Infected: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Eww, gross. Check me out - I am infected! Not only do I have a massive cold sore (that I'm trying to infect Maya with, apparently, poor child) - my first in years, knock on wood - but my ooey gooey infected eyeballs mean I have to wear my crooked glasses for a week and throw out my mascara. Bah! Nevertheless, we persevered and had ourselves quite a weekend.

Friday night started out with dinner at Donn's Texas Barbecue, at Maya's request. Ooh, baby! Few things are as delicious as Donn's brisket with sides of baked beans and potato salad. Yum yum! Then home for tubby time for Mason, who will not skip his bath, even when he doesn't really need one. He also wildly protests getting out no matter how long you let him stay in. Kids in bed and Chris and I heated up some peanut butter & chocolate chip break n' bake cookies. Mmm. Maya sniffed them out and joined us in our room, where she hijacked the television (but not the cookies) and watched American Gladiators ("the race", she calls it...) with Chris while I caught up on blog reading and e-mail.

Saturday, I was up and out to play rehearsal. Copying, running around, and preparing a delicious hot dog lunch for the cast were on my agenda. Meanwhile, Chris mowed the lawn while the kids ran around outside. Next, he took the kids for pony rides and carnival-style rides, along with some miniature golf. Is he a fun Dad, or what?! Maya adored her pony ride - Mason wouldn't have any of it! Then home for Masey's nap and Maya swam in the kiddie pool while Chris finished up yard work. I got home around 3 and the 3 of us hung out until Masey got up at 4.

Next up? Big boy bed shopping! What?! I know, I know. Masey is growing up! But we struck out at a couple of stores and then gave up. We swung by Little Caesars for some hot n' ready pepperoni (my favorite!) headed for home. I ate my share on the ride home, which turned out to be a bad idea. I was feeling pretty yuck and (surprise!) fell asleep while Chris fed the kids. (Is it just me or does this happen every Saturday?) I did wake up for the kids' bed time, at least. Chris and I spent the evening catching up on TV, chit chatting, eating (of course - burned popcorn, my evening staple) and shooing Maya back to her room. ("'The race' isn't even on, Maya!")

Sunday, Sunday. I stayed in bed most of the morning, read to Mason and played Starfall games with Maya. Mason took the world's longest bath, until his water was freezing and he was utterly prune-y. I tried to convince Maya to take her tights off because the tights/sandals combo was ruining the outfit for me (she looked so cute in her Mexican dress!). Then I tried to bribe her. Then I demanded she take them off. Then I removed them myself while she protested loudly. (I'm usually cool with her wearing pretty much whatever, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Apparently tights with sandals is the line.) In true Maya fashion, she recovered quickly. Off to church for a little spiritual food and some time with the nursery kids. Fun, fun! Home for a quick nap for Masey, then off to my parents' for some rather delicious grilled steaks and homemade cheesecake. My oh my!

Then home again to drop off Chris & the kiddos, and I ran out to choir rehearsal for the play, followed by a play meeting, followed by sending a slew of play-related e-mails. And now. I'm going to bed!

Hope your weekend was happy! And happiest of new weeks to you!

Maya's Ode To Vida

Maya had a birthday party for her fish Vida last week. Yes, the fish she got a few short months ago is now 4 1/2! (Just like Maya!) There were gifts (pictures of fish Maya colored, mostly), pretend tea and cake, and lots of stuffed guests. Of course, the song was the best part. The stellar lyrics, the unbridled enthusiasm, the keyboard accompaniment...this is a song that, in all likelihood, only a mother (or grandparent) will get a kick out of...but feel free to tune in anyway!

Beaming With Pride

It must rock being a "second child". {Wait. I'm a second child. And it definitely does rock.} Number one gets all the high expectations, all the anxiety, all the trial and error. Number two {at least in my house} gets praised for every little thing he does. {To be fair, so does number one. We're all over positive reinforcement.}

Anyway, it's funny how delighted I am to watch Mason grow up. Today, for instance, was his first dentist appointment. When I took Maya for the first time, I was riddled with anxiety. What's going to happen? How will she react? How will I react? How will everyone else react? With Mason, I've been there, done that. He's been there, done that, too, watching his sister. And in true Mason fashion, he was beyond thrilled to be doing what he's seen his big sister do. He did great! His eyes got so big when the chair started to go up and back. He said "AHHH" with the best of 'em. And when he sat back up {with NO CAVITIES, mind you!} he had that look he gets. When he's pleased as can be but is trying not to look too pleased {It's a similar look to his "time out" look. Trying to look sad and sorry while in fact, he wants to laugh.} Of course, I was beaming with pride the whole time. He picked out a toy airplane from the treasure chest and we were on our way. He's been carrying his new toothbrush around all afternoon. He's beaming. And I'm beaming. What a big boy!

Mason's hit another stage we've already passed through with Maya - rain boots. Rain boots all the time. With shorts. With just a diaper. To the grocery store. To church. Get your shoes on, Masey. "Boots!" It's always got to be boots. I found the boots sort of embarrassing with Maya. I'd always explain them to everyone. Now, I don't care. With either of them. Want to wear boots? Fine. Dress up costumes? Sure. Mismatched outfits? Couldn't care less. I always thought I'd be one of those parents who wouldn't let their kids leave the house looking raggety. But no. Rag it up. I don't care. Wear what makes you happy. I won't cringe. In fact, I'll probably think it's adorable. I might even take a photo. And blog about it.

You Asked...

Where I got my pink shirt. That would be Kohl's, baby! You can only get blue or white online, but check in stores for the pink. And only $20 bucks! It's a great fauxternity shirt, if you're in the market for such a thing...(great otherwise, too).

Someone also asked about the tan & black embroidered shirt in one of the cruise pics. That one is from Forever 21...last year. Which reminds me, I've got to get my biscuit up there. They always do me right in the summer shirts department, and fauxternity is their specialty...

Now, a question for you: has anyone seen this dress in person?

Tried it on, perhaps? I looooove the crazy/funky material, but it looks rather short. The skirt and the sleeve both, actually. And I don't need both my chubby knees AND flabby upper arms exposed. Plus, maybe not do-able for the expanding belly? But it's soooo cute! Thoughts from those with in-person access?

10 Years

It is hard to believe that Chris & I celebrate our 10 year anniversary today. I have to say, being married to Chris is one of the biggest blessings I have. I got lucky when he agreed to take me on! :) And in honor of 10 years of marriage...here are 10 things I love about Chris:

1. He is a patient, patient man. {Hello, he's married to me!}
2. He's an amazing Daddy who adores his kids...and they adore him right back.
3. He has big, big, BIG dreams, plans and goals.
4. He's the hardest working and most reliable person I know. If he says something will be taken care of, it will be taken care of, no question.
   
5. He doesn't mind pitching in with cooking, cleaning, etc. (Thank goodness.)
6. He has a hilarious sense of humor - and he gets mine!
7. He's "pure in heart", always seeing the best in people, always giving the benefit of the doubt.
8. He's friendly, and a great talker. (I love that I don't have to babysit him at parties - he can take care of himself!)
9. He can eat more than anyone I know - and takes great pride in it.
   
10. He loves and is enthusiastic about a million things - but he always puts his family first.

And, for my own interest's sake, how about a 10 year timeline?

• May 15, 1998 - Married in the Salt Lake Temple
• May, 1998 - Moved from Reno, NV to Provo, UT. Chris worked for ServPro cleaning carpets and attended UVSC; Natalie worked for Craft Supplies, USA as a phone order taker.
  
• August, 1999 - Moved from Provo, UT to Salt Lake City (Trolley Square area). Chris worked for the Spaghetti Factory and studied Accounting at the University of Utah; Natalie worked at the Olive Garden and studied Public Relations at the University of Utah.
• May, 2000 - Chris started an accounting internship for Sandy City; Natalie went to work for Alan Frank & Associates as the receptionist. Both continued school.
• September, 2000 - Moved from the Trolley Square area to a basement one block east of Emigration Market; began a love affair with Emigration Market weekend BBQ's.
• Sometime after that - Chris finished up at Sandy City and began an internship at SmartTalk.
  
• December 2001 - Chris finished school; Natalie, after taking 24 credits for 3 straight semesters (including summer) almost finished school. And we up and moved to Las Vegas.
• December 2001 - Lived with Natalie's parents while our first house was being built in Vegas. Chris worked as an accountant for Lake Mead hospital; Natalie was a marketing coordinator/event planner for Greater Nevada Auto Auction.
• May 2002 - Returned to Utah for our college graduation! Chris in Accounting, Natalie in Communications: Public Relations.
• October 2002 - Moved into our first home! Natalie quit working at GNAA to focus on baby making (which hadn't been going well up to that point).
• December 2002 - Natalie takes a part time marketing job with Clark & Sullivan constructors.
• Sometime around there - Chris is promoted to Senior Accountant at Lake Mead Hospital.
• January 2003 - Success! Baby #1 is conceived.
• October 6, 2003 - Maya Grace Cottam is born.
• March, 2004 - Chris takes a job as the Assistant Controller of Spring Valley Hospital.
• October, 2004 - We get the wild idea - let's move to Austin, Texas!
• December, 2004 - Chris takes a job as the controller of SmartPrice.
• February, 2005 - We buy our second (and current) home.
  
• May, 2005 - Bun #2 in the oven.
• Sometime around there - SmartPrice becomes 360 Partners, and Chris stays on board.
• November 26, 2005 - Chris turns the big 3-0 and is a real grown up now!
  
• February 8, 2006 - Mason Andrew Cottam joins the family.
  
• All along the way....kids keep growing...we keep busy. And go on vacation as much as possible.
• November 8, 2007 - Natalie hits 30!
• February, 2008 - Baby #3 on the way!
• May 15, 2008 - 10 years of marriage, baby!

And that about sums it up! We've come along way from the 22 and 20 year old kids we were back in 1998!

Happy 10th, Chris! I love love love you and am so very grateful for you! Can't wait to see what the future holds...

Say Cheese!

Carnival has got my number! Because I LOVE a photo op. Never turn one down, in fact. And every night they'd have 5-7 cheesy photo stations set up. You mosey around, take whichever pictures you want (I made Chris take almost ALL of them) and in the morning, voila! They're developed and ready for you to purchase - at high dollar, mind you! They were not cheap. But still, we bought several. And this is only about 5 percent of all the photos we had done, seriously. Man, it was fun. I'm sure I would have bought more if I hadn't been suffering from crazy red eyes the entire trip. (The smoke? The sun exposure? Allergies at sea? I'm not sure, but it was UGLY and nothing helped...Visene, no eye make-up...nothing!) Anyway, our photos...

"Embarkation" photo

Faux beach setting

Formal night headshot. Chris loves this one.

Formal night. I got a little sad after I saw an 80 year old woman wearing the same dress I was. I vowed to burn the dress. But I changed my mind.

Arriving in Mexico

Ahh, Carnival. Thanks for the memories. And for taking all of my money. You were worth it.

The Social Experience

.

What I didn't realize about taking a cruise is what a social experience it would be! Everywhere we went, happy + friendly (+ drunk, in most cases) people were there to chat with. We met so many really fun, cool people from all walks of life. We loved our dinner table crew. They were a hoot! First of all, the cowboy (Tim Cooper) and his lady Kristen were two of the funniest people I've ever met. {They will become legendary in the Cottam house, for sure.} Turns out, he's a talented "up and coming" country singer and the biggest self promoter I've come across in a long time! He schmoozed his way into a performance on the ship and wow'd us all with his voice! And he presented each of us with his CD. So if country music is your thing, do check him out here. Kristen is a children's speech therapist in Houston and really knows how to shake her bootie! Chris and Mary are the older couple - they are from the Austin area and are very experienced travelers. We loved hearing about all the places they've been. And Jodi and Adam are the other younger couple, from Houston and Michigan, and they were a hoot as well.

It was also funny how you kept running into the same people. We randomly had breakfast and lunch with one really fun Austin couple on our first "full day" on the ship. That night, we ran into them at the "Captain's Cocktail Party" and hung out with them that evening. Everywhere we went, we ran into them. We exchanged info before we left, and hopefully we can get together with them sometime...

Our cruise director "Goose" is another person bound to become legendary in our eyes. He was hilarious! And he was everywhere. And if he wasn't in front of your face, he was on the intercom making announcements, reminding us that "you're on vacation...". He was great, a lot of fun. Chris is sad we didn't get a picture with him, hee hee. {Guess that means we have to take another cruise...}

As for legends that we did get photos with, our food servers Ephram and Neil "Armsweak" were top o' the heap. Man, we loved those guys. They were hilarious and super-cool. Neil always made sure to bring my milk with my dessert. {And to bring Chris TWO desserts, naturally.} I really miss them about now. I'd love to have them bring me a shrimp cocktail. And a piece of chocolate cake. It's amazing how much you can grow to love people you've only known for 4 days. {Particularly when they're bringing you food...}

Two thumbs up on the cruise experience! I'm ready to go again. Who's with me?

Chris Went On The Cruise, Too!

My favorite shot is the middle on the bottom. It's a picture of one of the many, many pictures the cruise line photographers took of us and tried to sell us at outrageous prices. True story: we bought tons of them, and I'll be scanning them in shortly. However, we couldn't bring ourselves to pay actual money for a photo this bad, no matter how much it made us laugh. So we took a picture of the picture so we can always remember our lovely expressions when we stepped off the boat into Mexico.

From the top: at the pre-dinner show; having "Happy Anniversary" sung to us by the wait staff; at the pool. Middle: pool, pool, "formal night". Bottom (left & right): in Mexico, post-snorkle (Chris - he said it was amazing) and post-massage (me - and it was fabulous!) getting ready to partake of the best fajitas and refried beans of my entire life. After that? Shopping! What did we buy? Mexican dresses and shirts for the kids. Mexican blankets for the kids. Toy Mexican guitars for the kids. Kid-sized sombreros for the kids. Chris bought some sort of a Mexican calendar. I didn't find anything I had to have, and figured a cruise + a massage was plenty good...

Look at the handsome devil next to the Rolls! Nice wheels, Chris!

We played some miniature golf on top of the ship. Good times.

Check out the shiner Chris got when he sat up in the top bunk the first night. Just the hazards of bunk bed living!

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

I defy you to find someone who ate more than I did on our cruise. How'd I do it? I discovered a meal between breakfast and brunch. {That's a Homer Simpson quote.} Man alive, good food available 24/7? I like it. We ate well. Prime rib. Crab cakes. Shrimp cocktail every night. Melting chocolate cake. Lobster tail and shrimp. Salmon. It was ridiculous. Food, food and more food. We loved it.

This was the "Midnight Gala Buffet". Serious eye candy. In fact, they had an hour where you could just photograph it - not eat it. So we did that. And then conked out and missed the actual eating part! Lame.

We did eat some lovely tuxedo strawberries, though. Aren't they cute?

If This Boat's A Rockin'...

Does anyone else think it's hilarious that we accidentally ordered a bunk bed room for our 10th anniversary cruise??? My oh my, I had a good laugh about it. Chris didn't mind. He got more space on the top bunk than he usually does on his perch in our king-sized bed. Plus, he wasn't within kicking distance of me, so he could snore without getting booted. Although he still got yelled at.

We loved the towel creations our room steward left us every night. I even bought the book, so I can learn to do it at home. For real, I really bought it. I really will buy anything...

Blurb'in It Up

Yo yo yo! We're back from our cruise, y'all! Not to worry, full cruise-coverage is coming up, but first, look what was waiting for me when we got home: my very first Blurb Blog Book (say that three times fast)! Please forgive the fact that I cannot take a decent photo to save my life {Flash on = flash spots. Flash off = blurry.} but I wanted to give you a peek! This is the first 2 months of my blogging life {really, about a month and a half}. Generally, one post per page (some took 2 pages). I left it all in - blurry photos (they're not too bad), recipes, products, randomness and of course, family memories. It makes for a yearbook of sorts of what I was "into" at that point in time! Fun, fun! 193 pages, hardback - under $60! I did it in an afternoon/evening and didn't play too much with the formatting, although there are plenty of options you can work with. Overall, I'm super satisfied and thrilled to have it. Up next: 100 Percent Cottam, 2 months at a time until I'm all caught up.

If you're considering using Blurb, I'd say go for it! Great quality, great prices! Just be sure if you're a blogaholic like I am, you break it down into manageable segments, otherwise it's just sooo overwhelming. Or maybe that's just me...

Sailing Away...

I've had the Travis song "Sailing Away" in my head all day long. {Click here to see/hear a decent recording of that tune, one of my favorites, from their Austin show last year!} Yeah baby, tomorrow is the big day! We're hitting the high seas. I plan on pigging out and laying around. Anything else will just be a bonus.

Happy week/weekend to you all. I'll be back next week...

Popcornopolis

I've been drooling over the goods at Popcornopolis ever since Design Mom blogged about them yesterday. Oh my gravy. I think I will be buying ALL future gifts from them. Not to mention a few goodies for myself...

Is This Weird...?

...or am I too easily annoyed?

{Flashback: Chuck E's for Masey's 2nd birthday...}

So we went to Chuck E.'s today for lunch because the kids had earned it as a reward. Good times were had by all...I believe I've already 'fessed up to loving their pizza, and this brand new Chuck E.'s is always clean, clean, clean. Anyway, the kids were riding the monster truck. So while it's in motion a little girl climbs up the side next to Maya. "Move over. MOVE OVER!" So Maya moves over. Now, she's a cute little girl and really, you can't always expect little kids to know what behavior is appropriate. So I just let it go, not a big deal. But as the ride goes on, her mom walks up. I'm expecting "Oh no, did she climb in there? I'm so sorry." Or something to that effect. Instead, it's "Hi Sweetie! Smile!", followed by the click of camera.

Umm. Did you just take a picture of your kid hijacking my kids' monster truck ride? I'm not, like, offended or anything, but...that's weird.

Of course, the grown-ups in the crowd chuckled about it later, but it just reminded me that it's my responsibility to teach my children good manners and proper behavior. And I don't just mean Chuck E. Cheese etiquette - I mean how to behave like human beings in the real world. If they don't learn it from me, they're certainly NOT going to learn it somewhere else. With that in mind, I've got to get my act together and train these kids up right. I don't want them hopping into moving cars...at Chuck E.'s or anywhere else, for that matter.

Baby's First iPod

Maya has been begging us for an "iPod" {any MP3 player would do, of course - she is only 4!} for ages now. She even keeps a running list of songs she wants on her iPod. And of course, her music loving parents love that she's a music lover too, and don't have a problem with her having an iPod. Except that you don't just run out and buy your 4-year-old an iPod for no reason. {Or I don't at least.} So when Chris got this glorious little iPod knockoff as a "free gift with purchase", we were thrilled that Maya could finally have her iPod.

Chris loaded it up with some of her requests:

• "The Screaming Song" {Get Free by the Vines}
• "The Robot Song" {Talk by Coldplay}
• Ever Ever After {from Enchanted}
• You've Got a Friend in Me {from Toy Story}
• Castle on a Cloud {from Les Mis}
• Read My Mind by the Killers
• Gracie Girl by Ben Folds

Etc. etc. And she was thrilled! Beside herself, rather. It was cute. Her first question? "How do you turn it up?" Umm, no. Chris set it at a nice, safe, looooow volume and thinks she won't be able to figure out how to turn it up. With any luck.

Of course, we're already establishing some iPod rules:

• No iPods at the table. {"Why?"}
• No iPods at church. {"Why?"}
• No iPods at school. {"Why?"}
• No singing at the top of your lungs while others are sleeping. {A rule I would have had a major problem with in my younger years.}
• No iPods while watching TV. {"Why?"}
• No iPods in the bath tub. {She seemed okay with that one.}

Ah, kids these days. They grow up so fast. 4-year-olds are toting iPods? Well, what can I say? I'd have loved to have had one myself...

Oooh! Shoe Shoe!

I was taking a peek at these online today and Mason showed up to give the thumbs up. "Ooh! Shoe shoe!" I'm thinking come fall, Masey will be sporting these bad boys...

{Via My Mom Shops.}

Chatty Platters

Being the chatty gal I am, I of course adore these clever platters. How fun for a party! Get them here.

{Via Hostess with the Mostess.}

Spring Bag: Check!

I picked up this purse today {Actually, it was a Mama's day gift to me from my Mama. Wait, that's backwards!} to replace my last bag, which had developed an "odor". {Spilled milk, perhaps? I'm not sure, but there was much gagging involved in the clean-out. Sorry for the TMI.} Plus, it's bright + springy and yellow is THE color, so I hear. And since I don't love how yellow looks on me, this is a great way for me to sport it.

Sunny Kitchen

If my kitchen were this bright and pretty, perhaps I'd make it a point to spend more time in there. In fact, I might just pull up a chair and watch that groovy dishwasher do it's thing. Or better yet, plunk right down on that lovely stripy rug! Cook a few more meals? That's probably overly optimistic. But not entirely out of the question...

{Scanned from Real Simple.}

Peanut Shell

Nursing covers are new to the scene since I had Mason, and I'll definitely be purchasing one this time around! I'm partial to this one from Peanut Shell. Most of my friends have the Hooter Hider or Bebe au Lait covers, and they're super cute...I just can't get past the name ("Hooter Hider"?!). Not that "Peanut Shell" is superfantastic, either. But I'm loving this fabric...

Peanut Shell's main product is the...Peanut Shell. It's a baby sling. They do look super useful for a sleeping baby, and they come in lots o' cute prints, too. I think I'm going to stick with the Baby Hawk, though...

Ways To Help

Austin has a rather active panhandler scene, I have to say. Once you're out of the neighborhoods, into the shopping areas, there are people on many corners asking for money or help. Of course, Maya has a lot of questions about what they're doing and why they need help. And I really do feel for these people, whatever their circumstance may be. But still, I don't usually do anything. I don't normally carry cash (not to mention that we're generally discouraged from giving cash to panhandlers), and I've never really known what a good alternative way to help would be. So I loved my friend Tasha's idea. She keeps a stash of McDonald's gift certificates in her car. When she encounters a panhandler, she passes one along. So while she knows she's not changing the world, at least she knows that their next meal is taken care of.

What a cool idea, right? I also remember reading/hearing {on the Ellen show? in a magazine? on a blog?) about a Mama who goes periodically with her kids to purchase the supplies for some healthy lunches. They bag up the lunches together as a family, then actively seek out some needy folks and pass them along. Very cool! In the (soon to be) sweltering Texas heat, another cool idea might be to keep a stash of bottled water in the car to pass out to the folks on the street corners.

For me, the main thing is exercising compassion in my life and thus, passing that lesson on to my children. I have no idea how the folks standing on street corners begging for help came to be there. I have probably not experienced trials in my life that are very similar to theirs. There are lots of people who say it's their own poor decisions that have put them there - and that may be true. But that doesn't really matter to me. What matters is that when someone is suffering for whatever reason, I'd like to help them. If for no other reason than to show gratitude for the very blessed circumstances that I am in...

With that in mind, my goal for today is to figure out how I want to help. Whether it's by going to McDonald's and picking up some gift certificates or figuring out something else I'd like to do (suggestions?), the next time someone asks, I'd like to be ready to help.

Total Wipe-Out: The Weekend Wrap Up

Oh my gravy, I am wiped out. And discouraged that at 14 weeks, I'm feeling worse rather than better with this pregnancy. Ack. At any rate, we packed it in this weekend...

Friday night we met up with my Mama for dinner. I was specifically craving some really good wood-fired, pizza oven pizza. I love Whole Foods' pizza, but didn't want to take the trek down to that madhouse on a Friday night, so we tried Brick Oven. I remember eating there when we first moved here and not liking it, but decided to give it another whirl - and I was glad we did! It was deeeeelicious, and just what I wanted. We stopped by the snow shack on our way home - mmm mmm mmm! Then we got the kids into bed and Chris & I watched Lars and the Real Girl, which I loved. And then it was off to bed at a decent hour...

Saturday Maya got up and told us she had a surprise for us. It turned out to be that she got Mason up and got him dressed, all by herself. She's so sweet. Then I was out the door to play rehearsals. Meanwhile, Chris took the kids to buy a new slip n' slide and then to the "Austin Zoo". It's referred to as such {"zoo"} because it's not your run of the mill zoo. It's a rescue zoo and really more of a farm with tigers. But as long as you know that before you go, it's fine. It's perfect for the kids. Maya loved chasing the goats and preferred the pigs to the bears. My favorite part last time I went was that they had dogs on display. I figured they had to at least be wolves or something, but no. Just dogs. Anyway, Chris and the kids had a blast. I got home from rehearsals in time to watch them give the slip n' slide a go, wahoo!

Masey and I both napped in the afternoon {of course!} while Chris and Maya did some yard work. Then it was clean up clean up time. Can I just say that I love the fact that my kids are getting old enough to be helpers? It's so great. We got the house and ourselves all spiffed up just in time for Grandma to arrive to watch the kiddies. Then Chris and I headed out for a rare night on the town!

We met up with a couple of the play's directors and their spouses for dinner at Sullivan's, and my oh my, was it yummy! French onion soup + bleu cheese iceberg wedge salad + filet mignon + sweet potato casserole = holy wow! It was one of the best meals I've had, in fact. Then we went to the opera! I know, how cultured, right?! The music director of the play is getting a master's degree at UT and this was pretty much the culmination of an entire semester's work for him. I was so impressed! I even sort of was able to follow the storyline, and was bowled over by the vocalists. After the opera, we stopped by BJ's to end the night with some handcrafted rootbeer and Pizookies. Oh baby! A great end to a great night. Then home again to take the second-shift babysitter home and off to bed...

This morning Chris was a saint {as usual} and got up with the kids while I stayed in bed for "a few more minutes" sleep. I ended up getting up at 9:30 to find them building extravagant castles with blocks. They were rather impressive! I did the last minute prep on my nursery lesson, got the kids in and out of the tub and we were out the door for church.

Back home for much needed naps {I know, I know, I really sleep a lot, don't I?!}. I woke up feeling super rotten, but it was off to my parents' house for Sunday dinner. Just in time for dessert, my Dad and brother rolled in from their weekend visiting my otha' brotha' in Dallas - and they were bearing bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes! Yahoo! They were ridiculously delicious and a sweet end to the day.

Home again and guess what? I fell asleep for another 2 hours! Ack! This is ridiculous. And now I'm enjoying my nightly bag of popcorn while catching up on some "Flip That House" on A&E. Yes, we love some Armando here at this house!

The countdown to the cruise is on! We leave Thursday, and I have to say. I CANNOT wait!

Hope your weekend was happy!

Slippin' Slidin'

Chris took the kids out today to purchase the new slip n' slide o' the summer! Maya is queen of the slip n' slide. I don't think Mason remembered slippin' slidin' from last year, but he caught on quickly. Somehow it's not yet boiling hot here {what?!} so they didn't last too long - they were blue little penguins after only a few minutes. But not to worry. That slip n' slide will get lots o' use all summer long!

Lars and the Real Girl

Chris and I watched Lars and the Real Girl tonight. It is definitely a quirky little movie, but I loved it. Basically, Lars is a bit of a strange guy {not quite right in the head} who buys a mannequin over the internet and introduces her as his girlfriend. He pushes her around in a wheelchair and takes her everywhere with him - and he's dead serious. The movie basically chronicles how his family and everyone in his little town react to this.

So, like I said, it's quirky. But I really took a strong message from it. The thing is, we all go through things. Some really hard things - some things that are maybe just hard for us. Maybe weird things. And people will want to fix us. Or we'll want to fix people. Or at least try to "help" them. Or maybe call them crazy. Or scoff or laugh at them. But really, really, the only thing that we can really do that's of any benefit to anyone is to be there for them. In whatever they're going through. Even if it doesn't seem serious to us, it's serious to them. This movie was a great reminder that people don't need me to figure out what's wrong with them {as if I could anyway...}, they don't need my tough love, they don't need me to fix them, and they definitely don't need me to laugh at them or roll my eyes behind their backs...they just need me to be there for them, to support them.

So that's what I took from Lars and the Real Girl. And if you like quirky and offbeat comedies, you just might enjoy it...

In Search of The Real Me

"Seek out the particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "This is the real me,". When you have found that attitude, follow it."
~ Milton Berle

I still feel sometimes that I'm still getting to know the real Natalie. I would have thought by age 30, I'd know her really well, but I guess this entire life is about self discovery and self improvement. I love that quote - seeking out that thing that makes you feel alive, really speaks to you, that really say - "yes - this is what I'm here to do". I don't think I've ever felt that yet, but with any luck, life is long and there's lots of time to find it...

{Old-ify a photo of yourself here. Click browse, find your photo, then click the blue button underneath that. It's kind of fun! Via How About Orange.}

Will Someone Teach Me To Crochet?

Because it's my dream to own a granny-square blanket like this one. In fact, I wouldn't mind owning this exact one, but it's $259 and thus, out of my price range. Besides, isn't the blood sweat and tears half the fun?! {I'm trying to convince myself...} I really have always wanted to learn. Anyone know how? Or know of a good "teach yourself" book?

Bugville Butterfly Treehouse

If your kids watch Nickelodeon, then I'm sure you've heard of the Bugville Butterfly Treehouse. Perhaps you've been harassed repeatedly to buy it? Anyone with me? Anyway, I just found out you can buy them at WalMart or Toys R Us for lots less than they are on TV. You do have to send away for the caterpillar larvae and pay shipping on that, but still, not a bad deal. So my question is this: has anyone seen one in person and/or tried this? Or something similar? Maya loves the idea of watching the caterpillars become butterflies, but I'm a little skeptical. Does it even work? And is it a huge pain? Thoughts, anyone?

Katsina Dishes From Tracy Porter

I'm drooling over the Katsina dishes from Tracy Porter. They are right up my alley, lovely lovely lovely. However, like everything else from Tracy Porter, they're about 4-5 times more expensive than I'd like them to be. Still, it's one of my favorite spots to browse anyway. Everything is so darn beautiful!

For Mama's Day...

I love love love treats. And I'm thinking a few chocolate dipped strawberries would be a perfect Mama's day treat, and a really fun Daddy-Kid activity...(maybe send Mom to get a pedicure while you work on them?). This photo makes tuxedo strawberries look darn near foolproof, don't you think? Although I'm sure I could still screw it up (I'm a special sort of fool...)

Here are the directions. I think I might give 'em a whirl...