Southern Animal Adventures and more

I'm at the point to where I'm ready to start wearing khaki camp shirts and changing my name to Mi Hanna. Last weekend while taking a leisurely drive, I spotted a pretty young white tailed doe in the woods. The next day (I wrote about it), my sister, Katie and myself ran upon a possum. I've wrote in the past about our encounters with racoons, possums, skunks, rabbits, mice and snakes. My latest animal encounter happened just yesterday. As we were coming home from picking Katie up from school, of all things that I spot right across from our driveway, an armadillo. It's so strange seeing these basically nocturnal animals during the day. I'm guessing it's because of the very frigid Winter we've had thus far. Another surprise and yet alarming was how this armadillo allowed me to get so close for pictures. He stayed around the area for a very long time, I would say past dusk approximately 5:30PM. He acted as if nothing was going to scare him away from some delicious grub. Trust me, he tore up jack across the street and on our property. Katie really enjoyed watching him routing around for food. I know they are not the most beautiful creatures, but here is your Bama armadillo.

Americal Idol
Last year, Doug and I agreed that American Idol was pretty much over for us.  We just didn't enjoy the show that much last year.  Knowing the American Idol premiere was starting last Wednesday, Doug and I decided to give it a chance.  Well, I'm so glad we did.  Steve Taylor and Jennifer Lopez is doing a fantastic job, I believe.  In the 80's, I was a fan of "Aerosmith" with it's lead singer Steve Taylor.  I've always enjoyed listening to their music.  Jennifer Lopez is just amazing, if you look back from where she started and to see what she's been able to accomplish.  I never knew how funny Steve can be and his famous high note on AI is funny to me because that's his signature, just like Randy Jackson's "Dawg".  We've just really enjoyed watching it both Wednesday and last night.  I guess Doug and I are hooked on Idol once again.  LOL! 

Thank You
I just wanted to squeeze in a quick "Thank You" to those of you that like Colton's hair cut.  I was afraid that you wouldn't like it.  Doug still giggles at his hair, but he says that he likes it. 

I Didn't Know


OMGoodness!  I think Channing Tatum is so yummy and to think he has roots right here in Alabama.  What a surprise!  This video is old, but glad I ran across it. 

Crystal Pendants
I had to share this with you.  I think they are so pretty and would make wonderful gifts.  I know I would love to receive one of these. 

You can get all the supplies you need to make this pendant from Hobby Lobby .  The Swarovski Crystal (shown) sales for approximately $5 each.  The design shown is actually scrapbook paper of your choice.  and finished with a silver bail.  I found this project from Little Birdie Secrets.  Of course, it was recommended that you clip any excess paper sticking out with scissors, file the paper on edges just a little (don't file the crystal) with a fingernail file and apply a little diamond glaze on the back of the paper.  It sounds so simple and would love to try it out. 

For the instructions and tips, CLICK HERE!

Kit-Kat and Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
I found this recipe from Little Bitty Bakes and had to share it with you.  I haven't had the chance to make them, but they sound so good.  I mean, come on, anything with Kit-Kat and Chocolate Chips are bound to be delicious!  Just looking at this picture makes my mouth water. I copied the recipe, so I would make sure to have it on hand.

Kit-Kat and Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen large cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup crushed Kit-Kats
1 cup milk chocolate chips


Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until blended.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until mixed. Stir in Kit-Kats and chocolate chips.

For large cookies, drop cookie dough by 2 tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 3 inches apart (I used my whoopie pie pan – muffin top pans work too). Bake about 12 minutes, until light golden brown.

Live, Laugh, Love!

Girl, girl, girl . . . what am I going to do with you?

Katie Story

I had just put Colton down for a nap. He's a very light sleeper, so it's hard to keep things quiet around the house. I noticed Katie (all dressed up) was opening her bedroom door, slamming it, walking down the hallway, around the bar, back up the hallway and as she was going back inside her bedroom, she'd slam the door shut again. She did this about 4 times before I finally stopped her and asked her what she was doing. Very chalantly, she said she was going on a date with her boyfriend. Shocked, I asked her again. She acted as if I was bothering her, "I'm going out on a date with my boyfriend." Trying to hold back the laughter, calmly I asked her who her boyfriend was. Low and behold, she said it was "WILL." Oh, no! Will's not even 9 years old and he is already stealing my baby girl from me. HA HA! I thought that was cute and had to share it with you.

Natalie's Got Game
We went last night to see Natalie play her last basketball game for the year. It was homecoming, so there were lots going on. Chick-fil-a donated food to the players and gave out basketballs to the little kids, Katie got one. This little boy scared her half to death. Out of the blue, he came up to her and asked if she wanted a pom-pom. She got all shy and I guess didn't answer him. I couldn't understand the boy, but Doug said he was asking her if she was afraid of him. As we were heading out the door to leave, he came out with us and said,"you know you want one." Katie was ready for her daddy to hold her. The boy had to be around the age of 9 or 10 years. She didn't know how to respond to what just happened. Too funny! We got to see the Chick-fil-a cow and Wallace's Lion walking around, greeting the children. Katie appreciated them from a far. She likes characters, but not when they get up close and personal. Doug and I are the same way. She doesn't even like clowns, they freak her out.

Wallace cheerleaders, there were more, but wanted an up close photo

Shoot out!  No one made a hoop

I wished you could have seen this potato gun, a couple of students came out with during half time.  They were shooting t-shirts out to the fans in the stands with this gun.  They have "Goliath" written on the side of this gun.  LOL!  Trust me, it was a "GOLIATH." 

"Goliath" potato gun

Wallace Lion poses for photo op

Natalie's Fan Section

Wallace defeated Gadsden Women's team. Natalie did good, she just missed a couple shots that I could see. Whitney and Zayne came to watch, but instead was Katie's babysitter. Katie loves her "Wibby." She even be-friended a Gadsden fan (boy) that was sitting beside her. Whitney told me that Katie wouldn't leave him alone. I apologized to the boy, but he just smiled. He looked to be about 17-18 years old, pretty cute. Hey, at least my daughter has good taste. LOL!

Natalie Shoots, but didn't score

Wallace wins!

American Idol
When I have an opportunity to watch American Idol, I'm not too impressed. Saying that, I really do like Casey James, contestant. I agree with Kara, he is not only eye candy but ear candy. Agreeing with "Rick & Bubba," Doug was laughing at Casey singing. I didn't notice until it was pointed out to me, but there's a little shakiness to Casey's voice when he sings. "Rick & Bubba" pointed it out during their radio show and now Doug is calling Casey "goat boy." I just think that's harse. I mean, the guy can sing.

Winter Olympics
Did you see Kim Yu-Na? She is awesome to watch. I wouldn't be surprised if she took ballet as well because she has to be the most graceful and elegant skater out on the ice.  She absolutely deserved receiving the gold last night. I hated that I fell asleep before Mirai skated. I so wanted to see her because the media was really putting her up on a pedestal. I'm afraid, Kim will have to get more bodyguards when she returns to South Korea.

A Glimpse

I know it's been awhile since I've blogged, so automatically I noticed that Google Blogger has been making changes to the website format.  Great!  More to figure out how to do simple things that I finally figured out how to do without having to pull up Blogger Help.  I guess their like Walmart, always keeping me on my toes and continue my education.  Whoo Hoo! 

Yesterday, while waiting for Katie to get out of ballet class, Mrs. Elaine had the display out for everyone to see the recital costume samples. I took a picture for you to be able to see a glimpse as to what costume Katie will be wearing in May. It's so adorable! Last year's costume was cute, but I really like this one. This year's ballet recital is featuring all the different nationalities. Katie's class will be representing the country of France. Mrs. Elaine told me that every other year, they have the big productions like last year. So, this year will be very small, but I hear the recital will still be held at Wallace State College.

Colton
I still can't believe Colton will be a year old next month. Would you believe, I don't have his birthday supplies ordered yet. Ugh! I've been a little busy, Katie's class likes to keep me going. I call it "my homework." Lord willing, I plan to order them tomorrow or the next day.

Doug and I are stomped as to what to get Colton for his big day. I am fresh out of ideas. He has everything already. What could be possibly get him that he doesn't already have? I hate giving clothes, so that's out of the question. A couple of times, after dropping Katie off at school, Colton and I stroll through Walmart's toy department. We came across the cowboy hats and sunglasses. He looked so darn cute, I took a picture of him.

He is really changing more and more every day.  There are times when I wonder where the time has gone.  He loves to make faces.  He has his shy look, he grins and shy away from you.  He's sour look, he squints his eyes and shakes he's head.  He does this even if he's not eating anything tart.  He's bulldog look, he sticks out his bottom jaw and makes his fat cheeks really stick out.  I can tell, he loves his sister so much.  When she's not around, he is so whiny.  As soon as he sees her and especially if she plays with him, he perks right up and is happy once again.  He loves playing with her, but like any other sibling, they fight.  Yes, FIGHT.  He has learned, if she doesn't let him play with a specific toy, he gets mad and screams at her.  It's funny, but I know when it's my que to break them up.  There are times, when he attacks her and she thinks it's funny.  He has really shot up, tall.  His stomach is not as noticable anymore.  For the past couple of days, he is going through a eating and sleep change.  He was eating his food (every 4 hours until bedtime) and our food.  A week ago, I was feeding him a 7 ounce bottle, pasta pick-ups (ravioli), cheese puffs and he would still try what we were eating.  He'll scream at you, if you won't give him a taste.  Doug and I giggle at him.  The other day, Doug bought "Wholly Guacamole" dip for us to try.  Not thinking Colton would like it, Doug gave him a taste.  To our surprise, Colton did everything but take the bowl out of Doug's hands to eat it.  He ended up eating approximately half of the dip.  I just knew he would be up most of the night with a belly ache.  To my surprise, he slept all night without any trouble.  Colton is like "Mikey" on the old Chex cereal commercials.  He'll eat anything.  I guess he has come to a temporary stop with his growth because he doesn't seem to want to eat when he normally does.  This could be a good thing, but for right now it's making me very confused. 

American Idol Want To Be
Next on American Idol, the rising new star "Kaitlyn."  Apparently Katie has watched enough American Idol in the past few years, she been on earth, to know how it all starts.  Tonight as we were trying to watch "American Idol," Katie decided to come up with her own version of "American Idol."  She would come out on stage aka laundry basket and we would have to ask her what she was singing.  She would make up a title and begin singing it.  After she finished, we would cheer her on.  Then, she would ask "am I going to Hollywood?"  When we said "yes," she would scream "YAY!"  This went on for a few minutes that's why I was able to get it on video.  FYI, she is using a Charm's Blow Pop for her microphone.  LOL! Here's a little snippet.



While Katie was still playing American Idol, I wanted to tape Colton for a little bit. He was curious about the camera and wanted his two minutes of fame. HA HA!

Last but not least, Katie sings one of her favorite songs "Best of Both Worlds" by Miley Cyrus. At least, I think that's the name of the song.  She is quite the little performer (tehe!)


 

March 29, 2007

After great consideration, along with the advise from Doug and Laura, I've decided - I'm open to the world when it comes to my blogs. Doug and I have been talking about it for the past couple of days and he assures me that it would be very hard to someone to figure out exactly where we live, not a member of the family or friends.

It has been a very busy week and still more is to come. Yesterday, I decided to get Katie all dressed up in one of her dresses (I bought it off of ebay) and take a few Easter/Spring pictures. I was so surprised to catch a couple of good shots. It is hard to work with a toddler when it comes to taking pictures. I have a great respect for Professional Photographers. I worked on the pictures most of the morning and I think they turned out pretty good. I was so glad to capture her watching the bee buzzing around the azaleas. I had her turned to where she could see it and still face me somewhat. She was amazed! This is the shot where she is touching one of the blossoms. Before I get all the emails, yes, I realize azaleas are toxic to children and surprisingly this is the only thing she hasn't attempted to eat. When I saw the notice on the news about the bushes, I just looked at Doug and asked him what we should do. I was prepared to be pulling them up. He said we would just need to watch her around them. I posted her pictures this morning on my website. You'll have to check them out.

I got a surprise visit from my nephew yesterday afternoon. He's been on Spring Break this week and bored out of his mind. He spent the afternoon with Katie and myself. We ordered a pizza and ate ribs while watching a movie. Afterwards, we played cards. I guess it has been close to a year ago, Nic introduced to me this card game called "Golf." I really like it. I may not win all the time, but it's a lot of fun. I love playing games of any kind - board, electronic, and card. Doug doesn't like to play games. When he does he'll only play card games, but not when there's just two people. Even then, he doesn't like to play card games at any length of time. He says it's too boring to him. So, I get excited when one of my family members come to see me because I know we can get a game going at any moment. I hope to raise Kaitlyn the same way. When I was still living at home, we would play games just about every night. If not every night, we definitely played every weekend. All of us couldn't wait to get together and get a game going. We, included all of the sisters, nieces, nephews, and sometimes a couple of my brother-in-laws. It's a lot of fun! A great way to laugh and have a good time with one another.

Last night, several of the family members got together at June's house and I guess you would say we had an "American Idol" party. As you know, my aunt and uncle are visiting my parents. Well, Aunt Sherry is a big Idol fan and I didn't know it until she announced "in a few minutes, we have to go inside and watch American Idol." My eyes lite up and I was ready to go. There were quite a few people packed in June's Living Room, watching Idol. We all started howling when Seacrest came out with that hairdo. Oh, my gosh! So Funny! We all started taking bets on who would be in the bottom 3 and who would be leaving. I was real unsure cause I knew Chris didn't sing good the other night, but neither did Phil. I hated that Chris got voted off because I know the boy can sing. I think he just got tired. Plus, this whole Sanjaya mess was probably getting to him. Do you know what Susan told me? She said there have been reports that a group of kids are the main cause for Sanjaya to be the idol contestant with the most votes. They are making it a practical joke to have the worst singer to win the American Idol. Susan seems to think that if this is true, this may be the last year for American Idol because people will get tired of the mess. We had a real good visit, but so tired and ready to come home.

Today, all I did was clean and strip beds. I had hoped to get some work done today, so I could go tomorrow and buy some mulch and bedding flowers for the yard. I also need to go Wal-Mart and pick up a few groceries and other items. Our cupboards are bare! I grilled the last piece of meat tonight - pork chops. They were delicious and so tender! I've been promising Peggy I would make my famous Chicken Salad with Croissant rolls. So, I guess I need to get the stuff and make it. I put grapes, pineapple & pecans in my Chicken Salad. It is so good and I love making it this time of year because the salad is nice and cold. I usually like to serve it with mixed fruit (strawberries, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.). Man, this is beginning to sound really yummy! I may have to make it tomorrow. tehe!

Millard and Peggy came over tonight, just to stop by and say "hello." Peggy asked me if we've been practicing with Katie about egg hunting. I had to tell her that we haven't hid the first egg in order for her to find it. I figure there will be so much excitement, even if Katie had been practicing, she would be to involved in watching and playing with the other kids. She won't want to find the eggs. We'll see! If I have time tomorrow, we might have to hide eggs.

Motivation Quote of the Day
"Start your child's day with love and encouragement and end the day the same way." - Zig Ziglar

Take care and God Bless You!

What's with the hair, Sanjaya?

We started the day by going out to eat with Aunt Sherry and Mom for lunch. I introduced Aunt Sherry to Katie as "Lolli." For a couple months, Aunt Sherry has requested that Mom teach Katie to say "Lolli." This is the name Sherry's grandchildren call her instead of Grandma. Katie really took up with "Lolli," I think it's because Sherry played around and picked on her. Later this afternoon, Aunt Sherry called me and asked if her and Mom could stop by the house. Sherry and Roger recently had to have their dog, Princess, put down because of old age and she had a tumor in her side. The last time I saw the dog, it looked real bad. Apparently, they feel it's time to get another dog. We got on the computer and looked up some terrier breeds. She was really taken by the Cairn and Norwich breeds. I was somewhat surprised at the cost of the Norwich Terriers - $2000-$4000 approx. The Cairn Terriers (Toto type from Wizard of Oz) cost around $400-$900 approx. After seeing the price, she said she would get a Cairn mix. She couldn't get over the price for puppies, but I had to remind her a lot of those puppies came from Championship Bloodlines. I will have to say, I've never seen a white/cream colored Cairn Terrier - very pretty. They kind of remind me of a Westie.

I had to run a few errands after lunch. I found the Cowardly Lion doll from "The Wizard of Oz" movie. I think I mentioned it from one of my past blogs, that I wanted to get Katie the doll. Well, Wal-Mart had only one lion left and I had to get it. We will give it to her for Easter. I finally picked up her dress that I had monogrammed from Monograms Plus. The dress was ready to be picked up a week ago. I also found Katie a slip to wear with a couple of her dresses. Yes, today was a day to mark off the list of things I needed to get.

Some of you are probably wondering what is going on with my blog. Well, I had a few comments of concern from some family members about my blogging. A couple showed real concern that some crazy person would find out where I lived, no matter how careful I was, and might cause problems for me or family. My Mother told me I needed to grow up and not blog anymore. She's never read or seen any of my blogs, so I took that comment like a grain of salt. Nevertheless, I appreciate the love shown by my family and I respect their opinion thus my restrictions.

Tomorrow, Susan is suppose to go over to Mom & Dad's to visit with Aunt Sherry and Uncle Roger. She wants to see Katie for a little bit, so I told her I would be there as well. Hopefully, Katie will be on her best behavior. We have really been butting heads already this week and it's just Tuesday. She is having to learn the hard way to mind me and I mean what I say. On my end, it's very exhausting, but I'm trying to be consistent. Because she wouldn't mind me, she bumped her head twice today. One is running on the couch and not sitting down or getting off. There she went into the floor, hitting her head. She was okay. She has a little bruise on her forehead. People tell me it's normal, but I think there's something wrong with her hearing. Like Sandy says, aliens come down and suck the brains out of our children and don't return. I'm beginning to think she is right. For instance, I was trying to groom Sassy, long hair cat. It was a sight! First of all you have to know my cat thus the name "Sassy." I would start combing her hair when I would notice Katie (decided to visit neighbors) walking over to Mr. & Mrs. Phipps. "Katie, get over here." "Come back home and play with her toys." "Am I going to have to spank you?!?" By the third statement to her, as she is looking at me with a blank look on her face, I am yelling and my face is red. She, thinking the wind is blowing in her hair, continues to walk over to the Phipps' back porch. When she sees me get up and walk towards her is when she gets the message - wow! Mom must really mean it. By this time, I have to look for the cat because she has had enough and will not be returning to this kind of abuse. I had to pull the cat out from underneath the truck in order to try again combing her hair. Meanwhile, Katie decides she's not getting enough dirty in her diet. I hope it's good for her because she eats it as much as possible. She's running around the yard with the Windmill (upside down) in her mouth. Me telling her to get out of her mouth encouraged her to continue doing it. Needless to say, the cat didn't get groomed very good and Katie and I went into the house.

American Idol
Okay what's with the hair, Sanjaya? If he wants to be remembered, this is one way of doing it. I will have to say, he did throw his voice out there (first time ever). I still say he can't sing, but that's my opinion. Where is Chris Sligh going with his performances? I think he is ready to give it up. I know he can sing, but he hasn't stepped up to the plate in a while. Melinda is still hot! Unless something happens, I predict Melinda will make it to the final 5.

Famous Saying
There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “All right, then, have it your way.”- C. S. Lewis

Take care and God Bless You!