Campbell's House with a twist

The heat is even affecting my blogging

2011-08-23T20:40:00.001-05:00

I know this is Texas... but really? Does it have to be this hot? And for this long?
Seriously. Doesn't Mother Nature see the school supplies on the store shelves? And the Fall linens and decorations? And all the cute Fall boots and sweaters, and scarves, and boots, and jackets, and boots for sale? And for the love of Jiminey Cricket... has she ever heard of a CALENDAR?

As for Summer here, two inches from the sun in Leander, we had a blast.

We swam

We went to Grita's house

We swam

We went to Disney

Well, some of us went to Disney. Others of us never left the great state of Texas.

We swam

We played with our best peeps

Tequila has always been one of my best peeps

I love minis and minis clearly love me!

We swam

We went to Pinkalicious

Some of us liked the ice cream part of the day best of all

We swam

We went to events with our children that we probably should have hired a sitter for

We swam

We dreamed of going to Playa del Carmen and coming home withOUT our heads lopped off

We swam (at home and not in the beautiful Caribbean sea)

We bid Haylie farewell and dropped her off at UT
We swam

We had a great time!
And we had a great time swimming!

Now we are on to other things.
Blogging
Swimming
Starting Pre-K
Swimming
Wearing uniforms
Swimming
Going tinkle in the potty
Swimming
Talking in sentences
Swimming
Planning someone's #2 birthday (how did that happen so quickly?)
Swimming
Waiting on football season
Swimming
Waiting on some cooler weather
Swimming
Praying for rain
And of course, swimming

We are still having a great time. Albeit a sweaty great time.
Life is good here two inches from the sun.

Not a children's book

2011-06-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

This is such a cute book.

We did not feel cute yesterday as helicopters flew over our neighborhood trying to put out the 60 acre fire that was creeping towards our house.

All the homes in our neighborhood were evacuated for a brief period as the fire was not easily accessible to fire trucks (what a snarky thing for a fire to do)... and the wind was picking up.

In the end the awesome fire fighters and pilots controlled the fire and we did not burn to a crisp. Although the neighborhood does smell like we were all doing some serious BBQ-ing through the night.

Interestingly enough, we have plans on what to do in all sorts of emergencies when we are AT home but not a plan for if our home IS the emergency. As I rushed home (warp speed = 10 mph on Mopac) I was making a mental list of what I needed to get out of the house. All I could come up with was:

2. Pictures (already boxed and ready to go)

3. Computer tower

4. Sandy's wedding dress (right beside the pictures)

I figured the rest could be replaced. Campbell and Stratty were at school, so was the Stinky Old Green Lovie (otherwise that would have been the first material item on the grab and go list). Alan was at work.

And, I had on a really cute pair of shoes that go with practically everything... I kid. I kid. Sort of.

Anyway, we were lucky and are very grateful to all the Public Safety workers that put themselves in harms way to keep the fire at bay. Campbell and I are planning to bake something for the fire fighters in our area.

Now, go check your smoke detectors, put a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and by your outdoor grill, and shame every smoker you know into quitting or at least keeping their ashes and butts in the car!

Love you all and thanks for checking in on us yesterday!

Karma

2011-05-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

Stratty has found his voice. Now if we could find an interpreter to tell us what exactly he is saying. And saying. And saying. And saying!!! This kid is a talker. Hmmmm, I wonder where he gets that?

Oh, did I mention that he is a bit of a ladies' man?

Do these skates make me look 4?

2011-04-26T15:12:00.000-05:00

As we are winding up April, we are also winding up a month-long celebration of Campbell's 4th birthday!

We partied at Grita's (...With an non-birthday cake, as her father did not come along and did not want to be left out of any birthday celebrations. It took some quick thinking and outstanding penmanship, but the crisis was averted!)

She and all her school peeps got their princess on at Reagan's party.

Then, we hosted our own Princess party where all her best peeps were transformed into beautiful princesses, yet again. This time, her princess of choice was...

Yes, Belle! CampBELLE. And she was the bell of the ball.

In all honesty, Grita asked her which princess party was more fun, hers or Reagan's? Well, Diva does not care for being the center of attention... guess whose party got top ranking? Um hmm. Oh well. I think she is sweet divalicious perfection and as you can see she looked the part.

(And side bar, I haven't got my party grade from Hooty, yet. She must be waiting on the thank you note before she issues a grade. If I don't get on the ball, I might get and Incomplete.)

Our final stop on the birthday tour this year was the Easter picnic. She and Opal had a ball- Campbell being a country mouse for a day and Opal showing her the expert techniques of how to be a country mouse. One thing is for sure, these two mice love each other.

Happy Birthday, Campbell! I love you!

#2 for #2

2011-04-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a little snapshot of Prince Charming's daily log from yesterday

~~Shut up!~~ (Sorry we are not allowed to say shut up) What?? Are you kidding me?!!

Don't you just love it that the teacher felt it necessary to describe it, too? Hilarious! When I inquired about his reaction, she said there was none. Complete stoneface. Like, 'What's the big deal?'

So before Alan put him in the tub last night he sat him on the potty just to see what would happen....

~~Shut up!~~ (Sorry, it's hard to break that habit) Yep! The Bean actually tinkled in/on the potty!

Which instantly brought me back to this memory...

... especially since he was sitting on the very same princess potty!

Oh well, just one more topic he can discuss with his therapist one day. In the mean time, we are celebrating this little victory and crossing our fingers that it wasn't a total fluke!

Mrs. Nesbit

2011-03-31T09:05:00.001-05:00

Here's a rare pic of the two Campbells together at school. One is a Diva and one is a Sporty Spice... care to guess which is which?

Yes, I was the only Mom wearing a bonnet...

Alan was mortified.

Campbell was delighted.

And, Prince Charming couldn't have given a hoot less.

Almost-4 year old math

2011-03-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

I suppose one must be specific when asking an almost-four year old to, "put one of these in the dryer." In her defense, I did hand the whole box to her...

Guess how many. Let me tell you... 29.

Yes, 29 dryer sheets in one load of kids laundry. One load of extremely lavender scented and grounded kids laundry. No static electricity within a mile of these princess panties.

Campbell heard me laughing as I took the box, yes the entire cardboard box, out of the dryer. "Mommy, why are you laughing?"

"Because this is funny! Did you mean to put the whole box in the dryer?"

"Oh yes! It smelled so good I thought we should use one whole box."

As they say, the devil is in the details. Or, is it the Diva is in the details? Either way, she just cracks me up.

Bridezilla

2011-03-03T13:08:00.001-06:00

Last night as I tucked Campbell into bed, I kissed her and said, "Have sweet dreams, baby."

"Mommy, if you want, tonight you can dream about me getting married."

"I can?" I asked.

"Oh sure...but not with that fing on my head. You know I don't like that fing. It looks itchy. And Baby Brudder will be up there with me, too."

"He will? This sounds exciting!  I would love to think about you getting married."

"Mommy, I said dream- not fink!"

"Ohhhh. Ok, I'll just dream about it, then. Who do you think you might be marrying?  Got any ideas? Maybe Thaelon (boy from school) or Braden (another boy who has had a longstanding crush on the Diva)??

"Mommmmmy. I already told you.  Stratty is going to be up there with me. That means I am going to marry him."

"Hmmm. Well you will be a lovely bride!"

"Mommy, don't call me that."

"What?"

"Bride."

"Why?"

"E-cuz, I don't like that wuhrd. It sounds like a tacky pants."

"Ok. Good night, Your Majesty!" And with that she closed her eyes and snuggled up with her stinky old green lovey. I swear I am going to wrap that thing around her bouquet when she does walk down the aisle.

This picture was taken before she could verbalize her distaste for the veil

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

2011-03-01T10:04:00.003-06:00

At Campbell's House all apples are NOT created equal. I don't know how I have managed to create apple snobs at such early ages, but I have.

When I was a kid, there were two kinds of apples: red and green. When did they start making so many different varieties? I am not sure who I mean by they... God? Apple farmers (or should they be called Orchardists?)? Aggies? Whoever they are, there are A LOT of apples to choose from.

My number one favorite apple of all time is the Honeycrisp. They are expensive and worth every penny of the standard $2.99 per pound. They simply cannot be beat. It is hard to see a bag of apples cross the HEB scanner for upwards of $9 or so, but it must be done. The window of opportunity to enjoy them is relatively small- so spending restriction be damned.

As the Honeycrisp season draws to a close, we are forced to eat substandard apples. Red Delicious, quite honestly, is our last resort. First we rotate through Pink Ladies, Granny Smith, and occasionally Macintosh or Gala, and then the dreaded Red Delicious- which by the by, might need renaming- if you ask me. None compare to the ever superior Honeycrisp. I try to trick the kids into eating the imposters by making letters and shapes with the pieces, but alas most dinners they are refused.

Today as I opened the car door to unload Stratton at school, my lunch bag fell out of the car. Out rolled my bowl of leftovers and my apple. I caught the bowl of left overs but the apple rolled under the car before I could grab it. Campbell was standing on the sidewalk smiling and smirking.

"What's so funny?" I asked her.
"I don't fink you will be eating an apple today, Mommy."
"Why?"
"Because your Old Lady just rolled into the drain."

Indeed. My Old Lady had rolled under the car and into the drain. For a Honeycrisp I might have considered a rescue mission, but it was just an Old Lady, after all.

Funny, funny girl.

Lady killer

2011-02-17T14:31:00.001-06:00

My little guy loves the ladies... Especially this little peach named Brinkley! I am not sure, but I think she might be coppin' a feel or giving him a goose.

PS- Please note what they are sitting on... yes, I checked his ears when he got home.

"Hard" week

2011-01-07T14:22:00.001-06:00

Sometime late September Campbell had an earache- the sort of earache that renders one to the brink of madness. By the time preschool called me she was inconsolable. A quick phone call to the pediatrician with a description of the pain left us all certain it was a mean case of swimmers' ear. Note: swimmers' ear is painful to the physical touch as well as throbbing internal pain. Meds were called in and administered- not without much failed negotiating, and many many many tears- both hers and mine. She only wanted her daddy and I was not allowed to even LOOK at the ear much less touch it.

Days passed and the pain lessened but never quite went away. Finally, I was allowed to view the ear. Eeeks. She had a giant piece of earwax in there.
My mental conversations went something like this:
OMG! WTF?
Have I not been cleaning her ears enough?
Is she some sort of earwax freak?
What if she can't hear?
What if this glob of wax is trapping water down there and there is some sort of nasty fungus running a-muck?!
The ear is awfully close the brain!!!
I wonder if she will let me get it out??!! (Let me just save you a little time: big fat NO!)
I wonder if I could get it out while she is asleep??! (Uhhh, she is a ninja and would wake up every time I would try to sneak into her room. Then she would pepper me with questions, so, no go.)

Off to the doctor we went.
Dr: Yep, it's earwax. Try to soften it with earwax softener and then don't worry about it. It will work it's way out.

Fast forward to yesterday. We went to the doctor for Stratton's 15 month well check. Which, by the way, seems like a scam appointment that they snuck in for an extra co-pay because we have to go back at 18 months! Whatever.
Anyway, I brought Campbell along for a flu shot and to check out the earwax that has taken up permanent residence in her little ear.
Doctor looks into her ear. No drama from the Diva. Doctor says, "Yeah, that's a really big piece of wax. Do you want me to get it out?"
Campbell slaps her hand over her ear and starts to cry.
Dr: "Well just keep putting the softener in and it will eventually work its way out."

Now, I've already paid my co-pay for Stratton and Campbell so it wasn't as though I was trying to sneak this in on a single visit. And while I knew this was going to be a doozie, I knew my OCD could not support knowing this wax could have been removed and wasn't. "Nope, I can't take it. I need you to remove it. It kills me knowing its in there."

I will leave out the brutal details of the screaming and kicking and flailing that ensued but let me just say this, if we had been in a bar I would have had to buy a round of drinks for the entire place. It was not pretty.

As the doctor is extracting the wax he says, "Wow this is the biggest piece of wax I have ever seen! Wait a minute. It's not wax- it's a rock."

"What???!!!! Let me see. That's not a rock- that is a wood chip!"

I know! Poor baby!!
Yes, I will have her hearing checked
Yes, we got ice cream
Yes, I chewed the doctor's ass out for confusing wood with wax- not once, but twice
Yes, we discussed not putting anything in ears, noses, or other orifices of ourselves or other people (until at least age 26)

Leave it to Hooty to round out the drama with some comic relief:

PS- Honestly, I'll take the earwax over this.

Small town neighbors

2011-01-06T11:17:00.000-06:00

It is safe to say that I am not the most neighborly neighbor.

When I get home I typically close the garage door behind me before I even get out of the car. I am sure I read an article at some point that said that was the thing to do to avoid being "gotten" by the Boogy Man.

Yesterday when I got home I saw that Alan had pulled the trashcan down the driveway but left it outside the garage. As not to get a nasty-gram from the HOA, I pulled into the garage, left the garage door open and rolled the trashcan into the garage. I closed the garage door as I walked into the house. Or I pushed the button to close the door.

Hours later (after dark) the doorbell rang. It was our neighbors from about two houses down on the corner. They had puzzled looks on their faces. "Is everything alright?" they inquired.
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"Your garage light is flashing and we were worried that it was a distress signal. We know you have two small children. We just couldn't not come and check."

How about that for being neighborly? If I wasn't dead inside I am sure I would have cried for their thoughtfulness. Instead, Alan told them that I am a spazz and something was probably blocking the sensor on the door. I think I will bake them something yummy to say thank you.

PS- Turns out the trashcan was blocking the sensor so the door did not close and therefore the light was flashing like a disco rave.

"Ureka!"

2011-01-03T09:09:00.000-06:00

says Stratton, or at least that is what the curious little grin on his face said this morning as I was changing his diaper.
Yep. He found it.
Life will never be the same for him (or me) again.

Dear 2011, oh what are you doing to me already?

Sincerely,
~~Campbell's~~ Stinking Baby Boy's Mom

Hello 2011!

2011-01-01T15:10:00.000-06:00

We ate our obligatory single dirt- er black eyed- pea. Blehck!!! Then, we washed it down with some sugar cookies rolled in green sprinkles.
2011 is lookin' good so far.
Here's hoping everyone has a great year!

Peace out from Campbell's House!

Two for two

2010-12-20T09:26:00.000-06:00

Pictured above: Two Codina angels not giving a Ho-Ho-hoot for Santa.

PS- I have no idea what happened to Santa's nose.

Merry Christmas!

I don't want to kiss him

2010-12-08T09:06:00.001-06:00

You all remember what a HUGE fan of Santa Campbell is, right? Well if you need a reminder look at this.
Hilarious and mean, I know. But Hootie says, "rude things are often funny." This is one of those times, if you ask me.

This year we had tons of reminders that Santa was coming to school for pictures and some non-mall knee time with the Big Guy. I was really doing my best to sell it to Campbell. We made a list. We talked about what she would say to him, what he looks like, the beard, etc., etc., and etc.. [Side bar: don't the double periods at the end of that sentence just kill you? Good. Me, too.]

Santa day came and I dressed her pretty cute, but not over the top because I know the Diva, and I knew odds were WAY LOW that she would even make eye contact with The Man in Red, much less pose for a photo op.

Well, class, call it mother's intuition or raising the diva of all divas... But, this is how it went down.

Me: Miss Priss, how did it go with Santa today?
C: It didn't
Me: Why not?
C: Mommy, you know do I don't like THAT guy.
Me: Campbell, it is not some "guy" it is SANTA. He is in charge of alllll the presents at Christmas.
C: Not ALL the presents... I bet Grita buys me a present. I'll tell Grita I want a princess puzzle.
And, I don't like candy canes, anyway.

*******
Campbell shares the love of non-stop Christmas carols with her Grita. So, this morning on the way to school she requested Christmas music. I had my mind on what was ahead for the day not really listening to the music when she says to me:
Mommy, I don't want to kiss him.
Me: Kiss who?
C: You can kiss him if you want to, but not me.

On the radio: Jackson Five's version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."
This kid is too much!

It's late and I've had wine

2010-11-21T22:47:00.000-06:00

First let me just say that I do not understand homework for babies! What is that?? Whatever. I can craft when I have to- but I really prefer when Grita and Hootie are left to the actual "doing" and I can just stand by and supervise... er, boss them.
Anyway, it is Thanksgiving. Blah blah blah. We are putting pennies in the penny pail at school for needy families. We are donating cans of food to the grocery carts for needy families. And now, turns out... we are doing homework so that we can transform our children into Pilgrims.

Diva asks: Mommy what is a pilgrim?
Me:
Diva: MOMMY! I said, what is a pilgrim.
Me: I know. I was thinking.
Diva: Well, what do you fink?
Me: I fink i need a drink. (No, i did not really say that! She would totally rat me out at school if I said that.) They were the first people to come to America.
Diva: Did they say the Pledge of Allegiance?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? SHE IS 3 and a HALF!!!!!

Me: No, I don't think the pledge was around back then.
Diva: Why are we making a hat out of paper?
Me: Good question. And it is a bonnet, if you please.

Please note the Princess stickers in picture #2. I feel certain that if the pilgrim women would have had access to princess stickers they would have adorned their bonnets with such. And, as I said before, I've had wine. I am sure that these pictures will come back to haunt me!

At least Campbell participated in her homework. The Bean had long since been in bed when I took on this little project. The instructions said to make his pilgrim hat out of paper, too. As IF!! He would have torn that thing to shreds in less that 30 seconds. We went with a solo cup and some spray paint. Like I said, I can craft when necessary!

Peggy, I can hear you laughing! Happy Birthday, Love!

Peace out from the Pilgrims of Leander!

Growing up

2010-11-18T14:23:00.000-06:00

~A couple of weeks ago~
Campbell: Mommy, I fink I am going to have a baby in my tummy.
Me: Someday, I bet you will.
C: When?
Me: Go ask your daddy.
C: Daddy, when can I have a baby in my tummy?
Alan: When your 26. (I thought he would say something like 40!! or over my dead body)
C: Mommy, 26 is a long time after 4 isn't it?
Me: Yes. (Thank goodness!!)

~This morning on the way to school~
C: Mommy, how do dogs get to people?
Me: Remember how we went and picked up Ripley at Miss Laura's house?
C: (Disgusted) No, how do they grow up to people?
Me: They don't. They grow up into dogs.
C: (Even more disgusted) No. Do dogs come out of people's tummies?
Me: No, puppies come out of Mommy dogs' tummies?
C: What about cows?
Me: Baby cows come from Mommy cows' tummies?
C: So it has to be a match?
Me: Right
Long pause of silence from the back seat.
C: Like me and you?
Me: Right
But now I can practically see the wheels turning in her head...
C: Well, then... what about Stratty? He is not a match.
Me: Sure he is. It is a people match.
C: Hmmm. More silence. Well, how did he get in there?
Me: It's called science. And you will learn all about it when you are a little older.
C: How old? When I am 5?
Me: Maybe
C: Can we paint after school today?

Heavy conversation for 7:00a. I wonder what they talk about when Alan takes them to school!

Peace out!

It's a dog's life

2010-11-08T09:50:00.000-06:00

What can I say?
I am a glutton for punishment? Perhaps. But I still couldn't get over the B+ I earned for Stratton's birthday party ... and the lame train and lack of tracks that we gave him as a gift. That, and the fact that this little guy was seriously CUTE!
So, Believe It or Not we have a puppy in the house. His name is Ripley and he couldn't be cuter if he tried. Well, he could be a little cuter if he whimpered less during the night.

Peace out from Leander
XOXO

Snow White and a Stinker

2010-11-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

Last year, he had not developed his free will. He was only 16 days old! And the cutest banana EVER.

Turns out, it only takes 381 days to fully develop. He flat refused to wear his skunk costume. Period. A single outing to Picture People wearing it was all he had in him. Not sure if he felt undignified or insulted or just HOT. Regardless, we had to go with plan B. Enter devil horns (which, by the by I had left over in great quantities from his father's 40th birthday bash last September. I know, I know... one more topic for him to discuss in therapy one day.)

So, Snow White and I joined the neighbors for the annual hay ride Trick or Treat!

She wasn't bashful or nervous. She followed the lead of the bigger kids and she had a great time!

I have always loved Halloween but I love it even more, now.

Peace out!
xoxox

Blair Witch?

2010-11-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I let Campbell take pictures with my camera.
It is interesting to see what the world looks like from the perspective of a 3 1/2 year old.

Sometimes, she gets a less than flattering shot. And sometimes that shot is of herself.

Whahhhh Ahhhh Ahhhh!!

Numero Uno

2010-11-01T20:52:00.001-05:00

We've gone from this

To this

And, while he is not allowed to play any position on the football team except maybe kicker, he sure looks cute in his gear!!

Oh, but he IS allowed to date cheerleaders

He opened his presents with mediocre gusto. Don't I look thrilled? Well, I was but for some reason the photographer was not shooting my good side...

Then, I put on a peep show

See? I am much happier now that my cleavage and bra are showing!

As you can tell, Opal nor Stratty could care less about the football hold I've got him in or the darling pants he just recieved.

It's not officially a party without cake.

I was feeling pretty confident when I asked Hootie for my post party grade. Keep in mind, she teaches Junior High... She said, and I quote:

There were no balloons.

AND

There were no candles on the cake.

I will give you a B+. (and then she cackled!!)

Hmmm. Is that B+ for "Birthday Boy" or "B#@*&" ?

We had a great time!! Thanks for sharing in the special celebration for the Bean!

Happy Birthday, little boy!

A lovely little story

2010-10-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

A month is a long time to go without sharing. Plus I need to make some room on my memory card in my camera...

I went to Pleasanton to celebrate my 30th birthday

I hung out with my best peeps (please excuse my lazy eyes...?)

We went to dinner

Alan wore my Mom's blue reading glasses and Heather made fun of him

Cash and Kay shared a bottle of wine

Later, we happened upon another cowboy, though much taller than Cash

And some rogue cattle that needed tending to...

so I did

Before we knew it we were surrounded by cows with really long horns

Seriously... there were LOTS of horns

So we decided to Hook Em out of there.

The End

Already time for another

2010-10-12T21:24:00.001-05:00

My birthday came and went. One of my stresses, i mean treats was taking Stratton for his first haircut.
Translation: I was tired of all the crap I was taking from everyone. I thought his hair looked perfectly masculine.

His Dad and PawPaw did not agree. And, the truth is I knew if I did not participate I would end up missing the event all together.

So we made another trip to good ole Fantastic Sam's in Pleasanton. I am pleased to report that this experience was MUCH more enjoyable. Remember this little incident?? Well... not The Bean.
He almost slept through the whole thing.

And since I have been slacking on the blog, Stratton is already due for another haircut! I am betting they all are!

Peace & Love from Leander!

Musings of a Diva

2010-10-12T20:57:00.000-05:00

What does lenient mean?
What does curious mean?
Why is brocolli green?
Why is Sratty (no T present) crying?

I miss my Grita.

Don't you just love the hair?

2010-09-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am going to cut it! But there is no definite time frame for that blessed event.

This is the best age- the kids', that is... not mine.

Just today, Haylie said to me regarding one of her besties and me getting ditched by her and Dayce on my birthday weekend for a better offer, "Well you only turn 18 once." To which I replied that I will be celebrating my 2nd 18th birthday this very weekend. Dammit. And, if you don't mind.

36 is not near as glamorous as say 26 or even 31. In fact, I think I may start saying I am 45 so people will tell me how good I look for my age.

Back to the kids and their great ages. The Bean will be ONE next month!! Where did the time go? And where did all this hair come from all of a sudden? As you can see we are trying the same break 'em in early strategy.

We go here a lot...

And eat a lot of this.

It worked with Campbell (10 weeks old!! And sitting in the same chair. I think the only difference is that today my hair is a little shorter and hers is a little longer. Oh, and there is a lot more drinking on my part because they are kicking my 36, er ALMOST 36, year old ass!)

It remains to be seen if it will work with the Bean. Odds are not in my favor- he is a boy after all.

I am starting to crave a margarita, no?

Peace out from Leander- it's Wine Monday, here.

Triple Threat

2010-09-13T20:25:00.001-05:00

Dancing? Check
Singing? Check
Drama? Spend a weekend at Campbell's House and then YOU tell me...

We Luh-HUV this time of year!

2010-09-10T16:01:00.000-05:00

Can you tell?

(I got this little gem of a pic today at lunch. Isn't technology just awesome? I bet our parents never even gave a thought to what positively precious things we were doing during the school day. Much less if we had our horns up.)

And, yes... we are those neighbors.

Hook 'Em!

Shave and a haircut...

2010-08-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

Not yet.

This weekend we resorted to using hair wax on the Bean. I was going for the faux hawk look, but Dad was not on board. He said it was looking a little Ed Grimley.

Therefore, Alan was practically begging to get the boy's haircut. But, I just couldn't do it. Not yet.... he's only 10 months old.

I think he makes a pretty cute surfer baby, I must say.

Peace out.

Big dreams

2010-08-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

6:30a.m. is wake-up time at Campbell's House.
This morning, like every other morning, I prepared the Diva's "wom" milk and a bottle for Stratton and headed downstairs to wake them. Over the monitor, I could hear Stratton awake in his room- that is he was already hammering on his crib.

By the time I got to his door he was standing up in the crib and grinning ear to ear! I snatched him out of bed and kissed him about 100 times.

Then, I went into Campbell's room, turned on her lamp, and kissed her on the forehead to wake her. She opened her eyes and said, " Mommy, I was finking about an icecream sandwich with a cookie on top and sprinkles and M eeee Ms. While I was asleep. Is that still finking? Or is that dream finking?"

Atta girl! You can't get much better than a dream with sprinkles!

What they don't know won't hurt 'em

2010-07-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

Successful trip to the beach for my babies! I lu-huv the beach!!! I really lu-huv the beautiful beaches of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. But in a pinch the gulf coast will do.
I mean, I grew up frolicking in the murky jelly fish infested, tar laden shores of Port Aransas. And when I say grew up, I mean, when I was old enough to get down there... Grita is not a fan of the beach.

But, once I laid eyes on the Caribbean shores, I was hooked. Port Aransas is no Cancun. But... it is the beach.

I was crossing my fingers that the fruit of my loins would also be beach babies... As luck would have it, they both really liked the beach. Stratty who never cries about anything (aside from hunger and poopy diapers) pitched a wall-eyed fit when he was not granted permission to crawl at will into the surf unattended. The Diva wanted to spend all her time in the water jumping waves. Ahhh. Aunt Sandy would be so proud.

And while, I'd like to think that Aunt Sandy was watching over us from heaven and protecting us while we splashed about in the gulf... she must have had to take a tinkle break. Because poor Opes felt the wrath of a "jelly bean, that ate her up!" Damn jelly fish. A kind stranger on the beach lent us a shot of vinegar to kill the pain. Seems like in the not so distant past another stranger lent us a shot of vodka for hair lightening.... ahhh good times.

All in all the trip was GREAT! We tanned responsibly... and came home ready to make the trip again soon.

Peace out!
XOXOX

Bad mothering or fiber-licious?

2010-07-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

Once again, Hootie would like to point out that Stratton is getting the SBS or "second born shaft" (heavy on the BS, I am sure...)

Campbell got the Princess treatment back in the day. Complete with the Grita-made high chair cover, handy stick to the table placemat, and the Clorox wipes pre-treatment of any surface her little hands, let alone MOUTH might come in contact with. Not to mention that I was fully armed back then with every toddler snack and sippy cup known to man kind. Poor Stratty.

Refried beans, goldfish, and water out of the non-disinfected rim of my water glass at Serano's. He did not have tortilla dipped in bean juice... but I did briefly consider it. I did have a baby spoon in the MAKE-UP bag in my purse. To which the Diva inquired:

Mommy, why you have a spoon in there with OUR lipstick?

Hmmm... good question. Just call it Super-Mothering!

Happy 9 birth-month-iversary, Stratton!

Peace out and love,
Mother of the Year

Vocabulary lesson

2010-06-29T10:47:00.000-05:00

I love this age! Campbell is just hilarious. She has a quick wit about her (she got that from her mother, I am sure) and her vocabulary is quite large for a three year old.

Here are a few of my favorite words:

Am-ee-uhl
"I need to sleep with lots of am-ee-uhls at bed time!"

Sun scream
"Mommy, don't get the sun scream in my eyes!"

E-cuz
"I need some ice cream, ecuz my tummy is grumbly."

Brudder
"Baby brudder!! Stop pulling my hair!"

fink: think
"I fink we should go to the beach."

And Hootie's personal fave...
wom
"I like my milky wom." Opposed to hot or cold...

Some oldies but goodies from other members of this family:
Glassable- breakable (Dayce)
Sink water- tap water (Dayce)
De-roderant- deoaderant (Heather)

I am sure you've got a list of your own family's words... funny how they stick, isn't it?

On the move

2010-05-27T13:00:00.001-05:00

Doesn't he look like a mini-man with his golf shirt and khaki shorts on? Not too mention playing with his balls...

And... now the boy is ON THE MOVE! Not quite mastery level yet, but dangerously close!

WAIT! It's crawl first... Walk second!

What can I say? He's very advanced!

It's not You. It's Me

2010-05-27T05:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Tanya Tahoe,
Thank you for hauling me and my precious cargo all over creation for the last two years.
Thank you for holding your tongue through the many spilled Sonic teas, ground in Goldfish, and various sundry other snack foods that littered your lovely beige colored carpet.
Thank you for the kind warning when my front tire was gushing air as I flew down I35.
And, thank you for helping me bully my way through Austin, TX traffic.

I am sorry I did not wash you more. And I am sorry about all the spilled teas and snacks. But, such is the life of a mom's car.

You're still beautiful albeit dirty. And while I wouldn't call you "high maintenance" exactly, I just don't feel like this relationship is working anymore. Seriously, it's not you. It's me.

I know I told you I was from the country and like driving trucks. Turns out I only like to drive trucks occasionally. I am more of a zip around town girl. You're more of a guzzle some gas and take your time kinda gal. Which is fine- we're just on different pages here. Like I said, it's not you- it's me.

I doubt we'll ever see each other again and I am beginning to get the feeling that that suits you JUST FINE.
If it isn't too painful, look me up on FB. Maybe we can still be friends- although, I feel like I should tell you that I've met someone.... her name is Penny Pathfinder. Try not to take it too hard if you see her. She's black, just like you.... with beige interior... just like you.

But, I swear: It's not you! It's ME!

I wish you all the best with your new owner. Maybe you'll get lucky and an ole bitty will buy you!
Love,
Renee

PS- Please remember our confidentiality agreement! Man, if those leather seats could talk!

Called out

2010-05-25T23:13:00.001-05:00

I hate to break it to you but if you send me chain mail of any kind- I trash it. I don't even give it a second thought... which is weird because: I read my horoscope, play the same lottery numbers each time, pick up lucky pennies, have lucky sneakers, boots, jewelry, rub Buddha's belly... you get the general idea here. Strangely, the threat of being destitute or having a four headed baby or a lifetime full of bad luck does not compel me to forward random junk mail.

This week I did get called out by my cousin over on Daily Rants & Ramblings.

The challenge was to share 5 meaningful pictures and then to gush over yourself in 5 sentences (or something like that). There was also something about forwarding the challenge- but you know how I feel about that.

So, dear Branalyn, here goes:

#1: My Family

Alan, Melvin, Heather, Dayce, Campbell, Dad, Mom, Sandy, Kay, Haylie, and Opal

These are the most important people in my life.

They are the people that I have loved the longest. And, the people that have loved me the longest. They have taught me how to love unconditionally and how to enjoy life.

There is one person missing from this photo- well, technically he is in the picture you just can't see him. He is more of a tadpole at this point!

#2 Diva and The Bean

These two kids already love each other so much it makes my heart ache. I never knew how much fun being a mom could be. But it is! I try to tell them as often as I can how much I enjoy being their Mom. I know that all too soon I will be un-cool, old, and unreasonable in their eyes. So I am relishing in every snuggle, kiss, hug, and bedtime story I can!

#3 San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon 2008

I have found over the years that running is where I can find the stillness in my life. I can make my mind be quiet and really think- almost a meditation of sorts. This should serve as inspiration to get back out there and pound the pavement... Mostly, this picture is a nice reminder that if you take care of your body it will work hard for you. Mine did: 13.1 miles in 2 hours 33 minutes. Not too bad for a rookie run. My family and dear friends,the Dunns, came out to support me and cheer me on!

#4 Gone Country

My Dad and Melvin had to be absolutely busting at the seams when the Diva decided to be a "ranch girl!" She has only been to the ranch a few times, but she talks about it a lot. When it rains, she talks about the flowers needing the rain to grow... and the cows need grass at PawPaw's ranch, too! Uncle Deuce (Melvin) trained her in Cow Feeding 101. Thank goodness for camera phones to catch the moment digitally!

We may live in the city, but we have country roots!

#5 I've got your back

When I got pregnant the second time, I sooo wanted Campbell to have a sister. I knew that I had no choice in the matter and that the teenage years would be EXCRUCIATING with two teenage girls in the house. But, I also knew that as adults the amount of joy, love, and support they would bring each other. The connection that Heather and I have. The connection that Haylie and Dayce will have. The connection that Mom and Sandy had.

When we saw the penis I had to reevaluate things. It was then that I realized Campbell already had someone in her life that she could get that very same joy, love, and support from: Ainzley Opal. This picture sums it up.

Life is hard.

You won't always get your way.

But, I love you. And when you need me I'll be here- no matter what.

And, as a bonus Sandy took the picture. And managed to get a dual fit documented for all time.

Five things I like about me:

I make pretty babies

I have nice handwriting

I make a MEAN chocolate chip cookie

My knack for talking to people. Seriously, I can strike up a conversation with a brick wall

My silly sense of humor- it is fun to be silly

Mission complete.

Peace out from Leander!

Face time

2010-05-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

I was thinking that I should probably start a scrapbook for Stratton. Don' you think? I mean what if this handy little blog crashes??! Holy you-know-what!

If this blog crashes I am screwed. Because, in spite of the fact that I never even made it to the one-year mark of Campbell's scrapbook (I think I made it to about 6 months) Stratton will always say he got the "second born" shaft.

He will say that I love Campbell more. He will say that there are like a million pictures of Campbell and like two of him. He will tell his therapist that HE never had his birth officially announced on nice card stock paper- matte finish, not glossy. And then he'll go on to say that if I had bothered to announce his birth through the old fashioned snail mail that I would have probably done it on the cheap and gone with glossy paper. Then he'll tell his little tramp of a girlfriend that his mother loved him soooo much that she announced his birth to the world on the world wide freaking web! And on Facebook???!!!??! How embarrassing, MOTHER!!!

I have no idea what to do about this little conundrum... I am thinking of grounding him for making me feel so pre-guilty.

In the meantime, I thought the little stinker deserved some face time and not on Facebook.. and without his sister crowding the shot. Maybe his therapist will give me a couple of brownie points in 20 years.

Please ignore the pink baby doll he is playing with... that is another therapy session all together.

Is this a profile, or what?

Maybe he'll have Michael Jordan style "ups" to go with the MJ tongue action

Peace and love from Leander!

XOXO

Grita guest poster

2010-05-13T21:21:00.000-05:00

This email was too great not to share...
A little background: Dayce is my youngest sister. I mean this in the most loving way possible: she is the BIGGEST BAND NERD ON THE PLANET! She loves band. Period. She recently made 1st Assistance Drum Major. She plays piano and rocks the trombone. Yes, trombone- not clarinet or flute or even trumpet. Trom-freaking-bone. She has passed up many family events, outings, etc. in order to do BAND related things. I am not talking about a rock band. Not even a country band. I am talking about the high school MARCHING BAND. Oh, but there is more. She is in Jazz Band. She is in a Percussion group. She plays the piano constantly at home. Taps on and with anything she can get her hands on. And when all else fails, she will whistle. (Did i mention that I HATE whistling?) I am telling you, she IS THE band nerd of the century. What's more is she relishes in the title. Weirdo. Talented weirdo.

Keep that in mind as you read the email I got from my mom tonight:

" Well here is something..........lightening knocked the electricity out at the band concert. Dark and did I mention that Dayce was playing the electric PIANO........so she only got to play 3 songs.............she is absolutely devastated. WTF? Who cares? oh yeah Dayce..........Conversation as followed. .......

DD:It was the last concert of the year, boooo hooooooooooo
ME: I guess you dont want any supper.
DD: I am never eating again.
Me: quit acting like that we were there and heard you play the trombone which I like better......
DD:I DONT.I like the piano best. I am pissed.....boo hoo.......
ME: It is not like this is your last year last concert........
DD: I dont care. I probably wont even get to play on Sunday.
Me: YOu have another concert on Sunday?
DD: YES! I told you yesterday!
ME: Well sorry I did not remember....but we will be there whether lightening strikes again and knocks out the electric piano or not. You know Lightening never strikes in the same place twice.
DD:Whatever!"

I love it! Especially the boooo hoooo. For some reason that just cracked me up.
Thanks for the laugh, Grita... er, I mean Dayce.
XOXO

3 to 13

2010-05-13T21:07:00.000-05:00

And all it took was a pair of scissors!
We've been talking about it for a couple of weeks. On Sunday night she announced that she was getting her hair cut "this week." When I asked what day she said, "I'm not sure, but probably after swimming lessons."
"Hmph," I said, "Sounds like a good plan." I quickly looked at our schedule and made an appointment for the first opening in the week. Thursday afternoon. This hair cut went MUCH better than the previous event I blogged about here.
Campbell had her first shampoo in the bowl- no drama. She opted to sit in the Barbie Jeep (full of e-coli, bird, and swine flu, I am sure). The Diva even let Miss Whitney blow it dry with a round brush.
I had to choke back tears at least twice. Seriously. She is growing up so fast!

I did it all for the nook e.....reader

2010-05-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

Well, no thanks to Limp Bizkit. All the love goes to my Precious Pie and my sweet kids. And, I totally luh-huv my new Nook Ereader. I have to admit that I completely stressed out over what my first download should be. But I finally made some choices, brewed a cup of tea, and promptly stuck my nose in my Nook! Great gift, Pie- GREAT gift!

Mother's Day #3 for me. First one as a mother of two. It is true that you just can't imagine what it means to be a mother until you are one. Stratton was feeling a little puny this weekend. So we cuddled for about two hours on Sunday. Just sitting on the sofa snuggling a sick baby. A joy only a mother (ok, maybe a Grita) could love. These two rotten kids (three counting Opal) have brought such happiness and smiles into my life.

It is also true that we all should have given our mothers a break. Who needs a break more than moms? Eeks- I am scared to death when I think about what could be, might be, probably, most definitely IS in store for me in about 9 years. I wish I would have been a nicer teenager. Maybe I should just buy a vineyard- cut out the middle man. I see a lot of wine in my future.

Thanks for a fabulous Mother's Day!
Peace out from Campbell and Stratton's mom!
XOXO

You know who you are

2010-05-06T14:10:00.002-05:00

I have some butter lovers in my life. At which the mere thought of putting something as putrid as.... MARGARINE to thier lips would simply revolt them. I happen to prefer margarine (there I said it). Stop reading my blog if you must... but I like margarine. And Cool Whip, too. Dearly departed Aunt Sandy said (at every opportunity) that Cool Whip tasted like plastic. I guess I like the taste of plastic.

Anyway, I picked up the current edition of TRIBEZA magazine and cracked up. This is surely their dream date!

The Bean takes a dip

2010-04-29T22:17:00.000-05:00

Summer time is upon us in Texas... well sort of.
One day it feels warm enough to swim, the next day there are gale force winds- Alan keeps reminding me that it is still technically Spring. Whatevs. The kids and I are ready to swim. We need to get the new pool broken in.

Last weekend we heated up the pool to a toasty 90 degrees and presto- it felt like mid August in South Texas. The kids had a ball! Even the Bean. He loves the water. The Diva didn't want water in her ears (thanks, Grita). And, Opal, well... she marches to the beat of her own drummer. She was just as content to climb the stairs on the deck.

Before you go any further- let me apologize for the stark white image you are about to be forced to see. You may even want to excuse yourself for some sunglasses. Seriously. No, really. Like maybe some cool, pink, princess shades...?

Strategically placed baby

What kind of pool post would this be without beer?

Hootie and Opal chillin' on the "Whale Deck"

Is this a group picture or a pic of the empties? Hard to say.

The Diva

I hope you are getting your swim on, too! We are luh-huving the new pool!

Peace out.

XOXO

PS- I warned you about the glare!

"Mommy, I not old"

2010-04-13T22:19:00.000-05:00

That is the response I got when I asked the Diva how it felt to be three years old...
I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?

We've been celebrating her birthday since mid March, but for some reason it really hit me like a ton of bricks on her actual birthday. I got all sappy thinking about the day she was born. Turns out, I am going to be THAT mom. Who knew? Well, I had a sneaking suspicion...

The drought and then all the rain has yielded a bumper crop of bluebonnets in Central Texas this year. They are everywhere and absolutely breathtaking!

I begged her to hold her brother while she posed in the bluebonnets, even for just one picture.
But as everyone very well knows (or at least ought, too)... "flowers are for girls, Mommy. Anyway, I think Stratty wants me to do it by myself."

There you have it.

Peace out from Campbell's House!
Xoxo

Holy Cow

2010-04-05T22:49:00.001-05:00

Easter at the ranch is:

always fun

usually hot

sometimes rainy

tradition- at least 25 years and counting

a feast

material for at least a year's worth of family gossip

dusty

better with a cool adult beverage

almost unbearable if you're pregnant

a test of your county girl apptitude

a challenge for a germ-a-phobe

the perfect place for cascarones and an egg hunt

not the perfect place to tinkle ...
(unless you like an outhouse or a nature squat)

friends

family

fellowship

and.... feeding the cows!

Piranha in the his-ouse

2010-04-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

You guessed it: the boy has teeth. Yes, plural! Two teeth on bottom.
Popped through a couple of chompers and rolled over all in the same day! What a show-off!

Peace out from Leander!
Happy Easter!
XO

Proving Grita and Hooty wrong

2010-03-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

When Campbell goes to Grita's there are very few rules...
At home for instance, we brush our hair- every day whether it needs it or not.
At home, we take a bath- every day whether we need it or not.
At home, we put clothes on- every day and not just a t-shirt and "pAnneees"
You get the general idea.
That is not to say that we do not have fun at home, we do. And lots of it- we just do it with clothes on and brushed hair- most times even with a bow in tact.

Over the weekend, my assistant and I tackled lots of projects: potted some plants and pulled some weeds (she opted for gloves while performing these tasks), helped Daddy clean the pool (she INSISTED on wearing last summer's Crocs even though they are way too small), and we did some painting.

"This is how we paint at Grita's house!" says the Diva.
So it is.

2010-03-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

Delinquent again... I know, I've heard.

I'd like to say it is because I have been busy with home improvements. The truth is, my evenings have recently been occupied with P90X. If you don't know what that is consider yourself lucky- if you do, you must be a total badass! Alan and I are not quite to the "badass" designation but at least we are on the journey. Let's just say that we have been sore basically every day for the past two weeks. I am so glad that we are doing it together! It's been a long time since we've had a mutual fitness goal.

As for the kiddos, they are getting cuter by the day. The Diva, who likes to remind me from time to time, "I am a pwinnnn-cess!" has moved up to the 3 year old classroom and is doing very well. The change was a welcomed one for both of us. She is quite the little girl! It is so fun to play pretend, now. She can really spin a yarn... must get that from her Pawpaw.

As for the little prince, sweet potatoes and bananas are his new best friends!

He still just lights up when he sees Campbell. And, of course, she adores him. I do hope it stays that way. Oh, come on... a Mom has to have dreams!

Love & Peace out!
XoXo
Campbell and Stratton's Mom

In The Big Apple with Big Al

2010-02-19T10:23:00.001-06:00

On my birthday last year I was 8 gigantic months pregnant and all I really wanted was a glass of wine... and to be un-pregnant. So, imagine my surprise when Alan gave me tickets to a Broadway show of my choice! I assumed he meant a local show... nope. He meant an actual trip to Broadway! How cool! I knew immediately that I wanted to see Mary Poppins.

This was my first trip to New York and we had a blast! The weather did threaten our departure but we made it out on time. The city greeted us with snow plowed streets, clear skies, and frigid temperatures.
I donned my best Texas accent and ventured out to play tourista!
I was surprised by all the nice people we met.

Hanging out at Cello Wine Bar. Really nice people and great wine!

Cello Wine Bar

We went to the Met to take in some art and culture. The Bronzini exhibit was really interesting. Some of the other art... well, you'll have to decide for yourself.

My Auntie had a ceramic relica of this.

Aboriginal "art" or porno?

I took this picture especially for Heather. I thought she would enjoy the dancing child!

We took a stroll through Central Park... yes, those are high heels.

And made a quick stop in Rockefeller Center

We simply could not have done Valentine's Day in NYC without going to The Empire State Building for a kiss! We paid homage to Cary Grant and all the other love stories that include that beautiful backdrop.

Then, we rounded off the trip with Mary Poppins.

It was, and please excuse the obvious adjective, supercalifragilisticexpealidious!

What a fantastic trip! The only two things that could have made it any better were if Julie Andrews herself was playing the role of Mary Poppins and if my Mariposa peeps could have been there with us to enjoy the performance.

Thanks, Pie! I loved every minute!

The Bachelor

2010-02-09T21:49:00.001-06:00

No... not this Bachelor

But THIS Bachelor... and the Bobby Soxer

This afternoon while I was searching the DVR for the requested episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the TV was on Turner Classic Movies. So as I scrolled through the recorded list I was swooning for Cary Grant in the tiny inset picture in the corner of the screen. I have loved Cary Grant for as long as I can remember. Something about him...
And then it happened!
Campbell said, "Mommy, I like this show." And she sat down in her chair.
Fast as I could, I ditched the recorded list.
"This show?" I asked?
"Yep. I like him," she said very matter of factly.

I swear to you, she is EXACTLY what I ordered! Three years old? Cary Grant? Shopper? Fashionista? She totally ROCKS!

And, Hootie will attest to Campbell's comedic timing... but this is almost too much:
If you've never seen the movie, you simply must. I insist.
Anyway, we get to the famous You Remind Me of a Man scene, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfv1Jx3_PRs
And then Campbell turns to me and says, "Mommy, YOOOOOOU remind MEEE of a man."
Of course, I laugh. Then she says, "Now Mommy, You a-pposed to say a joke part about a man... because mans have lots of joke parts!"

Cross my heart. Swear.
She is a funny kid!
Peace out & past my bedtime!
Campbell's Mom

Sweet smiles

2010-02-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

Stratton will be four months old on Monday the 15th.

I can't believe how much he has already changed!

Check out his big blue eyes and the Lady Killer smile!

Headlock or hug? Sometimes it is hard to tell...

What isn't hard to see is that they adore each other! His face just lights up when he sees Campbell!

Ready to crawl?

The Diva wants a piece of the action, too. BTW, check out her eye color

"Let's have a tea party," she says.....

Translation: I want to drag out ALL of my stuffed animals.

Slobbering all over her beloved "Stinky Ole Green Lovie!"

The boy is getting a little worried...

What is this poor child in for the rest of his life?

A lot of tea parties, I am afraid!

Peace out from Campbell's House!

XOXO

Hello, again

2010-01-14T18:04:00.008-06:00

Isn't it peculiar how life changes speeds? Strange. At times it seems to be dragging on at a snails pace and at other times it seems as though we are living in fast forward. From October 15th until now seems to have been a little of both for me. What's more is like it were happening in slow motion and fast forward simultaneously.I had such big plans for my time off. I was going to get our house completely organized, paint some rooms, do some serious blogging (reading and composing), start Stratton's baby scrapbook, and get Campbell's scrapbook up to date. And, of course... get back into pre-preggo shape. The only thing I accomplished off that list was NOTHING!

But life works better for me when there is a routine in place. So, we are back on track.
Week #1 back at work is under my belt and I survived. I have made a to-do list about a mile long and I am experimenting with a to-don't list... I'll let you know how that one works out!
Sorry for the lack of updates but closing out 2009 was pretty tough. Thank goodness for the sunshine and for the love of friends and family.

Peace out from Campbell's House!

XOXO

Deedee and Stratton Hookin' 'Em

Hair hair hair!

What a profile!!

First day of school for Stratton!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Sandy

2009-11-04T20:52:00.003-06:00

I racked my brain for the perfect birthday gift for you... high thread count sheets, a top with "nice hand," something made entirely of high end dark chocolate?

Then, I realized that the perfect gift is something you can enjoy time and time again- never getting tired of it. So, this is something I never get tired of. This little girl cracks me up! Don't get me wrong: she is still kicking my ass, but she is the sunshine of my life! Here is a little ray for you to enjoy on your special day.

I love you, I love you, I love you!
I hope you have a fantastic birthday!
xoxoxoxoxoxox!!!!!

Renee, Alan, Campbell, & Stratton

Halloween rocks

2009-11-04T20:08:00.006-06:00

I am a huge fan of Halloween! I always have been... I love all of it: Dressing up, decorating the house, going to haunted houses, trick or treaters, and of course the candy. So, even though I did nothing but bitch about being pregnant during the hottest summer on record, how perfect was it for me to have a baby right smack dab in the middle of October? I'll tell you: absolutely perfect! This poor child will have more Halloween themed birthdays than you can shake a stick at. With some TX-OU football themed parties sprinkled in as well...

Stratton may have only been two weeks old, but that did not stop us from dressing him up for his first Halloween experience. No, it is not cruel! It is cool! Campbell and I struggled for weeks over what The Bean would be. We had no idea how big he would be, if he would comply with wearing a hat, if he would have an opinion about his costume, or... say... if he had an aversion to the color yellow. Thankfully, he is a good and cooperative baby. Campbell threatened to use her Fairy Witch powers on him and turn him into a toad if he misbehaved... lucky for us he was on his best behavior.

Top Banana

Mmmmm chocolate

Practicing for the big day

Peace Out from Campbell's Baby Brother

2009-10-18T11:59:00.005-05:00

Hello World!
They call me Stratton Alister Codina. I arrived Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 2:15p tipping the scale at 7 lbs 6 oz.

Please don't tell my sister that I've already hacked into her blog...

Much love from the smallest Codina in town!

Peace out from Campbell's baby brother,
Stratton

Almost GO-TIME

2009-10-08T22:21:00.006-05:00

The Cake!

Alan successfully made it through his 40th birthday!

He didn't turn "evil," but he was pretty darn close to invisible. I knew it was a good party when he actually asked how the party ended...
Jagermeister, Red Bull, great friends, and an 8 1/2 month pregnant wife to drive you home! What more could a guy ask for?

With that under our belt, we are under a week and counting!
And, I am pleased to report that I am almost ready...

Here is my remaining To-Do List:

Clean the house one more time
Pack the Bean's bag
Pack my bag
Buy some bottles. I don't know why this one is such a struggle for me. I just don't know which freaking bottles to buy. I go to Target, I stare at the bottles, I put some in my basket and then I take them out... I know, you've heard the stories... I suck at breast feeding... just pick some bottles already. I will, I will! That is why it is on the list.
Get my hair done- simply must be done. Cannot have 1/2 roots documenting the day of the Bean's debut.
Mani / pedi deluxe spa appointment on Wednesday
Nice dinner with Alan and Campbell on Wednesday night
Thursday- Have a baby!

Seems like this thing is in the bag, if you ask me. Yeah, right.

I'll have someone, post some pics of the Bean as soon as possible. As I recall, Hootie has successfully hacked in a couple of times to Campbell's House....

Here are some pics to tide you over.
Peace out from Campbell's House!
xoxo
Campbell's Mom

4D sonogram

2009-09-13T10:40:00.003-05:00

Who needs 4D sonograms when modern technology can actually PREDICT what your babies will look like?!

Funny what a little "nesting" will drop into your lap.

I found this lovely blast from the past this morning. This handsome lad would be about ten by now... that is how old the picture is... at least!

Don't you just love the Elvis hair? Very fitting for a Vegas vacation baby. (I am talking about the kid's hair!, not mine!! Although, I am not sure what I have going on either!)

Sadly, his "sister" must have been lost in one of our moves. Maybe Lady Luck will drop her in my lap one day, too. I do remember she had blonde (?) curly (?) hair AND a five o'clock shadow!
Ah, good times!

Peace out from Campbell's House!
xoxoxo,
CAMPBELL'S MOM (Thank goodness!)

At least it wasn't cigarettes or beer

2009-09-02T08:52:00.003-05:00

or Big Red

or cupcakes for breakfast...

But it was her very own cup of iced tea... at 7:00 a.m.... "just like Mommy- with a straw and ice"

In my defense, I did water it down a little. And, I take my tea straight up, on the rocks. No sugar for me so no sugar for her.

I know I have issues. Need proof?
As I was pouring the tea into her pink cup over the requested ice cubes I was saying (aloud- to no one), "This way ,there is no cross contamination. We each have our own." And then, as I let her choose a straw out of the straw container (she chose purple, btw... same color as my straw) I thought, "There are worse things than tea in a sippy cup..." and the mental list making began.

Perhaps, I should fore go the college and wedding funds and start saving for all the therapy she is going to need.

Peace out from Campbell's House!
xoxo
Campbell'sMom

Maybe we'll name him Trip

2009-08-26T20:21:00.004-05:00

M&M&M
(Mom, Me, and Melva)

I have great women in my life. I have noticed over time that there are not all that many women that I truly like. So, the females I have in my life are special and very dear to me.

Hootie, Colette, Orca, and Jill

My lovely girl friends and family gathered a couple of Sundays ago to shower the Bean and me with love & affection and completely AWESOME presents. This little stinker is going to be a fashion plate just like his big sister! In fact, her Majesty scored some pretty snazzy stuff, too! It truly is a joyful feeling to be surrounded by those I love.

Las Mariposas
(Kay, Mom, Campbell, Sandy, Me, Opal, Hootie, Meg, and Wanda)

We had yummy brunch. (Campbell ate....... waffles: straight up- no butter, no syrup- she's weird. Opal ate her way through an omelet, half of my omlet, and requested another... girl likes eggs!)
And, I saw some suspicious looking champagne flutes full of OJ being enjoyed by some...
Less than two months to go before I can partake again! Alas, I just made up the calories in the delicious cupcakes! I have a feeling this baby weight is going to be a tiny bit harder to get off!

And then it happened. Gifts were loaded into the car- time to go home and put things away. Click, click, click. I was walking out the door of the clubhouse. I pushed the door open with my right hand and... SPLAT. Completely wiped the hell out! Totally. Down to all fours on hands and knees on a pebble sidewalk with an audience of about 8. It was just as lovely as you are imagining.
Headline in my head: ORCA TAKES ANOTHER TUMBLE

Before you even ask- I was/am fine. The Bean is used to it- I am a spazz and we've had a couple of spills and lots of near misses. Let's hope he gets Alan's coordination!

Love to all!

Peace out from Campbell's House
xoxoxo,
Campbell's Mom

Dinner sponsored by the #8

2009-08-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

She is getting too smart.
I know you are bored with hearing what an inconsistant and finicky eater Campbell is- trust me, I am just as tired of the meal-time song and dance. Anytime she wants more of anything besides chocolate we all scurry to get said requested "seconds."

This weekend Grita came to town. Opal also came to town. Ptown visitors = overstimulation for both toddlers and not much eating for Campbell...
We ventured out into suburbia for some Mexican food- see for yourself how things went.

Yes, those are chicken strips at a Mexican food restraunt- barely touched I might add...

And, yes, Opal is backwards in the highchair approximately 6 inches from the table.

As Peggy so eloquently puts it: We had our asses handed to us on Saturday!

Later that evening, Her Majesty announced that she wanted chicken for dinner.

Ugh.

Me: Ok, how many pieces of chicken would you like?

Campbell: Ummmmmmmmmmmmm........ eight.

Me: Ok, how about two?

Campbell: No, eight.

So, I heated exactly 2 chicken nuggets....

four freaking times!!!

The kid ate EIGHT chicken nuggets for dinner!!!!

So, she is either:

A. Brilliant and can already multiply

B. She was starving

C. She was teaching me a lesson. Eight means eight, Mom.

Peace out from Campbell's House!

xoxoxo,

Campbell's Mom

She's quick!

2009-07-24T09:46:00.002-05:00

She is OFFICIALLY potty-trained, folks!

Big, phat shout-out to Miss Young for all the encouragement and diligence in helping to get us there!

I guess it is true about waiting until they are ready because we went from pull-ups one day to Cinderella panties the next. And, with very little drama and not too many accidents either. I may have mentioned it before, but we think Campbell totally rocks!

However...

To keep me from getting too big for my ever growing britches, yesterday she decided to remind me just exactly who is running things. (Insert major sigh and extended eye-roll)

We are still shopping for the perfect dining room table and chairs. We have seen everything on the www and everything in Austin, Texas that there is to be seen. Including repeated viewings of the same table we spotted on our first trip out shopping... Yet, we still needed one more visit to the aforementioned first table before we could pull the trigger. So off we went- two year old and an accessory teenager in tow (DeeDee came for a visit).

Things were going well enough, and then all of a sudden she flipped! DeeDee keeps referring to the outburst as "Zero to Complete Melt-Down in less than 3 seconds!"

That is fast, even by Opal Standards!!!

After approximately 4 seconds of negotiating with her, the kicking and screaming commenced- on her part, not mine- so I marched her out of the very lovely furniture store. I glanced back over my shoulder and saw DeeDee and Alan standing agog...
Meanwhile, Campbell was screaming / bawling, "My want to shop!!!!" as I forced her to walk out on her own accord. It really was a lovely sight. There were some compassionate mothers shopping and most offered their best "I've been there" sympathy smile.

Regardless, Her Majesty was marched out of the store and put in TIMEOUT right outside the front door for all the world to see. Complete with giant crocodile tears, precious pigtails, and brand new Longhorn Crocs.

She's a doozie!!

Four minutes of time-out sitting on the disgusting sidewalk in the Texas heat is enough to make anyone rethink their behavior. Even a two year old!

At last, she pulled herself together and announced, "My ready to be nice and shop some more!"
Atta girl!

See Hootie:
No spanking required. Warranted? Certainly!
Have I created a monster? Perhaps. Good thing she is cute.

Peace out from Campbell's House,
xoxox
Campbell's Mom

The Freak-Out begins

2009-07-06T18:46:00.006-05:00

October sure seems like a long time away when you are thinking about things like:

Yearning for cooler weather... you know those chilly 90 degree days vs the 103 degree days we are enojoying right now

School starting again

Halloween costumes and trick or treating

Autumn colored clothes and trees

Closed toed shoes and boots

Longhorn football

But, as I sat at my desk this morning and began to realize just how many weekends are left between now and October 22, I could feel my heart beginning to beat frantically!
July is practically over. Yes, I know it is only July 9th.... but subtract the weekends that are booked already and I stared at a calendar with exactly ONE weekend free in July.
August does not look much better and September is completely shot.

Holy Moley this baby is going to be here SOON!!! And I am no where near prepared.

At least we have a name for him.
What??? A name you say? One that you are going to share?
Well sort of...

I ask Campbell on a daily basis about her brother's name here is how it went recently

Me: So, what should we call your baby brother

Campbell: Mmmm, I don't know

Me: Oh, come on... what should his name be

Campbell: Mmmm, I tink... White Lovie

Well, there you have it. We shall call him White Lovie! At least for laughs...for a little while. The name is definitely getting jotted down in his baby book and hers, too. Silly girl!

Peace out from Campbell's House!

It's a mister- not a sister for Campbell

2009-06-11T09:47:00.005-05:00

Yep, it's official. I am growing a penis. Not one of my very own, per se, but "the bean" has a stem.

I haven't determined who cast the magic penis spell that worked- but I've got a pretty long list of people that wished a boy on me: Peggy, Stephanie, and Colette for starters, and every other friend I have that has a son... even Campbell has been saying it is a "brudder" from the start.

All kidding aside, we are very excited! Even though I have absolutely no clue what to do with boys... We are a family of girls. I know how to shop and cry and play babies and play kitchen and how to pretend and how to play dress up and how to wear high heels and how to catch a boy and how to paint fingernails and braid hair and cry and dance and, you know... how to be girlie!

Looks like I will be taking a crash course in how the other side does it. I am sure it will be quite the adventure! I can't wait to meet him.

Peace out from Campbell's House!
XOXO
Campbell's (and "the bean's") Mom

Here are the Little Prince's debut pictures...

don't be frightened by the anatomy picture- the large extension is a leg!

Top: The Stem

Bottom: Foot

Top: Profile (facing down)

Middle: "Skeletor" Head and Torso

Bottom: "Skeletor"

Peace Out Cedar Park

2009-06-04T21:47:00.002-05:00

We are officially homeless. Backing to renting... even if it is just for ONE day. And, I am just about to get the plug pulled from the computer, literally.

Alan and I are scurrying around like crazy people in preparation for the move-out and immediate move-in, tomorrow. As I type, he is busily disconnecting cables and wires galore. Coiling each one up individually, securing each coil with tape, and labeling it accordingly... I couldn't be prouder! I also don't have a clue how he is going to get it all back together, but that is another story!

As if a double move isn't going to be tough enough to pull off in a single day, we also have a sonogram scheduled for tomorrow. I told you, we ARE crazy! So, if all the stars align correctly tomorrow, we will say farewell to Cedar Park, hello to Leander, get a peak at The Bean's plumbing, and then start the stressful task of thinking of the perfect name. Wish us luck!!

This house has been full of love from day one. And, we are ready to fill the next house up with just as much!

So, for the last time...
Peace out from Campbell's House in Cedar Park!
xoxo

Campbell's Mom

Aunt Hooty is a Hack

2009-05-29T17:43:00.007-05:00

Well I am sure you can tell straight away that this is not Renee typing...she is too busy packing for the big move. And if any of you have called me lately and got my voice mail, you know that Renee has my password...well guess what...her code is not that hard to crack HAHAHAHA

So let's see...where to begin....Last weekend Renee & Alan had a pool party to attend. Worked out GREAT for us! We got Campbell for the whole weekend. We had a blast! She is so fun! And quite the comic. It is so obvious that her and Opal love each other soooo much. They just look at each other and smile. And Campbell is so cute, trying to get Opal to do what she wants. She will tell her "Come on Opes". Cracks me up!

So here are some pictures of our fun weekend:

Straight to the sandbox. Yep that is blue sand - Campbell didn't want to get her skirt dirty so it came off immediately. That's how we roll at Grita's house!

She also go to help Papa and Uncle Deuce do some cattle working:

She got in the trailer, pet the cow on the nose then got out. She kept a close eye on Papa to make sure he knew what he was doing though...

I also have a very loving, very annoying, VERY friendly cat at my house. Melvin rescued him out of the tree and he has been there ever since. His name is Bevo...

I'm telling you this cat is strange. Campbell decided he needed some sprinkles??? (Gravel rocks) After all, everything is better with sprinkles, right Renee?

While at Grita's, Campbell and Opal also did a little cooking:

I'm thinking they could be in the next calendar Naked Chefs 2009...What do you think?

I am telling you we had sooo much fun playing with Campbell and letting her do things that her mother would never let her do.

We took her to Wal-Mart. She was walking (okay it was more like gallivanting) through the aisles. She decided she wanted some cheese. We let her pick her own cheese - she chose the two colored string cheese variety. She walked around Wal-Mart eating her cheese. All except the last bite...you see she had to hold it by the wrapper and eat only the part that was exposed. And that last bite just wouldn't cooperate. (I found out later that is the proper way to eat sticky foods, like zone bars for breakfast) Anyway, we were leaving and I said "okay, I guess we are through at Wal-Mart - Campbell do you need anything else?"

She replies: "ummmmm. Ya - a necklace"

I mean she is Renee's child after all!!

I beleive at this point I am supposed to say:
Peace out from Cedar Park
-Hooty

Yin and Yang

2009-05-26T19:47:00.003-05:00

YIN

YANG

I LU-HUV watermelon! And it looks like I've found a buddy to eat it with. Alan will have an occasional slice of la sandia- but he tends to furrow his brow at the way I try to power through an entire melon in a single sitting... ok sometimes two sittings. I would like to blame this obsession with watermelons on "the bean" but alas I am watermelon-greedy from way back.

It took great restraint for me not to show my precious baby girl how to spit the seeds like only a true country girl can. We're saving that for next summer!

And, yes, we are sitting on an outdoor bench cushion inside the kitchen. I figured if eating inside food outdoors is white trash enough for France, then eating watermelon inside on outdoor furniture is white trash enough for Texas! It is too stinking hot outside... I will blame my temperature intoleance on "the bean." And since we're blaming "the bean" I thought it was appropriate to include "the bean" in the YANG shot. (That one is for you, Miss Jaylee!)

Peace out (and about to pop) from Cedar Park,
xoxo
Campbell's Mom

Craig's List virgin no more

2009-05-21T20:39:00.003-05:00

Yes, I've heard about Craig's List murders, rapes, robbers, and all the other goons out there. But, I've also heard lots of great things about unloading unwanted furniture on Craig's List. So this morning at 7a, I held my breath and crossed my fingers as I hit the POST button to advertise my dining room furniture for sale. I think I had a mini panic attack while I awaited my confirmation email.

In less than two hours I had a legitimate offer. By lunch I had cash in hand! By 8:00 this evening, the furniture is gone!! That is what I call a successful First Time!

I have to admit that as the buyer's people drove away, I had a tinge of a knot in my stomach and a tear in my eye. Not sure if it was due to the Jed Clampet style packing job or because seeing it go drove home the realization that we will soon be leaving this beautiful house. A house that has been very good to us! A house filled with love and happiness (and a female ghost).

I know the love and happiness will be the easiest things to move... but how do you pack a ghost?

Speaking of packing, better get back to it.
Peace out from Campbell's House!
XOXO

Arghhhh!

2009-05-18T12:17:00.005-05:00

First a couple of cuties from a GREAT Mother's Day weekend!

Now onto the matter at hand:

My house is a complete shambles!

There are boxes everywhere. We have small boxes; medium boxes; large boxes; packed, labeled, and taped boxes; partially packed boxes; broken down boxes; waiting to be packed, labeled and taped boxes; boxes in the hallway; boxes in the kitchen; boxes in the bathroom; boxes, Boxes, BOXES!

ARGHHHHHHH!

In addition to all the boxes, there is stuff everywhere. How did we accumulate all these things? And how did I have it all so neatly organized (and more importantly OUT OF MY SIGHT)? It is truly baffling.

My little assistant, is quite confused by the whole process. Maybe Grita is right- I've either ruined her or perfected her! She maneuvers her small little body through the endless maze making her best effort to help Mommy "Keen Up!" She has disappeared on many occasions only to reappear with her pink leopard print broom in hand... Ruined or Perfect? Hard to say, huh?
I am trying to find order in all the chaos. However, I know that in just a few short weeks and the mess will reappear at the new house. Perhaps, I can find some calm and comfort in finding new homes for all our old things.

As for the present: Campbell and Alan are doing their best to help me cope with the tiny panic attacks I have daily. This rainy weekend, Campbell was stuck to her Daddy like glue. Mommy is O-U-T and Daddy is IN! You could see that he was just eating it up with a spoon, too!

Peace Out from Cedar Park!

XOXO,

Campbell's Mom

I've been slacking

2009-05-05T18:46:00.006-05:00

There is really no good reason for it. However, I do have lots of excuses...

1. For those of you who are not connected to the Pleasanton, Texas based grapevine, Campbell is going to be a big sister! Woo hoo! We are totally excited! (I am scared to death at the mere thought of it possibly being a boy.... think pink!) The new addition is set to arrive in October.
2. We finally sold our house. And I am in the pre-packing mode.
3. We spent every weekend in April in Pleasanton.
4. Did I mention I am pregnant, already?

Anyway, lots has been going on.

We had a lovely Easter picnic at the ranch. Complete with an Easter egg hunt, cascarones, and lots of yummy food. I do have to say that the annual picnic is much more fun with a cocktail mixed it. Or, maybe it is just me that is more fun with a cocktail mixed in...

Campbell grew up. That is she had a birthday and has started talking non-stop! I wonder where she gets that? We celebrated at the San Antonio Zoo. It was perfect weather and the animals were very cooperative- some a little too cooperative. The monkeys did their best to give the children a sex education lesson. Gross monkeys!I hope you've all been well. And I promise to do better!
I am sure you're all dying to get a look at the ever growing bump. This is a picture of me eating lunch at the zoo.

Peace Out from Campbell's House!
xoxox

Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

2009-04-08T21:36:00.004-05:00

Dear Campbell,
I am so glad to be your mommy. The past two years have been more than I could have imagined or dreamed. Thanks for being you... you are totally rockin' it!

Happy Birthday!!!

I love you, love you, love you!
XOXOXOXOX,
Mommy

Butter flavored lip gloss?

2009-03-25T09:24:00.002-05:00

Let me start by saying that I am a margarine girl... as for Campbell- well, you be the judge.

Opal came for a visit last weekend and one of our many adventures landed us at Fresh Choice for lunch. Opal is a great eater! She will try anything. Veggies, pasta, meat, she even ate an enchilada!! Campbell is not such an adventurous eater or even taster. She knows what she likes and sticks to it. Luckily, some of her items of choice are green.

So as we were finishing up lunch, I was getting geared up to devour a gingerbread muffin- which, by the way, is the real reason I like to eat at Fresh Choice... Anyway, Campbell starts pointing at a tub of margarine. I handed it to her and she worked on opening it for a couple of minutes before she got frustrated. I gave in and pulled the foil top off and hand it back.
She sticks her tiny little finger in and then tastes it. Instantly, the tongue comes out and the margarine tub is discarded onto the floor among the rest of the disaster we've created.

Almost immediately she starts pointing at another tub on the table. Whatever. I am trying to eat my muffin here... so I give her another tub. This time, I get the foil started on the corner and hand it to her to work on.

(Mmmmm, my muffin was so delicious. Sprinkled with just the right amount of powdered sugar... Wait! Too much silence....)

I glance over and she is sticking her finger in the BUTTER (not margarine) tub and applying it to her lips like lip gloss- complete with a pucker and smack. Ah, there was an occasional lick of the lips but, then another application was required. Maybe she is on to something?!

What a kid!

Peace out from Cedar Park!

Dear Paris,

2009-03-20T11:00:00.004-05:00

Dear Paris-
The weather is beautiful!
Wish you were here!
Love,
Texas

Our dear friends, RueRice, are on quite an adventure in Paris (France, not Texas). And after almost a year of reading her blog she has reminded me over and over again not to take things for granted: the strong bonds of lifelong friendships; ability to move around in the community daily without a language barrier; Texas-Friendly attitude and way of life; Target; and most recently- sunshine and warm Texas weather.

Today, Campbell's school had their First Annual Spring Bonnet parade- held appropriately on the first day of Spring. So, this morning- a thousand miles away from each other, our girls both proudly donned lovely Spring attire and celebrated the beautiful weather and the Spring season!

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine!

Campbell and classmates

Silly girl

Campbell and Miss Kelcy

Peace out from Cedar Park!
xoxox
Campbell's Mom

In the words of Snoop Dog...

2009-03-17T09:17:00.004-05:00

I believe she decided to "Drop it like it's hot!"

Her Highness spent some quality time outside yesterday afternoon helping her Dad rake leaves. When she finally came inside to eat dinner, she immediately removed her shirt (by herownself, I might add) and then proceeded to remove her pants. I asked if she wanted to take her shoes and socks off...

To which she replied (with a very furrowed brow): No!

Supper without shoes??? How uncivilized of me to even suggest!

What a funny kiddo!

Peace out from Cedar Park!

Campbell's Mom

Just like magic

2009-03-11T20:34:00.005-05:00

Now You See It...
Now You Don't

Woo hoo!! We are officially Passy-free!!! I was scared to brag about it before a solid month had passed. And, we hit the one month mark on Monday. The big test was last weekend at Grita's house. Miss Opal is still quite fond of the ole passy... I had threated to make that little angel kick the habit, too. I guess I'm too far away to do much bossing of that nature.

Anyway, Campbell said good-bye to the passy and hello to Major, Pull-your-hair-out, Drive-you-to-drinkin'-style, fit-throwing extraordinaire. I am telling you the honest truth, if gypsies had been meandering through my neighborhood at any given time during the last week (including the weekend at Grita's) I would have been waving them down... waving them down with cold, hard cash and begging them to take her off my hands!

I hate to say it, but she is kicking my ass. And I have heard that the terrible twos are nothing compared to the threes!!! What??? We don't even hit two for another month! Oh, please... add me to your prayer list. Add Campbell, too. She is going to need it if her little attitude doesn't improve soon.

Don't you just love the dual-fit throwing?

There are bouts of sanity and I am trying to focus on those moments. Grita and Hootie are trying to save her! Parcels arrive every now and then with a little something inside: the latest and biggest hit was the paint with water books. Remember how much fun those were as a kid? Well, the concept has held up.

Beware:
1. They are not easy to locate. (Dollar General seems to be the Mecca- I have stumbled on them at Target in much smaller quantities and less variety. At the DG they are $1... not so cheap at Target. However, sanity really doesn't have a price limit in my book.)

2. If your child has been to Grita's house, she has learned that for painting Q-tips work MUCH better than let's say, I don't know... a paint brush. And they make a MUCH bigger and thus more fun mess for Mommy to clean up. Thanks, Grita!

We don't discriminate here in CP. We have covered the gammet:
Care Bears to Cars to TMNT to Barbar (?)... we've got it all!

It is a good thing she is cute.

Peace out from Cedar Park!
xoxo
Campbell's Mom

Cupcakes and Alice for breakfast

2009-02-22T10:31:00.006-06:00

My mothering skills are either completely tanking or Campbell's toddler skills are much more acutely refined...
This morning she requested and was thus given a cupcake for breakfast. Don't think for a moment that it was some nutri-grain, multi-grain, cheerio derived "cupcake" either. Oh no- this was the real thing. Fully accompanied by chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
"Oh but you probably sat together at the table and had your cupcake breakfast as a family," you say.

If by table you mean coffee table.... And, if by as a family, you mean including Walt Disney, Alice and all the darling creatures in her Wonderland... then yes.

Peace out from Campbell's House!
xoxoxo

No Dora the Explorer here (& a shout out to Papaw)

2009-02-11T18:59:00.006-06:00

So our Christmas card needed work... Campbell was not feeling well that day and to be frank, I couldn't reschedule the appointment because I had waited too long. I needed to get the cards in the mail. In the end we ended up with a picture of Alan and Campbell kissing and me looking like I just wanted to be in the shot. In all honesty, it was a cute picture but I got a lot of heat (mainly from Grita) because it did not showcase Campbell. Hello Valentine cards. I should have ordered more... but you get the idea- nice paper, lovely colors, super cute kiddo!
So for her first Valentine card exchange we will not be handing out Dora the Explorer or Cinderella cards. Nope, not even Little Einsteins or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse... no, no, no- we will be passing out customized cards to 10 classmates and her teachers. Why, why, why do I do this to myself? At least they were "on sale."

Also, I couldn't resist sharing this precious picture of Campbell and her Papaw! What a pair.

Good kisses!!

Watch out for cupid!
xoxoxo,
Campbell's Mom

Sweet dreams, my little cod fish

2009-02-01T21:25:00.006-06:00

This kid is too much!
Campbell's usual bedtime companions are the Hippo and Loretta (and their blankies). Tonight, she needed "special" friends in order to get to sleep: the Hippo, Loretta, their blankies (one a piece), Mr. Moreno (bear), Beasley (tiger), Cricket (baby doll), her lovie (green furry blanket), Jenny (lovie with a giraffe head), an actual blanket for warmth, a pillow, and not one but two passies! Oh, and note the crossed legs- in her sleep! I am telling you- she is toooo much! There was barely room for all of them in the bed. When I sneaked in later this evening to remove some of her bed partners, I swear, she grunted and did a half asleep inventory to make sure everyone was still there.

I guess a girl is pooped-out after a weekend at Grita's.

Here are a few other cute pics from the weekend.

Made for pigtails!

Opal says, Wazzz up????

Sandy & Alan

Peace Out from Cedar Park!
xoxox
-Campbell's Mom

Pretty peas

2009-01-26T11:23:00.003-06:00

I am posting this as proof that I am a good mother... Also, it makes me feel better about the brownies I let her eat for breakfast today. Sometimes, it is simply not worth the battle on Monday morning.

Peas and love from Campbell's House!

Love,
Campbell's Mom

Just for the record...

2009-01-06T21:00:00.006-06:00

Campbell does know how to share.
Ahhh, but on her own terms you say...
Well... perhaps, I say. But that still counts as sharing does it not? She might, possibly, on occasions get the no sharing syndrome from her mother's gene pool.... but as you can see here- she truly loves her Opal. We all do!

As for the To Do List, here is where I stand as of today:

Be a good mother- we went to the park, we've made cookies, and we are still spanking free
Work harder at friendships- located some old friends on Facebook and sent them messages; had a fabby time hanging out with my dear friend Colette for her birthday.
Keep my cool- failed miserably on the walk with Elvis. What a spazz!!!
Stop (ok- cut down on) using curse words- Total freaking failure
Work out more (actually breaking a sweat)- Did not break a sweat, but went for a 45 minute walk with Campbell and Elvis. Fully intended to run, but Sir Spazzola was more than I could take today while pushing the jog stroller!
Be more thankful- Very thankful for the smiles and hugs from Campbell this week! Great mood and attitude!!

Learn- Dug out the owners manual for the Tahoe to figure out the darned interior lights. Sweet success!
Take Elvis for more walks- Check.

Try new foods- i can't say that I have tried anything new, but I am considering giving brussel sprouts a try.
Read, read, read- Does the Tahoe manual count? How about Facebook posts? =) Actually I am finishing up World Without End.
Stop complaining - yeah right
Figure out Facebook- Still getting there.
Come to terms with the terrible twos!!! Is this possible????????????- Today she was an angel and in a terrific mood!

Seems like I still have a ways to go. But I am making progress.
Peace out from Cedar Park,
Campbell's Mom

Campbell's New Year's kiss

2009-01-05T20:40:00.003-06:00

First, let me start by saying that we had a fabulous holiday season. We spent lots of time with the collective family. Alan and I are truly blessed by families that get along or fake it really well.
We successfully spent Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years with various combinations of our two families. All drama free. Can you imagine? We had loved ones from California- all the way to Georgia- the mega-lopolis of Pleasanton- down to the Rio Grande Valley. Honestly, I am not sure if they are doing it for the sake of the grandkids, Alan's great cooking, or the mass quantities of booze... Regardless, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment shared with them all.

Of course as the new year begins I have a list of To-Dos. Maybe if I share them on the www i'll be more inclined to actually achieve them all this year. I'll keep you posted.

Be a better wife
Be a good mother
Work harder at friendships
Show appreciation to loved ones- often
Keep my cool
Stop (ok- cut down on) using curse words
Work out more (actually breaking a sweat)
Be more thankful. Mom- you are making this one easy!
Have more fun
Learn
Take Elvis for more walks (see photo above)
Recycle (thanks, Claudia)
De-junk-i-fy my closets
Make time
Try new foods
Read, read, read
Stop complaining (hello purple bracelet)
Figure out Facebook
Come to terms with the terrible twos!!! Is this possible????????????

I think 2009 is going to be great! It may be difficult, but I know that I am going to enjoy it! I have a magnificent husband, and a sassy, precocious, darling daughter who make the day to day all worth the while. Add in the beautiful Mariposas in my life that are joy incarnate, along with my family and friends... now that is a recipe for success, if I've ever heard it.

PS- As I sit here typing away, Campbell is chattering my ear off from around the corner. I understand something about "Cricket" (her baby doll) and "tee tee". I tell her if Cricket needs to tee tee you should take her to the potty.... silence.... more chattering.... something about Cricket... "uh oh"... around the corner comes Campbell.
"need you... need you... come eeer, come eeer!"
I follow her to the bathroom- and there sits, or should i say swims, Cricket in the big girl potty.
I guess I should add "Be more specific" to my To Do list.

Love yas!!
Peace Out from Campbell's House!!
Campbell's Mom

Dear Santa, Please don't be mad!

2008-12-18T21:12:00.003-06:00

Her Auntie Hootie will probably say this is only a sign of things to come. I say "things" are already coming and quite rapidly at that!

We were at the mall last week and Campbell spotted Santa sitting all alone in the middle of the mall. No lines, no kids, no waiting. What luck!!! We made our approach- she was walking beside me holding my hand. As we got closer and closer to the North Pole her expression went blanker and blanker.
(Sidebar: When she wants to, this child has a stone face like no other on the planet!)
Santa stands up to take a break and walks towards us. She immediately begins back pedaling and shaking her head no, no, no. I really am not all that keen on the mall-Santa-experience anyway, (although our guy did have a beautiful real and very Santa-ish home grown white beard), so I picked her up and we waved to him from a far. I told her we could just shoot him a quick email when we got home.

Well.... I may have forgotten to mention her lack of interest in Santa to her teacher. Did I mention that Santa stopped by school last Friday? I hope he did not take their encounter too personally. Even so, I did a little extra shopping for Campbell- just in case. You never can be too careful!

Merry Christmas
From Campbell's House

Happy Belated, Peggy!

2008-12-01T21:19:00.003-06:00

As they say, better late than never.
In the summer between fourth and fifth grade my family moved to Pleasanton. Thank goodness I was too naive to be nervous about leaving all my friends behind and having to start fresh.
My Meemaw was doing everything she could to make things easy and she introduced me to a really pretty girl at Sunday school. Her name was Peggy. Oh how I wish the camera in my head could translate those images. We were skinny and lanky and bushy-eyebrowed and... fast friends! We were great allies and partners in crime. She is the type of friend every girl needs: she will tell you when your hair looks good, if you shouldn't wear that color lipstick, and most importantly she loves to laugh. She really is a beautiful person!
Happy Birthday, Peggy!

I've got a zillion more where these came from... (These are 8th grade and up.)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Whew! And, check mark!

2008-11-18T11:13:00.003-06:00

I did it. Not sure why I did it... but I did!

The Rock-n-Roll Marathon & Half Marathon in San Antonio was Sunday. I ran the Half Marathon with roughly 29,000 of my closest friends. What an experience!

13.1 miles.
2 hours 33 minutes 21 seconds

It was so moving to see all the families and friends out in the chilly elements supporting thier own. A couple of times, I was moved to tears. Around mile 7 a guy surprised his sweety with a home-grown tshirt that said, Run Honey Run! She was so excited to see him that she ran onto the sidewalk and lept into his arms... Later I heard her say, "I didn't even think he knew I was running today!"

My beautiful, wonderful family and dear friends came out and braved the frigid air to cheer me on, too. I cannot truly put into words how much the clapping and waving and encouraging cheers meant to me at mile 8! And even more so at mile 13!! Just seeing thier smiling faces gave me an extra jolt of energy! Boy did I need it for that last .1, too!

Whew!
Thanks for all the support and love!
Rock On!

Mom, I got this!

2008-11-04T19:42:00.003-06:00

Campbell started at her new school on Monday. I was totally stressed out over it... to the point that I even considered taking a week of half days at work just to ease her into it.
Until compared to her cousin Opal, Campbell is a pretty great kid! Okay even when compared to Opal she is great. Opal's easy going nature makes Miss Independence seem uncooperative at times. Oh yeah- she is very uncooperative at times.

Monday morning I thought I was going to throw up I was so nervous. I dressed her cute, but not super cute because I didn't want the other kids to be intimidated by her extreme cuteness. =) Of course, I am kidding... a little. Okay, not so much.

Anyway, with a major pink bow prominently placed on her precious head we made our way to Primrose School. I was pleased that she was not the first to arrive (that always intensifies my guilt). I introduced her to her new classmates: Sofia, Reagan (girl), Chen Chen (boy), Parker (boy), Thaylon (boy), CJ (boy), and Ainsley- with an "s" and not to be confused with Opal. Campbell took some time to take everyone in and then looked up at me like, "Mom, I've got this." So, I bent down, we kissed (complete with an audible smack from her), and she waved goodbye.

What???? No drama??? No screaming, "Mommy don't leave me!"?

What a big girl! I am so glad it going so well and so bummed that she is growing up so fast. I guess it was bound to happen!

Woooo hoooo!

2008-10-20T09:27:00.006-05:00

Campbell Solana has agreed to teetee in the potty!!! Wooo hooo!

I decided to offer Big Girl panties to Her Majesty yesterday morning. She has refused them on many occasions... yesterday, however, she decided that she and Mr Moreno (her bear) would both be wearing a pair. Sometimes Mr Moreno wears a hat, sometimes a tshirt, sometimes one sock (never two). He normally is only allowed to wear the chosen item for a couple of minutes. Yesterday, they both put on their Big Girl panties like it was an every day affair.

I set the timer on the microwave for one hour.

When the timer sounded we headed to the bathroom- big fight. No teetee.

I set the time for another hour.

When the timer sounded we headed back to the bathroom. No fight this time, but also no teetee.

Lunch.

Third try: A few minutes on the potty. Up she comes. No teetee. She heads for the door, pauses, and.... yep. Teetees on the floor. I scoop her up and put her on the potty, but of course, she is all done.

Diaper. Nap. Diaper change into panties. Now we take Mr Moreno into the bathroom and sit him on the potty. He wouldn't teetee, either.

We went on about decorating the house for Halloween. About an hour later she darts off down the hall into her room and comes back dragging Mr Moreno saying, "TTTTTTT!"

Ok, we take Mr Moreno and put him on the potty.

And then, lo and behold she wants to sit on the potty herself. She sits- nothing. Up she comes. Then back down..... TEE TEE in the potty!!!!

The royal throne played a royal tune and I almost shed a royal tear. Alan even happened to be peaking around the corner to witness the royal event. What proud parents!

What a great way to start the week! Hope your week is full of fun surprises, too!

Peace out from Cedar Park!

Love, Campbell's Mom

Sticks and Stones

2008-10-15T21:55:00.003-05:00

Let me start by saying that it was raining in Austin, Texas this morning. While that doesn't mean much more than water falling from the sky to the rest of the human race, in Austin it ALWAYS equals a MAJOR traffic catastrophe. And not because of accidents... nope. Perhaps it is the tree-huggers in on-going awe of the phenom or maybe it is too many nervous nellies out on the streets. Whatever the case may be, any amount of precipitation grinds traffic to nearly a halt every time. So, a typical 30 minute commute to the pediatrician's office took a grueling 105 minutes today. You can imagine the attitude I was getting from the backseat...

We finally arrived along with all the other tardy mothers. As soon as I got settled into my seat in the "Well Children's area" of the waiting room I noticed that her Highness was in distress. That is to say, working on a "project." That is just great. Just then, they call our name.
Decision time: Head for the lobby restroom and let another family in front of us while I change a diaper? Not today. I opted for acting oblivious to the stench permeating from the precious little girl perched upon my hip.

As soon as we enter the exam room the nurse catches a whiff and says, "I'll give you girls some privacy." I chuckle. Campbell concentrates on the task at hand...

Finally Dr. Dan joins us. He goes through his battery of questions and he finishes up with:

Dr Dan: How many words does she say?
Me: Umm, quite a few.
Dr Dan: 10?
Me: Oh yes.
Dr Dan: 15-20?
Me: Yeah, (it is Texas, you can answer with yeah) Probably somewhere in that range.
Dr Dan: Silence (he writes something in her chart)

~Then his office manager appears and says he has an urgent phone call. He excuses himself while I sit and ponder how many words she really does say. 20 was a total guess. I decide to quiz her and count.~

Mommy, Daddy, PaPa, Grita, Dio, Nana, Deedee, Haylie, Beck, grass, water, trees, birds, more, milk, bear, cookie, Elvis, Miko, cat, lion, bear, NeeNee, elbow, knee, head, toes, diaper, her friends' names at school (Brooke, Kendal, Zachary, Reece, Morgan, Victoria, Miss Irene), books, car, trucks, bath, duck, quack...

~Dr Dan returns~

Me: I was counting, and I think she knows well over 40 words
Dr Dan: Ok
Me: Do you need to write that down?
Dr Dan: (Smiling and shaking his head) On average and for her age she should be saying 5-10 words. So, she is well above average.
Me: (Silence- smiling)
Dr Dan: Do you want me to write that down?
Me: (Laughing) I think it is note worthy, don't you?

He is a really neat doctor. We are so glad we found him!

PS- We both cried during and after her shots. And, I think she has just about perfected her dirty look, too. Just ask Nurse Kim...

Bzzzz and Baaaah

2008-10-07T20:50:00.008-05:00

I love Halloween! I always have. I was lucky enough to marry a man who isn't afraid to dress up for Halloween. More importantly, he is willing to go for the big laugh. Oh how I hope Campbell loves Halloween like I do.
Last year, for her first embarrassing costume, she was an adorable zebra. Complete with a giant bow- just to be sure everyone knew she was a SHE zebra. This year, her highness, refuses to wear any sort of head gear. Headband? No. Hat? Absolutely not. What is a Halloween-Loving-Mother to do? Well, I'll tell you. When she is accustomed to wearing bows everyday, you disassemble the headband and glue antennas to clippies. Whah la.

Heather and I took them to Picture People this weekend for a little "prima" picture. Easier said than done. I was sweating like a pig after about 5 minutes of chasing, begging, pleading, and threatening Campbell to stand or sit close to Ainzely. Whew. Somehow we go a couple of cute pics. Needless to say, I had a margarita at lunch. A well deserved margarita, I might add. Opal (Ainzley) makes the cutest goat I have ever seen. She was a much better sport about wearing the hot felt costume and beard than my little bumble bee was about wearing the itchy dress.

In the spirit of things I thought I'd also give you a taste of Hallweens past... this year's costume is still under wraps, of course. Check out some of our best work.

Trolls on top of pencils & a Mummy, of course

Oompa Loompas

Willy Wonka (Old School Gene Wilder Style... don't you just love the curls?)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (with Flat Stanley)

Pink Panther and InspectHer Clouseau

Until next time,
Bzzzz and Bahhhh from Cedar Park!
Love,
Campbell's Mom

Campbell's House proper

2008-09-23T11:04:00.008-05:00

Like most pregnant women, I tortured my husband with my obsession over the perfect name for our baby. In addition to torturing him with the constant bombardment of "What do you think about this name?" game, I also tortured the rest of my family by keeping all the contenders a secret.

So a few months after she was born we were down in Pleasanton and my dad says, "You know, if you take this precious baby girl and Heather's dog and put them together you get a great, big, black, kick ass football player!.... Did y'all plan that?"

Ever heard of Earl Campbell??

Did I mention that Heather's weinie dog is named Earlene? Oh yes, a la Earl Campbell and his famouse sausage! She even wears a sparkly UT collar- too cute!

THIS

Plus THIS
EQUALS THIS??

So we took Grita to Campbell's House (proper) this weekend. She had never been to a UT football game. We had a great time! A big Shout Out and Thank You to Mr. Faulkner for his continued generosity for game day tickets, too!

Campbell did not join us, neither did Earlene. However we did stop by Earl's statue... maybe some day soon will take the two namesakes down to the stadium for a photo op.

Hook 'Em Horns!

34 is starting off great

2008-09-18T09:15:00.005-05:00

What a lovely day and week it has been. Happy Birthday, indeed!

I couldn't be more thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. I had scores of birthday wishes from friends and family. Beautiful flowers, yummy cake, lunches filled with laughter and friends, very thoughtful gifts from Campbell & Alan, and a weekend of fun to look forward to with my peeps.

Thanks for the love and for being part of my crazy, silly, wonderful life!

A wedding, a trip to Houston, and a fluke

2008-09-07T22:51:00.008-05:00

The Fluke:
I absolutely KNOW that it was a fluke, but I swear to Jimminey Cricket that this is true!
I bought a precious pink potty for Campbell in anticipation of the inevitable potty training... well, I get home from Target, take the royal throne out of the box (it plays a royal tune when you tinkle, by the way) and place it in the bathroom. Nosey Rosey can't wait to see what it is all about. I sit her on the potty, sit myself on the big girl potty for some encouragement... and lo and behold her potty starts to play music!!! Are you kidding me??? Then, it starts to play music again!!! what??? I make a huge production over the affair, stand her up, prepared to dab off approximately two drops of tinkle from her bottom and then I see it. Swear. Poop!!!! First crack out of the box and my little princess pooped in the potty!!! I couldn't have been prouder. Of course as soon as she saw the poop she burst into tears. Kind of scary, I suppose.

My trip to H-town:
Maybe Houston has just gotten a bad wrap. I went to hang out with my Aunt Sandy for week number 5 of her radiation therapy. (If you don't know her story you should pop over to her Caring Bridge- link on the right.) I have to be honest, I did not know what to expect. I tried to be ready for anything. Turns out, what I needed to prepare for most of all was eating at great restaurants. We had a splendid time. We shopped, we ate, we chatted, we even worked out once. All in all it was a success. Back here on the home front, Alan and Campbell fared just fine without me, too. In fact, I don't think she missed me one tiny bit. Alan swears that she didn't throw one single fit the entire time i was away. Well, when we reunited she made up for lost time... which brings me to

A wedding:
Let me start by saying, that it is a good thing that she is so cute. I knew I was in for a long day/night when I took her for a haircut on Saturday morning. You've seen her head of hair. This was not the child's first hair cut. Not even her second or third... Lordy, Lordy, Lordy.
The very nice stylist named Deedee calls our name.
I put Campbell in the chair alone- business as usual... nope. She arched her back and let out a blood curdling shriek. Now, I have the entire salon staring at me. Her Grita promptly grabbed her purse and high-tailed it out the door. Her father who was also waiting for a haircut tried to act like he didn't know us... head in a magazine... not today, mister.
Alan reluctantly claims us and I force her to sit in his lap. Brief moment of silence. Then Deedee must put the cape around her neck. Not so fast, Deedee... Blood curdling shriek #2. I take the cape and wrap it around Campbell's neck all the while glaring at her, and insisting that she stop screaming. At this point, my sister Heather who is also waiting for a haircut begins to look afraid. All eyes are still on us... ugh!
I figure we could try distracting her highness so that Deedee can at least trim the bangs. Big crocodile tears streaming down her cheeks. Dayce and I are trying everything in the book- singing, I spy, books, toys, etc. Then it hits me. A plug would be quite handy about now.
Me: Heather, give me Opal's pacifier!
Heather: (Terrified eyes and under her breath through gritted teeth) Reneeeeee...? I only have the one Opal currently has in her mouth.
Me: (For all the salon to hear) I don't care! Your baby is being quiet and mine is not. Please give me the passy.
Campbell: (More shrieking) Muh muh muh! Translation= Passy, please
Heather: (Unplugging her baby and plugging mine up) Nice.
Silence.
Bangs trimmed quite nicely.
Big tip for Deedee.

With that in mind, think about the following: an outdoor wedding on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Now add in Opal, stairs, mosquitos, and only one passy.
I could give you the blow by blow but it might be more fun if you make up your own story. I can assure you that you will not be far off. Like I said, it is a good thing she is cute!

Stairs

Cute sisters with bad kids!

More stairs

Grita trying to save her!

The only thing missing from this family photo is the 3 glasses of red
wine it took to get Mommy smiling!

Labor Day Cookie Monster

2008-09-02T20:30:00.004-05:00

Labor Day was pretty mellow at Campbell's House. We got up early and as I was putting her toast (ok, Poptart... ugh) in the toaster she saw the mixer and started saying, "Taste, taste, taste!"
What a great idea! We scarfed down our very nutritious carb, sugar, and fat (no trans fat) loaded breakfast and made some good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies.

Maybe I haven't made them in a while, or maybe it was just more fun making them with my new little assistant. Fun stuff! Thanks for a fun Labor Day, Campbell! I love you!

PS- I know sitting on the counter top isn't the safest place... but it really is the best seat in the kitchen!

Whatever.

2008-09-02T20:20:00.002-05:00

In our family there is really no such thing as, "whatever." That is to say, someone always- and I do mean always has a smart remark to make about the short comings of others... all in good fun, of course.
Obviously, he hacked into my blog to teach me a lesson.
Lesson rejected- ha.
So there.
And thank you for the PC magic, Campbell' s Dad.
xoxo

PS- I changed my password.

I wish Renee knew about computers

2008-09-01T22:01:00.001-05:00

Test to see if Renee was right that the computer was not working right. If you are reading this she is sadly mistaken....again.

Take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning

2008-08-21T20:46:00.003-05:00

Oh if it were only that simple when it comes to computers! Somehow we became infected with some spyware!! So, Alan has spent the last week or so quarantining files and updating our virus protection. I am sure I am secretly getting blamed for the virus but all I really do is read the blogs and shop every now and again. Anyway, finally, I have been granted permission to venture out once again to the world wide web. No one is probably reading blogs this month anyway with kids getting ready to head back to school. And then there is the Olympics... is blogging an Olympic sport yet? Everything else is.

I feel like there is so much to report that I don't even know where to begin, but here is a little sampling:

Opal came to visit.
Heather and I went to the spa to cash in our Mother's Day gift certificates. We had a great time and were very pampered and thus relaxed. That is, until the bill came. As Heather says, "this is not a secure line" therefore I cannot elaborate.

Dayce marched in her first High School band parade. She did GREAT! And, yes, I got a little misty eyed in spite of the 90 percent humidity and 150 degree South Texas heat. (Blonde girl on the trombone)

As for the Princess of Cedar Park, she is turning into quite the little girl. She has just about mastered walking. I still refer to it as the Monster Mash, because it is still a little Frankenstein-ish. That is: Precious Frankenstein with pigtails!

And she has started chattering. At this point we still don't understand much more than the basics: No, Mommy, Daddy, No, Music, Elvis, No, Help, Up, No, Side (outside), No, etc.
Oh, and she learned to say, "No." However, she has also learned to nod her head "Yes." Very over exaggerated and pretty stinking cute!

Peace Out from Cedar Park!
- Campbell's Mom

Strike one!

2008-08-08T09:46:00.002-05:00

It was bound to happen.

Miko, is the longest member of our family unit (Alan, notwithstanding...)

Miko is a large, black, fat cat that came to live with Heather and me about 10 years ago. He immediately took over our small apartment. He would sit perched on the back of the sofa waiting for his next victim. One time you could walk past him and scratch him on the head. The next time, if the mood struck him, he might swipe you with one of his bear claws. Kind of funny the first, second, even third time... especially if it wasn't you that he got.

Over time, he has mellowed. OK, I may have spanked that little trick out of him. As he has gotten older, he has gotten grouchier. Meows constantly. Is VERY picky about food. Can't be bothered to drink out of a standing bowl of water!!! Oh, no! We had to purchase the $50 fountain style bowl for this cat. (Everyone at Campbell's house is a tiny bit spoiled.)

So, before Campbell arrived last year, I had a lengthy family meeting with all the pets. I laid down the law: There are three of you (Miko, Lucy (cat), and Elvis (Basset). That means you get 3 chances- total. Not three a piece. You need to work together! Any of you screw up and it counts against you all. Could be peeing on the floor, could be sleeping in Campbell's bed, could be waking her up- you get the idea. 3 strikes and you are all moving OUTSIDE. Permanently.
Lucy, quickly decided the pressure was too much to take and ran away from home. Very sad. He was a cool cat! The other two decided to give it a go.

Fast forward 16 months...
Dum dum dum dum....

Campbell is sitting on the floor playing by herself with her xylophone. Miko saunters over and lays down at her feet. She starts to pet him gently. And then out of the blue, he took a swipe at her! Campbell must have cat-like reflexes because he only got her on the hand.

I chased his fat, yet surprisingly fast, ass around the house for about 90 seconds. Snatched him from under my bed. Spanked him, scolded him and then through him out. Could be for good.
Even poor Elvis was only invited in for long enough to eat.

My house would be so much cleaner without all the shedding. Maybe I meant to say One Strike and you're out.

Campbell's car, too?

2008-07-31T22:02:00.002-05:00

I think she is getting a little ahead of herself, if you ask me...

Picked her up from school today- I had the Tahoe nice and cool for her majesty. I also had one of her CDs ready to play: "Rhinoceros Tap." (this is one of Grita's finds, and I have to admit I find myself singing the songs long after I am at my desk at work). Anyway, the title track it pretty catchy- see for yourself (click on the link). About two bars into the song she starts saying "muh, muh, muh" and pointing to the front seat. Finally I skip to the next song. She listens to a couple of bars and starts to shake her head "no." Are you kidding me? She is barely walking and she is now weighing in on what music she wants to hear?! Hilarious! We get all the way to #13 before she found what she was after. As soon as she heard the intro her head started to bob. I knew we hit pay dirt. She knew the words and was singing right along! "Muh, muh, muh, muh"
I wanted to stop the car just to kiss her. I didn't- I didn't want to ruin her groove.

Little stinker. I thought fighting over music in the car was waaayyyy in the future.

Previous fit throwing: all forgiven, for the moment, anyway.

Sidebar: My faves are 4, 5, 6, & 9. Philadelphia Chickens is also worth buying.

xoxo,
Campbell's Mom

Third time is NOT the charm

2008-07-30T08:09:00.003-05:00

Let me just break it down. I am a crier. Always have been. Doesn't take much to get me going, either. Seriously, it is a very large category of things that can potentially get me started. I am one of those people that cry at movies, commercials, songs, life events. I often get weepy when i see a marching band perform....?Don't ask me why. And it doesn't have to be the blues that triggers the water works. I cry when I am happy, sad, moved, super-tired can make me cry, even frustration can do it occasionally. And of course, I don't just cry for myself. I will cry with you, near you, for you, along side you.... Sometimes a story retold about someone crying will make me cry! Like I said, I am a crier.

Therefore, for the last 30ish years my mom has had to deal with me and all those tears. And she has reminded me many times over that crying or sobbing in some cases will not make your head stop hurting, your fever go down, make a stupid boyfriend treat you better, make your pregnancy go any faster, or change the circumstances life has dealt you. With that in mind, it was her voice I heard in my head yesterday afternoon when I felt my face go flush and got the knot in the back of my throat.

Four days home from vacation and this precious baby girl has now made me cry three times. Not the good "she learned how to walk" or "she finally says Mama and means it" tears... No, these tears feel more like the ones from back in Junior High when you really can't figure out why the pretty girls are so mean.

How can a 16 month old have the ability to test my nerves to the extreme already? I know she is just testing her boundaries, but seriously.... Is this part of the Secrets of Motherhood that no one tells you about so that you will actually have babies???

Full blown screaming fits on the floor, complete refusal to walk, insistence on being carried around. And then five minutes later a perfect angel when her Dad walks through the door. Truth be told, he met us in the front yard- she was in the swing, I was sitting in the grass on the brink of tears. Campbell saw him and immediately started smiling with delight. That is when I wanted to burst into tears. She has so much love to give and I don't want her to be a brat...

Through a few streaming tears I told Alan to get changed into play clothes because Mommy either needs to "go for a run or run to the bar. Something has got to give today." I am sure I confirmed what he has thought all along: Renee is crazy as a loon.

Much love,
Campbell's Mom

Honey, I'm home!

2008-07-27T14:00:00.003-05:00

Off to Grita's

We tip toed out of Grita's house at 4:45a on Monday morning and tip toed back in at 11:00p Friday night. That was a long time to be away from Campbell, but I think I did pretty well. I only called a couple of times each day. And, I tried not to bring her up to every stranger we met... not sure how I fared on that one. Alan and I had a wonderful trip to Sarasota. Weather was great. Town was lovely. Beaches were spectacular. Anniversary #7 was a success!

Lido Beach, Sarasota

It took roughly twenty years, but for the first time I came home from a trip to the beach withOUT a sunburn. Yes, you read correctly: Renee tanned responsibly. Seriously, not even slightly pink shoulders, no peeling nose or forehead- zilch. My lips didn't even get chapped. How depressing- I think I may actually be growing up.

As for Campbell, you'll have to pop over to Opal's blog to get the details on her vacation. But from what I can tell, she loved every minute of her trip. I am quite certain that I will never find out how much cookie dough she actually consumed or how much tea and coke she drank but at least she got her daily nap. Rumor has it that she loved the afternoon on the Slip-n-Slide and that she held court with the miniature dachshunds a couple of times....

As for now, we are all back in Cedar Park. Safe and sound.
Much love~
Campbell's Mom

P.S. I am fairly sure she didn't have shoes for a solid week as she will not keep them on now, period. Oh well, it is summer.

Slow, deep breaths

2008-07-18T08:29:00.002-05:00

This is a new feeling for me. I have never experienced anxiety about going on vacation. I LOVE vacations! Who doesn't, right? Well, this is our first "real" vacay since Campbell was born.

One evening a few months back, we decided to cash in Alan's frequent flier miles and head to a beautiful beach somewhere. In spite of the multiple glasses of wine, I had enough sense not commit to leaving the country without Campbell... however, three glasses of red wine clouded my judgement a tiny bit when it came to how long we should stay. What started out as a long weekend, suddenly turned into a 5 day vacation.

Grita and Hooterbox couldn't be MORE delighted. I am sure they have all sorts of completely unacceptable spoilage planned! She probably won't even want to come home...

I am trying not to think about not seeing her for 5 whole days- because when I do, I start to freak out a little. Maybe Ainzley Opal will post some pictures of all the fun she and her cousin are having while I am away...

Lots of love!
Campbell's Mom

The last of the cast

2008-07-15T22:00:00.004-05:00

Four long weeks and some super cool autographs... but good golly, Campbell is free at last!!

Monday was the big day! The nurse sawed it off, whilst Campbell screamed bloody murder. For once, no tears for Mommy. I was so excited to see that pink anchor come off!

Inside, (I should have snapped a pic) we found:

A couple of shriveled up grains of orange rice- a la Chuy's, I am sure
A blade of brown grass- a la Mommy. I let her play in the grass without the giant tube sock over the cast
A small morsel of mulch from the playground at school

And that's it. I have to say, I was pretty impressed. I thought we would find all sorts of disgusting treasures down there.

Her little leg is a little skinnier than the left one, and the skin needs some serious moisturizing, but aside from that she is rocking it out.

Alan and I had hoped that she would be a Super-Baby and immediately begin walking / running as soon as the cast was removed. Sorry to disappoint, but she is not quite there yet. We still think she is a super baby!

Peace out from Cedar Park!
xoxo

If I only knew how to photo shop...

2008-07-08T18:52:00.003-05:00

... I could have turned Campbell's chair orange and it would have been a perfect match! The age difference is off by a couple of years but the pose is spot on.

Make up your own caption

Let's hug it out

Seriously, is that Opal?