Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mr. Pumpkin Carver

Tonight at the strike of 6 o'clock the hubby will transform into the Pumpkin Carver man. Each year with the help of Mr. Sharpie we creatively draw the outline for our pumpkins.

This year I thought we would spice it up and use a stencil. So, I referred to my friend Mr. Google to look for the stencil. What do you know there are about a million (give or take) to search.

So I decided to go with the Pumpkin Lady's. She has it all. From simple to outrageous! You can learn more about the Pumpkin Lady by clicking here and read her blog by clicking here.

I think that we should give these a try...







Until then our pumpkins will sit in peace in our front yard. Be sure to visit Rookie Mom 101 tomorrow because I will be revealing our pumpkins!

Cheers to pumpkin stencil picking and carving!


Tuesday, October 28, 2008

BUGA"whoo hoo"LOO

Steve (our mailman) delivered Cookie her first pair of Bugaloo shoes on Monday and I am so excited to tell you about these little hidden treasures!

They are BUGA"whoo hoo"LOO's. I came across Bugaloo's unexpectedly and let me tell you they are oh so precious and oh so twice as cute and half the price as a similar brand that you might have heard of? You know the one that starts with an R followed by an O and ends with a Beez.

Bugaloo's are just perfect for your little recessionistas! Please do not adjust your screen or think that you are miss reading the price, because the prices are NOT a typo. They are only $15 dollars a pair. [Cha Ching, Cha Ching] With this price they are wallet friendly which means you can justify your need to buy more. At least that is my story and I am sticking to it!

Bugaloo's are also feet friendly, brain friendly, and community friendly. Most importantly they are machine washable.

Right now Cookie is sporting this pair...




And I love these...


And I might just have to get these for a girlfriend that I am throwing a baby shower for next month...


Bugaloo's is a brand spankin' new company with aspirations to greatness. It is the brainchild of Heidi Wells, a young graphic designer valiantly attempting to circumvent the 9am-5pm drudgery. What's not to love about having a shoe designer like this...




For this Wednesday let's spread the word about Bugaloo's and who knows we may just actually start a "bugaloo-tion!"

Cheers to Happy Shopping and Affordable, Oh so cute Bugaloo Baby Shoes!

My Little Mind Reader




Dear PentopAnger,

I received your comment yesterday and thought I would actually take the time to respond to it. Normally I would not take the time to respond to such a comment but I felt that now would be as good as time as any to NOT justify why I choose to post the items I post but to clarify that if you do not agree with what I choose to write then it might be best to scoot along to a different blog.

I found your comment to be a little rough around the edges and would like to pose the question, if you choose to write such a statement to point out someones flaws then why do you choose to leave it with a non-reply e-mail address? Is it because you perish the thought that a Rookie Mom might find the time between diapers and all night awakenings to e-mail you back with a response.


I assume that by your tone that you may be a Democrat and that is okay because much to your surprise this Rookie Mom is a registered Democrat herself. However, just because a 4X6 voter registration card states that I am affiliated with one party that does not deny me of my choice to be open minded to both parties messages.

Throughout this entire campaign there has been talks about "change this" and "change that." But at the end of the day do really feel that your candidate could live up to those changes? Besides at the end of the day "change" doesn't start with one person who is elected to sit in the oval office, it starts with us the Americans and the choices we make each day to make "change" a reality.

Apparently this campaign has you a little uptight and I think maybe it would be best to refocus your anger for the next seven days and go out and do a good deed it might find you a little inspired and maybe a little happier.

I appreciate your comment because every voice should be heard. Therefore, I choose to post your comment and at the end of the day congratulate you on making your choice in this years trying election. I just wonder, have you even voted?

I just wanted to point out the flaw in the reasoning behind this story. If the woman conducting this "rather unscientific redistribution experiment" genuinely had an interest in making it scientific, she would have taken $2 from the tip and given it to the homeless man. This is closer to the tax the young waiter would pay under the Obama plan, and I'm sure he wouldn't have stormed away. I'd imagine anyone you tax 100% is going to be angry and Obama isn't proposing it. For illustrative purposes, lets say the owner of the restaurant makes $1,000,000. Even if we tax him 50%, he's still doing pretty well with $500,000. He may not like it, but if his democratically elected government says that's what his country needs from him, I'm sure he will put COUNTRY FIRST and understand. If the majority of the electorate believes health care is a right, the old and the poor should be taken care of, and democracy should be exported and protected at a cost of $400 billion a year, then the owner should see the extra tax as his patriotic duty. Jesus railed against doing nothing about poverty way more than he did against birth control so he can even see the efforts by the state to beef up the social safety net as his religious duty too. This is the kind of unselfish, COUNTRY FIRST thinking that will get us through the current crisis as opposed to the COUNTRY FIRST campaign signs you all sport that are really just a way to call those you disagree with godless, communist, terrorist sympathizers without seeming soooooo last century. And don't you put God first anyways? Finally, this was no experiment. She was spitefully punishing someone she disagreed with and thought her way to express it was so cute and clever she had to have an audience. Really it was as mean as stiffing your server because you don't like his tie would be in a non election year.
--your story ended up in my email via my family so i wanted to share my response with the source. Thanks for your time.


So, in conclusion I ask the blogger world to talk amongst yourself. If you would like to comment to Mr. / Mrs. PentopAnger then I say let your comments run wild. I think PentopAnger needs a little attention.

Oh and by the way, I think you should leave God out of this one, he is much busier watching over our troops, providing us with the strength and direction to get through these hard economic times and more importantly watching over the health of our family and friends than to worry about if I am not putting him first because of who I choose to vote for our the causes I choose to believe in. The big man knows that he always comes first in our home and that my family praises him each day for his blessing.

Besides the problems with the economy is not because someone didn't put God first it is because some corporate CEO's and our legislative leaders chose to think that they are "God" when they made decisions that have greatly impacted all of us.

Sincerely,



One Non-Political Rookie Mom with a Response

Monday, October 27, 2008

Busy Little Bee

The Hubby and I were able to take Cookie to the pumpkin patch and had a great time with our busy little bee. She scored big! Four of the largest pumpkins found their way into the back of the minivan.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the patch. Cheers to happy pumpkin pickin'...







Morning Rush


This Monday was very unusual in the fact that I didn't need a cold shower to wash away the Monday blues or stand in line at Starbucks to get my cup of morning jolt, I simply went to the polls and voted. It was the rush I needed to get my week going. It was exciting, invigorating and most of all it was FREE!

Give it a try and you will be Thankful that you don't have to stand in line on Tuesday November 4th.

Now that I seem to be coming down off my voting high, maybe I will go and get my Starbucks. What a great day it is turning out to be. The sun is shining, I voted and the possibility of breaking away from work to grab my favorite cup of coffee are looking up.

My "great" day could easily turn into the "perfect" Monday if the Hubby should decide to come home and vacuum the floors for me. A little wishful thinking never hurt anyone.

Cheers to happy voting and a great Monday.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Redistribution of Wealth; Choice vs. Mandate


One of my sorority sisters did a little experiment yesterday and when I read it I just had to share it. It went a little something like this...

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read 'Vote Obama, I need the money.' I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment, I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money that he had earned even though the actual recipient deserved money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application


Courtney you are hilarious! Your shirt says it all. I guess we will know November 4th if your experiment of choice will become a mandated reality for the rest of us.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Love Thy Neighbor

Or your house just may end up on this website:



My girlfriend told me about this last night and it really struck my curiosity.

Let me just say, I was a little amazed by what I saw and THANKFUL that my neighbors haven't written anything about the Cook's. But then I remember that my husband after all is the "Mayor" of the cul de sac.

You need help he is there, you need a dog quieted he will talk to the other neighbors for you and most of all if you need a beer, he is there to open his refrigerator and give you a koozie. [Love you dear! I hope you are having a good day.]

So here is a little 411 on RottenNeighbor.

Tree lined streets. White picket fences. Band practice next door till 3 a.m.? Definitely not what you had in mind when you bought your home!

RottenNeighbor.com is here to help. It's the first real estate search engine of its kind, helping you find troublesome neighbors before you sign the paperwork on your new house, condo or apartment. RottenNeighbor is the largest site anywhere in the world covering the neighbor space, and we're certain you'll agree that the value it offers is unmatched anywhere else!

  • Get access to detailed maps of states, counties, cities and neighborhoods, all search able by zip code
  • Find important neighborhood information by searching the site's user-provided data
  • Help others by uploading your own good or rotten neighbors to our database

Whether you're moving down the street or across the country, we want you to be aware of bad neighbors before you relocate. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, and we are here to provide more peace of mind. Real estate agents can also use RottenNeighbor as a tool to market their services and feel more secure about the homes they show to their clients.

They also have some pretty interesting videos.

So my advice would be to love thy neighbor or you never know if your house could end up on this site highlighted in red. On second thought maybe this is the time to list that pesky neighbor that has been driving you crazy. Whatever you choose to do with this information, be sure to have a happy Friday!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sippy Cup Savings

After many months of buying and trying a variety of sippy cups, Cookie has finally mastered one! Guess, which one she likes the best? Of course, the five for $4.59 travel and go cups. My little recessionista you steal my heart with you unknown love for a good deal.

Oh and by the way, I recently changed to the Kroger brand diapers and much to my surprise they are Super. This Rookie Mom would even dare to say they are better than the name brand ones.

I can almost see into the future. You know sixteen years from now when Cookie and I are in one of those trendy store dressing rooms, on one of our impromptu [gotta have, I am gonna die, you never understand me, life is going to end, he will never ask me to the dance, if I don't have these] shopping trips. I imagine the conversation to probably go a little something like this...

RM: Honey, you do not need those $100 pair of jeans, the Gap brand is just as good. When you were little you never needed name brand diapers, why do you need a hiney cover now that is overpriced denim, with a label that cost more than the jeans?"

Cookie: Gooossshhhhh, you never understand!!!!! Uggggghhhh, (stomp, stomp) Fine, (huff huff)

RM: When you have your own job and your own daughter then you can make the decision on what to buy. Until then, The Gap it is.

Of course, I am not reliving any of my own adolescent experiences. Just letting the old imagination run wild until Grey's Anatomy. [wink, wink]

Okay where was I? Oh yeah savings. With my extra savings I thought long and hard about my next investment and like any wise investor, I reinvested it back into Kroger by splurging on a lipstick.

Here is a little milk and Cookie for an evening treat.





So, I Finally Made It Home


Last night seemed like the never ending travel saga, but that is okay the good ol' folks at Southwest brought me home safely to Cookie and the Hubby.

While on the ground, my Southwest buddies and I continued to exchange stories, laugh about the situation and even shared a few jokes. Thank goodness for my Aunt Joan Collins, [Yes, you read it correctly I have a Aunt "Joan Collins," or as my husband would say my "Favorite" Aunt Joan.] the perfect joke sat in my inbox for all to hear...

Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, 'I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!'


'IMPOSSIBLE !' said the groom broom.


[Wait for it, Wait for it, Are you still waiting?]






'WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!'



Sounds to me like she's been sweeping around!

Corny, but definitely something to lighten the mood when you are not going anywhere. Don't worry they didn't let me say it over the speaker system. Only those in rows 10 and higher with a boarding card A, got to enjoy it.

Happy Thursday and to all of those who may have been stuck on a tarmac somewhere last night, I hope that you all made it home safely to your love ones.


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Coming to You From the Ground


The only problem is that I am sitting on a plane in Dallas! But that is okay, my fellow passengars and I are becoming one big Southwest family. We had dinner together, and we are even talking about the weather. Due to the rain we are delayed and awaiting the next big departure announcement from our Captain. His name is Dan, and yes we are on a first name basis and the flight attendents are Amy and Lisa. Until then I figured I would give a shout out from Row 3.

Cheers to unlimited peanuts and good old Southwest hospitality!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Be Envious...

...I live next to Martha "Tracy" Stewart. Just look what she "whipped" for her son's birthday cake...




After the party Cookie and I had to chance to come over to pet the dinosaurs and jump in the bouncy while she captured some of the cutest photos! However, I will leave it up to your own imagination of what two grown women look like in a Monster truck bouncy.





She is also a great Margarita maker and sends the funniest e-mails!

The following quote was provided by a Funds Manager speaking about today's economical pinch,

"This is worse than a divorce...I've lost half of my net worth and I still have my wife.."

Cheers to good neighbors and Monday mornings.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Zoom Zoom









Thursday, October 16, 2008

A Mother's Love




Hey Joe

So who is this Joe they speak of? His identity is revealed...



I wonder if Kari the Rookie Mom would have been a better topic? We could have discussed the rising cost of diapers, milk and last but not least the amount of money we invest in day care. Nah, I would much rather stay out of it and not take the risk of the Today show knocking on my door at the crack of dawn.

There is No Place Like Home


Now this is amazing. Since the storm there has been a lot of continuing coverage on how evacuees are rebuilding their lives piece by piece, how people are helping people and then there is this one. The cat who really felt that there is no place like home.

Our neighbors are friends with the owner (Max) and shared with us his e-mail, recapping Choctaw's adventure...

Our cat, Choctaw, found our house from Calvert Texas a month after Ike had caused her to run off!!! We evacuated, with our numerous animals to my Dad's house, which is north of College Station / Bryan area about 160 miles away and after being locked up in her travel cage, Choctaw escaped, evidently deciding she was going home with or without us!!! After an exhausting search for her, we decided to come on home and hoped after she calmed down she would go back to Dads. Imagine our surprise last night when she showed up at our front door, wanting in and seemingly no worse for the wear!!!! We've called Dad and Roianne's every week since the storm and even had them alert the neighbors to keep an eye out for her, but never dreamed that she would find her way to Santa Fe!?! Cathy told me that Choctaw was home and I told her to, "call Disney because that kind of stuff only happens in the movies!!!" I hope everyone has a great Columbus Day and good Monday morning.-- Max

You can read the full story and even see Choctaw by clicking here.

I am glad that there precious kitty returned home and I hope that they receive their call from Disney!


Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Jean Squatting; It's an Art


Today I came across another priceless moment when I got Cookie Ready for school and then managed to get myself ready (after a Grande Coffee, several conference calls and realizing that it is 1 PM). It went a little something like this...

Size 18 Month (Cute As A Button) Target Jeans: $8.00

Size ? (two season ago, sucker for a sale, pre-baby fitting) Old Navy Jeans: $29.50

Realizing that my daughter has not learned the art of "squatting" in her jeans to loosen them up to...PRICELESS

For all blogging Mom's who "squat" around the world each morning, you are not alone in your quest for a looser fit. For everything else there is MasterCard to help us afford a pair of recessionista jeans that would actually fit. But I say why chance the horror of having to face the bad lighting of a dressing room and face the fact that gravity really does effect our dairy aires.

Cheers to happy squatting and looser fitting jeans!