Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy New Year!

This Rookie Mom is off to write down her many new years resolutions. I figure that if I write enough of them down and only accomplish a couple of them then I have made great success. However, this year I refuse to write down unattainable resolutions such as I will run everyday for 45 minutes and watch every calorie that I ingest.

Hey I am only human after all and one should be true to themselves so, this year I think I will take the path of less resistance. I vow to run as much as I can and limit my calorie intake to calories that only satisfy me such as the sweet taste of chocolate covered almonds. I may be eating several plates of air but hopefully each plate will come with a side of motivation in the New Year!

Cheers to will power, strength, and motivation in the New Year and above all things happiness and love!

Say It Isn't So

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. Today is a day that we must come together as a nation and light our stoves in rememberance.

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay
their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch.

The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded.

Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If this made you smile for even a brief second, please rise to the occasion and take time to pass it on and share that smile with someone else who may be having a crumby day and kneads a lift.

Aunt Joan, this one is a keeper and just had to be posted! I am laughing so hard I can barely post this. Okay a little morbid with the talk of death, but still a quick laugh to share with those who might need a little extra laugh to get their Monday going.

Cheers to unexpected Monday morning jokes to share among friends, family and co-workers!

Christmas Morning Jiggity Jig

This Christmas morning Cookie woke up doing her signature jiggity jig to the holiday CD.




She then discovered her blessings and was relieved to know that her Elf on the Shelf aka Bubba had put in a good word to Santa for her. [Dear Elf on the Shelf Maker, You are a genius! I will be using Bubba in the many Christmases' to come as my secret ammunition for making sure that Cookie stays in line during the holiday season!]




Then we played!



Wishing you and your families a blessed holiday season.

Cheers to Christmas morning and the memories we make!

Don't Mind If I am Blunt

Our christmas eve dinner was fantastic and we were surrounded by family and friends. Our friends Nana Eileen and Uncle Lyn arrived with holiday cheer and wine.

As we gathered in the kitchen to catch up, Eileen stated with much enthusiams..."Well, don't mind if I am blunt" as she grabbed the wine opener.



The only problem was, she was trying to use the dust buster as opposed to this little gadget...




Oh technology you can fool even some of the most educated people. But don't worry the wine helped to minimize some of the embarrasment.

Cheers to learning how to open wine in the 21st century!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday season!

Just One of Those Days

Have you ever had just one of those days? One of those days when you are longing for home during a long business trip. One of those days when you are in a marathon meeting and MR/MS KNOW IT All just won't stop talking. One of those days when shopping just isn't enough therapy!

Just one of those days when you look at a picture like this and in an instance you realize that one of those days will eventually come to an end...



...And you will soon be on your way back home to these guys!



Cheers to those days ending and another one beginning!

Lotion, It's the New Conditioner

With all of the weather, heavy travel schedule and preparing for Christmas, I guess you can say I have been a little crazed. However, this morning I discovered that somewhere between yesterday and 6:30 am I completely fell off my rocker and need a vacation! [Note to any local travel agents if you need someone to carry the task of surveying a five star resort in the Caribbean, I am your woman! Just email me at mommyneedsavaction@asap.com]

Can you spot what is wrong with my toiletries in the shower?



Never mind the Anti-Aging face wash because that is correct, but if you noticed the Lotion then you are the winner! Yep, this Rookie Mom has been using lotion for her conditioner since Sunday! One would think that I would grab the conditioner upon my discovery, but nah...I went ahead and just used the lotion again.

Don't worry, Mr. Conditioner after a good nights rest, I will be coming after you in the morning.

So this holiday season if you are traveling and find yourself without conditioner than just roll with the hotel body lotion!

Cheers to silky smooth body lotion hair!

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Rental Car

I am back in NM for the week and I think that the snow is following me around. From NM to Houston back to NM, the snow has followed me every step of the way.

When I arrived in NM I received my rental car and did not think twice about my little economy ride, until the snow starting falling at a faster rate than this (100 degree summers, no snow, hurricane hunkering, 100% humidity) TX girl could have ever imagined. My rental (go-cart) car this morning looked like this...



...And there is more snow on the way.

I think I might better go back to Enterprise and ask for an upgrade to something like this...

It's A Bird...It's A Plane...It's A Space Shuttle

It is not every day that a space shuttle flies over your house! Last Thursday my neighbors were able to capture some great photos of the space shuttle as it flew over our cul-de-sac while I was in the land of conference calls. [A big shout out to Tracy for sending them!]

Get ready they are pretty amazing...











Here is a little information about Endeavour for those NASA enthusiast. Authorization to construct the fifth Space Shuttle orbiter as a replacement for Challenger was granted by Congress on August 1, 1987. Endeavour (OV-105) first arrived at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility May 7,1991, atop NASA's new Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (NASA 911). The space agency's newest orbiter began flight operations in 1992 on mission STS-49, the Intelsat VI repair mission.

Endeavour is named after the first ship commanded by 18th century British explorer James Cook. On its maiden voyage in 1768, Cook sailed into the South Pacific and around Tahiti to observe the passage of Venus between the Earth and the Sun. During another leg of the journey, Cook discovered New Zealand, surveyed Australia and navigated the Great Barrier Reef.

You can read more about it here.

Cheers to the year of many surprises, from Obama to Space Shuttles whatever could happen next?

Tis The Season for Christmas Photos

It isn't Times Square But it's A Start

Yesterday was one of my best mall trip I have had in a really long time. You know those days when everything just works right. The sales are good (by the way, Coach handbags are 30% off at Macy's today!), and people are just in the good old Christmas spirit.

The main goal at the mall was to have Cookie's Christmas pictures taken at the Picture People. We have been there on several occasions and just recently for her birthday photos in August. We were so pleased with the results and we highly recommend them to all of our friends. Especially since their prices are reasonable, there is NO sitting fees and you are in and out in less than an hour and half with your photos.

As we walked into Picture People, I immediately stopped dead in my tracks and yelled, "Oh, my gosh there is Cookie!" The salesperson said, "Do you know her?" I said, "I sure do! Here she is!"

Since August they have been displaying Cookie's photos on one entire wall...



Needless to say GG (my Mother in Law), was having one of those super-duper-uber Proud Grandma moments. You know the one when they will dote on their grandchildren to anyone who will listen. Yep, she could have just stood in the doorway of the studio and shown Cookie's pictures to anyone who walked past the studio. To bad I couldn't put a Christmas bow on the moment and called it even in the recession gift giving department. [Don't worry though this sneaky little Santa had your gift in Cookie's shopping cart while I was there.]

I had explained to the sales associate that I had called numerous times to get the proofs but had yet to receive them. This in turned caused GG to hyperventilate a little because by darn she wasn't going to leave that place without one of the pictures they had framed.

Yep, I think she was pretty much going to rip one off the wall and head for the Exit. So, with the fear of the mall security going after my Mother in Law, I politely (on a sterner side) asked the associate to find the proofs while we went to lunch.

After Cookie's little photo shoot we went to the Food Court to have a little lunch. We watched as Cookie enjoyed each fist full of her lunch from Sonic. I think my child has the special talent of being able to stick her entire fist in her mouth. Just give her a grilled cheese and she'll show ya!

We returned to the studio to enjoy some of the cutest little Christmas photos and the joy that they found our proofs! Needless to say that made GG one happy lady.

Our trip was officially successful, due to the fact that I was guaranteed at that moment that there would be no security guards chasing GG down in a golf cart!

Bless His Heart

I guess an apple a day doesn't really keep the doctor away? In a bizarre freak accident on Tuesday a Rookie basketball player was hurt by eating an apple in bed.

Apparently it went down a little something like this...

Derrick Rose's laugh briefly replaced his sheepish smile when asked if the freak injury he suffered Monday morning had come as payback for giving up Gummi Bears.

A self-described sweets freak in college at Memphis, Rose needed 10 stitches to close a gash in his left forearm after he said he rolled onto a knife while eating an apple in bed.

I wonder if any crackers were involved?

You can click here for the full story.

Cheers to safely eating your crackers or in this case apples in bed!

Dear Mom

Hi Mom,

Daddy said that you away again on business and that is okay because I can say hi to you through this thing-a-ma-jig! Anyways, I love you and don't worry Daddy and I are doing okay. We had a nice dinner and Daddy said that he is counting down the minutes to when I go to bed. Don't worry, I will not give him to much of a fuss, because after all I know that he reports everything back to you, Mrs. Boss Lady!

I love you Mom and don't forget about me when you pass by the stuff animals at the airport!

Sincerely,


Your Little Cookie

Now, of course I only speculate this is what she is telling me through the phone!

Cheers to interpreting your child's thoughts at least for the time being!

The Reality of the Doghouse

Ladies, this year when you are making your Christmas lists for your hubby and checking it twice, be sure to pack a little extra ammunition with it and share this link with your request. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SecVCh9dg4I

The good old folks at Jacques Penney (aka JC Penney) have hit the nail on the head and with this video as they examine the underground world of the doghouse. The infamous place where we send our hubby's to think about, thinking about what they just said or did.

So, hubby's this holiday season fear the doghouse because it is no longer a fictional place in your mind it is a reality...

So this year when you are cruising the mall to find that perfect gift for your wives, think of this video and most importantly think twice before buying that undersized lingerie, household appliances, and any dreaded (hint dropping) exercise equipment.

But don't worry Hubby's...no pressure!

Cheers to happy holiday shopping and staying out of the doghouse!

Fortune Says

Since we were hanging with Santa, I thought that I would keep dinner simple and order take out.

Nothing says a winter night like a pile of Chinese take out boxes, a warm couch and on demand TV.

After dinner, I topped off my General Tso's feast with a fortune Cookie. I thought I would keep the desert light since I just ingested a good 2000+ calories in each mouth savoring, double fried sweet and spicy general taso chicken. You know my desert choice is like ordering a super sized value meal from McDonald's and ordering a DIET Coke with it. I guess one could say I am at least prioritizing my calories!

We have a little game in the Cook household that each time you read your fortune cookie you must add "IN BED" at the end of it. Silly, I know but we are not ones to break tradition.

My fortune read, "You will inherit a big sum of money, in bed!" and the hubby's read "Be yourself, and you will always be in fashion, in bed!"

After reading mine to the Hubby he immediately brought in our Early Retirement tickets aka TX Lottery tickets.

You know what, my fortune was right...

We Won!?!

A Whopping $3 dollars, woo hoo! What would we ever do with our windfall...put it back in the lottery of course!

Cheers to winning the lottery big or small!

Hangin' With Santa

Have a great weekend! Cookie and I are going to hang with this guy...




Cheers to meeting Santa for the first time and making memories!

Online Shopping Tips and Tricks on A Budget

Though some say that the economy is rapidly deteriorating the good news is that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well. The good news is, it isn't stopping parents from shopping for their kids' this holiday season. This is definitely great news for keeping Santa employed and the kids (okay and retailers) happy!

However, this holiday season I thought I would try something a little different and actually set-up a holiday-shopping budget so I don't wind up overspending. This year I have found that the ease of shopping for gifts online has been a great option for this Rookie Mom when it comes to looking to save both money and time. I can shop in my jammers, I can get it done while on the road and most importantly I do not have to worry about hauling Cookie all over town.

So for this chilly Friday, I thought I would share some helpful online shopping tips for parents looking to get the most for their money this holiday season.

• Comparison Shopping:
Take advantage of price comparison websites this holiday season. Websites like Price Grabber, Bizrate or Nextag allow consumers to search for whatever type of product they are looking for. For instance, let's say you’re looking for the KidKraft Savannah Dollhouse. Go onto Price Grabber and search for the product you are looking for. Price Grabber compiles a list of online retailers that sell the dollhouse, telling you how much it costs at each site, plus any additional charges. Now you can shop around from the convenience of your own home!

• Smart Searching:
Websites like SearchPerks and Scour reward consumers for using that particular site, by offering prizes or discounts on purchases. For instance, MSN's SearchPerks rewards visitors that use MSN's Live Search search engine with "tickets" that can be redeemed for prizes. You can earn up to 25 tickets per day - the more you accumulate, the bigger your prizes. 4500 tickets, for instance, earns you an XBox 360 Wireless controller, which retails for $50! In order to take advantage of these great deals, you must register by December 31st, so hurry! Scour is a social search engine that rewards its users with points redeemable for $25 VISA gift cards. By searching, voting, commenting and referring friends, users can see big savings! Search for everything from ride-on vehicles, video games and play kitchen sets! It's fun and rewarding!

• Shop With E-Coupons:
E-coupons are becoming a huge business these days. This definitely has its share of positives and negatives. The most obvious positive is the chance for consumers to save big money! using sites like CouponMountain, FatWallet, CurrentCodes and FreeShipping - shoppers can print coupons for top retailers across the country. The negative associated with these coupon sites is whether or not all of the coupons are legitimate. Retailers have been cracking down on counterfeit online coupon scams - with some stores not even accepting them at all. If you're wary of these big coupon sites, check out toy circulars that you receive in the mail - many have coupons that are redeemable online!

• Quality, Quality, Quality:
Don't buy a toy just because it's cheap! [Needless to say I learned this the hard way.] You should be looking for high quality toys for your kids. Read product reviews on sites like Amazon, and ePinions. Chances are if other parents have problems with certain products, you will too. Look for products that are made from high quality, non toxic materials. Natural wood toys made from sustainably harvested hardwood and plastic toys that are PVC-free are all safe bets. It's important that you get into the habit of reading labels - just as you would in a grocery store! Also, check out Recalls.gov for all the latest info on toy recalls.

If you are anything like this Rookie Mom and dread the thought of enduring a busy mall during the holidays you find yourself looking for your straight jacket. [Yes, ever Mother should have one if only in their minds] But this year I will not fear the stress of last minute shopping because the Internet is here!

So kick back, grab a class of eggnog and snuggle up to your favorite Internet browser and list of websites. Before you know it you may just reduce your holiday shopping nerves, and fattened up your wallet with the online holiday savings deals you will find!


Cheers to online Holiday Shopping and the deals to be made!

To Santa with Love

Since August we have had Christmas lurking upon us as stores prepared for the holiday event. Now that the halls are decked and the sounds are Christmas are all around us, I was so excited to receive Cookie's first letter from Santa Claus.

We both danced to the excitement [okay, we were actually dancing to the sounds of my non-Grammy winning Santa Claus is coming to town rap]. The hubby and I actually got one as well. Though the Hubby might need to watch his back or he may just end up on the naughty list, if he keeps waking up on the "wrong" side of the bed. [Love you, Honey!]

In the spirit of Christmas here are a few of my favorite letters to Santa...

Mommy asked me what I wanted you to bring me for Christmas and I just replied......CHRISTMAS!
- Catherine, 2, Orillia, Ontario

How are you able to get down the chimney and be in so many places throughout the world in just one short night? I need to know because my mom says her Christmas dress is too small from last year and she says there's no time to go and get all the things done in time for Christmas?
- Elizabeth, 9, Calgary, Alberta

I was pretty bad last year and now I'm back with my family and it's great. I just hope everyone gets what they want this year. Merry Christmas.
- Jenn, 19, Billings, Montana

I could sure use some ideas about what to get my wife. Has she sent you a list of suggestions?
- Dale, 43, Carrollton, Texas

Do you keep jumper cables in your sled in case Ruldolph's nose goes out? (its gotta go out sometimes!).
- Jessica, 10, Lodi, California

What I'd really like is for my husband's ex-wife to be banished to the North Pole with no telephone in sight, but I know miracles are out of your jurisdiction.
- Cierra, 42, Allons, Tennessee

As my brother has been a very, very, very bad boy I would like you to send someone to torture him. Maybe a chunk of coal too. Bring my parents some neat stuff and the bill.
- Holly, 9, Toledo, Ohio

Please help out the people that cannot have a decent Christmas. Help the homeless find homes, help the starving find food and shelter. Christmas is really about helping others and celebrating the birth of Jesus and being with family and friends. Its not just about toys!
- Justin, 7, New York, New York

Christmas is my favorite holiday. People are much nicer during the holidays.
- Josh, 10, Olympia, Washington

I heard that Rudolf shoots lasers from his nose to protect the North Pole. Is it true?
- Stephen, 9, Calgary, Alberta

I recently, found a great website where Santa has joined the ranks of the world wide web. You can contact him at Free letters from Santa and he will send the perfect little Santa Note to your little ones. You can e-mail, download or for $2.99 have it mailed to your little one. Since we are in a recession of course, I downloaded mine.

Cheers to letters to Santa and keeping off of the naughty list!

Defining Momism

As a Rookie Mom, I have learned that sometimes there are times in life that I will NOT have all the right answers and I will continue to learn from my mistakes.

My sister was right when she spoke the phrase after Cookie's birth, "Yes, she is perfect and only you can screw her up." Not exactly the sweet somethings you want to hear after giving birth. But ironically I have come to find out that it is true on some many levels.

In a recent discussion with a girlfriend she constantly used the term Momism when telling a story of her little ones latest meltdown in Target.

In an eager attempt to expand my vocabulary [okay really just a chance to google] I located the definition of a Momism. Some have described Momism to be trend in America that places guilt on mothers — as to whether they’re making the right choices for their children.

When I further researched the definition I found one that I could really identify with. It was the definition that was accompanied by a Martini add.

One would think that this perfectly placed Martini ad is providing us with the underlining ad message that with every grey hair that is caused by public tantrums, and the stress we place on ourselves as Moms to produce the worlds best kids...it never hurts to escape from motherhood once in a while to enjoy a good martini!

I know that whatever decisions I make for Cookie and the [oh, so public] meltdowns they may cause, Cookie and I will weather them together. I may be a Rookie Mom, but I am learning each day one diaper (and cosmopolitan) at a time.