Party Planning

Ann Riley will be turning 4 on April 13 (so hard to believe) and the party planning has been going on for at least a year. First it was Snow White-she HAD to have a Snow White birthday, then it was Sleeping Beauty, Pinky-Pie (this is what she calls her My Little Pony-no clue where that came from but ok), Jasmine and just about any other princess you can think of. I just rolled with the punches and did like any good mother would do "yeah honey ok" because I knew in a couple of weeks it would change. One of the pitfalls of living in a small town is the fact that having a kid-friendly venue for a birthday party is next to impossible!! So this year, we are having an Easter Egg hunt because of the proximity of Easter-how exciting!! Thanks to my lovely co-worker Cristen who graciously let me steal her great idea (plus her wording on her ADORABLE invitation) I am feeling much more at ease about the upcoming fiesta. The church is booked, the cake is in the works, and I am feeling relieved-if only Mother Nature would smile down at us that day! :)

Fav new show!

New show alert! I happened to watch Castle on it's opening night-well, really only because it came on after Dancing and I have one of those remotes that you have to hit and pull in order to change the channel, so it was really out of laziness. However-it was GREAT! The guy who plays Castle is just the perfect balance of smart-ass and intelligence. If you get a chance, catch up on abc.com and continue watching-it is worth it!!

Spring Sipping!

I came across this recipe in the new Martha Stewart, and it sounded so refreshing and delish that I just had to share!!! Sounds perfect for a party or just a good evening cocktail! I think it would even be better with Mango...

Peach and Rosemary Spritzers

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 large ripe peaches (about 1 3/4 pounds), halved, pitted, and cut into 1-inch slices
• 4 sprigs rosemary, plus more for garnish
• Ice, for serving
• 4 cups cold white or rose wine
• 1 liter cold club soda

Directions

1. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add peaches and rosemary, and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Cover, and let cool. Discard rosemary. Peel peach slices if desired. Transfer peaches with syrup to a container; cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Place 2 peach slices and about 1/4 cup syrup in 8 ice-filled glasses. Add 1/2 cup wine to each; top with club soda. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig, and serve immediately.

Glued to Dancing

I am a huge fan of Dancing with the Stars-and to me, this is shaping up to be the best season yet. I swear, I think the producers sat around a huge table after last year and said "let's actually pick some peeps who MIGHT have a bit of rhythm for next year" and voila-a fantastic cast for the 2009 season!! I think this is shaping up to be the best season yet. A couple of my faves:

Ty Murray: Woah! Out of the woodwork walked this rough and tumble cowboy, who I am sure was coerced by his wife Jewel, only to have her get hurt and leave his chaps in the contest by himself. The first week was ok, but as hubby Jason said, he is the most competitive person-he will rise to the challenge-and rise he did. Absolutely adorable-and funny, too! One of the best lines I have ever heard on Dancing "Dancin' is kind of like bull riding—you are never quite ready, it just becomes your turn." Classic.

Shawn Johnson: adorable-tiny-talented, oh and could probably kick your butt. But she is so adorable, you almost forget she is 17. Of course, her discipline, grace and gymnastics background help her immensly (um, floor routine anyone) so I am totally rooting for her to get far.

Gilles what's his name: it doesn't matter-he is smoking hot

Melissa from the Bachelor: Aside from her Lion King hair this week, she rocks! Of course, she was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader-and she likes to shake those pom-poms and rock the trash stamp. But, she is freaking awsome. I hope she hooks up with someone hot and forgets about that d-bag Jason. He is losing his hair anyway.

So congrats producers-you actually have a cast that can dance-let the competition begin!!

AHHH Inspiration

As the final proof is back and in our hands, we are ready to begin the journey of building a house. No, I am not stressed out about it—I am terrified. But I know, as long as I can look to others for inspiration, I should be fine. Such as this FABULOUS playroom from Urban Grace Interiors. This is pure bliss with some kid stuff attached. I mean, look at the trundles and the storage and the colors, oh my! This looks like it could actually be a CALM room, if one such area does exist for children.

Closet (and sanity!) Saver

What can I say about the amazing product, the Cascading Hanger? Well, let's see...It is freaking amazing!!! I have an old home, circa 1940 when it seems folks really did not give much space to their wardrobe. Seriously, they must have had like no clothes. But not me, oh no. So until now, Granger, Ann Riley and I have been sharing a closet-and-a-half. Not kosher. I have had to refrain from buying that piece that I REALLY wanted because, sigh, there was no room at the inn. But then, an infomercial caught my attention-as they always seem to do-and my answer was right on my plasma. Wonder hangers-and they are wonderful-are my saving grace. No longer to I have to push and tug to get clothes in the right place, I actually have room to see what I have!! I actually ordered mine (get the metal ones!!) from QVC. No, I did not call in and talk about how much I loved the hangers and can I have a free Jessica Simpson Hair-do ponytail hair extension with my purchase, I ordered them online like a good guilty pleasure shopper does. And let me tell you-they are worth every penny!!!

contemplating

I recently saw a friend write-"Am I living life, or is life living me" and that stuck with me. For the past couple of months, I have felt as if an invisible string was guiding me through my day-often too quickly-to my final resting place when I finally turn off Jay Leno after his opening monologue. I guess I am feeling the effects of this balancing act that I try so hard to keep up with-working full time, motherhood, home life-that I have in a way tuned out and just been letting life live me. Almost like an airplane being on auto-pilot, maybe with a little ice on the wings so I am not exactly in balance. I think a change is in order, what that is, heaven only knows. Maybe I need to sign up for yoga.....

Daily Humor

I have not had much humor in my life lately-so here is a dose to hopefully get me started back on the right track.


One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very
sexy nightie. "Tie me up," she purred, "and you can do anything you
want."

So he tied her up and went golfing.

***********************************************

A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into
the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs,
"Honey, pack your bags. I won the damn lottery!"

The husband said, "Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or
mountain stuff?"

"Doesn't matter," she said. "Just get the hell out."

***********************************************

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the
other is a husband.

***********************************************

A Polish immigrant went to the DMV to apply for a driver's license.

First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test.

The optician showed him a card with the letters:
'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.' "Can you read this?" the optician asked.

"Read it?" the Polish guy replied, "I know the guy."

************************************************

Mother Superior called all the nuns together and said to them, "I must
tell you all something. We have a case of gonorrhea in the convent."

"Thank God," said an elderly nun at the back. "I'm so tired of
Chardonnay."

************************************************

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.
Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful," he said,
"CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my GOD! You're cooking too many at
once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW!
We need more butter. Oh my GOD! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER?
They're going to STICK! Careful ... CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You
NEVER listen to me when you're cooking!
Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind?
Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use
the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"

The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think
I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The husband calmly replied, "I wanted to show you what it feels like
when I'm driving "

**************************************************

Fifty-one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was
drafted by the Army. On his first day in basic training, the Army issued
him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair.

On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon
the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth.

On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap. The Army has been
looking for Herman for 51 years.

Don't get it...

I have major beef with commercials these days. Yes, I am in the Ad Agency business so I probably pay attention to small details more than the average Joe, but seriously-does every mom in every commercial on tv HAVE to abide by the seemingly enforced khaki pants and cardigan uniform, while carrying about 20 extra pounds with a dowdy haircut? Really? There are some very hot mom's out there (not saying that I am one of them!) that actually like to dress in the latest fashions and have highlights in their hair and wear heels while hauling a baby carrier-it HAPPENS!!! It does not make me more likely to purchase your air freshener, vaccum (yes, YOU DYSON), hair products or shop at Walmart. Alright I have vented...

Daily Humor

This is very appropo at the moment

Born a Baptist:

Each Friday night after work, Bubba would fire up his outdoor grill and
cook a venison steak. But all of Bubba's neighbors were Catholic, and
since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating red meat on Friday.

The delicious aroma from the grilled venison steaks was causing such a
problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their
priest. The Priest came to visit Bubba and suggested that he become a
Catholic.

After several classes and much study, Bubba attended Mass.....and as
the priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said, "You were born a
Baptist, and raised a Baptist, but now you are a Catholic."

Bubba's neighbors were greatly relieved, until Friday night arrived,
and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison again filled the neighborhood.
The Priest was called immediately by the neighbors, and as he rushed
into Bubba's yard, clutching a rosary preparing to scold him, he
stopped and watched in amazement.

There stood Bubba, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he
carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat and chanted:

"You wuz born a deer, you wuz raised a deer, but now you is a catfish."

Bargain Hunting

I don't know what it is about bargain shopping that gets my heart racing and blood running through my veins at warp speed-but I assure you it happens. This weekend was an especially good one, being that my trip to Hudson's in Jackson was like hitting the Jackpot. You see, when you have children, especially in the South, it is customary to dress them in a certain manner-and boy that can get 'spensive, so I was extremely glad to find a Strausberg store that had unloaded at one of my favorite bargain spots, Hudsons. If you have never been-it is a must go. Hit and miss, mind you, but worth the time. Here are my top bargain hunting places if you are ever in the area...

1. Dirt Cheap-any location but especially Yazoo City
2. Hudson's-same company as Dirt Cheap, but a little more organized
3. Marshall's-a little more mainstream now, but still got my Le Cruset red teapot there for $29.00 (regular $89)
4. The Bargain Barn in Cleveland-fabulous prices on furniture, got AR's french-looking real wood nightstand there for $39.
5. 61 Outlet in Indianola-great for baby goods and linens!!!

Daily Humor-an oldie but goodie

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed last week.

Larry LaPrise, the man that wrote "The Hokie Pokey" died peacefully at the age of 93.


The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started.


Shut up. You know it's funny.

Little Man

Granger (has been confused for both Manger and Ranger) i believe is trying his best to be the next Michael Jordan. I mean, the boy has his tongue stuck out about 90% of the time, like he thinks the air tastes good or something. But it is super cute, so I had to take some shots of him in action before he decides to move on to the next quirk.

The Best Pet Ever

I am not an animal person. Yes they are cute and whatever but I have allergies and don't like to be jumped or slobbered on. That is just me. However, Ann Riley is dying for one, so a compromise has been reached. Meet Puss 'n Water. He requires very little maintenance, only needs water once a week or so, does not shed, does not have to be housebroken and has pacified the constant nagging for a furry friend.

Changeling

So I have been waiting to see The Changeling for a while now, I actually do TRY to see all the movies nominated during awards season-although some I am severely disappointed over (ahem, There Will Be Blood) so anyway, last night was the first time I had a chance to see the flick. I must say-Angelina did a fantastically good job at the role-maybe her 25 kids were great inspiration for it, I don't know.
But anyway-aside from the she's-so-beautiful-it-should-be-illegal Angelina, the movie disturbed me deeply. Spoiler Alert!!! I guess I have such a preconceived notion that all people are inherently good, and it really throws me off my rocker to see a movie based on a true story with such a violent background. Not so much the police, but the manner in which the boys were kept and killed. Further research on Wikipedia on the murders were more detailed and gave more insight-but still....I shudder to think that people can be so cruel. But really-a great and must-see movie.

Daily Humor

OK so I am definitely one of these people that needs a laugh just about every day to cope with my surroundings-so as my first order of business as the blog queen I have decided to post something every day that makes me laugh. Now, warning you I have a really strange sense of humor, (those sonic commercials have me rolling) so please do not feel let down if you think it is crazy. Here is a bit of intellectual humor to kick the day off properly.

Analogies and Metaphors

Every year, English teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year. Here are some past winners – or at least ones that have have taken the prize. May the copyright gods forgive us if we've erred in posting this for you.

Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides
gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

She grew on him like she was a colony of E. Coli,
and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.

She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound
a dog makes just before it throws up.

Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.

The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.

The little boat gently drifted across the pond
exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.

McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement
like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.

From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.

Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood
with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

John and Mary had never met. They were like
two hummingbirds who had also never met.

He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant,
and she was the East River.

Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only
one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil.
But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.

The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get
from not eating for a while.

He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping
on a land mine or something.

The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended
one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

It was an American tradition, like fathers
chasing kids around with power tools.

He was deeply in love. When she spoke,
he thought he heard bells, as if she were
a garbage truck backing up.

In the beginning....

Ok so a year ago, I did not even know what a blog was-aside from the Perez Hilton addiction I believe I need to seek help for, and here I am happily posting away at what I hope will be a fantastic outlet for me, as well as a great way to document the life of my little family.

Hubby Jason was complaining the other day that I don't document the little things enough-and voila-my perfect excuse to do so (along with a perfect use for the Canon Rebel I got for my anniversary!)

I am going to post some old ones just so I can fast forward to now (these kids do not grow at an alarming rate, ya know!)

At any rate, here are some old photos of Ann Riley, 3 and Granger, just shy of 6 months. They truly enrich my life-much more than my current obsessions, i.e. The Bachelor, Sweet Tea Vodka (no I am not a lush), The Twilight craze, The Bachelor...you get the picture.