Revolution!

Yes, that's right... I'm talkin' 'bout a revolution.

Looking up the meaning of NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION brought me to this definition:

• A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until the set goal has been achieved (or said commitment fails ---> added by me)

However, when looking up REVOLUTION, I found this:

• A revolution (from the Latin revolutio, "a turnaround") is a significant change that usually occurs in a short period of time. Revolutions have happened throughout human history and vary widely in terms of methods, duration, motivating ideology, and the number of participating revolultionaries. Their results include major changes in culture, ecomomy, and socio-political institutions.

So, rather than compile a list of things that I should already be doing and/or be doing better, I'm just going for the revolution instead. It seems more exciting!

Who's ready for a revolution?

Fresh New Look!

It's high time for a change! So, here it is... my new look!

I can't take responsibility for the illustration of the thinking girl, but I can (and will) take credit for the frilly haphazard logo and mini-logos on the sidebar and in the body.

I hope you enjoy my new look!

Happy Birthday Cyndi!

Happy Birthday, Cyndi!
You are truly a treasure to me!

A new look for 2008

I'm ready for a new look! I've been working on it since November and I'll be ready to launch it over the weekend!

Until then... let the anticipation grow!

Christmas Challenge - Day 25 - Merry Christmas!

The Girls setting out cookies for Santa!

The Big Haul!

Yay, for Santa!

Christmas Challenge - Day 24

It's Christmas Eve! And wow... it is even cold outside - 26.2 F! Yay, the weather cooperated this year. Let's hope it continues to stay cold through tomorrow.

Today, I'm posting our Christmas Card(s) that we sent out to family and friends!

I had a hard time deciding on one design...

Christmas Challenge - Day 23

Ahhhhh... we're home!

We left home on Saturday morning at 8:15 a.m., traveled 6 hours, battling holiday traffic, so we could have Christmas with my folks and my brother's family.

We also attended my extended family's annual Christmas party, which is always a hoot!

We got back in the van after Sunday lunch with my folks and finally, we're home again!

We all survived... barely.

Christmas Challenge - Day 22

We're just days away from Christmas now!

And, speaking of Christmas... back in October, I set up a weight loss goal for myself. To lose an additional 10 lbs (or a total of 30 lbs.) by Christmas.

With only 3 days to go, I have to say, that I will not make my goal. But, I'm happy to say, that I have lost 27 lbs total.

Yippee!

Now, will someone please pass the plate of hot wings!

Christmas Challenge - Day 21

A coupla random stories for Friday.

This is why KM is so funny... Over the weekend while we were at a restaurant, I brought both girls to the restroom. We all piled into the handicap stall. And they have this race as to who can pull their pants down and get on the potty the fastest. KM won. So, Elisan is standing there with her pants down around her ankles. KM finishes up, but just as Elisan is about to use the potty, she remembers she has trash in her pocket and bends down (bare-bottomed) to fish the contents out from her pocket.

Kyla Mae, with a look of sheer brilliance on her face, rares back and smacks her sissy on the booty. It wasn't hard, but it as loud and echoey in the bathroom. And, it was funny. Of course, Elisan was not happy and I had to scold KM for swatting E's bottom. But, truth be told, I was having a hard time trying to keep a straight face on that one.

This will show you out "uncool" I am... at least according to a 20 year old male. I was checking the girls out of the kids' gym at the YMCA and the attendant working the door/sign-out said, "Hey, what's that on your waist?" I look down and it's my iPod.

I said, "It's my iPod!" (like duh!)

And, he said, "Wow. It's so big. I've never seen one that big."

I said, "What do you mean?"

He said, "I've only seen those small ones with the screens, or the even smaller ones that look like a pack of matches."

And I said, "Oh Chris... that's because I've had this one for like 3 years!"

He said, "What? Really?"

I said, "Yep! See... the screen is even in monotone."

He said, "Wow... that is old. How do you even work out with that thing flopping around on your waist band?"

By now... I'm getting irritated...

I said, "I just do. It's not that big."

But, he wouldn't let it go...

He said, "But it is... I've never even seen anything like that..."

So, I said, "Yeah. It is big! It is old! Heck... I'm old! But, it works. So, leave us alone, now."

I hate being reminded that I'm old. And antiquated. And uncool. Kids today! No respect for their elders! Oh wow... did I just write that?

Christmas Challenge- Day 20

Want a yearly calendar with a photo of your favorite people?

Email me a picture and I'll pop your picture on and email it back to you.

8x10 in size - Upload it to your local photo mart. Makes a great last minute Christmas gift for grandparents, friends, etc.

Enjoy!

Christmas Challenge- Day 19

I have come to the conclusion that I am not the only person in this house to have PMS. It's official... Elisan now has PMS too.

The last two days after school, the child has been so weepy. Like for no reason. Seriously. None.

When I asked her why she was crying today, the only straight answer I got out from her is that her eraser at school is almost gone and she is afraid to use it, for fear that she will not get a replacement eraser.

I told her to bring an eraser from home. She said in her blubbering gibberish that "We can't bring one from home. The teacher won't allow it." Then, I suggested her bringing one of those erasers that top the pencil, and she blubbered on, "She'll take it off and throw it in the trash."

I'm almost certain (...no, I'm 100% certain...) that none of the above would actually happen, but how do you rationalize with a blubbering six year old who has PMS?

The same way you rationalize with a 35 year old woman who has PMS... you DON'T.

Christmas Challenge- Day 18

Those who personally know me, know that I shop at Goodwill. And, don't think I don't notice the sideways glances y'all give me when I talk about shopping at Goodwill.

But, as you know, I've found awesome stuff there, including my Dooney and Bourke purse that I bought at Goodwill last year for $5.99.

Over the weekend, I found the most adorable dollhouse for the girls (circa. 1991) for only $4.99. Here's a picture of KM with her new dollhouse.


Maybe it is the thrill of the hunt! Much like people who spend their days garage sale-ing. Whatever it is, I love my Goodwill. One woman's junk (or too tight clothes) is another woman's treasure!

Oh, and I'll let you in on a little secret... in the picture of the girls and me in yesterday's post... we're all wearing something from Goodwill.

That's about $12.00 worth of clothing purchased at Goodwill.

Christmas Challenge- Day 17

Congratulations to those who have stuck it out this far in the "25 Days of Bloggin' Challenge"! I've found that it isn't that hard to blog everyday - even if it is something trite and useless.

Mrs. C, over at Babes In Sugar Land had a great idea. She did a weekend wrap-up, so that is what I will do as well.

I finally got all of my Christmas shopping done! Whew! It did take two different outings on two different evenings to get the job done, though. This is the first year I have not been able to buy presents with at least one of them. Kyla is finally at the age where she will tell you what was bought, the minute she sees you. Elisan can keep a secret, but rarely am I with Elisan without Kyla.

I totally blew my budget for the girls. After shopping around, I realized that my budget wasn't going to suffice. The older they get, the more expensive their toys get. Not to mention clothes! Wow.

Elisan lost her second tooth on Saturday. This tooth has been loose since August. Yes... you read correctly, August. She's not one to rush things. So, Elisan put her tooth under her pillow and the tooth fairy paid Elisan a visit Saturday night. Let me say for the record... whoever dreamed up the idea that placing your arm underneath your child's head to retrieve a lone itty bitty tooth was insane. (I may need to invest in a tooth fairy pocket pillow that she can hang on her door!)

Our favorite restaurant opened up a location in our town. Folks, I've been waiting for years for a Wing*Stop location near me. And, finally, it's here. So, Randy and I ate hotwings until our fingers were red and stained. YUM! (BTW, I don't recommend hot wings if you are seriously on a diet. We're talking like 3000 calories! I'll be hitting the gym hard on Monday.)

Sunday was church. Here is a picture of the girls and me before we headed out the door. (And yes... that is BIG Texas hair I'm sporting.)

Sunday, I brought the girls out to do some Christmas shopping. The lines were horrendous. It was terrible. But, we had to buy a couple of things for Daddy, so it was necessary. Then, we met Randy for dinner at our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, Chuy's. (Yes... the gym, I know!!)

After dinner, I headed out to finish my last bit of shopping, sans girls. I was home in record time, with enough time, to help putting the girls to bed.

It was a good weekend. Very busy, but fun-filled.

Christmas Challenge- Day 16

Everybody loves Chex Mix, right? Well... I don't. Seems like there is a lot of stuff I don't like... and very little of the stuff I do like, ya know?

I recalled eating homemade versions of Chex Mix (a.k.a. TEXAS TRASH) and they always tasted so much better. So, I went on the hunt for a yummy snack mix recipe and here's what I found.

This is by far the best recipe for TEXAS TRASH I've ever tried.

The Sauce:
6 tablespoons of butter (melted)
1/4 cup hot sauce (like Crystal's - not Tabasco!)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon of steak seasoning (or all purpose stuff like Tony Chachere's)

The Trash:
Corn Chex Cereal
Captain Crunch Cereal
Cheddar Goldfish
Pretzel Sticks
Mixed Nuts, including sunflower seeds (bulk bin item)
Honey Roasted Sesame Sticks (bulk bin item)
Wasabi Peas (bulk bin item)

Add/mix the dry ingredients to your liking. If you like a lot of Chex cereal, then add a lot. Same with Goldfish Crackers... Add what you like and how much you like. There is no science to this recipe.

Then,

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2. In a shallow 2-quart baking dish, mix together melted butter, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire and all purpose seasoning
   
3. In a large bowl, mix up TRASH.
   
4. Pour mixture into pan with butter mixture and toss to coat evenly and thoroughly with the butter sauce.
5. Place baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake, stirring every 10 minutes or so, for 1 hour, or until dry and lightly browned.
6. Cool completely, then store in a tightly covered storage container.

Warning: This stuff is addictive!

Christmas Challenge- Day 15

My wonderful friend, over at the "There's No Place Like Home" (formerly The Pink Kitchen) sent me this wonderfully wrapped Christmas present in the mail yesterday.



She knows I love milk glass and sent me this very cute, very dainty milk glass container. I've never seen anything like it before and I love it.

Thank you Leigh Ann for the sweet Christmas present. Now, head on over to Leigh Ann's blog for a Christmas Giveaway!

Christmas Challenge- Day 14

The NEW Great Debate

Christmas Challenge- Day 13

Being stubborn and bull-headed is one of my strong suits. Not, that it is something to be proud of, though. Of course, being stubborn and attempting to outlast your opponent, or in this case... your husband, does have it's advantages.

However, a word of caution. Be prepared to suffer in your pursuit of who is more stubborn and bull-headed.

No need to get into the gory details, but Randy and I had a pretty nasty fight two nights ago. What began as a rational conversation while were were lying in bed, ended in a full-blown-knock-down-drag-out-fight.

As I mentioned, no need to get into the details of the fight, but let it be known, that I jumped up out of bed, said a few choice explicatives (oh yes, I know...classy...) and stormed downstairs to the couch.

After I settled down from my furor, I realized that I was on.the.couch. Not in my nice warm bed. I was on the most uncomfortable couch with barely a blanket. I briefly thought about using the bed in the spare bedroom, but quickly decided against it, because it is also functioning as the Christmas gift and gift wrapping station.

So, there I was... on the couch. And let me tell you... you could not have dragged my booty up those stairs. So, I stuck it out the entire night.

Yep. I won. I won the most bull-headed woman award. Again.

I so totally rock, don't I?

P.S. - For those who care... all is well in the Wagner household again. Once I blow off steam, all's good.

Christmas Challenge- Day 12

No, no... I didn't forget about the 25 Days of Bloggin' Challenge.

We've just had a super busy day today. Today was Elisan's Christmas field trip and party. I spent 4 hours at Chuck E Cheese with two first grade classes. Yes... that's right. FOUR HOURS!

To top it off... tonight was the girls' ballet lessons, so we didn't get home until 7 p.m. I'm pretty wiped out, to say the least.

So... I apologize for the lackluster posting today.

Perhaps tomorrow, yes?

Christmas Challenge- Day 11

Another great Christmas decoration that I bought while were lived in Denmark was this snowman salt and pepper shaker set.

It is solid wood and hand painted from Germany.

I couldn't resist it when I saw it in Copenhagen.

For those of you who don't know (or haven't figured it out yet...) I collect snowmen. I love those little guys!

Christmas Challenge- Day 10

I know I've been blessed with girls for a reason.

Why do I know this? Well, because I'm a girl, that's why. I can relate. I understand. I sympathize. God knew what he was doing when he gave me girls.

However... ahem... yesterday, I was a bit, shall we say... disgruntled by the fact that I have girls.

One of the rules at our house is that you don't leave the house without using the potty. Yet, I still have to remind them. I know one day, they will surprise me and go on their own, without the reminder, but until then...

Yesterday was no different. They both used the potty and we were on our way to do some shopping. Normally, I enjoy going out with both of them for a few hours of shopping at our local outdoor mall. However, as soon as we arrived at the mall and went into our first store, Elisan announces she has to go potty.

I know my child well enough to know that she didn't have to go that bad, if she just used the potty 10 minutes prior. So, I continued shopping. About 5 minutes later, she says she really had to go potty. So, this time, I decide to take her.

KM and I do not have to go, so we wait for her. About 3 minutes later, I ask her if she's done and I peek into the stall and she standing up just 'hanging out' in there. I'm like... "What are you doing in there?!" She says, "I thought I had to go, but I couldn't." Blood pressure rising...

So, we wash up, finish shopping and about 10 minutes later, we head out for the second store. As we are walking to the next store, Elisan says she has to really potty this time. So, we immediately go to the potty in the second store. As we're walking in, I ask KM if she needs to go too, and she says no. So, as usual, Elisan (who is slower than Christmas!) goes into the stall and about 3 minutes later (again!) I check on her and she's sitting down this time, but just sitting there... I ask, "What are you doing? Are you pooping?!" She says, "No, I'm peeing, but only a little came out. So I'm going to wait to see if more comes out." Blood pressure steadily rising...


So, finally, she's done. We wash up and proceed to start shopping. I load the girls into the shopping cart and we are not 2 minutes into the store, when KM says she has to go potty now. Warning: Blood pressure boiling!!

So, what did we do? We left. We went home because I couldn't take it anymore. I was fed up and disgusted and if I had to go into another public restroom again that day, I think I was going to scream!

(Sidenote: Yes, it has occurred to me that Elisan may have some bladder issues, but rest-assured, I brought her into the doctor over a week ago for this very thing and all of her tests came back good!)

Christmas Challenge- Day 9

Elisan had a birthday party to attend on Saturday, so I seized the opportunity to drop her off and do a little Christmas shopping.

It was about 3:30 p.m. when I made it to the outdoor shopping mall and it was JAM PACKED. In two hours, I was only able to hit 4 stores. And it wasn't as if I didn't have a list. I knew exactly what I was going in for.... it was the check-out lines that were ridiculously long.

I'm standing there thinking... "Please! Someone... take my money! And, do it more efficiently!"

Needless to say, I didn't accomplish much. But, here's a great money saving holiday tip for ya!

Next time you venture out for some shopping, be sure to check sites like Coupon Cabin or Slick Deals for printable coupons. Or, do a Google search for printable coupons for the store you plan to shop in.

I did a Google search for "Justice, Just for Girls" coupons and was thrilled to find a 20% off your entire purchase coupon. I used it to buy Elisan - a pretty hoop canopy with sequins and netting. That was on item she really wants! At $19.99, with a additional 20% off coupon... that was a great deal!

Christmas Challenge - Day 8

Just a little humor!

From my favorite comic strip, "Calvin and Hobbes".

Christmas Challenge

This is just awful.

How does anyone expect me to get in the full-swing of the holiday spirit with temperatures in the 80's?

I think everyone in Central Texas would agree... this is just wrong!

Christmas Challenge

Two of my favorite Christmas decorations are my Danish Pixies.

We arrived in Denmark the second weekend of December 2003 and we couldn't have arrived at a better time. Christmas season was in full-swing.

I remember wandering around the mall and the strøget looking at the Christmas decorations. They were so different from the the stuff you see around here. And, one thing really caught my eye was the Danish Pixy.

I'm not sure what the back story is on these cute little guys, and with Charlotte's help, perhaps she can offer a little history (hint-hint!). I just know they are super cute and I was glad that I have enough fore-sight to add these gems to our Christmas collection.

God Jul!

Christmas Challenge

Today is my birthday! And, today is also my 9th anniversary!

I don't know if I'm more impressed with being 35, or if I am more impressed with being married for 9 years.

I don't feel that old, I mean, cause let's face it I am that old now.

Randy said that being married 9 years doesn't feel like a long time to him... he's waiting for a decade to feel like an old married man. I think being married for 9 years is awesome. We're beating the odds and that feels great!

Last night, we celebrated my birthday, because tonight is ballet. The girls got me not one, but TWO Yankee candles for my birthday. Cinnamon and Cranberry! YUM! We're celebrating our anniversary this weekend with a date night out.

Christmas Challenge

On Sunday, the girls and I went to the local shopping mall and did a little bit of Christmas shopping. My goal was to find something for my 6 year old niece.

So, off we go to "Justice, Just for Girls". I have to admit, I love this store. It is eye candy for girls... and hey! I'm a girl, too. The trouble is, the prices are just way to high. Like seriously...high.

But, I don't know what it is about that store... it's fun music, the bubbly atmosphere, the beautiful clothes and fun accessories or WHAT?! but I was possessed to buy an outfit for my niece that was MORE expensive than what I pay for my own clothes.

As I'm reaching in my purse to pay for the items, I don't even flinch when I hand her my credit card. I sign off, gather the girls and we leave. It was not until we were outside did I snap to my senses and realize, "OH MY GOODNESS!" did I just pay $50.00 for a shirt and leggings? (I threw in the dollar amount, because I knew you were dying to know!)

I immediately decided that because I do not spend that much money on our clothes, I was not going to spend that much money on other people's clothing. So, the plan was to return the items on Monday (or Tuesday... maybe Wednesday). I just didn't want to rush in there and return them immediately, like the remorseful buyer I was.

About 30 minutes later, Randy joined us at the mall. I told him about the experience in the store and he was like, "So, why don't you take it back now?"

I said, "What? Not right now! I just left there. They will certainly remember me and snicker at me as I leave. No. I'll take it back next week."

Then (my hero) said, "Give it to me. I'll take it back."

So, Randy walked into Justice, Just for Girls, dumped the clothes and the receipt on the counter and got the refund.

We we met up again, I asked him if they said anything to him about why it was being returned and he said no. But, had they asked him, he was going to joke that he was sitting at home, when he got an email from VISA about the recent purchase and that he hauled down there to return it because it was too expensive. (That's the redneck in him.)

Christmas Challenge

I have an amazing aunt who makes the most incredible hand painted ornaments. Each year, she designs an idea, buys the wood, traces the shapes, cuts the wood with her jig saw, paints the ornaments and hands them out to each child in our extended family - which, including great-grand children is well past thirty kids.

Not to mention, she gives these hand-painted gems to friends, her grandkids' teachers and classmates, each year as well. I'd estimate to say that through out the year, she makes nearly 75-100 ornaments.

She says is therapeutic. I say... sell them on eBay. She says, no way... it's fun and it her way to extol the joy of Christmas.

So, in honor of my aunt Tonna, here are a few samples of her Christmas ornaments. (In a few more years, her ornaments will encompass my entire tree!)

This year, she is doing a manger scene. I can't wait to add it to our collection.