Some Wonderful Things...

We're back in business, folks.  September and October has flown by and I had about 8 blog post "drafts" that went unfinished for way too long.  I was incredibly busy with work that I don't think I had enough inspiration left for a blog.  So, what better place to start than with a list of wonderful things, because right now, there are so many wonderful things going on in the lives of the Talmans.

Wonderful Thing #1 - My brother is coming home! From Iraq! He's been there for about 13 months and now, he's close to being home in the next few weeks.  It's like we are all letting out a collective "breath" that we've been holding in for a year.  He's coming home.

Wonderful Thing #2 - Mia is a painting FOOL!  Wants to paint all day, every day.  See?

Wonderful Thing #3 - Huskers (football and Speech and Debate Team) have been making us proud Nebraska transplants in Texas lately.  Mia and I proudly sport our Husker gear around Plano (home of Rex Burkhead, might I add)...

Wonderful Thing #4 - This.

Wonderful Thing #5- We got a new couch! It's been WAY overdue for a long time and let me tell you, it's the best purchase I think I've ever made.  It reclines fully on both sides and it's so comfortable.  We love it.

Wonderful Thing #6 -  We had a lovely Halloween.  Mia dressed up as a cow the day before Halloween and we went to a community festival with face painting, a petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival-style food and music and dancing.  Mia loved it!  Especially the music part.  She is gonna be a diva, I can feel it already.  I have no idea where she gets it... :)

Then on Halloween, we hung out at home and handed out candy to the big kids who came trick or treating.  Well, Mia just didn't like that she had to give candy away to the big kids and not get any herself.  So, after we handed out candy, I let her pick out a piece of candy.  Not the smartest thing to do an hour before bedtime, but it WAS Halloween.  Oh, and she had to dress up again too like the big kids.  So she did.

I asked her to show me her "trick or treat" face.  And this is what she gave me.  See? Diva.

Un-Wonderful Thing #1 - Mia and I have been fighting a nasty cold for about 2 weeks.  Mia is one of those kids that gets the croup every time she gets a cold.  So after a night of sticking her head in the freezer to avoid a trip to the ER, we got some oral steriods to keep on hand at home for the future and we made a "croup tent."  It was our first one so I think we have some improving to do.  But, Mia and Elmo thought it was FUN! Croup or not. 

Wonderful Thing #7 - I wanted to save this one for last.  As I sit on the couch (My new couch.  Reclining couch.) at 8am in the morning on a Wednesday, I am happy to say that I am now a stay-at home mama.  Well, a stay at home mama with a writing contract job with my employer who works about 40 hours a month.  I am so beyond happy that I am able to do this now and I know I am right where I need to be.  Like most moms, I struggled with trying to do it all...work (Hey! I have a Master's Degree!), be a rock star mom and keep a perfect house and it just wasn't working very well.  I am so very happy and pretty lucky, actually.  Very, very wonderful. 

Monday List of Wonderful Things

Geeeeeezzzzzzzz.  I suck at blogging.  I am super duper busy at work and I don't really know where I find time to brush my teeth, much less "blog."  But anyway, here's a look at what wonderful things we've been up to. 

Wonderful Thing #1: I made a KILLER roasted chicken, with lemons and LOTS of real butter.  See? Nobody needs to know I trussed it up with sewing thread instead of butcher's twine.

Wonderful Thing #2 - Mia and I shared a red velvet cupcake at the mall.  It was dee-lightful. 

Wonderful Thing #3 - I have been preparing for Husker football.  THROW THE BONES!!!

Wonderful Thing #4 - I have discovered the best way to make sweet potatoes.  Peel them, cube them (in equal size pieces), toss them in olive oil and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Bake for about an hour at 350. Trust me. 

Wonderful Thing #5 - When I ask Mia what her name is, she says "Mimi Talman."  I think she may be called Mimi her whole life instead of Mia.  That's pretty darn cute.  Also, her new favorite thing is cowboys.  We rode the carousel at the mall and the whole time she said..." Whoo Hoo....Ride em cowboy!" 

Not everything is peachy and happy.  This summer has been BRUTAL with weather.  This winter better be worth it, Dallas...that's all I have to say. 

UN-WONDERFUL THING #1 - 109 degrees.  More than once this summer.  Really? 

Friday List of Wonderful Things

Wonderful Thing #1 - We're going to Austin! Just for a night, but I'm SURE it will be full of debauchery and crazy.  Why? Cause that's what people do in Austin.  That and  be hippy liberals, which of course, is another plus for me. Mia has an overnight weekend with Uncle Bad (Brad) and Aunt Cici (Courtney).  I think all parties are excited.

Wonderful Thing #2 - I am now part of the Mom-SUV club.  Well, we got a "small" SUV, a Chevy Equinox to be exact.  As much as I love my little Honda Civic and it's out of this WORLD gas mileage and low carbon footprint, trying to pack Mia's stuff and our stuff just for one trip away is ridiculous. 

Wonderful Thing #3 - Mia plays hide and seek now and here is what she says everytime...

This whole conversation happens in a whisper:

Mia - "Shhhhhhhhhh" (with a finger to her lips)

Me- "Oh, yes...Shhhhhhhhh, I'll be quiet."

Mia - "Happened?"

Me- "What happened?"

Mia - "Fall off."

Me - "What fell off."

Mia - "Broke it."

Me - "What did you break?

Mia - "Shhhhhhhh." (with a finger to her lips)

Wonderful Thing #4 - Mia peed in her potty.  I think it's a total fluke because the second time we tried it, she walked away and then peed on the floor, but boy did we scream when that happened.  We bought a potty last weekend to have in the bathroom to talk about and play "potty" on with the intent of being serious about potty training early this fall or right around when she turns two.  She tells me when she goes poopy and she often goes and hides when she does which is a beginning sign she is ready.  How did the baby years go so fast?

Friday List of Wonderful Things

Wonderful Thing #1 - Obviously.

Wonderful Thing #2 - Mia and I are going to the pool tomorrow.  And we have a 2 year old birthday party on Saturday.  And I have a "girls night" on Saturday night!  That's enough fun for this weekend, I think.

Wonderful Thing #3 - My husband got new golf clubs.  He deserves them.  Big time. 

Wonderful Thing #4 - I found this blog.  Pregnant Chicken Read it, you'll thank me later (after you pee in your pants a little).  

Wonderful Thing #5 - Mia is 18 months next Tuesday.  How?  What?  Seriously?  I'm in some kind of time warp, obviously. 

Wonderful Thing #6 - I am going to cook something awesome this weekend.  And photograph it.  Maybe I'll cook something with the GREEN BELL PEPPER I just picked out of my garden! (Mia may or may not have already taken a huge bite out of it and called it an "apple"). 

Friday List of Wonderful Things

Wonderful Thing #1 - I taught Mia how to type emails.  Therefore, my work load has gotten considerably lighter. Wonderful!

Wonderful Thing #2 -  We will be in Nebraska next week for my 10 Year High School Reunion.  Holy cow.  This is gonna be so much fun.  See my friends?  This was at our 5 year....Most of us now have at least a kid or two, so I doubt it'll get as crazy.  Or will it?

Wonderful Thing #3 - My brother and his beautiful wife are coming to see us on Saturday.  He is on R&R from Iraq and we plan on showing them a good time in the Big D!  That mostly means dinner at Chuys and maybe a visit to the grassy knoll...

Wonderful Thing #4 - Look what we bought!  Okay, just kidding.  I would never actually ride in one of those things.  Death trap if you ask me...

Friday List of Wonderful Things

1.  So you know the book that I said EVERY working mom needs to buy?  Well, it's still awesome.  And you know what else is awesome?  WHEN THE AUTHOR COMMENTS ON YOUR BLOG!!  Holy moly, that made my day.  Excuse me, but I got a little star struck there. 

2.  Mia has a buddy.  Aren't they cute?

3.  Cinco De Mayo was lovely.  We went to the fun little local Mexican place around the corner (not a chain, score for us) with JC's brother and sister-in-law (or Bad and CiCi as Mia calls them).  The pureed black bean dip was a hit for Mia.  She probably ate two bowls.  Check mark in the protein department today. 

4.  Jc is going to Vegas this weekend.  I am going to work. 

5.  My ten year high school reunion is in 3 weeks.  How did this happen?  When did this happen?  I predict there will be lots of Bud Light, country music and inappropriateness.

6.  Seriously, all I watch is Bravo TV.  Sometimes, I can't believe I watch this crap.  But other times, I love it very much. 

7.  My garden is GROWING! I can't wait to eat it. 

8.  I made a pot roast, lasagna and homemade chocolate chip cookies last week and didn't photograph any of it. Why?  Cause it was pot roast, lasagna and cookies.  Someday I will make something exotic.

The Friday List of Wonderful Things

1.  I know I have slacked off in the blog department.  BUT, on the upside, I have been super productive at my real job this week (hence no creative energy for blogging) and that makes me a happy camper and much less stressed out.

2.  I didn't get up at 4am to watch the Royal Wedding.  But I saw some highlights this morning.  Boy, is that new princess pretty.   Although, I still don't see why everyone goes gaga for Prince William.  Totally not my type.  Now, if he wore band t-shirts, played the guitar and had dark hair and tattoos...then I'd be in. 

3.  JC and I are going to a wedding this weekend and taking Mimi.  I can't wait to watch her dance on the dancefloor with the rest of the kids, I'm sure there will be lots of "falling on the butt" instances though.

4.  I haven't cooked anything awesome in a really long time.  I think it's time to kick it in gear. 

5.  My vegetable garden is growing!  Even the seeds!  The only thing that hasn't sprouted yet is the lavender and I'm sure if it'll grow at all.  I think I planted it wrong, but when I realized it, I just crossed my fingers and hoped that it would still grow. 

6.  Mia can count to three.  But only if she is walking down stairs (with help) and aligning her three rubber ducks on the bathtub ledge during bath time.

7.  I now let my crazy cat Goose outside in the backyard.  He always comes back to the door and meows when he wants in.  I think my cat is smart.  And cute.  I love watching him creep around the yard and jump in and out of bushes. I suppose it's alot like cat heaven, ya know?

8.  Be ready for posts about how to make German Chicken and Dumplings (hint: they also add ground beef), a wonderful delicious German dessert called Man Cream courtesy of my German sister in law, Iona.  Also, pictures of Mia and her half German cousin Nora Elise.  Here's a preview...

The Friday List of Wonderful Things

How is that for a title?  Things are pretty darn wonderful for the Talman family right now, so I think that's what I'll call it.  Wonderful things....

Wonderful Thing #1 - My mom is coming to visit today and staying for a few days.  She was having baby attacks and needed to squeeze on Mia for awhile.  She's excited about her Na-Na coming to see her.

Wonderful Thing #2 - We are going to the farmer's market in downtown Dallas on Saturday.  Hurray!  I imagine there will be beautiful plants, colorful flowers and FABULOUS food there to buy.  I'm super excited about it.

Wonderful Thing #3 - My cookbooks. Hardly ever open the Weight Watchers one but open the Decatur Methodist Church and Adams, Minnesota Family Favorites all the time.  I think that is what we call...winning.

 

Wonderful Thing #4 - My baby runs in the backyard now.  RUNS!  I mean takes off and flys from end to end.  So, that probably means she's not a baby anymore.  Boo.

Wonderful Thing #5 - People can comment on my blog now!  I think there were issues in the past.

Wonderful Thing #6 - I got to pretend I was a phone switch operator lady in my office today.  I felt like I was in "Mad Men" working the switch board in that little room with those catty ladies.   I love Mad Men...

Wonderful Thing #7 - My first EVER niece Nora Elise is coming to visit us in Dallas next week.  She is 4 months old and I am DYING to see her.  Also, how fabulous is that name?  Nora Elise...

Wonderful Thing #8 - I am planting my vegetable and herb garden this weekend.  Stay tuned for pictures!

Friday List

So the blog rage these days is to make a list of random things that are happening in your life and post it every Friday. Just another Friday ritual, kind of like #ff on Twitter. You know, where you promote people to follow on Friday, hence the #ff hashtag (or following friday hash tag). Anyway, I think I'll join in.  So here it goes. 

1.  I am taking Mia to story time at the library this morning.Then doing my version of "Extreme Couponing" at the grocery store and then hopefully trying to get to Macy's to use my birthday gift cards to buy something fun for the house.  (Who am I kidding, I think I'm going to buy new silverware.)

2.  I am in love with my new Keurig coffee maker I got for my birthday.  I can't wait to wake up in the morning to choose which flavor I want and then make it.  Laugh if you will, but this little thing in my life really makes me happy.

3. I am making DRIP BEEF for dinner tonight. 

4.  It's already starting to get hot in Dallas.  I'm not ready to stop wearing jeans yet.  Crap.

5.  This is going on in my yard right now...(Pictures courtesy of crappy Blackberry camera)

6.  This weekend is The Masters golf tournament. I'm cheering for that young kid who looks like Zac Efron. 

7.  She finally looks like me.  At least in this picture.