tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44579736616053506282024-03-05T06:20:27.488-06:00Tickled Pink HousewifeBlog of a housewife, mother, and Ph.D student who loves to study hard and take of her family on a limited budget! The blog is a few of my tips I've learned to living organically, frugally, and healthy!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-47731080660545207342011-04-22T09:33:00.005-05:002011-04-22T10:09:30.786-05:00Spring..In Videos & PicturesRemember back in January, my solemn oath to blog more...I think we can see how well that has panned out. But life has been ever so busy around these parts & I am trying. I've made notes in journals & notebooks of things to blog about or what needs photographed because it was a good recipe or craft. Teaching full time, managing the household & every day life has just caused the lack of time to sit in front of my computer and blog. <br /><br />So maybe it will be easier to describe, through pictures and a video or two, what we have been up to. I'm also hoping that with this three day weekend, I can post some of the fun crafts Miss Mia & I have been up to because they really are cute!<br /><br />First picture- Our entire household participated in some way in the Houston Rodeo & Cook-off. Hubby's work sponsored one of the cook-off tents, which gave us & 2 of our besties free tickets, free food & free beverages & free tickets to the rides. It was so much fun! We tried fried oreos, which although lethal are heaven sent! We also took Miss Mia & her cute cowgirl self to the rodeo, stock show & petting zoo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9fhMiYTFPnx5u_ADquxeE7og4kf6_b_QRSBK6HmHMD_9qZr5Mz2lpznw_r7r8BghsS3nHIPf2ooE1Sp53P9nfUVqjIaeGcHldnnXptWa5hOnZJiG4mGalw1A_v1bTL1hWFwZX4jcLSXl/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9fhMiYTFPnx5u_ADquxeE7og4kf6_b_QRSBK6HmHMD_9qZr5Mz2lpznw_r7r8BghsS3nHIPf2ooE1Sp53P9nfUVqjIaeGcHldnnXptWa5hOnZJiG4mGalw1A_v1bTL1hWFwZX4jcLSXl/s320/IMG_0971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598416592188105394" border="0" /></a>Just loved this picture of my little cowgirl in boots, hat & plaid Ralph Lauren dress (that her Mommy scored for $5!) & a book about animals. We used the book as a sort of I spy game for the petting zoo. <br /><br />Second picture- In March, when I was on Spring Break, Miss Mia & I loaded up the Jeep and headed to West Texas for a few days with Nana & Pawpaw. Pawpaw has recently acquired about 10 new horses & after the rodeo, Miss Mia is all about them! So we took her out to the pastures to feed them apples, oats and carrots.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCOyRPmtJFSqmkPPiptbf1lQ_XHT84XJLd5SgIiiCUs8UNFoORaEV4BICXPmOTp0P75xheKPfkEuGPDrt4Hf1Kujjv0Ci0WcG2P4rNZkmuJeOKIPfXVHzn1KQq-u39s-bfaPZI03XEBvQ/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCOyRPmtJFSqmkPPiptbf1lQ_XHT84XJLd5SgIiiCUs8UNFoORaEV4BICXPmOTp0P75xheKPfkEuGPDrt4Hf1Kujjv0Ci0WcG2P4rNZkmuJeOKIPfXVHzn1KQq-u39s-bfaPZI03XEBvQ/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598416958609566658" border="0" /></a>Here is our little horse feeder on the back of my Grandad's pick up truck. I need to peruse the archives because somewhere is a picture soo similar of me about the same age on the back of the same truck! It is scary how much can can look like my younger self sometimes. <br /><br /><br />In April, we took a family camping trip to Lake Somerville. Miss Mia spent the night in Granma & Granpa's trailer. Hubby & I camped in the tent fairly old school, but with air mattresses. (I'm only going to go so far!) It was a good weekend for camping. The nights were cool & we swam and took the canoe out in the lake. Very fun but tiring weekend. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9fhMiYTFPnx5u_ADquxeE7og4kf6_b_QRSBK6HmHMD_9qZr5Mz2lpznw_r7r8BghsS3nHIPf2ooE1Sp53P9nfUVqjIaeGcHldnnXptWa5hOnZJiG4mGalw1A_v1bTL1hWFwZX4jcLSXl/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6PHaHK_Rn214a577-OOVjtjwxccOVAqjkXYQAl9F3fv0WRMyjE6BeGxdUQNG-cmaknEb8_BSCLZmbm7-QSBMMaWdekkZtvJwdtU4XYmuIAIfZM6Irj3i8t3zbZ4Hi0C4M6vI89H5a_37/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6PHaHK_Rn214a577-OOVjtjwxccOVAqjkXYQAl9F3fv0WRMyjE6BeGxdUQNG-cmaknEb8_BSCLZmbm7-QSBMMaWdekkZtvJwdtU4XYmuIAIfZM6Irj3i8t3zbZ4Hi0C4M6vI89H5a_37/s320/IMG_1043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598417280956793218" border="0" /></a>As for the promised video, for Valentine's day, Hubby came home with mint chocolates. Which would have been good enough..but then he whipped out 2 tickets to one of my FAVORITE singers! My love for all things British runneth over into musical acts. I discovered Bobby Long over a year ago through friends and a recommendation in an article of a singer I already liked. Bobby came to Houston last September, but we were out of town for the show, thus I had to go this time. Hubby took me early, we went to my favorite restaurant Downtown & then headed off to the concert. At the concert, my ever chatty self befriended Bobby's merchandise guy and learned that Bobby would be staying around after the concert. He put on a wonderful show & then, just like the merch man promised, we got to meet Bobby. He signed by album (yeah, I bought the vinyl like an old-school nerd!) and took pictures and talked with us. <br /><br />So for those of you who haven't heard of Bobby Long, let me help you out with one of my favorites:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x6n5pvUUIr4" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-80815717607987220282011-01-10T16:08:00.003-06:002011-01-10T16:20:07.369-06:00Crafting Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQhIU_Y4LpIsDXrUFUCAKlZM1pZu0AaG30p35oH1MsoanjQ1faxufqf6NT9qIrsMEJFzQFUMuZe3ZXDmc9YufAZw7j3RMtXFiiFdhyphenhyphenm-j-s9-i0iM5V8XXNWUBXDgf1PEe2Hvjs2I2OdL/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQhIU_Y4LpIsDXrUFUCAKlZM1pZu0AaG30p35oH1MsoanjQ1faxufqf6NT9qIrsMEJFzQFUMuZe3ZXDmc9YufAZw7j3RMtXFiiFdhyphenhyphenm-j-s9-i0iM5V8XXNWUBXDgf1PEe2Hvjs2I2OdL/s320/IMG_0900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560682876173197442" border="0" /></a>A small update on the progress of my first craft project of the year. Here are the postcards that I have chosen to use for the vintage postcard calender that I have previously written about. These postcards are from my collection that has accumulated over the past few years. My favorites are the postcards that were sent to members of my family. The postcards from Washington DC and Egypt were sent to my great-great aunt Catherine from an aspiring suitor! Oh the scandal! In case you are wondering, she never married him. In fact she never married. But he sent her lovely postcards from his travels and always ended with, "I see your face in every flower and moonbeam!" Pretty heavy stuff for 1927. The other postcards are to various people that I have no relation to but found in antique stores across the country. A strong coincidence is that two of the cards (from Venice) are sent to the same lady within a month of each other to a lady in Roby, Texas. For those of you who aren't familiar with the thriving metropolis of Roby, its a small town of less than 1500 in West Texas. I bought one of the Venetian postcards to the Robyite in Lubbock and another in Holland, Michigan! Isn't that weird? Not sure how the one ended up in Michigan. <br /><br />Now that I have selected the postcards, I need to buy my index cards and date stamp, stamp the dates on the cards, and then arrange in a chosen basket. I am very excited to see how it all turns out.Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-60377293398084277142011-01-05T13:20:00.012-06:002011-01-05T14:40:59.602-06:00Year of CraftsA few days ago, I wrote that one of my resolutions was to make more handmade in the following year. As I was surfing the blogworld, I found a few women who broke down their resolutions into monthly increments. I thought this was such a great idea, especially when making things. So here is my breakdown of things to make in 2011:<br /><br />January- <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/12/diy-project-vintage-postcard-calendar-journal.html">Vintage Postcard Calender</a>- such a great idea & so easy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QJXxK-qTJyZt5XdKHliWU6TU_huq-bendQqUXxfy0pfIppWDjFvkS5Scnb9W2aIl9WzSXwK6mGbllszrJb2GdGow5aC9HDDKiVRLFHxLiBvKpz9INVdVzEXEV4g_8R17pDKbg2KuewEu/s1600/calendarjournal-08.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QJXxK-qTJyZt5XdKHliWU6TU_huq-bendQqUXxfy0pfIppWDjFvkS5Scnb9W2aIl9WzSXwK6mGbllszrJb2GdGow5aC9HDDKiVRLFHxLiBvKpz9INVdVzEXEV4g_8R17pDKbg2KuewEu/s320/calendarjournal-08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558786695801555570" border="0" /></a>February- <a href="http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/yeah-i-copied-t.html">Camera Strap</a>- my camera strap is in serious need of love. Hubby has requested that I not make the fabric too girly, as he takes lots of pictures with the camera too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjINWl91pJCQVWim3q8wObY-axMx4ck35ipVh0F7UlTpiswa-MF56WOojskgpj5EJSBAiYePtg-WO5uUIIoekef_XTrwykoZiTK0rAsy86hyNQ-0I-SSQgClqhyUVaFgJUa8jv9zZKoQf5/s1600/camera+strap.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjINWl91pJCQVWim3q8wObY-axMx4ck35ipVh0F7UlTpiswa-MF56WOojskgpj5EJSBAiYePtg-WO5uUIIoekef_XTrwykoZiTK0rAsy86hyNQ-0I-SSQgClqhyUVaFgJUa8jv9zZKoQf5/s320/camera+strap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558788492975796386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />March- <a href="http://chikaustin.com/tag/sewing-machine-cover/">Cover for my sewing Machine-</a> My poor little machine needs a cover so badly. I love how Jade over at <a href="http://chikaustin.com/">Chikaustin</a> made this cover with vintage pillow cases & other fabric.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwbvx6995Sliau5-mbiWNDVLzq3ma87Mf7B0-lmldCCAH1ecKbi8NklokPtpwLmauikeEGeVwL4VDqTm0tlh9MEhhSxBSrOi-Pwp49pj_Q1I5vytsu4_lTPPKAfdP9Hh2lG_Kkii2okIM/s1600/sewing+machine+cover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwbvx6995Sliau5-mbiWNDVLzq3ma87Mf7B0-lmldCCAH1ecKbi8NklokPtpwLmauikeEGeVwL4VDqTm0tlh9MEhhSxBSrOi-Pwp49pj_Q1I5vytsu4_lTPPKAfdP9Hh2lG_Kkii2okIM/s320/sewing+machine+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558790060528809234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />April- Make homemade roast chicken. I have always wanted to roast a chicken and create my own stock. I will do this! Plus, Nigella (oh, yeah we are so on a first name basis) has the best recipe!<br /><br />May-Entryway- Our entry way needs some TLC. All we have in it at the moment is an old church mirror. I am looking at antique stores and thrift stores for an old metal R...I have plans!<br /><br />June- Miss Mia's wall art- Miss Mia's big girl room has been in owls. With the new house, she has extra wall space and needs a big statement piece. I have a large canvas that I got for 75% off at Micheal's. I've been talking to Hubby and I have an idea for what I think I would want. Picture a big owl in corresponding room colors with Miss Mia's name on the bottom. This project will take help from the Hubby who is MUCH more artistic than I am. He has already sketched it out and it will be beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QyjDVX_OESiJKeKr3w6-J4E3A0nBXDRkN01qeZyv7zHoRmZFm9GgEkBHX-MQToRU4a6plXlIKT9hUgCcL9cPHUI5IzF5gyIzTEJw3I7UbeNCN94LfhwTq76Hdhpdt3horptYAQjBf1nH/s1600/Vintage_Owl_10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QyjDVX_OESiJKeKr3w6-J4E3A0nBXDRkN01qeZyv7zHoRmZFm9GgEkBHX-MQToRU4a6plXlIKT9hUgCcL9cPHUI5IzF5gyIzTEJw3I7UbeNCN94LfhwTq76Hdhpdt3horptYAQjBf1nH/s320/Vintage_Owl_10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558794155247723986" border="0" /></a><br />July-Homemade pesto- with the summer comes the herb garden and so much basil! I have wanted to make homemade pesto for years. Every summer I say that I am going to make it and then usually get some from a friend. This year, I am going to make my own, and freeze extra to have in the winter months!<br /><br />August-<a href="http://www.craftbits.com/project/sock-monkey">Sock monkey</a>- I have seen these everywhere & really want to make one. We have quite a few friends expecting kids in early August & I think a sock monkey is a great gift idea!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGRjzMealltiqR8q115lUKX_bk497FiY-n1kmyO6kuJfrCfpg0B367nU5mi_DDuoPg7WswlSads3i7e-F6f8NxAaVIOMu9TuDjz9LuksYcDDtfmjigszUQ6UOXNaPHKd3Spj-mIJ7MaPe/s1600/sockmonkey.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGRjzMealltiqR8q115lUKX_bk497FiY-n1kmyO6kuJfrCfpg0B367nU5mi_DDuoPg7WswlSads3i7e-F6f8NxAaVIOMu9TuDjz9LuksYcDDtfmjigszUQ6UOXNaPHKd3Spj-mIJ7MaPe/s320/sockmonkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558792172411909586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />September- Craft Space- Right now all of my craft supplies are in big boxes in my closet. It is quite the challenge to get everything out when I need to hem something or make a quilt baby blanket for one of Miss Mia's "babies." I'm not sure where this is going to happen but I have some ideas. Love these ideas that could just be somewhere in a corner!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtniN2NNKfh-riS30SV7lrrKSaF8cQW-n4v-ItmPu9-ZJYeP1ZY-BcsQ3bqAs6h9pHhBRYFyLmDc7byj9nRXN6pjrv3jYBiCm8b-6StxM-aKFAxbhV65MPO3liZ0rw_2FyhfVRHXgv8p1d/s1600/craft+space.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtniN2NNKfh-riS30SV7lrrKSaF8cQW-n4v-ItmPu9-ZJYeP1ZY-BcsQ3bqAs6h9pHhBRYFyLmDc7byj9nRXN6pjrv3jYBiCm8b-6StxM-aKFAxbhV65MPO3liZ0rw_2FyhfVRHXgv8p1d/s320/craft+space.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558803672248611426" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoOci-GuDzFtTd5ZFfApwPQoJ5UTfvbBhVeYDE0suieW9wVafM8twtoFpIIkl5JcUvIS7gxXMVJ7jDcbkdsqzbhvbxoTob7PJ9wGjLwpezk2RQgwIXKjXMbIINwsSUOW6Wz3B9khVm7Ry/s1600/craft-room.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoOci-GuDzFtTd5ZFfApwPQoJ5UTfvbBhVeYDE0suieW9wVafM8twtoFpIIkl5JcUvIS7gxXMVJ7jDcbkdsqzbhvbxoTob7PJ9wGjLwpezk2RQgwIXKjXMbIINwsSUOW6Wz3B9khVm7Ry/s320/craft-room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558804204930105474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />October- T-shirt quilt- This is of my father-in-law holding his Christmas quilt from his mother. He is Michigan State grad and she made him this t-shirt quilt for Christmas. (Word has it, our family is in for a Texas Tech version! woo hoo!) I have seen these before and loved the idea, especially for the special shirts that I don't wear anymore, like those from high school. I graduated from a small school where everyone participated in virtually everything. I have state cross-country shirts and basketball playoff shirts that are sitting in boxes in my parents house. My brother is the same. So I've been working with my mom to get big brothers football and basketball shirts from his golden days and turn them into a scrapbook quilt. Very excited! Mom is also excited, in that I have 5 boxes of shirts as does big brother...that is 10 boxes folks that are cluttering up her closet!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dBoQc9H5hXMM9e2tjX-_Mvj92aS0TJYlv1t187YUVQa2mBeTnuJLzrGeD6mFCzigZRR19lIlhCjICurWYTkP_elWWArDkPWp4Ar6DKQrITVTBwwESHJPZ9QSTipSoi4yjMQJFtu50xIh/s1600/msu+quilt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dBoQc9H5hXMM9e2tjX-_Mvj92aS0TJYlv1t187YUVQa2mBeTnuJLzrGeD6mFCzigZRR19lIlhCjICurWYTkP_elWWArDkPWp4Ar6DKQrITVTBwwESHJPZ9QSTipSoi4yjMQJFtu50xIh/s320/msu+quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558792946862704530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />November- <a href="http://www.yvestown.com/archive/2009/11/how-to-crochet-a-blanket-part-1.html">Crocheted Blanket</a>- this blanket is destined for Miss Mia's 4th birthday! Its a tiny bit ambitious b/c there is a tiny flaw- I don't know how to crochet! Oops...But I bought some DIY books at Half Priced Books and have a tutor. The idea is to make the basic design & add extra white around the edge every year. Very excited to get started.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsi3-9xsF6rP0HaUPMLtaEig4DkB7qWCHmeWQRJjU4cOWUK6fY8081Y8sYk5pkytppfVmLhLor82108PkOGysHxrooFvDX0UOaLOMEj9TZrPvVZOV_y5FnXOph3kEDpcaJ9DtNSASYVIbo/s1600/crochet_blanket04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsi3-9xsF6rP0HaUPMLtaEig4DkB7qWCHmeWQRJjU4cOWUK6fY8081Y8sYk5pkytppfVmLhLor82108PkOGysHxrooFvDX0UOaLOMEj9TZrPvVZOV_y5FnXOph3kEDpcaJ9DtNSASYVIbo/s320/crochet_blanket04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558791548295848130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />December- Christmas stockings for the family- I have a stash of vintage pillowcases and fabric that have a holiday flare. I have yet to use them but think that I want to make Christmas stockings for the family. The past few Christmases we have had some fairly generic store bought stockings that matched our tree skirt. We changed out the skirt this year and the stockings need to follow!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf7lCbHKQIzQesYwNswlBW_ZrOPGYIWb8DpI0sNemzi1PSPKSouA2a_YImnyrmpkoAtafGZC-XJkIc9FzS9bNkZYUuNdDAuWfdjEP9Jm0nfh1znnTQBuJmTBVeubn5PUFVep_XGcbYDMK/s1600/VintageStockingCream2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf7lCbHKQIzQesYwNswlBW_ZrOPGYIWb8DpI0sNemzi1PSPKSouA2a_YImnyrmpkoAtafGZC-XJkIc9FzS9bNkZYUuNdDAuWfdjEP9Jm0nfh1znnTQBuJmTBVeubn5PUFVep_XGcbYDMK/s320/VintageStockingCream2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558795219471769282" border="0" /></a>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-34574653521798139512011-01-03T14:46:00.005-06:002011-01-05T14:45:50.460-06:00SnatcherSince I was young, my parents have called me their "little snatcher." With only one sibling, eight years older than myself, in many ways I was like an only child. I was and am physically similar to my mother, except a MUCH taller version. My personality, however, is the spitting image of my father. Fairly short fused, very sarcastic, somewhat quick witted, and in love with all things old and historical. Some of my earliest memories are going to antique shops when I was 4 or 5 and helping my parents look for treasures. These treasures included old books, old toys from their childhood and various odds and ends. When I got into junior high and high school, my room was adorned with pictures of my parents, grandparents and great grandparents as children and young adults along with other favorite antiques. My friends always thought it was funny that I would have antiques and old history books next to posters of my favorite athletes or other more current teen-age pursuits.<br /><br />My earliest antiques were usually those that I found throughout our house. Maybe Mom & Dad didn't really need that box on the coffee table. It was obviously better destined for my room and on the top of my antique trunk.<br /><br />Here I am years later, and I am still "snatching" from my parents. Over Thanksgiving, I snatched a few new items for my bookshelf at home from my parents room. In my defense, they didn't even notice it was gone until I fessed up! So, what did I take? I took my Grandad's old camera. I wanted it for several reasons.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZRgR-vPwvcuPxFwRpG-cFU5WH0FrIOMAyzXuYGG22wshDtjLwV4MjP3hjaTKqM2b9lEAfQTif9nE_Xc6JRqfLlqkGR7E456yfpxpi4yjD7gSyjmeiujOv7yjhKIZgC7kVpkFZbafijLC/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZRgR-vPwvcuPxFwRpG-cFU5WH0FrIOMAyzXuYGG22wshDtjLwV4MjP3hjaTKqM2b9lEAfQTif9nE_Xc6JRqfLlqkGR7E456yfpxpi4yjD7gSyjmeiujOv7yjhKIZgC7kVpkFZbafijLC/s320/IMG_0721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558805564864267362" border="0" /></a><br />One being, its a beautiful peace, good conversation starter, etc. Two, it belonged to my Grandad when he was young. It was the camera that he used on his honeymoon with my Grandmommie. Thirdly, I played with this camera all growing up. It was the camera we played with as kids when we visited the grandparents farm. Its my new favorite thing to have in my house and on our bookshelf.<br /><br />Happy snatching!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-35440809286227992282011-01-01T22:47:00.001-06:002011-01-01T22:52:45.926-06:00Miss Mia 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw7tOcepQdmPUXGwpJT1DBHhPzyo7m2GESxpDCr-XSOZFufbyy6x5Te9RwlZKMWYAvwWwjhZPhp-lwBulkkxmfXMJ1ooLegbvmsv87jdCAwKKIWczbUERcwODgV_49uEyAGUqqC7vxUwe/s1600/mia2010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw7tOcepQdmPUXGwpJT1DBHhPzyo7m2GESxpDCr-XSOZFufbyy6x5Te9RwlZKMWYAvwWwjhZPhp-lwBulkkxmfXMJ1ooLegbvmsv87jdCAwKKIWczbUERcwODgV_49uEyAGUqqC7vxUwe/s320/mia2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557446597154424994" border="0" /></a>A look back at our sweet Miss Mia throughout 2010...from Norman, Ok to Houston, Texas and everywhere in between, she has been the best trooper. No matter where she lived, she rolled with the punches, changed schools, gained new friends, changed churches, and came out of living with Nana for 2 weeks with minimal spoilage! ha!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-89505094348878645772011-01-01T21:56:00.004-06:002011-01-01T22:19:04.721-06:00Happy New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Rii2O0cDSQbFGr1PIxOyoec1QNq-fMVEm9ZCbQDWhyI3sXEbzdj82IzR7kgU-2QcE11UvQwU2qD48lAw2PwsieXeFJTeGjIUbJqRG__vpYEw7gL4rBJG5w2i-C63JZD_3DompsTx2B7/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG"><br /></a><br />Happy New Year! Is it just me or did 2010 only comprised of 4 months? This year flew by but in some ways January 2010 seems so long ago. 2010 rocked our family. For the controlling, type A girl that I am, it was quite the learning experience. We lived in 5 different places this year, both changed jobs, changed states--lots of changes. If someone would have told me last January that in one years time, I would be writing from Houston, I would have laughed and told them they were crazy. Living in Houston was always one of my "I'll nevers!" (I.e..The good Lord likes to mess with this type-A girl who has said, "I'll never live in Houston!" Look where I live..For the record I also said "I'll never get married or have kids before I'm 30." Reality, I was married at 20 and had Miss Mia at 24.) One of my resolutions is to stop saying, "I'll never," because I think God is messing with me. ha!<br /><br />My little, Houston based family spent our New Years Eve together. The in-laws watched Miss Mia most of the day so we could help Hubby's sister install hardware on her kitchen cabinets. Then Hubby & I had a little date to the movies. Then we all came back and stayed up to watch the ball drop and be silly with the late hour.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Rii2O0cDSQbFGr1PIxOyoec1QNq-fMVEm9ZCbQDWhyI3sXEbzdj82IzR7kgU-2QcE11UvQwU2qD48lAw2PwsieXeFJTeGjIUbJqRG__vpYEw7gL4rBJG5w2i-C63JZD_3DompsTx2B7/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Rii2O0cDSQbFGr1PIxOyoec1QNq-fMVEm9ZCbQDWhyI3sXEbzdj82IzR7kgU-2QcE11UvQwU2qD48lAw2PwsieXeFJTeGjIUbJqRG__vpYEw7gL4rBJG5w2i-C63JZD_3DompsTx2B7/s320/IMG_0858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557435045656412482" border="0" /></a>Today we spent the day again with the in-laws. For lunch we made a sausage and shrimp boil that was beyond fabulous. One of the best parts of living in Houston (yes, I said there are good parts) is fresh seafood and Chapel Hill, Texas sausage!<br /><br />As for resolutions, which I love making, and kept 3 out of 4 this past year, I have narrowed them down to the following:<br />1) Make more handmade instead of buying. One of the things we tried to do this past year was make most of our gifts and it was so great. I'm already making my brother's Christmas gift for next year.<br />2) Finish my book- deadline is this summer, and I have book promotions in April..lots to do<br />3) Build and strengthen new relationships. With moving to a new city where I knew no one but my in-laws, I am so thankful that we have found a great church with amazing people. We have already made some great friendships, but I am hoping they will grow even more this year!<br /><br />I also love that some people pick a word for the year and I’m thinking I will go this route too. My word for 2011 is Transform. I am in a new stage in life with many new projects in the year and I hope that I can take on these tasks. (Also helps that I just finished an amazing Bible study called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed.) <br /><br />While 2010 was the year that I learned the most about myself and what my little family is made of, I am hoping that 2011 will be a bit more gentle! Happy New Year!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-38526055904500350672010-12-30T20:16:00.003-06:002010-12-30T20:24:27.169-06:00Merry ChristmasWishing that you all had/are having a wonderful Holiday season and a wonderful new year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1jCxN1MCa_6urf5DTA1Pl6h0obzUJI297gq7okZaAZliB8dB9EbFG81Sdzaiacb3gTkyk26lA6urBKbZU2PLiRC-szvBAPCkJd0clHHQEpFBbDXCTwC2zzn3Y3oWIUU25qxngAH9Pn1e/s1600/paris+christmas.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1jCxN1MCa_6urf5DTA1Pl6h0obzUJI297gq7okZaAZliB8dB9EbFG81Sdzaiacb3gTkyk26lA6urBKbZU2PLiRC-szvBAPCkJd0clHHQEpFBbDXCTwC2zzn3Y3oWIUU25qxngAH9Pn1e/s320/paris+christmas.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556664579323394098" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0FYkBs2Gmob-vb3Cu7GTvd7n656j2z5WRwOfwb6YzvlnGZJFedk1LiI5y5eNnVJ2LFxpY4B3stpesFTIq1faMuKigq5CvV5mGuzCCnVo_67ErIVjBluMwvmKxkb1P8kdgabeUfzJY3ot/s1600/mia+xmas2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0FYkBs2Gmob-vb3Cu7GTvd7n656j2z5WRwOfwb6YzvlnGZJFedk1LiI5y5eNnVJ2LFxpY4B3stpesFTIq1faMuKigq5CvV5mGuzCCnVo_67ErIVjBluMwvmKxkb1P8kdgabeUfzJY3ot/s320/mia+xmas2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556665633625089762" border="0" /></a>2010 held some serious kicks and surprises for our family but they all worked out for the best. here is hoping for a less stressful 2011 but filled with family and lots of laughter!<br /><br />PS- Kudos to Hubby for updating the look of the blog. I told him that if I am to blog more in the new year that I must have a new backdrop. I love what he came up with!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-2820930926125629512010-11-11T11:05:00.003-06:002010-11-11T11:10:15.568-06:00Cheap Christmas Gifts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiJ0pPOh2IkrHFYDKFJNmFwoGnRgh7k6Tt1uARAsbhH-DQSgyYRNMaCvnzRxDHF13I6Ma2B3iANta7yUgIeb6vFi-DMuTB2IDY3L_4VAltAyjZ6NnU6B2ggsQ3j7uZgwqBURXRHlm2XRm/s1600/pillow+pals.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiJ0pPOh2IkrHFYDKFJNmFwoGnRgh7k6Tt1uARAsbhH-DQSgyYRNMaCvnzRxDHF13I6Ma2B3iANta7yUgIeb6vFi-DMuTB2IDY3L_4VAltAyjZ6NnU6B2ggsQ3j7uZgwqBURXRHlm2XRm/s320/pillow+pals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538340369442281826" border="0" /></a><br />Today on Daily Steals you can get the Extra Large Pillow Pets for only $6.99! These are usually $20-$40! Miss Mia has been begging for the lady bug pillow. Now that these are on sale, she will find one under the Christmas tree! <p>Shipping is $4.95, but that is still 1/2 of what they are in the store! Go <a href="http://www.dailysteals.com/Default.aspx">HERE</a> to take a look!<br /></p>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-78211389348460503962010-10-18T10:53:00.003-05:002010-10-18T11:06:24.483-05:00I Heart SwagbucksYou all know that I love a frugal find. I have heard about Swagbucks for a long time and finally decided to join. In two weeks, I have earned over $15 in various gift cards. Even better is that using it is really simple. You earn "swagbucks" through searches (like you would use on google), finding codes, referring friends, no obligation surveys. I am totally hooked. So I am using my gift cards to buy birthday and Christmas presents for the family. Today I bought Miss Mia a present on amazon. It was originally $12, then I used $10 of my gift cards, a my free Amazon Prime for no shipping or taxes and paid $2! Soon she will have her new Melissa & Doug set & it only cost me $2!! Pretty great right? <br /><br />If you would like to join, click here:<br /><br /><a target="_top" href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/tickledpinkhousewife"><img alt="Search & Win" title="Search & Win" border="0" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-468x60.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a target="_top" href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/tickledpinkhousewife"><br /></a>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-7431001353128467512010-09-30T11:38:00.005-05:002010-09-30T11:52:51.654-05:00A Funny Thing Happened At WalmartMiss Mia & I were doing a little shopping at Wal-mart Tuesday afternoon. Now, I am not a frequent Wal-mart shopper but I needed a bizarre mix of things. Thus to save us time, I swallowed my pride, and made the trek. We ended up in the kitchen section and Miss Mia spied the Paula Deen cookware. At the top of her little lungs, she began to shout, "Look! My Nana! There's my Nana!" Of course being my daughter, most of the store heard her. A few people looked and smiled. Finally one lady, who had been staring at us for a bit, came up to us. She looked really shy and said, "I am the biggest fan of Paula's. We TiVo all her shows and have all her books. Could I get your autograph?"!! She was almost shaking from nerves that I couldn't laugh at her. I told her I was so sorry but Paula only has two sons and I am not married to either. My daughter is just under the impression that my mother and Paula are one in the same. She laughed and was very sweet about it. We called "our" Nana all about her almost celebrity! = )<br /><br />So what do you think? Separated at birth?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3m9YLbPvt6BVTP55ubJnxVxHwpIqbvrK6nm4dcC1bk8qeQ8C0IcvICKz1HoBZ9HS2-RL9w-oDGRJbAj_wREXcNlm89RWsXoGUHhDhMKnaeGR3CwRIleL23PMa4hoO7oarLyqOt6_Vs-K/s1600/mom&dad.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3m9YLbPvt6BVTP55ubJnxVxHwpIqbvrK6nm4dcC1bk8qeQ8C0IcvICKz1HoBZ9HS2-RL9w-oDGRJbAj_wREXcNlm89RWsXoGUHhDhMKnaeGR3CwRIleL23PMa4hoO7oarLyqOt6_Vs-K/s320/mom&dad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522748813892382034" border="0" /></a> Nana...aka Not Paula Deen<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbkyDMcnVOFjcmII3M8empmjJXQCSg5VMiu4YiSVynGpK65VO_CIu-anN4qtscmvewxgkK26ZM90wAcMk7L8gdBL2NN0XXqxlxVlB0AKWj96Rvu9PAZj5wXU6X3tapbUcDF7bYHL-Als3/s1600/paula+deen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbkyDMcnVOFjcmII3M8empmjJXQCSg5VMiu4YiSVynGpK65VO_CIu-anN4qtscmvewxgkK26ZM90wAcMk7L8gdBL2NN0XXqxlxVlB0AKWj96Rvu9PAZj5wXU6X3tapbUcDF7bYHL-Als3/s320/paula+deen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522750124343867794" border="0" /></a>The "Real" Paula Deen<br /><br /></div> If only you could her them both speak! Then you would see how Miss Mia could get confused..and watch them both cook..Yumm-O!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-70090376932301894922010-09-27T17:17:00.017-05:002010-09-27T17:58:09.266-05:00Welcome Back....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Leb_onMhCDoPAQIs_P3w5PvZU874s_BU3TH8lljptVpGCCQp6P2rcmg1UAOEh2LpubLpHxTKyL5TBWJ10QtlBKXR5HI_YjH7gHN7mnLg4j4FHsUs91SJ7ZgM2TEE1JkD9OU-9QwrLSgk/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Leb_onMhCDoPAQIs_P3w5PvZU874s_BU3TH8lljptVpGCCQp6P2rcmg1UAOEh2LpubLpHxTKyL5TBWJ10QtlBKXR5HI_YjH7gHN7mnLg4j4FHsUs91SJ7ZgM2TEE1JkD9OU-9QwrLSgk/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521727187513388258" border="0" /></a>Welcome back to our NEW Red Raider Home located in Houston, Texas. Our little family has been through much in the last 3 months. We lived apart for a month while I completed a fellowship I won through June. We all rendezvoused at my in-laws house the first of July and lived with them until our house was ready. Last Friday we finally got to move in!! We are basking in the large open spaces and having our own area again. I am basking in cooking again after living in either a hotel or someone's house for over 2 months! Miss Mia is so excited to have her toys back, she is beyond control. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNSLjMvoiauqi7jKV79RM_wgvMOQwpF9JLnS5xMVShmvRNo_OE8EMwrsbPKPgPAdM7Bao73OUGEGvsmS6D-u9Ln_ibmGZgYxOiVjIbYcICvfUX3uqP_dQ9G_ujfFOvxDEMRjzHo0G6pMb/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNSLjMvoiauqi7jKV79RM_wgvMOQwpF9JLnS5xMVShmvRNo_OE8EMwrsbPKPgPAdM7Bao73OUGEGvsmS6D-u9Ln_ibmGZgYxOiVjIbYcICvfUX3uqP_dQ9G_ujfFOvxDEMRjzHo0G6pMb/s320/IMG_0236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521723278725676130" border="0" /></a>So welcome to our house. Complete with Bentley and Miss Mia playing and watching Toy Story 2!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmYYraQRqInAZkUyqdP3KEkUyINWhDzyf3I7sHa0Imd7dPbDfBc0NKolmfigz2RPP_AS92Ujc1Uq1TWyo-OjEu_mXBn4iM5aZLVeN_mO_e89g2xNM8K_u4ZIsU_DLVr5UFV9UM2Mp4ngH/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmYYraQRqInAZkUyqdP3KEkUyINWhDzyf3I7sHa0Imd7dPbDfBc0NKolmfigz2RPP_AS92Ujc1Uq1TWyo-OjEu_mXBn4iM5aZLVeN_mO_e89g2xNM8K_u4ZIsU_DLVr5UFV9UM2Mp4ngH/s320/IMG_0246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521725917585384578" border="0" /></a><br />View from the living room/dining room into the kitchen and entry way.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa5GkegT-flhCadicXw2wrkQmafBXUObdFpTDfxWcklvY2uNxUYq4yxR3fmetjicmIEYXjiQu4ja0CIAvB8YlqsTo2X2yhHXPu9QcR6CFoqUXM1hgJTA-XRwssZjy39cc6lsvsqrmk8Vo/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa5GkegT-flhCadicXw2wrkQmafBXUObdFpTDfxWcklvY2uNxUYq4yxR3fmetjicmIEYXjiQu4ja0CIAvB8YlqsTo2X2yhHXPu9QcR6CFoqUXM1hgJTA-XRwssZjy39cc6lsvsqrmk8Vo/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521726224537497954" border="0" /></a>I love this house's kitchen. The house was built 5 years ago but all the appliances are 1-2 years old because the sweet lady who lived her before us hated all things that weren't Kenmore. Thus, we have all new appliances. The fridge is three weeks old!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuyvD1L__1payMRhgnrkdrYNGtRPSgmSsNicU2-__fle6RWiHOlYe5D2ZSVqhpEORrgpF6tzfzvxFKdtjzh5aQem8w2Me6WhzaAxY-MNVAw7EUtcPoITwfyfUGjXPuG5-FaPfTQnjhL_x/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuyvD1L__1payMRhgnrkdrYNGtRPSgmSsNicU2-__fle6RWiHOlYe5D2ZSVqhpEORrgpF6tzfzvxFKdtjzh5aQem8w2Me6WhzaAxY-MNVAw7EUtcPoITwfyfUGjXPuG5-FaPfTQnjhL_x/s320/IMG_0252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521726909229593762" border="0" /></a>View out of the kitchen...and of the best pantry ever. I'll post about it later. Seriously, I have waited so many years for this pantry and kitchen. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCjVhm7uHKUI1zx8vAA0q87npyiTrX64ohvihGKgQ6OPjdJt9BQDt5lEILmxRzh7WiZBu1wEhSvy8y_dN6S8jYLgBlrM-ykmQy_onUGtzF5oOmT3cY2HqToGjmt98tl7FdM5uYXdObsVK/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCjVhm7uHKUI1zx8vAA0q87npyiTrX64ohvihGKgQ6OPjdJt9BQDt5lEILmxRzh7WiZBu1wEhSvy8y_dN6S8jYLgBlrM-ykmQy_onUGtzF5oOmT3cY2HqToGjmt98tl7FdM5uYXdObsVK/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521726586155577666" border="0" /></a>Corner view of the kitchen with our green bookshelves. Oh, how I missed our stuff!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmYYraQRqInAZkUyqdP3KEkUyINWhDzyf3I7sHa0Imd7dPbDfBc0NKolmfigz2RPP_AS92Ujc1Uq1TWyo-OjEu_mXBn4iM5aZLVeN_mO_e89g2xNM8K_u4ZIsU_DLVr5UFV9UM2Mp4ngH/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhSzhUCrs2hBMKPUx4wp4xwlEJxU8UcSKWqNXshsoxRtpJV3PTlzq_6jSeH2Fgg2kvtqwALQc6JEP3KdZYxXbdiPf2k8cpSa6SoW8e7ix170ojDb1CIhTHGo8vv7RjQcIh6MNZlF1oNHP/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhSzhUCrs2hBMKPUx4wp4xwlEJxU8UcSKWqNXshsoxRtpJV3PTlzq_6jSeH2Fgg2kvtqwALQc6JEP3KdZYxXbdiPf2k8cpSa6SoW8e7ix170ojDb1CIhTHGo8vv7RjQcIh6MNZlF1oNHP/s320/IMG_0241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521725159090447954" border="0" /></a>Down the hall we go to Miss Mia's room with her new door sign made by a sweet lady I found on Etsy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMWxBPZGyR0ZXI3JGW_M9hwYv3o6vzZI1-IxbImTbQ9U5rrW5RgpTy-OI_u1RXcwIz11xcDXEyneOJTzTCxalxQTEkSJ4F-gOezRcpFIAKQ7l6IMi8prNTmHdM0SIjk8AWQcgHCQJLFGg/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMWxBPZGyR0ZXI3JGW_M9hwYv3o6vzZI1-IxbImTbQ9U5rrW5RgpTy-OI_u1RXcwIz11xcDXEyneOJTzTCxalxQTEkSJ4F-gOezRcpFIAKQ7l6IMi8prNTmHdM0SIjk8AWQcgHCQJLFGg/s320/IMG_0245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521725682429884290" border="0" /></a>Reading area, toy box...all our attempts to control the chaos<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5GJb-WkHVmei24B0iC1hG7jGXqAERg-dWU8n8o9dzkBUgdOSVtEDrmY4X1Y5njAU39VeeuVeDiOWUqYSedTyijH9dV3V_qBqZsZ99gdM1hkW08B4YVakl7UNTteBCciHJ0ejK97Kp402/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5GJb-WkHVmei24B0iC1hG7jGXqAERg-dWU8n8o9dzkBUgdOSVtEDrmY4X1Y5njAU39VeeuVeDiOWUqYSedTyijH9dV3V_qBqZsZ99gdM1hkW08B4YVakl7UNTteBCciHJ0ejK97Kp402/s320/IMG_0242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521725409810776242" border="0" /></a>Her most beloved bed and even more beloved kitchen and pea pod tent that has to be up at all times for her animals to go camping. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhSzhUCrs2hBMKPUx4wp4xwlEJxU8UcSKWqNXshsoxRtpJV3PTlzq_6jSeH2Fgg2kvtqwALQc6JEP3KdZYxXbdiPf2k8cpSa6SoW8e7ix170ojDb1CIhTHGo8vv7RjQcIh6MNZlF1oNHP/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFm1X2mpU6la_-1GLtk8LoATtz1e55oz8C2T8pv_FMTqBsTQePbH7lJvEhbwey1ZDyPPAyIS_-qZ5nB0p-ht3vv3_nA5qbsK9_5cNtf7-tPdgrvUXSM_bXIgB8Fu-XpOecs6xRJ6ceyL2/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFm1X2mpU6la_-1GLtk8LoATtz1e55oz8C2T8pv_FMTqBsTQePbH7lJvEhbwey1ZDyPPAyIS_-qZ5nB0p-ht3vv3_nA5qbsK9_5cNtf7-tPdgrvUXSM_bXIgB8Fu-XpOecs6xRJ6ceyL2/s320/IMG_0240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521724811206664210" border="0" /></a>Miss Mia's bathroom complete with picture of her and her Papaw feeding chickens!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOBeGJ5iCEi8gnBKvE57uwmYuIxlDZTfCPB3Ylso8dEurS2YaJZPlqZlEtIKJLiQO_4Zra6OUSi6t9XTtaIZo51dVxnYRHyNfNf_ON5j6_RL0SfogaMAR6SJRzKYb5F8hGsUhltfzRVW6/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOBeGJ5iCEi8gnBKvE57uwmYuIxlDZTfCPB3Ylso8dEurS2YaJZPlqZlEtIKJLiQO_4Zra6OUSi6t9XTtaIZo51dVxnYRHyNfNf_ON5j6_RL0SfogaMAR6SJRzKYb5F8hGsUhltfzRVW6/s320/IMG_0239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521723607302939506" border="0" /></a>Our utility closet. Hubby makes fun of me for decorating it. I loathe folding clothes, so if I can make the process better with some decorations (particularly the Shaq and Chipper Jones bobble-head dolls) then its just that much better. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs7F0EmwS9J-_qLreObUH86_tJIq-YXRzf9Gg2SCMgvdnVFmvG-OgSYmWe-aQNIMRyJYSvIL82GilKbI-xspH5MJiyzTLCiZeLc450QZ3KbyqFZM4KU2ZCXcJGPSBCZmWegk7NcZ2E2KW/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs7F0EmwS9J-_qLreObUH86_tJIq-YXRzf9Gg2SCMgvdnVFmvG-OgSYmWe-aQNIMRyJYSvIL82GilKbI-xspH5MJiyzTLCiZeLc450QZ3KbyqFZM4KU2ZCXcJGPSBCZmWegk7NcZ2E2KW/s320/IMG_0231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521721782167605074" border="0" /></a>Down the hall we go into the master bedroom...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSbhasUxhZDW4pUvdZtpdC-iy9y5XeJ2cttU-Dfcu4EzxgLl6rOg4rmnfQLT5dp79K1cNU9lvvuZUIV-7pTwdn_VS6gdLcBY3DHUe2RYN5a0onFnYZEh76yR9wEf63J2YnavP2UgGEFFw/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSbhasUxhZDW4pUvdZtpdC-iy9y5XeJ2cttU-Dfcu4EzxgLl6rOg4rmnfQLT5dp79K1cNU9lvvuZUIV-7pTwdn_VS6gdLcBY3DHUe2RYN5a0onFnYZEh76yR9wEf63J2YnavP2UgGEFFw/s320/IMG_0228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521721220434615730" border="0" /></a>My birthday was a few weeks ago and Hubby and my parents collaborated on all new bedding..including 800 thread count sheets!!! Hallelujah!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CDEiiogkKQcoo3Kp3a3gj-1s5EcDi89eK33muFfVWCWksRydZMLX5kaOdtM5umQblEx5p_EpbBumSkTD1QDftNq08U5qbb__HeR_JrN9LcssnaHDCqzmlTG29GnF_MqCSvZV7qbvz-9F/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CDEiiogkKQcoo3Kp3a3gj-1s5EcDi89eK33muFfVWCWksRydZMLX5kaOdtM5umQblEx5p_EpbBumSkTD1QDftNq08U5qbb__HeR_JrN9LcssnaHDCqzmlTG29GnF_MqCSvZV7qbvz-9F/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521721525667453490" border="0" /></a>Other view of the bedroom including doors to the HUGE closet and master bath...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eYUjue5R5PJrIIWjRLn4K2_hHszQ1neJCJKMmqfLwfF9PU-XW7tfLw6obeNrMO6ZF42BFx6FAoG9aH9Bo2f5tYJUL28Lsr9biFyMqvdVlIuKqW4frxgQRIjg3qI0orS7bmi6FPFgQexb/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eYUjue5R5PJrIIWjRLn4K2_hHszQ1neJCJKMmqfLwfF9PU-XW7tfLw6obeNrMO6ZF42BFx6FAoG9aH9Bo2f5tYJUL28Lsr9biFyMqvdVlIuKqW4frxgQRIjg3qI0orS7bmi6FPFgQexb/s320/IMG_0234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521722710246065170" border="0" /></a>Love this bathroom!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwVejyNODZWp30SV7s8Qx5CLUCW5uqW9AoSRD_L6O6oCmbIs9S0empJM-Rcyr7j2B80DmC9oBWqAFUkYbDNh2lzy6HBZyTI3lK2SXIN2SXu-_SVMuoZl5yqs3_BrdGiieHbEkaExdRph-/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwVejyNODZWp30SV7s8Qx5CLUCW5uqW9AoSRD_L6O6oCmbIs9S0empJM-Rcyr7j2B80DmC9oBWqAFUkYbDNh2lzy6HBZyTI3lK2SXIN2SXu-_SVMuoZl5yqs3_BrdGiieHbEkaExdRph-/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521722441064689362" border="0" /></a>Although you can barely tell from this picture, the thing I love most about this new house is the garden tub with jets! Judge me if you will but after a week of moving, sometime the only thing that gets me through the day is knowing that I have those jets at the end!<br /><br /><br />More to come...from the right side of the Red River!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs7F0EmwS9J-_qLreObUH86_tJIq-YXRzf9Gg2SCMgvdnVFmvG-OgSYmWe-aQNIMRyJYSvIL82GilKbI-xspH5MJiyzTLCiZeLc450QZ3KbyqFZM4KU2ZCXcJGPSBCZmWegk7NcZ2E2KW/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CDEiiogkKQcoo3Kp3a3gj-1s5EcDi89eK33muFfVWCWksRydZMLX5kaOdtM5umQblEx5p_EpbBumSkTD1QDftNq08U5qbb__HeR_JrN9LcssnaHDCqzmlTG29GnF_MqCSvZV7qbvz-9F/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSbhasUxhZDW4pUvdZtpdC-iy9y5XeJ2cttU-Dfcu4EzxgLl6rOg4rmnfQLT5dp79K1cNU9lvvuZUIV-7pTwdn_VS6gdLcBY3DHUe2RYN5a0onFnYZEh76yR9wEf63J2YnavP2UgGEFFw/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG"><br /></a>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-82772585478396716402010-04-08T10:04:00.005-05:002010-04-08T10:40:57.785-05:00Ch-ch-ch-changes!Oh, where do I begin? I think there are too many changes happening in our world to even begin. So here is a sort of "David Letterman style" top ten events/changes in our household:<br /><br />10) I finally joined the rest of civilization and watched the first Twilight movie. I was fully prepared to judge and of course it bit me on my backside and it was that horrible. (I promised my nephew that I would read the books with him. So I decided to watch the movie first, see what I was in for. I am really judging myself for not hating it more.) = )<br /><br />9) Our church is doing a garage sale as a fundraiser for their summer mission trip, and I have decided that it is my mission to personally donate most of our house! = ) Seriously, our garage is beyond full of items. How did we get this much stuff in only 6 years of marriage? Especially given the fact that when we got married, all Hubby brought was his clothes and literally 2 small paper boxes of miscellaneous stuff.<br /><br />8) The class I TA for have their research papers due this week. You cannot imagine the belly-aching that a 10 page paper can cause. I awoke this morning to literally over 25 frantic e-mails. (Papers are due today) I have been meeting 2-4 hours every single day with students. I am thinking about recording my responses and posting them on you tube because I am saying the same thing over and over. With papers due today, that means that I have 90+ papers to grade..that's 900 pages (turn around time, one week!)<br /><br />7) Went to West Texas for a great Easter weekend with my parents, grandparents, & brother's family. Such a great visit. Funny to watch my highly competitive family play Cranium. Even more fun when you put my mother and Hubby on a team. Oh, the horrors! hehe<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lx7MArsIZUiEb9o-buyviihBL4wapxXpkdwFp3I_7uS2lunEaRfkUjPAoPZvvyHMnOy211oRF3254Ut6kiM8Uw4Cnu_WzWt0Z7sjIBDikP0NxExXKJ8iNWrX_YOzKzcqgtuZyitPgDk/s1600/easter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lx7MArsIZUiEb9o-buyviihBL4wapxXpkdwFp3I_7uS2lunEaRfkUjPAoPZvvyHMnOy211oRF3254Ut6kiM8Uw4Cnu_WzWt0Z7sjIBDikP0NxExXKJ8iNWrX_YOzKzcqgtuZyitPgDk/s320/easter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457791391294962882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />6) Miss Mia has decided that the "terrible twos" can be quite fun. She has announced in the last few weeks that she "will never sleep ever!" (actual quote) and when she got in trouble and I told her I would spank her or put her in time-out she said, again direct quote, "well, then just spank me then!" Oh Lord, come to my rescue! I have since seen her put her bear and gator in time out. I asked her what they did to earn the punishment, and she said "gator looked at me funny."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6r5S5jeFyy-MsD71jqGDbLLBUzOBPWKl0Lr8Y2nxImPuum8t1gDxUJIMA36nqLtTftl9hNsfBasH2KAs4Ef0p2HDx4rG8cVo_ZODCbIZC14BtBygzLlmLK7k1dH7Ww0ksSVaBYOcVnQz/s1600/Chickens.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6r5S5jeFyy-MsD71jqGDbLLBUzOBPWKl0Lr8Y2nxImPuum8t1gDxUJIMA36nqLtTftl9hNsfBasH2KAs4Ef0p2HDx4rG8cVo_ZODCbIZC14BtBygzLlmLK7k1dH7Ww0ksSVaBYOcVnQz/s320/Chickens.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457791285808334674" border="0" /></a><br />5) I won one of the big fellowships that I really wanted for this summer. All of July, Miss Mia & I will live in Lubbock as I research for my book. I am so excited!<br /><br />4) My Duke Blue Devils won the National Championship & saved my bracket!!! Thank you Duke..and thank for my whole $5 in "winnings" from Hubby! haha<br /><br />3) Finished my Comps- and we all survived (thank you Lord!)<br /><br />2) I have an interview to teach with a small college in Texas (very exciting)<br /><br />1) We are moving to Houston at the end of June!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-68730245087164756802010-03-25T20:44:00.003-05:002010-03-25T21:05:00.680-05:00Is that a light I see?Dear blog,<br />Please forgive me for my continued absence. I do think about you everyday. I check my favorite bloggers daily. I just don't have a lot of free time on my hands. Most of my free time is spent trying to get a little sleep, folding the mountain of laundry in my utility room, or trying to raise my child. Life is beyond hectic, but tomorrow will hopefully be my last written exam. Tomorrow is my last written, and luckily it is in my major field. My brain is beyond mush right now. Hopefully, with a good night of sleep, all will be restored and I will be able to sit and right beautiful essays for six hours. Next, I am hoping that I will have passed all of my written exams and then can move on to the oh so dreaded oral examination. I get nauseated thinking about the entire process, but I have to pass this next one to get to the next.<br />I do apologize for the boring Comprehensive Exam talk, but my head does not know how to talk about anything else right now. I have found lately that I cannot have a conversation without bringing Comps into the mix. I find myself introducing myself, "Hello, I'm Ashley, and I'm taking Comps right now. Please don't judge me yet, and wait for a better first impression once I am not wondering the extent to which the American Revolution was truly revolutionary."<br />My poor house is in total neglect, my baseboards are missing my loving scrubs. Did I mention, there is a pile of laundry in my house that is higher than most points in Texas? Did I also mention that I forget what more than 4 hours of continuous sleep feels like?<br />Did I also mention, that while I do study, basically non-stop, that I have a bit of a internet deal finding addiction? Bought a few cheap finds off Anthropologie, Miss Mia got a $11 Michigan State Cheerleader Outfit<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHQq2Nhn50WQcqFdi9So_ObUM86o7WOi_SKtq-GZ3xHlNhhfWAyNZ97mTqrc4yLreQT7IYyOAf5RsFlDGEaY2v5DDtmtwts1f2ykVOdYo3HTvSmaBF3PsHtZIHghy8KLrgBWnqEJZXeQp/s1600/msu+cheerleader.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHQq2Nhn50WQcqFdi9So_ObUM86o7WOi_SKtq-GZ3xHlNhhfWAyNZ97mTqrc4yLreQT7IYyOAf5RsFlDGEaY2v5DDtmtwts1f2ykVOdYo3HTvSmaBF3PsHtZIHghy8KLrgBWnqEJZXeQp/s320/msu+cheerleader.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452757589724238562" border="0" /></a> (Makes her Grandpa 'Paddles' who is a Spartan alum very happy), and then found a few to die for pieces of jewelry that some of my family and friends will find in their Christmas stockings! = )<br />So dear blog, please do not give up on me, for I will return. Hopefully with more fun and exciting stories to tell. Even better yet, I'm hoping to get a coupon class going soon both in person and a web-based version. But for now, my notes need one last glance over before tomorrow...Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-22849903235060130772010-03-18T09:44:00.002-05:002010-03-18T09:50:40.383-05:00If You Give a Mom a Muffin<p><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm taking a small break this morning to peruse through some of my favorite blogs before I go back to the trenches of studying. Tomorrow will probably be the hardest exam of my academic career. The thoughts are quite vomitacious. <br /></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upon my searching, I found this poem found by <a href="http://chikaustin.com/">chikaustin</a>. Holy cow did this thing speak to most of my life. I am quite a Type A personality but since becoming a mom I have found that it is beyond easy to get distracted with the forty billion things we have to do. I know many single girls that this would apply to as well..but I won't name names. ; ) </span><br /></strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>If You Give A Mom A Muffin</strong></p> <p>If you give a mom a muffin,</p> <p>she’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.</p> <p>She’ll pour herself some.</p> <p>Her three year old will spill the coffee.</p> <p>She’ll wipe it up.</p> <p>Wiping it up she’ll find dirty socks.</p> <p>She’ll remember she has to do laundry.</p> <p>When she puts the laundry in the washer,</p> <p>she’ll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.</p> <p>Bumping into the freezer will remind her</p> <p>she has to plan for supper.</p> <p>She will get out a pound of hamburger.</p> <p>She’ll look for her cookbook.</p> <p>The cookbook is setting under a pile of mail.</p> <p>She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.</p> <p>She will look for her checkbook.</p> <p>The checkbook is in her purse</p> <p>that is being dumped out by her two year old.</p> <p>She’ll smell something funny.</p> <p>She’ll change the two year old’s diaper.</p> <p>While she is changing the diaper the phone will ring.</p> <p>Her five year old will answer and hang up.</p> <p>She’ll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.</p> <p>Thinking of coffee will remind her</p> <p>that she was going to have a cup.</p> <p>And chances are… if she has a cup of coffee</p> <p>her kids will have eaten the muffin that goes with it.</p> <p>– author unknown</p>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-49559232759308307152010-03-07T21:17:00.002-06:002010-03-07T21:23:23.639-06:00Countdown..Please don't give up on me. The posts haven't been priority of late with Comprehensive Exams coming up. I take my first this Friday. I am nervous, anxious and just so ready to get them over with. Hopefully it won't get too bad and the ulcers won't flare up. Please send a prayer in my direction, especially for my family who also have to endure Mommy or wife, or daughter, or aunt, or BFF taking Comps this month! <br /><br />Oh, and did I mention that in the midst of this madness, I am doing a diet detox? (And putting Hubby on one too?) Hubby has even started a blog to document the pain that an opinionated West Texas wife does to a man. You can read his blog at www.thehungryhubby.blogspot.com <br /><br />I have so many good things to post when I do come back. I've been keeping photos..Miss Mia is in the midst of potty training, the weather is finally warm enough to play at the park, and I have made some truly amazing creations in the kitchen..But all of that will have to wait...Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-8412317314989526892010-02-14T13:13:00.005-06:002010-02-14T13:21:05.379-06:00Happy 'Ballentown's Day!For the past week we have been asking Miss Mia who her Valentine was going to be. Could it be Mommy or Daddy or Bentley (our dog)? Finally on Thursday, Miss Mia announced her answer. On the way to school she announced, "Mommy, Drew-Drew is my 'ballentown!'" Drew-Drew wins, no big surprise there! But Drew-Drew does not come to school on Fridays and her party was Friday, who would choose. <br /><br />The winner was the ever so adorable Mr. Wyatt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00S5rEA9rJrudNibz2eb5GbXsNymnO4FRFrlZgasGkcw3Qvv9HUznJK4xbZYkK5Ffv8SuG_OW7OZOpnODUictAxIN7rYpUvBVo1RWlE0ZaBeUKXowEdgqxT8Z3-58ed7N_1yvIwFZqAi-/s1600-h/IMG_2021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00S5rEA9rJrudNibz2eb5GbXsNymnO4FRFrlZgasGkcw3Qvv9HUznJK4xbZYkK5Ffv8SuG_OW7OZOpnODUictAxIN7rYpUvBVo1RWlE0ZaBeUKXowEdgqxT8Z3-58ed7N_1yvIwFZqAi-/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438180166994792786" border="0" /></a>Like Drew-Drew, Mr. Wyatt has been in Miss Mia's life since 7 weeks. He really is cute and posed for many pictures on my camera.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYEc-ixfHtaHXpQ6nmgU7aSbn4iuKNJW88lgL3JcjIw8X4vnb2Bw4TnN0eKvbDjQNOSXjDNj7mTYo1xH4660Bysgi22PTpa2p6LrRSYVxNdtYLCWLrhYaIZVCHsMHX1ZxeAhz4694z7h0/s1600-h/IMG_2015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYEc-ixfHtaHXpQ6nmgU7aSbn4iuKNJW88lgL3JcjIw8X4vnb2Bw4TnN0eKvbDjQNOSXjDNj7mTYo1xH4660Bysgi22PTpa2p6LrRSYVxNdtYLCWLrhYaIZVCHsMHX1ZxeAhz4694z7h0/s320/IMG_2015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438180016224334658" border="0" /></a>Ballentown's day is really hard on a girl. You need to lay down and prop your feet up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ9ZcGVhaWyHqKvtS_Wjl5OO6d2VsutiF4IKKqXKeEZoIPhNkGoH5Sll2pgbO1Lpm_lR7Pst1cUlLNuBKoPifCWiTfH_wQpmc1nNf-JRSwUCbP_fo2lF2DkxJYJ5-OSUX5WB-vdEOJNU4/s1600-h/IMG_2013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ9ZcGVhaWyHqKvtS_Wjl5OO6d2VsutiF4IKKqXKeEZoIPhNkGoH5Sll2pgbO1Lpm_lR7Pst1cUlLNuBKoPifCWiTfH_wQpmc1nNf-JRSwUCbP_fo2lF2DkxJYJ5-OSUX5WB-vdEOJNU4/s320/IMG_2013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438179871253888306" border="0" /></a>And keep a keen eye out to make sure Mommy isn't going to still your new sucker from your other Ballentown Joby.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKiOPh4ql5YO8sDG2FCdGwK5BYATe31dA8oSf6HgjZpAHkGdRO2FTr1oN5z6KJXcVlIpiCpaO5IZ2ssF2BQdWmfbOxVvtcJ51HOfxHGL8aFTcl7WU6J9y9nuvqYPniOuzhI_qM13A8QQl/s1600-h/IMG_1991.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKiOPh4ql5YO8sDG2FCdGwK5BYATe31dA8oSf6HgjZpAHkGdRO2FTr1oN5z6KJXcVlIpiCpaO5IZ2ssF2BQdWmfbOxVvtcJ51HOfxHGL8aFTcl7WU6J9y9nuvqYPniOuzhI_qM13A8QQl/s320/IMG_1991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438179701023688690" border="0" /></a>Miss Mia, Hubby & I wish you all a very Happy Ballentown's day!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-57076849591652503622010-02-14T12:36:00.009-06:002010-02-14T13:22:00.409-06:00Etsy Love & Frugal DecoratingI love Etsy. I find fabulous ideas that I try to replicate, but most of the time I find great pieces that I just want...and want now! Hubby & I re-decorated and rearranged our bedroom a few weeks ago. I didn't like my last nightstand. I had no room for my books or my lamp. So I looked around the house and in our garage and came up with this table and a throw and a bigger and better nightstand was born. Put my favorite reads at the moment on the side, a Tiffany-blue McCoy planter found for $1 at a Indiana antique shop (that had no idea what they had!), $2 Woman of Praise statue bought at OKC Botanical Gardens 75% off giftshop, my favorite lamp (bought for my old office at Texas Tech when I spent my nights writing my thesis in my office), and then this Audrey print.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sAgVSCODAr0kR4pyHY4Zj2sGz6QxhDfi4Ba_lk9jqX9bwEIz3A-b59xJ2WteVGanyhA5cnWzM0QtKnfog_5gNqFxawTPgiSySeXGDftOi-vYXw1N1jDqETXaI9PZ2JhmniJhhhPzAEab/s1600-h/IMG_2036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sAgVSCODAr0kR4pyHY4Zj2sGz6QxhDfi4Ba_lk9jqX9bwEIz3A-b59xJ2WteVGanyhA5cnWzM0QtKnfog_5gNqFxawTPgiSySeXGDftOi-vYXw1N1jDqETXaI9PZ2JhmniJhhhPzAEab/s320/IMG_2036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438171114666022818" border="0" /></a>I bought this print <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lakeillustration">here</a>. I just loved the colors, pistachio, brown and blue. I was even more pleased when I saw the print in person. It is just gorgeous. I ran down to Michael's that day and bought this picture frame for $15. (Thank you 60% off coupon!) I look at this picture every morning and it just brings me calm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpuD6KxOBCE40RQkSUdqxChbFurZOf9qmxOTGeTrd5HqBQkHpYJHG3zwtev8TlYUM_sxi1YT-0s7SA77uc7JAEQESa17Q5203okUu2af-YM3NSs_htNfSPEkAyvVIXxEw_3f6U87_MoQU/s1600-h/IMG_2037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpuD6KxOBCE40RQkSUdqxChbFurZOf9qmxOTGeTrd5HqBQkHpYJHG3zwtev8TlYUM_sxi1YT-0s7SA77uc7JAEQESa17Q5203okUu2af-YM3NSs_htNfSPEkAyvVIXxEw_3f6U87_MoQU/s320/IMG_2037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438170977525926034" border="0" /></a>More Etsy...I have blogged before of my love of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/belleandboo">Belle & Boo</a>. I bought a few prints for Miss Mia's room before but needed something else for one of her walls. I had the frames already for past artwork in Mia's room. I also had these fabulous mats that I bought 20 for $5 at Pottery Barn after Christmas sale. (I have had these mats in the 'to-use' someday pile for 2 years!) One day, when perusing through Belle & Boo, I came across 2 prints that I loved. Dark haired girl, feeding chickens or looking at a caged bird. They screamed Miss Mia. The prints, however, were $51. So I bought the same picture in her card section for $3 a piece. I am so in love. Miss Mia loves the chickens picture best of course.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAyFq1jvlqWUVU0pNhQ_DflCZkXKrW1_bIiL3FnXMaWKujbD4KPX9zD3lw3IsLzpiWKJ3OIXM877WaSe1sQ5nysWzH0Yl6ORKjjBwN82BoNnqQlZmgj34WrjqSVMOCoQNUXjO8seq8Mn2/s1600-h/IMG_2033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAyFq1jvlqWUVU0pNhQ_DflCZkXKrW1_bIiL3FnXMaWKujbD4KPX9zD3lw3IsLzpiWKJ3OIXM877WaSe1sQ5nysWzH0Yl6ORKjjBwN82BoNnqQlZmgj34WrjqSVMOCoQNUXjO8seq8Mn2/s320/IMG_2033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438170612259345698" border="0" /></a>The Etsy love does not stop there. Also in Miss Mia's room is another collage of Etsy prints that I bought at small sizes, matted with already owned mats and framed with similar frames. I bought this print <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield">here</a>. I used to sing 'You Are My Sunshine' to Miss Mia before she was born and then to get her to sleep when she was an infant. The song has such a special place in our family. Whenever my family gets together we always sing and play instruments. My beloved Grandad used to request we sing 'You Are My Sunshine.' Since he's passed, we sing it in honor of him and whenever we're feeling nostalgic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuulv9_MDMZI4sQtyDl6BV6W0cCwRaYmHDhHX75rfGiKHmca3yh9fqZM0A6m_mBWqFjlSKUPwJAqlGLtGgTee6ZffHC0gplPnGXG5Xa96RyXdluXDARbv936SE5BYqVhv_NB6HckrI76E/s1600-h/IMG_2032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuulv9_MDMZI4sQtyDl6BV6W0cCwRaYmHDhHX75rfGiKHmca3yh9fqZM0A6m_mBWqFjlSKUPwJAqlGLtGgTee6ZffHC0gplPnGXG5Xa96RyXdluXDARbv936SE5BYqVhv_NB6HckrI76E/s320/IMG_2032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438170439615123346" border="0" /></a>This entire collage, mattes, pictures and frames included was $15.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa2u88Zc-oCCzTo1Xt6EwmhlWh52ldBlbAkAIMHBN2YMexOw1suOkhrGH_OLXspbjdLkQggn22HDZtGJkJ8kQCmkKdGwH0VeR0etWV8e3mnuRkayrklyXQNiYOs8CRbvTkpL2xWnZUifL/s1600-h/IMG_2025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa2u88Zc-oCCzTo1Xt6EwmhlWh52ldBlbAkAIMHBN2YMexOw1suOkhrGH_OLXspbjdLkQggn22HDZtGJkJ8kQCmkKdGwH0VeR0etWV8e3mnuRkayrklyXQNiYOs8CRbvTkpL2xWnZUifL/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438170271031712194" border="0" /></a>Nine Years ago, Hubby took me to meet his family in Michigan as his new fiancee. They took me to Saugatuck one afternoon. While window shopping, I came across the art studio of <a href="http://www.jamesbrandess.com/">James Brandess</a>. He is known in the area for painting pictures of all things Western Michigan. (i.e. the dunes, lighthouses, Dutch village and of course tulips.) I wanted something to commemorate my first trip and found this beautiful print. What I did not know, is how long it was going to take to frame it! It is an 15X15 which has been a difficult frame to find. When I went to Hobby Lobby's 50% off framing specials, to do what I wanted was still $80 after the half off! So I held out. Then one day, a few weeks ago, Hubby and I went to after-Christmas sale at Garden Ridge. I found this 20X20 frame for $10. I loved the metallic-wood frame. Then we bought a royal blue matte board for $1.50 and after almost nine years, the picture is finally on the wall! (And I am so glad we waited to do it right!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdS9qTEtGyLkJtS8lfoYScTJ6kYqrQ906T9HrfFU87XcJT7MxSOe1XHI-AUZf6zrx0XIka_bYlClBH9fjz7IfS4XaDFuvv6PsssEDMA8s4w6AcfMPgxFIxv5oYGgh5btUrNKMBputUXvZ/s1600-h/IMG_2035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdS9qTEtGyLkJtS8lfoYScTJ6kYqrQ906T9HrfFU87XcJT7MxSOe1XHI-AUZf6zrx0XIka_bYlClBH9fjz7IfS4XaDFuvv6PsssEDMA8s4w6AcfMPgxFIxv5oYGgh5btUrNKMBputUXvZ/s320/IMG_2035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438170800183350290" border="0" /></a>Another frugal find of late was found this past week at Target. At the end of the aisles in the home section, many items were 50-75% off. I found this shower curtain for $7.50!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VU6Iq-C4px-9qONp5ThRAYreq6_COc4dqTLmDoDmPO45QftxbxDZgdWbtLBVBM44gUUNtGjGzwa5wABPbXKViwnt9mAjRUTyx1RyjRI6ONmCxuAmub0eRbb_cczCsvCKQZ6o2n1Ad4iK/s1600-h/IMG_2041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VU6Iq-C4px-9qONp5ThRAYreq6_COc4dqTLmDoDmPO45QftxbxDZgdWbtLBVBM44gUUNtGjGzwa5wABPbXKViwnt9mAjRUTyx1RyjRI6ONmCxuAmub0eRbb_cczCsvCKQZ6o2n1Ad4iK/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438171271875522082" border="0" /></a>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-36360201621321696762010-02-14T11:43:00.009-06:002010-02-14T19:37:39.162-06:00What's Happening Around This HouseOur household has been quite busy of late. Days beginning around 6 and not ending until after midnight. Exams have taken over the entire household. Our family's schedule is shifting and conforming to my studying. Yet the household must still go on. Laundry needs to be folded, potty training is still in full effect and of course this family needs to eat.<br /><br />I have found of late that cooking is providing me a necessary escape from not thinking about my exams. I have been trying new foods and new recipes. I often don't cook with recipes but I find that my psyche needs the recipe. I need to completely immerse myself in another person's ideas. Pioneer woman is providing a necessary outlet. Hubby is quite proud of this development. Last night we tried <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/marlboro_mans_f/">MM's favorite sandwiches</a>. Such a hardy meal. Hubby professed his love after the meal. (Those who know Hubby know he is a man of few words, and thus the meal must have been something extra!) After making this meal last night, I e-mailed a dear friend who just started a relationship and told her this was the trick to ever-lasting love! haha!<br /><br />Today we are trying Pioneer Woman's pot roast...I'll let you know how it comes out!<br /><br />The food that provides me the most comfort and is my favorite to make is my Chicken Tortilla Soup. When I was pregnant with Miss Mia, I ate this soup once a week. Not even kidding! Hubby can barely eat it anymore b/c of the memories of coming home night after night and smelling my soup. Yet I am still not tired of this most delicious soup. With the crazy snowy days we've been experiencing in Oklahoma, it makes it even better. Plus, it gives me the fabulous spice and Tex-Mex flavor that is so lacking in Norman!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_19cmUHgPEhyphenhyphenuJhhn9OyPsBf1x2UPFURPeTBmRrz9Rrv6cwQgfTYT8ZZsPcJlew5u5n9zH0XKjr-qILQsgLaknvZoPuYW1rnYVu-YPkD4fCg-t6YoyqrikMf3lef4Jr1iwuuEW97pRRL/s1600-h/IMG_1859.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_19cmUHgPEhyphenhyphenuJhhn9OyPsBf1x2UPFURPeTBmRrz9Rrv6cwQgfTYT8ZZsPcJlew5u5n9zH0XKjr-qILQsgLaknvZoPuYW1rnYVu-YPkD4fCg-t6YoyqrikMf3lef4Jr1iwuuEW97pRRL/s320/IMG_1859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438157712297538130" border="0" /></a>My lovely soup in my even more lovely Le Creuset pot! (Another post is so required in my love for these pots!)<br /><br />Here is my recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup<br />- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken<br />- 1 medium onion, chopped<br />-2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />-1 tbsp olive oil (can easily substitute a different oil if you don't have olive oil stocked)<br />- 2-3 Tbsp. butter<br />- 2-3 jalapenos, chopped (can be eliminated or seeded if you are like my Northern relatives and don't like heat)<br />-3 cans Rotel (I usually use 2 cans hot and one original, but again, do whatever heat your family can handle)<br />-1.5-2 c. frozen corn<br />-1 carton chicken stock<br />-2-3 Tbsp cilantro, chopped<br />-Tortilla Chips<br />-Colby/Jack cheese<br /><br />-Saute onions, garlic and jalapenos in butter and oil until tender. Add chicken and cook until done.<br />- While chicken is cooking, put Rotel into blender or food processor and blend until no longer chunky but not completely smooth.<br />-Once chicken is cooked, add Rotel, chicken stock, corn, and cilantro. Let come to a boil.<br />-Once at a boil, lower heat to simmer and cover for 15-20 minutes.<br />-To serve: Add chips and cheese to your hearts delight. Top with extra cilantro. Enjoy the warm and yummy goodness!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCarkUsQkLGG4gQN-XdHTqturF0v98t_iuQlsWqCdWloGsL9uhdvg7_Xu5QTfn3AeSDcmVOwVLqgGiJ5yZYtj6-Tqft7dhbiSnihnC73DuBTZEhsgXNkMu_BXDLuvrEHLqdHLPHpitZdR5/s1600-h/IMG_1861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCarkUsQkLGG4gQN-XdHTqturF0v98t_iuQlsWqCdWloGsL9uhdvg7_Xu5QTfn3AeSDcmVOwVLqgGiJ5yZYtj6-Tqft7dhbiSnihnC73DuBTZEhsgXNkMu_BXDLuvrEHLqdHLPHpitZdR5/s320/IMG_1861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438157566336974146" border="0" /></a><br />Along with cooking soup, we've been cooking with chocolate. Last night we made Nigella Chocolate Pots. (Be still my heart!) Nothing wrong with these! Miss Mia got into the act by licking the bowl for Mommy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4DyardxXQObeHbdqWq-UDA9ZQyIlawSm0HnkLPK87804sjjEu8fP6JSN6q9WgGj1tWF1iN4DwkaqmFc-LnkUpmOlqTehIQTYHYQOoonrDeTUN0HGmn4FDX_3zYG88_byChCvgKIX5CVN/s1600-h/IMG_1977.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4DyardxXQObeHbdqWq-UDA9ZQyIlawSm0HnkLPK87804sjjEu8fP6JSN6q9WgGj1tWF1iN4DwkaqmFc-LnkUpmOlqTehIQTYHYQOoonrDeTUN0HGmn4FDX_3zYG88_byChCvgKIX5CVN/s320/IMG_1977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438157398545530946" border="0" /></a>Speaking of Miss Mia....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaFVU6IACG8glUW6reXofRslk81c_OBmWHTdxBFMufazOTjm7rcJq8bSML_SyMua8MDpxTrwY4WdVyhH8CWhfSHwtwbaGiuF1c27wRtrolmaHbdhCJ53jBuLSBnfvvQ31GCVGQJWr7OdH/s1600-h/IMG_1984.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaFVU6IACG8glUW6reXofRslk81c_OBmWHTdxBFMufazOTjm7rcJq8bSML_SyMua8MDpxTrwY4WdVyhH8CWhfSHwtwbaGiuF1c27wRtrolmaHbdhCJ53jBuLSBnfvvQ31GCVGQJWr7OdH/s320/IMG_1984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438157229424027474" border="0" /></a>I found her in our bed the other day with my make-up case..and this face<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbtBePRcGchsx01y8j2QnLRPL6gmGjh6FstS-7abmMtcJGVYhAfpVzcFVBa0wACdJ2UElCSWtH9ygKHk_TZHkjn7HCk-4job3si4i01RnGJZKUsdNDkZS5oEITzZNvaXXp8Wz3B76KB66/s1600-h/IMG_1981.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbtBePRcGchsx01y8j2QnLRPL6gmGjh6FstS-7abmMtcJGVYhAfpVzcFVBa0wACdJ2UElCSWtH9ygKHk_TZHkjn7HCk-4job3si4i01RnGJZKUsdNDkZS5oEITzZNvaXXp8Wz3B76KB66/s320/IMG_1981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438157063162392066" border="0" /></a>I knew it was just too quite in there. So much for thinking closed doors would keep her out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6RZh_PL77jHNio5g62Ap0ELqq8bzzO9jaV0Hk0zNLtmqULXa-LTu9fjbrfxSZPB7nbpwPqiKEis-KvNLxQs5CELzNVXuMnQOmpZBV4qoTEmKyjajBR3NzsPnzqfSc89QDb4C5jt9zH2F/s1600-h/IMG_1879.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6RZh_PL77jHNio5g62Ap0ELqq8bzzO9jaV0Hk0zNLtmqULXa-LTu9fjbrfxSZPB7nbpwPqiKEis-KvNLxQs5CELzNVXuMnQOmpZBV4qoTEmKyjajBR3NzsPnzqfSc89QDb4C5jt9zH2F/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438156855572625810" border="0" /></a>After the make-up was gone...what a poser!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcVpbDRGjmvVOd14FPNV2_3sc0s-WU7JFmRgnWCXIR1wgXuZxSJL-zM9slpW5-YtpMLgBlNodciOWd3r5dS7C-EJpcWb9o7wpl9TNb5YK0seVnMe4EG9CJuV1pGbkmoRq4DX1oh4dWnSR/s1600-h/IMG_1868.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcVpbDRGjmvVOd14FPNV2_3sc0s-WU7JFmRgnWCXIR1wgXuZxSJL-zM9slpW5-YtpMLgBlNodciOWd3r5dS7C-EJpcWb9o7wpl9TNb5YK0seVnMe4EG9CJuV1pGbkmoRq4DX1oh4dWnSR/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438156682195733570" border="0" /></a>At least she and Hubby can sit in his 'man-cave' and play trains while I study or cook!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-20554570289677744792010-02-06T21:57:00.004-06:002010-02-06T22:11:53.141-06:00Let them eat cake!Just a quick update on the workings of this crazy household. After months and months (and months) the foreign language department and graduate school have finally gotten all of their "dealings," together in posting that I am indeed "competent" (pun, intended!) in Italian. Thus, I am all clear to take my Comprehensive exams. (Gulp! Gulp! Vomit!) I am studying around the clock. Writing, re-reading old passages, finding out how much I DON'T know. <br /><br />I get up early, go to school, study, teach, study, pick up Miss Mia, make dinner, feed family, kiss family good-bye and head back to the library to study, then sleep...Repeat! Repeat! Repeat! The nightmares have really began. Somedays I wake up and feel like I am so ready to take these on..then the next day, or minute I want to run far away where they will never find me! <br /><br />To keep my sanity, I have been cooking. A lot! Making big meals for the family so that I don't have to think about packed lunches for Hubby and I the next day. Then there is the baking. I recently fell into the path of the Pioneer Woman and subsequently her cookbook. I am so in love with both. Tonight we tried her <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/the_best_chocol/">chocolate sheet cake</a>. With one simple bite, the clouds parted, angels and doves came down and I think I might have heard a deep voice say..."and it was good!" Miss Mia is usually found somewhere under my feet whilst I am baking. She is more than prepared to lick the bowl, spoonula, etc. Tonight she wanted more. "More 'poons Mommy, more cake! Need more cake!" After more bites than she needed we had to cut her off or call the Betty Crocker clinic! <br /><br />Tomorrow is the Superbowl. We have always been at someone's house having a party. This year, however, Hubby asked if we could just stay home and watch it. I loved this idea. I can go to the bedroom and read, we can control the menu, beverages, clean-up (or lack there of thesedays). Or we can record it to our DVR, do something else, and then fastforward TO the commercials! Homeland is having Crazy deals on meat this week and we just bought 5 lbs of ribeye steaks for $15. So we are having steak tomorrow...and for many more meals to come! We'll also have cake!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-64524846972050052362010-01-29T15:48:00.002-06:002010-01-29T16:01:04.199-06:00Random Things that Make Me HappyWe are all stuck in the house. Oklahoma is in a "state of emergency." I cannot study for my exams as Hubby and Miss Mia are home with me and are not exactly "study friendly" companions. But that's OK.. With snow drifts in our back yard over 3 feet high already and more to come, I thought I would stop cleaning and just write out a few random things that make me happy. (OK, if you want to know the true thought process...watching snow fall, snow flakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, me possibly twirling as if on an Austrian mountaintop...and alas, this post came into being. Please no judging!)<br /><br />1. lemons (smell, zest, cooking, in pie...all good)<br />2. Bravo Tv (again, no judging)<br />3. Butterscotch fondue<br />4. funny text messages<br />5. Clean Sheets<br />6. Smell of Mia's shampoo<br />7. Fabulous sunglasses<br />8. Dark chocolate<br />9. Great boots<br />10. Degas artwork<br />11. Yankee Cotton Candles<br />12. Smart water<br />13. Body pillows<br />14. Leather journals<br />15. Sonic diet cherry limeades (oh, darn you snow, now I really want one)<br />16. Re-writing notes (no judgment)<br />17. Anderson Cooper reporting in Armani t-shirts (they grant me crazy chuckles!)<br />18. Honeycrisp apples<br />19. Smell of pine-sol<br />20. Singling Taylor Swift songs in the car with Miss Mia (we can do a mean 15 and You Belong with Me)Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-41013456333282598412010-01-15T09:36:00.003-06:002010-01-15T09:46:36.437-06:00Calling all Crafters..Or Buyers of Crafts!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZHOo4bii6qBEBvSqEP8wWZJDVbkWYkwOiE5nyc6UC598svmxTiE2sltZAe2JpRr9fl9oqLyUAwD9OeuCA-RJ67RZ2eOnzYBJFJTy2SYBGJKQSGvX-RNq9HYfOh7KrpjXjk0lWySXmg6y/s1600-h/kids+in+haiti.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZHOo4bii6qBEBvSqEP8wWZJDVbkWYkwOiE5nyc6UC598svmxTiE2sltZAe2JpRr9fl9oqLyUAwD9OeuCA-RJ67RZ2eOnzYBJFJTy2SYBGJKQSGvX-RNq9HYfOh7KrpjXjk0lWySXmg6y/s320/kids+in+haiti.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426993380663922210" border="0" /></a><br />The fabulous ladies at Craft Hope are getting together to raise money for the people of Haiti. They are asking those who craft, or even have fun accessories to give to donate them to the Craft Hope Etsy shop. ALL proceeds will be given to Doctor's Without Borders going to Haiti.<br /><br />For all details go <a href="http://crafthope.com/">here.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzChhxRBzoRU5abszxi9dFuEiYdtcABQw6Fl06QCtSGEGOMrAUvacYYph-KOqofhRPzpZWCMHTep7J9FF8In2KI2v-GYD89xyWvm7K2S3VYmUVunHboaW2kup5EoTd27HkmbKJQVkeOqv_/s1600-h/craft+hope.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzChhxRBzoRU5abszxi9dFuEiYdtcABQw6Fl06QCtSGEGOMrAUvacYYph-KOqofhRPzpZWCMHTep7J9FF8In2KI2v-GYD89xyWvm7K2S3VYmUVunHboaW2kup5EoTd27HkmbKJQVkeOqv_/s320/craft+hope.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426992187515232034" border="0" /></a><br />So if you love to craft, please help, or if you're not a crafter and more of a buyer...then this is a great way to help too!!Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-6953430746514280492010-01-14T10:53:00.002-06:002010-01-14T11:07:25.505-06:00Introducing Daniela AlexandraAlthough I woke up extremely early yesterday, I could not sleep last night. I watched Anderson Cooper (an entire post could be dedicated to my love for his fabulousness) and cried at the devastation and sadness surrounding Haiti. Feeling like we just had to do something, Hubby and I talked for a bit last night, slept on our decision, & woke up knowing that we needed to take action.<br /><br />As most of you know, I love two kinds of people, old (85 and above) and young (all under 10). I find both endlessly fascinating. I worked all through my undergraduate with underprivileged pre-school children. The last few years, Hubby and I sponsored a child from Kentucky. That experience has been beyond fascinating. We are even more lucky, that the child we sponsored, his family has rebounded so well that he no longer is in the program. In fact, both of his parents have good jobs. It is truly an amazing story.<br /><br />So without a child to sponsor, we decided to go international this time. We chose Honduras for various reasons, and then I saw this little girl. Daniela Alexandra. Is she not precious??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn7E97hXZIx0w_X6iBJWYEZePvrNxvegxrMwud_7GMeEGXApejguvPZKzn0PDstbWbjTT_0pj7LAM4r8h0ZImmpJ48_5hdQhhncGvsEu3D7650pDv9J9klu7f2FOhBL-OnWPYmgrR87jW/s1600-h/Daniela.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn7E97hXZIx0w_X6iBJWYEZePvrNxvegxrMwud_7GMeEGXApejguvPZKzn0PDstbWbjTT_0pj7LAM4r8h0ZImmpJ48_5hdQhhncGvsEu3D7650pDv9J9klu7f2FOhBL-OnWPYmgrR87jW/s320/Daniela.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426640005904389250" border="0" /></a>Just look at her adorable dress and that pose. I knew she was the little for us! I am so excited about this new journey and working with <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International</a>. I just had to share our picture of this lovely little girl. <br /><br /><br />In case you want to check out Compassion, you can go <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">here</a>. You can also watch this video:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GjJv7SQ9Wvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GjJv7SQ9Wvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-38516376205876679462010-01-13T07:45:00.002-06:002010-01-13T08:00:47.945-06:00Julie & JuliaI've been awake since 4 a.m., so please forgive me if this post does not make the most sense. But after a week-long battle with our mail-carrier, I finally got my latest shipment from Netflix, including Julie and Julia. I knew I would love it, I just knew. Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, cooking, Nora Ephron...perfect girl movie, right?<br /><br />After a truly horrendous day, Hubby came in the door with my Netflix and first issue from my Cooking Light subscription, that I nabbed off Amazon a few weeks ago for $5. (That's right, $5 for an entire year!!) We ate a quick dinner, and I made us lovely hot chocolates, and I sat down with a comfy blanket to enjoy the movie. As it turns out, I did love it. Meryl is so charming as Julia, whom I have always loved.<br /><br />I remember the first time I ever saw Julia Child on TV. I was maybe 5 and I thought her voice was really cool. I tried to copy it, but with my West Texas twang, even my sweet mother could not suppress her giggles. (For the record, I have not tried it again, and my mother has no recollection of my attempt.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qQ613-H7wtODiJZ5wHq-2XgK2G_JZrHjZsuYr0B0klPfJ2L6Xo2BixsG2WO_8noH5SyaEJp3-ezVQ044NFrmfA1uTMwaDA8XjEc1DOVHB2kOMQTUJTj2zPtwePIKevqhtsH7uNmhdGS9/s1600-h/julia-child-0908-01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qQ613-H7wtODiJZ5wHq-2XgK2G_JZrHjZsuYr0B0klPfJ2L6Xo2BixsG2WO_8noH5SyaEJp3-ezVQ044NFrmfA1uTMwaDA8XjEc1DOVHB2kOMQTUJTj2zPtwePIKevqhtsH7uNmhdGS9/s320/julia-child-0908-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426223971903144802" border="0" /></a><br />When I was in high school, I really began to look at cooking differently, travel outside of West Texas and think of differnt cuisines. Julia came back into the picture. I read an article about her and was astonished to learn that she was 6'2! Being an over 6 foot female myself, we have to stick together! My adoration of Julia has only continued.<br /><br />So, the movie..it really was great. Since I have been up since 4, I decded to see if I can find the blog that became the basic for the movie, which basically involved a google search. Read the blog, read Julie Powell's new blog. Was not really that found of the new one, but liked much of the original.<br /><br />Then I got to thinking, what cookbook would I be willing to cook my way through? I would really love to attempt to cook all of the Paula Deen recipes. I feel that if I could survive the endeavor however, the next few YEARS would be cooking my way through Weight Watchers cookbooks and Heart-wise, repair the damage after a year of butter. So I think I'm leaning more towards Nigella, although Martha would be fun too. I'm not planning on doing this anytime soon, but it is an interesting notion.Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-26720104408197130122010-01-12T15:23:00.002-06:002010-01-12T15:33:07.798-06:00My New LoveI have a new love...no, Hubby has no need to worry, my new love's name is Netflix. Have you discovered this most glorious creation? I got a coupon in the mail a few weeks ago for 2 free months. So I thought what's the harm in trying. Ordered my first movie, two days later it arrived. It was fabulous..and so on! But here is the best part, the instant watch. We have our Mac computer hooked up to our big screen TV in the living room. With the help of our wireless keyboard and mouse, I can access so many movies, including TV seasons, and documentaries. <br /><br />This week I have been watching fabulous movies on the American Revolution, British Empire, and Jane Austen. Oh, its just glorious! <br /><br />One of the other fun features, is you can see what other people in your area are watching. I must admit that it did break my heart a little to hear that the top movies requested in our area were Bill Engvall Comedy special's and Where the Red Fern Grows. In Manhattan, they like to watch Second Chance Harvey and Mad Men. (I think I might be living in the wrong area!) = )Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457973661605350628.post-11337135111325784962010-01-07T20:32:00.016-06:002010-01-07T21:20:44.464-06:002009 In PicturesCan you tell I am stuck at the house today? Miss Mia's school was canceled due to the weather, and thus we are at home. I've already completed all my other "to-dos" for the day. I have been seeing these "Year in Pictures" everywhere, and basically had to do it as well. A follower, I usually am not, but on this one, yes!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />January<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7zRBhdHQYb74cXyU__Fa0-SFaQXu2ED3B5Xv9JpePTaZ6BmNB6SA0zOPNrFw6dOTZsSrcLY4-3DlsF5hR54FybC9AfNslMH8ZvAWT554G4gEt_HuAeGl6vROJO-Hx4hPhQcrh2bQMBkm/s1600-h/mia+2+ft+zoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7zRBhdHQYb74cXyU__Fa0-SFaQXu2ED3B5Xv9JpePTaZ6BmNB6SA0zOPNrFw6dOTZsSrcLY4-3DlsF5hR54FybC9AfNslMH8ZvAWT554G4gEt_HuAeGl6vROJO-Hx4hPhQcrh2bQMBkm/s320/mia+2+ft+zoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424195971375964034" border="0" /></a>We took Miss Mia to Fort Worth and to the zoo. She loved it all, especially the birds! EEk! I just know they want to peck my eyes out! = )<br />February<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZM6yABH5MIbs0uTAQjrmeKRwx16viSP4ajI_FJzsCDNyAbJG1m8kxM3cjrWaUlPqZ_JxAVTTDYaOdWxwlGDcX2-3QIaLuhU_-dEvj3CgOKYC4lFcTc0Co3yJyLqLiZyC6CXwurbV_xB0/s1600-h/DSC00858.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZM6yABH5MIbs0uTAQjrmeKRwx16viSP4ajI_FJzsCDNyAbJG1m8kxM3cjrWaUlPqZ_JxAVTTDYaOdWxwlGDcX2-3QIaLuhU_-dEvj3CgOKYC4lFcTc0Co3yJyLqLiZyC6CXwurbV_xB0/s320/DSC00858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424202318456802514" border="0" /></a>In February, Miss Mia played with all her new toys and her grandparents that came to visit her!<br />March<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfAmGQEpBzE72ElUtzGAk5ebAOzn33yKLMUS9H1rGBWMHqX8PfgugFrZR64StHGWSSmy6piK_XI7bt07BbKGu7EIO_ClKPfLSmDMcGX7dpyE-0wSAv8eqsOizG_h_tQwgVIOnfOA0PGp3/s1600-h/mia+%26+exams.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfAmGQEpBzE72ElUtzGAk5ebAOzn33yKLMUS9H1rGBWMHqX8PfgugFrZR64StHGWSSmy6piK_XI7bt07BbKGu7EIO_ClKPfLSmDMcGX7dpyE-0wSAv8eqsOizG_h_tQwgVIOnfOA0PGp3/s320/mia+%26+exams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424196521986968290" border="0" /></a>Learned in March that a toddler cannot be expected to help with grading, but can be expected to disorganize their Type-A mommy's alphabetized stack of blue book exams.<br />April<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmO01HO_ED5Ja_XEj6TkibOn8oZDMj1Gow0ymvhdSY7GJjVyWRnZX91J5KbLKikuUZTDFhNOggYc2md3dEoe0jy_F-FP1JkvX7nvv09ncCaKluF42iUEWxp2j5Rf2FAJbgMEmOtl9yOBQ/s1600-h/woodrow+house+train-april.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmO01HO_ED5Ja_XEj6TkibOn8oZDMj1Gow0ymvhdSY7GJjVyWRnZX91J5KbLKikuUZTDFhNOggYc2md3dEoe0jy_F-FP1JkvX7nvv09ncCaKluF42iUEWxp2j5Rf2FAJbgMEmOtl9yOBQ/s320/woodrow+house+train-april.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424197598348264866" border="0" /></a>Hubby & I spent our first night away from Mia in a train..the Santa Fe Caboose at the Woodrow House in Lubbock while I delivered a paper at the West Texas Historical Association Conference.<br />May<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYT0WS9jKYHW7NWsi22w2_4HrNiycRHlOpJssHQOZLkQkNUMPYHMyo1EU9cRjKD4_uNf5Hcv3vogzVVeLAp5f9H_2D05oZwexAFkp7sF8naW9l2jpwfKjme0XQSaxgVkEpabaxE2Foqkd/s1600-h/DSC00953.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYT0WS9jKYHW7NWsi22w2_4HrNiycRHlOpJssHQOZLkQkNUMPYHMyo1EU9cRjKD4_uNf5Hcv3vogzVVeLAp5f9H_2D05oZwexAFkp7sF8naW9l2jpwfKjme0XQSaxgVkEpabaxE2Foqkd/s320/DSC00953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424202987869582098" border="0" /></a>Miss Mia became Mommy's Little Helper. She "helped" with cleaning and the general running of the house<br />June<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuDAYqYdNRiA0EKgr73lvRoH_uy80l7UAiuqJz9R4JDLjVakTPD-G_5d9n1ITHD9XxrsIfC8newui0XyMLeLVlZMeRozktFggj14s0f5bzYrnlfaRGzJoYNm2_6ezO67pZEnweCzbNmU_/s1600-h/dave+%26+mia+in+canoe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuDAYqYdNRiA0EKgr73lvRoH_uy80l7UAiuqJz9R4JDLjVakTPD-G_5d9n1ITHD9XxrsIfC8newui0XyMLeLVlZMeRozktFggj14s0f5bzYrnlfaRGzJoYNm2_6ezO67pZEnweCzbNmU_/s320/dave+%26+mia+in+canoe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424193914877184818" border="0" /></a>With temperatures going into the triple digits, we decided to take Miss Mia out on the lake for the first time. She loved the canoe, the water and most of all the sand on the beach.<br />July<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNrgawMQj2mIJFcIB2EV0hgEapCBUegDp5gnMpqJ23hUwVeQNF_I4gAeJWFxPCGCgRX54PNuuTRlc9qMMeZotUZzwVII9Lc4hEQ_8IgVHOz1hAuLMcMYobEKQZokTmF2Jzrr3FYquSjW3/s1600-h/mia+%26+charlie.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNrgawMQj2mIJFcIB2EV0hgEapCBUegDp5gnMpqJ23hUwVeQNF_I4gAeJWFxPCGCgRX54PNuuTRlc9qMMeZotUZzwVII9Lc4hEQ_8IgVHOz1hAuLMcMYobEKQZokTmF2Jzrr3FYquSjW3/s320/mia+%26+charlie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424193580661878066" border="0" /></a>In July we drove 16 hours in one day to Michigan. We took Miss Mia to meet many of Hubby's "Yankee" relatives. She met her 3 cousin Charlie (above.) They actually liked each other!<br />August<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzgnnpj2w7ajsU5Ha371tHYHGLRnhrH8mDhiqUsa0iBY1bKKK_hwc_oC6ETy9H9sUt_4SBK1Z5gMAe0eVdS8Th2LnmlnttGjfHt58JAqE708t_-VhlksAQl5UW5q2Accsq5BLMLlmEwmD/s1600-h/mia+in+the+pool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzgnnpj2w7ajsU5Ha371tHYHGLRnhrH8mDhiqUsa0iBY1bKKK_hwc_oC6ETy9H9sUt_4SBK1Z5gMAe0eVdS8Th2LnmlnttGjfHt58JAqE708t_-VhlksAQl5UW5q2Accsq5BLMLlmEwmD/s320/mia+in+the+pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424193383941106482" border="0" /></a>More triple digit days. So Miss Mia & I hopped on an airplane and headed for..Houston. (Wait, trying to escape the heat?!) Hubby's parents had a new pool that Miss Mia & I graciously tried out for them! Miss Mia also got to experience her first airplane ride and turbulence, which she ended up loving.<br />September<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLg51l5hJ2E7cmMvrusVLXYBp6JpURumtM8lQYGwZ7uuANPt1JqildZi-wmq2WKuI7C9myLQflz3GmG2nNoKOA_Bvi58MEQ9koBPxKBNZ11wibvuHK7k2MJtxcsoRwbGFfqcSKn6f75xO/s1600-h/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLg51l5hJ2E7cmMvrusVLXYBp6JpURumtM8lQYGwZ7uuANPt1JqildZi-wmq2WKuI7C9myLQflz3GmG2nNoKOA_Bvi58MEQ9koBPxKBNZ11wibvuHK7k2MJtxcsoRwbGFfqcSKn6f75xO/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424193140132513442" border="0" /></a>I got a new camera for my birthday! Pictures of Miss Mia went into overdrive!<br />October<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74LAWM1RizyLMUOp7yZCip4vDWjK837CAeK7TBvWLuUKKBIlppP9OHWMjidnYI9ulVUzy0OKRM3c4Y-hIVuWa-mVizx5Wz2XEuojcb2xnNf_5EuLCVGd_X44YpN8q-XLxlbTc9yskKhDZ/s1600-h/dave+at+u2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74LAWM1RizyLMUOp7yZCip4vDWjK837CAeK7TBvWLuUKKBIlppP9OHWMjidnYI9ulVUzy0OKRM3c4Y-hIVuWa-mVizx5Wz2XEuojcb2xnNf_5EuLCVGd_X44YpN8q-XLxlbTc9yskKhDZ/s320/dave+at+u2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424192647942951106" border="0" /></a>Hubby & I went to see U2. What a memorable night!! I hope I never forget it!<br />November<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_Ajfdf1SJtWEcuT8rVi36EXWsAa3_eZgRKN1Uwrwye55l5xzYt-fIdgvnG3-JfpuvIU1ccqwTUe2GD5EYoxiXk1ry6bm0rxlIuVW6QZ_pGE1Di0gbHOKKzIYPoMq013S5xF2D7ejbd7A/s1600-h/mia+at+wedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_Ajfdf1SJtWEcuT8rVi36EXWsAa3_eZgRKN1Uwrwye55l5xzYt-fIdgvnG3-JfpuvIU1ccqwTUe2GD5EYoxiXk1ry6bm0rxlIuVW6QZ_pGE1Di0gbHOKKzIYPoMq013S5xF2D7ejbd7A/s320/mia+at+wedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424192334006782226" border="0" /></a>Miss Mia turned 2 in November and to celebrate Auntie K got married! (Well, that's what Mia thinks at least!) She got to be the cutest flower girl EVER!<br /><br />December<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCFXWulMFBiTErcAG2-EcThANt-xgX0i8z2mucvFsxuyyFcq5XxMFSLx33-Uz_mYCZr8P_xFSUDE2JGQ8p7HjxBsPie8fZJfoGHKiCPBx4um6CjN-j3XUarIBsy9qnLGWjfHQvhiD04ud/s1600-h/dec+09.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCFXWulMFBiTErcAG2-EcThANt-xgX0i8z2mucvFsxuyyFcq5XxMFSLx33-Uz_mYCZr8P_xFSUDE2JGQ8p7HjxBsPie8fZJfoGHKiCPBx4um6CjN-j3XUarIBsy9qnLGWjfHQvhiD04ud/s320/dec+09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424192047691497506" border="0" /></a>December brought many exchanges of gifts, helping Mommy bake and helping Daddy build, decorate and landscape (of course) a gingerbread house.<br /><br />What a year! How fabulous it has been!<br /></div>Tickled Pink Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415109651014242823noreply@blogger.com0