Ho Ho Ho

new banner, new hair

I got a haircut today - 3 inches cut off. I feel like I lost 5 lbs. The cute girl cutting my hair told me 2 inches were just split ends. Oops.

Here I am. Picture curtesy of me, taken in my office.

Please ignore the tired look - it was taken close to 5.

As far as the banner goes, Tricia once told me that consistency is key to recognition. Oh well. My ADD comes out every now and then and I demand change. Hope you like it, readers!

recipe, from yours truly

I am not too much of a cook. I like to bake, but as far as preparing a delicious and healthy meal, I am no Betty Crocker. (or Melita Tomlinson...you choose the icon)

Anyway, yesterday we had brunch in our office. Everyone brought something to eat/drink. Me? I went by Shipleys and picked up a few dozen holes. please, no judgment. At the said brunch, I tried a very yummy casserole. I am not too much for casseroles, mind you. I don't even like my food to touch...why would I purposely make a meal like that? I can count on my hand the number of casseroles I like (poppyseed chicken, king ranch chicken, etc...) This breakfast casserole was delish, however.

So now I give you the recipe so you can try it out for yourself:

Mexican Breakfast Casserole:

1. Cook sausage, onions, green peppers, salsa and chiles (or jalepenoes - optional) ; drain
2. Put large spoonfuls in a tortilla, roll and line them in a dish
3. Pour scrambled eggs over them (about 10 eggs)

4. Pour bag of shredded cheese over the top

5. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Enjoy! Make you say "ole'!"

Ignore me

Please ignore the nonesense going on with my blog right now. New year...trying new banner. May resort back to old one, but in the meantime, I am just playing!

PS: Is it Friday yet?

Baby, it's cold outside

It finally feels like Christmas, thus resulting in my very festive mood.

This weekend was great. Laura and JR were stayed the weekend with us - cute things. It was fun hanging out with the sis and her BF. I finished up my Christmas shopping this weekend, as well. Feels good to finally be done. Trey and I are traveling so much over the holidays (Starkville, Collinsville, Gulfport, Oxford, etc...) so we decided to hang out in the burg with the sis and herr BF. What a good decision.

Good news: Sophie met Santa. She was not so sure about him, however. If she were human, I could see her rolling her eyes at the stupidity of it all - bunch of kids (dogs) lined up to see a fat man in a red suit - but since she is a dog, she kept her mouth shut and let me have my fun. Max went with us, too. He was super still during the whole process - and made a pretty cute pic in the end. Sophie, however, was not happy at all with how Santa was holding her. She was very squirmy, then tried to kiss the bearded man. Oh well. She wore a santa hat and fur collar, but her hat was all in her eyes by the time it was her turn. Here is the pic, please notice the fact that Santa is laughing at my ridiculous pup.

Sophie likes the cold weather. Here she is sporting her new parka:

And finally, a little questionaire to get you in the Christmas spirit: (as seen on LT, MSKS, and Claire's blog)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I am going to have to say wrapping paper. There are some great bags out there, but unless the gifts requires packaging suitable for bagging, I prefer wrapping paper. And just as Laura mentioned, our mother taught us well: it's all about presentaion. So I have coordinating paper with fabulous rafia and ribbon tied on each. Trey thinks this is silly, but then again, he thinks most things I do/say are silly.

2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Either. We have an artificial one this year. We bought it last year before Christmas. However, Trey has mentioned more than once that we will be "hunting" for a real tree next year. "Little full, lot of sap."

3. When do you put Christmas tree up? Mother's rule: day after Thanksgiving. However, when you travel during the holidays and are not back at home until a few days after, it has to do. Trey begged for us to put the tree up before Halloween. I will not be made a fool, hunny.

4. When do you take the tree down? Well, again, we travel during the holidays, so I will say after the New Year. But take note: if I stayed at home, I would have it down no later than the 28th.

5. Like egg nog? I have only tried it once, at my friend's house. Her dad apparently makes a mean nog, but it was a little 'noggy', if you ask me. I will stick to spiced tea or apple cider. thanks.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I want one. I really like the Willow Tree angels nativity scene. Perhaps in years to come...

7. Favorite gift received as a child? ooohhhh. Tough one. Santa was good to me as a child (and still is today.) I do recall my barbie house, walking/barking toy pup, little tykes doll (and van and house...cool!) and pogo stick. I was a killer pogo-sticker.

8. Hardest person to buy for? men in general. We draw names on my mom's side and I secretly pray that I do not draw one of my uncles. Hint to the fam out there: I didn't draw them this year. Score.

9. Easiest person to buy for? my sisters. We are all the same.

10. Worst Christmas gift? I can't recall a bad gift, per say. I can recall a few 'interesting' ones.

11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? duh. Mail.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, It's a Wonderful Life, The Real Santa Movie (the one made in the 80's), the Grinch and Elf. But, please, don't think for one second that if a "Very Brady Christmas" came on TBS that I wouldn't drop everything I was doing to watch it. I would.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I started in October...I finished yesterday. Next year I would like to be finished by December. It's my New Year's resolution. (Last year it was to wear more gold, and I succeeded. Set your goals low - they are more reachable.)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no. Not that I can recall. I am not above it, however.

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? any. I have already packed on a few lbs this season. I do love Christmas brunch. Cheese grits...mmmmm...

16. Clear or colored tree lights? white lights, for the most part. we currently are displaying white lights. However, I am contemplating throwing in some color next year to mix things up. One day I will have mulitple trees. (Not to compete with Amanda, who has 5 this year)

17. Favorite Christmas Song? "Oh Holy Night", "Carol of the Bells", "Drummer Boy", "Breath of Heaven", "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", and the list goes on and on.

18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? Being with family is number one: so that means traveling.

19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Only if I sing the tune of that song.

20. Angel or Star on tree top? No preference. I would love a beautiful angel one day. Right now I have a bow. Don't judge me.

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? You can't Santa's gifts until Christmas morning. Growing up we could open one gift on Christmas Eve - it was from our great aunt and uncle. It was always pajamas. We would wear them that night. Well, a few years ago we opened the gift ready to change into our new PJs to see a Christmas mug. I guess that tradition has stoped.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? one: people get stressed out. i mean, I realize it can be stressful, but people - if you are getting stressed, you are missing the true meaning of the season! Enjoy it and don't get your panties in a wad! This brings me to my next point: Christmas is so commercialized that often the true meaning is overlooked all together. We should all just have a birthday party for Jesus and be done with it. remember the true meaning of the season this year!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

sassy nana has a birthday

Today is my NANA's birthday. She is 81. She would be upset if she knew I told my tens of readers her real age, but since I am fairly certain she will not be hitting up any cyber cafes today, I think I am safe. Let me tell you something about Nana. First of all, she doesn't look a day over about 65 and doesn't act a day over 25. She is fun and spunky. Need a shopping partner? Call Nana. Want to go out for a glass of wine? Call Nana. Need a prayer? Call Nana. Need boyfriend/husband advice? Call Nana. What other grandmother do you know asks to see your presents after a lingerie shower? My nana did. She was so funny ...laying out each piece for each night of my honeymoon. Weird? Not all at. She is hysterical.

Tuesday night my family (sans me, Trey, Kristen, Rob and Henry) went to Harvey's for a pre - birthday celebration. I called her yesterday afternoon to see how the festivities were going. Her response? "Oh I went to two parties on tuesday and two today! Party, party!" How funny.

I sometimes talk about my Dada who passed away last November from Alzhymers. Well, before he became sick, Nana and Dada were involved in EVERY club and organization possible. Dance club. Couples Bridge. Supper Club. Birthday Club. this doesn't count the church activites they were ALWAYS involved in. They were both super involved in a Sunday school class until my Dada came to the conclusion that they were surrounded by "older people". Granted he was the oldest by AT LEAST 15 years (he died at age 89). Basically, some of the members were not able to be as active as they once were, and while they still loved them, they switched to a younger, more lively crowd. I love it. During his sickness, my Nana became 'homebound' as well, forcing her clubs and activities to the waistside. It has taken Nana close to a year since his death to fully want to be involved in those things again, but now she is not slowing down. Literally, something to do everyday.

Nana is such a sweet, Godly woman with the kindest heart. She always wants her family to be together and be happy. One example: when Kristen was in med school, she made the comment to Nana that she wanted a massage. Nana thought this to be a strange request, but not wanting to disappoint her eldest grandchild, she went out a purchased a flower "corsage"! Yeah, like the 8th grade dance thing! She missunderstood "massage" for "corsage". So Kristen proudly wore her corsage.

I hope I am like her when I am 81 - she is healthy, lively, sweet, funny, and young at heart. She is truly a JOY to be around. I miss being right down the road from her!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NANA!
May you have 20 more happy birthdays to celebrate.

I love you so very much!!

Ho, Ho, the mistletoe

Even though it is 80 DEGREES in the burg, it is still Christmas time and there is still a lot of cheer to go around. I love this season. Good news: cold front is moving in on Wednesday, so cooler weather is on the horizon. Score.

Last night Trey and I went downtown to this adorable store to do a little shopping. On the way back we went through the historical district to look at lights. I am all about Christmas lights. Bad news for us - our 1953 home does not have outdoor electrical outlets, so our lights are minimal. Such is the life, I suppose. But our neighbors have tons of lights which really brighten our little home. However, nothing compares to the house located on Walnut street here in historical Hattiesburg. Everything from a manger with a light-up baby Jesus to a giant blow-up SpongeBob wearing a Santa's hat. I don't know about you, but when I see SpongeBob, I see Christmas. I was so happy this family captured all the Christmas spirit in the form of 9 million twinkling lights. I could tell as we drove by the house my husband's head was spinning at the thought of the electricity bill and the power wasted. Me? I was thinking about a solid Christmas blog post.

Here you are, readers: Winter Wonderland. The pictures do not really do justice. Walking in your yard is so over-rated this time of year. I am thinking about going back tonight to get some video footage. Hopefully more to come.

After the light show, I went to a girl's Christmas ornament swap party with Kate, first lady - little bird. I only knew Kate at the pary, but if you don't know me, I am not shy. So off I went. I do not like missing a party - finger foods, wine, PRESENTS...what's not to love? Plus, I met some fabulous girls. I was expressing to Trey the need to find a precious ornament. Not just any ornament (or one off our tree, wrapped, as he suggested). No, I need "the" ornament. It was played like dirty santa and I was not going to be known as the new girl with bad ornament taste. Lucky for me, I found the winner. It was 'stolen' three time during the game. Success, if you ask me. Plus, I went home with a fabulous, large, snowflake ornament. I love Christmas.

Here is a pic from last night. (kate - or little bird, if you will - is the one in the middle)

little man's birthday bash (and other news)

Saturday we had a little party for Henry's birthday. Big one year old. His birthday was on the 1st, but due to my sister's (his mama's!) crazy work schedule, we celebrated on the 8th. (She is an OB/GYN resident and works crazy hours). All 4 of Henry's grandparents, all 3 of his aunts, his two uncles and his sweet little Nanny were there to celebrate with him and his mama and daddy. He was so cute at the party. He was interested in every present he opened and gave each one attention. Even the clothes. Presh. He was not so sure about the cake at first. Kristen had a "smash" cake made just for him. It was so adorable. It matched his outfit. But he was so gentle with it at first. Once he realized it tasted fabulous, he was all about it. He had his one year pictures made the other week with another smash cake and she said he barely stuck his toe in it. Priceless. Here are some pictures from the party. Yes, I took a picture of him opening each gift; I will refrain from posting all pictures. Always thinking of my readers.


Thursday I drove to Memphis to visit Jordan in the hospital. If you are a reader of her blog, you know that she had surgery. Can I just say that she is the bravest little thing in the world? I was able to spend some time with her in the hospital before I left for Jackson on Friday. I have had a lot of people call me to check on her. She is at home now and doing well, but still in some pain. I know those who know her will attest to this: She is the most amazing person...her spirits were high the entire time. She is truly the strongest person! Please continue to pray for her and Saunders. I know this was the best decision for her and I am so proud of her! I was also able to hang out with Jenny Ruth while I was in Memphis. I am so glad I finally got to get to know her! She is precious!! A big thanks to Amanda and Luke for letting me stay at their precious home while I was there. And I am so sorry my dog is a big snob and wouldn't play with Bandit. she really does love him. So good to see two of my very best friends in one week!!

(just look how snobby Sophie looks!)

In other news, each Christmas (ok, this is only our 2nd time) Trey and I make a gingerbread house. Really I make him do it. I think it is important for us to have our own traditions. Trey is a little OCD with it, however, and I am little concerned about continuing this tradition when we have kids. I have a feeling he will not allow them to help. "Heather...let me do it. The roof is crooked. You put too much icing on the chimney." really, hunny?? It's a gingerbread house. But I am thankful we have a straight roof on the sugar house. Here are pictures.

PS - I promise Trey can smile correctly. He is making fun of me.

fat pants

I think I eat more when I wear a skirt.

Is there a scientific theory that proves such a fact? When I wear pants, I tend to not eat as much. Today, however, I wore a skirt. And today was "day-o-parties" on campus, resulting in sugary hot teas and decadent finger foods. Bring on the holidays.

Perhaps my new year's resolution will be "wear more pants", which totally flies against all that I believe in: "Never trust a woman who only wears pant suits". I think this theory has developed during the Clinton '08 campaign. Does the woman own a skirt?

Never-the-less, I think I eat more when I wear a skirt.

(Not me)

deck the halls

I made my frist wreath. I am proud of it. Please do not ask if I made the bow. The answer is no. I paid a precious little old lady in Michael's Craft store to do it for me. $8.00. What a steal. But I picked out the ribbon and ornaments, so it is my creation, if you ask me. Here is a picture of our tree. This bow was made by my co-woker/friend, Vassie. I should get her to teach me how to make them. Last year we had about 5 strands of Chrstmas lights. This year: one. Sorry, Melita, you would not approve. Trey decided we should go "green". Whatever. I think it is still pretty, sans 4 strands.
Laura, I should beat you for purchashing the following ornament for my dear husband. I realize you thought it to be funny, however, my husband took it very seriously, placing it front and center of our Christmas tree. A hunter married a woman who has a Christmas theme and wraps each present accordingly. Interesting life we live. How ugly is this ornament? Thanks, LT. Your time is coming.
In other, not so Christmasy news, my parents gave us a piece of furniture a couple of months ago to refinish. We finally got around to working on it this weekend. Our kitchen is rather large for a small, older home, but it is the most inefficent room ever built. Very little cabinet space and two outlets!! Anyway, we thought this piece of furniture would go great in the middle of the kitchen to serve as an island with extra storage underneath. It was originally from a very old department store in Starkville that went out of business in the '80s. I don't know how my parents ended up with it, but regardless it has been taking up space in my parent's attic for the better part of 2 decades. It was in desperate need of repair. Lucky for me, I love HGTV. We stained the wood and tiled the top. It worked out prefectly! I put serving pieces and platters on the shelves, so now I actually have room for food in the pantry. We are really living the high life now. Thanks, mama and daddy for the cabinet/shelf thing! I do not have a picture of the before, sorry, let's just say it looks better now. (no, it does not match our kitchen at all!! Who cares?! not me! I don't like the kitchen anyway! plus, I have storage!)
To thank my husband for tiling the cabinet (there was measuring involved, I dont' do numbers), I made him cookies.

Problem: 1/2 cup of flour in my less-cluttered pantry. The recipe calls for 2 3/4 cups. I didn't think it was that big of a deal. Afterall, my mom "improvises" when she cooks and her food is always fabulous. I decided to not worry about it and keep cooking. Well, the cookies didn't so much turn out as I had planned. When I handed Trey his so-called cookie, he asked for a spoon. Needless to say, I threw the remainder of the goo in the garbage.

Last, but certaintly not least, HENRY THOMAS IS ONE! He had his first birthday Saturday! His little party is on the 8th, so pictures to come, for sure. I can't believe it has been a year. I am so much in love with this little man. He brightens all of our lives! I love being an aunt to this precious little boy. I LOVE HENRY!
Check out Laura's blog for a precious slideshow of our adorable nephew. (Yes, we are 2 very obsessive, annoying aunts.)

week in review

Happy Friday!

thank goodness this week is over. Not that it has been a bad week, just so busy. Tuesday I went to the Beau Rivage on the coast for work. I know, tough gig. Someone's gotta do it. i did not gamble, however. I get mad if I lose a dollar. A penny saved is a penny earned, right mama? But the hotel and casino was decorated for Christmas and was so beautiful. It really got me in the Christmas spirit. (save the life size carolers in the hotel lobby, they really freaked me out.)


The Christmas feeling continues - Wendnesday night the University had a campus-wide Christmas tree lighting ceremony, complete with caroling, hot chocolate, and Santa. Locals brought their children dressed in their holiday best. Not to be out done, Sophie joined in for the festivities. She wore a santa hat and fur shawl. She was the cutest. I love my dog. Some dogs will get angry at you for dressing them up and flaunting them around campus. Not Sophie. She is a dog after my own heart. Bring on the costumes and attention. She even let Santa hold her for a quick photo opt. Unfortunately, my camera battery was dead. I was just sick about it. No fear, though. The mall here allows you to bring your pet to take a picture with santa on Tuesdays. We will get out picture. In the meantime, Trey's boss made fun of him for holding such a prissy dog dressed in white fur and a santa's hat. He referred to Sophie as "Bedroom slipper dog". what does this mean? How rude.

Last night I went with two of my friends, Olivia and Crystal, to a "Ladies Night Out". A bar, you ask? No. A sporting/hunting store. What a riot. we were greeted with a glass of wine and plate of cheese. It was a promotion to get ladies in there to buy for the men in their lives. It was great - free massages, HUGE savings, door prizes (I won NOTHING, by the way. Chrystal won a free make-over. Jealousy.), and food. I didn't buy anything, but it was a good excuse to get away from men and have a free drink.

Our tree is up and looking pretty dinky. I bought some pretty ribbon yesterday to make a hug bow to put on top. Unfortunately my bow didn't turn out so well. So I brought the ribbon to work and bribed the lady next door to make me one. It is gorgeous. She made it so it has a lot of extra ribbon to hang down over the tree. It will really add a little to our sweet, humble tree. Hanging it tonight. Pictures to come.



I went to our storage room in our garage a few days ago to retrieve the wreath for the front door. I bought it last year. It is the berry wreath. Anyway, apparently sometime during the year something ate the berries. Moths? Mice? I don't know. I rather not think about it. the point is the wreath looks like poo. Half the berries are gone and the ones that surived show the white under the red coating of the berries. I demanded a new wreath. Do you know what my husband's response was?



"what's wrong with it? Looks like it has snow on it."



Stupid. I will be making a wreath this weekend. My first attempt at making my own, but I have seen some that are precious and I am convinced that I can create my own. Just call me Martha.

Pictures of the "snowy" wreath soon.

That is all for now.

Heather, Obsessive Aunt Extraordinaire.

I know, readers, I know. I am an obsessive aunt. You don't have to tell me. I am fully aware that I talk, think, write, and sing 99% of the time about my nephew.

Well, get over it.

I have something else to share.

Please click on this link: http://reneereedy.com/#

Just do it. You will not regret it. Once you get there, click on "blog". Obviously, you will see what I am refering to. It's the slideshow.

When he was born (a year ago this Saturday!!!) I was so unprepared for the cuteness that he would posses. I have watched the said slideshow a number of times thus far, each time bringing one more tear to my eye.

Dramatic? Yes.

My boss has asked me on several occasions what I will do when I actually have one of my own. Answer: I do not know. I love this little boy with my whole (literally, the whole thing) heart.

Thanks for listening.

PS - This is my 201st post. That is a lot of posting, my friends. Perhaps I shall list 200 things you never wanted to know about me to honor this momentous occasion. stay tuned.

Thanksgiving is my favorite ( i mean, minus Christmas)

Kristen, Laura and me

We had the best thanksgiving. And, yes, I am obsessed with these shutterfly collages. Easiest way to share mulitple photos.

On Thursday we went to Collinsville to my aunt and uncle's house. We had a great time...and lots of food. It was so good to see everyone...can't wait for Christmas!

One item of note: I can now dance to "soilder boy". I don't know what it is/means, but my 14 and 15 year old cousins taught me the latest moves. If ever I am invited to a high school party, I will, undoubtly, perform my routine. On Friday after the victory (see previous post), my dad's side of the family got together at my parents house for yet another Thanksgiving feast. My mom is so cute. She had name cards for us at our table. It was so much fun. I love my family. Some people I know couldn't stay at their parent's house for 4 nights straight, but I can! I could have stayed another week! They are fabulous. I am thankful for my family!
One last thing to note: WE HAVE A WALKER! Henry is not yet confident enough to let go of his push toy or your hand, but it is only a matter of time before he takes off. He is so fast! He also discovered the stairs at my parents house. He loved crawling all the way up to the top. He was so proud of himself, too. He laughed the whole time. I already miss this little man.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

Victory is sweet

"Did you hear they fired Coach O? That's hilarious!!"

The egg is ours. That is really all that matters. We played like poo-poo, but in the end came out on top. It really was a sweet, sweet ending to a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Ole Miss: 0-8 in the SEC. Could it get any better? I doubt it.

I am so proud.

It was so wonderful to see some of my sweet friends at the game. Too short of a visit, but I will take anything I can get! I love my friends!

Henry is in the Christmas spirit!!

Check out sweet Henry's moves! he is really ready for Christmas!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9559663696

Note to readership: Citizen Kane = Citizen Bore

Last night after church we invited our precious friends Toby and his girlfriend, Kate, over to our house for dinner and a movie. Fun, right? WRONG. I mean, the company was great and the food was delish but the movie caused me to go into some sort of living vegetative coma. Literally: bored to death.

Trey has a new thing: renting classic movies from the university library. (again, no cable) This is a wonderful find due to the fact that it is free and through this gold mine I have been able to watch movies like "To Kill A Mockingbird" (fabulous. the book is better) "Sound of Music" (all-time favorite) and "Forrest Gump" (is that considered a classic?) So the past few times Trey has been to the library to pick out the movie, I have been pleasantly surprised at his choice. He has proven himself trustworthy at picking out the free movie.

Until last night.

While Kate and I gathered the food for the evening, Trey ventured to the library in search for the free movie du jour. He came back with "Citizen Kane".

Please, readers, do not judge me just yet for slamming the so-called greatest movie of all time. (and according The American Film Institute, it is just that: #1.) Well, this institute did not ask my opinion. I knew nothing about the plot of the movie. I went into the movie completely open and with unbiased opinions. To be honest, I thought it was a horror movie. There, I said it. I am not ashamed.

So the night progressed (at a painfully slow rate) and Citizen Kane was well underway. It was then, and only then, that I realized that this movie is in fact NOT a horror movie, much to my dismay. Have you seen this 'great' movie? If not, please, allow me the opportunty to give you a quick synopsis of the film: The entire movie is about this newspaper rich man that dies and his last word is "rosebud", or something equally as lame. The reporters are trying to find out what rosebud means in order to make a great story, so for the length of the film they are trying to solve the mystery of the rosebud. Is it a lady? A lost love? Nah, readers. Rosebud was his sled, for crying out loud. HIS SLED. Yes, the snow toy. The whole movie is about a sled.

Perhaps I am so ignorant of the greater things in life that I could not appreciate such a maginficent film, but for what it is worth, those AFI people had it all wrong. My vote: Shrek 2.

happy anniversary to me!

It's me, Sophie.

I usually don't par-take in such events like blogging. The reason really boils down to the fact that I am too busy either a) sleeping b) eating or c) chewing up mommy's shoes, but today is different.



I know my mom reported my 1st birthday last month. I appreciate all the birthday shout-outs and presents that I got. I wanted a big party, but all I got was scoobie-snacks. Cheap parents.


Anyway, I am distracted. While I am already 1 year old, today I have officially been a Skaggs for 1 year. Yes, folks, that's right. A year ago today my mommy and daddy's lives were brightened and forever changed. They got pretty lucky when they picked me up from that lady's house a year ago. I don't mean to brag, but I am pretty darn cute. Have you seen my latest photos? C-U-T-E.


But I got pretty lucky too. A few things I like most about being a Skaggs:


1) My mommy and daddy are fun
2) My mommy buys me clothes
3) I get good treats
4) My daddy rubs my tummy better than anyone I know
5) I got cool grandparents - SHOUT OUT TO PEGGLES & RON-RON and T-MAC & MAMA-LITA!
6) I got some cool cousins - Max, Charmin and Lilly. There is another cousin, Henry, but I am not so sure about him. He put my tail in his mouth and the people STILL want to hold him over me. I don't get it. I also got some cool siblings on my daddy's side: Sunny, Lucy, Bella, and Robin. They let me play in the backyard with them.
7) I get to sleep in the big bed with my mommy and daddy.
8) I get all my mommy and daddy's attention
9) I have a big back yard to play in
10) I never get in trouble

HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO

SOPHIE SKAGGS!!!

Love, Sophie

it's a small, small world

I just have to share my joy!

I have a dear friend that I met while working in Maine two summers ago - Kay. She is orginally from England but is now working in Bejing, China.

I have another dear friend - Jordan. My best friend for years (literally- since the 5th grade). She works in Memphis, but travels a lot for her job. She has been in Bejing for 3 weeks and guess what??? I just heard from Kay and she met Jordan! They are having dinner tomorrow night in China!

How cool. I love that my friends from two different parts of my life are meeting up across the world!

i like ta'thank coa' croooom

Laura: the title of this post is just for you.

I was excited about coming to work today for one reason and one reason only: BRAGGING RIGHTS, BABY!! Oh how I love being a bulldog, especially when my student worker is an Alabama fan.
I am always proud to be a bulldog, mind you, but the past has proven this love to be a hard one. "through thick and thin, good times and bad", I would say. The last few years there has been more thick than thin and more bad than good, but I stayed by my bulldogs and remained a loyal fan. This year, however, the bulldogs are a little bit easier to love. I am just so proud. It is time we earn some respect! A 6-4 winning record: not too shabby! We still have to play Arkansas and Ole Miss, but let's all be honest: Ole Miss? Pa-lease. I can't wait for that game.

Anyway, so excited about last weekend's win over Alabama! We are bowl-bound!

MISSISSIPPI STATE FANS: Go online and vote for Coach Croom as Liberty Bowl's Coach of the Year. He deserves this more than anyone! He took a not-so-great team, taught them character and leadership on and off the field, and has produced a winning season for the Bulldogs. GO COACH CROOM!

my nephew - the snail and my St. Louis tales

Before I post about my St. Louis trip, as I am sure you are all on pins and needles to hear about, I must first display this collage of Henry in his Halloween costume.

I am sorry, readers, for being an obsessive aunt. I can not help it. I love him. And he was a snail, for crying out loud. I mean, how adorable.

Now on to less interesting, less cute matters: my trip. I went for a marketing conference. It was great. I could tell you all that I learned, about the great networking that took place, and the skills that were polished, but what kind of good reading material would that be? I shall tell you other things that happened along the way.

Day 1: I flew to St. Louis with a colleague who was attending an I-tech conference at the same hotel the same week. Perfect. However, her conference started on saturday and mine did not start until Sunday night. No problem. I am easy to please and even easier to entertain. Plus, I will be alone in a new city: there will be plenty to explore. So off I went by my lonesome to buy a metro ticket so my exploration can begin. I jumped on my train with my ticket, map, and purse in tow, feeling quiet 'city-ish". I waited to find the safest looking stop before I exited the train. Following my trusty map, I made my way to the history museum. Not really one for history, but I was really getting into the museum. then I went for a walk in the park, ate lunch at this darling place, and watched small children play on the playground. (in a non-stalkerish way, of course) then I made my way back to the metro stop...there was more for me to explore. Next stop: the arch. Afterall,what would a trip to St. Louis be without seeing the arch? It was beautiful and the trees were GORGEOUS, but unfortunatley I was there too late to ride the tram up to the top, much to my dissapointment. Oh well. I still took cool pictures from below. Then it was off to the conference to learn. Just call me "Mrs. Independent"
Day 2: Conferencing and stuff. I did eat a mighty-fine bagel that morning, but other than that, nothing of note. I will add here that our hotel was at Union Station. It was fun.

Day 3: Conference stuff during the day, eating food at night. More than just food, though...FREE food. There was a company there that we do business with, so the representative came and took us out to eat at this very nice restaurant: Mike Shannon's. The owner, Mike Shannon, is a retired St. Louis Card. baseball player. Anyway, the company does this every year. I can only imagine the amount of money they spend. there were bottles of wine on the menu that cost more than I make each month (ok, not literally, but there was one for over $300. I drink Yellow Tail for $7.99) I ate my grilled salmon with honey glaze like I had never eaten before. It was devine. As I made my way to the restroom (after the main course, but before dessert) I spotted him: Mike Shannon. Now I would not have spotted him in a crowd normally, but I saw a picture of him moments before so I knew it was him. I am not shy. Never have been. correct, mom? So I marched up to him to let him know that my meal was delicous, the restaurant was fabulous and that my father would love this place (baseball pictures on the wall, but not cheesy...classy) At that point he hugged me. I knew I was in. He and his wife gave us a personal tour of the place, including his private wine collection in the basement...beautiful. I then felt it neccesary to tell him that my Dada was drafted to play for St. Louis before the war...and that he struck out Joe Dimagio. At this point, he takes my hand and leads me into a small room with rare pics of Mr. Joe himself, all autographed. Then he took my picture. I loved it.

Day 4: Nada.

Day 5: Home again.

The end!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I am back from St. Louis, but this post has nothing to do with the trip. Kristen emailed me these pictures of Henry while I was out. I must share. I mean,
A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.
I want to squeeze him.

monster bash

I love dressing in costume. I have mentioned this before, but it is such a true statement. I have even tried to talk my office into dressing up in costume for various events. (ie, homecoming, halloween, etc...) No such luck.

Anyway, last night Trey and I went to our friend's house for a halloween/pumpkin carving party with two other couples. Such great fun and...YES!...I get to dress in costume! We also brought along Sophie as Big Bird to play with their bulldog, George, who was dressed as a hot dog. Good times. So if the K-9s can be in costume, I assumed it would be natural for the humans to do so as well. So I show up in my (homemade) costume to see that I am THE ONLY one in costume. It was great. I was an IPOD, if you can't tell. MSKS, you will appreciate this. Half-way through our green rotel and hamburgers, my friend Olivia noticed that I misspelled "Madonna" on my costume! HA! I put "mOdonna".

We had such cute food. The girls made "witches brew", "Monster trash", eye ball cupcakes, green rotel, mummy pig in the blankets and yummy pumpkin cheese ball while the boys grilled hamburgers outside. Took pictures of the food for my viewers to enjoy. I will also include a group shot of me in my IPOD costume.

Group shot: Ryan, Olivia, Me (AKA The IPOD), Sophie, Trey, Chrystal, and Brit
The Intense Pumkin Carving

"Why is my mama wearing a poster board and head phones?"

Happy Howl-lo-ween

Yesterday I took Sophie to the beauty salon (PetSmart). She was overdue for a groom and was in desperate need of teeth brushing. I dropped her off at lunch and came back on my way home from work at 5:00. I just have to share these pictures with you. They put a Halloween bow in her hair. What I regret about these pictures in that you can not see the middle of the bow: it is a purple spider. I mean, she is presh. They also gave her a glow in the dark charm for her collar that says "Happy Howl-lo-ween".

Work is super busy right now. I will be out all day tomorrow for information fairs, panel discussions and tours, but hopefully I will find time for important things, like blogging.

I am flying to St. Louis sat. for work and will not be back in the office until Friday. I hope you all will be able to make it through a week without me. Best of luck.