a little tree

I usually go grocery shopping on Friday nights because the store has less people and it's not like I'm rocking out at bars. Sad at 33 years old, I'm aware. But this past Friday I couldn't go because our fridge was packed with leftovers and it just didn't make sense to add more food. But come Sunday, when all the leftovers are gone and milk and bread were almost out, I had to go get groceries.

So, on a tangent, the hub and I have been coveting a pine tree for the backyard. I know - you're all like, huh? What does this have to do with the grocery store? Well, our grocery store had stone pine trees, small and in pots and $100 cheaper than the nursery was asking. I hemmed and hawed but didn't buy it. So this is where the story comes together - HEB had the stone pines, this time even smaller (and only $13.99), so I picked one up.



I was pretty giddy about the tree. Sure, it'll take YEARS to get over a foot tall, but it's a pine tree! And when I checked out, the cashier asked me if it was my Christmas tree this year. I laughed and said no, that I was planting it in the backyard because I really wanted a pine tree. Then it happened. Started innocently enough, really.

I jokingly replied to the cashier that if the tree didn't survive my random gardening skills, I could just use it as a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

And the cashier looked at me with a blank stare and utter confusion.



Seriously? I'm not that old for my frame of reference to be unknown to a teenager. What kind of parents must this cashier have had who didn't think it vital that their child watch Christmas-themed Peanuts movies? No doubt the educational system failed her, big time. A little peanut in me died in that moment. Pun intended.

puppy love

"My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am. "

For the longest time, Britton has treated Sadie with indifference. Sometimes she'll be really sweet to Sadie, telling her good-bye when we leave the house, or throwing the ball for Sadie outside. But most of the time, they act like siblings - Britton suddenly wants my lap when Sadie is in it, and Sadie trembles when she thinks she might get poked.

But that all changed when I brought out our Cracker Barrel Boston Terrier statue for Christmas decorating. It's a small resin statue standing about a foot tall, with a wreath around the dog's neck. Britton is head-over-heels in love with it, and she insists on taking it with her anywhere we go. One morning she pointed at it and said, "Britton's Sadie." Then she pointed at Sadie and said "Momma's Sadie." I told her Sadie was part of the family and that everyone got to love on her, not just me. But she still insists that the Cracker Barrel Sadie is hers!

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." ~Roger Caras


So imagine my delight when we were all hanging out watching Dora, and Sadie saddles on up next to Britton. Britton turned to her and started petting her, then wrapped Sadie up in a big bear hug. And Sadie let her. It may have taken two years to get to this point, but I predict it will be less time than that when Britton starts thinking of Sadie as her Sadie. They will be thick as thieves, these two - Britton dressing Sadie up and Sadie obliging, Britton whispering secrets into Sadie's ear, Sadie sneaking off at night to snuggle into bed with Britton. Britton may own many dogs in her lifetime, but I don't know that anything comes close to the love you have for your first dog.







"The dog was created especially for children. He is the God of frolic." ~ Henry Ward Beecher

happy thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a tricky holiday. Yes, I love the turkey and all the great side dishes, not to mention the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But Thanksgiving with a two-year-old? C'mon now. Because Britton doesn't care that the turkey's only at 138 degrees, and she doesn't want Memaw and me putting together dishes in the kitchen - she wants to play. Luckily we finally got everything to the table, despite Britton refusing to nap at all.

Here is our table - tablecloth courtesy of Joann's yardage and a 40% off coupon, china is Kate Spade "June Lane" - the only time of the year we ever drag out the wedding china, and I made the faux mercury glass because I have a love affair with mercury glass but don't want to pay the high prices!



My first ever attempt at a pecan pie. I was told it was pretty good.



Watching the parade. PawPaw sacked out on the floor.



All the trimmings, but no bird - it was in the kitchen getting carved up by the hub.



We take this shot EVERY YEAR because there is something about a man giving a "thumbs up" with turkey drippings all over him.



After dinner we loaded up the dishwasher for what seemed like the tenth time that day, then got to dessert. But once Thanksgiving seemed officially over, out came CHRISTMAS BOXES! The two trees are put up, as are the banister garland and mantel decoration. We put a garland around the front door (used brick clips and they are awesome!) and our little Santa lights. We made it halfway through the lights on the house before realizing just how tall our house is. Those may or may not get finished by a light crew who doesn't mind being 18 feet in the air!

colorful

My friend Tiffany suggested this fun project for holding treats for Britton's daycare teachers. Every Christmas Memaw and I make ridiculous amounts of cookies, bars, bark, and fudge, and give them as gifts. Because I have no co-workers this Christmas season, yet still want to make oodles of treats, everyone is getting them! Of course, Britton's teachers are also getting Visa giftcards so they can go treat themselves or finish up their Christmas shopping. I know some people consider it over-the-top to give money to teachers, but I'm just adding to an investment of them liking my child. I'm kidding! Kind of. But I have previously been a waitress, a bartender, a daycare teacher, and one summer I sold shrimp out a van on the side of the road, so I know what it's like to be in a not-so-much-pay-or-recognition job. And for the people who take care of Britton all day every day? They so deserve it.

Got the canisters at Dollar Tree for $2 each, then 2 packs of crayons per canister for $1 total. So add in some tacky glue, and for $3 you have a cute teacher canister for Christmas treats!



Speaking of colorful, check out this Sunday afternoon attire. She pulled it all out of the bottom drawer of her dresser - otherwise known as "the too small drawer." We went with it, and the people at Kroger loved our little gypsy.

Thanksgiving feast

Britton's daycare hosted a "Thanksgiving Feast" yesterday where all the parents were invited to come eat with their child. I showed up ready to chow down with Britton, and even though I had told her I was coming for lunch, she still seemed really surprised I was there. You know, about five hours too early.



We went to the school-age room where they had a buffet of Thanksgiving food goodness lined up. We got our turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, corn, and rolls and headed for the nearest table.



I recognized the kids next to us as being from Britton's class. I said hi to the kids, thinking it would lead to their moms talking to me. Not so much. I don't know why these two moms, who were introducing themselves to each other so it's not like they're long-time friends, couldn't so much as say hello, but they pretended like I wasn't there. And I'll admit that it gave me a feeling of glee when one kid stood on his chair and dumped his plate and his embarrassed mom had to deal with it. Yeah, we moms can be shallow and catty like that. Especially around Thanksgiving.

But Britton and I had fun eating and talking and her pointing out the kids she knows. The two moms who didn't care to meet me left, and were replaced by two other moms from Britton's class, who were actually a delight to talk to. We chatted about our kids, the amount of hair bows that have gone missing (we are both averaging a one bow per week loss), and whose kid is napping. One of the moms noticed Britton's Winnie and said she has one identical at home that her daughter doesn't play with - she's bringing it next week to me so we have a back-up!

Then we watched on as our three children devoured the dessert table - chocolate cake, cookies, brownies, the whole she-bang. And when Britton "suggested" she go get a third cookie, I put my foot down (and my pumpkin roll) and got her a plate of whipped cream! Playing with that took her mind off the mound of cookies hovering just feet away from her.

like riding a bike

You know what Britton did today for the first time? SHE RODE HER BIKE. It's a tricycle with a huge handle off the back so I can stop her from speeding down every driveway. And of course I have no pictures and no video because I wasn't expecting to bring her home from daycare and for her to suddenly want to ride the bike she ignores most days. But there she was, feet to the pedals, doing it all on her own. At least until I had to grab that huge handle and back her out of the front yard. It was incredible. Such a big milestone I didn't even think about being a milestone.

So, sadly, no pictures. But to make up for that, here's my perfectly-dressed child, who decided the pajama shorts/Minnie Mouse backpack/cowboy boot combo was far better than what I had picked out.




Hey, Mom - I don't need training wheels!

back to okc

The hub and I have a tradition of buying a new Department 56 building every year to add to our Village O'Christmastime Cheer. This year he was disappointed in the shopping options in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, so at 6:00 am Saturday morning we drove up to Oklahoma City. Let me tell you - it did not disappoint! Our favorite Christmas store (though, can you really beat the Christmas Mouse?) is North Pole City. Just walking in gets you in the Christmas mood. And we weren't the only ones looking for a little early-season dose of jolly - the parking lot was packed 5 minutes before they opened.

Think I'm exaggerating? Check this out:




Because it's not a real Christmas store unless there is a train for the kids...



Which, unfortunately, Britton didn't get to ride, because she was back home with Memaw. We just couldn't force her into the car for a 7 hour roundtrip one-day getaway.

We did get lost in the little villages of Department 56 buildings. And we had the hardest time deciding on one. If they had had Ralphie's house from "A Christmas Story" I would have bought it in a heartbeat. But according to Chris the Clerk, "A Christmas Story" isn't a big seller, so they don't carry it. Wait, huh? I just cannot fathom why it isn't a big seller.



See that firehouse to the left of the picture below? That's the one we decided on!



And a close-up of the box...



And the hub spotted this sign, which was a have-to-get-that...



And our miniature village needs a mailbox! Sure it does!



But was the trip JUST for Christmas fun? No. We had an ulterior motive too. We wanted, no we NEEDED, some Johnnie's. Not familiar? You should be. This is a Theta with cheese. A hamburger topped with the secret Johnnie's hickory sauce I am completed unable to replicate, plus shredded cheddar cheese and mayo. It alone was worth the drive.



And some pumpkin cookies from City Bites. I miss these too much. And the peanut butter swirl, and lemon swirl, and red velvet cookies.... It's totally normal to spend $12 on cookies, right?



While we were in the area, we drove by our old house so we could see how it looked. They replaced the redbud tree out front. But check out that rose bush! That's my first Mother's Day gift - a rosebush from Memaw and PawPaw. And when we moved I didn't want to kill it by taking it with us, so it stayed. And grew!



And the fall colors were in! Living in Texas, we don't get to see fall like we're used to, frankly - like we should, so this was a treat. And motivation to plant more deciduous trees. We had a blast and now we just can't wait for Christmas!

sweet pickles

I know I've been absent from updating lately, but truth be told I've been busy playing catch-up with various quilting projects. All of course are presents, and so all remain top secret. But I did want to share our little breakfast fun this morning. Every day on the way to daycare Britton eats orange mousse yogurt and some type of fruit, usually bananas or grapes. Well, this morning, she wanted a pickle.

The sour...



The sweet.



Yogurt and pickles? I live with a pregnant lady. One who doesn't so much like the camera's flash at 6:50 am!

a ladder and a quilt

I told the hub to not get me anything for my birthday, since I don't recognize 33 as a valid age, and also because we just went on our weekend getaway to Utah. He obliged, but when I got a bee in my bonnet to make a ladder, he made it for me on my birthday weekend. See, I wanted to find an old farm ladder to hold my quilts. Like this:



But I couldn't find one in the antique mall, and the ones online were really expensive. And, of course, my old standby Pottery Barn has one but it's $349, and that's just ridiculous. So, I found some plans online (click here to see them) and bought the materials.




Then I stained it Special Walnut, and to protect the quilts I put on two coats of polyurethane. It's just a tad wonky since I bought the two warped pieces of wood, but I love it.



Now, what to put on it?

Oh, that's right! Let me introduce to you: Christmas Stars! I just finished up the binding today, and I have to admit that I am pretty proud of my first big quilt. It's a lap quilt size, perfect for snuggling on the couch. The charm packs are "Flurry" by Kate Spain for Moda, and the backing is the softest piece of white fabric ever, courtesy of Mema's stash. Our Memaw hand-sewed the stars and setting stone pieces in red, so that you could see the stars and squares on the back. The binding is a candy cane and green stripe, and I'll readily admit that I am sucker for striped or polka-dotted bindings. Now this quilt is ready for Christmas!





Someone wanted to help Daddy hold up the quilt...

twenty-seven months old

You know, I asked myself recently when would come the day that I stop taking monthly pictures? Probably never. Because I love having 27 pictures in the same chair (ok, 2 of the 27 were in different chairs) with the same meerkat (again, 2 are missing the meerkat, but one of those has a Mickey Mouse so I'm covered). For the first time in a long time, I can see how big and older Britton looks in pictures, before I see it in real life in front of me. It happened when we got back from our Utah trip. I took some pictures of her, downloaded them, and suddenly this CHILD was on the screen. No more baby. No more infant. No more toddler.

Britton is now talking a lot, describing things she sees on her car ride - "Look Momma! A school bus! And a white truck, like PawPaw!" She says "thank you" and "excuse me" correctly, though needs to be reminded to say "please" sometimes. Her potty training is going well and her teachers report she stays dry during the day. We're not as stringent at home (we don't have potty breaks every 30 minutes because frankly, we forget), but Britton is sometimes wearing her Dora underwear and loves it.



Britton is in fall clothes now, in 4T and 4 clothes, and 3T-4T pull-ups. Her shoes are a size 8. I don't know what she weighs or how tall she is, but she's growing straight up like a bean sprout. And her hair has gotten really long, though we won't cut it until Memaw is emotionally ready for us to do. Memaw gets a little weepy if we mention taking Britton to get her hair cut!



Britton is still eating well. She'll try different foods, though if it's a meat of any kind she wants "dip" (ketchup) with it. And she's discovered quite the sweet tooth - when our stupid malfunctioning smoke alarms went off at 3:20 am and woke everyone up, Britton asked first for candy, then for toys. She settled for sleeping in our bed with us. But sometimes it seems like her teeth are bothering her, and she won't want to eat because she'll be chomping on Winnie instead. So we give her pickles a lot because she is absolutely 100% in love with pickles (and they are cold and crunchy and feel good on her gums).

Why yes....this is a mini-bottle of shampoo I stole out of my parents' shower...I like the smell of marine botanicals.....



Britton is becoming more aware of her friends at school. Every day when I pick her up and we walk into the hallway, she goes to the window between the hall and classroom and waves at her friends. They all come running up and bang on the window and wave back. Today, she and her friend Desirae put their hands on the glass, to where if there was no window they would be palm to palm. It was adorable. And touching. Britton is really into running now, challenging us to races across the backyard and down the street. And she gets such a hoot out of the hub throwing a ball for Sadie that she'll chase the ball, snatch it before Sadie can get it, and put the ball in her mouth. I know, I know. But it's just making her immune system stronger!



Likes: Pickles, lemonade, riding the hub like a horse, jumping on everything remotely bouncy, Snow White, bathtime, running (and winning!) races, painting, cutting with her scissors

Dislikes: Being rushed, getting woken up in the morning by smoke alarms, getting woken up in the morning by me, if I turn on the light to read her books, being left out of anything