The Dog Verdict

Over the weekend, my folks came to our house for a visit. The girls and I had been looking forward to their visit because we haven't seen them since late July. But, truth be told, we were especially looking forward to meeting their newest addition - a seven month old Maltese puppy they rescued from the Humane Society.

As you know, I've been pondering the idea of getting a puppy. I have even been cleaning up and clearing out some of our stuff and selling it on Craigslist.com to save up enough money to buy one. I've checked out library books on training and scoured the internet trying to determine the right breed for us and looking for reputable breeders.

So, when my mom and dad came for a visit and brought their new dog "Buddy" with them, I was thrilled because it would give me a peek into how the girls would react to a dog in the house. Kinda like "pet borrowing" for a weekend.

Buddy was great! He has a sweet personality and calm disposition. He never barked and was a lovable dog. Elisan loved Buddy and had a lot of fun with him. Kyla liked the idea of Buddy, but was still a little scared of him because he wanted to play and jump a little more than she cared for.

All and all, it was a great time... but I've decided we just aren't ready for a dog, and for two reasons! I want Kyla to fully embrace a puppy. I don't want her to be scared of any animal I bring into the house. And second... puppies are a lot of work! I am just now experiencing a little "freedom" with both girls in school and getting a puppy would tie me down again. So..., no dog for us at this moment. Maybe in a few years? Maybe.

Now, I have a wad of cash I don't know what to do with. Perhaps I'll invest in the stock market...

Friday Fodder

I was cruising Nordstrom's online looking for a hair accessory and I came across these photos.

Tell me... is this a style you would wear? I mean... really? And if so, how do you style it without it looking like a rat's nest in the back?

So, I began looking up bouffant hairstyles of old and came across this photo. This is just awesome! And check out the caption on the photo. This is the MODERN BOUFFANT. Oh, yes... I am going out now to get my hair styled like this and I'm going to ask for the same make up.
And my final funny bouffant picture from my searching was this gem. If this picture is not real, then whoever took it did a great job!


I think the lady in the foreground is the same lady with the modern bouffant!

What have I been doing?

Making Fall jewelry is what?
Don't these look yummy?

I couldn't decide if I liked the drop pendant look or the beaded
pendant look so I did both! What do you think?

The best ice cream cake you will ever eat!

I've decided that I don't like making birthday cakes anymore. Instead of baking, I've decided that freezing is my preferred method of cake making!

Over the weekend I made Randy an ice cream cake for his birthday. I made his cake in a 6 inch cake pan and trust me, that is plenty big for a family four!



The Best Ice Cream Cake Ever
Time: At least overnight!

Ingredients:

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Whipped Topping
• Chocolate Cream-filled Cookies
• Chocolate Syrup topping

(For the small version I made, I used a quart of ice cream and a snack pack of Oreos.)

Directions:

• Place plastic wrap in the bottom of your cake pan. Add add ice cream to bottom of pan and spread out evenly. Add layer of crumbled cookies. Next, add layer of chocolate syrup. Place in freezer for 1-2 hours.
• Add layer of ice cream and spread evenly over the layer of syrup. Return to freezer over and leave overnight.
• The next day, remove your cake from pan and place on serving platter. (Return to freezer while you prepare the 'icing'.)

• (This is the best part!) Add equal parts of whipped topping and ice cream and beat with a hand mixer until well blended. Careful not to over mix because you don't want it to melt. If it does melt, just pop the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes before spreading it on the cake.
• Pour the mixture on the cake and smooth over with a spoon. Be sure the get the sides! Place back in the freezer for several more hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup on top. (You will have to heat the syrup up slightly in the microwave to get it to stream across the cake.) Place back in the freezer until time to serve.
• This recipe is time consuming, but the results are well worth the effort! And the great thing about this recipe is that you can add more than one layer of cookies and chocolate if you wanted to!

Happy Birthday Randy!

Today is Randy's birthday! He is 35!
(Elisan is smiling particularly big in this picture because she lost a tooth only moments before!)

Busy Weekend!

We had a very busy weekend!
Our Saturday started off with soccer games!


Elisan had a great game! She played really hard and scored one goal!

Kyla played really well too! She scored 5 goals!

Later that day, we headed over to our friend's house for a birthday party! There were pony rides and a petting zoo!
The girls had loads of fun!

Elisan loved the bunny rabbit!

Mommies Cry?

This morning, I was having just a plain old rotten morning. I was tense, on edge and very sensitive. Plus, add on the frenzy of trying to get out of the house for a soccer game... well, it wasn't pretty.

To add insult to injury, I was telling Elisan that she needed to use the bathroom before we left and I only heard her mumble an answer. So, I asked her again, if she had used the bathroom and she said, "I wish I didn't have a mother who had hearing loss."

Well my friends, that did it. I began to cry. And not just a little sniffle cry. It was an all out gush.

But, a mommy's job is never done and while I was still crying I was also finishing up tying Kyla's soccer shoes. She looked at me with her beautiful brown eyes, said "I'm here Mommy" and then said in all seriousness, "I didn't know mommies cried."

Is that a testament of my strength or of my pride?

Friday Fodder

I know... another newspaper clipping... but c'mon... aren't these hilarious??

Disclaimer: The materials and information you find on "FRIDAY FODDER" do not [always] represent the expressed opinion of the author. In addition, the materials found on Friday Fodder are oftentimes mass distributed, thus credit is not known.)

Best Cooker

For some reason, Kyla Mae has began saying, "Daddy is my best friend, but you are my best cooker." Gee... that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside... don'tcha think?

How did Daddy win the coveted best friend award and I only got the best cooker award? What's up with that?

I think I'm going to have a talk with her.

I love glasses!

I've been wearing glasses since I was in the first grade. In fact, had I given this post a little more thought, I would have posted pictures of me through the years wearing glasses.

My eyesight is really bad. I mean, I'm the person who reaches for their glasses first thing in the morning and can't function without having them on. (That's probably why I currently have 6 pairs of glasses on 'stand-by' just in case one of my current prescription glasses gets broken or lost.)

By the time I hit 21, I decided that I wanted contacts. I loved them! It was a surreal moment when I looked in the mirror for the first time and was able to see what I looked like without glasses. I wore contacts for about 12 years.

Unfortunately because my eyesight is so poor and something about having a flat eyeball, contacts for me became too expensive. We're talking like $300.00 PER contact... not per pair. It was ridiculous! So, I decided it was time to stop wearing contacts and begin wearing glasses full time again.

The last three years, I've gotten my prescription glasses at my Ophthalmologist's office. We still paid more money than I ever wanted to on a pair of specs, but it was nominal compared to the cost of contacts.

Then, in May I found a website (on slickdeals.com) for an online optical store called ZENNI OPTICAL. They have frames priced from $8.00 - $50.00. I have since purchased two pairs of glasses for me and one set of glasses for Randy and we have been super impressed with the service. Just recently, Randy and I both ordered a set of glasses and with shipping, our total bill was $32.00. (My glasses were more expensive because I have to have a super-strength coke-bottle bottom lens.)

The only thing you need is your prescription (it doesn't even have to be a current presciption, although, I'd recommend it... I'm just sayin') to type in the values of each eye. The website makes it virtually impossible to screw up your order.

So, if you are a glasses wearer, go take a look. You'll be impressed! And I love my new glasses! Very stylish and hip! These frames were in the $9.95 section.

Memory Verse

I promise, this is a very short clip,
but it's so cute I had to show everyone!

Lazy Saturday

Rough day...

Get Shorty!

If you needed proof that Elisan is a shorty... here ya go!
The girl standing next to Elisan will be 8 in April.

I'm learning

Aa few weeks ago I mentioned that I'd finally like to learn how to use Photoshop Elements. Well, I been playing around with it the last few days and there is so much to learn.

Today, I downloaded some freebie brushes and I created this little graphic with brushes. Not bad for a first attempt.

Friday Fodder

I don't know about you, but I'd be very upset if the town newspaper stated I was being fined for prostitution. In fact, I'm thinking a little blurb in the correction section of the paper isn't sufficient enough. Can you say FULL SIZE BILLBOARD on the freeway?

Hello Ike

Um, this pretty much effects everyone I know!

For some serious weather tracking check out this link!

A yellow dog in an elephant costume

First up, this is my blog and I can talk about any political beliefs I want to talk about.
With that said... I reserve the right to add or delete the content of this blog and that goes for comments, too! It's not that I'm afraid to 'bring it on'... it's just that I'm tryin' to keep my blog a family friendly place!

On to the topic at hand...

My dad is a Yellow Dog Democrat. What is a Yellow Dog Democrat you ask? Well, my friends, the term Yellow Dog Democrat "arose from the notion that loyal Southern Democrats would vote for a yellow dog before voting for a Republican." (Wikipedia)

Yep, that's my dad. And, he's proud of it! He a life-long member of the local union, the IBEW and is/was a true life blue collar worker. He loathed Reagan, applauded Clinton and has been a loyal member of the Democratic party as long as he could vote. He was even a Democratic national delegate back in the day.

However, I about dropped the phone today when my mom said that my dad is probably going to vote for McCain this time around. Wow. That's big time.

So, I got to thinking... I wonder how many other Yellow Dog Democrats are voting for McCain this year?

I just find this all too interesting. Especially since it hits so close to home.

DEMOCRATS FOR MCCAIN

Stuff heard 'round the classroom?

Perhaps I need to make up a new installment "Stuff heard 'round the classroom!"

Today Kyla's teacher stopped me at the door and was telling me how she was relating to the kids about the shape of the letter "D". She went on to explain how she was saying the letter "D" has a straight back and a big tummy... like a daddy. And, that the word "daddy" also begins with the letter "D". This is how it went down:

Teacher: "Remember, daddy begins with the letter 'D' and daddies have big fat tummies like the letter 'D'!"

Kyla: "And mommies have big boobies!"

Her teacher said she had to move to the back of the room so she could laugh without the class seeing her.

Ah, to be four and have no inhibitions!

It's a dollar!

So, I'm standing in line at the DOLLAR TREE yesterday and the gal in front of me picked up an item and asked her friend. "How much is this?"

Priceless.

A whole lotta nuthin'

You know it must be a slow week when I don't have anything to write about. Yes, it's true... I can't think of a cute kid story to relate or some other relate-able topic that you would all appreciate.

I got nuthin'. But, that won't keep me from ramblin' on about useless drivel.

On the dog front... thanks for all of the well wishes and mean-spirited comments. You know who you are... Okay, they weren't 'mean' spirited comments... more like well-meaning. But, I am seriously leaning into the idea of getting a dog. I just feel it is time for our family to have a little something extra. Doesn't every kid deserve a pet? I think so.

So, to help facilitate the effort of a dog purchase, I've been selling off some stuff on Craigslist. I'm proud to say that I've made $60.00 in one day! Who knew I was sitting on a treasure trove of stuff? I've got some other stuff to list today. Who knew?

Did I tell you that Kyla knocked a tooth loose? She's four, so she isn't quite ready to begin losing teeth yet, but it looks like she may be losing a bottom tooth soon. Thankfully, it is a tooth that is traditionally lost first. It's turning gray in the back and I'm sure it won't be long now. She's kind of excited about getting tooth fairy money.

Hurricane Ike is making it's way to Texas it appears. Here's praying that none of my peeps in SE Texas have to evacuate!

I've been invited to a slumber party on Friday night! I'm stoked! Actually, it is for one of Elisan's friends, but the mom invited me to come too and help! I can't wait. I think it will be lots of fun. However, Elisan is not so jazzed. In fact, she is even a little belligerent about it. I honestly can't imagine why!

Speaking of Elisan... she came home yesterday and told me that two boys were making fun of her for watching PBS Kids. What?! That's insane. So what...? I should allow my seven year old to watch Hanna Montana now because cartoons are for little kids? Last I checked, she IS a little kid! Sheesh!

I've been at it again!

I've changed my blog design... again! It's a sickness, I know.

Smile Award!

I've been awarded by Heidi of Minnesota Mom, the esteemed "SMILE AWARD!" Thanks, Heidi... you are very kind and I appreciate what you wrote about me on your blog! The rules of the smile award is to pass it along to those people who you feel represent what a big ol' smile is which is someone who:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times–we are all human).
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from others.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.

There are rules are:

1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator (The Babblings of Mere).
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award (see above).
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

I pick:

1. Charlotte at Hjemme Hos Charlie because she certainly loves other people and always displays a cheerful attitude! If that is not enough, she is constantly making handmade cards for friends and family (and for friends and family of other people!) You rock Charlotte!

2. Kristi at Richards Family Four because not only is she one of my closest friends, she loves me and my kids as well! How's that for a kid lover?

3. Heather at Pursuing More than Purls because she learns from others in her online photography class and she exudes love for her family.

4. Erica at Life is not a Paragraph because she loves her kids and posts lots of precious pictures of her beautiful girls and is a positive contributor to the blog world!

5. Amanda at So Many Joys because she is a lifelong friend, who is expecting her second child and is always contributing to the blog world with helpful tips.

So, there ya have it!

Just so you know...

Yesterday, I was doing a load of laundry and I stripped off my gym clothes and tossed them into the wash.

About an hour later, I pulled the clean clothes out and the first article I grabbed was the gym shirt I wore to the gym that day. Still attached to the collar of my shirt was my iPod shuffle.

Oh, the horror!

So, what did I do? I tried to turn it on, which apparently is the worst thing you can do. There was no little green light. So, what did I do next? I plugged it in to the computer. Probably the second worst thing you can do... And? Nothing.

So, all that I could do next we place it outside in the scorching hot sun for a few hours. And just so you know... it works now! Yippee!

I mean, we're not talking about a several hundred dollar piece of equipment and I was already contemplating the purchase of another one, had this one died, but what a relief to know that it is alive and kicking!

Now, it's clean as a whistle!

Friday Fodder

Today's Friday Fodder is a local goodie that I took while at a signal light in my little town. I'm not sure what I love most about this picture. Could it be there that there is a clinic for show goatin', or that there is a such thing as show goats? (Yes, I know I just offended every FFA and every 4H of past and present!)

And to wrap up Friday Fodder I submit another photo of mine, taken of Kyla. The other day, they were goofing around, standing on a stool, looking at me over the bar. Randy has our surround sound speakers mounted underneath the bar, where Kyla was standing and she knocked it down by accident.

I love the distant gaze as she contemplates her immediate future...


Disclaimer: The materials and information you find on "FRIDAY FODDER" do not [always] represent the expressed opinion of the author. In addition, the materials found on Friday Fodder are oftentimes mass distributed, thus credit is not known.)

Weekend Fun

I just love long weekends! Aren't they the best? I wish every weekend was a three day weekend!

Saturday, Randy was feeling generous and offered to put in a long awaited new sink I've been beggin' for since, like, forever! So, we all trekked out to TWO home improvement stores before I found the sink and the faucet I wanted. The before and after pictures do not do the new sink justice, because it is 10 inches deep! That's right... 10 inches. Our old sink was only 6 inches deep if that gives you any idea how much deeper the new one is. And let me say... I'm in love with the new sink. Love it! (Thanks, hun!)



Elisan and I then headed out to a birthday party for one of her friends from school. I anticipate more parties this year, for some reason, so I've struck out on a new endeavor to not only offset the costs of birthday presents, but to eliminate the running around for the perfect plastic Polly Pocket or Pet Shop toy. So, this is what this little girl got from Elisan for her birthday present and I bought materials to make about 5 more just like it. I mean seriously, what little girl doesn't like jewelry and I don't know of any mom who wouldn't allow their child to wear a bracelet.


As most of you know, my family lives on the SE Texas Gulf Coast (think Hurricane Rita) and we were in close contact with them for the better part of Saturday anticipating a potential evacuation. Thank goodness that did not come to pass for them! Whew...

Sunday afternoon, our church hosted a Back To School Bash on the church property. It was a lot of fun, but I didn't take one single picture. But, my friend Kristi did, so if you want to run over to her blog and take a look at her pictures, feel free!

Monday morning was spent in the attic with Randy as he installed radiant barrier to our interior attic ceiling. Good times.

For lunch, I tried a new recipe for Wonton soup and OH.MY.GOODNESS, it was good! Try if if you like wonton soup. Yummy! (BTW, I used ground turkey for the meat and tossed in some fresh spinach and some bok choy at the end!)

Afterwards, I took the girls swimming for what is, HOPEFULLY, the last of this year's swimming. Here's hoping! Man, I'm sooo done with swimming. But, I am sure they will try to squeeze in a few more swims before the water cools off. (But, really... when will that be... November?)

I just love Labor Day weekend. It marks the beginning of holiday season to me. Don't worry, I'm not breaking out the Fall decorations (or Christmas decorations, like my friend Stormi...) but I just love the fact that we are facing cooler weather and family festivities. Yay!

That's all for now!

Help Wanted!

As long as Randy and I have been married, he has always put the kebash on pet ownership. It has always been one of those things that Randy has the final say on. I'm submissive like that. (That, and the fact that I am allergic to cats and some dogs.)

Enter two little girls who love animals.

The girls have long wanted a pet. Like forever! What kid doesn't want a pet, right? But, the whole allergy thing has really put a damper on any real negotiations.

Until, today. Today, I mentioned getting a dog again. A Maltese to be exact because they are a no-shed dog and are 'hypo-allergenic'. And, you know what? He didn't say no. He said, yes... well, sort've. He didn't exactly say yes, but he did not say no. In fact, he tried to talk me out of it, but said, that if we got a dog I'd be the one to take care of it, yadda, yadda, yadda.

So, here's where I'm at. I've never really* owned an inside pet and I'm wondering a few things.

• What is the biggest complaint for owning an inside dog?
• What is the greatest joy?
• What do you do when you leave to go out of town? (And you don't have a doggie door!)
• What do you do with a dog if you are gone for the better part of the day? (Seriously, I don't know!)
• Anyone know anything about a Maltese that I should know, but may be afraid to ask...
• That whole potty training issue... I'm scared!

So, that's where we're at. If we do get a dog, we're going the rescue dog route. I'd like to get a young adult dog, so hopefully it would already be potty trained and neutered.

As much and I love the idea of getting a family pet, I don't want to jump into anything that I would regret. Ya know? So, pet owners... help me out here!

(*Except for a Dachshund that I owned briefly before I gave it away to my uncle because I was getting married. I had him for about 8 months and never mastered the art of potty training. He is much happier in his current home. Apparently he has a bit of a stubborn streak...)