Mama Pajama

Blogging Star Award

Sandee over at Comedy Plus awarded me with the Blogging Star award. Thanks so much Sandee!! This award was originated by Barb, over at Skittles' Place.

Now I have the honor of spreading the love to other Blogging Stars. So, here is my own list of favorite bloggers:

• .."And Miles To Go Before We Sleep..."
• A bit of me
• Any Apples
• Cherished Moments with my 2 Angels
• Comedy Plus
• Delaney Diaries
• I'm an Organizing Junkie!
• Katy
• Laura Williams' Musings
• Life Is Just Ducky
• Pop Culture Dish, Presented by Malcolm
• Rocks In My Dryer
• Skittles' Place

Now grab your award, and spread the love!  I know many of you have already been given this award, but I thought you deserved another one!

Friday's Feast #6

Appetizer      

Who is the easiest person for you to talk to?                

My husband

Soup
If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose?

Rome? I don't know....it was pretty brutal back then.

Salad
What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed?

If I had been awake it would have been my son being born....but I'll say seeing my son in person for the first time.

Main Course
If you were a celebrity, what would you do for a publicity stunt?

I'm weaning myself away from my People Magazine and tmz.com obsessions and this isn't helping....But if I had to do my own publicity stunt....it would not involve drugs, alcohol, driving with my child out of his carseat....etc. How about a nice little wedding crash, or even some "couch jumping?"

Dessert
What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child?

I was 27....that was a good age for me.  I actually felt ready at 22.  The most important thing is that you're mentally prepared and that you're in a loving relationship...I'm glad we waited five years now, because it gave us time to do things like travel a little bit, and have time for "just us." Everybody is different and knows the right time for them.

Go to Friday's Feast to join in the fun!

Thursday Thirteen #4

Last night, as I was trying to fall back asleep to the very annoying soothing music coming from my son's "Baby Tad," it dawned on me.  I know what I can write about this week! I still have about twenty 45 records from the eighties.  Here are 13 of them that I can remember off the top of my head....

1. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean [JUST A GREAT SONG]

2. Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go [AS I'VE EXPRESSED BEFORE - I'VE ALWAYS LOVED GEORGE MICHAEL. I SECRETLY WROTE, "I LOVE YOU" ON THE BACK OF THIS COVER - ONLY TO BE MORTIFIED WHEN MY BROTHER FOUND IT....]

3. George Michael - Faith  [NO EXPLANATION NEEDED]

4. Starship - We Built This City  [I HAVE IT ON MY IPOD NOW. STILL A FUN SONG TO LISTEN TO WHEN I WORK OUT]

5. Starship - Sara [THIS RECORD WAS ACTUALLY BLUE!]

6. U.S.A. for Africa - We Are the World

[CYNDI LAUPER, KENNY ROGERS, LIONEL RICHIE, MICHAEL JACKSON, DAN AKROYD? oh yeah...]

7. Lionel Richie - Say You, Say Me   [I LOVE THIS MAN'S VOICE! BALLERINA GIRL....OH....WHAT A FEELI-IN...WHEN YOU'RE DANCIN' ON THE CEILING]

8. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing  [I DIDN'T REALLY LIKE THIS SONG - THIS ONE WAS A GIFT...BUT I LIKED THE VIDEO]

9. Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun   [MY ANTHEM AT SEVEN YEARS OLD]

10. Cyndi Lauper - She Bop  [I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THIS SONG WAS TALKING ABOUT, BUT MY FRIEND AND I MADE UP A DANCE ROUTINE TO IT AND PERFORMED IT IN A SCHOOL TALENT SHOW.....2ND GRADE]

11. The Bangles - Manic Monday   [FUN TUNE...I STILL HEAR IT ON MY EASY LISTENING STATION]

12. Gloria Estefan - Anything For You  [NOT HER MOST POPULAR SONG, BUT MY FAVORITE]

13. Dionne and Friends - That's What Friends Are For   [I'VE BEEN SINGING THIS ONE ALL MORNING AND MY SON'S GIVING ME A LOOK OF DISGUST...BOY I LOVE THIS SONG]

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday #3: Howdy Podna!

My son is starting Therapeutic Horseback Riding soon, so I chose this cowboy picture from last year at Halloween!

You could win...

...a cool new HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer!  It is portable, and you don't even need a computer to use it!  You can do the editing right on the printer!  Just think, you could finally print all those pictures that have been stored on your computer for years...and you won't have to wait for them to come in the mail!

To enter the contest, just go to  5 Minutes for Mom.  The drawing will be held on September 10th.

Heads or Tails #2: Hobby

Ok. I tried. I really tried to find a word that rhymed with hobby.....I thought of Bobby, lobby, or knobby....but nothing jumped out at me. 

So, I'll write about hobbies.  I am someone who likes to dabble in lots of different things. 

1. 1.  I love playing on the computer now, which may or may not count as a hobby.

2.  I love to draw.  I like to sketch images that I find in magazines with charcoal pencils.  The problem is, I can't draw eyes.  I can draw pretty well (by my standards anyway) but when I try to draw human eyes I ruin the picture.  If I had a scanner right now I'd show you.  I'm pretty good at drawing dogs, hands, etc.

3. I like to read.  Again, is that considered a hobby?

4. I  love to play sports (tennis, softball, etc.).

Here are two hobbies I'll probably never get into:

1. Scrapbooking - Sure, it's cool and everything....but photo albums are fine by me.  I'll even go as far as making the occasional photo book on  shutterfly.com, but I don't have the patience or the money for all the stuff you need to scrapbook. 

2. Sewing - It's probably a shame, because I'm sure my mom would love to teach me, but I have no interest in quilting or sewing in general. I'm not sure why.

Head on over to Skittles' Place to participate in the Heads or Tails Meme.  You can even join the blogroll.  Weekly topics are listed on her site.  Join in the fun!

 

Menu Plan Monday

Here we go:

Monday: Twice Baked Potatoes

Tuesday: Hamburgers

Wednesday: Cheese Enchiladas

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Almost Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner

Head on over to orgjunkie to share your menu plan for the week!

Eight Random Things About Me

1. Tagged!!

Alison from Cherished Moments with My 2 Angels has tagged me with the Eight Random Things About Me meme. I've never done this one before so it should be fun!!

1. I have a really big head.  Hats are not good for me.
2. One of my favorite things to do is play catch (football or softball).
3. As a kid I would ride my bike up and down the street all day, "skidding out" at each end. Just picturing myself doing this at 7 and 8 yrs. old makes me smile.    I really thought I was tough. 
4.   I love my carpet cleaner (see a whole post dedicated to it).

5. I know all the words to Steel Magnolias.  It is the best movie of all time.  I don't care what any men think on this one.....

6.I still think George Michael is my favorite singer.   Despite all of the 'controversy' that surrounds him....I love all his CDs. 

7. My first concert was to see "The Monkees" at Astroworld in Houston.  (revival tour?)

8. I really like my big feet.  I don't know why.  I just do.

Now I'll tag: Anna, Katy, Becca, Comedy Plus, and Shell

Friday's Feast #5

Appetizer

Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?

  Dolly Parton.  I love her sweet southern accent.  I just love her so much in general....and I'm sure my husband wouldn't mind meeting with her either, to discuss the details... : )

Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)

C-A-S-H-E-W          Can anyone say he eats well?   (geez...I know)

Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?

The 40s....But I'm glad it's only for a week.  I need my electronics.

Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you.

REO Speedwagon....I Can't Fight This Feeling...I don't know what feeling I was fighting at only seven years old, but I loved this song back then.  I think I just loved the guy's voice.

Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?

Duh. Warm kills more germs.  You're talking to a major germ freak here.

Go to Friday's Feast to join in the fun!

Thursday Thirteen #3

13 Random Movies We Own:

1. A River Runs Through It (makes me wish I could learn to fly fish in Montana-especially if Brad Pitt were there to help)
2. Steel Magnolias (best movie of ALL TIME)
3. Dirty Dancing (ultimate girl movie - "and I owe it all to you!" mmm...Patrick Swayze)
4. King Pin (funnier every time we watch it - but lots of gross out humor)
5. National Lampoon's Vacation (classic 80s - we love Chevy Chase)
6. Office Space  (I've seen it too many times....but it still makes me crack up)
7. The Warriors (husband's!)
8. The Wizard of Oz (no explanation needed)
9. Dumb and Dumber (need more gross out humor?)
10. 40 Year Old Virgin (very classy, right?)
11. Everybody's All-American (LSU football.....husband had to buy it)
12. Annie (this tape is pretty worn out - I love Carol Burnett.  I thought I was Annie as a little girl....)
13. The Great Muppet Caper (best Muppet movie I've seen)

Wordless Wednesday #2: Sweet Dreams with Daddy

This week I will actually do what I said I'd do last week.  It's much too boring to repeat. : )

To join in the fun, go to 5 Minutes for Mom

Heads or Tails #1

                               

             Lucky Girl

Luck, Fate, Destiny, Chance, Coincidence…...

  Here are three instances in which “luck” changed my life:

1. I was adopted as an infant by parents that loved me completely….When I think about how different my life could have been if I had been placed with different people – it just boggles my mind. 

2. I met my husband in a Biology class at Texas A&M.  At a school of over 40,000 students,  what were the odds of either one of us taking that course at the same time?  He was a Finance major, and I was an Elementary Education major.  He also transferred in from LSU.  He could have easily stayed there.  I can’t imagine my life without him.

3. We caught a major health problem with my son on an ultrasound performed at 29 weeks.  The only reason we did the extra ultrasound was because my mom had missed the first one.  Had she turned on her cell phone the morning of the first one, she might have been able to be there. So, we never would have asked for the last one.  It ended up being a true miracle.  He was delivered immediately so that he could have life saving brain surgery. I’ve thought about it so many times…but the reality of what could have happened still takes my breath away.

I think that it was more than luck.  God knew where I belonged: with my parents, with my husband, and with my sweet angel baby.  I know that I am one LUCKY GIRL.

(AS YOU CAN SEE, HE'S A VERY HAPPY BOY!)

Head on over to Skittles' Place to participate in the Heads or Tails Meme.  You can even join the blogroll.  Weekly topics are listed on her site.  Join in the fun! 

 

Menu Plan Monday

OK...Here's what we're having at our house this week:

Monday:  Crab legs with French Bread (we get them from HEB....mmmmm)

Tuesday:  Lasagna

Wednesday:  Leftovers

Thursday:  Beef Fajitas

Friday:  Leftovers

Saturday:  Parmesan Chicken with Mexicorn and Green Beans

Sunday:  Almost Homemade Pizza

Head on over to orgjunkie to share your menu plan for the week!

Image Meme

I've been tagged by Alison from Cherished Moments with My 2 Angels with this Image Meme. Here are the rules:1) Go to Google.2) Click on Google images.3) Type in your name and search.4) Re post (w/ a link) the picture of the oddest, craziest, strangest, coolest, oldest, etc. person that shares your name. Post multiples if you find a few you like.5) Pass it on to at least 5 other people.

I found lots of people named Holly, but none as cute as this labradoodle. Her name is Holly!

Now I think I'll tag......

1. Kara

2. Katy

3. Comedy Plus

4. ...And Miles to Go....

5. The Gal Herself 

Friday's Feast #4

Appetizer
Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day?

I'm sure that the thrill will wear off one day, but I love doing laundry.....I do at least two loads a day....I love the new "spout style" liquid detergents too....and the smell of dryer sheets.  When I take walks around the neighborhood I  can sniff out different brands people use....

Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old?

You're only as old as you feel, right?  But if I am lucky enough to make it to 80, I'd say I'm pretty old. 

Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both?

I have the long term goal of being a good wife and mother.

Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately.

It's too early...give me an hour.... Ok, a woman just had identical quadruplets...Wow!identical quadruplets

Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today?

I'm happy!  My son slept more than 6 hours overnight!  We've been having sleep issues.  He's starting to become nocturnal.  : )

To join in the fun, go to:  Friday's Feast.

Thursday Thirteen: #2

The Last Thirteen Movies we've rented:

1.   300 (Incredible special effects - gory but great historic plot)
2. Green Street Hooligans (European soccer gangs...who knew?)
3. Letters from Iwa Jima  (Best WWII movie I've ever seen)
4. Deja Vu (The plot's a bit hard to swallow - but very cool idea)
5. The Bounty, 1985 (Husband's pick......but I enjoyed it)
6. Little Children (not what I expected at all) 
7. The Queen (Helen Mirren was great, but I thought the guy who played  Tony Blair should have received more recognition)
8. Why We Fight (powerful documentary)
9. Babel (oops...there were subtitles?  Yes, we actually watched most of the movie without them.....I can't believe I'm admitting that)
10. Casino Royale (I like the new and improved James Bond)
11. Man of the Year (I thought it would be goofy...but I enjoyed it)
12. Little Miss Sunshine (FAVORITE MOVIE of the year)
13. The Usual Suspects, 1995 (Oooh, I love this movie!)

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday #1: Pensacola Beach, Florida

This week I will dust all 5 ceiling fans.  Yesterday a ball hit one and let's just say it wasn't pretty.....

To join in the fun, go to 5 Minutes for Mom

Cajun Recipes #2

My Monday Menu Plan includes Cajun Shrimp Stew.  I wanted to also share the recipe. 

Critical ingredient:  Pat's Roux  - You can get it at Pat's Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant in Henderson, Louisiana.  I've tried using other brands, but this is by far the best.

Cajun Shrimp Stew

Ingredients:3 heaping serving spoons of Pat's Roux, 3 cups water, 1 chopped rib of celery, 1 cup chopped onions, 1/2 bell pepper (chopped), 1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp, salt, pepper, and red (cayenne) pepper to taste.

First: If you are using roux from a jar, pour out the oil which will sit on top.  Then, in a medium pot of your water, add the roux.  You will need to cook the roux at medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring constantly.  Now, add all the vegetables.  Season to taste.  You will want to add quite a bit of salt and black pepper.  Be careful with the red pepper.  Remember: you can always add more - but you can't take it out!  (I've learned that the hard way LOL) Cook for about 30 more minutes, stirring frequently.  Now you can add your shrimp!  Continue to cook at medium to medium-low for about 30 minutes, stirring often. 

Now just serve over rice and with brown-n-serve rolls.......C'est Ce Bon!

Menu Plan Monday

Here is my first Menu Plan Monday.  My awesome, great, and loving husband likes to do does the grocery shopping (I know, I'm lucky) so I actually do plan the list every week.  It has really saved us money to shop with detailed lists. 

Monday:  Cajun Shrimp Stew with rice and rolls    [See recipe above]               

Tuesday:  (Leftovers)

Wednesday:  Grilled Bacon Wrapped Filets with Green Beans and Corn

Thursday:  Hamburgers and Salad

Friday:  Almost Homemade Pizza

Sat: Twice Baked Potatoes

Sun:  Salad and Homemade Bread

Head on over to orgjunkie to share your menu plan for the week!

SMART Habits Saturday

Week 2:  I pledge to start timing myself on the computer.  For every hour I spend on the computer, I must use the Elliptical Machine 10 minutes.....will the computer time be worth it? 

Week 1:  Daily Flossing (4 out of 7 days)

To join in SHS go to The Lazy Organizer.

Friday's Feast #3

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of pie?

Cherry

Soup
Name something that made you smile this week.

When my husband told me that HIS "Top 13 Television Show List" would include Spencer for Hire, Airwolf, and Amen.....really.

Salad
What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?

It's hot and humid 8 months out of the year here...I wouldn't know what do it if it wasn't. My body is just used to it.  In the winter my hands shrivel up and crack when the temperature drops into the fifties.

Main Course
You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home.  Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?

I wouldn't redecorate.  I would use the money to buy an outside storage shed (is that enough?) to declutter the garage....it's a real hazard zone.  We somehow manage to fit our car and van in there every night....along with at least two storage sheds full of stuff stacked on three sides.

Dessert
Fill in the blank:  My _________ says __________, but I __________.

My brain says don't do it, but I eat the Drumstick anyway....mmm..ice cream!!

To join in the fun, go to:  Friday's Feast.

Thursday Thirteen #1

This is my first Thursday 13.  So here we go....

My Thirteen All-Time Favorite Television Shows

Seinfeld - definitely the most original show ever made.  Every single episode makes me laugh....my favorite is the one with the "ugly baby,"  "shrinkage," and when Kramer catches lobsters illegally.

Cheers  Excellent character development - and such terrific writing.

ER -Still a powerhouse after so many years.  I have been there for it all! 

  L.A. Law - Does anyone else remember when Rosalind Shays (thanks Malcolm) steps into the elevator and there IS NO elevator!?....I still look down before stepping inside.

The Cosby Show - I've probably seen every episode at least twice. You can't beat Rudy and the fam lip synching "BABY.......BABYYYY...." for the grandparents.

Frasier - I'm not sure if this is a show for snobs, or a show for making fun of snobs....either way I'm a huge fan.

King of Queens - I love a good wife bully - and the dynamic of this couple. The nightmare of a father-in-law is such a hoot. 

Everybody Loves Raymond - I found this show in college, and I fell in love.  This show made me feel much better about my own family...and future family.

Magnum, PI - I never watched this when it originally aired, but it is my husband's all time number one favorite.  I think I've seen them all now! Tom Selleck in short shorts, solving mysteries and hunting down bad guys...in HAWAII!!!

Golden Girls - My husband will scoff at this choice.  But I think he secretly loves the ladies, too.  Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, Sophia....I love them all.  This show always made me wish I lived in Florida and that I could go sit outside on the "lanai."

 

Sopranos - We watched this series on DVD, from the beginning, in about two months.  It could be very violent and shocking, but if it weren't it wouldn't have been such a huge hit.  This is another show all about character development.  It broke my  heart when Sylvio whacked Adriana...and Paulie was my absolute favorite...

Nip/Tuck - This show is so creative with its plot twists. I can't wait until it comes on again!

Big Brother (All Seasons) - Yes I know this show is pretty trashy, and based on greed, but it's on CBS....so doesn't that make it OK?  I'm completely addicted!!

Go to: Thursday Thirteen to join the fun!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday

DE-CLUTTERING....Never Fun...But Very Rewarding

Recently my husband and I have been on a mission.  We have been trying to get rid of all the clutter.

When we moved into our house it felt so nice and roomy.  We even had an empty bedroom (LOL).  Now you'd swear we have 5 kids.  But, of course, we only have the one.  A two year old with enough toys for a small village.

So, instead of parting with toys, we are parting with our unused junk... Some of it isn't exactly junk, we just don't have any use for it anymore.  We've given some away to friends, sold some of it on-line, and have donated the rest.  You'd be surprised what you can find stored under beds, hiding on closet shelves, and lurking right out in the open.

Our dining/exercise/storage room will be my next project to tackle.  We still have a long way to go, but it feels so good to know that someone out there is enjoying our used "stuff."

Go to Rocks in my Dryer for more WFMW ideas!

Tackle-It Tuesday

Today, I will hem and hang the curtains we've had since January of 2003.....We had some up that we never really liked.  We just never bothered switching out the rods!

Also on my list:  laundry, dinner, walk dog, dust (ek), get off this computer!!!

To join in Tackle-It Tuesday, go to 5 Minutes for Mom

SMART Habits Saturday

Week 1: OK.  This will be my first habit.  I'm only committing to one a week...because I know me...and I work well with baby steps. 

My first habit is daily flossing....yes, daily...I'm going to the dentist in one month so that should add to my motivation.

To join in SHS go to The Lazy Organizer.

Friday's Feast #2

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?
-Before 8am...4      After...8

Soup
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
- Last night I watched the dance at the end of "Little Miss Sunshine."  I hadn't seen it since Christmas.  I love that movie.

Salad
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
- Foghorn Leghorn. 

Main Course
Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.
- Mr. Kidwell...HS band director.  He told us funny stories almost every day.  I can remember them in full detail, too.  Accidentally setting a lady's bouffant hairdo on fire while lighting a candle as a waiter....best story ever...she never knew.

Dessert
Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that ______________________.
- I strongly believe that the Houston Texans will eventually have a great season : ).

Works-For-Me-Wednesday

Parenting is absolutely the biggest responsibility any of us will ever have.  It is also a privilege.  My only parenting advice is to appreciate every moment. 

You can read as many books as you can get your hands on, and each will have different ideas about feeding, sleeping, potty training, homework, the teenage years, etc. But every child is unique, and will never fit into a perfect mold.  The most important thing is to maintain a happy and healthy environment.  A home filled with love and respect, for everyone in it, will create happy and healthy adults.

For more parenting tips, go to Rocks in my Dryer.