Pumpkin Seeds!

Most of y'all know we don't celebrate or participate in Halloween at our house. But, we LOVE roasted pumpkin seeds.

So, each year, I buy the girls a pumpkin and we carve out a happy face. But, the best part is roasting the seeds!



Here's how I do it!

1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp seasoned salt

Mix above ingredients with seeds until coated. Spread on cookie sheet and roast on 250 degrees until dry (approximately one hour) stirring every 15-20 minutes.

Fall Weather = t-shirts and shorts

I used to get so frustrated when October would land on the calendar and we'd still be wearing shorts and flip flops.

I don't know what made me change my mind about our Texas winters. I think it occurred when I lost nearly 30 pounds of extra padding. It was then that I quickly realized that I don't like the cold so much. In fact, anything below 65 degrees and I'm looking for a hooded sweatshirt.

It's hard being cold-natured. Especially living with Randy. He laughs in the face of cold weather and will ride with the top down on his sports car in the dead of winter just to prove to others that it ain't cold here in Texas.

Me? The more clothes the better. I am most comfortable when I am nice and toasty. And, much more pleasant to be around.

So... as October comes to a close, I realize that our short sleeved, short wearing weather is quickly coming to an end. Oh well... At least the girls were able to enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the park.

Someone hand me a sweater, will ya?

Spooky randomness

I think "Randomness" is by far my favorite style of posting because I can neatly wrap up a week's long of events in one tidy blog entry. There isn't much about life that is neat and tidy, but at least my blog life can be right?

So, yes... the sickness is gone from my house. Elisan still have a cough, but the dr. said a "flu" cough can last up to two weeks. Poor child sounds like she smokes a pack of Camels a day. Speaking of cigarettes... have you checked out the price of a pack of cigarettes lately? Okay, that doesn't sound good... let me state for the record that I DO NOT SMOKE, however, there was a time in my life that I enjoyed a cigarette or two while I was in early 20's. I was what they call a "social smoker," much like a "casual drinker." Anyway... moving along... So, yes, the price of a pack of cigs is over $5.00/per pack. Let's do the math, shall we?

• 20 packs (per carton) x $5 = $40.00 per carton (and upwards depending on brand, etc.)
• One cigarette equals $.25/each
  
• A "pack a day" habit can run an average smoker approximately: $1825.00/year
• If you and your spouse smoke, we're talking $3650.00/year (minimum!)

And this is assuming the cost is not hiked during the year due to "sin" tax - which, who are we kidding... it usually is. I think I'd kick the habit just to save money! But, I realize it is not that easy to do, considering I watched both of my parents kick a 20+ year smoking habit many, many years ago!

Okay, I know for a fact that there are some folks there that have a "Starbuck A Day" habit or a "Sonic A Day" habit, but wow... you can at least brew coffee at your house or buy a six pack of soda. If you are addicted to smoking... you are pretty much at the mercy of the tobacco companies.

So, yeah... that was indeed random, wasn't it?

We bought Elisan new "new to me" bedroom furniture at the Salvation Army several weeks ago. It is adorable and I can't wait to get her room updated and painted. I bought two sample quarts of paint yesterday and applied various patches of paint in her room to decide which of the two I liked the best. Well, let me rephrase... which of the two Elisan liked the best. Thank goodness of the two, she picked the color I can live with the best. I realize it is not MY bedroom, but I can at least steer her in the color choices, can't I? So, hopefully in a week or two, her bedroom will be nearly complete. I'll post pictures then.

Meanwhile, yesterday I got the spooking of my life. I was looking for a bedframe on Craigslist and I found an ad for a solid oak bed frame for $50.00 in a neighboring community. The lady gave me directions and I mapped it out and it was about 18 miles away. But, around here, that isn't that far because of a lot of people live out in the middle of nowhere around here.

So, anyway, I load the girls up in the pick up and we head out. We drive and we drive and we drive. Finally when (according to the directions) we are almost there, I get a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. We are out in the middle of NO WHERE. Literally. According to the directions, the "next left" is actually a dirt road only wide enough for one vehicle. We continue on that road for at least a mile, then we veer left and go through a gate (like a horse gate, not a fancy gated entry) and travel down a winding dirt road. We come up to the residence and I honestly can not tell which of the two buildings is the barn or the house. Then I see a fellow (who, upon meeting, was missing a front tooth) lean out the door and wave me up to the house.

I left the girls in the truck with the doors locked and the cell phone. I didn't want to scare them, but I didn't want to bring them in with me.

As I walked into the house, not a single light was on inside. The house was dark, musty and smelled like cigarettes. (Is this the second time I've mentioned cigarettes in ONE post?!) The floor was sinking in several places and there were boxes everywhere. Clutter and trash was stashed in the corners of the house and cardboard led the way through the house to avoid tracking the piles and piles of mud from outside. Cats (plural) and dogs (plural again) were running in, out and around the house.

Y'all... my good sense told me to just run away, but being the nice Southern girl I am, I helped collect the bed frame and load it up into the truck. As we finished getting it into the truck, we chatted for a few minutes. The people were pleasant folks. Just hard on their luck. And on one hand, I felt terrible for fearing for my life, yet on the other hand, I felt terrible for them because of their circumstances.

Truthfully, the $50 I paid them for a bed frame, that unfortunately is in disrepair, will probably help them more than it could help me. It just goes to show you, you just never know about people. Some of the nicest people you meet are those you might not ever typically look at twice and the people who tend to trample all over you, are the people we oftentimes clamor to be their friend.

This morning, I stopped by my local Goodwill on the way home from the gym. If I've said it before, I've said it a thousand times... I {heart} Goodwill! Anyway, I scored a set of bed risers for $2.99. I've priced them all over town (Bed Bath Beyond, Wal-Mart, etc.) and I haven't been able to find a set of four for less than $15.00. So, yay me!

I think today I'm going to spend my time finishing up odds and end projects I have spread out across the house. I will probably clean Elisan's walls and baseboards in preparation for painting over the next few days.

Yes, I know you are jealous, because my life is thrilling! Oh, wait, it really IS thrilling... if you count my experience yesterday! Yep, you don't wish you were me, now do you?

Sickness, be gone!

What a week.

Tuesday evening, Elisan began complaining of a headache. I didn't think much of it... I gave her Tylenol and all was fine. Later than next (early) morning, Elisan came into our room around 3:00 a.m. and complained that she was "hot". I told her to kick off the heavy comforter and sleep under the sheet. (I tend to not care about too much at 3 a.m.)

Wednesday morning, she woke up and complained that her tummy hurt and she did not want to eat breakfast.... sooooo unlike Elisan.

So, finally, I put two and two together and realized we had the makings of the flu. I took her temperature and sure enough, she had fever to boot!

The next two days were spent on the couch in a fever fog. I was hesitant to give her loads of tylenol or motrin because I wanted her body to combat the virus on it's own. I did however give her meds when her fever topped 102 or above. Most articles I read on fever stated that fever under 102 was considered a "healthy" temperature to allow your body to fight off whatever virus was coming against it.

Other than a fever and slight cough with some congestion, she felt pretty good. The complaining that she was missing school did not cease either - and still hasn't! We're on day three of missing school.

Speaking of school, I talked to one of the teachers across the hall from Elisan's classroom and she had 11 out of 18 kids out for the flu - some of which were confirmed Swine Flu cases. Wow! Elisan asked me why she got the flu and I told her it was only a matter of time. I mean, with so many kids in close quarters, breathing, coughing and sneezing on one another... I'm surprised we've held out THIS long!

So, although there isn't an official diagnosis... I'm guessing it was the swine flu. And now, we're on the downhill slide of things. Whew!

I just hope the rest of us don't get it! That would stink!

Battle of the Bones

Someone... Anyone! Enlighten me, please!

Why is the skull & crossbones look for clothing and accessories so popular now? What is it about a skull that is "cute" on a girl? What is the purpose? What is the statement you are making when you dress your daughter in this style?

If you think this look is cute, please tell me why. If you don't like this look, I want to hear from you too!

8 is my favorite!

I've been blessed with little girls who love to talk. And I mean, not just converse, but they love to talk for talking sake. Talk, talk, talk... all day long. And it's no surprise that when the both come home they are both brimming with talk because they've had to restrain themselves at school all day.

What I've found this year in particular, is that not only is Elisan talking more, she's talking more substantively. We are having actual conversations that involve her life, not just random occurrences. Kyla still converses in randomness. For example, Kyla will say out of the blue something about a trip we took 3 months ago. Or, about a show she watched on TV yesterday.

Elisan on the other hand will talk, answer questions, try to relate what she is saying by using examples and she is animated in her discussions.

Just recently, we moved Elisan's bedtime up to eight o'clock. She said she didn't want to have a bedtime for little kids anymore - which was 7:30. How we managed to get that child to bed at 7:30 until recently, I have no idea. But, Kyla still goes to bed at 7:30 because she is a "little kid". During the time from 7:30-8p.m., I will sit down with Elisan on the couch and we will just talk.

She talks about anything and everything. She talks about the books she's reading, school, her friends, the boys in her class, the teacher, church, soccer... whatever strikes her mood, we will talk about it. I'll admit, there are times when my eyes will glaze over when she begins talking about things like seating charts and science class, but for the most part, I'm as equally engaged in her conversation as she is.

Lately, I've been reflecting on how quickly she will get older and she would rather talk to her friends - in regards to the same things she now talks to me about. This makes me sad, but I know that it is all about growing up. I just hope and pray that the time I'm spending with her now, will have a lifetime effect on her as she does get older and mom is not as important to her as I was when she was 8 years old.

By far, 8 is my favorite age of Elisan. For now... I'm going to hang on her every word, get into her world and show her that I care about her and the things that makes her happy and sad. As a mom of a growing girl, I think that is one of the best things I can do for her is offer her my undivided attention and love.

(Thank you Lord for the continued wisdom in growing my girls.)

Explanation Please?

Okay, so my previous post sounded so pitiful, yet on the other hand... so selfish. I tend to agree.

Let me explain myself so I don't come across as a big 'ol loser!

We have been going back and forth on the whole dog issue for over a year. September 2008, I decided I wanted a dog, but then decided against it because I was dealing with the breast issues and biopsies that I didn't think I could handle one more thing on my already fragile plate. Then in January 2009, I decided to revisit the puppy conversation, but soon after, I was hired to work at my church and that shelved the puppy talk for a while.

Summer rolls around and our babysitter would bring her adorable family pets over to our house to let the girls play with them and I got excited about getting a dog again. And in August, we all know about the shelter dog incident... (Sigh...)

Well, then I quit my job and I told Randy that since I would have more time at home, I thought getting a puppy would be ideal for us. The girls were a year older too, which I think made a huge difference. So, the hunt began.

I didn't want to spend a fortune on a dog, so I looked on Craigslist for a puppy. Found one and honestly, he was as cute as can be. He had a great personality and was very playful and curious.

As soon as we got home though, I knew we'd have a problem. He was too tiny. He was all over the place and under our feet as we walked. It was nerve wreaking!

I also think he was just too young for us. He was only 9 weeks old. In addition, he must of had a bladder the size of a peanut because he peed about 6 times in just the first two hours - and not just outside. And, don't get me started on the pooping!

If you were not holding him, he whined. He you put him in his crate, he yelped. If you left the room, he cried. I honestly thought that an infant sling would have been perfect for him. Nighttime was more like a nightmare. I don't think he slept more than 2 hours the entire night. I should know... I was up with him, taking him out to pee, cleaning up after his accidents in his crate and trying to stop the incessant whining/yelping/crying.

The long of the short of it was that honestly... I did not think I would be able to care for this puppy without losing my religion. And, I know myself well enough to know that hanging on the puppy for a few weeks to see how things ironed out would only prolong the inevitable and secure the fact that the girls would be super attached and be devastated if we had to find another home for him.

So, I made the best decision for all of us. I get to keep my sanity and the girls were totally okay with me finding a new home for "Charlie". The lady who adopted him was very sweet and super excited to get him. And, she seemed super patient... something I apparently lack a lot of.

I think I need a hobby. One that doesn't involve live animals.

Am I really THAT person?!

I loathe myself right now. Really, I'm at an all time low of self loathing right now. Why? What could be so bad that I cannot even bring myself to tell my faithful readers how insane I am!? But, rather than keep you suspense, I'll dispense my foolishness to you.

Here's the bulleted gist list:

• Been wanting a puppy.
• Scoured online ads for a puppy.
• Found an adorable puppy.
• Bought puppy.
• Brought puppy home.
• Realized an hour into having puppy that I am crazy for thinking a puppy is a smart idea.
• At 1:00 a.m. this morning, I further realized that having a puppy is a stupid idea.
• Had "the talk" with the girls this a.m. to tell them that the puppy needs a new home.
• Found a potential new owner and I'm meeting her this morning.
  

Once and for all, I have decided we are not and will never be dog owners. No more dog talk. I'm done. So very done.

Should have listened to Randy.

With Love from Denmark!

Our good friend Charlotte from Denmark sent Kyla Mae a fun birthday package in the mail. Charlotte always sends the most beautiful handmade cards and the cutest little goodies for my girls. Thank you Charlotte!!

A party fit for a 6 year old!

Whew... can I just be honest here? I'm so glad this party is o-ver! Hosting a party for six year olds is just plain ol' hard work. But, everyone, including the birthday girl, had a great time. I just hope the parent's don't think I was half a bubble off center because the party was kind of random at times. Oh well...perhaps I'll hire Elisan next time to be my personal assistant party planner!

Click on this photo! There's always a kid that steals the show! I wish I could say Kyla was a good sport about it, but I can't. Oh well! She's six... what do you expect?

Oh, and don't get me started on the cake. Total disappointment... Blah... I don't even want to talk about it.

Happy Birthday Go-Go Girl!

Yesterday was Kyla's sixth birthday!
Her BIG party is this weekend!

Love you my sweet girl!

Homecoming

Friday was the final day of Homecoming Week at Elisan and Kyla's school! This year, I made a homecoming mum for Elisan to wear to school. We had a lot of fun making it and I think we've started a fun little tradition at our home!

I remember wearing gargantuan homecoming mums in school. Just like everything in Texas... bigger is better. Honestly, if you could not stand underneath the weight of your homecoming mum, then it was not big enough. Am I right?

What I love about our school is that all grades participate in the fun stuff like pep rallies. It was fun for them and brought back flood of memories for me. A lot has changed since I was in school, but one thing will always remain the same... that is big hair bows! Check out the bows on the cheerleaders! One girl's bow practically frames her entire head (second from the end... if you are having a hard time finding her!)

I am not disparaging this tradition... in fact, I embrace it. I just wish Elisan wasn't quickly growing out of the hair bow phase. Sigh... there are some things you just have to accept and move on.

So, Randy indulged my desire to relive my past and brought all of us girls to the homecoming game on Friday night. Let me just state for the record... it is not fun and it will never be fun to bring two girls to a football game that are 8 and 5 years old. Don't kid yourself into believing it is a good idea. Just don't. Save yourself the trouble - and in our case, the $16.00. We left at half-time. That is, of course, after the homecoming queen was crowned. Randy, you can thank me for that little nugget of life that you will never get back.

And finally, I drew a name for my last freebie giveaway! Man... only three of you commented for this giveaway! Hmmm, perhaps my sense of humor is not shared by most of you!

Kris, I'll send you an email and we can work out the details of your cards!

Another Giveaway! I'm feeling generous!

Leave a comment to receive 12 custom "Motherisms" notecards! I'll even go so far as to customize it with your very own favorite "motherism" and check lists. Can you feel the love?

So, leave a comment... tell your friends! I'll draw a winner on Sunday.