When one door closes and another door opens. This phrase has several different meanings, but today for me, it symbolizes our summertime of lazy hazy (let's not forget rainy) days have come to an end and a new school year is upon us. This is bitter sweet for our little family. We have had a lovely summer...a busier one than we anticipated...but simply great! And, fun! And, now this Mom (after a summer of overindulging in lots of good food and vino), needs to get her hiney back in the gym! Bitter Sweet! In saying that, we will cherish our memories and are looking forward to hopefully an exciting new school year.
So, as I pack for our last little hurrah before the 2013-2014 school year begins, I think about what it must feel like for my little ones to end this fun filled summer and move onto a new academic year. New teachers, new classrooms, new classmates, new buildings, new carlines. More rules, more homework, more activities, more discipline...and pray for no drama or dare I say the "B" word (bullying)! No more playgrounds, no more lovey-dovey teachers (for one child), no more rest mats, no more stations. Maybe I am the one with the anxiety...not my children!
When I think back to when I was their age, I wonder...was I excited...was I nervous? How did my parents prepare me for a new school year and getting back to the books? Besides buying all the school supplies, back to school clothes, new shoes, new backpack, new lunch sack, etc, was I ever really mentally prepared? Or, do elementary age kids in even think this way?
Honestly, I think my Superboy is more excited about his new backpack than anything else! And, maybe that is how his little noggin works? At his young age, maybe the "little things" right now is what makes him happy? I have a whole playroom of Legos that possibly proves that!! And, for my little Mini Me of a daughter, she is just happy to have 3 of her close girlfriends in her class...she is the one with the not so lovey-dovey teacher! She cried (boo-hooed which then made me cry) after her last year's Class "End of the Year" Party because we had such a fantastic year. Thank heavens for girlfriends in her new class...and for me, thank heavens for their amazing moms!
But, as a Mom, I am excited for their new adventure, their new emotions and transitions, the friendships they will make, but still want to put something much heavier than a brick on their head! It just goes by so fast! After a week long vacation this summer with just Darling Husband, I came back to see Superboy looking an inch taller. How does that happen and where did all the food in the house go?
So, during this next week before the "First Day" arrives, the "mama" within me will be dishing out a few tidbits of advice and hope that it sinks in...just a little. I will pray daily for their well being, for their education, for their safety, for their teachers, for their classmates and friends and for a happy household when that long day at school is finally over. I will pray for the Moms who feel like taxi drivers from the 3-6:00 pm time period. I will pray that their Daddy comes home from a stress free day (50-50% chance). And, I will pray that the evening will be filled with love and joy and that sweet little prayers will be said and answered at bedtime.
I will hope to be the educator at home and to teach my children to be kind, thoughtful, patient, courteous, good communicators and overall...just good little people. I hope to teach them to look forward and up and not left and right...to form their own little opinions. To not care so much about what others think, but to respect their way of life. In addition, to listen to others (especially their teachers), consider their feelings, make your own decisions and not be judgmental! To include everyone and not be cliquish. To make new friends, but keep the old ones. As a mom and a woman, I am constantly working on these attributes each and every day! Some easy...others a bit challenging. And finally, I hope to teach them to have school spirit!! We are paying for it...so you better!!
Our children are only in our lives, under our roof, for a brief moment and it is our duty to make sure we, as parents, point them in the right direction. For one day, this will be when our door closes and another one opens for them. My parents still to this day give me helpful advice when I need it...most include parenting, relationships, household management, etc. Some advice I take...some I put in the recycle bin! But, I try to work every day to be the best parent, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and child of the Lord that I can be. And, I learn every day from experiences that I go through, people I meet and new things that I learn. Some days good...others, not so much! And, it is such a pleasure when I learn something new from my children! Whether it be how to test my patience, how to braid a fishtail, how to swing a Samurai sword or the new way to do math...I thought there was only one way. Sometimes these little ones know more that I do when it comes to their homework...leaving me feeling not so smart! But, the best thing they teach me is how to be a better person!! (Tears are flowing!)
We will never have this time, this past summer, this first day of school, ever again...make the most of it! Make the most of this year! And, thank you to all the teachers and educators out there who have one of the toughest jobs in the world! God Bless You!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
* Feel free to share and pass on your best parenting tips for starting back to school...for the kids and the Moms!!!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Two Kitchen's, One Roof, One Goal!!
As most of you know, we have a new restaurant in the area, Fisher's!! It is a great establishment and one that is needed...and wanted. It is located at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. There is a nice, white tablecloth restaurant upstairs and a more casual one (family-friendly), Fisher's Dockside as they call it, downstairs. We have dined at both and have had a great experience. Like any new restaurant, they are still working out the kinks, but overall the food and experience (lovely decor and views of the marina) have been enjoyable. Recently, we had the pleasure of attending an amazing (sold-out) event hosted there, and here is how it played out...
It was a Monday night. Just a simple date night for Darling Husband and myself. He arrives home from work (30 minutes after he had planned...standard). He is dressed in sport coat casual with hair a little disheveled from the stress of the day. He picks out a dress for me as I make the finishing touches, and we are ready to go!
Babysitter arrives. The departure is drama free. With a cocktail in hand, we start our drive to Orange Beach, Alabama. We have nice conversation on the ride over, with only one work call for my handsome date. The weather is nice and the sun is setting. No rain in the forecast...yet!
We arrive...15 minutes late as usual. We find a parking space and climb the stairs to our final destination. We are greeted by a handful of hostesses, only to be taken away by the one and only, charismatic, Johnny Fisher, who happens to be one of the owners (creators) of this new establishment. Johnny is an very talented local restaurateur, who is also behind the brilliance of The Gulf, The Hangout and the new LuLu's. We are very lucky to have he and his family in our area!!!
We are escorted away into the gorgeous dining room, decorated by the amazing, Melanie Martin, of Melanie's and MII at the Wharf, and are greeted once again by servers offering two yummy looking cocktails. Decisions, decisions...they both look heavenly!
Darling Husband grabs the pinkish red one, called the July Julep (watermelon, mint infused bourbon and lemon bitters), and I grab the minty green one, called the Something Cool (vodka, cucumber juice, mint demerara syrup and tonic). After trying both, I knew we were in for a treat for the rest of the evening.
We go our separate ways for a bit, saying our hellos and having good small-talk among the other patrons. It's a good crowd! All the men dressed "beach-smart" and giving each other pats on the back, as the women check out each others attire and rave about the beauty of the furnishings. The ever-so charming, Beth Fisher (Johnny's equally talented and lovely wife), spots me out in the crowd. We hug as I rave about the restaurant once again, and she so humbly says how they are still working out the kinks, but gives me many thank yous!! She is whisked away, as we are shown to our table.
To my surprise, as well as Darling Husband's, we are seated with a large group of our friends. We were expecting a single table to ourselves, but were excited about the company we were sharing this night with. Each of us spoke of the cocktails we had already devoured and took a look at the menu for the evening.
There were ten items on the menu prepared by the amazing chef, Bill Briand who trained under Donald Link (Herbsaint, Cochon and Butcher). One appetizer, one soup, one salad, three entrees, three sides and one dessert. All fresh and local ingredients from farmers and fisheries in the area. Everyone was asking each other, even the foodies sitting across from us, "Do we have to choose?" Again, to our surprise, we were served all ten. Granted, for our large table of twelve, it was served family style, but each item was amazingly, but not surprisingly, delicious! Fried Oysters, Golden Tomato Gazpacho, Heirloom Squash Salad, New Orleans Style BBQ Gulf Shrimp, Grilled 5 Spice Swordfish and Brown Sugar BBQ, Roasted Mahi Mahi, Gulf Shrimp, Japanese Eggplant Dressing, Dirty Rice, Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Salad and if that is not enough, top it off with a Chilton County (is there any other kind) Peach Cobbler!!! And, each serving had a wine pairing. Needless to say, we all had a great evening...all plates clean and all glasses empty!
The evening ended with a performance by Willie Sugarcapps, which was perfect because our table was beginning to get a bit loud!! After a final glass of Champagne, Darling Husband and I were ready to hit the road. The evening was a success, and of course, it rained on our way home!
Fisher's motto on their Facebook is "Two Kitchens, One Roof, One Goal - To Make You Smile!" Well...I'm smiling!! If you haven't tried it...go!! If you have...make the trip back!!
Check out pictures from the evening at Janie Long Photography on Facebook!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Where do we go now, Dixie Chic???
Over the past year, Darling Husband and I have been trying to decide what to do or where to go with this little "Dixie Chic" thing. It has been a busy year for me and I have missed writing (researching/exploring) and Darling Husband loves it when I write and create new things! He says my creative juices flow when I am "in that element"... and possibly that "element" flows into our meals, making them a little tastier!!
I am, however, happiest when I am creating new, and what I think, are lovely things! Whether it be a blogpost or a simple craft for my child. It may not be lovely to other's eyes and/or ears, but it is lovely in my heart!
In saying that, our thoughts were to maybe take "Dixie Chic" to the next level by creating a retail website or even open a retail location. Possibly a mobile truck...but too much travel without my family!! However, it takes a lot of time and effort, and that sometimes takes away those creative juices in my head. The stress behind it all, that is. And, to find a really good Store Manger is hard to come by (and, the process of balancing a checkbook - ugg!)
On top of that, there are a lot of nice retail locations in our area and I don't like to compete!! Not saying it may not happen someday...just not today!
So, we have decided to keep it simple one more year...or so!! And, to that, comes Social Media! What an amazing tool Social Media has become for so many who use it! Whether it be for business or pleasure...it is the new way to market ANYTHING!!
I read a great article today off of Jeff Bulla's Twitter blog titled "7 Marketing Trends You Should Not Ignore" proving that Social Media is the wave of the future for marketing any and all things. And, there are so many different ways to accomplish it...Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, Vine, SnapChat, Slideshare...I can't keep up with all of them! Even Ebay and Etsy!! But, it has brought many people success, fame (not a fan, but look what happened to Justin Bieber) and even possibly for some, simply happiness!
And, that is what it does for me...pure happiness! I don't wish to seek fame or fortune, but a "like" here and there is great!! I do however, enjoy promoting businesses in the area, finding good recipes to share, learning about new products and, of course, being able to follow my friends and favorite designers in their everyday life! I have become a big lover of Instagram, Pinterest and starting to figure out Twitter a little more (trying to phase out of Facebook - too much drama, politics, etc!). And, actually becoming a little obsessed with the @RoyalBabyWatch on Twitter!!
But, my little blog is fun, and I enjoy reading others. I am amazed that I have over 1,500 "viewers"(according to my blog stats) and I will have to say that most of them came from posting on Facebook, and now Instagram! Yes, I started it anonymously, just to spark interest, and I think it may have worked. But, over the years, if you know me, I hope you have figured out who this "Dixie Chic" really is!! Let's see what happens!! Any thoughts?!?!
Until the next post!! Have a great Sunday!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
I am, however, happiest when I am creating new, and what I think, are lovely things! Whether it be a blogpost or a simple craft for my child. It may not be lovely to other's eyes and/or ears, but it is lovely in my heart!
In saying that, our thoughts were to maybe take "Dixie Chic" to the next level by creating a retail website or even open a retail location. Possibly a mobile truck...but too much travel without my family!! However, it takes a lot of time and effort, and that sometimes takes away those creative juices in my head. The stress behind it all, that is. And, to find a really good Store Manger is hard to come by (and, the process of balancing a checkbook - ugg!)
On top of that, there are a lot of nice retail locations in our area and I don't like to compete!! Not saying it may not happen someday...just not today!
So, we have decided to keep it simple one more year...or so!! And, to that, comes Social Media! What an amazing tool Social Media has become for so many who use it! Whether it be for business or pleasure...it is the new way to market ANYTHING!!
I read a great article today off of Jeff Bulla's Twitter blog titled "7 Marketing Trends You Should Not Ignore" proving that Social Media is the wave of the future for marketing any and all things. And, there are so many different ways to accomplish it...Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, Vine, SnapChat, Slideshare...I can't keep up with all of them! Even Ebay and Etsy!! But, it has brought many people success, fame (not a fan, but look what happened to Justin Bieber) and even possibly for some, simply happiness!
And, that is what it does for me...pure happiness! I don't wish to seek fame or fortune, but a "like" here and there is great!! I do however, enjoy promoting businesses in the area, finding good recipes to share, learning about new products and, of course, being able to follow my friends and favorite designers in their everyday life! I have become a big lover of Instagram, Pinterest and starting to figure out Twitter a little more (trying to phase out of Facebook - too much drama, politics, etc!). And, actually becoming a little obsessed with the @RoyalBabyWatch on Twitter!!
But, my little blog is fun, and I enjoy reading others. I am amazed that I have over 1,500 "viewers"(according to my blog stats) and I will have to say that most of them came from posting on Facebook, and now Instagram! Yes, I started it anonymously, just to spark interest, and I think it may have worked. But, over the years, if you know me, I hope you have figured out who this "Dixie Chic" really is!! Let's see what happens!! Any thoughts?!?!
Until the next post!! Have a great Sunday!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Where has the summer gone..let the RAIN (or Reign!) tell you!!!
Hello friends! It has been too long! For those of you who know me personally, you know that I have been pretty busy this past year. And, you know that I have longed for an easy, long, lazy summer! Well...that has not yet happened!! It has flown by! And, from what I hear, most of you agree!!
It has flown by, yes, but it has been a great one! Lots of fun last minute trips (thanks to Darling Husband's occupation, many trips are planned last minute, a bit frustrating to the planner...which is me), visits from friends and loved ones and most importantly, lots of down time with my little family of four! Making memories are what summers are all about, and unfortunately, lots of those memories this summer have included RAIN!!!
For example, the one trip we planned (last minute, of course) for just our little brood, IT RAINED!! Except for the day we checked-out, of course! Isn't that what the travel agent side of Mother Nature plans for us? Make sure it is pretty the day they leave so they can remember and make plans to return very soon!
My son is suddenly obsessed with family cook-outs that involve other families (most of which include several of his little counter-parts). For each one, IT RAINED!!
Each date night Darling Husband and I have planned so we can get out for a little adult conversation, I can get out of my LuLu Lemon for once and put on some heels, IT RAINED!!
Darling Husband, has had a crazy, busy summer with work (which is a good thing, so that Mommy can plan all those last minute get-a-ways). And, on days he can get away from the hustle and bustle, he likes to spend those days on our boat. But, every time, IT RAINED!!
And, for me, I am not one to have a scheduled babysitter during the summer days. But, of course on the days that I just need to get someone over to watch the munchkins (preferably someone young and cute, is what Superboy requires) so I can run to my favorite (mommy) stores in town, IT RAINED!! Thank God for my awesome Hunter Boots!!
So, on these days (even weeks) that we are stuck inside with the threat of a downpour, or the downpour itself, the kiddos and I have been doing lots of Summer Cleaning!!! And, the kids love it! They are finding all kids of "new things" they forgot they had!! They are simply amazed!! Mother Nature's wrath does have a good side to it! Who needs a Target, when you have an entire upstairs for free...they are cute little Minions!!
And, what has Mommy been doing on these rainy days? Well, the weekly cleaning of the unruly closet (my daughter's closet is bigger than mine...she will appreciate that one day). Reading new books, trying new recipes (Darling Husband and I are on a health kick - no fried okra - boo!), re-decorating/re-arranging the house, posting on Instagram (love it...no drama...just pictures) and of course, last minute trip planning!! So fun being a travel agent to places I have never been before and begging places to give us a table even though we should have booked it 6 weeks ago. But, very excited! And, of course, I have been obsessing over some online shopping! Shopbop continues to be my go-to place (love the Editor's Picks) but my new favorite is Intermix. I could buy everything on their website...if I were the Queen of England!!
Speaking of Royalty, who is not on Royal Baby Watch? I mean the pressure of this child, and he or she has not even been born yet. Yes, we all love Princess Kate, beauty, grace, charm, and married to a handsome Prince, to someday be a King. And, she seems to still be incredibly humble! But, after saying all of that, I could not imagine the world waiting on me to give birth! I have done it twice and loved every minute of it, but the second everyone left my room and it was just me and my little bambino looking up at me with those big blue eyes...nothing else in the world mattered!!! PURE BLISS and I wish the same for Princess Kate and her handsome Wills! May no one rain (or reign!) on their parade!! God Save The Queen!!
Happy rest of the summer everyone!! Make the best of it!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
It has flown by, yes, but it has been a great one! Lots of fun last minute trips (thanks to Darling Husband's occupation, many trips are planned last minute, a bit frustrating to the planner...which is me), visits from friends and loved ones and most importantly, lots of down time with my little family of four! Making memories are what summers are all about, and unfortunately, lots of those memories this summer have included RAIN!!!
For example, the one trip we planned (last minute, of course) for just our little brood, IT RAINED!! Except for the day we checked-out, of course! Isn't that what the travel agent side of Mother Nature plans for us? Make sure it is pretty the day they leave so they can remember and make plans to return very soon!
My son is suddenly obsessed with family cook-outs that involve other families (most of which include several of his little counter-parts). For each one, IT RAINED!!
Each date night Darling Husband and I have planned so we can get out for a little adult conversation, I can get out of my LuLu Lemon for once and put on some heels, IT RAINED!!
Darling Husband, has had a crazy, busy summer with work (which is a good thing, so that Mommy can plan all those last minute get-a-ways). And, on days he can get away from the hustle and bustle, he likes to spend those days on our boat. But, every time, IT RAINED!!
And, for me, I am not one to have a scheduled babysitter during the summer days. But, of course on the days that I just need to get someone over to watch the munchkins (preferably someone young and cute, is what Superboy requires) so I can run to my favorite (mommy) stores in town, IT RAINED!! Thank God for my awesome Hunter Boots!!
So, on these days (even weeks) that we are stuck inside with the threat of a downpour, or the downpour itself, the kiddos and I have been doing lots of Summer Cleaning!!! And, the kids love it! They are finding all kids of "new things" they forgot they had!! They are simply amazed!! Mother Nature's wrath does have a good side to it! Who needs a Target, when you have an entire upstairs for free...they are cute little Minions!!
And, what has Mommy been doing on these rainy days? Well, the weekly cleaning of the unruly closet (my daughter's closet is bigger than mine...she will appreciate that one day). Reading new books, trying new recipes (Darling Husband and I are on a health kick - no fried okra - boo!), re-decorating/re-arranging the house, posting on Instagram (love it...no drama...just pictures) and of course, last minute trip planning!! So fun being a travel agent to places I have never been before and begging places to give us a table even though we should have booked it 6 weeks ago. But, very excited! And, of course, I have been obsessing over some online shopping! Shopbop continues to be my go-to place (love the Editor's Picks) but my new favorite is Intermix. I could buy everything on their website...if I were the Queen of England!!
Speaking of Royalty, who is not on Royal Baby Watch? I mean the pressure of this child, and he or she has not even been born yet. Yes, we all love Princess Kate, beauty, grace, charm, and married to a handsome Prince, to someday be a King. And, she seems to still be incredibly humble! But, after saying all of that, I could not imagine the world waiting on me to give birth! I have done it twice and loved every minute of it, but the second everyone left my room and it was just me and my little bambino looking up at me with those big blue eyes...nothing else in the world mattered!!! PURE BLISS and I wish the same for Princess Kate and her handsome Wills! May no one rain (or reign!) on their parade!! God Save The Queen!!
Happy rest of the summer everyone!! Make the best of it!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Social...a New Division of Dixie Chic!!!
Hello everyone! Yes, you read the title correctly...I am finally spreading my wings! After a lot of thought, a lot of long conversations with Darling Husband, a lot of praying and thanks to a few VERY PERSISTENT friends and future clients, I have decided to take a leap (or jump) of Faith!!!
I am beginning a new division of Dixie Chic called Social. Social will incorporate elements of planning, styling and design to any event or celebration in your life...big or small! Yes, I somewhat consider myself a reborn professional (my professional and educational background is in Marketing and Design) but I am also an obsessive one! Just ask Darling Husband...once I start on a project or an event, I evolve myself around it to succeed perfection (along with lots of fun) and he gets a lot less hot meals per day! I look at hundreds of amazing images and read beautiful stories and other blogs everyday...did I say that I would love to consider myself a Professional Pinner...without an income! And, I do this on a full-time and sometimes overtime basis...thanks to a lot of java and possibly a glass of wine!!!
I believe the success of an epic Social celebration or simply a small dinner party is measured in how fun it was. I also believe that a small dinner party is much more enjoyable that an expensive night out...with the help of a babysitter and AppleTV! I believe in re-using or up-cycling decor to make Social events more financially friendly and fresh to the clients eye! I believe in partnering with other local vendors to show support to our unique area! I believe that hosting a party or an event is a true side of marketing yourself or the product you are trying to sell or raise money for. I believe a Social occasion should tell a story...somewhat telling the readers a little bit about yourself. It should have them leaving wanting more (or, in Social terms, coming back for more the next year!) So, let the fun start now!!!
I am very blessed to start this adventure with some very special clients already under my belt planning dinner parties, a few Social events and even helping some decorate their homes for the Holidays!!! To find out more information or to talk to me about future Social Planning and Designing please email me at dixiechiconline@gmail.com. Please consider my Pinterest page pinterest.com/thedixiechic and my blog dixiechiconline.blogspot.com as your online source of information!
I will leave you today with one of my favorite quotes, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do!" Steve Jobs.
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
I am beginning a new division of Dixie Chic called Social. Social will incorporate elements of planning, styling and design to any event or celebration in your life...big or small! Yes, I somewhat consider myself a reborn professional (my professional and educational background is in Marketing and Design) but I am also an obsessive one! Just ask Darling Husband...once I start on a project or an event, I evolve myself around it to succeed perfection (along with lots of fun) and he gets a lot less hot meals per day! I look at hundreds of amazing images and read beautiful stories and other blogs everyday...did I say that I would love to consider myself a Professional Pinner...without an income! And, I do this on a full-time and sometimes overtime basis...thanks to a lot of java and possibly a glass of wine!!!
I believe the success of an epic Social celebration or simply a small dinner party is measured in how fun it was. I also believe that a small dinner party is much more enjoyable that an expensive night out...with the help of a babysitter and AppleTV! I believe in re-using or up-cycling decor to make Social events more financially friendly and fresh to the clients eye! I believe in partnering with other local vendors to show support to our unique area! I believe that hosting a party or an event is a true side of marketing yourself or the product you are trying to sell or raise money for. I believe a Social occasion should tell a story...somewhat telling the readers a little bit about yourself. It should have them leaving wanting more (or, in Social terms, coming back for more the next year!) So, let the fun start now!!!
I am very blessed to start this adventure with some very special clients already under my belt planning dinner parties, a few Social events and even helping some decorate their homes for the Holidays!!! To find out more information or to talk to me about future Social Planning and Designing please email me at dixiechiconline@gmail.com. Please consider my Pinterest page pinterest.com/thedixiechic and my blog dixiechiconline.blogspot.com as your online source of information!
I will leave you today with one of my favorite quotes, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do!" Steve Jobs.
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A Waltz to Remember...or Was I Dreaming?
2:30 am
BOOM! I jump about a foot high in the bed. Another thunderstorm in the middle of the night! Seriously! The room lights up from the next big bolt of lightning. One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi...BOOM!
I lay there once again eyes WIDE open! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...just like clockwork. Tap, Tap, Tap on my shoulder.
"Mommy, I heard thummer" and this is just the beginning of my night! My sweet cherub climbs in bed beside me making me the oven roasted turkey to the Darling Husband and Superboy sandwich! And, as usual, they both fall back to sleep...quickly and soundly! Darling Husband on the verge of snoring.
I lay there for what seems like an hour. Thinking. Counting those damn sheep. Thinking again! Reminding myself...I gotta get up earlier than 7:00 am this morning to get the kids to school on time. My inner diva is singing, "Here's my number, So call me maybe" forever stuck in my conscience. I wonder if that is my alter ego just trying to mess with me? Or, maybe it is because that song is WAY overplayed so much that my Superboy knows every word!!!
3:45 am
Finally, I decide to put my wings on and gently rise above the two pieces of Honey Wheat bread surrounding me who are sleeping oh so nicely. I cup my hands under my sweet cherub and scoop him into my arms to move him over to the pillow blanket on the floor that he usually sneaks onto in the middle of the night from his upstairs bungalow.
Wait...where is it? It is usually in the middle of the floor every night. Am I blind? I can't feel it with my feet. Where is a flash of lightning when I need it. This little cherub is getting heavy...Darling Husband still sleeping!
Look for the dog. Dog will be on it!
Ahhh! Over on the side of the bed by the now snoring husband. With my foot, because I have a full sack of Idaho potatoes in my arms, I manage to yank up the heavy pillow blanket, startling the Dog.
What the hell is that? Some "terrible awful" (to quote Minny Jackson) sound coming from my dog. Is he choking? There he goes again. Darling husband finally manages to let out a grown and shuffles around to sit up. Can I get back to counting sheep please?
Flash!! Oh good...I am not blind! One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi, Four Mississippi, Five Mississippi...BOOM! Storm is getting farther away. Am I just dreaming this? Is this a nightmare?
There he goes again...that sound. Darling Husband is now sitting up and turns on the lamp on the bedside table. "What is that?" he questions as if I am suppose to have all the answers at 3:50 in the morning.
Clearly our Dog is choking! We scramble to get the Pillow Blanket out, unleash the cherub who is threatening to wake and get the Dog out of the room.
There he goes again. What in the world? Did I do some kind of magic trick when I tried to yank the blanket from underneath the dog. Why is he all of a sudden choking after he was snoring in unisom with Darling Husband.
Now in the kitchen, Darling Husband and I are violently awake and both questioning what is going on. Dog can't stop with the horendous noise. It keeps going and going...Loudly! I begin to panic. Am I about to see my dog die? Am I about to see my husband cry over one of the precious yet crazy parts of our little life?
Then all of a sudden Darling Husband shoves his rather large, manly hand down Dog's throat. Did I just see that at 4:15 in the morning? He does it again...nothing. The violent sound continues. Again. Nothing. Dog looks at me with sad eyes. Now I am about to cry. We have a love hate relationship...the Dog and I! Dog now jumps on me as if we are about to do The Waltz. Me...why me?
Mommy Mode kicks in. Bread. Maybe he needs something to eat to get whatever is choking him down? Run to the pantry to grab some Honey Wheat (not much left, will have to go out for lunch tomorrow). I start feeding Dog the bread and he wolfs it (pun intended) down. Two pieces and I get a "STOP" from the drill sargent. We wait a few minutes. Seems as though it worked...proud mama! Ok it worked! Good! Back to the sheep...or inner diva singing!
Clean up bread crumbs and grab a glass of water for myself and there it goes again for what seemed like forever! Poor Dog! What is happening? Water...maybe he needs water? My water that was going to bed with me was swiftly being poured down dogs throat. Nothing...he keeps yelping. What to do?
Darling Husband looks at my hand. Ah damn! I know what he is thinking. "Honey, your hand is smaller than mine." And, before he could even ask, he was opening Dog's jaws and my hand was slowly going down his throat to try to de-clutter (for a lack of better words) whatever was going on down there.
Teeth. All I could feel were teeth. Then I believe I went back to that nightmare for the next few seconds. And, then out! My hand is in one piece yet rather slimmy.
Nothing! The noise is still protruding out of my big stubborn Dog's helpless little soul! I try it again. Teeth. Nightmare. Nothing.
More water. More waltzing. More bread. And, he finally stops.
5:45 am.
I finally head back to bed before the munchkins wake up and leave Darling Husband to monitor the Dog. Ah! Finally sleep!
6:15 am
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! Again! What is that? Darling Husband's phone alarm in the bathroom. I need about 30 more minutes...kids can eat breakfast in the car on the way to school.
6:45 am
"So, here's my number...Call me maybe" OMG!! What now? Not that song! Of all songs! It's Darling Husband's clock radio on his bedside table. How many alarm's does this man need? I hit it with my fist. And, surprisingly fall back to sleep thinking I can throw in a no-brainer Lunchable for their lunch...I will make them a good dinner!
7:25 am
"Honey, it's time to get up and get the kids going," says Darling Husband. 7:25! Oh crap! Here we go! And, we are off to do it all over again...cup of java in hand and hopefully an afternoon nap in the near future!
Oh, and fyi, you know that annoying tickle you can get in your throat where you can't stop coughing and you think a peppermint is going to do the trick but it never does? Well, apparently dogs can get them, too!! Until the next Waltz!!
BOOM! I jump about a foot high in the bed. Another thunderstorm in the middle of the night! Seriously! The room lights up from the next big bolt of lightning. One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi...BOOM!
I lay there once again eyes WIDE open! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...just like clockwork. Tap, Tap, Tap on my shoulder.
"Mommy, I heard thummer" and this is just the beginning of my night! My sweet cherub climbs in bed beside me making me the oven roasted turkey to the Darling Husband and Superboy sandwich! And, as usual, they both fall back to sleep...quickly and soundly! Darling Husband on the verge of snoring.
I lay there for what seems like an hour. Thinking. Counting those damn sheep. Thinking again! Reminding myself...I gotta get up earlier than 7:00 am this morning to get the kids to school on time. My inner diva is singing, "Here's my number, So call me maybe" forever stuck in my conscience. I wonder if that is my alter ego just trying to mess with me? Or, maybe it is because that song is WAY overplayed so much that my Superboy knows every word!!!
3:45 am
Finally, I decide to put my wings on and gently rise above the two pieces of Honey Wheat bread surrounding me who are sleeping oh so nicely. I cup my hands under my sweet cherub and scoop him into my arms to move him over to the pillow blanket on the floor that he usually sneaks onto in the middle of the night from his upstairs bungalow.
Wait...where is it? It is usually in the middle of the floor every night. Am I blind? I can't feel it with my feet. Where is a flash of lightning when I need it. This little cherub is getting heavy...Darling Husband still sleeping!
Look for the dog. Dog will be on it!
Ahhh! Over on the side of the bed by the now snoring husband. With my foot, because I have a full sack of Idaho potatoes in my arms, I manage to yank up the heavy pillow blanket, startling the Dog.
What the hell is that? Some "terrible awful" (to quote Minny Jackson) sound coming from my dog. Is he choking? There he goes again. Darling husband finally manages to let out a grown and shuffles around to sit up. Can I get back to counting sheep please?
Flash!! Oh good...I am not blind! One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi, Four Mississippi, Five Mississippi...BOOM! Storm is getting farther away. Am I just dreaming this? Is this a nightmare?
There he goes again...that sound. Darling Husband is now sitting up and turns on the lamp on the bedside table. "What is that?" he questions as if I am suppose to have all the answers at 3:50 in the morning.
Clearly our Dog is choking! We scramble to get the Pillow Blanket out, unleash the cherub who is threatening to wake and get the Dog out of the room.
There he goes again. What in the world? Did I do some kind of magic trick when I tried to yank the blanket from underneath the dog. Why is he all of a sudden choking after he was snoring in unisom with Darling Husband.
Now in the kitchen, Darling Husband and I are violently awake and both questioning what is going on. Dog can't stop with the horendous noise. It keeps going and going...Loudly! I begin to panic. Am I about to see my dog die? Am I about to see my husband cry over one of the precious yet crazy parts of our little life?
Then all of a sudden Darling Husband shoves his rather large, manly hand down Dog's throat. Did I just see that at 4:15 in the morning? He does it again...nothing. The violent sound continues. Again. Nothing. Dog looks at me with sad eyes. Now I am about to cry. We have a love hate relationship...the Dog and I! Dog now jumps on me as if we are about to do The Waltz. Me...why me?
Mommy Mode kicks in. Bread. Maybe he needs something to eat to get whatever is choking him down? Run to the pantry to grab some Honey Wheat (not much left, will have to go out for lunch tomorrow). I start feeding Dog the bread and he wolfs it (pun intended) down. Two pieces and I get a "STOP" from the drill sargent. We wait a few minutes. Seems as though it worked...proud mama! Ok it worked! Good! Back to the sheep...or inner diva singing!
Clean up bread crumbs and grab a glass of water for myself and there it goes again for what seemed like forever! Poor Dog! What is happening? Water...maybe he needs water? My water that was going to bed with me was swiftly being poured down dogs throat. Nothing...he keeps yelping. What to do?
Darling Husband looks at my hand. Ah damn! I know what he is thinking. "Honey, your hand is smaller than mine." And, before he could even ask, he was opening Dog's jaws and my hand was slowly going down his throat to try to de-clutter (for a lack of better words) whatever was going on down there.
Teeth. All I could feel were teeth. Then I believe I went back to that nightmare for the next few seconds. And, then out! My hand is in one piece yet rather slimmy.
Nothing! The noise is still protruding out of my big stubborn Dog's helpless little soul! I try it again. Teeth. Nightmare. Nothing.
More water. More waltzing. More bread. And, he finally stops.
5:45 am.
I finally head back to bed before the munchkins wake up and leave Darling Husband to monitor the Dog. Ah! Finally sleep!
6:15 am
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! Again! What is that? Darling Husband's phone alarm in the bathroom. I need about 30 more minutes...kids can eat breakfast in the car on the way to school.
6:45 am
"So, here's my number...Call me maybe" OMG!! What now? Not that song! Of all songs! It's Darling Husband's clock radio on his bedside table. How many alarm's does this man need? I hit it with my fist. And, surprisingly fall back to sleep thinking I can throw in a no-brainer Lunchable for their lunch...I will make them a good dinner!
7:25 am
"Honey, it's time to get up and get the kids going," says Darling Husband. 7:25! Oh crap! Here we go! And, we are off to do it all over again...cup of java in hand and hopefully an afternoon nap in the near future!
Oh, and fyi, you know that annoying tickle you can get in your throat where you can't stop coughing and you think a peppermint is going to do the trick but it never does? Well, apparently dogs can get them, too!! Until the next Waltz!!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Summer Bucklet List Completed ...well Almost!!!
What a fantastic summer!! It really could not have been any better!!
Here are a few things from our family summer bucket list, a few we still need to complete and a few we will continue to do throughout this coming year! This is a compiled list from our entire family (not too hard to figure out which task belonged to which member) and in no particular order!! It got a little creative! Enjoy! We did!
1. Make new friends, but keep the old. We follow this all year round!
2. Plant a garden and actually grow something. This really and truly happened and I was so excited!!!!!
3. Find a way to make Skinny Fried Okra. Whole wheat flour! Okra from my garden :)
4. Make Skinny Pimento Cheese. Some things just need to be all fat! A waisted 20 minutes!
5. Walk around town after dark as a family and see the sights...with a little ice cream!
6. Go on a road trip to a new place! Highly recommend this for every summer, along with a dvd player and lots of books for the ride!
7. Pick fresh blueberries from the tree...and eat a few right out of the palm of your hand!
8. Try to eat all organic!
9. Tell a friend how much your relationship with them means to you!
10. Watch the Olympics and keep track of the Medal Count! Go USA!
11. Learn about a new country! London, of course!
12. Run as a family through sprinklers. Water was so strong it flew one child about 4 feet...giggles from the entire family!
13. Go bowling and wear funky knee socks! Next, midnight bowling...adults only!
14. Draw a Chalk Art family mural on the back porch...and make mommy look extra skinny and beautiful!
15. Take a pottery class for kids and manage not to break anything!
16. See a famous person! Totally happened...someone I had a huge crush on in college! Not so cute now!
17. Organize at least one room in the house...or one drawer!
18. Play putt-putt golf and, in conjunction, realize this could be a new after school activity!!!
19. Clean out the garage. Still has not happened...hint hint Darling Husband!
20. Have a lemonade stand or garage sale and give all the proceeds to charity!
21. Have a water balloon fight!
22. Fly a kite! Each kid had their own kite...each kite got tangled together...each kite then got tangled in the sand dunes...each kite got tangled in the trash!!
23. Make homemade ice cream! Yummy chocolate thanks to Darling Husband!
24. Find a new summer beverage. Fresh Fruit Mint Sangria!
25. Make that Mountain Dew Glow thing on Pinterest! Did not work...need to try again! Any advice?
26. Read a Novel. Does the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy count??
27. Read a chapter book as a family! Not Fifty Shades!
28. Go to Sonic Happy Hour...and NOT get Mozzarella Sticks!
29. Dig for dinosaurs...and find prehistoric worms! Yuck!
30. Pick a date night and act like college kids. Check, check, check!
31. Watch a Sunrise and Sunset. May have a little something to do with the above!
32. Go to a drive-in movie. It rained!
33. Find a new "at home" work-out. I refuse to get babysitters in the summer unless absolutely necessary! Not so successful...had to cut out the pimento cheese but not the Sangria!
34. Build a life size Robot. Not happening!
35. Pet a baby shark. Yep!
36. Go on a kayaking trip/adventure as a family...now that is a work-out!
37. Go oyster diving...waiting until the fall to do this!
38. Go on a family fishing trip and everyone catch something! I had the smallest catch...a baby snapper! We threw it back to it's mommy!
39. Have a family camp out...this occurred in our den...enough said!
40. Go and get inspired at Duh and Ikea! Now my brain is on overdrive!
41. Try some new restaurants! Still have not checked off The Biscuit King, Old 27 Grill, Tru Midtown, the new Gambino's or the new burger joint at The Wharf! Need to do ferris wheel, too!
42. Take the kids to eat at a nice white table cloth restaurant...this occurred several times and with success...thanks to Angry Birds and Stack the States!
43. Take the kids to a great Steakhouse...their favorite meal and our favorite bottle of wine! Darling Husband in his best caveman-like voice says, "These children WILL adapt to our lifestyle!" Thank you again to the brains within Apple Inc.
44. Catch and/or pick an entire meal and cook together! Check, Check, check, several times! I love summer cookin'!
45. Fly in a crop duster...this did not happen, but would be so exhilarating!
46. Make friendship bracelets! Or, buy them! Did both!
47. Make ribbon wands and dance outside to fun music! Very Cute!
48. Attempt to get "Call Me Maybe" permanently brainwashed out of my head!
49. Smile lots and whine (or wine) less...this was a goal for the whole family!
50. Make a photo book of the entire summer to cherish the memories and transfer those thoughts into the upcoming school year!
Until next summer!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
Here are a few things from our family summer bucket list, a few we still need to complete and a few we will continue to do throughout this coming year! This is a compiled list from our entire family (not too hard to figure out which task belonged to which member) and in no particular order!! It got a little creative! Enjoy! We did!
1. Make new friends, but keep the old. We follow this all year round!
2. Plant a garden and actually grow something. This really and truly happened and I was so excited!!!!!
3. Find a way to make Skinny Fried Okra. Whole wheat flour! Okra from my garden :)
4. Make Skinny Pimento Cheese. Some things just need to be all fat! A waisted 20 minutes!
5. Walk around town after dark as a family and see the sights...with a little ice cream!
6. Go on a road trip to a new place! Highly recommend this for every summer, along with a dvd player and lots of books for the ride!
7. Pick fresh blueberries from the tree...and eat a few right out of the palm of your hand!
8. Try to eat all organic!
9. Tell a friend how much your relationship with them means to you!
10. Watch the Olympics and keep track of the Medal Count! Go USA!
11. Learn about a new country! London, of course!
12. Run as a family through sprinklers. Water was so strong it flew one child about 4 feet...giggles from the entire family!
13. Go bowling and wear funky knee socks! Next, midnight bowling...adults only!
14. Draw a Chalk Art family mural on the back porch...and make mommy look extra skinny and beautiful!
15. Take a pottery class for kids and manage not to break anything!
16. See a famous person! Totally happened...someone I had a huge crush on in college! Not so cute now!
17. Organize at least one room in the house...or one drawer!
18. Play putt-putt golf and, in conjunction, realize this could be a new after school activity!!!
19. Clean out the garage. Still has not happened...hint hint Darling Husband!
20. Have a lemonade stand or garage sale and give all the proceeds to charity!
21. Have a water balloon fight!
22. Fly a kite! Each kid had their own kite...each kite got tangled together...each kite then got tangled in the sand dunes...each kite got tangled in the trash!!
23. Make homemade ice cream! Yummy chocolate thanks to Darling Husband!
24. Find a new summer beverage. Fresh Fruit Mint Sangria!
25. Make that Mountain Dew Glow thing on Pinterest! Did not work...need to try again! Any advice?
26. Read a Novel. Does the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy count??
27. Read a chapter book as a family! Not Fifty Shades!
28. Go to Sonic Happy Hour...and NOT get Mozzarella Sticks!
29. Dig for dinosaurs...and find prehistoric worms! Yuck!
30. Pick a date night and act like college kids. Check, check, check!
31. Watch a Sunrise and Sunset. May have a little something to do with the above!
32. Go to a drive-in movie. It rained!
33. Find a new "at home" work-out. I refuse to get babysitters in the summer unless absolutely necessary! Not so successful...had to cut out the pimento cheese but not the Sangria!
34. Build a life size Robot. Not happening!
35. Pet a baby shark. Yep!
36. Go on a kayaking trip/adventure as a family...now that is a work-out!
37. Go oyster diving...waiting until the fall to do this!
38. Go on a family fishing trip and everyone catch something! I had the smallest catch...a baby snapper! We threw it back to it's mommy!
39. Have a family camp out...this occurred in our den...enough said!
40. Go and get inspired at Duh and Ikea! Now my brain is on overdrive!
41. Try some new restaurants! Still have not checked off The Biscuit King, Old 27 Grill, Tru Midtown, the new Gambino's or the new burger joint at The Wharf! Need to do ferris wheel, too!
42. Take the kids to eat at a nice white table cloth restaurant...this occurred several times and with success...thanks to Angry Birds and Stack the States!
43. Take the kids to a great Steakhouse...their favorite meal and our favorite bottle of wine! Darling Husband in his best caveman-like voice says, "These children WILL adapt to our lifestyle!" Thank you again to the brains within Apple Inc.
44. Catch and/or pick an entire meal and cook together! Check, Check, check, several times! I love summer cookin'!
45. Fly in a crop duster...this did not happen, but would be so exhilarating!
46. Make friendship bracelets! Or, buy them! Did both!
47. Make ribbon wands and dance outside to fun music! Very Cute!
48. Attempt to get "Call Me Maybe" permanently brainwashed out of my head!
49. Smile lots and whine (or wine) less...this was a goal for the whole family!
50. Make a photo book of the entire summer to cherish the memories and transfer those thoughts into the upcoming school year!
Until next summer!!
xoxo,
Dixie Chic
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