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!

no nuts....

My kid's new school is labeled as a "nut free zone" "no nuts of any kind"

I am worried they won't let me in the door to drop her off. You know, cause I am a nut.

SO, it seems as if I will have to inspect every label of food items before they go in her box.

Maybe I can use this as a way to force myself to become more creative!

Fresh fruit, cheese sandwiches, cheese tortillas, pasta in a thermos, soup in the winter...

Just as an example....no yogurt covered raisins. They are "manufactured in a plant with nuts"

Dang allergies!

Share some ideas with me....some NUT free lunch ideas for a 3 year old....who ever comes up with the most creative idea...might get a surprise from me.

Might is the key word, and who knows what it is.

;)

Delighted...and a little sad

You could probably call me & Shorty "weird bird people"

And, we would probably be ok with that. We always spend more time looking at the birds than anything else at the zoo....Shorty proposed to me with a Canary and a diamond ring...and we own two birds.

We have had 4 since we have been married.

And had one before we were married. His name was Uno.....

Anyway....we are sending our two birds to live in paradise.

If you are interested....here is the story......

Our birds Loro - the Mini Macaw and Verde the Mini Parrot have lived in our house for almost 8 years.

When our kiddo was a little over one, we moved to this house, it has a garage apartment....perfect spot for birds to live when you have little fingers in the house.

Loro's beak is powerful enough to take off a child's finger. And, even as overprotective of her as we are...we could never leave her in a room alone...or ever take our eyes off her. Not to mention parrots are a little loud...not fun during nap time.

Shorty and I had big plans to go up...and play with our birds...give them the attention they needed. That worked fine for a while...then our kid got busy...school, ballet, friends, playgroup, and me too. Cleaning house, cooking dinner, and just every day life really kept us from being able to play with our feathered friends.

And...we all know about the newest addition to the Shorty pet shop....Doodle the Poodle.

Doodle and the birds could never coexist in the same house...ever. To dangerous for both parties!

If we ever move...we would be in trouble.

So, for the past year, I have been brainstorming...thinking of a place for the birds...and with much resistance from Shorty. They live a very long time...and VERY hard to find a suitable home.

We went on an anniversary trip a few weeks ago - you know - the place with the muffins...

There it was - Bird paradise. The hotel has these beautifully manicured grounds...with giant flight cages with paired Macaws, African Grey's, Yellow and Gold Macaws, and so on....all surrounding an 18 hole bent grass putt putt golf course.

Ideas started rolling through my head. "What if the birds could live here?" "Heaven on Earth for them...."

Knowing it was a shot in the dark, I emailed the hotel and titled my letter "Donation Inquiry"

They responded within 10 minutes with a form letter asking what type of donation I wanted from the hotel, what my organization was for, and how much money I wanted.

Clearly...they thought I was asking THEM for money...when I was really asking them to TAKE something from me.

So I kindly responded and explained that we had just visited their property and were totally impressed by their bird sanctuary...and if there was a chance they would take our birds in.

In 10 minutes, I got another response....Yes, the "bird lady" at the hotel was interested.

I called her the next day...she asked me a few questions. Said "we never take birds, but you have something I am interested in."

They have a single mini macaw and a mini parrot...just like we have...so they will each be paired with a like "mate or friend."

Takes a blood test to determine male or female in most birds...that's why I use the words mate/friend. ;)

I offered to make the 4 hour drive to deliver them....she then asked where we lived and kindly told me she would be in our area in 2 - 3 weeks and would pick them up then.

We are delighted and sad all at the same time. Like I said...we are weird bird people....they have been with us for almost a decade...but they will likely live many many more decades...and we want them to be happy.

So, if you are ever in Marble Falls at the Marriott on Horseshoe Bay, tell Loro and Verde we miss them...

Shameless plug....

What still fits no matter how many powdered doughnuts you eat during a staff meeting? What always fits no matter how many pieces of pizza and cake you eat at your kid's best friends 4th birthday party at Chucky Cheese?

The Answer - Jewelry

Who has ever felt frumpy, in need of an update, and just plain boring?

***Raising my hand***

Ever since I became a Mom, my wardrobe now consists black t-shirts from Target and ponytails.

But, that is just the way it is...I'm not going to change....but, I can ADD to my boringness....making my simple choices of clothing more interesting...and less depressing.

Look at that lady....her jewels make her sparkle. Has nothing to do with her flawless skin and perfectly shaped almond eyes....it's that dang jewelry! ;)

But really...look at the picture....imagine the beauty in just the dress...beautiful...but not as stunning.

Who loves getting invites to shop at your friends houses? Who thinks "damn, I have to go and BUY something...." (I can SEE all of you raising your hand) But this is fun...it really is!

This Mom hates shopping sometimes. Making decisions are difficult for me. Think that is why my entire closet looks the same...just different variations of black t-shirts from The Gap and Target.

Decided to become a part of a company that can help me and tons of other women and Moms become less boring...and for a good price!

www.stelladot.com/allisonshort

It is less than a week away....bring a friend or two.

Send me a message and I will let you know where the party is!

Simple beauty

We had to go to a funeral a few weeks ago. It was in a very small town in North - Central Texas. It was a funeral for a lady that has been a part of my husband's family for quite some time.

Her service was at this Baptist church in the city's downtown...it was a historical land mark. She was a third generation member of this church.

It was old, it was unassuming, it was simple, and it was beautiful.
Plain white walls with wooden beam supports...and these amazing stained glass works of art. All along the sides of the sanctuary and at the front by the Baptismal.

Her service was a lot like the church....full of purpose but, not over done. One song, some pretty flowers, and her pastor gave an easy to follow message.

Made me think that sometimes the more simple we keep things the better.

Hard to do....but, it is true!

Happy Birthday, dude!

Serious yum....I love birthdays!

Made Shorty a French Silk Pie for his birthday. Hadn't made one in a LONG time....

Let me just say that I am pretty sure it is my favorite pie ever. Pretty easy to make and is always a crowd pleaser. Shorty's whole family loves this pie...I guess I knew about it before I met the Shorty clan...but had surely never made one. So, I found this recipe about 7 years ago...it is still folded up all nice and pretty...with chocolate splatters all over it....in my recipe book.

It isn't as pretty as a birthday cake per say....but it sure does taste better.

I will post the recipe in the coming days....make it for yourself....or for someone you like. Or for that matter...make it for someone who doesn't like you...they will surely be your friend after they eat this pie.

ha ha!

I'm Obsessed

Can't. Stop. Thinking. About. Those. Damn. Cornbread. Muffins.

Serious....

Shorty and I went on a little gallivant into the hill country to celebrate the fact that we are still married after 8 years. He still kinda likes me and I still kinda like him. ;)

The first night...we went to dinner. After the waiter brought me my iced tea....he brought this mounding basket of steaming hot bread items. All kinds, French bread, white bread, wheat bread, and these muffin looking things.

Shorty and I each devoured one of the "corn bread" muffins...then two, then three...and I will stop there to ensure my lack of self control isn't made known to my loyal fan base of 4 people.

Anyhow...we talked about the muffins the rest of the night....then the next day. (yes, we are exciting people) Shorty never comments on bread products....so you know they were good.

The next night....the waiter who clearly had no regard for the fact that my shorts were too tight because of all the muffins he served me the night before....brought another huge basket.

I worked up the nerve to ask for the recipe. I was turned down. Flat.

However, the kind muffin sever man brought back a little piece of paper...with all the ingredients written down. No amounts...just what was in them.

Flour, milk, eggs, cheese, jalapenos, corn, baking powder, sugar...etc....

So....I am making it my goal to figure out these muffins.

Then, if you are lucky....I might share with you.

Signed,

The Muffin (TOP) Lady

Natural Born Killers

Did the blog title grab your attention? What could I have to say about Natural Born Killers?

Well...I am sure most of you know....its a movie. From the 90's.

It happened to have a soundtrack that I liked in high school.....and I have the CD. (yes, I'm old school and still have CD's.)

Anyway...I digress as usual....

This mom got a new car...a station wagon. Awesome huh?

Anyway...my new ride does not have an MP3 connector like my old ride does...so I reached into my storage trunk and pulled out the ol CD collection. One I started a long time ago.

When I don't have the little one in the car, I often listen to music a little louder and avoid Coldplay. ;)

When I picked her up from "summer camp" one afternoon....the Natural Born Killers soundtrack was still in the player (awesome mom) and the Patsy Cline song "Back in Baby's Arms" was playing.

My child began dancing and kicking her feet harder than I have ever seen her before. She is now in love with Patsy Cline.

She has asked me 943 times if we could go find Patsy Cline and watch her sing.

We haven't gone there...haven't talked about death or people dying (whats the point) so we keep saying she only sings on the radio or on the computer.

You have no idea....no idea how tired I am of "Packin' Baby's arms" as my kid lovingly refers to the song.

Thanks Oliver Stone. ;)

RVW

Is it because we kept her up till 10 pm? Or is my kid gonna grow a long white beard and turn into Rip himself? My new nick name for her is "RVW"

She slept till after 930 this morning.... (not complaining) and is now logging close to her second hour of nap time today.

When my kid gets tired...she gets super busy....not like her mother who gets super grumpy.

Question of the day now becomes....How do we wear her out to make her sleep tonight?

Sweet dreams!

Once a week....

Seems like I am on a roll....blogging about once a week.

This lady only has one kid...one husband...and one house....and I still am a slacker. Think it is a combination of that and being kinda boring...which is fine by me. ;)

So Shorty and I have been wanting a new picture for above our fire place since we moved here over 2 years ago.

I have been to every store under the sun...and have come close to buying something "just because" and not because I loved it.

Well...yesterday...I found what I have always wanted. You might think it is u-g-l-y .... but that is the beauty of art right? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I was birthday shopping for my sister in law in this new trendy little boutique in our town....

They have a pieces of art from a local artist in their shop. I have been in there a dozen times and have always liked his stuff....but nothing that did it for me.

Yesterday this was hanging on the back wall...and now it is hanging on my wall.

His name is Edgar Medina...mostly contemporary stuff...lots of things in Houston and surrounding areas.

Glad I waited...it pays to be patient. Something I am not all that good at being...

Now to find something to go next to it on the mantle.

Hopefully that doesn't take 2 more years.

;)