I've moved...

http://cocoscuckooworld.com/

Kicking some ass and taking some names......

I have a video of Bram in karate class. It was "self defense" day. He is good at "self defending."

Unfortunately, I am still having trouble getting the video off my phone and on to the computer. I'm smart like that.

It will happen, so be patient. I want y'all to see him punching the hell out of a "predator" while I'm yelling (in the thickest Texas accent you have ever heard) "kick him! kick him! Way to go! Use the other hand!"

You know, the way all mothers should encourage their children to beat the shit out of others.

That's how I roll.

OK, off to get a beating by my blackberry. Hopefully a video will be posted sooner than later.

ta-ta for now!

Lord Have MERCY!

My parents sure do wear my kiddos plum OUT! It is 9:15 am and Miss Tess just woke up. Bram woke just 15 minutes earlier.

It is tiring being spoiled rotten and having lots of toys to play with, land to frolic on and junk food to eat.

I took pictures with my mom's new camera but she hasn't downloaded them yet. And really doesn't know how, so it may be awhile. Just visualize this. But first, close your eyes and relax so you will get the full effect. Eyes closed? Good.

Picture two very cute children. Both in a Target purchased Small Paul bright green hoodies. Bram wears HIS hoodie without a shirt under it and prefers his sister's size 3T hoodie to his 5T size hoodie, he likes it "tight." According to this kid, that is how "hip hop performers wear them." Hmmmm, okay.
Tess is happy as a lark in her brother's oversized hoodie, her brand new Elmo panties and her brother's KU football jersey. Mind you, she also has soap residue in her hair from an earlier incident with some Vitabath. Picture perfect I tell ya.

Both kids feast all weekend on such delicacies as Cheetohs, Pop Tarts, mac and cheese and more popsicles than any human being should consume. Tess however, does get a nutritious breakfast every morning from her doting grandmother that consist of oatmeal with protein powder, slivered almonds and blueberries. This is Tess' breakfast of choice thanks to her healthy Gran-T.

Bram also refuses to take off a pair of shiny sweat pants and his new Converse. Ask him why and another hip hop reference is used.

Both beautiful children play freely around the house. When the weather clears up they spend the day on nature "adventures" around the property, feeding chickens and playing on their brand new playscape, courtesy of Mikey and Gran-T.

A trip to Target is always on the horizon. "Toy shopping" is a ritual. Gran-T will wait patiently while Bram inspects each toy carefully before making a selection. Lots of treats are purchased at Target as well.

Bedtimes are not enforced and Mikey will carry Tess until she feels like walking again. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" plays on repeat the entire weekend. If one of the kids is lounging on a sofa and demands a blanket. A blanket is then placed carefully on said child as fast as one can find a blanket suitable for television watching.

It's a hard knock life for these two.

I am just so confused why both cry hysterically when it is time to leave?

What is even more sad, this is how Iddy and Pa roll as well.

I hope everyone had a glorious weekend!

ta-ta for now!

Random Thoughts Friday........

Happy Friday! I am really looking forward to this weekend. The kids and I are heading to the Mothership, aka: my parents house. No plans and that is what I am looking forward to. The weather is going to be gorgeous so I plan on being outside 99.9% of the weekend.

Here we go with some random thoughts:

1) Yesterday I randomly checked my Google Analytics. There are some doozies but the one below was so UNBELIEVABLE that I actually took a picture of it to prove the weirdness. Please take a minute to observe #51.

OK, I know Casey and I are very close. But Really? Why would this random question lead somebody to my blog? But if you really want to know, Casey poops once a day. Usually around 10ish.

2) Tessie Mayes hasn't worn her lesbian look for a few days. Nope, she now is wearing her cousins Chases' footie pajamas Lacey handed down. The darling grape won't take them off. I am about to make her change clothes before we get in the car and it is going to be a show down of epic proportions.

3) I'm letting my hair grow out, and though it is only as long as the base of my neck, I feel like I have flowing locks that cascade down my back. Hubby is even noticing my constant touching and shaking of my head. Yet, he just shakes his head and continues playing Wii.

4) I just had to plunge the toilet again. Seriously, I need to talk to Bram about proper toilet paper usage. This morning was a particularly bad plunge because water splashed on me. Dookey water. Needless to say, I just took my second shower of the day.

5) I'm teaching Martha (our dog) what I like to call, "Limits of Love." It is an exclusive Coco teaching technique that I am looking into patenting. "Limits of Love" is what I say to her when she continues to french kiss me even though I, as her master, feel our french kissing session is over. I say, "Limits of love, Martha. Limits of love." She is SO smart, that as soon as I tell her this, she stops. Oh,my Marty McMartpants, so smart and sweet.

6) I need to start using, "Limits of Love" with Adam.

7) I honestly had a dream about Robert Pattinson last night. It was weird and good and everything you want a Robert Pattinson dream to be. I love him. I would never use, "Limits of Love" with Robby.

8) Speaking of Roberta. I am now a Joan Jett fan. Why, you ask? Well, Kristen Stewart is playing Joan Jett in a movie. Robert is dating Kristen Stewart. I live vicariously through Kristen Stewart. Therefore, I love Joan Jett. Weird. But that's how I roll.

9) I have failed on one of my goals of 2010. You guess which one it is.

10) I want another baby. Again. It won't happen unless I pull a little tomfoolery on the hubs. Which is an option. Then again, in three days I will not even want the two kids I have. I kid, I kid. But you know what I mean. Does the baby fever ever go away? I just want one more. Is that too much to ask? I want one more hospital stay. One more baby to name. One more tiny little dude or dudette that can join our really weird family.

That is all of my randomness today. I hope everyone has a splendid weekend. We are off to terrorize Parker County!!!

ta-ta for now!!!

Something that has been on my mind.....

What in the world does, "You're under the gun, so you take it on the run..." mean?

If you don't know what song the above line is from, you are way to young to be reading my silly mommy blog.

But this is an important question, something that I often lay awake at night and think about.

In the darkness of the night, I whisper to Adam, "Babe, what does, "you're under the gun so you take it on the run, mean?" He usually just reaches over and pulls my hair.

I've asked God about it. I've asked strangers on the street about it. I even raised my hand in class and asked my Geography teacher in college about it, back in the day.

Nobody seems to know the answer.

Dear People Magazine,

I am just going to jump right into this complaint and get it off my chest (no pun intended).
All I need to say to your "magazine" is SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON YOU!!!! How sick and desperate are you that you put Heidi Montag and her weird brow lift and circus titties on the cover of your magazine?!

I would have to say pretty darn sick and desperate.

I have put up with your silly stories about Melissa Joan Hart and her "I had a baby! And I lost the baby weight!" baloney. I even skipped happily over Jennifer Love Hewitt and her "weight issues." "Adam Lambert GAY!" Really? Who knew?

But this "story?" This issue of your magazine (I use that term VERY loosely) has just beat all. Beat ALL, I tell you! And for this, I am UNSUBSCRIBING (which I know is not a word, but is now) to your smutty magazine.

Before I do unsubscribe, I must ask, what in the world has Heidi Montag done in her entire life (I dare not say "career") that would possess you to put her on the COVER! The only thing this sad little girl did was become a best friend/side kick on a reality show on MTV, for Christ's sake! She then started dating some sad soul that only started dating her to have some air time. A fake marriage, fake storyline and a set of fake boobs later......and she gets the cover of an established magazine? A magazine that interviewed the Obamas last week?

A cover story about all of her surgeries ALL by the age of 23!!!!???? Shame on you! Do you not understand how many young girls watch "The Hills?" They DO NOT need to think that this is in any form or fashion attractive OR even necessary. Oh, and did you know that quite a few 30 something year old mothers watch religiously? I'm guessing, no, you didn't.

Well, it is true. Quite. A. Few. And you know what? All of US 30 something mothers look a HELL OF A LOT better than the bimbo you put on your cover. Jiggly bellies, stretch marks, floppy boobies, weird looking nursing baby nipples and all!!

So it is a sad day that I bid adieu to you, People magazine. My love affair with you started long ago, with your endless following of Princess Diana. Your feel good stories of families and simple folk that do good. The interviews of established actors such as George Clooney or the late Katherine Hepburn. But today? Today, it ends. I hope I am not the only one that feels this way and you lose a lot of paying subscribers. I will never open your rag mag again. Ever. And I am a woman of my word, so count on THAT!

Sincerely,

coco

p.s. I feel I need to add that I love boobs and plan on getting a nice new pair this year. BUT I will be getting a large C that will go well with my 5'7/130lb/medium built frame. This is proportionate and will look fabulous. Heidi, however, is a size -0 with DDDs and wants them bigger! Dumb. RIDICULOUS!




*this letter was actually emailed to People magazine. oh snap!

A cruel, cruel joke.

The below picture IS NOT a picture of Bram and a buddy.
Nope. It is Bram and his LITTLE SISTER! Who has now taken to wearing her brother's clothes. Awesome.

Even his socks, paired with her shoes. It's a good look. All the millions of dollars of girly clothes, bows, tights, tu-tus and shoes hanging in her closet? Well, let's just say it is a beating to get her to put any of those frocks on.

She will wear her TCU dress but the bow to go with the TCU dress is OUT.

Seriously. What the hell? If you ask the little avocado to "pose." You get "Lil' T." Melts my heart. My little baby girl........all gangsta'. It's just what I dreamed about.

Hubby thinks it is hilarious. Below, is the picture he sent to me while I was sipping a Ruby Red Slipper at the lake on Saturday. The caption read, "your daughter is a tomboy!"

Don't even get me started on Bram's gettup.

ta-ta for now!

Things I never once thought I would say.

I have composed a short list of things I have said, sentences that I had no idea were even sentences until I had children. Words put together that I never, for the life of me, imagined would come out of my mouth. They are as followed.

#1 actually just came out of my mouth.....

1) Don't lick the fireplace.

2) No, it isn't okay to pee-pee on the dog.

3) Bram, you can't honk girl's boobies.

4) Tess, those are your brother's undies, why don't we put your princess panties on?

5) An entire roll of toilet paper does NOT need to be used to wipe your hiney, I'm teaching you to use the plunger.

6) Those are NOT Numchuks! (as Bram comes in with two unwrapped tampons, whipping them around by the strings.)

7) Bram, go smell your sister and let me know if she is poop.

8) You can't eat bugs! It is never okay. Spit it out. Now.

9) Hi, Poison Control. It's me again......

10) You do not have to announce every single time you touch your penis. Please.

Yep. Some crazy shenanigans up in here. Loving every second of it. Sad thing is, I am serious, I have called Poison Control more than I care to admit.

But because I want to share the information, the following things ingested by a small child, are not going to kill anyone, but still call your local Poison Control:

1) a cigarette butt

2) ibuprofen

3) chalk

4) Desitan

5) baby oil

6) Aquaphor

7) a candle

8) the little packets of silicon that come in shoe boxes and such.

Nice, huh? And a majority of those were consumed by my pretty little princess tangeriene.

Oh, the joys of motherhood. Spent mostly with your tail between your legs.

SO, Hubby is off today, hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can spend most of the day outside. Nothing planned. We had a great weekend. I had a fabulous weekend.

I jetted off on Saturday to Lake LBJ to meet up with two of my girlfriends. It was a lot of fun, very relaxing. The lakehouse belongs to my friend, Tiffany's family. It was built in the late 60's/early 70's and seriously, has not been updated since. Which is awesome.

While I was going tinkle in the downstairs bathroom, I noticed that the pulls on the bathroom cabinets are AWESOME, so very Coco. Bright green enamel. VERY 70's. And since I am redoing my kitchen cabinets white and adding pulls.......light bulb went off!

I asked Tiffany if I could have them. She called her mother and I am now the proud owner of 40 year old bright green enamel pulls for my kitchen. I just have to go get them and replace them with some basic Home Depot variety. I am oddly excited!!!! It's the little things.

Everyone have a fabulous Monday off.

ta-ta for now.

I am serious

I want to adopt some Haitian babies. This is breaking my heart. I need to sit down and have a serious discussion with the Hubs regarding this matter.

I want to go to Haiti, take the first two I see. I want to hug them and tickle their backs to put them to sleep. They have to be exhausted.

Or just let them sleep in my arms as I rock them and pat their backs.

Give them warm bubble baths and then put them in soft pajamas.

Put a movie on while they cuddle on the couch under a blanket. Sippy cups of milk and a bowl of goldfish or popcorn in their laps.

Then off to a warm, clean bed. Where they fall asleep and wake up to a home. Not scared, not alone.

With me.

Miss Indepent, Home Improvement & Random Thoughts Friday

Happy Friday!!!! It is raining and pouring here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. For now, this is not a problem, Tess and Bram have recently taken a shine to PLAY-DOH!

Never before have either one of my gumdrops shown even a tiny bit of interest toward this delightful dough. I am seriously going to have to go buy lots more, it is keeping them occupied for HOURS! Leaving me lots of time to catch up on "The Real Housewives of OC" and "Jersey Shore."

I kid, I kid. I am actually having a joyful time playing with the play-doh as well.

While keeping one eye on the television.

Moving on, Miss Tess is starting to dress herself.
As much as I want to turn her britches around, this is how they are going to stay. She was so proud of herself!

AND moving on, I decided to paint the back of my built ins turquoise. Below is the finished product.

I can't figure out a way to photograph pictures of my home. They never turn out very good, and this looks just fantastic, if I do say so myself. I am going to display some simple white ironstone platters on the top shelf. I had all of my hurricanes up there but I want to show of the turquoise.

Below is kind of what they looked like before I had scrapbook paper glued on the back. It was a lot harder getting that stuff off than I expected. I also had to take the television out.

I almost dropped it. That would of been bad and I would of been homeless. And yes, that is Ty from "The Real World, DC" I have been sucked in. 23 years and counting. Damn it!

Another fun thing I did was empty all of my hurricanes and now they are being used as picture frames.

Cute idea, no?

Now on to random thoughts:

1) I wish I could adopt a Haitian baby that lost his/her parents in the earthquake. I thought about this all night last night. My biggest fear is my children being scared. A child being scared breaks my heart more than anything in the world. I just want to hold those poor children and let them know it is all going to be okay.

2) My goal of 2009 was accomplished. I now only own Hanky Panky panties. It was a long hard road, but I did it. No other brand of undies resides in my panty drawer. If you haven't tried Hanky Panky, you are missing out.

3) I love having an indoor cat. Pedra is so easy and loveable. I do not, however, like the litter box. In fact, I have actually thrown up twice cleaning it out. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is more gross than cat poop. And Pedra has missed her box more than once.

4) My kids often request, "Michael Finn" in the car. "Michael Finn" is Depeche Mode. Why is Depeche Mode called Michael Finn? I have absolutely no idea. So if you are ever in the car with my two little weirdos and one of them happens to request some "Michael Finn" just pop in a Depeche Mode cd and you will be good to go.

5) I didn't have my Zoloft for two weeks, my doctor moved to Austin and I had to go in and see her replacement. So I just kept forgetting to do it. I don't like not being on my medication. I don't like having anxiety. It makes me feel mean and hateful in my heart. I am back on my Zoloft and feel like Coco again. Modern medicine is amazing.

6) If you are feeling especially generous today, please go here, read about, and participate in the neatest, most inventive non profit organization for kids. An organization that I am involved in. Camp Phoenix could use your help. Any tiny bit helps.

That is all I have for today. Not a lot planned this weekend, so it will be nice to sit around with the family.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

ta-ta for now!

Do something nice today.

As most of you know, I like to write pretend letters to major corporations and famous people (and non famous people) that I never send.

What you may not know is I do however send some letters and make phone calls, quite a bit, to places of business. I ask to speak to the manager and I tell them how I feel.

Because of me, Big Gulps now fit in your car's cup holders. Because of me, you can buy bags of ice at Sonic. Because of me, People magazine is including more "real life" people and "feel good" stories, like they did back in the day.

Right now I am working on the Mod Podge folks. The mouth of their containers need to be larger for larger paint brushes. I have yet to hear back from anyone.

You're welcome.

I never call with complaints. I don't want someone to get in trouble if they were just having a bad day. I always call with suggestions and compliments.

I did this yesterday. I called, spoke to the manager and complimented Brad. Brad is about 19 years old, tons of tats, lots of piercings and was the most helpful little bugger at the grocery store!

I needed leaks for a recipe. There were no leaks. Brad was busy stocking fruits and I asked, "If there are no leaks, what do I use?" I didn't think Brad would know.

Brad did NOT know.

However, Brad said, "Hmmmm, I will be right back."

Brad came back with a book in hand and was reading it, "Well, it says here that leaks are part of the onion family. The sweetest variety. So I suggest using these." And he pointed to a type of large green sweet onion.

"Thanks, Brad!" I said, and went on my way.

Later, I called the grocery store and spoke to the manager. I told them that what Brad did was above and beyond what was necessary but because of him, my recipe was delish.

Not only did I feel good, the manager felt great. And I am certain Brad is going to feel really good with a nice pat on the back.

Also, yesterday, I dealt with Blaine Ashley. Long story short, !HOLY TOLEDO! customer service at its best. It made my day. MADE MY DAY! I will be shopping with them for a long time and I recommend you do the same.

Is this a dorky post? Yep. But two people doing not only what they are supposed to do but doing a little extra, really made me smile. It really put me in a good mood.

A lot of people complain and complain and complain and never compliment. So today, if someone does something a little extra. Let them know how you feel about it!

ta-ta for now!!

We are all winners. Aren't we?

Well no, not really. Especially in the case of the "The Food You Crave" cookbook bonanza lovah undercovah supercalifragilisticexpialidocious high fivin' giveaway!!!

I only have one winner. Sorry.

But in my heart. You are all winners.

First, I have to show you Bram's new haircut. I was sick and tired of having a four year old's head of hair kick my ass every morning. And win. So, when I took Tess in for her darling little bob, I had them cut Bram's lovely locks off.

Boo-hoo.

Not. I was ready to see those bad boys go.

Handsome devil. Looks JUST like his daddy with this 'do.

He likes it. So we are all happy.

Bram also found it quit an honor that I let him chose the winner. He found it such an honor, he went and put his KU jersey on. Just for the drawing, the KU jersey is special.

So here we are. All of the names personally handwritten, with love, on cute scrapbook paper. And placed inside MamaSue's gorgeous milk glass basket that is on loan. Isn't it lovely? She has lots and is giving it all to me. Except this basket. Pretty sweet of her, huh? For those of you that don't, know MamaSue and I are cousins. She isn't some random blogger giving me her milk glass collection. BUT if some random blogger feels they have some milk glass or mercury glass OR even some carnival glass that they would like to give away...to me. I am totally okay with that.

But I digress, where were we? Oh yes, look at the pretty paper in the pretty bowl.


Bram reaches in.


He mixes the paper all around, as instructed by his oh so lovely Momma.

He makes a selection! (Please notice Hubby in the background. He is excited. He really is.)

Ta-Da!!!!

Momma to the A's, please email your address and I will get this cookbook in the mail as soon as possible. How exciting.

Oh, and if Casey makes any comment on this post or on your blog regarding how long it takes me to mail things. Ignore her. She is just huffy she didn't win. She even asked me to cheat for her. But I was all like, "Casey? No way! That is lying. How dare you ask me!!!" I'm just honest like that. And pretty.
She's the bad one.

Congrats Momma to the A's! Do you feel super cool? I never win anything, so I will rejoice in your happiness.

That's all I got today folks.

Smooches.

ta-ta for now!!!

Who are you calling little?

Coco and Bro. New Year's Day 2010. Pretty, it very clearly runs in our family.

Guess who is getting married? Have I not mentioned it yet?

So? Can you guess who it is? Huh? Huh?

No silly, not me!!!!! The hubs is stuck with me. Pray for him. Every night.

My little brother is getting hitched. LITTLE BROTHER! All 6'7 of him. Pretty cute, eh?

Sorry ladies, like I said, he is getting married. To Sara. And I think my family is in love with her almost as much as he is.

Congratulations you mo' fo'! And of course to the new mo'fo-ette. Smooches!

and on another note, y'all go to Bonbon Rose for their giveaway. I NEVER mention giveaways, but I have recently discovered these two and have not been sorry. My bank account has been sorry. But me? Not so much.

Fabulous finds with fabulous style. And they will find you the deals. The deals on all things hip and cool. You will be the best dressed mom on the block. or town. or county. even state. probably the country. quit possibly....the world. Promise.

this is totally random, but when I yawn, I hear an accordion. I wonder why that is?

Ta-ta for now!!!!

A new concept in birth control...

Dear all Independent School District people that are in charge,

As a parent of two young children that will soon be entering the wonderful Public school systems, MFISD to be exact, I have an idea that I believe is inventive, forward thinking, and I am most certain it will be extremely effective.

It is a known fact that teenage pregnancy is rampant in this country. These crazy kids aren't thinking of the repercussions that could and most often do happen when engaging in sexual activity out of wedlock.

Babies are made. And while everyone loves a cute baby, cute babies grow up and want to be taken to places like:

I suggest each freshman entering high school take a mandatory class titled, "Hell to the NO."

"Hell to the NO," will be a class held off campus at the nearest Chuck E. Cheese. Here, these 14 and 15 year olds can experience first hand their future if they keep up this promiscuous activity.

I also suggest the "Hell to the NO" class be held during lunch hours and the students must eat the food that is served at Chuck E. Cheese. This will also prove to be a huge deterrent with the sex.

Thank you Independent School District people, I appreciate your time in this matter.

Sincerely,
Coco

Can y'all guess where the Cocos went on Sunday?

We had a family day in Austin and it was actually lots o' fun. The Cocos are smart and we ate at Waterloo where I ate the best veggie sandwich EVER! And had a mimosa before we headed off to the Chuck E. Cheetos (as Tess calls it). It was a mad house, but for just $20 in tokens, we played for two hours and the kids had a ball.

It isn't all about me. It really isn't.

Sigh.

The weather is most definitely warming up, and for this I am very thankful. I would also like to apologize to God and Jesus for possibly talking ugly to them this past August. I really don't mind it being over 100 degrees for an entire month. I really don't. Sorry about what I said God.
And baby Jesus.

Some pics from our weather imposed house arrest:

Thanks Auntie Abby for the bucket of make-up.

Please remember, sweet Abby, pay backs are HELL!


Can someone explain to me when my 4 year old became Jay-Z?

I love me some J like the next person. But I can ASSURE you, Bram doesn't listen to Jay-Z. That is the last thing this world needs right now.

Look at the peace sign? Wwwwhhhhaaatttt? And he is getting my little grape of a princess to dress like "Little T" or something.

So glad I spend buckets of money on Mini Boden, Baby Lulu, Baby Nay, Oilily and so on......

But my little tamale loves to get her nails painted.

She also gets caught playing in the fridge quit often. Look at her expression, "who me?"

That is all I have today. Laundry and a playdate today. Planning a nice run tonight. Purchased some new cooler weather running cloths. The neighborhood will totally be happy about that.

It was bad. I looked like a homeless mom huffing and puffing down the street. In leggings that were NOT meant to be jogged in. With my hump jigglying and jangglying down the street. YIKES!

Also, I have a tip. I downloaded several books on my Ipod. If you are a reader, I HIGHLY recommend doing this for your workouts. Listening to your book while running totally takes you away. It is so much better than music for me. I don't know why but it really has made me get my run on.

ta-ta for now!!

My first GIVEAWAY!!!!

It is cold here and I am bored. To tears. Like for real, I have cried a few times and threatened my kids I was hitting the road.

Anyhoo, I was just reading Shannon's blog (which I highly recommend reading) regarding recipes and cooking for your family and had a fabulous idea. Since most of us are trying to feed our families creative, fun and healthy meals, I thought I would share the most amazing cookbook.

Ellie Krieger's, "The Food You Crave" has been a staple in the Coco house for the past six months. Recipes such as, savory chinese chicken salad, sesame teriyaki chicken thighs, sweet and sour brisket, confetti chili, lamb stew with orange, lemon-garlic marinated lamb chops, shortcut collard greens, dirty broccoli, asparagus with lemon and tarragon, poached salmon with lemon-mint tzatziki, baked shrimp with tomatoes and feta and a homemade green goddess salad dressing are all tried and true and loved in my kitchen. The recipes are delicious AND healthy.

SO, to start 2010 right, I am having my first GIVEAWAY EVER!

Leave a comment with your favorite healthy recipe. If there is a link to the recipe, please include it or if you can direct us where to find the recipe, that would be super-duper. Just give us the recipe in some way or another. Got it?

I will draw one lucky winner on Wednesday, January 13th.

You don't have to become a follower and you don't have to mention this giveaway on your blog. Just help Coco and other mommy (and future mommy) bloggers out and leave a recipe that we can all enjoy, in the comment section of this teeny tiny little Saturday post.

I can't wait to see what I will be cooking in 2010!!! Exciting stuff. Is it sad that I am so excited to see what you peeps leave for me to cook. My life is boring. So, so, so sad and boring. I'm in a funk so help me get out of it!!

ta-ta for now!

p.s. thank you Momma to the A's!
I was going batty this morning, with this freezing weather and being couped up with Damion and Reagan. Read your blog and I just got out stuff for some water play. SOOO glad you posted those pics. You have officially saved me today!!!! And my kids.

Poor kid and random thoughts.

I'm not a sports nut. But good Lord did I feel sorry for Colt McCoy last night, getting injured his last game. A big game, possibly the biggest of his life. And I felt VERY sorry for that poor 18 or 19 year old freshman that had to fill in for him. Could you imagine the pressure? You know he had diarrhea in his pants after the game.

Once again, the Longhorns, Colt McCoy and Mack Brown proved to be the class acts they are year after year. Lose or win.

And Bram will TOTALLY be playing for the Longhorns or USC. I mean come on, a name like Bram "our last name"? That has Heisman trophy written allllllllll over it.

OK, lets have 2010's very first RANDOM THOUGHT FRIDAY.

Ready?

OK!

1) it is cold outside. Texans aren't used to this many days of freezing in a row. Burrrr. I might stay in my jammies all day. And let the kids play Wii.

2) I called Bram a cry baby yesterday. It wasn't a shining moment for me in my mom career.

3) the lady at the post office yesterday said, "wow, your kids sure keep you busy." Then she said it again. Then she said, "you sure have your hands full." Then she said that again. Then she said, "wow." under her breath a few times. Then she said, "they are some active kiddos."
I didn't like this lady.

4) I'm kind of foggy this morning. I didn't eat dinner. I just drank it. We had people over and I was busy socializing. Though I did make homemade cheese enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, a huge pot of beans that cooked for two days, queso, fresh guacamole and peppermint, marshmallow, chocolate chip brownies for desert. Somehow I got to visiting and forgot to eat.

5) Pedra, our outdoor cat has been let in because of the cold. I love her. BUT I have found her on the counters more than once and I am kind of grossed out with the litter box. Any tips from you cat peeps would be nice. I also need something for her to scratch on. Besides Tess' Pottery Barn rug.

6) I have a funny story but it might offend some people. I'm not going to tell it.

7) Apparently, I am not smart enough for the Wii. I just got yelled at by my four year old regarding my lack of skilz.

8) I'm not feeling hot.

That's all Coco has. My house is sparkling clean. Last night's dishes are washing. Five wine glasses and 4 martini glasses have been hand washed and set out to dry. Everything is as it should be. Nap time is coming. I can feel it. Maybe a hot bath in my future.

And a plate of the enchiladas that I didn't eat last night. That is for sure.

Have a fabulous weekend!! Stay WARM!

ta-ta for now!

I had to share....

As most of you know, I live an hour outside of Austin, Texas. As most of you also know, tonight is the National Championship blah, blah, blah. UT is playing Alabama. My hubs, dad and bro are HUGE UT fans. ugh. UT bugs me but I do love me some Coach Brown. Sex kitten of Texas. Only second to George Straight. But I digress, the below sign is in front of El Arroyo restaurant in Austin today.

Hilarious!! And I guess I should say, "GO, HORNS!" ugh.

The life of the party!!!

Thanks for all of your answers yesterday. It is funny how similar we all are in the land of the blog. Boy howdy! Did y'all come out of the woodwork with tips and product suggestions.

I already use a lot of the products suggested, so it was good to hear y'all are happy with them. Though it seems I have been really screwing up the care and maintenance of my granite and stainless steel.


I will be trying some new wines. A few new lip glosses (which I am SO excited about!) and lots of stainless steal cleaners!! I just returned from the grocery store and I am loaded up with products. And microfiber clothes. I think the lady at the checkout thought I was NUTS! I will do a final review in a few weeks.

Thanks again!

A tip for those of you remodeling or building....do NOT and I repeat DO NOT ever put in dark granite. Oh yes, it is lovely but it always looks dirty, streaky or dusty. This is no bueno for my OCD. Trust me on this one. I will be doing white marble next time. Or white railroad tiles. Hell, I would even prefer white formica at this point.

Also, a few of you asked about the poster. I just bought a 24x36 canvas. I slathered the thing with Mod Podge and carefully laid the poster on top. Let it dry a bit, then sealed the poster with Mod Podge. The edges looked bare, so I ripped up some damask design scrap book paper and just Mod Podged them on. It seriously looks amazing. I might need to go into business. THAT is how fabulous it looks and how fabulous I feel about it.

OK, lets get on to more photos and more recap from NYE 2010.

If you party with the Coconater and family you will have the following experiences.......


A very soft, snuggly, warm place to sleep. Noise machine and mist humidifier also included. A warm sippy cup of milk is yours for the taking. And yes, Coco will let you have your paci. No age restrictions up in here.



If you do not desire your own soft wah-wah patch. You can share one with friends! Portable flat screen, dvd player and dvd's are at your finger tips. Snacks are also provided in bed.


If you persistently request, you will get, a nice head massage. During this massage, what you think is "aromatherapy oils" is actually Bed Head "Stiff Stuff" hairspray and your lovely masseuse will give you a Mohawk. You will be laughed at behind your back for a bit. But it is one heck of a head rub. You ask and Coco provides!


Even better is that you will be provided with sissy drinks. Such as "The Ruby Red Slipper" and your picture will be taken with said sissy drink. Then displayed on the world wide web for all to see. Don't try to hide your feminine side. Embrace it.


You party with us, and you get to eat Dreamsicles to your hearts content with this little honeysuckle!!


If you are an "earthy" type guest and want to become one with nature, get your hands dirty and play in the mud. You've got it!!!!


Last but not least, your safety is always our first priority!



That's how Coco and fam rolls!!

Ta-ta for now!

Coco has questions.......

And I need YOU to help. I'm jumping right in.

#1-if you have dark granite counter tops. What in the name of all that is Holy and sacred, have you found that cleans and doesn't leave streaks?

#2-if your child has curly hair. What in the name if the 8lb 6oz baby Jesus do you wash their hair with, that doesn't leave them looking 1) homeless or 2) like a greasy pediphile.

#3-what razor do you prefer to shave your legs with?

#4-what red wine do you prefer?

#5-what is the BEST laundry detergent. Especially IF you children have sensitive skin?

#6-IF you are a dumb ass like myself, what do you use to clean stupid, idiot, butthole STAINLESS STEEL appliances. And if you happen to have a commercial sized range, would LOVE to hear what you use to keep it not looking like a grease pit.

#7-If you have concrete floors, what do you use to clean them.

#8-What lipglass do you prefer?

#9-What mascara are you obsessed with?

#10-Favorite salad dressing, that is a little healthy?

That is all my friends. These are the 10 things that have been plaguing me in 2009 and I would like to solve these issues before 2010 is over.

Zoloft is expensive and I don't want to go up in my dosage. Or end up in a corner rocking, sucking a paci and wearing Dora adult diapers, repeating, "my appliances are streaky, my appliances are streaky, my appliances are streaky..bram's hair is limp, bram's hair is limp....clumpy lashes, clumpy lashes, clumpy lashes"


You get the picture. So your help is greatly appreciated.

Your help is needed like no other. Hubs will thank you.

Before you answer, remember....Coco likey things shiny. Kind of like a kitten and a ball of yarn.

And because I am counting on YOU to see me through. I am going to show the love as well....... giving you some fun new decor ideas.

You're welcome.

I did a little rearranging with my bread boxes. Hung those puppies on the wall, they have been on top of my cabinets, bored to tears!! Easy and it looks funky and fun.

During my awesome stay with my ex-friend Casey, I bought the below Andy Warhol poster. I could not for the life of me find a frame that 1) wasn't $1,000,000.00 or 2) wasn't cheesy. SO, I put my pea mind to work and went to Michael's. There, I found that they had their canvases on sale. I bought a 24x36 canvas for $20. I already had my handy Mod Podge and some damask scrapbooking paper and went to work.

Y'all discuss in your heads how good this looks. Go on....

And then we have Miss Tess. Posing. Absolutely nothing to do with home improvements or great tips, but who doesn't want a day without a picture of this little carrot of love. With an elk back pack on. Only in the Coco house is there not one, BUT TWO elk back packs. That's just how we roll. YO'.

This is where the little lady gets her posing from. Mr."Let me dress myself." Himself.

Moral of the story. If you have a poster that you're not sure what to do with. A canvas and some Mod Podge are your friends.

Second moral to the story, old bread boxes that you can find at flea markets for under $5, are your friends.

Third moral to the story, if you pose for your children, they will grow into posers. And when I say "posers" I mean, "STRIKE A POSE!" not, "YOU AIN'T NO REAL SKATER! GET THAT THAT FAKE SKATE BOARD OUT OF HERE!"

And that is my story and questions and
COCO WANTS TO KNOW!!

ta-ta for now!

Coco in a nutshell......

Visualize it.


New Years Day. Coco and the Hubs decide to get the ever elusive "mom and dad alone" photo together.


Coco has had more than one Ruby Red Slipper and is feeling quite confidant in her beauty (y'all know how insecure she is).


She sits down next to her darling Hubby.


The camera clicks.


The photo is taken.


Coco gets photo sent to her by her future sister in law a few days later.

Coco was right.

She looks fanfreakingtastic. Even fanfreakingtasticer considering her hair is dirty and she is wearing mascara from the day before. Thank goodness for her handy Juicy Tube that never leaves her cleavage or pocket. Her lips are always glossed.

Then Coco looks a little harder at the photograph.

Please double click to see what Coco saw.

Coco was sad.

Nice.

ta-ta for now!

2010 so far...

Happy 2010!!! Nothing starts your new year better than Dreamsicles.

We had an amazing time at the ranch. So laid back, the kids running wild. Tons of food, beverages, conversation and laughter.

And I may or may not of done the "Single Ladies" routine for my mom. Per her request of course.

This was Bram's expression of happiness all weekend long. The kids had an absolute blast!!!

Coco posing with Annie. You know what makes you feel old? Standing next to someone you remember quit clearly as an infant. In fact, you even lived with said infant AFTER you graduated from college. And now that infant is very close to being as tall as you!

Coco and Lacey. Our matching puffy coats. From Wal Mart believe it or not.

Lacey wearing her Wal Mart coat with a Missoni scarf. My Wal Mart coat with a cashmere scarf from the Modern in Dallas. Perfect combination.

Lacey with Hank and Chase.

Me and my boo boos. Notice the "red cup." Just like an episode of "Laguna Beach."

L.B., Lacey and Coco. In the back of a pickup about to explore the ranch.

The view from the dining room table.

Our New Year's Day meal. It was amazing.

Lots more pictures tomorrow. Coco is sleepy. But I would like to list some things I would like to accomplish in 2010:

1-half marathon before my 35th birthday

2-declutter

3-work on my potty mouth

4-lay off the crack cocaine

5-work on patience

6-start refinishing and selling fun furniture

7-try a new recipe for dinner at least 3 times a week

8-kiss my husband more

9-try out for American Idol

10-get into gardening

11-get more involved with my church

12-get more involved with Camp Phoenix

13-find a teaching job for the 2010/2011 school year

14-try not to poop my pants

Those are the goals I have set for myself. I am certain I can accomplish all of them. I just know I can!!

2009 was an amazing year for me. Not a lot happened. For the Cocos...this is a good thing.

Let's review, shall we?

2003-we met.

2004-we got married.

2005-we had our first baby.

2006-designed, built and moved into first house.

2007-we had our second baby.

2008 and 2009 have been uneventful. And I am grateful for that.

I am blessed, and a day doesn't go by that I don't remember this. I have a God that loves me unconditionally. A family that is healthy. I have a happy marriage. A husband I wouldn't trade for the world. Kids that keep me highly entertained. And family and friends that keep a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.

A girl couldn't ask for more.

More tomorrow!

Ta-ta for now!!!

It's been a great year.

2010 is starting out to be fantabulous.