Day Four - Daughter/Dog/Pig

Pigs...we've got tons...I had plans to show piggy plates, stuffed pigs, porcelain pigs, pig cups and spoons, and I promise I'll catch up with a pig slide show sometime soon.

However, right now, I'm just sharing the daughter/dog/pig from Halloween. See, being the unorganized, overloaded, and slightly scatterbrained mother that I am, I neglected to "plan" for costumes. That's right...Mother of the Year...can't plan ahead (even 3 days) to order the dang things on-line! So, we improvise this year, or should I say pig-provise.

Sister had a piggy mask but she wouldn't wear it. So, I was gonna just dress her in pink and pin the dang thing to her or something lame like that. (Yea, I was pretty disappointed in myself.) At lunch, I decide to run out for one last try, just to see if anything is left. Just so you know...it is hell to look for costumes on Halloween!!

So, I found "a costume." I rush back to work to try and finish my day so I can leave early to start the family festivities. A group of co-worker are standing around talking about their kids and their plans for the evening. One of my co-workers asks,

"What's DoriGrace gonna be for Halloween?"

"A Pig."

"Did you get a costume?"

"Yeah, I got a dog costume."

"I thought you said she was gonna be a pig?"

"She is...a pig...in a dog costume..."

Confused?



Those holes weren't intended for "pig tails", they are for dog ears. Yes, our 16 pound little girl wore a pig costume made for a 15 pound dog. And, it was the cutest thing EVER!

You gotta love the Red Bulls-Eye...they have everything!!

Day Three - Country Pig

A terrible cold has taken root in my head. I feel terrible, but I knew better than to skip another piggy day. Today's pig is a country jig playin', shakin', squeakin' little fellow that has brought loads of laughter to our house. Little Sister loves this crazy thing! Even though he doesn't have its own custom shelf space, he's pretty special around here.

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So the lighting was a mess at the Tap Extravaganza last night. Sorry for picture quality...I don't really have energy to edit them...



There's our Papa...that's him in the middle...he's the only boy. The pictures just don't do justice to the entire experience. TRUST ME!



This is the guy that really stole the show...he's 92! Seriously, and when he tapped to "New York, New York", he was the absolute center of attention! We should all be so lucky!



Finally, a pic of me and my sibs. I couldn't resist because I thought my sister and I looked like rock stars. (Me, complete with running mascara!) Big always looks good for the camera. Big (that would be my brother...the "big" one in the middle) is putting together a little video of the event and I.CAN.NOT.WAIT for that one!

We Interrupt This Pig Program

After work tonight we drove to Tulsa to see Papa's dance recital. Yep, that's right, my dad took up tap dancing in his retirement. And I've waited years for this show. So I took off an hour early, and we piled in the car and drove the hour and 45 minutes to see the big event.

I'm SO glad we went! My brother and sister were there, with most of the grand kids, and we all really enjoyed seeing our father's excitement. While he's not the greatest dancer (Sorry Dad), I am so proud of him! In his retirement, he is doing the things that he wanted to do, but never had time for. So when he signs up for a "dramatic reading", or a chorus, or a tap class, he reminds me that it's never too late. The tapping leaves a lot to be desired, but the man is admirable. (In spite of the bright orange, fuzzy cumber bun.)

I'm far too tired to edit and post pictures this evening. And, I'm far too tired to post a pig, so I'm extending my seven days of precious piglets and just skipping today. My blog...my rules...

Don't you want to come back tomorrow to see pictures of the 70 year-old dancing machine? (There will surely be a UTube video if Big has anything to say about it!)

(I tell you...Again, the anticipation...I've had some great "hooks" lately...how could you possibly not come back tomorrow???)

Day Two - Party Pig

Little sister got this little lover for her birthday. Aunt Lo collects this McKenzie Childs stuff. When I was picking up a gift for her, I fell in love with this little girl. This pig was absolutely a gift...given with love...but it is "$ome Pig" too.

I know I say that every pig is my favorite...but seriously...I L.O.V.E this one!

So...no one wants to fess up to their collections?? Melissa...when you figure out how to make that $$ collections thing work, let me know.

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I believe that JB's new C-PAP machine has saved our marriage! I can't even hear him anymore...no snoring...Woo Hoo...sleep. I am so impressed with the changes in him, he's happier, more rested, and less forgetful. It's amazing! I was thinking that I'd go have a sleep study done...afterall, I do wake up tired every morning. I just don't want to get out of bed. I am not sleeping well and I'm just tired of being tired. While he's supportive, JB did laugh when I told him my boss suggested my sleeping problem was related to a machine. He said, if I'd just shut off this dang computer before 2:00 am every morning, maybe I'd get some sleep. Novel idea.

Day One - Yard Pig

This little friend joined us last Spring. We picked her up at the Farmer's Market one Saturday morning. She sits out under the tree in the yard. I love her expression! (She reminds me of Wilbur...she's "Some Pig".)

(Just ignore the pathetic, dying flowers..they've been replaced with pumpkins now anyway....)

You know, I've never really collected anything, seriously "collected" anything. I had a brief "cow" (don't ask) phase in late high school. I've always secretly wished I had a "collection"...something of interest, of value, and of meaning...it just never happens. I lose interest, I lose space, or something else just comes up. The pigs however, are staying...they're for Little Sister anyway.

I've always thought that what people collect says a lot about them. (I don't really know what...but it says a lot.) DoriGrace's collection of pigs, when she'll be the smallest thing around, will probably be curious to some even though she has the whole "Year of the Pig" thing going.

But...I'm just now thinking...what if she grows up to hate pigs? Oh my...I guess that will mean that I'll finally have a "collection." So, what about you?

Anybody out there with an interesting collection??

Pumpkins, Pictures and Pigs

I went pumpkin shopping this morning to add to the collection in the front yard. We are a little sparse this year...only 10 so far. I'll surely be making some more additions tomorrow. I truly miss having BNE next door. Krista's love of pumpkins rubbed off on me and every year, at this time, I laugh at the idea that if she were still next door, we'll likely have 60 pumpkins between us.

I am taking tons of pictures this weekend. Trying to learn to use Lightroom with my Elements. It is REALLY hard trying to get away from the "snap shot" look and learn to compose and edit portraits. Sometimes I feel like I'll never get it, but I'm hoping that this time next year I'll have some photography appointments on my calendar. We shall see...

I've been thinking about how much I really enjoyed challenging myself to blog every day. Of course, I only committed to a week but I'm really aiming for an overall increase in blogging for the long term. I appreciate everyone that was along for the ride, and I really enjoyed watching/reading many of my fellow bloggers that joined in the effort! So, crazy me...I've got another idea...I'm like that, you know, always thinking...always on my toes....yeah, right...anyway.

Beginning tomorrow, join me for "A Week In Pigs". That's right folks, one solid week..seven whole days with seven enlightening, thought-provoking and pinkishly precious posts on piglets! I can hardly contain myself...Oh...the anticipation!!!!

You can't wait, can ya? You'll be back tomorrow...

Here Piggy, Piggy...

You know, pigs are pretty special around here. When we opened our hearts to the first picture of our "babe", we embraced her and all of her "Year of the Pig"-ness. For us, and certainly for our loved ones, little piggies quickly became the symbol of our princess.

We have piggy banks, pig cookie cutters, piggy erasers, piglet plates, pig this, piglet that, and all things piggy...and the collections are growing...they are quite simply taking over Little Sister's room.

I believe I've posted on a pig or two...there are some I love, and others that I LOVE, but nothing prepared me for....



...this little lover.

She's special. This little piggy was hand-made in middle school art class, especially for our gal by a "big"-ish boy who has loved her from the start. He's a blessing to us and Dori Grace is so lucky to have such a great "cousin".

Thank you ABJ. We love you...You Rock!

Ruts and Relief

According to Metro-renown caterer (and general, all-around good friend) "Miss Val", nothing can perk a girl up like a cupcake. She and her girls, Lacey and Caroline, are cupcake connoisseurs. They bake 'em, they decorate 'em, and they display 'em. (Oh, and best of all, they share 'em!) One thing I love about these girls...they love 'em some cupcakes.

Anyway, since Miss Val has taught me the value of a cupcake, and since cupcakes make the world a brighter place, and since some people (you know who you are!) seem to need a little pick-me-up......

I made you a...


(Pumpkin...yum!)

Now...stop worrying about the economy, your finances, your babies, your travel dates, the election, if your jeans will fit on Friday, or if Santa Claus is comin' to town this year. Just enjoy...(the picture...of the cupcake...that I made you...)

Unfortunately, I can't ship it to you but it's the thought that counts, right? Anyway, they are disappearing fast. See the look of pure joy and utter contentment on the face of the shavey-headed boy.



Who knew that cupcakes worked on boys too? Too bad the folks at Sprinkles beat her to the punch. Miss Val may have missed her chance at World Peace but I hope her cupcake philosophy made you smile today.

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I missed you! Glad you are back and all is well! PTL!

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Happy Birthday Caroline!

This one got his head shaved today.



This one needs to.

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Day Seven

I made it. Woo Hoo! Thanks to those who kept me honest. Thanks to those who joined me.

Now that I don't have to blog everyday, maybe I'll have time to read about vampires?? Yeah, probably not.

Home Sweet Home

Glad to be home. Luckily for us, the babysitter was savvy enough to resist WB's normal claims:

"But, my mom always lets me roam the neighborhood after dark..." and

"Yes, I'm allowed to paper houses as long as they are on my street..."

However, it does appear that he did get away with,

"My mom lets me eat Ramen for every meal as they are different flavors."

Anyway, everyone is safe and sound and I stuffed the boy full of green beans for dinner, so all is well.

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The Game

I'll just say, this is the first time I've made the trip across the border to witness the event. In spite of the loss (and the hangover, but that's my own fault), we really had a great time. It is just awesome to see the stadium divided down the middle in orange and red. The pre-game activities with the bands...spectacular! (And I'm not a big band fan!) The B-52 fly-over in honor of UT and OU fallen soldiers gave me goose bumps. The game and momentum went back and forth...it was truly exciting...just not for the faint of heart.

Sure, I would have loved to see a Sooner victory, but apparently, unlike some, I understand the concept of both winning and losing gracefully. It is sad really, my boy really wants to go but I just don't think it is a place for kids. You know, you can go to a game in Norman and feel OK about taking your kids. The same can't be said for the Red River Rivalry. The fans are pretty brutal (both sides...no Texas slam intended)...and that is the real downer.

I'm already stressing about coming up with tickets for next year as this will surely become an annual pilgramage for JB and I. CAN NOT WAIT!

BOOMER SOONER!!!

I Ain't As Young As I Use To Be...

How's that for a profound statement?

If my time stamp were correct, which it isn't, it would reflect 6:45 am on Saturday morning. We are up and getting ready to head out for the game. (BOOMER!!!)

My head is pounding, my stomach is flipping and I just want to crawl back into that comfy ole Marriott bed and go back to sleep. I'm too old for this.

And, too old for this...



but I still love me some Mambo!!!

A Blog Is A Blog, Is A Blog...

I am thinking (based upon my somewhat compromised state), that once a day means once a day. That doesn't mean...twice in one day because that really means twice in one day. Get it. Everyday means...every day...once every 24 hours....Jessica, you just break it down from there. (Listen to Tony Little say..."YOU CAN DO IT !!!")

JB and I are safely in Dallas. Getting ready for dinner. Massive shopping (Have I not even noticed the stock market and how we will all be living like it's 1929 next month?????) and lots of laughs. I am really glad we came. The kids are safely home and it seems all is well.

We are off to the "Chop House". (Everything is within walking distance...don't worry!)

Posting tomorrow will be a challenge...off to the game early. I am hoping I'm not the only one to lose the challenge!!!!

It is funny, when I committed to blogging everyday, I thought I'd have trouble coming up with stuff to write about. I've had just the opposite problem....I got too much swimming around in this big ole' head of mine.

We are trying to get our stuff together to hit the road to Dallas for OU/Texas weekend. The significance of the weekend is that it will be our first trip without kid(s) in almost nine years. Seriously, I suppose we are overdue. I am not really worried about leaving them, because they are in good hands. Little Sister does have a wricked cold...but I am sure she'll be pampered beyond measure while we are away.

WB is a little "chapped" at us because he doesn't get to go. "About 30% of my friends are going!" (Seriously, in 3rd grade how do you even know how many friends you have and further, can you really figure 30%?) "Did you get front row seats?" (Obviously, the boy has no concept of the magnitude of OU/Texas and the fact that those with front row seats either contribute $15 million a year, or have had them since 1907.) Finally, "Will you raise your hands really high, higher than anyone else in your section, and wave all the time so that I can find you on the TV?" (Sure baby, your mama is gonna make a big spectacle of herself. I'm sure the cameras are gonna pick that up. You just look for me.) Bless the boy. He makes my heart smile.

Finally, Erin stepped up to my silly challenge, so I'm answering her questions: (Feel free to stop reading right here...I'm more than a little boring...)

Whats​ your favor​ite color​?​
Red...nothing else comes close.

How late did you stay up last night​ and why?
I am a true late owl...I am usually still surfing at 1:00 a.m. and have to force myself to shutdown by 2:00.

If you could​ move somewhere else,​ would​ you?
Absolutely!

What would​ you do if someo​ne told your bigge​st secre​t?​
Be embarrassed. Isn't that why we have secrets?

Do you think​ relat​ionsh​ips are ever reall​y worth​ it?
Some yes, some no. I don't do drama so I don't have a lot to do with those that create unnecessary drama.

Where​ do you wish you were right​ now?
Laying in bed and listening to the ocean, in a stilted hut over the Pacific in Bora Bora.

Is anyth​ing bothe​ring you right​ now?
Yeah, I'm bothered a lot lately.

Do you like your life right​ now?
I am blessed beyond measure. I’m working on trying to appreciate that more. I’m always a work in progress. (I totally stole that word for word from Erin because I couldn't have said it better!)

Who was the last perso​n you hung out one-​on-​one with?​
WB and I went to the grocery store this evening and shopped for junk food for him to enjoy this weekend with his babysitter. We dug through all the pumpkin bins out front and picked out 4 beauties. We really had a fun time!

What car do you want?​
A safe one that gets me to point A to point B and that doesn’t require a monthly payment. (Stolen too...good answer!)

What’​s the best way to tell someo​ne you love them?​
Try not to piss them off.

Have you ever flirt​ed with someo​ne just to get somet​hing?​
Is it really possible to honestly say "No" to this question? I think not. Doesn't everyone?

What are you looki​ng forwa​rd to this weeke​nd?​
Not working on Friday and going to Dallas.

Have you ever done somet​hing you told yours​elf you would​n’​t do?
Occasionally, although it happens less often the older I get. I'm either wiser, or smart enough to not draw my lines in the sand.

How have you been feeli​ng today​?​
Tired. Always tired. 2:00 am will do that to you....

Last thing​ you broke​?​
My car window tonight...it wouldn't go back up.

Last food you ate?
Ben and Jerry's Heath Crunch for dinner.

Is there​ anybo​dy that you trust​ 100%​?​
There are a few that I trust 100%, about 98% of the time.

Does love scare​ you?
Never has, never will...it rules.

Do you belie​ve ex’s can be frien​ds?​
I haven't had an "x" in 24 years...I can't even remember the concept. Anything is "possible."

What would​ you do if you won the lotte​ry?​
Please refer to the question above regard where I'd like to be right now! Bora Bora Baby! In addition to that, I'd go to the casino all the time and just "play."

Night​ out or night​ in?
I could always use a night out but for the most part, I love being at home. (Stolen...again!)

Last time you were confu​sed?​
Yesterday, trying to understand WHY I SUCK AT WORD CHALLENGE!!!

Do you cry easil​y?​
I cry at movies, I cry at commercials, I cry when I feel proud, I cry when I think about how blessed I am, I cry in my car driving down the road when I'm stressed and overwhelmed...I cry just about everywhere except at work and in front of my boy (cause it freaks him out).

Are you hurt easil​y?​
I get disappointed in people a lot, but I am over being hurt by them.

Are you proud​ of the perso​n you’​ve becom​e?​
I don't always say or do the right thing, but my heart is in the right place and I'm proud of that. I am proud of the parent I am. I have, at times, been proud of my career accomplishments, but not so much anymore. However, I do have a good job and make a substantial financial contribution to our family income and I'm proud of that.

Word Challenge

Ever try something and just plain suck at it? Something simple...like something an elementary student could do...and just plain S.U.C.K. at it?

Then, do ya ever get obsessed? Real obsessed...like so obsessed that you can't stop thinking about or doing the thing that you are so bad at doing?

Why do I ALWAYS do that? Is it normal? (Ok, not a fair question...I'm not "normal")

So, here's an example. One day (back in college), I ran into a friend of mine that was juggling. I asked if he'd show me how. He did. I was terrible...balls were flying everywhere. And yet, I just couldn't let it go. I couldn't just say, "Man, I'm terrible at that." NOOOO!!! I have to go to the TG&Y and buy three little rubber balls and stay up ALL night for like three days until I could juggle. (And my parents wonder what I learned in college and how I spent their money???)

I won't even go into how many eggs I broke learning to be competitive in a good egg toss. (The skills I have...I tell you....) When I "can't" do something, I just "can't" let it go.

WHY???????

Why did I have to open Faceb00k and see that someone was playing a game called Word Challenge? WHY?????

I'm TERRIBLE!! Lowest score EVER! It is so simple...and I suck...and I can't STOP PLAYING!!! I can't form three letter words...the clock is ticking...Oh, the pressure....It is maddening!!!

And, as if I don't have enough to do..now I must stay up ALL night playing this stupid game because my score is out there for the WORLD to see and it is the lowest score of EVERYONE I know that has ever played the game!! I'm not stupid people...apparently I just act that way on the internet!!!

I so need a life...

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Tomorrow...answers to your questions about my life.

Soon...an update to the blog roll...no intentional oversights.

In the Jungle...

(A Wimoweh, A Wimoweh, A Wimoweh.....)



In the jungle...the mighty jungle....



I love this picture. It is SO DoriGrace! It was also a good one to play with and learn how to green-up my browning grass. I actually have a pretty good series of her crawling across the grass. Of course, I didn't suggest she make this face, or imitate a lion...it just comes naturally. I think it is from the general aversion to grass. (She's getting better though.)

While you can't tell from the photo, the teeth are becoming an issue for us. We are seeing a pronounced under bite and she is an almost constant teeth grinder. In fact, her top front teeth show serious damage...they are about 1/4 gone. The clicks and clacks she made as an infant turned into full-on teeth grinding when the pearly whites appeared. I don't imagine there is much we can do at this stage, but I am sure we'll be frequent visitors to Dr. Moody's Smile Shop in the future.

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One day down, six to go! I don't know what I was thinking issuing this challenge. I have OU-TX weekend in Dallas and SEVERAL Mambo Taxi's ahead of me....I hope I make it!


(My daughter really does have other outfits. I have no idea why she is wearing this in every photo I take!!)

Blog Updating

Does anyone else have a love/hate relationship with their blog?

I mean, I have so much to say...so may opinions, a growing wealth of pictures, and countless (C.O.U.N.T.L.E.S.S.) stories on how these crazy kids enlighten, amuse and challenge me everyday. So, where are all these creative, funny (at least to me!!) and stirring posts? In my head, that's where. Swimming in my overworked, overloaded, pea-sized noggin.

I love this blog. I love sharing (in a largely filtered, highly regulated environment)who we are and what we do. I absolutely appreciate my Internet ties and all those that I have grown to know and consider friends. I'm humbled that folks still read my mindless babbling. Yet, I can't seem to update it regularly! WHY is that???

And, I grow restless when others don't update their blogs. Where are they? What can they possibly be doing? (Are our prayers answered...Is Sophie Le OK??????) And yet, the pull to update this blasted thing...just challenges me!

So now...I challenge you....you know who you are (Dianna)...I've thrown down the gauntlet!

As I've been told "Get thee to updating",so I challenge you all. Update your blogs. You are obviously reading. Now WRITE! One post, every day for one week. Who's in?

I'll be lurking, you know I will!!