A tiny change of plans

If y'all remember, a few months ago I gloated that I was going to train for the 3M half marathon to be run on January 25, 2009.

Well, that didn't happen. Between me getting sick, the kids getting sick, Hubby's hunting, the weird weather, and the holidays....let's just say it was very difficult to train correctly.

BUT I have not given up and have just paid my $84 to run April 4th in the Zooma 1/2 marathon in Austin. GAME BACK ON!! To keep me accountable I will post updates on how I am doing in my training.

Because y'all totally give a shit.

This race has mini spa treatments and a champagne brunch after the race (if a mimosa is waiting for me at the finish line, there is a posibility I will win the damn thing!) Basically, a super girly party will be thrown for all of the runners. Totally my kind of race.

I am going to be rocking a firm and fit heiny this bathing suit season. Now if I could just afford some new boobies..............

Cowtown here we come!

The above pictures have nothing to do with this post. I just think my kids are super cute. AND I just figured out our little Gator has a seatbelt, this prevents Tess from falling out. I was holding her in and running, yes, running, next to the thing each time she rode in it so she wouldn't go flying out and get run over by her willy nilly driving brother.

Good times. But it was great exercise.

Anyhoo, the kids and I are heading up to Fort Worth this weekend. YIPPEE!!!

Y'all know how much I love Fort Worth and this weekend is even better because it is the famous Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show weekend. Yeehaw! We won't be going to the rodeo but we will be getting our fill of Stock Show fun.

Hubby and my dad will be heading to the deer lease, so it will be just my mom and I, the kiddos, and lots of funnel cakes, corn dogs, and turkey legs. Fat girl heaven.

I will be buying Tess a pink cowboy hat for sure. She needs to be "one" with her Mommy's hometown. And of course I will be wearing my gold Frye's cowgirl boots as well.

We will not be returning until Monday so we can get every drop of activity in before we head home. Lots to do!

There's no place like home....there's no place like home.....there's no place like home........

And friends are friends forever......

As most of you know, Casey and I are not only blogging friends but friends in real life too. Yet, it is a friendship that started from the blog.

She gave me my first "award." Then somehow we started emailing, then the relationship moved on to phone calls, then it progressed to three hour phone calls, then it hit a high when we officially met in Dallas.

Oh it was love at first sight, people!

Our husbands really, really make fun of us. Adam calls her my, "internet lovah" and Blake calls me, "internet Courtney."

They were actually a little concerned when the relationship was new. Afraid we were befriending some sad 52 year old man, sitting in his mother's basement, wearing leopard print bikini underwear, pretending to be a 33 or 34 year old mother of 2 or 3.

That wasn't the case at all. Though, the two of us are far from normal.

It is a friendship I have no doubt will be long lasting. The other day I received this in the mail from my dear sweet Casey:




Oh yes, that is what you think it is. It is half of a "Best Friends" heart. Guess who has the other half? When I showed this to Hubby he just looked at me and said, "you guys are freakshows" and went to open a beer.

And she sent me a darling plate to add to my collection. LOVE IT!!!

Moral of my story........blogging is cool. Even for dorks like us.

I guess I should of explained better......

I guess she didn't understand what to do with the "toddler markers."

Bless her.

One more thing...

Did anyone else watch "Real Housewives" last night?

Holy Moly! I was soooo embarrassed for poor Jeanna. Her children are the most disrespectful children on the planet. Not only to her but to her friends. I swear to you, if Bram or Tess spoke to me or ANY adult that way I would make them instantly wish they hadn't.

I got anxiety watching the whole thing, it was terrible. Terrible. I feel like writing her a letter with some parenting tips or something.

Vicki is a little bit nuts, but has always kept a tight leash on her kids, and it clearly paid off.

I kind of feel sorry for them

The weather guys in Austin that is.

Bless their little hearts, they really thought we were going to get some treacherous weather. Hoping and praying that Central Texas and Hill Country were going to resemble New England by this morning.

It didn't happen. Yes, bridges and overpasses are "possibly" icy. AND temperatures are freezing with some moisture. But for the most part, well, it was a very uneventful "winter storm."

In fact, it will be 54 degrees today so the iced branches they kept holding up during the "live shots" this morning, won't be frozen by 10 am.

I felt sorry for the guys, I really did. They looked so pathetic at 7 am this morning pointing to some frozen droplets of rain dripping from a Stop sign, all with such a look of urgency.

On an even more sad note, Bram's mothers day out is closed. Because of this dangerous nightmare of a storm. Therefore, I am inside all day with a 3 year old and 1 year old.

Inside + All Day + with my wild indians = FUN!!

Tess' weird fetish

Tess loves, loves, loves chairs. It doen't matter where we go, she will find a chair her size and park herself in it to observe the situation before she partakes. Kids chairs, kids rocking chairs, antique kids chair, kids benches, etc.

You get the picture.

Well, my parents (aka. Mikey and Gran-T) thought it was a mortal sin that their only granddaughter did not have a chair of her own. Bram has a little leather chair and ottoman and that was just fine with her, and with me! We don't need anymore kid stuff in this house. That is fo'sho'.

My mother kept pestering that she just HAD to get Miss Tess a little chair of her own. I gave in and her little chair game in today from Pottery Barn Kids. It is precious, a pretty color green with her name monogramed in hot pink (of course) and the little lady just LOVES it!!! She has been playing on it since it arrived.

Bram joined in the fun too. He drug his little chair out of the playroom and set it down side by side with Tess'. They really are buddies.


Hey PAL! Your chair is right over there, get the heck out of mine!

That is MY NEW CHAIR! Why am I sitting in yours? And wipe that smirk off your face, bubba!

I am happy again and love my green little chair.

Thanks Gran-T and Mikey! I love it!!

What do you buy a wild indian?

A Gladiator outfit of course!

My best friend from college and Bram's godmother came for a visit this weekend. The mom- to- be (paybacks are hell) brought her favorite little dude this costume.

You KNOW he loved it. He had it on and off the entire weekend, we even had to pack it up to take it to Austin.

His Gladiator moves make his Power Ranger moves look meager and weak.

After wailing the sword around a little too much this is now where the sword is living.

Up on a high shelf in the kitchen.

I was getting tired of walking around my own home flinching every time my kid walked up to me with this thing in his hand.

Even Tess was avoiding him. Smart girl.

100 things about ME

1. I love Indian food. Could eat it every day.
2. Hubby and I only knew each other for 5 months the day we got married.
3. I don't regret it for a second
4. The two days in the hospital after having a baby are the best days of my life.
5. I don't have one single talent. Not one.
6. I could possibly be the most unathletic person you will ever meet.
7. In 6th grade all of my friends made the volleyball team. Except me. Ask Angie.
8. I love to bake.
9. I have pooped in my pants more than three times as an adult.
10. I hate liver.
11. I bite my nails if I don't keep them covered in acrylic.
12. I love pierced ears on a baby. I don't care what anyone else thinks!
13. I hate milk.
14. I have a younger brother that is 6'7.
15. My parents are still very very happily married.
16. I have no recollection of my parents even arguing as a child.
17. I think Hubby can fry food like no other AND makes the best cream gravy of anyone.
18. My mom and dad told me I was pretty every day while growing up.
19. I believe them.
20. I am on anti-anxiety medication.
21. I have never been able to touch my toes, but I am very limber.
22. If I could live anywhere on the planet it would be my hometown. Fort Worth,TX!
23. I have been in love with George Strait since I was a child.
24. I saw him for the first time last year in Lubbock for my anniversary.
25. I had goosebumps the entire 2 hours.
26. I had a lump in my throat the first 30 minutes.
27. I don't like watching sports on television unless there is a party involved.
28. I drink wine almost every night.
29. I always wanted all boys.
30. I am very very thankful God had other plans for me.
31. This is harder than I thought it was going to be.
32. If I could have any job on the planet, I would be a nurse.
33. I hate blood.
34. And vomit.
35. And wiping a strangers ass.
36. I snuck out of my house a bunch in 9th grade.
37. I've had my heart broken twice.
38. I weighed 15 lbs more in college than I do now.
39. I am the least jealous person you will meet.
40. So is hubby.
41. My mom dresses very hip.
42. Because she listens to me.
43. My mom was in Seventeen Magazine in 1968
44. I look like my mom.
45. My dad has never done anything wrong in his life.
46. According to me.
47. I have the best friends on the planet.
48. I think I can dance.
49. But I can't.
50. I think I can sing.
51. But I can't.
52. My kids names are 100% family names.
53. They are Bramlett Lane and Tessie Mayes
54. If I had another boy he would be, Augustus "Gus" Burns.
55. I have wanted to name a little girl Scout since reading "To Kill a Mockingbird"
56. That was in 6th grade.
57. I am an idiot when it comes to math.
58. I took remedial math in high school. With a kid with Down Syndrome.
59. I barely passed this remedial math class.
60. I was in all AP classes in high school, other than math of course.
61. I have been in two pageants. Top 10 in both.
62. I sang "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!" for my talent.
63. I don't clean out my belly button ever. It feels really weird and creeps me out.
64. Sonic Diet Coke with vanilla is my favorite drink.
65. I had a booger collection under my nightstand during elementary.
66. I love to read and was always very advanced in my reading skills growing up.
67. I memorize songs exceptionally fast.
68. I don't think I am the dog lover I once thought I was.
69. Hubby's snoring is the biggest pet peeve I have with him.
70. I hope Tess' eyes darken up to be just like her daddy's.
71. My middle name is Suzanne. I wish my mom would of named me that.
72. I love living where we live.
73. I hated it at first.
74. I love going skiing, but don't particularly care for the actual "skiing" part.
75. I have a beauty mark that Tess is fascinated with.
76. Hubby calls it my mole to piss me off.
77. It is clearly a beauty mark.
78. I am not a fan of being pregnant.
79. Probably because you can't drink.
80. I am not a fan of newborns. Even my own.
81. I think toddlerhood is the funniest thing to happen to me.
82. Not my toddlerhood. Watching my kids during their toddlerhood.
83. I love to exercise.
84. I have an abnormal fear about my parents dying.
85. Our garage looks like the city dump.
86. My house is always clean and tidy.
87. Country Living is my favorite magazine.
88. I would do anything to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader
89. God has answered all of my prayers.
90. Sometimes by not answering them.
91. I talk a lot.
92. A lot, a lot.
93. I talk loudly.
94. And fast.
95. Hubby is the "good cop" and I am the "bad cop" at our house.
96. I still let my almost 4 year old have a paci. He looks ridiculous.
97. I shot an 8 point buck when I was 13 weeks pregnant.
98. I cried after I shot it.
99. I have never had to cut either of my kids toenails. They just fall off.
100. As soon as the market gets better, I am getting a new pair of boobs.

Now you try!

Hunting really is so cost efficient...

We now have $350 worth of deer meat sitting in our deep freeze. I know some of you hot mamas have hunting hubbies too. So, could y'all please send some yummy venison recipes my way.

I do the usual chicken fry with the backstrap and chili with it but this is venison out the wazoo and trust me, this stuff isn't going to waste.

I want to watch but then I don't, but then I do, but maybe not...

That there is Josh Duggar. He is getting married on TLC tonight. That there is also his bride Anna. I possibly will be watching the Duggar Wedding tonight. But maybe not.

For some reason I get uncomfortable watching this family. Is that weird?

P.S. They didn't even KISS until after they were officially married. What if one of them is a bad kisser? That was totally a deal breaker for me when I was sluttin' it up around town. I mean when I was dating. Nothing worse than a bad kisser. Nothing.

Do you see what I see?

I see curly hair. So take that Lainey!

Kickin' some Martha Stewart ass!

For Tess' first birthday Adam's mom made her the most PRECIOUS cupcake birthday dress, with a cupcake applique and her name monogrammed. This lady has some talent. Let me tell you.

Well, what to do with the darling dress after it has been worn? Frame it! So I took some leftover material from her glorious bedding and wrapped it around some cardboard, layed the dress gently on top, covered with glass, and OUILA!!! The cutest thing in the world, hanging on my daughter's wall.

I also painted the frame in a mint green that matches the bedding and such.

The bedding was also made by Iddy. I have an antique iron double bed in her room, for her to use after the cribdays are over, Iddy made the bedskirt and pillows to match the crib bedding. When Tess is done with her crib, I don't have to change the entire room, just take out the crib, stick in a dresser. A big girl room is born.

Her room is cuter in person than it photographs. But I was very proud of my creativity and wanted to show off.

Isn't it just darling?

And here is her crib. Please take note of all the millions of things this little toot sleeps with. Seriously, the SIDS foundation would not be happy with us. At all. Two stuffed animals, a baby doll, three lovies, and a blanket. Every night. She isn't particular about which stuffed animal or lovey it is, just the amount seems to make a difference. But a baby doll always needs to be with her.

I've created a monster.

Foiled again!

When Mr. Bram decides he doesn't want to mind, I have have a little trick that I do . I will pick up random books, magazines, cleaning supplies, shampoos, and such and act like I am reading them. Reading fake words that will benefit me and make my job as a mom much easier.

I will say things such as, "This magazine says," if you put your toys away, there is a great chance Santa might come a earlier this year.""

Yes, some might classify this as lying. I like to think of it as "creative parenting."

It has worked like a charm for the past two years. Like a beautiful passive aggressive, manipulative charm.

Until last night.

I was washing Bram's hair and he said he didn't want to rinse the soap out.

"Fine." I say, and pick up the bottle of shampoo. "It says on this bottle, "you better have all soap rinsed out by your mommy or your hair will fall out or possibly turn purple.""

Bram looked at me, picked up the bottle and said, "no, this bottle says, "moms need to quite pretending what the bottle says and let sons do what they want and not to say no. Ever.""

Sheez. Busted.

Old before his time

The town we live in is primarily a retirement town. Tons of retirees move here from the big cities. It is just a beautiful place to be, smack dab in the middle of gorgeous Texas hill country. Lakes all around, wineries, and nice dining and shopping.

A perfect little town and we are blessed to call it home.

But the old people are starting to rub off on Bram. Yesterday he said more than once, "I better not jump off the couch, I might throw my back out!"

Or, "I'm OK, mom, I almost threw my back out, though!"

Or while talking to my dad on the phone last night he made this statement, "I saw a spider and kicked it in the legs, and made him throw his back out!"

He is 3 going on83. Poor guy, we are going to have to start calling him "Papaw."

6 words you never want to hear from your 3 year old

"I'M WIPING MY HINEY BY MYSELF!"

Lemonade Award

Thanks Belle for bestowing this darling award to me. I love it! It makes it super special that it came from you. I hope I can raise my two kids with the grace and class you have. Though my choice of language is at times a little different.

I have also received this award from Shannie, who is hilarious and I will meet one day for sure. I think we would be a lot of trouble together, but in the good fun kind of way.

Also, Michelle gave me this award. Love Michelle and consider her a friend as well as a blogging buddy.

Amber, sent me this award too. Amber is one of my new blogging buddies. She has a wonderful sense of humor and a darling little dude. We also have a friend in common and she will be down in my neck of the woods in June. Guess what? I will hopefully get to sit at the Horseshoe Bay Resort pool and have a margarita with her. Jealous?

Heather also honored me with the lemonade award. She is supermom with three beautiful kiddos and post the greatest pictures of all her adventures with her family. Heather also lives in north Texas, this will enable a meet and greet one day. I sure hope so!!

This award is a bit incestuous for sure, going round and round the mommy blogs. I hope I mentioned everyone that sent one to me, if not please let me know so I can give you a big smooch and hug and shout out!!!

Here are the rules:1. Put the logo on your blog or post. 2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE! 3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. 4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I have so many blogs that I love love love. If you have already received this award, that just shows how awesome you are!!

Julie - if you don't read her, please do. She is hilarious and has a little dude Bram's age. I think the two of them were seperated at birth.

Steph - her recipes are the best and she is a doll to boot. I had to purchase a binder so I could keep all of her recipes seperated from the rest. She is great!!

Shannon - all of y'all read her I am sure. She is one of the first mommy blogs I ever read. Wonderful. And I am pretty sure she air brushes all of the pictures of her. Nobody looks that perfect all of the time. Come on, fess up Shannon!!!!

Londie - this lady makes me look frugal. Londie loves to shop and she loves to give you tips on fun deals and cute clothes for your little ones. AND she is funny and honest and I adore her.

Angie - is one of my oldest friends on the planet. We have known each other since 1st grade. She is a riot and I am hoping this award will prompt her to blog more, as her entries are always very funny, full of wit, and I get to see her two darling stinkers!!!!!

Holly - another one of the first mommy blogs I started to read. She is a riot and has two little mamas that could be two of the cutest kids on the planet.

Another "first" for Miss Tessie Mayes

Miss Tess had her first powdered donut at Iddy and Pa's this weekend.

We clearly encourage unruly behaviour in our family.

Don't sleep all night, throw temper tantrums that include kicking on the floor, and make your mommy hold you for hours on end?

Get a vat of powdered donuts.

She was even allowed to walk around with her donuts and left her mark wherever she went.

Three year old QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I'm a black man that runs very fast!" and off he went.

What? First of all, we don't say "black man" or "white man" or "brown man." I know for a fact he doesn't realize a difference, and I pray to God this is always the case.

People are just people. So I find it odd that this came out of his mouth. And funny.

She's a very lucky girl.

Very lucky that I didn't try out that whole "Baby Moses" law and drop her off at the nearest hospital or fire station this weekend.

And I am not kidding.

This weekend we drove out to west Texas to surprise Adam's step dad for his 60th birthday. All 5 kids, their significant others, and the 4 grand kids. Super fun, and Pa was very excited and surprised.

But I should of known Miss Tess was going to be a stinker from the get go. The little darling didn't sleep then entire 4 HOUR DRIVE. Instead she fought it the whole way, having mini tantrums at random moments. I really could of used a shot of tequila by the time we got to Sweetwater.

So we get to Iddy and Pa's I am assuming that she is plum worn out and will go straight to sleep and (fingers crossed) sleep in. Ummmmm no, didn't happen. She did not fall asleep until 3 am. This is not an exaggeration, and I totally wish it was.

Then Saturday we had family pictures taken. This was not her shining moment either. Precious angel from heaven refused to smile, refused to be held, and at one point threw herself on the floor and started kicking. Lucky for me, the photographer did get some of these pictures on film and I will be making a purchase. Like a 19x24 purchase of my princess acting like a royal stinker (and I really want to use a different word than "stinker" but am trying to work on my language.)

To make a long story short, the rest of the weekend didn't go much better. My little snuggle bunny didn't sleep well, wanted me to hold her the entire time and didn't sleep a wink on the 4 hour drive home. Thank the sweet baby Jesus for the soothing "Love" station on my XM radio. If it wasn't for the sweet songs of James Taylor, Air Supply, and a little Expose I would of opened that car door and tucked and rolled right out of that speeding car. Never to be seen again.

I put the dreamy baby to bed at 6:30 last night and she slept until 8 this morning.

Nice.

This little freak is totally my favorite kid right now:

Dear Old Lady in the car behind me at Starbucks,

I am sorry I said what I said to you. I forgot my window was still down and didn't realize yours was down as well.

BUT you really don't have to have that kind of attitude. Simply because I held you up from getting your coffee at the window, and trust me I understand the importance of the caffeine.

I was just trying to situate my one year old and even did a little "Oh! I'm sorry!" wave, that you DID see. Still you said something to the barista, rolled your eyes and threw your wrinkled, liver spotted hands in the air in disgust and irritation. (that last comment wasn't respectful either and I should not of said it. Sorry again for that.)

You are not nice. Not nice at all. Yet, saying what I said was very disrespectful and my daughter was in the car and heard me. I need to teach her to be respectful of her elders. Even if they are old bitches.

I apologize and hope to the sweet baby Jesus that you aren't one of Hubby's clients. And that he (the baby Jesus, not Hubby) forgives me for being ugly to you.

Sincerely,
Coco

Mean mom

I heard Tess screaming her head off in the playroom. Below is how I found her.

Instead of helping her out of her predicament.....I ran and grabbed my camera!

Two addicts in the house. This is NOT good.

I feel I am dropping the ball as a mother. Seriously.

First of all, my son can't seem to keep clothes on and has a healthy appetite for all things "action heros" or battling. AND he is still totally addicted to pacifier. So addicted, that he woke Hubby and I up at 6 am this morning because he couldn't find it.

Yep, it is that bad.

Now it seems that Miss Tess has the same monkey on her back. No, not the nakedness, as of now, clothing stays on all day long. She is still too little to undress herself but I am just waiting for the day that all she has on is Dora undies.

I am afraid that the paci addiction is just as bad. To make it worse, is both of my spoiled kids prefer different pacifier brands. Oh yeah, that is how deep the addiction goes. So Hubby and I are usually found looking under couches and beds and digging through toy bins to find the "perfect" paci for each spoiled, overindulged child.

It is bad, and it is my fault.


Those are two laser guns tucked in his homemade "holsters." And the most annoying effing laser guns in the world. Most likely you will find these two guns in a cabinet, out of reach.
He totally thinks he is a super hero. I don't have the heart to tell him he isn't.

Here is a rare photo of Tess without a paci. She has started climbing on furniture. This would not be a problem at all, but you see, we have cement floors and her coordination is not the best.

See, reading a book, sucking her paci. I tried to take it away and she threw a fit. I gave it back. I am weak. Very weak.

Here is anther picture with the paci. I was trying to take a cute picture of the bow that stayed in her hair. ALL. DAY. LONG. But instead all you really notice is her navy blue paci.

(But you do see the bow don't ya? Huh? Huh?)

And last one, Bram and his baby blue paci. This child will be 4 in May. Really?

Wanna battle?

I'll have to come clean. My family is the main reason for Bram's wild behavior. Not just the Hubby. Not just me. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins are also involved in this "creating a monster."

Bram now will ask people, "Wanna battle?" We can thank my brother, Bryan, for that super sweet lingo. Funny thing is, if Bram asks any family member, "Wanna battle?" the answer is always, "Let's go PAL!"

Over Christmas my dad, aka: "Mikey", and Bram battled many, many, many, many times. They both can kick some ass, and below are some great action shots that show the mad skills that Bram has been taught in his three years of life.


Better watch yourself, buddy!

Kicking some Mikey ass!

Notice Mikey's swift hand chop. Bram better watch his back fo' sho'!

And he's down!!! Bram: 0 Mikey: 1

I'm baaaaccckkkkk!!

Whew! Can we say, "withdrawal?" Good Lord, I had no idea how addicted I was to the computer.

It is sad to look at all that has been accomplished at the Coco household. Not a lick of laundry left to be done. Playroom cute and organized. Kids entertained by yours truly, endlessly, without "breaks" so Mommy can check emails and such. Succulent dinners prepared and eaten with Hubby by candlelight. Kidding about that one. Floors mopped, toilets cleaned, showers scrubbed. And two books read! I am telling you, computers are a sin. A SIN!

But if loving them is wrong, then I don't want to be right.

My family is going to be eatin' frozen pizza off of paper plates tonight, baby, I've gots to catch up!!!

Nothing too exciting going on around here. So it was a good week to be away.

I did however, have a dream last night that my mother was having an affair with Puff Daddy/P. Diddy and I was super jealous. Weird. AND in the same dream, I spanked Bram with an asparagus stalk, a cooked one, and it left huge whelps on his hiney. Weird.

So, that is all I got right now. I have some reading of the blogs to do, gotta see what is up with my peeps.

Back Soon

It seems that the old computer is fixable and a new power cord is on the way. My posting (and sanity) will resume as soon as it arrives.

Any day now!

Problems

The computer is down and out, so no posting for now.

And, you know who we can blame for my not getting a new one? Jim and his fabulous Bahama Blue front loading washer and dryer.

I love you Jim

No, not Jim from The Office, Jim from the Home Depot.

Jim just sold me my new LG front loading washer and dryer, in Bahama Blue I might add.

Thank you Jim. I know you don't even know me or about this blog but I do think you are pretty great. You are a darling old man that was extremely thorough with my purchase and making sure I understood every. single. detail. of my purchase.

It didn't even seem to bother you that my one year old was fussing and had neon green snot dripping from her nose. And you didn't even bat an eyelash at me wearing my running shorts and a fleece in 32 degree weather. You just kept on, with a smile on your face to boot.

Did you not even realize my one year old was still in her cupcake footie jammies? Of course you didn't Jim, you wouldn't care about superficial things like that.

Thanks Jim. Thank you for selling me my pretty Bahama Blue LG front loading washer and dryer. I will think of you Jim, every time I do laundry. With a smile on my face. You are an intricate part of making my laundry experience a super fun and a happy time, and not a sad time like before.

And you know what is great about you Jim? You didn't even think I was a wacko for being really excited about getting a turquoise washer and dryer. I thank you for this. Because you can bet your bottom dollar Jim, Hubby is going to be unhappy he spent that kind of money on a turquoise washer and dryer.

But is it about Hubby? No Jim, it isn't. It is about the two of us.

If I see you at the HEB or WalGreens, don't be surprised if I give you a big hug. Or buy you a box of chocolate covered cherries.

I love you Jim. You don't know it, but you have made my year!

Camping Coco style

It was rainy and very cold yesterday, so I had to think of some fun activities for my wild indians to do other than watch Wall E for 12 hours straight. So we decided to go "camping."

I am not a fan of camping. I don't like to be dirty or too hot or too cold. I will go camping with you if you have a super nice motor home or camper. Don't get me wrong, I love sitting outside with my adult bev enjoying the outdoors, just don't expect me to sleep on a sleeping bag in a tent. I just don't like being uncomfortable ever. No thanks.

Anyhoo, we "camped" Coco style yesterday. In our den, with my 80's music blasting and the heater warming our tootsies. Bram made a "fire" and cooked us "lunch." It was a great time. Tess didn't have a clue as to what was going on, but she went with it.

Bram putting on his new backpack/sleeping bag combo. A Christmas gift from his Uncle Bryan and Aunt Sara. He loves it!

My very sad attempt at a tent. I don't know why I had such a hard time making a tent. This was as good as it got, and probably the 10th try to make a good one. Bram and Tess seemed happy. Well, it freaked out Tess, but Bram liked it.

Notice Bram "sleeping" in his sleeping bag. He decided to let Tess have his new one and he used his old one. He is a very sweet boy. Totally gets it from me.

Tess refused to lay down and fake sleep. This did not make Bram happy, "she isn't playing right!" he kept complaining. I think she wouldn't lay down because she was certain I was really going to make them nap in sleeping bags in the den. Silly girl.

All in all it was a fun day. By the time Hubby got home I was a bit stir crazy, but nothing that a few glasses of Pinot couldn't fix.

I've been tagged and I LOVE being tagged!

I've been tagged so here it goes...

8 things I did today:
It is only 11 am so this is it so far
1) took Bram to school, HALLELUJAH SWEET JESUS!!!
2) got a coffee at Starbucks
3) made my bed
4) played babies with Tess
6) emptied dishwasher
7) colored with Tess
8) folded a load of laundry

8 favorite restaurants:
1) Sonic (shut up! It is totally a restaurant)
2) Bombay (Indian food, my fave)
3) Uchi
4) Tamale King
5) Z Tejas
6) Ruiz's
7) Salt Lick
8) My back patio with friends and family

8 shows that I watch:
1) Real Housewives of anything
2) Flipping Out
3) The Hills or The City
4) The Office
5) 30 Rock
6) Top Chef
7) The First 48
8) Intervention

8 things I wish for:
1) The Market to sky rocket this year!
2) my kids to stay healthy
3) my husband to quite smoking
4) my ass to get firmer
5) to expand our breakfast nook
6) to go on an awesome vacation with my husband this year, no kids allowed anywhere near me.
7) for my best friend and cousin to have perfect pregnancies and perfect deliveries and healthy bebes.
8) to not get pregnant this year

8 things I look forward to:
1) mom's weekend at Horseshoe Bay Resort
2) Tess starting mothers day out this fall
3) Bram's 4th birthday party
4) Family vacation in August
5) My 34th birthday in April
6) getting new boobies if the market cooperates
7) running my first half marathon, hopefully more than one this year!
8) seeing my kids playing more and more each day as siblings. the best!!!

I tag, casey, angie, shannie, shannon, and steph...if you don't want to don't but if you do, that would be totally awesome!!

Thought you might want to know this

Fritos are like a vegetable because they are made with corn. Spicy bean dip is a healthy carb because of the beans and the "spicy" speeds up your metabolism.

Just thought I would pass this information on to everyone.

I am super nice like that.

Today

Today is very cold and sleeting. Today will mark week number three that Bram is out of school, though he goes back tomorrow. Today is the day that my food festival is officially over. Today is not a good day to stop the food festival, as I am cooped up in a house with two wild indians. Today is a day that I want to put Bailey's in my coffee. Today is a day that shopping online would make me very happy. Today is a day that I would actually like to go for a run, but can't. Today is a day that I would do anything for a nanny, a nanny to entertain my wild indians so that I can read my book and surf the internet and chat with my blogging buddies. Today is a day I wish my mom didn't work so she could of stayed longer with us. Today is a day that I will do a bunch of squats and lunges throughout the day, to the point I will hurt tomorrow. Today is a day that I will put a big pot of beans on the stove and spice them consistently all day long so tonight we will have a delicious cozy, healthy dinner. Today is a day that I need to do laundry, and will. Today is a day that I am very glad for PBS, or as Bram calls it, pbs.org. Today is a day that Tess might stay in her warm, footie pajamas until her bath tonight. Today is a day, that I might stay in my pajama bottoms all day andmy favorite 1994 Tech Chi Omega sweatshirt. Today is a day that I might have a hot bath when the kids nap. Today is the kind of day that I love.

Total ass whippin'

My ass. Whipped by a crib sheet and a crib mattress.

Are they lying to me?

I am sitting here having coffee with my parents (Hubby and my dad came home early from the hunting lease) and we are watching the news and the weather came on. It is -17 in Fargo, South Dakota. -17, HOLY SHIT!!!

So I make the comment, "What do those people do with the weather so cold? That is insane."

I ask my dad this because he knows the answer to everything, and he answers, "They have neighborhood bars."

"NO WAY!" was my response.

Both my parents keep telling me that it is true. Neighborhood bars that everyone hangs out in to get out of the cold. Bars on every street corner!

What the????

So my question to y'all is, are they for real? Are there really neighborhood bars and such where everybody knows your name? And it ISN'T frowned upon if your kids are in tow?

If so, LOOK OUT SOUTH DAKOTA, COCO'S COMIN' TO TOWN!!!!!!

Mall walker

I was getting the kids dressed and ready in a rush, ready to run errands on New Year's Eve. While I was getting myself ready, I took a better look at Tess and realized....

I had totally dressed her as an eighty year old mall walker. White K-Swiss and all!

Now that is funny.

What a great way to start 2009!

We had such a fabulous day yesterday I just had to share! Hubby left bright and early to go to the deer lease so that left me once again stuck with two wild indians for four days. What is a mommy to do?

Luckily for me, my good friend Julia and her husband were hosting a New Year's Day open house. YEA!

It was a great party, fabulous food, a great mixture of people, and the best part being the kiddos played outside happily for 5 hours!!! 5 HOURS of happy, non-tattling, non-hitting, non-whining kids. And there were a lot of kids. It could not of been a more perfect day.

I got home and bathed both of the little angels and then they went right to bed. I took down all of my Christmas decor (boo-hoo!), poured a glass of wine, and then talked to Casey on the phone for over 3 hours!!!

My mother is coming in tonight and we are going to do a little shopping tomorrow. My sitter is going to sit for a few hours so we can shop without trying to keep two people from destroying the stores and have a nice glass of wine with lunch without having to wrangle kids into high chairs and such. I can't wait.

So far, 2009 is looking like it is going to be a beautiful year. Yes, it is only the second day, but I am thinking positive people!!!

I was trying to get a good 2009 picture of Bram, he was smiling happily and then WHAM!, went right into a ninja pose. Seriously? I have no idea where he gets it.....

At Julia and Jay's the kids played dress up. I was hilarious seeing them traipsing around the backyard in these gettups. They were playing a serious make believe game. Precious.


Again, notice Bram going right into an action move.


John-Carter, Bram, and Ben. Buddies.

My little angel posing for me on our front porch. I had to get a January 1, 2009 picture of both kids. She says, "CHEESE!" as soon as she sees a camera. Can y'all tell she is getting more hair? I can smell those big, huge bows and grosgrain ribbons.....they are just calling my name!!!

Moral dilemna

Happy 2009 mamas and non mamas!!

Last night was super fun, not very eventful but good family fun. Well, if you don't count the dads all getting drunk and playing poker, then it was good clean fun.

You might want to sit down for this but, I just had two glasses of sangria. TWO, and those two glasses were early.

Because of Hubby's involvement in the sin den of poker, we didn't get home until 3:30am. So I was 100% stone cold sober driving the fam home and sooooo very glad this morning.

But my question to you ladies is this, I eat relatively healthy, low carb all the time, but the past two weeks have been a craptastic holiday piglet celebration. Now that it is the new year and the holidays are officially over, do I start eating normal again now? OR do I get until Monday to continue the food festival, when things really and truly get back to normal?

I have a New Years Day get together today and these people can cook. Then, my mother is coming in on Saturday to spend the rest of the weekend with us while Hubby hunts with my daddy and father-in-law. My mom and I don't like to eat salads together on the weekends.

We just don't.

And I need to mention that I haven't gained a pound this holiday season. This isn't to brag or anything. It is just to let y'all know I must be dying of cancer or some crazy disease that is going to kill me, because the way I have been eating...this can't be normal.

So what is the consensus? Continue to throw down?? Or go back to being disciplined?

A salad and turkey burger really sounds good.

Huh?