goodbyehello.

Today marked the last day that Jeff was a regional airline pilot for American Eagle Airlines. He had his exit interview, turned in his manuals and tags, and had to be escorted out of the airport by the chief pilot assistant as a mere civilian. No more security, no more crowded terminals, no more American Eagle runaround. A very happy husband appeared on my doorstep at about 1:00 this afternoon, clicking his heels all day long. He can't wait to start on the 3rd. (I'm daunted by the 4 weeks of non stop training and simulators, but to him it's business as usual. Like a kid in a candy store-- he wishes he could get started yesterday.)

Congratulations Jeff, you deserve this major career jump! I am so excited for you!

to my hunky husband.

I love you.

XOXOXO

Your, little momma.

you'd better thank your lucky stars.

I was in the mist of morphing my face onto another picture (I'm desperate y'all.) when I found these. You'd better thank your lucky stars, because we all know what disastrous combo my photo shop and me post bedtime can become. Whew, that was a close one.

Today and had a flashback to the episode of Notes From the Underbelly that I caught a few weeks ago. They had a whole episode dedicated to the overzealous character Julie and her blog.
I've been watching this show from the beginning, but am sorry to say that I forget a lot of what is going on because sometimes it tends to be a bit dry. Not so with the last episode, it was quite entertaining, but only because I think the humor centered around the blogging aspect of things.

Julie: "I'm proud of everything that I do that's why I started blogging. It's like a video diary online. It's all about baby Perry. I don't want to brag but I've had six hits."

To make the long story short, Cooper, the high powered executive gal pal of Julie's, tries to make nice with her co-workers that she has frightened away with her rudeness by showing them Julie's blog during breaks at work. They are all drawn in by her quirky video blog posts and start to think of her as a celebrity. Julie ends up stopping by Coopers workplace and the whole office treats her famously, not wanting her to leave and liking her more than Cooper in the end.

I'm sure if you are interested in catching it, you will be able to in the near future as the writers strike is still alive and kicking.

like an extention of my body.

Jeff.took my camera to work today.

It was like cutting off my right arm and letting him pack it in his suitcase. I'm camera-less until Monday. Boo-hoo.

He wanted to document his last trips as an airline pilot (for now). I knew there was a blogger in there. Somewhere. I can't wait to see what he brings home, he never disappoints.

So, you're stuck with my regurgitated photos until then. Too bad, so sad.

I'll be as creative as I can with yesteryear's photos. Sometimes this is successful, sometimes it isn't. I make no guarantees.

I guess I could go pull out my old camera. Maybe for old times sake. It may be quite entertaining. (1.3 megapixels)

Sorry I am rambling, I miss my camera.

keep-me-warm food.

There was no doubt about it, it was a blustery cold day! And after a long walk around the neighborhood (while the kids rode their bikes) we all came home with cherry red noses and pink apple cheeks. Not to mention our aching ears. I needed a plan to warm us up for dinner.

This did the trick.

Ben was my "helper".

Who could resist a spicy and fragrant baked apple for dessert? What a decadent belly warmer.

so, we're a little crazy.

What are we doing at a packed mall on the day after Christmas? Not thinking quite clearly of course! I couldn't help it though. Ever since finding out about the 4 story Christmas tree that the Galleria put up for the holidays, I have wanted to see it. We met Adrienne and Jeremy there for an afternoon stroll. (I'm working off my Christmas pie, and it's too cold outside!)
The ice skaters on the rink below were so fun to watch. Until the Zamboni chased them all away!
The tree was as huge as I had hoped.

The guys powered ahead, while the gals hung back and enjoyed a little chit chat.
one last look.

the visit from Santa.

Jeff even had his favorites...

and this too... (knock his block off!)

and please, let's not forget Ben and his "narbles." (marbles.)


Merry Christmas!

'twas the day before christmas.

No child should be deprived the experience of building a snowman, even if it is out of play dough. This morning, while the kids were munching on breakfast, I whipped up some salted play dough and let them go to work!

Our snowmen are better than the real ones anyway, they don't melt!

amazing what a little spit shine will do.

Once a year, that's it.

Every year, on the Sunday closest to Christmas, I pull out my festive and flowing silvery skirt and pretend I am a princess at Church. Today was the day.

I swished down the halls to the library to get copies.

I swished around the primary room to collect rolls.

I swished to the bathroom and back (2 times) with Ben for a potty break.

I swished around everywhere, my skirt demanding an attentive audience.

Little did they know, I was in my pajamas all day yesterday scrubbing toilets. Alas, this princess knows all too well about plastic gloves, cleanser, and brooms. But oh-- just for day! One day a year is all that I ask...
and don't forget my trusty sidekicks.

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Please excuse my dust!

nothing warms the tummy like

hot cocoa for breakfast. Ben likes his with a straw, and stirred with my milk frother.

so, you'd better be good...

Don't worry folks, Ben snapped out of it after a 60 second crying jag and some kisses from mommy.

The defendant was very remorseful of his vicious acts, and after 15 minutes in his room pouting and crying on his bed, made his amends with the victim. His punishment, no treat after dinner tonight.

pull out the ol' cookie press.

Months after Jeff and I were married, I was scouring the local Salvation Army one afternoon and came across this tattered little green box on a high shelf. Could what was written on the box really be inside? I was amazed that the shiny little cooky press was indeed inside, and in working shape-- along with numerous attachments. I fished around in my purse to cover the modest $1 price tag, and off I went to try out my new little treasure.
I carefully tuck my cooky press behind the little doors above my range when not in use, but every Christmas I make sure to pull it out and make one of our family's favorites- My Grandmothers Spritz cookies. They fill the house with the best almondy smell. Today, I obliged in it's temptation-- don't worry, most of them are going to friends.

The best part is picking the disc to put inside and squeezing out the dough. It took lots of practice to master it's art, but it's second nature now.
I also decided to whip up some delectable gingerbread hearts. I hope my friends will love them as much as I do. My house smells just like Christmas.