Yep, I am mean...but, I DID buy her a fish.

I haven't laughed that hard in a while....poor kid thought she was in trouble. ;)

Poor Dopey.

finally...she gets it!

On our driveway....kinda downhill.....but, she gets it! Finally learned how to pedal.

Some of her "athleticism" skills seem to be coming from my gene pool. Just takes her a little longer....and is very cautious.....

And, that is AOK!

Ride on!

you probably don't care....

But I had to share pictures of the massive horse I rode today. His name is Cadbury....a Cleveland Bay that is 18.1 hands tall. Basically means that from the ground to wear his neck meets his back he is a little over 6 ft tall.

Look extra special dorky in this picture. Like my helmet? Wish you had one just like it....my head is massive enough as it is. ;)
After the lesson. Think he liked me....we are friends now.

When I picked his hooves up to clean them before we rode....they were the size of small dinner plates. Really.
And...about to put him back in the pasture so he could eat the rest of the afternoon away. Man, that sounds FUN!

Till we meet again Cadbury.....

My first time....

HIKING! My first time to go HIKING people. ;)

So on our trip to the desert mountain west....we went hiking.

And, for those of you who know Shorty and I very well....you can go ahead and stop laughing.

Our trip up north was for business AND pleasure. Who doesn't find gasping for air at above 8,000 feet above sea level fun? Come on....

When Shorty and I called this resort town our home....we only participated in "outdoor activities" aside from golf, like 3 times. Not so good.

So, we had our first time on our trip...and we have been married for 8 years. Think it took long enough? ;)

I wore my running shoes, a tshirt, and some roomy shorts. Shorty had a backpack, some bottled water and a map.

As we were about to embark on the trail....a lady came down....with ski poles...to aid her in her hiking journey. A huge backpack filled with who knows what...and attached to it was a canary yellow plastic whistle. Then, a loud radio message came from her shorts...then I noticed the two way radios.

What? Why on Earth do they need all this? Then, I got nervous.

But, I kept on....following Shorty up the steep hill....to climb to God knows where.

The trees got thicker...and thicker...and the air got thinner....each time a chipmunk ran in front of me...I lost 3 years of my life....I panicked every time.

Moose....huge moose live in those mountains....I kept telling myself this. That one would come out of no where and trample me. I got tears in my eyes...not cause I was crying....just kind of scared.

I have a tendency to over react sometimes when I am in unfamiliar territory. ;)

So, I looked up to my left....and saw a few 14 million dollar homes WAY up on the mountain...so, it calmed me down....then, we saw people...and that calmed me down again.

Then, I was able to take some really beautiful pictures with Shorty's cell phone.

I will post more tomorrow.

Hope you enjoyed hearing about my first time.

traveling nerds

Do we look like nerds or what?

Pretty sure I would win any contest for "WORST skier EVER"

This was one of the few times we skied when we lived above 7,000 ft.

I am too chicken and not coordinated enough. I crashed into a ravine....safe to say I won't ever ski again.

We are headed back to the place we lived for a year of our lives.

Have already planned where we are eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day that we are there.

My pants have gotten tighter just thinking about it.

party people

She put that hat on unassisted. Sat down, put the hat on...adjusted her bow and waited to eat her ice cream.

Two parties in one day. Back to back in the same place.

She had a blast.....

This picture shows something she inherited from me.

A massive forehead.

What a fun day.....

Filthy

That is what my upstairs was like. Filthy.

We have a room above our garage....the bird room....the guy room....turned into.....no one wants to clean room.

Now that the birds have moved out...I feel like I have 500+ square feet added to my life.

So, I cleaned....and cleaned....and scrubbed. And it was gross.

Birds are dirty. Dusty....and dirty.

While my bouncing off the walls active child painted 904 pictures, I cleaned.

No more bird dust....clean windows....and sunflower seedless carpet.

I do miss them...but, I love the clean room.

Treated for bugs, accidentally inhaled a little of it...and coughed my lungs out....but, I am ok.

Thanks for your concern.

Maybe it will be my place to watch chick flicks.....

Or, maybe not.

;)

Farewell friends...

Feathered friends that is.

Today was the day....the day we sent our parrots to live in bird paradise.

Loro & Verde
Loro even gave me birthday gifts. What bird does that?

Don't have any pictures of the little parrot...he never sat still enough for a photo.

We met "the bird lady" in Giddings, Texas today. The half way mark.

She got out of the car....and was dressed like a zoo keeper. Head to toe.

Her life is birds.......

We are so very thankful and happy they will live the rest of their 50 years in bird luxury.

So, if you are ever at the Horseshoe Bay Resort in the hill country....

Tell Loro and Verde we miss them...but know they are having fun.

sniff....

no dirty hands, please

My kid does not eat much. Not meaning picky...just meaning she isn't a huge eater....no large quantities. Clearly, she did not inherit that from her mother. You know, I did win a hot dog eating contest at church camp in the 7th grade....

She will try most anything.....within reason...and ONLY when she is really hungry.

Her obsession with artichokes brought tears at the grocery today. I was made to feel like an awful mom in the produce section this afternoon...I wouldn't buy my kid a $3.00 artichoke.

Yes, I am mean. But, I did serve one to her almost every night last week...so don't call the authorities.

I made lamb chops for dinner tonight. And she ate them like crazy. Notice the napkin on the bone....a certain 3 year old is not fond of dirty hands. Eats chocolate chip cookies the same way.

Did I make her that way? Hmmmmmm.....

The lamb I made tonight was SUPPOSED to be lamb chops. But, all they had was rack of lamb. The kind butcher gave me some for free since they didn't have what I wanted.

Recipe was out of last months Cooking Light. If you like lamb...you should make....it is yum!

Thats all for now....gotta clean the kitchen.

Boooooo.....

Chicken & what?

Fuzzy picture yes. Shorty and I went to a wedding last night. It was pretty fancy...fancy place....and fancy food. EXCEPT for the fried chicken and waffles.

Serious deliciousness.

So at the wedding last night, Shorty looked at me and said "you must make this for lunch tomorrow" So I did.

I made fried chicken tenders AND drumsticks....just like at the wedding.

Made waffles in the waffle iron....and heated up some syrup. Sounds bizarre doesn't it? Let me tell you....it is good.
I stored everything in a warm oven while I made fried chicken in batches and 2 waffles at a time.
Here is the final product. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and yummy.

If I don't get back to eating right...I might end up in trouble.....but, it was so worth it.

Thanks to the bride and groom for having such a unique display of food on their special day....so good that I copied it the very next day.

Try it sometime....I am sure you will be a fan.

Now, it is nap time.

Saved by the OCD

My OCD finally paid off. For all the times I recheck stuff, second guess myself, and make sure I locked the back door.

No need to call Discovery Health. I have normal every day OCD. Every one has it...just different things they obsess over.

Some people count stuff, check things, clean, and or collect.

I do a few of those...and I read labels of personal care products. Yes, I am crazy.

Every since I was little and could really read, I loved reading the back of face wash bottles, lotion, and medicine. I wanted to know what it was going to do for me. No harm in that, right? Once I read the bottle...I mean the whole thing...ingredients and all...I was done. Again, reason #2 NOT to call TLC.

So today...I bought some new shampoo. What nut reads the entire back of a shampoo bottle? (maybe you should call Discovery) Would make a good show after Hoarders.

I used the shampoo tonight and I read the entire set of directions. After "rinse and repeat"it said this "if you have colored, permed, tinted, or gray hair, rinse for 5 minutes."

5 MINUTES? Who does that?

But, I colored my hair not too long ago. For the first time. I was a virgin. SO, I wanted to preserve my beautiful plain brown hair.

Plug your ears if you are a tree hugger...I used 5 minutes of fresh clean water in vain...all to keep my stray gray hair from showing.

So my nutty habit saved me some cash. If I would have ruined my dye job over my dang shampoo...I would have been a mad hatter.

Read your labels. Even if makes you nutty like me.

Did I lock the back door? Wait, did I blow out that candle? What about the curling iron?

I hate diets.

How can you be on a diet when your kid's babysitter has a 16th birthday?

No, I did not make the cake. I am slacker Mom. Believe it or not, I got it a Wal-Mart. For 6 bucks...and it was delightful.

I had to quit the gym because my kid refused to go with me....and I am not going to go at 6 am (at least I am honest with myself) and not going to leave the family 4 nights a week to go do sit ups.

So, I am left with a few options. Eat healthy and jog around the neighborhood.

Boy, doesn't that sound enticing? Carrot sticks and running? BOOOO.

But, I am going to have to do it. Certainly notice a change since I stopped working out and have had my hand in the animal cracker bag too many times this week. Burn & cut calories...the only way to loose weight. I refuse to buy bigger sizes...not that I am at that point...but, just won't go there.

SO...back to the calculator I go.

Fun.

lessons please

Every Wednesday....I look forward to it every week.

Erases my mind....not that laundry and cooking....cleaning....and child care are pressing issues...but, it makes me totally relax. My mind thinks of nothing but riding that dang horse.

I grew up with a horse and have loved them ever since I can remember. I rode when we lived in Utah, and before I got pregnant with the little one. Now that she is in school a little longer...I have a little more time...one day a week....to do something I love.

This is the horse I rode today. Riding at a place called Tally Ho Farms. About 15 minutes from my house. Not the best picture...I will get a better one next week. I am sure you are all just dying to see it. Most of you love horses so much. ;)

Here is the description of the horse from the barn....for those of you interested...

"Surprise is an 8 yr old Cleveland Bay Cross. She has grown too much to be a pony and is a small horse now. She is a great lesson horse with miles and miles of patience. She has already been to several shows and is getting lots of ribbons, including a Reserve Champion. She almost always wins the hack class and has a beautiful jump. Surprise has been used in lessons for both intermediate and more advanced students. Easy to ride with great gaits she will be one of the student’s favorites."

The horse is named Surprise....cross between a huge horse and a small one...everyone was "Surprised" ;)

She jumps 4' + jumps.

Don't worry....I don't do that. Not yet at least. ;)

Just kidding Mom.

Important to do something you love. A hobby....something that is just for you. Sounds selfish maybe...but, it is good for everyone.

Tally Ho!

Glory week

I used to smoke. A bunch.

Then, I got pregnant, and I quit. Cold turkey.

I've been around the cancer sticks my whole life. All 4 of my grandparents smoked, my parents, my aunts, my uncles, my friends....

Slowly but surely, they all quit....most people in my life have stopped smoking.

My Dad quit after having the shocking news of "you've had a heart attack, and it was most likely caused by nicotene."

So, the one person I thought would smoke forever quit. He just put them down....and it makes me smile.

And he hasn't fallen off the all important wagon.

Now, another person has quit. I can safely say I have no more blood relatives who smoke.

And I couldn't be happier.

It is all about the person making the decision to quit. You can't tell someone to quit and fill their ear with all the nasty things cigarettes do, still does not work.

They will only quit when they are ready.

If you have never smoked, you will never know the power a little white stick can have over your life. And you will never understand what a huge accomplishment it is to finally quit.

That is why my post is called "Glory Week," That is how the "experts" refer to the first week you stop smoking...it is the toughest part....and the biggest accomplishment. Cold turkey.

So, here is to you Minnie....

Congratulations for making one of the best decisions of your life.

Way to go Mom & Dad.....

I love you!

I need therapy.

How incredibly embarrassing.

I just took a picture of the sad display of items that I call my wardrobe.

Last night...was "clean out the closet crazy lady style." Our bathtub was filled with disheveled, misshapen, and fugly clothes. Some Shorty's and some mine. And, the ones I got rid of were black.

Someone please call a therapist.

Organized things make me happy...so, my closet was not making me happy.

This photo is of my casual "Mom" shirts. Serious. What is wrong with me? Black, white, grey, and to change things up a bit....STRIPES! How exciting...

There is ONE blue sweater....on the right. I just bought it the other day at my new favorite place to shop. It was $15.00. What a big spender.

So...as I sit here in my grey tshirt....(that I found while cleaning out my closet) no one can have too many bland colored tshirts, right?

I am a stylin' girl.

If you ever need wardrobe advice, you know how to contact me. I am full of great ideas.

Just look in my closet.

Someone, please help me. ;)

THE muffins!

So...I finally figured it out. Remember those muffins I was talking about....the ones where the waiter told me what was in them...but no amounts?

I made the best replica I think I could have made. Except, I may add a little more baking soda next time....1 teaspoon more.

OK....

ALLISON'S Corn Jalapeno Muffins

(I can call them MINE because I made it up - right?) ;)

2 1/4 C Flour - do not sift

1 1/2 C Sugar

3 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 C Brown Sugar

1 1/4 C Milk

*Vegetable oil

1 TBS Vanilla Extract

3 Large Eggs

1 Stick Softened Butter

5 oz Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese (don't use the pre shredded kind)

6-8 oz Frozen Sweet Corn - cooked and drained

2-3 TBS Jalapenos - Diced kind in a jar - of course more = spicier

Combine four, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Fill Milk into a large measuring cup. Then, add just enough *vegetable oil to make it 1 1/3 cup.

Add the milk oil and mixture to the flour mixture. Cut in the butter, beat with hand mixer about a minute on medium. Then, add one egg at a time, then mix for another minute.

Stir in cheese, corn, and jalapenos.

I used baking cups in my muffin pan. SO much easier than greasing one.

Bake at 350 for about 18-20 minutes...until a toothpick comes out clean.

ENJOY!

I would have taken a picture of one...but, I ate them all.

Let me know if you make them.....and then invite me over.

Love,

The Muffin Top Lady

it's party time people...

It has come and gone....my first party, people!

My lovely friends came to see what in the world I have gotten myself into. We played with jewelry, drank a glass of wine, and caught up seeing each other.

My girl, Kelly, is a "Star Stylist" with the company. She has every single piece of jewelry that she has earned or gotten free practically.

I am only just a starter here...so I don't have everything yet...but I will. Dang it, I WILL!

Several people already want to have parties for me....cause you get free goodies man!

In the past 2 days, I wore sparkly jewelry...and I didn't feel too silly. Made me feel a little sassy.

Not sure if that is a bad or a good thing....but I think it is the latter.

Off to order more fun stuff....

See, this is kinda fun. I told ya.

Day of firsts

Today was the kid's first day of preschool and she rocked it like no other. No tears, no hesitation, nothing but smiles.

First day of school and the first day I was able to actually capture the humidity on "film."

Trying to be a normal Mom and take those all important "first day of school shots" and the August sweltering humidity got the best of my lens. By the time I hurriedly wiped it with my shirt...it was foggy....again.

So, at least we will all remember what the weather was like that day.

Happy kid = happy Mom = happy everyone.

Way to go little E!