The Harbourt's

Show Us Your Life....School Bus Yellow Laundry Room

2010-11-19T05:11:00.000-08:00

Today over at Kelly's Korner, the house tour continues and today is laundry rooms, bonus room, play rooms, etc. I only have the laundry room to speak of!! It's kind of hard to take photos in little rooms like bathrooms...just sayin!!! This is standing in the hallway and you can see my pride and joy. Stainless steel, front loading washing machine and dryer!!! I have had these things for 4 years and LOVE them!!! You can was a whole weeks worth of clothes in these things!!!!

You may notice several framed black and white photographs....these are all photos of our greatgrandparents and other relatives. I love the color...it's exactly the same color as a school bus!!!!

I hope you enjoyed the door....we are running out of rooms sadly!!! Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!!

Murphy's Law

2010-11-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

So when we recently went to the fair...we inevitably got suckered into playing the game where you toss ping pong balls at little tiny bowls and if you get one in you are the lucky owner of a goldfish!!! So we departed the fair with our tiny little plastic bag with one very sad little goldfish. My husband dumped it into an industrial size pickle jar and it didn't seem any worse for wear. A couple of days later he arrived home with a large box...and aquarium and all the accessories including the little fake plants, etc. I never had fish as a child so I am absolutely clueless!!! We then went to the little pet store in town and blew about $40on three more fish....my favorite being the humongous black one with protruding eyeballs...we named him Popeye!!! Well, long story short....the fish purchased from the overpriced pet store have all met an untimely demise...and made a trip into porcelain waters! The one survivor still kicking is the one from the lowly little county fair....go figure!!!

House Tour continues....Master and Guest Bathroom

2010-11-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone stopping over from Kelly's Korner and hope you enjoy the tour!!! Today is bathrooms so here it goes....

First one is my guest bathroom. My husband put down the travertine floors and installed the wainscoting and chair rail. I really wanted a beach like feel to it. I love the colors....secretly I like this room much better than the master bath. It is just a very refreshing room!!! The first photo is the view from the hallway! I have debated with myself about making this more kid friendly since it is technically Emerson's bathroom....I just don't know if I have the heart to change this room!!!

For some reason I ended up with a crazy reflection from the mirror over the vanity. I love the mirror and have had it in our previous home. I bought it at Lowe's a long time ago on clearance!!!

I love these two pictures...they are actually canvas and I got them for a steal from TJ Maxx!

I love the little shelf with the seashells, sand dollars and starfish. We used to have parties at our home pretty frequently and I think people took some at souveneirs because the collection has gotten smaller!

Now on to the master bathroom...first view is from the bedroom and you can see the his and hers closets on either side.

Double vanities are a must have....although I don't spend a whole lot of time getting ready and I rarely don't get to go to the bathroom let alone take a bath by myself anymore...I always have a 2 1/2 foot chaperone!!!

I am so not a shower person....and I want a tub I can swim in people!!! The wall color is called tapestry but my husband calls it refried beans!!!
The shower had a cheap glass enclosure around it so my husband took it down and we just hung up a shower curtain instead!!!
Thanks for stopping by...see ya' next week!!!

Fun at the Fair!!!

2010-11-03T08:43:00.001-07:00

The annual county fair started last weekend and runs through this weekend and I have been chomping at the bit to take Emerson to the fair. The weather was great....not too cold...but a little nip in the air and no rain!!! I have no inspirations of riding the rides really....I'm hesitant to ride something that high and that fast that was set up in an afternoon and gets moved around so often. My husband assures me that fair rides are safer than theme park rides because the fair operators have so many more people that regulate them but I disagree. Not to mention the people who operate these things...Seriously!!!

We rode the carousel twice which Emerson LOVED!!! But mostly I think she enjoyed all the lights and loud music and people running around and the screaming from the people on the rides.

Oh...OK..I admit it...the real reason why we go to the fair is the food!! Corn dogs, curly fries, funnel cakes, candy apples, cotton candy....blah blah blah!!! I didn't say I ate all of these things....okay so I ate most of these things!!! Emerson chowed down on the curly fries but she was really interested in licking off the ketchup!!!

Finally...as we were leaving they had one of those little games where you throw the ping pong balls and you win a fish. Well...between Ross and I we landed six...and I said no the the six goldfish and went home with my one little fish and a pink bear. The fish is now swimming around a ginormous pickle jar until I get out and find him a more suitable living arrangement.

Celebrating Halloween and lots of firsts...

2010-11-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Friday was actually quite amusing. I noticed on a sign that they were having a petting zoo, pumpkin carving and face painting at a local business so we got her dressed and drove there. Now picture this "petting zoo" that was by a local animal "rescue". Notice all the quotation marks. I wish I had taken pictures. Well the petting zoo consisted on three animals tied to a chain link fence. A baby buffalo and two goats. In various cages there was a opossum, about 8 cats in one cage, 4 small yapping dogs in a cage fit for a bird, oh and don't forget the wolf being wrangled by a young girl. Now when I say wolf, I mean straight out of a Sookie Stackhouse novel. My eyes were as big as saucers when the girl says oh you can only pet the back end of the wolf as she muzzles it and wrestles it to the ground. Ummm, NO! I quickly picked up Emerson and whisked her away. So, Emerson is the only person up here and they have horse with a saddle and I set her up on the saddle and held on to her and she did truly enjoy it...but the lady was like, "You want one or two turns????" Seriously!! Okay so we decide to head back to the car and they tell us oh there is face painting up there and points up to the building. So we go up and see they have a pack of face painting crayons that you buy at Walmart and I guess that means I'm supposed to be doing the face painting. Oh well, not a total loss because Emerson got her ginormous balloon and itty bitty pumpkin and away we went. I really wish I had taken photos of the "petting zoo".

Saturday night we went trick or treating. There was some controversy about when people were actually doing this because Halloween fell on a Sunday this year. This is a small community with a whole bunch of churches. The county officials and the paper proclaimed that trick or treating would be on Saturday so that's what we planned. First we went to the local mall that was having an event put on by the local mom's club. It was packed!!!! We quickly left there as well. Thank goodness that the actual trick or treating went off without a hitch. This was Emerson's first time trick or treating....she's a natural to say the least. We practiced saying "trick or treat" all week but she had stage fright when it came down to saying it to strangers. She would walk up to the door and just smile at the people holding enormous bowls of candy. But don't dare touch her bucket of candy or she would throw down in a nanosecond!!! I didn't buy her a costume this year.....just used various things laying around like her leotard from gymnastics, a tutu a friend made, and some wings from the dollar store. She insisted on carrying a toothbrush so we said she was the tooth fairy!!! We tagged along with my life-long friends Jenna and Kim and their respective broods!!!

Sunday was pretty low key and we went to a local church that was sponsoring a trunk or treat and I actually liked that even better then walking door to door!!!

I enjoyed being with Emerson all week and relishing many firsts like eating her first tootsie roll, trick or treating, riding a horse!! Tonight we're headed to the county fair for some fun!! I don't know how much of the rides we'll do with my little 31 inch princess but hey who can complain when they cotton candy and candy apples!! Yummy! Hope everyone had a safe and happy halloween!!!

Yeehaw!! One word to describe my guest bedroom..

2010-10-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Over at Kelly's Korner and Show us Your Life Friday's the theme today is guest room. My husband had complete control over the decor of this one ladies.

This is the view from the hallway. This used to be our bed but it got very crowded with myself, hubby, 4 pugs and the baby, so we upgraded to a king sized bed and now we have kicked out the pugs and the baby sleeps in her crib but somehow we still end up sleeping on the edge.

I certainly wouldn't describe us as "western" people but we do have horses and a very noisey donkey named Buford. Who needs a doorbell? He brays VERY loudly every time someone drives up to our house. I love the sign in the corner, it says "I whisper but my horse doesn't listen!". The bedding and curtains are all from Target....the curtains are amazing...amazing because if you close them it's like sleeping in a cave. This comes in quite handy if you work nights and sleep during the day!!! The bed is an antique 4 poster rice bed.

This photo shows the bookcase with miscellaneous items. I really like the teepee lamp on top...it's actually a lamp shade for a full size lamp but I just put a small little light inside and really like the way it looks. Also, we had no hand in the death of the cow hanging on the wall. I really like the antique desk that sits in the corner.

I guess that's about it....thanks for visiting and for any comments, love me some comments. Very excited about trick or treating this weekend with the little one!!!

Emerson's Room

2010-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

This week over at Kelly's Korner she is featuring children's rooms! I love Emerson's room and I spent a lot of time thinking about it and sitting in it before she was born just imagining what life would be like once she arrived. Before it was transformed into the nursery it was a guest room with furniture I had bought in high school and pale bedding I had purchased eons ago. This is a picture of it before...

Before I even found out I was pregnant, I was in love with the Penelope bedding from Pottery Barn and when we finally confirmed it was a girl, it was ready, set, go!! I love Pottery Barn but not the prices so my husband built me the changing table that I was lusting over for around $200...much better than the $2500 price tag in the catalog!!!

We took an existing dresser and painted it white and added crystal knobs and then my husband build the top to match the crib that I bought at a boutique. I love my crib but unfortunately the bumper pad doesn't fit it correctly and you couldn't put a mobile or the little rainforest player due to the thickness of the sides.

My friend Pam made these cute little birds for one of my baby showers and I LOVE them!!

I found these little fairies and tulip wall decals at Pottery Barn and thought they looked really cute!

This bookcase system was bought online at JCPenney and all the baskets were purchased from Michael's and I made the basket liners to match the bedding!!! The chair was purchased from Walmart and is a rocker and I think with shipping I paid $200.00. The ginormous rug is a Pottery Barn rug that I bought off Ebay for around $200 delivered.

I love her little room and will be very sad when she grows up and doesn't like the little girl look! Hope you enjoyed the tour!!!

18 months

2010-10-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

Picture taken one year ago today!

I can't believe my baby is 18 months old today. I sat in front of my computer today and looked at pictures from a year ago today and cried. Why does time insist on flying by so quickly??? I don't know how much she weighs...we go for her 18 month appointment next week. She weighed 21 pounds at her 15 month visit so my guess would be about 24 pounds. She learns something new everyday...this week I was trying to feed her lunch and she kept shaking her head no when I would try to give her a bite and after a couple of attempts she exclaimed, "I said no!"...holy schmoley!!!! She said her name for the first time yesterday...I think the three syllables is difficult..and I can't get her to say it again today!!! She is truly a joy and the best thing I have ever done!!!

Mommy's Little Helper

2010-10-20T08:16:00.001-07:00

Attention: No children were injured in the following pictures!!

Emerson's favorite thing to do now is to climb in the dryer while I'm folding clothes. She quickly climbs in and turns around and hands me clothes from the dryer to fold. I can't keep her out of the washer and dryer if I'm anywhere in the vicinity of the laundry room. Maybe when she grows up she can do the laundry as I despise it!!!

The Office/Craft Room

2010-10-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying this show us your life at Kelly's Korner. I had a lot of fun last week looking at everyone's kitchens and reading the sweet comments from people who stopped by my house!! Today is the office....so here goes nothing....
.
This is what you see when you walk in the door. The desk I bought from Office Max a few years ago and the bookcases on either side are actually the left and right side of an entertainment center but since my house had a built in entertainment center, we had to repurpose it elsewhere. Until recently, I was hanging on to my PC and resisting the urge to buy a laptop and then my PC died a brief, painful death and forced me to buy a new computer. Ummmm...I so don't miss my PC. The office is right next to my daughter's room and if I wanted to browse on the computer while she was napping then all four pugs would follow me in there and make a bunch of noise and that was the end of nap time!!!

Pictured here is the entertainment center that I repurposed to hold all my craft materials. I haven't touched this cabinet since my daughter's 1st birthday!!!

This is the filing cabinet that matches the desk...also purchased at Office Max...I try to keep all my paperwork organized and sorted if I bring it in the house. I hate shuffling the same papers over and over!!!

This picture is one of my favorite things ever...no..not the picture frame.....THE DYSON!!! I have had my Dyson for seven years...that's a long time for a vacuum and it's still going strong.

I think we lost our decorating steam when it came to the office as it was the last room we put together after we moved in so it has the plain walls and a hodgepodge of decor. Oh well...I'll save that for another day!!!

My husband's domain!!!

2010-10-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

Today over at kellyskornerblog.com everyone is giving a tour of their kitchen...and I thought it would be fun to participate. I got in late on the dining room one which was my inaugural tour so here goes....

First and foremost...my husband is the cook in my family. He balks at me and my grilled cheese or gasp..mac and cheese that you heat up in the microwave. He is a fabulous cook!!! My friends at work all marvel at what he manages to pack up for my dinner when I go to work. Yes ladies...he cooks pretty much every day and when I work on the weekends he packs my lunch including dessert and drinks. I consider myself very lucky!!! But let me note that I do all the cleaning in this house...while entertaining the 17 month old!!!

This is the view from the dining room. I usually sit up at the barstools while my husband cooks and browse through magazines or chat him up.

This is standing in the breakfast nook which I consider part of the kitchen. We had to adjust to using the electric cooktop as we always had a gas one in the past. I miss that sound when you turn the dial and it makes that clicking. Also, sadly, no roasting marshmallows on the cooktop anymore. Come on people, I know someone has done this before!!! We bought the island separately at Circle K in Jacksonville for like $200, what a steal!!!!

I took this picture standing in front of the cooktop. This is the breakfast nook/bar area. The bar area doesn't get much action any more...we haven't had a party in 2 1/2years. I usually sit here with Emerson for dinner and we put a dvd player in here and play "Your Baby Can Read!" while she is eating dinner.

This is actually intended to be used at the door to wipe your feet but I hung it up behind the cooktop. We bought it at Gardenridge eons ago and I still love it!!!

Sometimes I think that this little seating area is wasted space and that I would really prefer more cabinets there but then I sit there sometimes when people come over...people always seem to congregate in the kitchen and I think wow this thing is great. My favorite part of this space is the molding I stenciled and hung over the curtain, it says "There is spirit, There is grace, in our country place!". I saw this in a magazine a long time ago and stole the idea.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the tour of my kitchen!!! I have to run...homemade pico de gallo is waiting...Yummy!!!!

There's no crying in baseball!!!

2010-10-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping a friend's little boy for the last couple of days to help out. He is 19 months old and all boy. It was actually kind of nice to have a really long play date. It was amazing to see how much he entertained Emerson. I think mother nature is trying to fool me into thinking about having another one!!! They both had a great time with minimal fighting, thankfully!!! At the end of day one they were both filthy so I decided to put them in the bathtub and this was Emerson!! I had to crop the photo for nakedness!!!

The Dining err Play Room

2010-10-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

My living space including the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast nook are all one room so it's kind of hard to define spaces. I had to relinquish some control over the OCD cleaning thing since I had Emerson...so toys have invaded every aspect of my house. I really like my dining room although I basically only use it to sit at the laptop and watch Emerson play kitchen.

I love my dining room table and hutch and buffet. We bought it three years ago at a great store called Circle K that is A-mazing!!! We have extra leaves for the table and it will comfortably fit 8. I don't keep all the leaves in it all the time and we leave two chairs out most of the time unless my whole family gets together. My husband's grandmother left him tons of paper thin Haviland china and what you see displayed pretty much stays up all year long. I like to decorate it at Christmas time and in the fall with pumpkins, gourds, and squash and a couple of the crows before Halloween.

I also have a sideboard that I have also used as a sofa table in the past and now it sits on the other side of the floor length windows in the dining room and it usually has baskets underneath it but now Emerson crawls under it. I put an assortment of Halloween figurines I have picked up through the years.

I eventually would like to have french doors where the two windows are to a deck outside and hardwood floors....this will have to wait on some funding!!! lol!!!
Ofcourse, no post is complete without a picture of Miss Sunshine herself...I dressed her up for the cool fall weather today...so cute!!

More of my fave pics of my fave little girl

2010-09-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hope Floats

2010-09-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

My super talented friend Wrenda sent me a message that her neighbor had baled hay and did I want to do some pics of Emerson. Not just yeah...but hell yeah. I love them....they turned out great....they always do when Wrenda is involved.

I told my friend Jenna about what I put her in...the little, flowy cornflower blue floral dress and cowboy boots and she said, "oh, that reminds me of Hope Floats!!". I love that movie (it may have something to do with Harry Connick, Jr.)!!! He could totally read me the phone book and I would listen all day. If you haven't seen it...run...don't walk...to the nearest video store...or netflix..or whatever!! Just thought I'd put in one of my fave lines from the movie!!

Bernice Pruitt:My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life. But, I think he's wrong. I think my mom's right. She says that....
Birdie Pruitt:Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And, it will too....

That's one of the smartest things I've ever heard.

Sprinklers and Kiddie Pools

2010-09-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today I ventured out of my comfort zone to a playdate. I am finding it difficult to socialize Emerson with kids her age as my core group of friends all have kids much older and I find that I don't relate to people that do have kids Emerson's age...but I went anyway. I had a nice time...no pressure to impress...just a chance for Emerson to be around other kids.

Flips and Rolls

2010-09-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

I recently enrolled Emerson in a toddler tumbler gymastics class. I thought it would be a good opportunity to socialize her with other kids her age and also to burn off some energy!!! We have gone for 3 weeks now and she came home after the second week and started doing absolutely perfect rollovers. She sure makes her momma proud!!!

I remember as a kid taking gymnastics for many years....Mary Lou Retton, I am not, but I loved it!!! I watched a movie about Nadia Comaneci so many times, over and over!!! I always watch all of the women's gymnastics during the summer Olympics!! These tiny little girls are amazing!!

Oh my Goodness....

2010-09-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

So, I had the best intentions of blogging more frequently, life ofcourse, was uncooperative. My beloved 7 year old PC died suddenly...forcing me to get this delightfully shiny HP DV-7 notebook with a ginormous 17 inch screen. Oh, and I now have Wi-Fi...my hubby says he'll never see me now.

Emerson started walking since my last post. And life changed as I know it now that she is mobile. This girl has no fear. She climbs barstools, book cases, coffee tables, couches chairs..my ginormous king sized bed. I enrolled her in a little toddler gymnastics class...which she loves and runs for 40 minutes solid in a padded environment. She was watching bigger girls do roll-overs last week, came home and repeated. So cute!!!

Life has been full of changes and adjustments lately...hopefully me and my little blog will get more acquainted soon!!!

Poor little blog....

2010-07-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

I guess old father time has gotten away from me...how do people manage to have so many children...work...and find time to blog. I have one child, one job and I haven't posted in months!!! Guess I've been busy living life instead of writing about it!!! I guess I'll try to play catch up.

The picture was taken by my very talented friend Wrenda...I typically hate any photo of myself but I figured this is my blog so I should put a picture of me and Emerson on here.

As for Emerson...she is now 14 months old...still refuses to walk unless you are holdin her hand. She climbs on everything, opens everything...just generally into everything!!! She will count one, two, three, four!!! She will mimic if we sing the ABC's. She now says juice, dog, cat, horse, duck, mama, dada (still her fave), ball, bye bye, hi, ouch, eat, oh!!!, geesh i can't remember all of them. She has grown by leaps and bounds. We go for her 15month check up in the end of this month...she weighed just under 20 pounds in April and was 27 inches tall. She is wearing mostly 12 months now and size 3 diapers, size 2 and 3 shoes. She has 8 teeth.

Well..I am determined to do better with blogging...let's see how long that lasts!!!

Spring has sprung.....

2010-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

OK...so I'm seriously slacking in the blogging department!!! Emerson is very mobile and very fast these days and I find it difficult to find the time to blog....she isn't even walking yet...geesh! Spring has finally sprung here, although it does get cool when the sun goes down. So we have to run the ac during the day and the heat at night.

I am busy preparing for Emerson's birthday party...her 1st by the way. My husband just rolls his eyes as I mention all my big plans...I am quite aware that she doesn't care at this point...but geesh...I managed to keep her going for a whole year and I seriously feel not adept at parenthood sometimes so it's also a celebration as parent. I have a beautiful, healthy and smart little girl...so I must be doing something right!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the nicer weather!

Couldn't Help Myself....

2010-02-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

So....I have gone back to shopping on ebay searching for great deals and I found these shoes which regularly retail for $32.00 for great deals. I ended up getting four pairs for what I usually pay for 2. I am particularly fond of these shoes because not only are they easy to put on but the girl can't pull them off. I love them!!!

Confessions....

2010-02-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well...I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself...I love reality TV. I am in hog heaven with American Idol and Survivor:Heroes Vs. Villains....seriously..I love this stuff. I have watched every season of Survivor and this is season #20. TV doesn't get any better than this. Ross and I always eat dinner a little bit later on Thursday nights, hence we stuff ourselves while watching those poor starving people who pass the time by conniving and scratching bug bites. I don't think that I could take all the bug bites!!! Oh yeah...and The Amazing Race just started as well...love that too...have seen every season of it. Now all I need is the Real Housewives of Atlanta and life would be complete!!!

On another note, my poor little baby has acquired a cold from somewhere. I don't know where because I don't drag her out specifically for this reason. She isn't in daycare so I have no idea as neither Ross or I are sick at the time. She had become quite good at going to sleep when you put her in her crib but she has been a challenge this past week and insists on you holding her and then she goes to sleep and then it's like Mission Impossible putting her to bed without moving so much as a hair on her head or she'll wake up and start screaming. Let's hope that this illness is not as bad as the last one because I don't know if I can take it!!!

PB Knock-Off....

2010-02-17T07:53:00.001-08:00

So, before we even actually got pregnant I had mentally planned out the nursery and the minute I saw this changing table system....I had to have it...but then I looked at the price and almost had to call 911. Over $2,000 and then another $400 to ship the thing. Thankfully I have a seriously crafty husband...so I said "hey honey, think you can make this for me?", and he said, "you're darn tooten". He did a fabulous job and I love it.I know it's not exactly the same but I actually like mine better because of all the drawers!!! Just thought I'd share my PB knock-off along with everyone else at the Homebody blog who is hosting a Pottery Barn knock-off party which I love!! Great job everyone! Want to check it out...look here!!! www.homebodyholly.com

Inching ever closer to 40....

2010-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

So, today I turn 34. I don't have anything special planned....unless you count Hollywood Week on American Idol. I woke up late today compliments of the hubby who made me a cup of coffee...scooped up my wee little one. Ross walks out with a gift of this.....

I know, right? What did I do to deserve this??? Oh and earrings to match!!!
Then he cooks me up some of these....

and me and the aforementioned wee one devour these while listening to some....

Black Eyed Peas on FREE Pandora radio...a great start to my day!!!

Farewell Old Friend....

2010-02-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

Don't Cry For The Horses
Don't cry for the horses that life has set free. A million white horses forever to be. Don't cry for the horses now in God's hand. As they dance and they prance in a heavenly band. They were ours as a gift, but never to keep. As they close their eyes forever to sleep. Their spirits unbound. On silver wings they fly. A million white horses against the blue sky. Look up into heaven, you'll see them above. The horses we lost, the horses we loved. Manes and tails flowing, they gallop through time. They were never yours, they were never mine.
Don't cry for the horses. They'll be back someday. When our time is gone, they will show us the way. Do you hear that soft nicker? Close to your ear? Don't cry for the horses. Love the ones that are here. ~Author Unknown~

Copper passed away sometime Friday night or Saturday morning. He lived to the ripe old age of 38, which should be comforting that he lived a full life but it isn't. He will be missed! He had such a gentle soul and I will miss him dearly!

2010-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Emerson is starting to grow weary of the bumbo seat which is where we usually feed her so we occasionally use the high chair to preoccupy her if we need to cook or clean, etc. Ross and I spread out a buffet of options for her..including cheerios, goldfish, raisins, puffs, etc. She gets a little better every day at feeding herself.

I also included a picture of the cabinet that holds all of her food, juice, bibs, cups, etc. Note that it doesn't always stay this organized!!!

French Puffs

2010-02-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

So, I had initially said that I was going to cook something at least once a week as part of my New Year's resolution....well that went in the toilet. But I did make these that I found in the Pioneer Woman cookbook that I received for Christmas. They were good....especially with a cup of coffee. Kind of a cross between crumb cake and cornbread. Enjoy!

•3 cups Flour
•3 teaspoons Baking Powder
•1 teaspoon Salt
•½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
•1 cup Sugar
•⅔ cups Shortening (Crisco)
•2 whole Eggs
•1 cup Milk
•1-½ cup Sugar
•3 teaspoons Cinnamon
•2 sticks Butter
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.

In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a different bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar and shortening. Then add eggs and mix again. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.

Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden.

In a bowl, melt 2 sticks butter. In a separate bowl combine remaining sugar and cinnamon. Dip baked muffins in butter, coating thoroughly, then coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Table for one please.....

2010-02-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

I did some browsing on the internet and around town although we have a very limited selection of children's stores in town for a table and some chairs for Emerson. Although this is still a little large for her...she'll have this for a really long time. After researching Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc....I came across this at a boutique in Lake City and it was clearance and included the table and four chairs for $75. Pretty good, huh? And she loves to sit at her big girl table and look at books. I'm thinking I'm going to sell two of the chairs for $25 bucks...any takers??

9 months young....

2010-01-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

My little girl is now 9 months old....gosh father time is not kind...I want to just put every day on slow-motion. In one week she has become the master of crawling...is standing up all the time....taking assisted steps and cut her first tooth.

We went to her 9 month check-up last week and Ross and I bet that she weighed at least 21 pounds but were surprised that it was only 18 pounds. It sure doesn't feel like 18 pounds when you carry her in her carseat. I swear those damn things are some form of Chinese torture. I need a nap after carrying her in that damn thing. She is 50% percentile on height and weight but the doc did mention she has a really big head.

As for other milestones....she says lots of words....her favorite being dada, ofcourse. She mainly whines mama, and says dog, ball, mama, hi, hey, bye and yeah while clapping. She is eating lots more solids and hardly drinks from a bottle at all. Oh yes...she's growing so fast!!!

Inspired...

2009-12-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ross and I watched Julie & Julia last night on pay-per-view and I LOVED it! I am not much of a cook but it made me want to run out and buy a dutch oven and cook up something!!! Everyone is talking about New Year's resolutions...I think I will try and cook a meal a week!!! Wish me luck!

Christmas Eve....

2009-12-25T06:09:00.000-08:00

One of my besties Kim came over with her husband and twins last night and a great time was had by all. Ross cooked up a seafood feast of crab scrampi, crab legs, fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, broiled grouper, crab cakes, etc and it was delicious. I am definitely a lightweight as I had two glasses of champagne which made me very tipsy. We exchanged gifts....I received the cutest calendar, winter candy apple stuff form Bath & Body Works and The Pioneer Woman cookbook which was at the top of my list. Emerson got some books and a little interactive purse. Emerson was in a very good mood and agreeable to being held by someone other than mom and dad which is unusual lately. Hope everyone has a great Christmas!!!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend....

2009-12-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

My lovely friend Pam came by on Tuesday to exchange Christmas gifts with Emerson and I. My little baby girl got the most darling little diamond earrings...what a lucky little girl!!!

2009-12-20T01:06:00.000-08:00

My poor little baby has been sick for the last three days and I didn't have the heart to leave her on Friday and go to work. We were up all night Thursday night because the poor little thing would wake herself up snoring. We did steam showers every 4 hours with special vapor bath and then we would rub baby vicks all over her feet and chest. Then I would have to hold her down and squirt saline up her nose and then suck it back out. Needless to say it wasn't fun and boy was she a grouch. I mean seriously....it's amazing how much patience you develop with your own baby.... I would so not be this patient normally. I think we are on the downward slope of this sickness and hopefully it has ran it's course since both Emerson and her Daddy have had it this weekend....I hope so...very busy week working and Christmas!!

Her Very Own....

2009-12-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

I put up a cute little tree in Emerson's room....not that she spends a significant amount of time in said room. It's a little 3 foot white tree with pink and green balls...all together it was less than $20 so I felt pretty good about it and it's so cute at night!!! She's somewhat interested in all the christmas trees and rolls around the living room to get to them....I know next year will be a battle. I'm so looking forward to Christmas this year...not only am I off both Christmas Eve and Christmas but I have this adorable little girl to be thankful for!!!

Santa Baby

2009-12-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

Emerson had her first visit with Santa on Tuesday night. We waited in line for about 30 minutes and then handed her over to him. He had candy so no tears....I'm glad that there wasn't a meltdown. I am looking forward to Snow Day this Saturday...they bring in loads of snow and build little slides and stuff...I think we will forego the slides but it's a photo op!!!

Making Memories....

2009-12-16T07:21:00.001-08:00

So, Ross brought home several bags of sugar cookies and I decided I would channel Martha Stewart and make some iced sugar cookies with Miss Emerson. Mine are certainly not magazine worthy and I think I ended up with more flour on myself and the floor but it's a memory nonetheless...one that I don't have from my own childhood. I guess my attempt at parenthood is to see if I can make it through her life without screwing her up or scarring her emotionally. Needless to say...she seemed to enjoy it....she enjoys anything with the name sugar in it!!!

Dear Santa.....

2009-12-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

Santa...if you're listening....which you supposedly are....I would like a fancy schmancy Nikon camera so I can take ridiculous amounts of photos of my baby!!! Thanks!!

Yummmmm.....

2009-11-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well....at least I have this to look forward to. As usual...I am working Thanksgiving and the day after, and the day after that....etc., as does my mom, so we are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. I'm most excited about the yams. I always looked forward to this time of year...because of the candied yams. I married a wonderful man who loves to cook...thank heavens because I would starve...and I don't have to wait until Thanksgiving for these anymore. I get them any time....all I have to do is ask!!! Yummmm!!!

Decisions...Decisions...

2009-11-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

I am having a very difficult time biting the bullet about Emerson's dress for Christmas pictures so I have posted these with hopes on some input....HELP?????!!!!
I'm not even going to mention which one I like the best just so I don't sway any judgement!!!

What a big girl....

2009-11-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

Emerson will be 7 months old next week...I can't believe how fast time flies. I miss my little baby already. She is sitting up great now....assisted ofcourse....she doesn't yet go from laying down and then sitting up but she can do this for a long time and then....pooooff...she falls over!!!

Next week is Thanksgiving...and as usual I am working. It's okay though because I am off Christmas Eve AND Christmas...I have never been off for both since becoming a nurse!!! My parents and us are celebrating on Tuesday since my mom and I are both working and my mom bought a 21 pound turkey for 4 people....she promptly mentioned it was on sale...so I guess we'll be eating some turkey next week!!!

Another Beautiful Day....

2009-11-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

So nothing too exciting to report....I had a meeting at work yesterday and my friend Cori and I decided to take the girls to the park. Another playdate....yes....they weren't really digging it though...I think Emerson and Adalae would have preferred napping in their respective car seats but nonetheless we did it anyway. Can't do a whole lot at the park with two 7 month olds but swing them but it was BEAUTIFUL outside so I thought I'd share a couple of pics I snapped with my trusty Iphone!!!

Pomp and Circumstance....

2009-11-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

My brother, Frank is pictured in the left

My brother, Frank, retired from the US Navy a couple of weeks ago after serving out country for 20 years. Hard to believe that he is 39 years old and retired. Geesh...if someone would have told me that when I was 18, I might have picked a different career path. Nonetheless, Ross, Emerson, myself, my parents, my niece from Maine and Frank and Jenn's son Zack and numerous other friends and family gathered for his official retirement ceremony. It was full of all the military traditions of presentation of flags, etc. My brother served in the first Gulf War when I was in junior high and I remember wearing a yellow ribbon every day to school. He also was in Gitmo Bay, Cuba with all the Iraqi detainees during the current war in Iraq. I am very glad that he came home safely after each and every deployment. Some other families certainly weren't as luck as ours!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone!!! Sadly...my vacation is over and I return to work tonight!!! Hope all of the little ghouls and goblins stay in the womb this evening....I would love a good first night back....especially since I have to work the dreadful 13th hour due to Daylight Savings. I would like to say that I was very productive the last two weeks...but I wasn't. Emerson and I basically just hung out for the last eleven days. I did get all of my coupons organized into a more efficient system but that's about it!!! Everyone be safe and have lots of fun!!!

So not a joiner.....

2009-10-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, Emerson and I were invited to her first official play date. We met up with a friend from high school and her 8 month old little boy this past Tuesday. My friend Georgia had been to this group on other occasions and was kind enough to invite me and my babe along. It was actually kind of nice to hang out with other mothers of with kids in the general age range as Emerson. Most of my friends have kids but they are age 3 and up. So we sat under a shady tree, which wasn't really necessary as it was very overcast and threatening rain the whole time. Caterpillars would drop off on us occasionally. So all the little ones had their lunch and the adults chit-chatted and they were amazed that my little 6 month old child wonder drinks from a sippy cup. Anyway, Emerson enjoyed the swings for about ten minutes until mother nature foiled our plans....shucks! We plan on doing it again on next Tuesday...can't wait!!!

Guide to babies...

2009-10-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hats off to my ladies.....

2009-10-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

As we were leaving McIntosh, we happened by this little store selling all sorts of vintage wares and I couldn't resist making my friends try on these and taking their pictures....many thanks to them for being such gracious models!!!

3rd Annual Trek to McIntosh....

2009-10-27T14:52:00.001-07:00

So as usual...I take my vacation the end of October and for the last three years this has been one of the highlights. This year I returned with my friend Pam from work and my life-long friend Kim, who I have known since before elementary school. We wandered around for a couple of hours and bought a couple of things...I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. Pam and Kim decided to have some deep fried potatoes...so they set up ONE potato and peel it and deep fry it...so a potato cost about, what, 20 cents....well these high dollar potato chips will set you back $5.00. So hence the picture of the 5 dollar potato chips....very reminiscent of the 5 dollar foot long commercials from Subway that invade your brain daily.

Anyhow....we had lovely weather...and it was the longest I have been away from Emerson, minus when I'm at work. It was weird not dragging out the stroller, diaper bag and all the various accessories that accompany child rearing.

I'm sure I shall return again next year...I do love this cute little town!!!

Ghost with the Most.....

2009-10-24T03:11:00.000-07:00

So my friend Pam showed up at work with a delightful box of goodies for Emerson...no, not candy....baby clothes....all stitched up and ready for Halloween. I put Miss Emerson in one of the creations yesterday and as usual she was extremely patient in our little photo session. Actually she had her pictures taken a lot yesterday as we had the obligatory 6 month old pictures taken yesterday and I got nickel and dimed to hell and back, but that's a different story. Anyway...this is short and sweet as I'm headed to Micanopy with the peeps!!

2009-10-06T08:50:00.001-07:00

So the latest Jon & Kate news is that TLC has changed to name of the show to Kate Plus 8...and coincidentally...Jon has since sent a cease and desist order to stop all filming of the show along with taking out $230,000 out of a joint checking account. Seriously....who just has $230 grand just sitting around!!???!!! These people need to get a grip...those 15 minutes are almost up!!!

Seriously Mike Seaver...????

2009-10-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Kirk Cameron, former child star and current promoter of the banana-as-proof-of-God theory of evangelism?

In a video posted recently to YouTube, Cameron lays out a plan to subvert 'Darwin Day' on November 22, 2009 -- a date marking the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species." Cameron says that he and like-minded activists plan to deliver 50,000 copies of an altered version of Darwin's book to students at dozens of U.S. universities.

Cameron explains that this "very special" edition of the "Origin of Species" will include an introduction explaining "Adolf Hitler's undeniable connection" to the theory of evolution, and highlighting "Darwin's racism" and "his disdain for women." Cameron's edition also exposes the "many hoaxes" of evolutionary theory, while presenting a "balanced view of Creationism

He compares Darwin to Hitler....I mean come on...seriously!! By no means am I a religious person....spiritual yes...there is no way we are the only ones out here in this vast universe. I definitely believe in a higher being...but I don't think this person is necessarily called GOD. I could rant all day about religion...I live in the bible belt...and I have met many a christian hypocrite in my lifetime!!!!

Venturing out to save a buck or two...

2009-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

So on Wednesday, Miss Emerson and I were out takin' care of some business...meaning giving all my money to the property tax dude and homeowner's insurance and I decided to go into the consignment store and check it out. I am weird about some things but I figure with clothing you can throw it in the washing machine and all remnants of
H1N1 should be killed by the hot water. Anyhow...I found some great deals...like this Gap Jacket for $3.50. Seriously???!!!

And a couple pairs of jeans for $2.50 each....
and a denim jumper for another $2.50 and this cute little shirt for $2.00! Wow, I might have to frequent these places more often!!!!

Welcome October...I've sure missed you!!!

2009-10-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

I love....love...love this weather!!! Emerson and I both put on long sleeve shirts yesterday!!! The air conditioner is off...my house is 73 degrees all on it's own!!! My oldest and dearest friend Kim Shaver came by for a visit yesterday and brought Miss Emerson the CUTEST halloween shirt ever...Emerson is so loved....she is always getting presents from my friends. My friend Pam at work has bought her several things to wear her first Halloween...too bad I'll actually be working this Halloween so we won't be doing a costume this year!!! I almost always take a week off in October and this year is certainly no different!!! Pumpkins...candy...sweaters.....YEAH!!!

Things Miss Emerson needs....

2009-09-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

I saw these lovelies on another blog I frequent....people make fun of me for putting these gigantic bows on Emerson but I don't care....I love them and I need some of these for sure!!!

I also love these!!! I can't wait to buy lots of these different embroidered bloomers...especially when she starts crawling....

Oh my goodness and this one too....

Oh...and we'll definitely have to have some of these as well...especially this winter with a cute onesie.....

I should see about some overtime at work...hmmmmm!!!!

My little baby is growing up so fast.....time please slow down!!!!

2009-09-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Emerson turned 5 months old on the 22nd. It's amazing to look at pictures and see how much she has changed. I don't know how much she weighs currently but it's around 14 pounds. She is steadily losing her head full of dark, Ross like hair and it's coming in as this really light blond. She rolled over from her belly to her back the day she turned 4 months old...and then steadily refused to do it again...until she rolled over again 3 times in a row and has again refused to repeat her performance. She is eating more solid foods every day but is very impatient about sitting in her bumbo chair and has now decided to scoot the seat backwards between bites. I guess we're going to have to break down and go ahead and buy a high chair. She is laughing spontaneously now...and has recently discovered her fur siblings and just laughs and laughs at them....especially when they bark!!! She is still wearing 0-3 months clothing....which is unfortunate because her fall wardrobe is all 6-9 months...guess I'll have to shop some more...geesh...note the sarcasm!!! Emerson is a very happy baby and is only fussy when she is tired!!! She does great in the car and took her first long road trip this past weekend and she did awesome!!! Yes....my baby is growing more and more every day!!!

Sippy Cup Adventures

2009-09-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Emerson is always very interested in whatever I am drinking out of a glass and tries to grab it and makes funny little faces like she is going to gulp it down so I ventured to the local Walmart and bought her a couple of selections to try. She mostly chews on the spout but does take a few sips here and there with some assistance from mommy, ofcourse!

RIP Johnny Castle....

2009-09-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

So today I am awakened by the sad news of the passing of Patrick Swayze. Very sad indeed...his diagnosis is tragic but he fought the hard fight against an unconquerable disease!!! I didn't necessarily swoon over Patrick Swayze...I'll leave that to George Clooney! But in 1987 this movie called Dirty Dancing came out...I was eleven and oh I loved it!!!! I watched that movie a thousand times...played the soundtrack a thousand times more. I scuffed up my white Keds tennis shoes....it was always a losing battle keeping those keds pearly white!! Rolled up denim shorts and capri pants. Oh the memories!!! So today I'll leave you with this.... "Nobody puts Baby in the corner. Sorry about the disruption, folks, but I always do the last dance of the season. This year somebody told me not to. So I'm gonna do my kind of dancin' with a great partner, who's not only a terrific dancer, but somebody who's taught me that there are people willing to stand up for other people no matter what it costs them. Somebody who's taught me about the kind of person I want to be: Miss Frances Houseman."

Prunes....

2009-09-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

With the mother busy elsewhere in the house, the father had undertaken the task of feeding little Emerson in her bumbo chair. The sloppy procedure went along about as expected, and after various starts, half-starts and accidents, he finally called out to his wife, "Emerson just finished the strained prunes, but I think she wants some more. Should I give her a second coat?"

Just found the above this morning and thought it was amusing...along with attached photo!!!

Screeching Owl...

2009-09-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

So my little girl has developed this little habit of screeching for hours at a time at the top of her lungs...Not in distress mind you...just her way of communicating I guess!!! If I was going to dress her up for Halloween this year...it would be this cute little owl costume...since she has no concept of candy, etc...I think I shall wait until next year....I'm sure I'll think of something different next year!

Fall is in the air.....

2009-09-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Fall is so in the air....I can smell it...feel it...taste it. My favorite time of year. I love all of the colors...the smells. I am itching to put out all of my pumpkins, gourds, wreaths, etc. I am excited about taking Emerson to a pumpkin patch. I wish we lived up north where they have apple orchards, etc. The pumpkin patches here are already picked. The McIntosh festival is next month...Halloween...I'm almost giddy with excitement. Now I have to decide what to do with the doodle...do I get her an actual costume or what???

We just returned from a 3 day trip to the beach with some friends and their kid and grandchild respectively. We got to spend a little time at the beach and the pool but the weather was a bit uncooperative. I look at it as a goodbye to summer!!! Emerson hated the ocean....and I think she wanted to eat the sand!!! Guess like mother like daughter...I like the idea of the beach...I love the sand between my toes but I don't really care for actually swimming in the ocean..I like to walk on the edge of the tide!!!

So here's to wood burning fireplaces and large glasses of San Sebastian's Vintner's red wine!!!

R & R

2009-09-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

So I'm heading out for a couple of days to the beach with the baby and I have packed a ridiculous amount of things....I mean seriously ridiculous! The weather channel has predicted 3-5 inches of rain during our brief stay....GO Figure!!! Oh well....we will have margaritas and play cards and occupy children. Pictures to follow when I return!!!

Kate plus eight and a douche.....

2009-08-13T06:39:00.001-07:00

Well....I am way behind on posting here. Just when I sit down to update this the baby starts fussing or I'm trying to clean up in the short little nap the doodle is taking!!! I am so dreading being on call tonight...I would rather know I am going to work then sitting around worrying if I'm going to have to go to work....I should be grateful I have a good job...and infinite job security because it really doesn't matter how crappy the economy is...people will still reproduce...it's free!!!

So, this has been bothering me for a while....I am an avid viewer of Jon & Kate Plus 8...can't help myself...those kids are too darn cute and after having one of my own..I can't even begin to imagine how that woman keeps such an efficient household!! My husband can't stand Kate...thinks she is an overbearing, nagging, rooster-haired bitch. But I admire her. Now I am fully aware that she has people helping her....nannies..housekeepers etc..but it hasn't always been that way. They announced in June that they are getting divorced and I actually cried. It's quite sad!!! Then Jon is parading around with his 22 year old girlfriend...hanging out in bars....wearing two earrings (not that I have anything against this), etc. Now Kate has turned into the sympathetic media darling. Why are we compelled to watch this stuff....I guess it's not much different then driving past a traffic accident and glancing just a little too long. Really....my theory is that when we watch someone fail at something it just makes us feel better about our own insignificant lives.

I could go on but I will spare you...as for what's currently happening here. Nothing dramatic. Just watching Emerson grow bigger every day. It seems like just yesterday I brought her home and she is changing before my eyes every day..it almost makes me want to cry because you just want to slow down the progression of time. I am back at work...I only cried the first night. It was actually an easy transition back to work...and I am in a big hurry in the morning to get home and I'm always disappointed if she's asleep when I get home. Anyway...hope everyone has a great day!!!

So annoyed and bewildered....

2009-06-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

So...my husband has three children from his previous marriage...and the youngest one graduated from high school and turns 18 this July. Per his divorce agreement...his child support ends when the youngest child has turned 18 & graduated from high school. What I don't understand is why we once again have to hire a very expensive attorney to file papers through the court system so he can stop paying $500 a month. Don't they have little expiration dates on the files that says...oh...we won't send notices to this dude...he fulfilled his monetary obligation. No...if you don't pay...even though you are done per the court order...they will serve a warrant on your ass and then you have to drive all the way to Orlando for garbage. Moral of this story: It's cheaper to keep her!!!

Water baby

2009-06-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

So, I took the doodle for a swim at my friend's house and she loved it. Ahhhh...the freedom to not be concerned about what she looks like in a bathing suit. Hopefully, if I teach my child anything..it will to be comfortable in her own skin.

I should so be doing laundry....

2009-06-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well....after spying on strangers blogs for the last couple of months I decided I would try to blog and see if I like it. I enjoy reading about so many other people's lives and I feel like I have been invited to sit at their dinner table like an old friend. It's amazing to see so many common threads among other bloggers, that we all share the same worries, hopes, dreams and we are all just a little bit weird. So anyway, I can't say that my life is extraordinarily interesting and I worry about what in the hell do I possibly have to blog about but who cares really. If nothing else, I am basically typing out whatever thought comes into my head. Sounds like really cheap therapy if you ask me. God knows I could probably use some professional help. So anywho...I say that alot. I am a brand new mommy at 33 years old. I was one of those people who said until I was 31 1/2 that I would never...and I mean never....reproduce. I found that I would talk to my friends and they would have to run off to soccer practice, or dance class or they would bail on me because one of their offspring was ill. Frankly, for a long time I found it quite annoying. After a while I began to wonder that maybe there was something to this whole populating the earth thing. I mean look at what I do for a living, I help other women bring their children into this world. I've delivered quite a few myself...when time is of the essence. I can honestly say I have rocked, held, fed and changed hundreds of babies and I never got this overwhelming urge that I just have to have one. Until one night, I was sitting up at the nurses station watching the time tick slowly by, waiting for my 12 hour shift to be over. I was holding a brand new baby girl and she was all snuggle up on my chest making her little sounds, and I just knew. I want one!!! So fast forward three years and now here I am...a new mommy to my adorable little girl. The point of all this rambling, you ask? I imagine that is mainly what I shall talk about...mommyhood....working mommyhood. And if anyone actually reads this.....welcome!