Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men

Could it be compared to rubbernecking? I don't think so. It's so much worse than a car wreck that you can't quit watching.  It has to be the worst thing I've ever seen unfold. Every day the details become more horrifying. It's not the number of deaths. Shit, we lost THOUSANDS on September 11th.  It's not the shooting spree.  He wouldn't be the first to use a gun as his weapon of choice. It can't be just the age of the children. Look at Rwanda. What seems to be getting me, is just how mean this was. 

And that's the irony here. There is so much cruelty happening and there's so much love happening. I feel like a crazy person watching the news. One minute, I'm weeping over these damn comfort dogs and the incredible kindness of strangers and the next I just want to mow down the fucking Westboro "church". 26 decorated Christmas trees... some asshole setting up fake donation scams. A family coloring pictures on their daughters casket... some douche shoots up China Garden. It's a bit like watching Hallmark commercials during a Horror film. 

It's got me thinking how I've often read and heard about times like these yet I'm not sure I've really understood it in this same way.  I think Charles Dickens put it pretty well in A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way".  He figured that shit out in 18frickin59. Brilliant. And of course, there's my favorite, Dave Matthews.  In a song called "Christmas Song" he tells the story of Christ from birth to death and ends it singing "Father up above, why in all this hatred do you fill me up with love".  Not sure there is a better way to put it.

From where I sit, in this season of peace and joy and merriment, the whole country seems a bit bipolar. A range of joy and sadness and one constant lack of peace. I'm not sure the answer here except that perhaps Dave hit it right on the head, in all this hatred, fill yourself up with love. 

Project 52: FIFTY ONE

With Christmas just a week away, I can't help but post a little nod to two of my favorites, Neiman's and Target.  Still not sure how I feel about most of their holiday merchandise but this piece is fanflippintastic! Go Neiget! Or maybe Tarman! 

Project 52: FIFTY

$30 bucks for a little red elf and book? For 'ril? But Pinterest made it look oh so fun. So I bought in. And boy am I glad I did. This little elf has been so funny and so wildly entertaining every morning not to mention one extra little incentive for good behavior. So meet the newest Moody member, Miss Darla. 

Project 52: FORTY NINE

Oh my sweet little Rhett is growing a mile a minute.  He hit a new milestone this last week. He has finally learned to open candy all by himself.  In my foolhardy attempt to keep him awake on the way home from the gym, I handed him a little candy cane to play with.  I figured it would keep his attention for a good 5 minutes before he threw it back at me.  Silly me, never cued in to the silence in the back seat and instead discovered one sticky mess of passed out candy drunkeness when I got home. Awesome.

Project 52: FORTY SIX

I'm not one for costumes.  But when my sweet little neighbor, Tuesday, turned 3 her one request was for a costumed princess tea party. Who am I to resist little Miss blue eyes? So there you have it, Snow White and Mommy flashing her faux fur wedding shawl. Shit, when else am I going to get to bust that one out?

Project 52: FORTY EIGHT

Last week I took Ella to New York City with my mom for a little Christmas vacation.  We did all things kid, touristy and Christmas.  It was sooooooo much fun. I was a little nervous that 4 was a little young for this kind of trip but Ella was amazing. Totally pleasant, easy going and hilarious to be around. She said so many funny things, I wish I had written them all down. Here's a list of what Ella told me she loved about NYC:
* Taxis (cause they are yellow)
* No car seats
* Taking showers instead of baths
* Wearing her jewelry every day (I don't let her wear it to school)
* Candy stores (Dylan's Candy Bar)
* Real Mary Poppins
* Snacks after dinner

Ha! Good thing I took a ton of pictures to remind her of ALL the wonderful places we went.  This one is my favorite. She LOVED the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity.  She used all 4 straws at once to drink it and ate the whip cream by the spoonful.  Delicious.

Project 52: FORTY SEVEN

Best part about having two kids? Watching them play together. 

Worst part about having two kids? Watching them play together. 

Project 52: FORTY FIVE

Where the hell have I been? Well... everywhere. From Wichita Falls to New York City. And it's left little time to be at the computer. Life is good. Busy and hectic, but full of fun and merriment.  Despite a flurry of activity I've kept to my saving grace, yoga. I can't explain just how much I love yoga. I'm really not very good. Actually, the more I go, the more I realize just how bad I am. And this is why I love it. It's a challenge just for me and the mat I practice on. It works my mind and my body like no class I have ever done. And for me, it's extremely spiritual.  I have gained more clarity in my little hour classes of yoga than I have doing almost anything else. And really, nothing compares to those 5 little minutes at the end of class for shavasana (relaxation).

A Short- Rollercade- Part 2

It was supposed a nice little ladies night out. More specifically a night off for mommies of preschoolers. How much more sweet can it get? Pulling up to the 80’s neon SKATE sign brought back floods of elementary school memories. Backwards skate, limbo, hokey pokey, roller blades and bouncing off the wall when you can’t stop.  The parking lot brought back high school anxieties.  All sorts of clicks hovering around one or two cars. A bit shady? Nah more like tailgating. And that’s when the light went off. PRE PARTY you moron. Or perhaps they sell booze inside and I never realized it as an 8 year old. I mean of course they do, right? Look at all these people.  Literally skaters, posers, hood rats, work-out fanatics and shit mommies of preschoolers. These fools definitely need a cocktail with their wheels. So I thank the good Lord I carpooled with my sweet sweet friend Becky, tell those inner voices that are shouting out my insecurities to peace out and savor those last few minutes in the comfort of shoes.  

Few bucks, one coupon and a skate rental later and I’m in. Same benches, same rink, same snack bar. And holy shit, I see machines swirling slushy goodness. WTF? Icees? No booze? Why are all these people here then? Think of exit strategy NOW. 

A Short- Rollercade Part I

Any other broad that slapped my ass like that, I’d have called a bitch. But something about her sweetly shaved head and flannel shirt with unmatched bauble bead necklace had me think twice. She was a walking contradiction. Actually a rolling contradiction. A non-bitch on wheels. And she literally just slapped my ass. Shocked and mildly embarrassed and if I’m honest, perhaps a bit flattered, I turned to check out my offender. This chick seriously had more eyelashes than hair on her head. Almost beautiful? So she likes my “juicy butt”. Hmm. A first. Pulling myself together and attempting to think like a Kennedy I politely let this non-bitch know I’m married and that I’d rather not have my ass slapped. “Ha!” she says and lets me know she “don’t give a fuck”. Apparently it just looked nice and anyways she’s engaged. She just wanted to slap it is all. “Oh, ok.” Welcome to Wednesdays at the Rollercade. 

Project 52: FORTY FOUR

A belated Happy HALLOWEEN! This is one of my FAVORITE days of the year. I love it because it's just total joy. There's something for everyone: a little spooky or total horror, princess or super hero. And dude, candy!!!! And the best part of all, the kids can do no wrong. It's a whole day where kids can just be free. I let mine eat whatever, wear whatever, play whenever. I mean forget naps and routines and all that mess. It's a day of free passes. It's Halloween for God's sake. Baby wants more candy, then baby gets more candy. Why not? I love it. The only downer of the day... breaking my damn phone with lots of cute pics on it at the end of the day :( So here's some off my big boy.

At a Halloween party as the crew of Little Red Riding Hood (stole this one from my friend Sarah!)

Here's my sweet little bride! I LOVE this picture. Ella loves this little boy in her class and she is nothing short of joyful to take a picture with him. #Lordhelpmenow

Cause I can't resist a second pose

And here's my sweet little Rhett minus his cowboy hat. Someone just couldn't leave it on.... Later he was a dinosaur but sadly those pics are on my phone :(

Project 52: FORTY THREE

We have had so much to celebrate the last few weeks with many birthdays and one very special Baptism. Little Katherine Joan was Christened just a couple weeks ago and Ryan and I were thrilled to be her Godparents. Just look at this little sweet pea and her big ol' cheeks!

Project 52: FORTY TWO

So I keep seeing all these adorable pictures on Facebook of these sweet sweet children at pumpkin patches. How in the hell do you get them to cooperate? Let me show you what goes down with the Moody family. 

Yeah... there's no posing. There's no gentle sitting amongst the field of pumpkins. And there's definitely no sibling shots with both smiling, much less behaving. Rather, we were the family who was purchasing and/or hiding the pumpkins that Ella "accidentally" broke while trying to soothe Rhett who was freaking out every time we set him down on this crazy squash. 

Project 52: FORTY ONE

Ella is currently obsessed with this new Disney channel show, Doc McStuffins. Anyone else watching this regularly? If you haven't heard of it, it's about a little girl who plays doctor to her stuffed animals (Thanks Traci for the tip!). She patches up their rips and such. Well it has Ella on a real medical kick. Kid won't quit asking for her own stethoscope!

http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior/doc-mcstuffins

Project 52: FORTY

When I was a kid, I had two little girls on my street that I just LOVED to death, Kendra and Katie. We did everything together. Tea parties, dress up, play school, watch funerals from the tree house (yeah we lived behind a cemetery). I just really remember those early years so well and fondly largely because of my sweet little friends. So I just couldn't be happier that Ella has found the same thing with our sweet little neighbor, Saray. The two are quite a pair and hilarious to watch together. I took them to a pumpkin patch on Monday and they immediately turned the pumpkin photo op area into a pretend pumpkin store.  They used the cartoon cutout as their cashier stand and were so silly. I think Ella didn't want to pay up so Saray was tickling her.

Project 52: THIRTY NINE

Remember the days when you could sleep this hard? I know. I don't really either. But I wish I could. 

Project 52: THIRTY EIGHT

Somebody had a birthday! My sweet sweet son is one. He's one cool cat. Today he picked up my iPhone and held it up to his ear and said "hello" just like that. Plain as day. That kid cracks me up. I guess I've been on the phone a lot?? Anyways, here's a few photos from the pirate and mermaid party we had on Saturday. Since two of our neighbors had babies the same week as Rhett we did a birthday trifecta. Super fun to see all 3 grow up together and then to celebrate them. (and yes I know how weird that is we all had a baby the same week :)

In a tunnel of balls (aka heaven)

Birthday babies- Rhett, Cora and Brody

Ella having her swing at the pinata. I love Aunt B's face in the background!

First few licks of icing... mmm.

Now this shit is good!

Project 52: THIRTY SEVEN

Pictures, pictures, pictures. I'm in so over my head. I ordered a groupon for 2 canvas wrap prints and never in my life would have imagined just how difficult that is to select two frickin' photos. D.E.L.I.R.I.O.U.S. Anyways, I've picked my two and can't wait to see how they turn out!

So last week I was at my parents' house and they brought down some of my old "collections" from childhood. Yup, even as a kid I was part hoarder. Everything from baseball cards to foam pens to troll dolls (that in itself is another post... not even kidding). They figured Ella might like to play with some of my old dolls and figurines (ie get your crap out of our attic!). It brought back some serious memories. I wonder how many hours I played with these things. Funny to see how much Ella likes them now. Anyhow, any of you remember these things??

And while we're talking all things nostalgic, I figured I share a picture of Ella dressed in my old Annie dress. Remember orphan Annie? I LOVED her. Probably an understatement. I have seen that more times than most of you have seen Titanic combined. Ella seems to have the same affection for it. She's even picked up on some of the little orphans attitudes. Just the other day she said I was just like Miss Hannigan for not giving her a cookie! Ha. Hard knocked life? Pshh.

It makes me laugh

I put this on Facebook this weekend but it cracks me up so much I thought I'd link it on here. Check out the old school commercial and then the Moody version.

Bachelor Pad- because I just have to

Bachelor Pad is just shit TV. Plain and simple. I mean it's a "summer read". Beach trash if you will. How can you possibly shit talk shit? So I basically leave it alone on the blog. I keep up with it throughout the summer because I consider it good research- ha. But it's a lot of fast forwarding and eye rolling when I do watch. I'm constantly yelling back at these people in my head and thinking "if this were me..." I've given a lot of thought to the idea of being a "fan" on the BP cast. Could I do it? I mean there are the obvious reasons of why not:

     1. Um yeah, I'm married and have 2 children

     2. Bikinis. 

     3. I'm ancient in Bachelor years

     4. Shitty TV reputation haunts you

Here's why I would:

     1. I'm golden on my Bachelor history

     2. I could totally mama bear the entire cast and provide some really good therapy (Steve Harvey style I think- tell it like it is)

     3. Fascinating- like watching a species in it's natural habitat

     4. I just really need to have a conversation with a few of these douches and get a few things off my chest (ie Ed- WTF dicking over Jillian?)

     5. Um yeah, I have 2 kids 

Couple things really bugged me tonight on the finale. 

     - Rachel: Rock contest is over. Take off the 80's make up and cut out dress. REALLY sucked she got screwed every way possible. 

     - Michael: Why? Whhhhy? Thought you were so decent. Just be honest. You had another girl. I mean just tell her. Really wanted him to be next Bachelor. Totally disappointed. 

     - Erica Rose: OMG you finally took those awful extensions out and you look FANflippintastic (well better, at least)!!

     - Nick: dick. I get it, it's a game. But it's also just money. Easy come, easy go. You'll probably blow that $250 G on some really stupid shit and go down as a giant ass hole. Guess you didn't go to preschool because all I hear from Ella's teachers are "Share share share". 

     - Blakely and Tony: Congrats. Not sure if she saw it coming or not but really... Neil Lane? Slightly disappointed but shit rings are expensive. Was the forearm tat new? 

     - Jamie: Would have been ok with the headpiece or the eye tattoo but not both together AND red lips. Woah. All that said, she's a really pretty girl. 

Chris Harrison seemed to be a bit peppier than normal. Guess he's moving forward. Wonder if he'll date anyone famous or stay out of the spotlight...

Project 52: THIRTY SIX

I really don't think I can say this any better than Ella did this morning, "MOMMY HE LOOKS LIKE A WORKIN' MAN!" 

Project 52: THIRTY FIVE

Ella had her first day back at school last Tuesday and let me tell you, there was a boat load of excitement at the Moody house. Homegirl LOVES school- lets hope this lasts! So to celebrate Mr. Ryan brought home flowers to both Ella and yours truly. Ella was thrilled to have her very own flowers for her very own room, BUT what was she more excited about than anything?? To play bride of course! That's my girl. Forget aspirations of medical school or professional gymnast. Precious darlin' wants to be a bride! And of course mommy just had to be the flower girl for Ella's wedding (about 12 times). Here's our wedding photo. 

Community Clothes Closet

So a lot of you know my sister-in-law, Carla Moody. I swear this gal has more energy than 12 two year olds put together. Every time I see her she has some big project she is working on. For years, she has been telling me about this "Giving Garage" that she has going and I thought it was real sweet and all. It started out with some donated clothing and baby goods in her garage that she was basically the distribution center for folks in need. So I pictured a few RubberMaid totes and maybe a pac-n-play or two out there. Well last year, I went and checked it out. Holy shit! Her garage was lined all the way around three shelves high with donations sorted beautifully according to gender and size. Then tons of toys and baby supplies to boot. I started to really think about the massive amount of work this was to orchestrate the goods coming in and goods going out. She had an answer to every question. She had a major support system in place through her church.

For example:

     * a ladies group who repairs high end pieces (prom dresses, suits etc) that are in need of slight repair before handing back out. 

     * a no waste policy where tattered jeans get sent to specific countries where they are in high need and same for beat up tennis shoes

     * tattered baby clothes are cut into rags and sold to construction crews 

     * local boy scout troops build shoe racks

     * younger children are helping to make homemade laundry detergent and bottle it 

     * small groups will pack snacks for low income students to hold them over for the weekend

What more could she possibly do, right? Expand. So she did. She combined forces with another woman, JoAnna Johnson, and established the Community Clothes Closet out of a 3,000 sqft warehouse in Justin, Texas. It's a basic metal building that's not air-conditioned but it meets their needs. It's a starting point for a much larger (yup!) vision that Carla has. They accept donations on specific days so their volunteers can sort it and hang it and allow their customers to choose from it. Everything is free. They make rent by having rummage sales throughout the year and private donations. She has an on-call system for emergencies like home fires in their area. It's amazing. Carla wrote, " I just love how everything is exactly what we need. I could write for pages how we needed something or wanted something... and got it. Like hangers, and shoe racks. We asked... and now have abundance." Ain't that the truth? 

OPEN DOORS – The Community Clothes Closet’s rummage sale takes over part of the yard at their new building. This Justin photo by Mary Wendell

The sorting room

Project 52: THIRTY FOUR

Thursday night I broke out of my creative comfort zone and signed up for a paint and sip art class with some ladies from my MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) group. It was a blast and a welcomed mommies night out. I invited along one of my old friends from high school, Kelly Clark Black. We never really ran in the same circles but became good friends through soccer where we were Co Captains (which I believe is a title that warrants capital letters being that it is super important and comes with great authority or at least I really believed that at the time- ha!). Anyways, this is what I love about old friends (wait! I mean old friendSHIPS, not friends) is that it's just really super comfortable. There's a little peace in knowing they have known you for so long and get where you are coming from. You don't have to explain you weren't coming from a place of ego because shit they knew you when you wore a tie to school every day and didn't wash hair for days at a time (or maybe you still don't). They knew the awful boyfriend you dated for too long and your freakish obsession with gangsta music (word up Kelly). You saw each other go through some really hard and sad things even if you weren't particularly close at the time and you just don't have to go back through it. It's easy. So here's to my new friends and my old friends AND to drinking while painting!

Kelly with her personal interpretation of poppy fields and my failed attempt to imitate the teacher's work. Should have gone off the beaten path. Next time...

UPDATE on P52: TWENTY ONE

So guess who just got their first pair of Keens?? My big dude, Rhett Jameson!!!!

Now if he could just walk...

Project 52: THIRTY THREE

Where has the summer gone? Well it's hard to explain, but it's things like Sea World, swimming, house projects and of course celebrating Ella's baby doll's 4th birthday. Happy Birthday Baby Father Kevin! (Yup, she named him after our priest and I agree she's a hoot and a half! Although technically she should call the baby Monsignor but I guess that's really getting technical...) Anyhow, last week she kept bugging me to pick out a birthday card while we were at the car wash for her baby which of course we looked but didn't purchase. Then she wanted a cookie cake at HEB which again I let her look but didn't buy. Then we got home and that little girl just set to work. About a half hour later after she begged for birthday candles and cupcake wrappers and invited me to a birthday party and I finally got the picture. It was baby's birthday. My sweet girl had set up an entire little party in her play room for baby. She went through all the motions of baking a cake in her kitchen before setting out cupcakes with plates and forks. Even had a special seat for  the birthday girl. Of course we sang to baby Father Kevin and let her eat as much as she wanted. It was the sweetest thing up until Rhett wrecked the scene and Ella took a swing at him.

Super excited to sing

Rhett getting the evil eye for knocking over the birthday candle

I Know Enough to Know I don't Know Enough

So for Mother's Day, Ryan bought me a Groupon to Lander's Photography School. I FINALLY took my class called Getting to Know Your Camera and HOLY COW was it helpful. I'm seriously afraid to admit to you all how much I didn't know!!! I'll put it to you this way: the instructor started the class by laughing about a few students who didn't even know how to focus their lenses (LOL but I totally was not laughing....). I learned more in this 2 hours then I think I would have learned in 12 on my own. Taking a class put it all together for me and answered a lot of questions quickly and easily for me. So am I a pro now? HELL to the no! But I do know WAY more about my fancy camera and about the exposure triangle (now I sound fancy right??) So here is the gist of what they covered:

-lens types and how they work

-what all those numbers mean on your lens

-shooting modes (you only need to use 3!). This was life changing for me. Apparently I have been using my uber expensive camera like a point and shoot. Ain't that sad? So this shows you how to get into a semi-manual and manual mode.

-how to get your camera to shoot in continuous shooting mode

-white balance and what the hell is it?

-meter settings (I'm still really freaking confused on this concept.... anyone want to teach me more?)

-Setting your jpeg quality

-zeroing out your meters (yeah... practice)

SO basically I need to take my camera out for a spin. I think the thing to do from here is play play play. There is just a ton to learn. Seems like the more I know, the more I realize how little I know. To all my photographer friends- I knew you were really talented and gifted but now I'm just in freakin' awe!

www.landersphotoschool.com
210-681-8552

Project 52: THIRTY TWO

For any of you who know me well, you know I HATE going to the dentist. I mean a deep seated extraordinary fear of just walking into the office. I panic just making an appointment. I know I know, I'm a nurse. I should be a better patient. blah blah blah. I still hate it.  I haven't had anything really major since I was 5 years old and yet the fear is that palpable. I keep a small pharmacy on hand JUST IN CASE I have a dental situation. I even have the best dentist in the world- he's kind, conservative, gentle and has been my dentist for over 20 years. BUT I still panic. So last week I had to start taking Ella in to see him for regular cleanings and they suggested she watch me first to get the hang of things. OH MY GOODNESS. I have to be a mommy and be a patient?? SO, I put on my big girl panties (took a xanax) and calmly had my teeth cleaned like the grown ass woman that I am. That little stinker of a child that I have sure did think it was funny to have mommy strapped down to a chair with a mouth full of shit. So she went on a tickling rampage. I'm so terrified of being poked with all those archaic looking "instruments" that I didn't dare move so the hygienist paid no attention to the fact that Ella has gone ape shit on my feet. To me, this was like the equivalent of water boarding. I gave Ella the "HOLY HELL MOM IS CRIZZAZY" eyes and she finally sat back down. Then it was her turn. I was nice and didn't tickle her. 

Project 52: THIRTY ONE

Shit I'm late. But I have real good excuse this time. Real good. My sister got married!! I know I know, I should be posting a beautiful picture of her on here but I have NONE! I just couldn't manage a camera and two kids (and my glass of wine)! Sooooo I'll have to dedicate a little wedding post to her down the road once her amazing photographer, Elizabeth, has her pictures up and ready.

Seems like it has been a little while since I've posted on this little (ah hem not so little!!) guy. He just melts my little heart. I know I should be a good mommy and post his little stats but my brain is so fried between him and my little blonde tornado that I really just can't keep his numbers straight. But here's what I can tell you about our little Rhett Jameson at 10 months old: He has learned to say "uh oh" thanks to his best buddy, Pop Pop. The best part is, he totally uses the phrase at the absolute right moment. Mommy drops the sandwich and Rhett chimes in, "uh oh". Seriously funny. He has a husky little laugh that he barely lets out and when he does it gets us all going. Rhett is all about grahm crackers and yogurt. If you even so much as toss it past his peripheral vision, the kid flips out. You really have to handle these items with care in our kitchen. Rhett could be flipping his shit like a crazy man but will stop like a tranquilizer dart to the neck with just a hint of a back massage. Homeboy LOVES LOVES LOVES massage. And I mean good old fashion massage. Start with the shoulders and the back, then neck, arms, legs and feet. Even loves his collar bones. I mean it paralyzes him. He even makes little noises. I'll have to get some video- he's a total old soul. He's not all sweet though. He has a little naughty side. I think he is understanding "no no" quite well no but he seems to really relish in hair pulling. It really gets his goat. No one seems to be immune from it either. He'll go for babies, Ella, mommy and especially our cat.

This was taken on Wednesday at Funtastic Playland. I looked up and he had climbed all the way up this little boat so I took a quick pic. Right after this, he tumbled down! Not too pretty. I kept waiting for him to say "uh oh".

Project 52: THIRTY

Nothing like some bright flowers to add a little cheer to your every day. Check out my clearance gladiolas from my local HEB. They just perk me up and make me feel all fancy. Oprah says fresh flowers are a must and for $5 bucks, why not?




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Bachelorette- MARRY HIM!

1. Well if that wasn't some good ol' fashioned quality tv watching, I don't know what is. I was thoroughly entertained. Enjoyed every morsel for a change. I was certain I would be fast forwarding like a maniac through endless recaps but heaven help me, I was totally enthralled. I'm thinking there are a handful of celebrity ladies that garner this type of support from fans. I'm talking about those ladies you just really root for. Ones you just really want to get it right and make it stick. And if it all goes to shit for them you're just sick over it for 'em. Here's who I'm thinking of:
     * Reese Witherspoon post Ryan Phillipe
     * Jennifer Anniston post Brad bullshit
     * Sandra Bullock always
     * Michelle Williams (well I'm a fan since Dawson Creek days but I'd say general public post Heath Ledger death)
     * Who else you got??

2. I really felt like she couldn't go wrong in the end. Both seemed to be really great people. I think she's a good judge of character and somehow whittled it down to the morally sound. Nicely done Em. I have to say watching Arie on the After the Final Rose (ATFR), I just kept thinking "sorry Arie". I mean he did seem a bit pathetic hand delivering his journal to her doorstep. I wish like hell little Ricki had beat Emily home that day and picked that bad boy up. God only knows what juicy shit we could all be reading now if she had brought that thing into school and the right teacher decided to confiscate it and go public with it. Too far fetched?? Thought so. But oh goodness me, I would love to rip that envelope open and read that crap.

3. Jef Holm. What a guy. I have to say, I just love them together. I love that he was really insistent on meeting the kiddo. I love that he was pretty natural considering the circumstances. I'm sure that's a tough one in any relationship much less with tons of cameras watching every move. I'm really hoping they are going to go the distance. Like I said, I think I'll be just sick over it if they don't. So I heard him mention his company on Good Morning America the next day. It's called People Water. And if you weren't sold on the guy before, just read about what he created. Similar concept as the shoes, Toms. Great stuff.

http://peoplewater.herokuapp.com/

Project 52: TWENTY NINE

Last week we had a family vacation in San Destin, Florida. We had a great time- kids loved the beach, loved the carousels, loved watching Annie. What more could you ask for! And our little Rhett has FINALLY started crawling AND pulling himself up to standing... all within 5 days. Guess he just needed some new places to make it worth exploring. Here's a picture of my sweet girl just before sunset playing in someone else's sand hole.

Project 52: TWENTY EIGHT

Nine months going on twenty one. Had dinner with grandpa or Poppy as we call him and Rhett just couldn't keep his hands off Poppy's beer. I just love the determination in his eyes. haha.

Project 52: TWENTY SEVEN

Ella: "Mommy why do heels hurt so bad?"

Me: "It's just one of those things."

Ella: "Fine. But I'm wearing socks." 

Bachelorette- Thatta Girl!

1. I have to start with Sean. Holy hell, what was that man wearing to the rose ceremony?  Looked like a producer snagged his drunk and passed out ass off a beach and threw some gangsta jeans on a white boy. I'd seriously like to see the footage of just what exactly Sean did for the 24 hours prior to the rose ceremony. I mean shit, I've been there. One too many Coronas on a beach and I forget to flip. But bro, you're going on national television. Clean up. The bright red face really shows the contrast of the bright white eyebrows. Where did the sharp and classy and what my girlfriends and I refer to as the very "Dallas" looking Sean go?

2. Ok I was extremely distracted by all the "music" and background sounds this episode. I normally hate the acoustics they select but tonight was particularly poor. And what the f&$K with all the stray dogs and cats? Someone needs to start an SPCA Curacao stat!

3. Well since I'm in a bit of a critical mood tonight I'm gonna go with it. I hate to do this because so far she's been pretty spot on for style points. But home girl needs to take her mermaid tail and wig back to the Disney store and let the little girls play dress up. Hated it. Just really hated it. You know I love a sequin. I really do. But this just wasn't working on her. Otherwise, I'd put her at the top of the best dressed list for bachelorettes.

* Well I finally noticed Chris Harrison has removed his ring. And I believe he has officially lost a little joy. Heart is breaking for him. Gotta be hard to work on tv and divorce. Also wish he would get a haircut when in particularly humid climates... I'm just saying.

** Seriously cannot wait for the finale. She better pick someone. I will FREAK out if she doesn't. Really rooting for Jef because he is just rad. Arie isn't bad either. But like I said, she better pick!!!! Who are you rooting for? Anyone else as excited as I am? I don't think I've been this pumped since Andrew Firestone!

Bachelorette- the final 3

1. Ok let me map this out real quick. Chris you were never a major player. Cute and sincere but frankly you cried (a lot). Sean you get dumped next because you are TOO perfect. Ladies admit it, we hate to be outdone. My guess is that's just too bland for Emily. Jef you are close but no cigar. Why? My guess is religion. Anyone else catch the lemonade toast? I personally throw my vote his way but shit that counts for nothing so I'm keeping fingers crossed for next bachelor. So that leaves Arie to take the cake. She's got a thing for bad boys and I'm thinking the fast cars and diesel smells must do something for this girl. And I think she likes the challenge of having to win him and his mother over a bit (btw she had to be the most difficult woman in the world to get a read on between the botox and the accent). Not sure they have staying power but I'm rooting for her!

2. The minute Chris said he came from a polish family all I could think of was that scene from Home Alone when the mom was trying to get home and bums a ride with the traveling polka players in the back of the van, "We're big in Sheboygan!" haha Well color me lucky if his sweet family didn't feed the stereotype! God bless 'em!

3. Utah. Who knew?? Looks amazing! Jef, well played my friend. From skinny jeans to skeet shooting. That's how it's done. A slow and steady revelation of self to keep her interest.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Project 52: TWENTY SIX

The world got a little sweeter this week with the addition of Katherine "Kate" Joan McDonnell. She is my fourth God child born to our very good friends, Mark and Sang. She's just the most precious little peach you've ever seen. She is feminine and delicate (deliKate) in every way possible. Even her birth was absolutely precise and effortless in appearance. It reminded me of a ballet dancer- the performance of her arrival was so absurdly calm and graceful, it's remarkable to think just how much duress both mother and baby were under. And yes! I was there to see it all. I've actually seen the birth of 3 out of 4 of my God children and I cannot tell you just how incredible it is. Externally, I'm a pretty cool cat. ICU nursing teaches you a thing or two, but internally I'm a FREAK. Each time I think I will handle that moment of arrival a little better, but honestly, it's beyond overwhelming. I am just astonished this little tiny baby can make it's way out into the world and manage to grab that first breath of air. Anyhow, lay your eyes on this sweet treat. Meet Kate. She's a gem ;)

Bachelorette- Dougie Down

1. Chris you are such a little boy. You are like the runt of the litter. Always yapping a little louder trying to get your grub. He spent the entire episode red eyed and frowning. He just doesn't scream "sex machine". And shit, put on an 'effing tie, sloppy little wah wah.  (sheesh, can you tell I'm up past my bedtime?? :)

2. Emily- loved your rose ceremony hair. Girl knows how to change her look. So far I'm down with her choice in men as well. Well except for Chris, but I'm assuming that's ABC pushing for ratings. We all love to hate an SOB.

3. Loved when Sean said "bigger key for the bigger man". Well couldn't have said it better myself. I mean that's how it's done gentlemen. You want to be strong and confident then be strong and confident.

Couple side notes:

1. When Sean went "looking" for Emily after John "Wolf" (WTF) date, I found it odd he had to roam the streets of Prague. I mean honestly, something tells me she had a cab or car service or better yet a shit load of cameras at her disposal and just wasn't that hard to find. Was all the yelling and random alley ways necessary? I think not.
2. Is the bitch allergic to cold? Cause every time she steps near a window these jokers are trying to cover in some kind of jacket, blanket, curtain etc. I find it a bit distracting and too mothering.
3. Why the fuck could they not film the actual Arie/producer conflict. Seriously? The 2 minutes of legit bullshit is NOT on film??? Spare me.
4. I'm thinking Arie is our winner in the end. With this whole "issue" not going on film something tells me that she is controlling their image for a reason. I think Sean is a great guy and she wants it to be him but ultimately doesn't have the chemistry. He's right on paper not in person. Jef I'm thinking is not enough of his own person for her. She doesn't like his over association with his family. She definitely can't deal with too much outside influence being a mom already. And Chris, well, he needs to finish preschool first.

Fried Green Tomaters

Ok fellow gardeners. Having trouble getting your tomatoes to ripen all the way? I have to watch for birds and insects and I'm often just impatient. So why not fry those bad boys up?? It may not be healthy, but it sure is delicious. And you know what they say... if you're going to eat fried foods, you should probably fry it yourself. So try this recipe out. I love it. Make sure you invite a few people over because in my opinion it's never worth frying for just one or two.

1. So go grab those big green tomatoes off your vines. I have no idea where you buy green ones. HEB? Probably but I have never noticed. Slice them up. I slice about a quarter inch thick. 5 tomatoes will make a ton!

2. Now make your batter. I use flour and add salt (I like to use garlic salt) and pepper to taste. Put this all in one bowl. Then make a bowl with eggs (start with 3) and a splash or two of milk and whisk it together.

3. Now take your frying pan and put it on the stove. Heat your oil (veggie, olive or crisco, yup crisco :). Heat it on a medium heat. I'm serious about that part because oil that is too hot is a bad bad thing.

4. Set up your recovery area as I call it. Remember that brown bag your mom used to use? That or some paper towels that will sop up some of that excess oil when the tomatoes are done. (Think bacon).

5. Oh boy, now we're ready! So take your first tomato slice and dunk it in the egg. Now dip it in your flour mixture. Now send it back to the egg for it's second bath (critical point here people) and then back to the four for it's second coating. Now you are ready to float it in the oil. If your oil is gently bubbling around it then you have a nice temp. Adjust your heat to reach this. Let it cook till it's a soft brown on one side (usually a few minutes), then flip for about 1-2 more minutes of cooking. Now let it cool at base camp.

Some tips:

* I like to use a fork when dunking and floating my tomatoes. Best way to handle the goods over hot oil without losing your crust.
* I serve my FGTs with ranch because it's delicious.
* If your oil starts to get watered down (and it will with tomatoes as they contain a lot of water) or if it starts to smell funky, you need to discard it and start with a fresh batch. NEVER pour oil down your drain (just in case your mother never warned you of that). Put it in a glass jar or pour it over a ton of paper towels. Then do as we did before and bring your new oil to a medium heat. I usually need to dump my oil once when I make this.
* Serve these things when they are nice warm. This is not something you can really make ahead of time. This is a good recipe for when you have "pickers" over- people who love to pick at what you are making as you cook it. It never tastes as good once it's cooled and reheated. So serve as you go.

Project 52: TWENTY FIVE

Happy Father's Day Mr. Ryan! We love our daddy! This year I decided since the Maverick's (Ryan's VERY favorite basketball err team ever) got pretty beat up in the play offs I'd throw him a bone and dress the kids in some of their apparel as as surprise for him. It was on pretty major clearance...a factor I just love to rub in... Go Spurs Go!  Anyways, here's my sweet family on father's day morning.

  

Project 52: TWENTY FOUR

Ella Jane had her first experience with face painting last week at my parents company picnic. She had a blast. Wore her sweet little self out. And I just have to show her before and after. Cause it's just so three. Don't you wish you could sleep this hard?