Our Little Skier

In the above video, Little Miss put her skis on for the very first time. She did great! If anything, I think the helmet weighed her down or at least threw off her sense of balance. We only stayed out a short time and stopped when she wasn't having fun anymore (coincidentally right after she fell).  My dad spent time with her and we all went out to watch (Husband, Mom, Aunt and Uncle).  She'll be zooming down the hill in no time!

Christmas Concert

Little Miss had her first Christmas concert at school. It seemed like the longest morning ever and we were home by 10AM. We got to school so Little Miss could be fitted with wings and a halo.  Then, we all took our seats.  Both sets of grandparents were there as well as her cousin.  The 4-year-olds performed the Nativity.  The little ones were seated along the front of the stage.  The photo below is when Little Miss realized we were seated right behind her.  After, the 3-year-olds took the stage.  They sang a couple of songs.  Little Miss was in the back so it was very difficult to see her.  We all retreated to the classroom where the kids got a snack and we watched a video of the school year up to this point.  It was a lot of fun and really adorable to see the kids perform.

O, (Little) Christmas Tree

As I mentioned before, Little Miss wanted her own Christmas tree.  Well, we finally decorated it.  It is above.  She was truly upset that it had no star so this week, she colored some paper, I cut it into the shape of a star and affixed it to the top of her tree.  She was so thrilled.


Last week, we finally got around to decorating our big tree.  I gave a shopping bag of 3-4 ornaments and told Little Miss to put the bag of ornaments on the tree.  She had been putting ornaments on her tree so I knew she was capable of hanging ornaments from the tree.  I turned the corner and saw the sight below:

I can't complain. She did exactly as she was asked.

Weekend Update - December

I've been bad about the weekend updates.  During the second week in December, we hit a snag with our lights so the tree that we got in November still wasn't decorated.  So, the second week in December was spent trying to get lights to no avail.  Little Miss and I spent the weekend running errands and using every bathroom in northern Virginia. Small child = small bladder. Then, a friend and I went to see The Social Network. It was a fun evening.


Last weekend, Little Miss and I ran some errands including the library. She loves books and her favorites are any book about Max and Ruby. I believe she thinks the library is just filled with Max and Ruby books. It's been a fun month. The two of us have spent a lot of time together, and this month, she's become much more talkative and even more outgoing than usual. It's nice to see. (Don't get me wrong, she's still unbelievable independent - read as stubborn - but she can be really sweet on occasion.)

Mint-Chocolate Brownies

I made these Mint-Chocolate Brownies last night. Most of the ingredients I had already except the chocolate. Yes, I even had the peppermint patties. Anyway, the recipe is very easy. The trick is to wait an obscene amount of time for the brownies to cool. The first time I did not do this and the peppermint patties ooze all over the place. Last night, I cooled for maybe an hour and the middles were still warm, but I had to go to bed. Also, it calls for 25 mini peppermint patties. I've never made this with more than 18-20 and even with 20, I had to squeeze them in there. They came out pretty moist and delicious if I do say so myself.


Mint-Chocolate Brownies


Ingredients:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
25 small (1 1/2 inch) peppermint patties


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides; butter foil. Set aside.
2. Place chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally just until melted, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Whisk in sugar and salt until smooth; whisk in eggs. Gently whisk in flour and cocoa powder just until smooth (do not overmix).
4. Spread 1/3 of batter in prepared pan. Arrange peppermint patties on batter in a single layer, leaving a narrow border on all sides. Top with remaining batter, and smooth surface. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 45 to 55 minutes.
5. Cool completely in pan. Use foil to lift from pan; peel off foil and discard. Cut into 16 squares (4 rows by 4 rows).

Jingle Bells

Little Miss has been practicing some songs for her winter concert at school next week. She's been singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and This Little Light of Mine. Jingle Bells is the one she knows the best and sings the most. So, last night, she was cooperative enough to sing it for my camera.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know it's after Thanksgiving, but I didn't make this discovery until Thanksgiving. We talked a lot about Thanksgiving before the holiday, but you don't wish people a Happy Thanksgiving until that day and the day is crazy and flies by so quickly. Little Miss has totally been switching her compound words around. She always had words that were tricky for her (like banana and doggy), but she corrects herself over time. That is why I had to video tape her (hm, record her, I guess as there's no actual video tape involved) because, by next year, her speech will probably correct itself. Anyway, without further ado, below is a video of Little Miss saying "Happy Thanksgiving" her way.

Our #1 Problem was #2

As I mentioned, Little Miss potty-trained pretty much overnight.  However, she she had some hesitation with the poo.  She would try, but she would cry and carry on and will herself not to go.  The pediatrician suggested mineral oil to make it easier and, if it was easier, she would be more likely to go.  So, we did that for awhile (and still do).  So, after a couple of weeks, she would go on the potty (as opposed to her pants or in a pull-up), but she would still cry.  During her well-child check up, the doctor said it was perfectly natural especially because she trained so early.  She was more surprised that this was the only issue we've had.  So, we tried to be patient.  As one of our techniques, we created a sticker chart.  She liked the positive reinforcement and, to a lesser extent, a goal.  If she received 10 stickers, she could pick a present.  10 was an even number, but it was also a good way to create a habit of going and not just a phase.  And, in the last 2 weeks, she stopped crying, has no hesitation going at home or in public.  So, on Saturday, we went to the toy store, and she got to pick out a present. 

She first was a little overwhelmed by the toy store (as was I).  Then, she picked a train which wasn't that expensive.  She then saw a train puzzle and put back the train, but I told her she could have both if she wanted.  She ended up getting both and a flashlight.  I kept telling her that they were presents for finishing her sticker chart.  She is still getting stickers if she wants them, but there won't be anymore presents.  The sticker chart still resides on the bathroom door.  She points to it proudly every so often, and she does like to tell people she poos on the potty.  It's nice that she's proud of herself though a little embarrassing that she overshares. 

Weekend Update - 'Tis the Season

Last weekend, Little Miss was a little under the weather, and we pushed her hard. On Saturday, we took portraits with her little cousin. It went relatively well. She gets tired waiting for the proofs and sitting through lunch. She also got to go to the toy store. She fell asleep on the way, but I woke her up because I promised her we'd go. She perked up in the store and then went home for a nap.  I actually had to wake her up after her nap on Saturday because I didn't want her to sleep through dinner or not sleep through the night. She woke up and cuddled (her sign that she's sick). She did eat dinner and pretty much went right to sleep.

On Sunday, we woke up early to go to Breakfast with Santa. Little Miss was a bit sluggish and still not feeling well, but she did perk up once we got there. She split my pancake plate and, I'll admit, she ate most of it. She was really good with Santa and chatted quite a bit with him and Mrs. Claus. I painted her nails dark purple and she showed them off and asked for "presents". She didn't get specific yet so her wants are still attainable. Santa can definitely bring her "presents".

After Breakfast with Santa, she asked to go home and rest. We were supposed to go to a Baby Shower, but Little Miss woke up choking a little from her cold and it panicked her. So, we cuddled some more while she slept for another 2 hours. She woke up a whole new and healthy kid though. I think she felt much better because she managed to give her germs to Husband and me (though he contracted this round of sickness more than I did, but it is his turn). The evening brought dinner, coloring, and a bath. No big plans this week or next weekend though she asked to go back to the library next weekend for more Max and Ruby books so we'll do that. All pictures are from Breakfast with Santa.

Books Read in November 2010

1. Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb (NOTE: This is part of the Eve/Roarke In Death series. The order can be found here.)
2. Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts (NOTE: This is part of the Brides quartet. The order can be found here.)
3. Nice Girls Don't by Anne O'Connell

I read all of these books in the early part of the month. The later part of the month and the beginning of next month is all book club. This month's book club book is a long one.

Also, a word of note that the last book listed is erotica so don't go checking it out if you're not into that type of thing. It's extremely graphic. If you do like that sort of thing, it was well done for the genre. There was an actual storyline with a touch of romance. I read a few other short stories of the genre which weren't worth listing and didn't even make the calendar in which I record all this information.

I'm hoping to read more next month when I finish the book club book.

Movies Watched in November 2010

1. Due Date
2. The Girl Who Played with Fire
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Weekend Update - O Christmas Tree

Last Friday, Little Miss had a restless night which resulted in the two of us sleeping on the couch. We had grand plans to get up early and go to the tree farm. So, we all overslept. We did eventually get up and go to our annual breakfast at IHOP before driving to the tree farm to pick out our tree. We found a tree quickly last year, but it took us awhile this year. It is a nice tree though. Little Miss had a visit with some horses. She looks forward to the horses every year. Last year, a horse kissed her, but this year, she escaped the kissing. We brought our tree home and had leftovers for dinner. I also did some minor decorating for Christmas. It's a small place so I usually just put up some accents instead of making the place look like Christmas threw up all over it.


On Saturday, Little Miss slept in which was a nice treat. We then got up and went to the playground and the library. She took a much-needed nap when we got home and that was pretty much the day once you calculated in bath and bed.


On Sunday, Husband woke up and made Little Miss pancakes. I had one as well before meeting a friend to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. It was a nice afternoon and a great movie.


I forgot! When Husband went to replace our Christmas lights last week, Little Miss wanted red lights. It was all she would think and talk about. Then, at the tree farm, she wanted a Little Miss-size sapling as our tree. So, we bought her a tree just for her room. It is a table top tree that we decorated with red lights and a few stray ornaments. I wrapped dish towels around the base to be a tree skirt and some gold garland that I used to use as table decoration. She loves it.

Holiday Update - Thanksgiving

The above photo is our Thanksgiving table. I always take a picture of the table at holidays because, let's face it, that's as good as it's going to get before little hands and food touch it.

This is a picture of what Little Miss had as an appetizer.  Actually, she only got the fork in.  She never got a taste.  I see the temptation, and I suppose none of us have self-restraint on Thanksgiving (that doesn't mean she didn't get a little slap on the wrists).

So, all in all, we ate a lot and had a nice day.  Here is some cousin bonding between Little Miss and her little cousin.  It's so cute how he follows everything she does with his eyes and how she talks with him and listens intently to all his baby babble.  It's just how she was with her older cousin.  It'll be interesting to see if they grow and bicker like Little Miss and her older cousin, too.  For now, it's still cute. 

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Road Rage

I don't hate Christmas music. Really.  Also, I like Feed the World.  Plus, even though I think November 19 is too early to play it 24/7 on a radio station, I just choose to listen to another station until at least after Thanksgiving. That said, on my way to work this morning, I heard Feed the World. I look over at the car next to me. Her windows were up and my windows were up. Plus, I had my own radio on at a moderate level. What do I hear?  Feed the World from her car radio as if it was playing inside my own head. I could barely hear my own music (soundtrack to Rent in case you were wondering).  Seriously, first, too soon. Second, the music was so loud, her future self from next year could hear that stupid radio. Not necessary.  /rant

States by TV Show

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If you can't read it, you can click here for a bigger graphic. Would you have chosen a different show for your state? I'm perfectly ok with The Gilmore Girls representing Connecticut.


If you're wondering, here is movies by state.


Too bad Washington DC isn't included in either list.

In Honor of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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Report on Little Miss's Progress

Husband and I had our first Parent/Teacher conference to discuss Little Miss's progress thus far in school. Though we think she's very polite, she only received a "Progressing" grade. Otherwise, she is about where we expected. I excerpted her "report card" to point out two specific things. First, a brag. She "Mastered" counting numbers 1-5 and 1-10. The teacher also remarked how she was impressed that she knew her numbers out of order as well knowing how to count down (this is partly because she loves a show on television that uses "Math powers" and also because we live on the 16th floor so she counts down the floors on the elevator). Also, she "Mastered" identifying shapes. The teacher also said that it was impressive that she knew shapes on which she wasn't tested like diamond and oval.


Second, the not surprised portion of the report card. You'll see below that she has "Mastered" independently making choices. It comes as no surprise to us that she knows her own mind. Though, truthfully, the teacher said she was glad that Little Miss can play with a wide variety of toys and learning devices and doesn't stick with a favorite, that she'll just go up to something and play with it. I think this is because she's the first child so she's used to independent play, but it's also because that's how we see her play at home.


Of course, with even the best of reports comes some generic thoughts on how, like all the children, she doesn't like cleaning up and has trouble sitting for long periods of time. She likes to sit by the window and bookcase so she can stare out the window or pick a book to read instead of listening to instructions or storytime. I'm actually impressed that she is thinking of alternate ways to amuse herself during her least favorite part of the day, but it's still officially being frowned upon if I need to be the bad guy.


So, all in all, a good report.


On a private note, you'll remember that Little Miss has had trouble with pooping. We've seen the pediatrician a couple of times regarding this matter. The pediatrician basically said we were lucky she took to the process so quickly and that it's only been 2 months. To gloss over all the details, she still hates to poop, but we created a sticker chart. After 10 stickers, she gets some sort of present. So, she's been very proud of herself when she poops on the potty, and there is positive reinforcement all over the place from everybody. She didn't even cry this week though she did cry all day leading up to it. At least she's doing it. We'll work on not crying later.


On a second note, she started crying when we drop her off at school. Today, she didn't cry for the first time in about a month. She was a little clingy at first, but I made sure she had with which to play and then I snuck out. The teacher was amused that, even when she wails, once she's occupied, she stops. There's no ramping down or hiccuping, she just stops crying. She's not really a kid who cries unless she's tired or hurt so it is unusual. Hopefully, this is progress. You know, right before Christmas break after which it may start all over again.

What Christmas Looks Like

I guess I could have posted a photo of a pumpkin as well. Seriously. Starting before Halloween, I saw Christmas lights and Advent calendars. There are now decorations at the mall (and it's before Thanksgiving) and music on the radio 24/7 starting this week. Now, I realize to most that I'm the enemy. I have my preliminary Christmas card spreadsheet all printed out so I can begin addressing cards (though they probably don't go out until the first week in December) and I have about 1/3 of my Christmas shopping completed. I'll pick up a couple of more items this month and the balance in December. However, that's more budget-planning than being in the Christmas spirit. I usually get filled with Christmas spirit on Christmas Eve and then realize, once I'm in the throes of holiday charm, that the season is gone.


Last year, we got the crying on Santa's lap photo. This year, I'm hoping Little Miss does a little better. She knows who Santa is and definitely understands the concept of presents more so it should be fun. She's still young enough, however, to enjoy being with family more than accepting gifts which is sweet. So, I'll get into the Christmas spirit for her... but not until December (or after Thanksgiving as we get our tree the day after Thanksgiving every year). Plus, she does look cute in red and loves her Jingle Bell hair ties. Plus, your heart will melt if you ever hear her sing Jingle Bells (I'll try to get video before the end of the season).


Oh, right, back to my point before I got carried away with cuteness. Seriously, commercial America, don't push us into Christmas. It's the same time every year. There's no reason to move up the date to the middle of October. /rant

Weekend Update - Take Me to the Zoo

Last weekend was a busy one! On Friday, we had the In-Laws over for dinner. Little Miss loved it so much that she invited the In-Laws to the zoo with us on Saturday. Little Miss has been obsessing over elephants for over a week so I told her we could go to the zoo if the weather was nice.


On Saturday, the weather was perfect. I got Little Miss up and asked her what day it was and she responded, "Zooday!" I told her it was Saturday, but we were going to do the zoo. We left the house after she had a gigantic breakfast of 2 1/2 eggs and a bowl of Cheerios. We got a teensy bit misdirected going to the zoo so, by the time we pulled into the parking lot and parked, Little Miss was sound asleep. She did perk up while we were walking through the zoo. She loved the elephants and the cow. We did a quick tour, but next time I think we'll do the different houses so she can see the reptiles and small mammals. We picked up sandwiches for lunch on the way home. Little Miss took an immediate nap, but we ate and then napped as well. After, I met a friend. We had dinner at Chick-Fil-A and then saw Due Date. After the movie, we picked up some Coldstone Creamery and watched the DVD, The Girl who Played with Fire.


On Sunday, we had a nice day at home before heading to my parents for Nephew's Gotcha Day (the day he was adopted). It was a nice evening with my grandparents, parents, sister and nephew. We were more than happy to get home and relax last night though. Next week should be a relatively relaxing weekend before Thanksgiving so I look forward to that.

Weekend Recipes

This weekend, we had mostly old stand-by recipes.  I made tomato/mozzarella salad (sliced vine-riped tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese, diced red onion drizzled with olive oil with a little salt and pepper and sprlinked with ribbons of basil).  I also made Stuffed Tomatoes again because they're usually a crowd pleaser. Last, but not least, I made crab dip which I could have sworn I've posted before, but it doesn't look like it. So, here it is:

CRAB DIP

Ingredients

2 8-oz pkg cream cheese, softened

4 TBS mayonnaise

2c shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 TBS fresh lemon juice

2 tsp hot sauce

2 TBS Worcestershire sauce

paprika for garnish

2 6-oz cans crab meat

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix cream cheese, mayo, cheddar cheese, crab meat, lemon juice, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce.  Transfer to shallow 9x12 baking dish.  Garnish with paprika.  Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

A few notes - I don't use tabasco sauce because it makes the crab dip too spicy, but Red Hot and any other hot sauce works fine.  I also use the full pound of lump crab meat because that's what the container comes in.  You can use imitation or backfin crab meat, but the texture is a little different.  I serve it with bread or water crackers.

Also, the photo above is not of my crab dip.  I don't remember where my recipes originates, but mine is a little darker upon baking.

For dinner, the Inlaws stayed and I made Shrimp Scampi with Linguini which was super yummy.

Weekend Update - Happy Birthday

Nothing like ringing in your third year with two birthday parties.  Little Miss celebrated again last weekend.  Food to come in a separate post.  We had a nice afternoon.  Little Miss really loved her gifts and of course she loved the cake.  She also was really good with her baby cousin.

On Sunday, we met Sister and Little Miss's big cousin.  The cousins got along and plotted against having a good portrait session for their annual holiday portrait.  We settled on a couple of photos and left with headaches and stress.

Books Read in October 2010

1. Crush On You by Christie Ridgway (NOTE: This is Book 1 in the Three Kisses trilogy.)
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (NOTE: This is Book 1 of The Hunger Games series. Book 2 and 3 are listed below.)
3. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (NOTE: This is Book 1 of The Hunger Games series. Book 1 is listed above, and Book 3 is listed below.)
4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (NOTE: This is Book 1 and 2 are listed above.)
5. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (NOTE: This is Book 3 of the Millenium trilogy. The book order can be found here.)

As always, the books that link to an ebook were read on my nook and the books that link to a physical book were read on paper.  I felt like I didn't read many books this month, but I think it's because The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest took the majority of the month.  I really enjoyed it though. 

Movies Watched in October 2010

1. The Town

That's it. We went to see The Town on our anniversary last month. We really thought it was well done and had a great evening out.

Birthday Lunch Menu

Photography by Kate Sears

On Saturday, I mostly made a bunch of salads and an appetizer in addition to a (store-bought) cake.  The cake was actually part white cake and part vanilla ice cream which was different but pretty decent.  I first made stuffed tomatoes which are always a crowd pleaser. I also made broccoli salad which is also a popular dish. I also made caprese pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette which I snagged from The Cooking Photographer's blog. In addition to the tried and true, I also made a new recipe - Aida's Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad. It's probably a good summer recipe, but I used frozen corn and it still tasted good.  I don't know if I loved the cilantro dressing, but it's very light and I still liked it.  This was the only dish that I actually added salt and pepper to.  Mine wasn't as colorful because I only used red grape tomatoes, but it was still tasty.  Recipe is linked and also below:

Aida's Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad
Ingredients



For the dressing:
1 1/2 cups packed fresh cilantro
1/2 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper


For the salad:
4 ears corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 pounds grape tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
1 pound fresh mozzarella, diced
2 medium avocados, diced

Directions
Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender, using 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste; process until smooth. Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Let sit at least 15 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Weekend Update - Trick or Treat!

On Friday, we cleaned the apartment, and I did some prep work on food for Saturday. On Saturday, we had one of two birthday parties for Little Miss. My family and friends came over. We had lunch and then opened presents and then had cake. The photo above is what Little Miss wore for the first part of the party. I wanted her to wear a birthday hat she has. No such luck. I suppose I should be lucky she wore her birthday shirt.

On Sunday, we had a nice family breakfast. Little Miss and I made a quick trip to the store. We both had a nice nap. Then, at 3PM, I had to wake Little Miss from her nap so we could head to my parents' house for a Halloween party and trick-or-treating. She was Snow White and her cousin was Dopey. She walked from house to house for hours and was a little trooper. This is the first year she's gone trick-or-treating. So, at the first house, she walked right in. After about 3 houses, she got the hang of it. She slept in her Snow White costume last night and is still wearing it today. I think the holiday was a success!

Somebody is 3 Today!

How did that happen? Seriously! It does not seem like 3 years at all. We've been building up Little Miss's birthday all week. She now knows it is her birthday, and she is 3 years old. She also knows she will get a cupcake tonight. She always gets a cupcake on her birthday when her birthday celebrations do not fall on the same day. So, this weekend, she'll have cake.


Today was Halloween at preschool. So, Little Miss got to wear her Snow White dress. She was very excited about it. She'll also get to wear it on Halloween and pretty much any time she wants to after that. At school, she got to be line leader which made her face light up.  Plus, I made cookies with sprinkles for the class.


Happy birthday, Little Miss!

Contest

The photo above is from my friend, Sanna's new blog. It's a Christmas Reading Challenge. I'll be participating loosely in that I'll be reading Christmas books I already own, but I won't be as diligent as Sanna. Anyway, she is having a contest for the book cover above along with a surprise book. You may click on the word "contest". You get one entry for posting at her blog, one entry for becoming a follower and another entry for passing the word along on your blog. Good luck!

Thursday Tidbit

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*  Disclaimer: The Disney Corporation takes no responsibility for your kids not learning the letter ‘X’. Seriously, it’s not our fault that ‘X’ is such a stupid letter. Chances are your kids won’t need it or use it, so no worries right?


Entire post stolen from this website.

If you read the comments on the link, you'll find some people take their Disney a little too seriously (as in why does so-and-so get to be this letter and not my favorite character?) and way too many people know X characters.  I think the reason X wasn't included was to have a perfectly aligned chart.  Now, all the rows have 5 characters across. 

So, my question is who would be on your Disney chart if you do not like the one provided?

So Curious

I was never a fan of the Sweet Valley High books. I think I read one or two. I'm a stickler for order, and I could never find every book so it bothered me. I did catch the tv show once in awhile though. Not sure I should admit that. Either way, I'm totally curious about the new book coming out. I read an excerpt a few months back and it seemed very different from the original series. Plus, what caused the big rift between Jessica and Elizabeth? What happened to their Fiat? So many questions.

Flashback Video

I was going through my videos today while trying to make sense of my thumb drives.  I came across this one.  This is especially bittersweet because Little Miss now says "banana" - not every time, but she doesn't say her made up word as often.  Video is from 8/23/09.  I can't believe how much she's grown (and how much her hair has grown) since then!  Feeling all nostalgic as her third birthday approaches.

Weekend Update - Hanging in the ATL

Last weekend, Husband and I flew to Atlanta for his boss's wedding.  Little Miss spent the weekend with my parents.  We arrived in Atlanta around noon.  We had a quick lunch and took a glorious nap.  In the evening, we attended the wedding and had a great time.  Being giant losers, we pretty much went right to bed after the festivities.


On Saturday, we woke up and went to lunch at Chick-Fil-A.  It was super yummy.  Then, a bunch of us went to a sports bar to watch college football.  One of Husband's co-workers and I took a walk around downtown Atlanta through the Olympic Centennial Park and around the area with the aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.  I also bought Little Miss a t-shirt.  We went to a sushi place for dinner and then went to another bar before driving to meet up with people from the wedding.  We stayed for a brief time at the new bar before heading back to the hotel to pack.


On Sunday, we woke up early to head back home.  We picked up Little Miss, went grocery shopping and went home.  Husband watched football while Little Miss and I took a nap.  It was a long weekend, but it was a lot of fun.  We have a relaxing weekend coming up so, depending on the weather, we may do something local or just do nothing at all.  Both are somewhat appealing.



Weekend Update - Happy Anniversary!

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Last Friday, I believe I went to bed obscenely early. We tried to give Little Miss a bath and she pitched a fit and said she wanted to go to bed. So, we put her to bed and told her that she had to have a bath in the morning.


On Saturday, I woke up with Little Miss. She pitched a 2-hour fit over taking a bath. She woke up Husband on his morning to sleep late. Finally, she took a bath for him. However, because of the fit, we did not get a pumpkin as planned. She also did not get any morning television. In her thin defense, she has not been feeling 100%. Still, simmer down already. Saturday afternoon, Sister came over to babysit while Husband and I celebrated our 11th anniversary by seeing The Town. Then, we went to Ray's the Steaks for a nice dinner.


On Sunday, it was a comedy of errors as we ran around trying to get Little Miss up and ready and get the place ready for friends to come over. Husband's work department came over to watch football. It ended up being a lot of fun. We had good food and drink. Little Miss loved the new people and attention. Then, we had a quiet evening of watching a little tv while relaxing. The weekend may not have gone exactly as planned, but it was a good one overall.

Sexy Friday

NOTE:  Sorry, this was scheduled to post last Friday, but it did not.  Enjoy Sexy Tuesday. 

 

Welcome to the return of Sexy Friday!  I apologize it has been so long, but I lacked motivation.  In honor of the release of Secretariat this weekend, Diane Lane is granted the honor of being the recipient of Sexy Friday. Sharing her week is her co-star in Unfaithful, Oliver Martinez. I have honestly never seen Oliver Martinez in anything other than Us Magazine and Unfaithful, but he is sexy. As for Diane Lane, she just looks great. I don't know if I'll be watching Secretariat, but I usually am a sucker for animal movies so it's likely I'll see it eventually.

Friday Funny

Definitely cooler, but I think Little Miss would have some nightmares if Christopher Walken was hanging on her nursery wall.

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Thursday (Fake) Tweet

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Time Warp

Today, I bought myself my hot chocolate at Starbucks. The employee asked my name, and I told her. She looked at me and said (and I paraphrase), "oh, like April from the Turtles." No joke. I responded that I hadn't heard that in awhile... like for decades. April O'Neill is pictured above. She was the bane of my existence during my babysitting years in the 80's. I can totally tell how we would get confused (but hey, I never claimed the kids I babysat for were brain surgeons - they could be now though, scary thought).

House Humor

I don't watch the show anymore, but I found this amusing. Hope you do, too!

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Monday aMusement

I so like alliteration, but nothing really worked with Monday. Apologies for settling.

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Weekend Update - Fall Fair

Last Friday, we waited until Little Miss was home and then went grocery shopping. She was a little cranky because it was bedtime, but she was a trooper. She went right to bed when we got home. We did take out for dinner and settled in for a quiet night on the couch.


On Saturday, Husband woke up with Little Miss even though it's his day off (but he was up watching golf anyway). I enjoyed sleeping late and finally woke up and took Little Miss to Fairfax for Fall for Fairfax with Sister and Nephew. The kids had a blast. There were jumping structures, a petting zoo, junk food.  It was a lot warmer than I expected, but we still had fun. We had fun until nap time and Little Miss had a minor tantrum. At that point, we had some quiet time inside where she fell asleep. The binky doesn't always leave the house, but it's better than the public temper tantrum and it helped calm her down while Sister and Nephew played.  After, we went home, had dinner and went to bed.

On Sunday, Husband woke up again with Little Miss while I slept an obscene amount. Then, that pretty much summed up my day. Little Miss and I reclined on the couch and then we reclined in bed. In the evening, Little Miss asked to go to bed in the middle of dinner and ended up falling asleep on the couch. She woke up alert and hungry this morning. I suppose that's a successful weekend! Next weekend, we're onto the pumpkin patch and Husband and I celebrate our 11th anniversary.  Also, as much as I have little or no motivation, I will make an effort to decorate for Halloween.  I try to keep in the habit for Little Miss's sake.  She does so love the decorations around the holiday time.  I am pretty good at keeping up with them between Halloween and Christmas.

Books Read in September 2010

1. Sister of the Bride by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool’s Gold series. You can find the order by scrolling through this page.)
2. Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool’s Gold series. You can find the order by scrolling through this page.)
3. Undenied by Maya Banks (NOTE: This is part of a trilogy of related books but I don’t necessarily think they need to be read in order. This is the link to the anthology with all three books.)
4. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (NOTE: This is Book 1 of the Kane Chronicles. I do not know when the next book is scheduled for release.)
5. A Good Indian Wife by Anne Cherian
6. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley (NOTE: This is the first book in a series about the Mackenzie siblings. The order can be found here.)
7. Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley (NOTE: This is the first book in a series about the Mackenzie siblings. The order can be found here.)
8. The Family Plan by Susan Gable (NOTE: This is book 2 of the books about the Hawkins family. You can find the other book and more about the author’s other books here.)
9. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
10. Love is a Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd

As always, the books that link to an ebook were read on my nook and the books that link to a physical book were read on paper. I read more on a Labor Day vacation, but I’ve just taken advantage of my time before the tv season started up. I read a lot of good books, and a few filler books. I love that reading is an active past-time this month and am also happy that I’m working my way through books I’ve owned for quite some time which means I’m making room on the shelf for new books. By the way, Love is a Four-Legged Word has one of the cutest covers. Kandy Shepherd was blessed by the cover gods.