Them Ole Cotton Fields Back Home

So it's time to head home to LA. I've been working on laundry in between naps (not mine of course) for the last couple of days and today brings an entirely new challenge.

Today's match-up:

My tendency to over pack VS. one medium suitcase

Yes, my friends. Let the records show, and let history always proclaim that the Christmas 2010 trip is the one in which the large suitcase will remain in the closet and Cowboy will have an easier time packing/unpacking/packing/unpacking the car at each house. My task is simple -- shoes, toiletries, clothes, pajamas -- all must fit.

Can it be done? There is a small piece of hope in my heart. 

Will it be done? Probably not. I foresee all clothing in the suitcase, toiletries in a toiletry shoulder bag I received a few Christmases ago, and shoes? Well, I see shoes possibly having a bag of their own!

Maybe there will be a Christmas miracle, though, and it will all fit.

Will keep you posted. Can't wait to return to a land where signs read, " Boudin, Seafood, Propane." Nothing like that trifecta for a bathroom stop. 

 

Seen on ESPNW

The Houston Texans Monday Night Football par-tay is, of course, tarnished by the drama that is Brett Favre coverage and hype of TWO MNF games and his starting streak.  This was earlier.

What's In a Name?

Oh--just everything! And today is a big day in nickname history for Team Loupe.

Thus far Baby Cowboy has been deemed the Cajun Shrimp, a perfect name for the little guy that was growing in my belly and then making his debut into the world. However, let's take a closer look at "shrimp." I say, "shrimp," and you say, "boil," "tiny," "puny," "Bubba Gump," "poboy," -- nothing positive, well unless you're hungry, I suppose.

So without further adieu I introduce the newly named face in town -- The Sheriff! While hesitant at first because Wyatt Earp is not my baby's namesake, I decided it fits much better than Shrimp. He's just growing too much for that title.

 It all started with a duck. This duck.
Wyatt's ped. surgeon broke out a toy for him at our first appointment, coming out saying, "This is for The Sheriff."  Well, we liked it. It stuck. The name, not the duck.
.

Even better, Wyatt loves this duck. It's perfect for his teething, but it's so tiny that he fumbles quite a bit. We'll have to work on those hands. But I'd imagine it gets pretty slippery with all that drool!

So why will Sheriff stick? Well, what are the qualities of your ideal sheriff? Maybe leadership, honesty, sound judgment, and a knowledge of the law. Throw in a sense of responsibility and a spirit of service for the greater good.

Well, little Sheriff, you are on your way. You definitely know the law in this house. Right now, you ARE the law! (May these other traits find you along the way...)

Christmas Time in Sugar Land

Merry Christmas from Sugar Land, Texas. The city many ways to make your season merry and bright, so let's take a look at what Team Loupe enjoyed.

On My Mind.. The Sing-Off, Etc.

There is no way the "experienced" ...and Talk of the Town should still be in the competition. The younger high school school deserves that spot. I'm just saying.

Second, I bought my new planner today. I love fresh, clean sheets of lined paper just waiting for to-dos, events, plans, birthdays, and even better--the scratch-offs!

Shrimp is teething. Poor fella. He's taking it like a champ though.

Back to the Sing-Off, the judges love that group from TN. I mean, LOVE. I guess they are good. I'm just not feeling them. Commit will win this season. I'm calling it now.

Good Night!

A New EPSN -- ESPNW for You and Me

I'm not sure what I think about this. Part of me goes all "what, the real ESPN isn't good enough for us, and are we, those into sports, that stupid to not understand the regular broadcast and media?" But another part welcomes a site created with our lovely gender in mind. As proposed to be "a destination for women who are passionate sports fans and athletes" that hopes to be "surprising, informative and inspiring, because we created it just for you," I wonder what exactly makes it for women. Will it be the content? At first glance I see more front page coverage of women's college b-ball than I'd see on an ESPN page. It also appears to be more about the articles than a quick look at scores/stats/etc.

I'm a fan of the side bar containing what's hot on ESPN (although part of me screams, "yes, thank you for referring me to the 'real' site.") It also briefs me on other web gems not on the ESPN network. That's a nice plus. Finally the "Thing To Do Near You" section is great in motivating us to get off our butts and hit the pavement for some exercise.

I appreciate what seems to be an all female contributing staff, although I don't know if that's certain yet. It's just what I see at first glance. What I will be looking for though, is a writer with Bill Simmons style. Give me my sports news; give me some commentary. But also be sure to supply me with witty metaphors and salty commentary outside of the box.  Inform me. Entertain me. I'm looking forward to what you have to say.

Who's Lookin' Strong (a Sing-Off Diary for the tone deaf)

We've already discussed my lack of talent in the field of music, so I have no place critiquing, at least credibly, these groups, but here are my thoughts.

What Pitch Slapped going home? Is it because of the name? Is it because they are too "Glee"ish

Off the bat in the opening number, The Backbeats and On the Rocks seemed strong.

*Hold on, I am watching this via DVR and cannot believe that Pitch Slapped is going home. Their name, clever yet inappropriate, may be their demise. Or maybe they are too "Glee-ish." Really judges? You sent them packing and kept the "experienced" Jerry Lawson and the Talk of the Town? Their name alone should send them home--too long! I think it was a politically correct move, but not one based on talent. JL and TotT will not win.

Opening song is inspiring. I hope Shrimp has the music in him! His parents definitely have the music in them, but unforutnately, it doesn't sound like as pleasant as we'd like.

 On the Rocks' performance was interesting, disturbingly talented, and I thought the high school group (name escapes me) was predictable and cheesy.

I missed the name of these guys in tuxes, but I like them. Quirky. I think they'll get good marks from the judges for the background singers.

"We're not just singers. We're also a bunch of athletes." That statement just makes me laugh, not because I'm making fun of anyone, but the fact that they have to point it out.

Let me just pause to say that I would truly wet my pants if I ever opened my mouth and a beautiful voice like one of these came out!


What about the awkward guy in Street Corner Symphony? Anyone notice? My prediction is that these guys won't last long either.  Ok, the judges like these guys. Like I said, who am I to judge?

We interrupt for a promo for the 10 o'clock news --rabid  bat at local elementary school! Man, earlier this week it was "Is Houston sinking?" and now a "rabid bat!" Holy smokes! Thank goodness local 2 KPRC is on it!

Backbeat lead singer at first sounds "pitchy." She "could have been a little tighter." There, now do I sound legit? Ok, she's improving after those early deeper notes and is banging it out.

"This Love"--- nice! I like these guys! Now I'm finally getting this judging thing. We like the same thing!
Nice words judgy "pure, raw, unadulterated talent" -- agreed! Shawn having a "musical orgasm" Yes, he was.

After tonight's show I'm putting in my vote for Commit and On the Rocks. Get 'em boys! ( I like the Backbeats too for the strong girl lead vote.)

What I'm So Excited About

I consider myself a person with a weak sense of rhythm and no sense of tone, which is why I love watching those who do.

The Sing-Off starts this week on NBC, and its coming is almost as exciting as the premier of SYTYCD. I didn't watch much of it last year as I was busy with soccer or grading or maybe just another TV show, but this year I'm pumped. It amazes me what these people can do with their voices (or bodies in the sense of dancing). Set your DVRs folks and get on that vocal bandwagon.

And let's see how many times Nick Lachey explains what a cappella means! (So I just learned how to spell that word.)

In the meantime, here's one of my all-time favorites from SYTCYD.

Dear Wyatt

You are five months old today sweet boy! (Ok, now I'm finishing this a few days later!) I am amazed at how fast the time has flown and can only imagine how much faster it goes. I want you to know that you touch our lives in so many special ways, and I thank God every day for the miracle of you. I'm so excited to see the little boy and man you'll become.
Some mommies grieve at how the time passes, but I don't feel that way. Maybe I'm a bad Momma for that, but I think I am too busy being caught up in the excitement that each new stage brings. It's amazing to watch you grow up and discover our world.

A few of your favorites:
*iPhones -- you love watching videos or trying to eat it when I talk to friends and family on speaker phone.
*Your hands -- they keep you from eating and sleeping sometimes because they are so darn interesting. Your newest trick is opening and closing them and scratching whatever you can in the meantime.
*Standing up -- it just might be your favorite state to be in.
*Football -- you still love watching this game that you Daddy loves so dearly.
*Playing in your crib -- yes, sometimes you should be sleeping but you love rolling around and staring at the fabric around you. This is the reason your little brother or sister will have PLAIN bedding!

And here are some things that I love about you:

You humor me!

5 months and growing!

You can't get any cuter!

You love everything around you--kisses for Piglet!

You are so curious about your world!

You light our hearts with your smile

You love watching the visualizer on iTunes

My hands, your feet -- doesn't matter. They are going in the mouth!

You love being outside

There are so many wonderful memories that you've give us, and we can't wait for a lifetime of more love, more joy, more warmth in our home because you are in it.

First December Friday Fun

Man Cowboy says some funny things. This week: "Surgeon General's Warning: Watch out for the cool Brees."

Thanks again to  My Life in the Men's Room for this blog idea. 

TODAY:

Outside my window... nice outside! Houston's Fall brings a high of 68. The neighborhood is really getting into the Christmas spirit this year.  It's great to see so many houses with lights and decorations. Cowboy and I put ours up last Sunday during Shrimp's morning nap. (Well, what should have been a nap. There was lots of playing going on!) I suppose I'll have to post pictures soon, although the lights are no different than last year so maybe I can just use one of those! 

I am listening to... the house creak. Man it makes lots of noises.

I am wearing... jeans and "hoodie." Why I have this category on here--I have no idea. Maybe it's just to celebrate the days I actually get dressed up around here. Heck, today I have on lipstick, real certified lipstick!

I am loving...grocery store rotisserie chicken. I buy one on the weekends and use it for wraps and sandwiches all week for lunch. Can't beat it.

I appreciate... Andre Johnson.

From the kitchen...Made a couple of soups this week and Cowboy made gumbo last weekend, so it was leftovers galore which was nice. No cooking during the week! We tried Chipotle Pumpkin on Monday, and while it was quite tasty, it would better serve as an appetizer to a fancy dinner than a stand alone supper on a weeknight. I also made this soup courtesy of Rachael Ray. I'm usually not a huge fan, but some of her meals are quite tasty, this being one of them. 

I am proud... my friend Shelly, the reader!

One of my favorite things...satsumas! And even better--peeling them in one piece!

I am grateful... for the season of Advent and a time to think about (and do!) prepare our hearts for Christ's birthday!

I am thinking about... the trip to Target I will make at some point today.

What I dreamed this week ...  a gang started by my old students? Except they were going to be a good gang. Where does that come from?

I am praying...for a happy-go-lucky weekend for all!

Shrimp... loves his hands like they are the greatest thing on earth! 

What I realized... yes, every baby is unique. 


Planning for the weekend.. chilling, maybe grilling. I see steaks in my future. We might take Shrimp to meet Santa on Sunday.
A big surprise blog coming towards the end of weekend/beginning of next week.



A picture thought I am sharing...

I'm five months old! Will have to blog that soon.

Just don't do it! Returned to library about 30 pages in.

Thanks Mom for this holiday "happy!"