My Little Pumpkins

Two and Four

It is hard to believe that four years has come and gone since we brought Cookie home.



It is even harder to believe that our sweet precious Moo is now two.



It is amazing to watch their bond as sisters grow. I guess they have figured out that together their evil forces are much stronger together!




Happy Birthday to our sweet precious kiddos!

Can You Repeat That?

For the past couple of nights I have been away and while I was away, The Hubs has been holding down the fort. Just a Daddy and his girls.

Last night during our conversation he stated that every dad should be tasked with caring for the kids overnight at least twice a month Mom less. Yep, you read it correctly a DAD should be Mom Less and Overnight in the same sentence!!

You know what? I AGREE!

Every Mom should have a Mom Pass that has no expiration date and is limitless! Guess what? Now you can have one too. Just click, print and hand it over to your partner and let the Mom night begin.



Okay I know, I know, Dad's should have their special something too.

To all the wonderful Dad's, partners and husbands out there here you go....



Who say's life isn't fair?

Florida or Bust

This week has been a whirlwind. From Houston to Fresno, one economics test, one house to clean and a trip to prepare for this girl has been busy.

And After all the running around, I think I only burned one of the many margaritas I am about to have while on vacation. But that is okay, though my intentions were good, to loose 10 pounds prior to the trip, I can always rely on my Mom Suit.

Okay so enough about my week and my intentions to fit into a bikini that appeared to be my size in the store. Let's get to the fun stuff that will have you saying, "oh no they didn't" at the end of this post.

Prior to leaving for Fresno I tasked myself with two things, cleaning and packing the girls. Everything was organized and ready for the hubs to pack in the car. The Hubs task was to get the hitch installed on my minivan. Yes, I am not only a mini-van driving mama, I am now an official member of the mini-van haulers club.

In addition to the hitch, the hubs felt he wouldn't be cool unless we had one of these...



Now here is the best part. The hubby had the bright idea that we could save a little space by making this our suitcase and strap it to the back of the van.



Yep, you guessed it....I was not only stressed about how the kiddos were going to do in the car but I now wondered if ALL of our clothes were going to be roadkill somewhere along I-10.

Good news is that we made it and it appears that Tupperware is the new "it" luggage when traveling with two kids under four and a husband with a bright idea.

Now back to this...

Daddy's Day Off

It may appear at times that this is all that we do...

But long after the tears are gone, the fun begins...

Happy Father's day to the worlds greatest Captain, Diaper Changing, Beer Drinking, Obsessive Floor Cleaning, Laundry Champ, Sock's with Crocs wearing,92 Truck Loving, Whataburger Eating, Boat Loving, Super Duper Fantastic DAD!

This guy...




Wishing all the dad's of a world a safe and wonderful DADDY day off!

I Just Wanna Dance

Our little Cookie participated in her first dance recital this past weekend and she did great! I am pleased to announce that after a year of dance lessons she learned how to put on sunglasses and shake what her Mama gave her (well sorta). Thankfully we did not experience any unexpected somersaults. Somersaults are Cookie's signature move, you never know when she might "bust" one out.

Now, for your viewing pleasure and my proud moment, I am pleased to share with you Cookie's stage debut. She is the last little dancer on the far right.

We had such a good day,I didn't have the heart to tell her that she has inheritied her Mama's dancing skillz.

As for Moo, she has a fun filled day perfecting her teeth brushing. Her dentist would be proud.



Just look at those pearly whites...

Behind the Lens

Recently, I decided that it was time that I get started on putting together Moo's baby book. Never mind the fact that she is almost two. With that being said, I would like to thank my outlook calendar for being my "go to" to log my babies childhood milestones.

Maybe now is a good time to reiterate that for the fourth year in a row, I am not vying for Mom of the Year.

I am proud to say that to date, I have taken the wrapper off of her baby book and have actually put pen to paper. Bless her heart, when she reads this one day it will be like a game of Fact or Fiction?

Oh and by the way, in case your wondering, I blog in the moment and can assure you that our family escapades are all FACT! Our blog is our "unscripted" reality, poop stories and all.

Anyways, back to the reason for today's rambling of a woman with a couple of minutes to spare. When I first started working on Moo's book I started by going through our family photos. I started shuffling through them, I realized that almost all of them were of the girls, K.C., charlie, family, friends, and random people that I just couldn't resist not shotting because of one reason or another. I noticed that I could count on one hand how many photos I am actually in. The following were my favorite because of the stories they told...

The first one was taken during the first christmas in our new house. I hate to admit it, but this picture has survived longer than the drapes in the background. Since, this photo was taken they (the drapes) have found a new home and the hubby has finally admitted that he didn't really care for them. Gotta love delayed decorating honesty!



The second one was taken yesterday. Yes in less than 24 hours I actually posted a picture of a Mama and her girls! What you don't know about this photo is that I am trying hard to get one smile, before I become covered in chocolate. By the time the girls went Easter egg hunting their candy was a melted pile of Butterfingers goodness. The melted eggs are still "cooling" in my fridge. Every once and while Cookie will pop out of the laundry room with a egg saying, "Mama I am checking this egg and it is good to eat" - as she has already stuffed it in her mouth. Only 38 more melted candies to go.



This got me thinking, "As a mom how many pictures are you actually in?" Vanity perhaps? You don't like your thighs, your teeth could be whiter, need just a little bit more blur to hide the bags under your eyes? Whatever the reason is, do you always seem to behind the lens?

In an effort to get more hot mamas in their photos, I want to share a secret with you. Check out the following site.

http://services.pho.to/

It is a free photo shop site and easy to use. No, this is not a advertising plug. I came across this site because I too wanted to erase the bags under my eyes. From what I have learned I don't think you can change your body to look like a Victoria's Angel but it can help to soften the (kids won't go to bed, deadline due at work) bags under your eyes appearance.

Check it out! But remember when you start touching up your latest facebook profile picture that no matter what you look like you are priceless to someone.

Now, back to Moo's book - poor kiddo is always waiting!

DAVID ZIMANSKY

Have you heard about David, Dave, Mr. Z - well me neither until this morning. Prior to my call with David we were just two strangers passing up and down South Shore Blvd. So, how did I meet David and why was it of such importance that our paths cross?

Well, let me explain. I am currently in school and knee deep in a particular course. In this particular course my peers and I became stuck on a certain topic.

So, I did what any working Mother, at her wits end with a head cold would do...I googled the name of a field professional in hopes that at least one person would respond to a subject line that reads, "Poor Graduate Student Seeks Advice."

David's name and number appeared first, so I quickly fired off a email with my particular question. Can you guess what happened next?

He replied to my e-mail within five minutes! He even walked me through my problem step by step. The best part was, I actually understood what he was saying.

All I can say is that, if this is the type of person David is with a complete stranger, I could only imagine what type of customer service he is providing to his clients. I applaud his compassion to help out a complete stranger and most importantly I am in awe of how well he was able to explain the process to me in terms that even my pea brain could absorb.

Now if only my pretend investments were real, I would want to work with this guy and you should too. His commitment is true - He can help you make informed investment decisions based on your specific needs!

Call him today and just say that a happy grad student referred you!

DAVID ZIMANSKY Financial Advisor Address: 3027 Marina Bay Drive, One Harbor Square, SUITE 202, League City, TX 77573 Phone: 281-538-0270 866-766-0657 Fax: 281-538-0218 Email: david.zimansky@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Have Music - Will Dance

In the Cook chateau there is a lot of music - from country, to rap, to kidz tune we love a good beat. We even love The Biebs! Now, don't get me wrong we are not blazing up the thermometer with Bieber fever, we are just keeping' our tunes diversified.

In case you didn't know it, the Cooks also love a good dance off, it is free and highly entertaining. Especially when the somersaults come out and the hubs tight rolls his jeans because a JAM has taken him back to the day.

Lately, our girls have started raising the roof, as soon as they crawl out of bed. This past Sunday was not exception, Cookie wanted to turn on her "jams" first am. This is fine by me, because that gives me approximately ten minutes to get the coffee IV going.

Did I mention that it was 6:30 am on a Sunday morning! Okay, technically it was 7:30 due to the time change but everything is a justifiable big deal to a non-caffeinated mother of two on a Sunday morning, whose body has not adjusted to the time change!

As the girls broke it down, Cookie wanted the video camera rolling aka blackberry. [I am pretty sure the battery on my camcorder has been dead since 2009].

And this is what I got...

...kinda looks like Moo just served her sister with that nice little stare off at the end of her dance.

Greetings From the North Pole

Dear Cookie - I have been talking to Buddy the elf everyday and he has been keeping me up to date on your behavior. Since you have been so good I wanted to send you a quick message from the North Pole.

And one more thing Cookie - Santa is very proud of your progress on the potty! You will always be successful if always give it your best try. Remember what Mommy always says, "Can't Never Could."

Take care of our Buddy. We miss him at the North Pole and cannot wait to see him on Christmas Eve. But remember please do not touch him and you must be in bed on Christmas Eve in order to Santa to arrive. We love you very much and kiss your Sissy for us!

XOXO Santa

Daddy Go Get My Horse

Our little Cowgirl.

Delicates

Super Load, but the delicate cycle of course. The kiddos thought it was funny, the employee at Home Depot - Not so much.

The look on Cookies face pretty much says, "Sissy, mooooovvve. This is my dryer you go get in the washing machine."

Well, Isn't That Something

Nine years have come and gone and through it all (ups & downs, highs & lows, late night baby feedings) you are still the one.

Even though I may not say it enough, I am thankful that I picked you! Okay, in all honesty I am thankful that we picked one another.

Happy Anniversary to this guy...

You are a wonderful father, at times a pain in my bum, my biggest fan, and most of all the one I still want to grow old with (and annoy the heck out of - just saying somethings may never change)!

You were right, this is a wild ride. But I am glad that we have been and will be sitting together through it.

Happy Anniversary!

Clean Up, Clean Up - Everybody Everywhere

There are times in life you when just need a little song to get the job done. Clean Up, clean up, everybody everywhere!

Now, if only I could get that motivated with a little jingle.

I Heart Technology

It is the little things on a business trip that I really enjoy like...

...getting a video of my girls heading out to trick or treat and Cookie telling her sister to say, "I love you Mommy."

...and being able to see the hubby's super fantastic family pumpkins.



Thanks Honey - You made it feel like I was there!

Goodbye October - Hello November

Seemed like yesterday we were melting in the TX summer heat and now November is approaching. Time - slow down! Wonder where we have been lately? Well we have been wondering the same thing.

October literally came and went and in the mist of all the chaos I even managed to turn another year older. I have to admit, this XX (age to be undisclosed) is beginning to look pretty good. I would like to think it is because of my impromptu order of Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty. I am only on day 20 and let's just say I am not getting any offers to walk a catwalk (just yet), but I do like the moisturizer.

I have also been traveling for work. I was home for the week but will return to the airport security lines on Sunday. The girls have really enjoyed their Daddy time and needless to say, Daddy has really been recharging his Daddy batteries. Kudos to the Hubby if you see him. Better yet buy him a drink he may actually need one or ten by the end of the month.

With Halloween approaching we are gearing up for the girls Fall festival. Cookie and Moo enjoyed their trip to the pumpkin patch and hit the pumpkin mother load. I love the following picture.



Even though I couldn't hear exactly what they were saying I can almost predict that it went a little something like this...

Cookie: Daddy just one more
Daddy: No Cookie, we have enough
Cookie: But Daddddyyyyy, we need just one more.
Moo: Listen you crazy loon, we have enough!

Ahhhh, you can just see the love.

I am actually going to try roasting (attempt not to burn again) pumpkin seeds again. Wish me and the League City fire department luck.

Today is the Fall Festival at the kiddos school, so we needed to do a trial run on the costumes. Cookie desperately wanted to be a bunny but since this procrastinating woman she calls Mom couldn't find one (in her size or didn't look like she was going to the Playboy Halloween party) she settled on being a Puppy. Which turned out to be okay because she learned she could wag her tail...



And because she could bark at her sissy that is a dinosaur. Why a dinosaur you may ask? It is because that is what Cookie wanted her to be.



Together they make a great tail wagging, dinosaur roaring duo.



Happy Halloween!

Missed It By That Much

I am smiling in relief and she is thinking that her tip toes might do the trick. Needless to say our fearless little Cookie wanted to go on all the rides including the drop zone. Which of course I stood my Mommy (very thin) ground on that one. She settled for the mini drop zone.

I wouldn't be surprise if this kiddo goes base jumping one day. I just better be DEAD when it happens. Three is becoming pretty interesting.

Moo, on the other hand would just prefer to kick it with a cold one!

And the Oscar Goes To...

...Cookie - Leading Toddler in a Drama! Cookie played the leading role as a toddler who slightly bumped her head while getting out of Daddy's fun truck. Her portrayal of a poor, poor pitiful me toddler and band aid costume accessorized by a boo boo bunny was remarkable.



Next up the category for Best Baby in a comedy! Moo is a shoe in for this one...



Disclaimer: Please note that there was NO blood shed in the making of Cookie's movie only a few tears that a hug and a popsicle dried away.

What About 105

Five Cook Girls, One Papa Ken and a anniversary were all celebrated this past month, so that meant one thing - Shopping! One Saturday Cookie and I went to scout out what she may like for her birthday. The usual suspects were Dora, Olivia, spiderman and one overly obnoxious remote controlled big foot doll. Needless, to say Bigfoot is still in his demo cage at Target.

As Cookie played with all of the dolls, I looked around as well. Then I stumbled across this...

Up to 104! What do you think someone at the young age of 105 might think?

Let me guess, maybe a little something like this...forget about Bitty Buttons, give me Bitty Bourbon and a pat on the back I am still alive, lordy I am still alive.

Go Mama

I was feeling a little spontaneous on Sunday and jumped on the Hubby's hog. Okay really it is a scooter, but hey I was living in the moment.

Here is the proof.



I have to say that I had the best cheering squad! Listen closely and you can hear Cookie in the background chanting, "Go Mama, Go Mama." Oh that Cookie, what great team spirit.

I guess she thought Mama could use some sprit sprinkles because I had a hard time getting that darn thing started and chances of me even leaving the drive way were looking slim. But I did it and I am sure that I gave the neighbors a nice Sunday laugh.

To be honest, I am just thankful that I didn't eat poop while riding. Also, I am glad that I came back when I did, because Cookie was just about to the put the postage on her sissy.




I wonder where she would have shipped her off to? China perhaps, so she could see Ni Hao Kai-Lan.