coffee talk....

So I am in love with coffee.... I was raised drinking coffee. My habit started about age two. My mother hates even the smell of the wonderful stuff so we didn't have it at home, but both sets of GP's drank it and I always had "coffee milk" at their houses. (my mom's parents live across the street from my parents and my dad's parents live a few blocks over... so I was always one place or the other)I started hanging out at coffee shops in high school. I did it in the I-want-to-be-out-of-the-house-and-social kind of way....much like how coffee is actually a fashion accessory these days. I was not one of those brooding, angsty teenagers that hid in coffee shops....I just happen to LOVE the taste of strong chickory coffee. I drink coffee everyday at work, sometimes all day....Which brings me to the fact that I have become a LOCAL coffee snob enthusiaste. I love PJ's and CC's and Morning Call and Cafe Dumonde. In high school I frequented Cafe Fresca. In college, since I went away to another city and there were no decent places for coffee, I had to make my own... the only fashionable place to have coffee was Barnes & Noble.....didn't cut it for me.

As I mentioned here, during our recent trip to the Hubbs hometown, we were desperate for an outing and we ended up at Starbuck's. It was my first official visit. I think I had been in one in NY about ten years ago, but I dont' think I ordered anything.... and if I did it didn't make an impression on me in any way....oh and come to think of it I think I had a few sips at a bookstore in Baton Rouge once....also no impression. I didn't even think we had many in town....turns out we do, I just don't look for them. In fact there is one two blocks from my house across the street from a PJ's I happen to like. I think I have been in it only to buy FIJI water when we go walking....So back to what I was saying... I told the girl at the counter that it was my first time and I had no idea what I wanted. She got excited and said welcome and proceeded to explain in full barista lingo all the joys Starbuck's has to offer.....I just stared at her. She said we could have samples of the best seller.....I forgot what it was called, but I've seen it on other blogs....I didn't like it and went with a Caramel Latte. Hmmm. It was OK... I also got a cookie...(even though I am not supposed to eat sugar) and Matt ordered something weird with all the lingo and ease of expertise as if he goes to Starbuck's all the time... We had a great time on our mini-date, no offense to Starbuck's but it just isn't home....not a fan....My coffee and the taste of Matt's that I had may as well have been desert. Which, if that's your goal go for it. I however like coffee to taste like coffee....with only a hint of flavor...It was an experience.... and I would probably go again if I don't have one of my local favorites handy....

Here are some of my coffee cups. I have tons! They include a full set of 12 in my china pattern, my everyday Fiesta colors, a set in a 2nd set of china, randoms that we have collected over the years, and all of the travel mugs we get. We used to have almost 3 cabinets worth and have since seriously pared down.... bye bye free travel mugs from law school....

two new ceramic mugs that I found at my beloved TJMAXX (left) and a few of my fav travel mugs (right)

here are 1)my red& white everyday Fiesta, 2) the hubb's fav randoms, 3) 1 of 6 of my grandmother's that i grew up with & were given to me and 4)  some of my fav randoms. i love random Fiestaware. Sorry no pics of either chins pattern....packed away for move.... 

here are just a few of the the places I visit around town....

the two above are stops near my house...

on my way to the dance studio....

when in Esplanade mall...

when over at Lakeside mall....or late night....

this is the one i visit near work....

Do you just love coffee too? Do you have a favorite mug?.... am I the only one completely wired on caffeine?

Our trip to Texarkana...

The hubbs and I were not able to go back to his hometown to visit with his family for Christmas until this past weekend. We both took off of work on Friday so we decided to get on the road Thurs after work. On our way out of town P sang and clapped along with the radio. We stopped at Waffle House in Gonzales for supper. It was P's first time (probably like my fourth)and he loved the waffle! Surprisingly, P stayed awake for another two hours or so singing and clapping to the music. He finally fell asleep around 10:30pm. We got into town around 2:00am! P played with a Christmas gift or two and then we all crashed around 3:00.

On Friday, we went out to see the snow (still on the ground 5 days later) at a neighbors house. It was P's first snow experience which was EXTREMELY short, as he sat down in it and got soaked and we had lunch plans.

We met Matt's dad for lunch and then stopped over at the PopPop Shoppe to visit there. P got to play with Owen and see some family friends. After that we went to Old Navy for some returns and then drove around looking for "Frosty". I loved seeing all the cute snowmen in everyone's yards.

huge snowman!!! rakes for arms, trashcan for hat and canned goods for buttons!

That evening we did "Christmas" with Matt's parents and one set of GP's. Then the Hubbs and I went on a mini-date.... to .... Starbuck's. It was my first official trip to the popular joint.... There is NOTHING to do past like 8:00pm in his hometown....so I chose a place I avoid like the plague. (more on that later)We had a good time being just us.....

Sat morning, we got up and went to Ashdown to check in on my great-grandmother's house and my aunt's house. The first was in extreme disrepair and completely broke my heart. My most precious memories are the times spent in that house with those family members. SIGH.... The second house is a house built in 1912?, I think, that was in my family, then left my family and my aunt bought it about 10-12 years ago to renovate. It is on the historic register....Then we went to the Hubb's grandmother's house. She is going to sell her house which was built by Matt's great-grandfather. We went through some old papers and family photos and asked her to tell old family stories. Priceless... Sat. night, we ate at Ole Feed House. Matt loves this place....it's ok I guess. Next we drove by his other gandmother's family property, also for sale, to see his great-great grandfather's place and dairy.It was dark and I couldn't see much.... We went to hang out with the Hubb's BFF. They have been friends since 2nd grade. He and his wife are expecting their new baby any day now!!! They live in "East Jesus" as my mom would say....I think it's called Redwater and I have never been there....I thought we were going to die getting there. It took for flippin' ever and was dark and FOGGYand I couldn't see ANYTHING! I've seen less scary horror movies. I like hearing my neighbors sneeze or talk on the phone ... when we are both inside our homes. I like the orange glow of the street lights that lets me see everything.... I like the wonderful comforting noise of the city.... AND the Hubbs went off the road slightly, towards a ditch while trying to text for the address because we-couldn't-even-see-the-mailboxes-let-alone-the-numbers on them.... I about passed out by the time we got there.....AHHH! On the way "back to town" I read a sign that said "Texarkana 14 miles"or something..... yeah right.... where I come from if you drive 14 miles you better see houses and businesses and streets and THINGS all next to each.... close and safe so someone can hear you if you SCREAM! Out there..... NO ONE would hear you.......


Sunday we did "Christmas" with the rest of the Hubbs family and had a big family meal/visit before getting on the road....We got home at midnight and my head finally hit the pillow around 1:30 am.



what a trip....

Hello 2011... welcome to this life....

Well, I have meant to post every single day so far this year to properly ring in the New Year. I didn't. Soooo...

HELLO 2011!

Here's a little recap of the year so far.... the first 13 days of it.




12/31/10 -- We go to a New Year's eve party every year at a friend's house and try to help "blow up the world" (as the guys say) with as many fireworks as possible. Paxton and I were both pretty sick so we bailed at the last minute. Instead we went out to eat together just the three of us and then stopped by my parent's house to do some sparklers that P had gotten in his Christmas stocking. He loved the fireworks that the nighbors were shooting. I thought he'd be scared but every time he heard one he looked up in the air and said"BOOOOM!" We went home around 10:00 and P went to bed. Matt and I settled on the couch to watch the ball drop.... HA. I think I fell asleep instantly. The next thing I know the Hubbs is kissing me saying Happy New Year! WHAT?! How long ago? What time is it? He said "12:06".... you're kidding me right? He couldn't have woken me up 6 minutes earlier??? MEN! Happy New Year, my love.   I toddered off to bed....



here we are... all sick on New Year's eve....



1/1/11 -- We had New Year's dinner at my aunt's house. My whole family was in attendance. We had the tradional pork roast, black-eyed peas and cabbage. I've been eating that stuff every year my whole life and I don't think I've gotten any luckier or richer....

table decorated with old cloth calenders as a table cloth and for the napkins

We took rides in my dad's new dune buggy....guess he'll be in the parades this year....That night Matt and I went shopping for a bit and I got a new pair of UGGS and some super cute heels on sale and a new watch from Brookstone.... that I love!(It's DEUCE brand sportswatch - "The original glow") 

my watch...yeah I'm freckle-dy

Then we dropped the BOOG off with the GP's and headed to a movie. AHHHH! - a real date.....not enough of those these days. We saw Black Swan.... to die for by the way. I loved every second.... more on that later.

                                    

1/2/11-- I picked up some sweet friends Megan & Brent from the airport and had brunch with them. They were in town for the Sugar Bowl.We visited most of the afternoon. Then P and I crashed!!!

1/3/11--Matt's parents came in town for the Sugar Bowl festivites....

1/4/11--Matt and I went to Cooter Brown's for the BIG GAME.....SIGH. I remain strong.... WPS.

matt and me at Cooter Brown's for sugar bowl....

1/5/11--Spent the entire day with P at various doctor appointments.... he passed his hearing test!

1/6-1/10 = the daily grind....

1/11 - My kiddo got caught in the tunnel kissing a little girl at school for the first time... a true WEAVER.....so I've heard.

So, I had the great idea that I would actually stick to a resolution this year. I can't decide on one....I do have some things I want to do this year.....

1. loose weight/get my PCOS in order?
2. vacation with the Hubbs...
3. new iPhone
4. clean out all the JUNK I own
5. catch up on some movies and books
6. re-connect with old friends

What are your goals for the year?

Christmas and after the cheer...

This Christmas came and went before I was ready or breathed long enough to know what was going on. I blinked and it was all over. Paxton had a great time and was a champ opening all his presents. His favorites were a stick horse that he loves to ride and a tricycle and a mag - na doodle and his mega bloks. We did Christmas with my dad's family on the 18th while some of that side of the family were in town. We went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Matt and P and I were asked to light the Christ candle in the advent wreath to open the service. It was a nice service. We went back to my parents house where my mom's whole family gathered for a snack supper and presents. Christmas morning we all met at my aunt's house for Christmas breakfast. And then back to my parent's Christmas night for a Christmas dinner with both sides of my family. It was nice to see everyone but I was completely exhausted after it was all over.

Yesterday Paxton and I were lazy all day. We played Peek-a-boo in for hours. We watched Beauty and the Beast and played with Santa gifts.

Today, we made some returns, took a couple of naps and had Christmas left overs at my parent's house. Paxton didn't have school today and I loved being home with him!!!!!Now... if only that was an everyday thing.....

Merry Christmas Ya'll... here comes the New Year!

Cute Christmas Giveaway... and this life update

A sweet girl named Megan who writes a blog I read, called "In This Wonderful Life...," is having a Christmas giveaway. For a chance to win cute Christmas goodies see her post here.  

I have been a BUSY BUSY bee these last few weeks. It's year end at work, Matt has a new work schedule that I just can't get used to, P had surgery last week, and of course ALL the holiday bustle. I had my mom whip up some cute Christmas costumes for three of my dancing ladies to wear at the HSD Christmas performance tonight. They did a great job! I just love those girls.

I have not started my Christmas shopping and only threw some Christmas cards together last night...oh I hope I make it through this season.... I haven't gotten to really relax or enjoy much of it yet.

Oh Christmas Tree!!!!

This weekend P and I decorated my parent's BIG Christmas tree in the family room. (They put up a tree in the library and the dining room too...and Mom wants a fourth tree... Daddy says no way) Anyway, Paxton and I had helped decorate my aunt's tree the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was his first crack at it and he did SOOOO well! He of course hung several ornaments on each branch in the same spot, but most toddlers do. He considered each move he made. I handed him each ornament and he would walk up to the tree and look at several branches as if he needed to find just the right place, take a few steps this way or that way, and finally hang the ornament (without help after the first try) and it would inevitably be on the same branch as the last time! I got a few pics. I digress.... Sat. 12/4 we went over to my parent's and Mom was instructing my dad how the lights should be going on (she has a broken foot = she NEVER let's anyone else handle the lights) and P jumped right in as if he had been instructed to arrange the lights himself. He pulled strand after strand out of the lights tub and pulled it straight across the living room floor and then started going round and round the tree like his Poppa. Then he would stop and bunch up the strand of lights and put the whole unlit strand in the tree. When that was to his liking he would set out for more. He did this so many times I had to put the lid on the tub so my dad could catch up. Next came the ornaments. I put a box on the floor for him and he sat down and picked his own ornaments to hang. He would stand up, walk to the tree and carefully hang each one by the hook... if he didn't like it he started over and if it was hanging funny he would just lay it across the branch.... he was too funny. He seemed like such a kid; a real grown up person instead of a one year old! Later my mom and I hung icicles. We had never done this before and I was not happy about it at first because the recycling people will not pick up trees that have been tinsled or flocked... so instead of the swamp this year the tree is headed to the landfill... :( But I must say the experience was great. My mom and I giggled so much as we covered the tree with fabulous silver threads of sparkle. I loved it.

Sunday P and I decorated our little tree at home. He put on about four ornaments then sat on the floor and organized the hooks and put the tags from my new decorations in a box.... oh to be a one year old. I think it came out cute. I usually do a  "family tree" with ornaments from my childhood and special gifts. My mom started giving my brother and me ornaments every year and then when I got married they came to live with me. My name and the year are written on each one. When Matt came into my life he immediately started getting ornaments of his own from her, and now P too. The second theme I love is the collection of "sugar plum" tree decor that I started collecting maybe 5 years ago. I haven't put it up yet but I love all the ornaments that I have so far. They are all purple, plum, silver, and sparkly. I intend to put all of my ballet ornaments with this tree too (most from my childhood are ballet). Last year I bought a couple of bright colored ones to add to the regular collection and thought they would be so cute as a whole theme by themselves. Well.... this year I found an entire collection at Michaels with this same theme and bought a few things. I also found (at a rather disappointing trip to TJMAXX friday) a super sparkly star tree topper that matched perfectly! I enjoy the collecting of ornaments from year to year and don't really like the instant-buy-it-all-at-once-look.... so this year my tree is a little bare.

Monday evening we took P for a drive down St. Charles to see the (very few this year) Christmas lights. He sort of looked at them but mostly watched the street car...

Pics to come....

Enjoy the season!

woo-hoo!!!!

TGIF!!!! I made it through the toughest week in a long time! Matt has been in California since Sun. morning and he comes home TONIGHT!!!! I am so excited.I have missed him sooo much. I can't wait to hear about his trip. P has missed"Da-ee" so much. He has been acting out, not eating well, not sleeping well, and seems listless and sad at times. He even got his first "behavior report" at school on Wed, for biting! I am so embarrassed. He is known for being such a well behaved and laid back kid.... oh well. Life happens whether we're ready or not. God bless the single parents in the world. I am exhausted!!!!!

Today is my baby brother's 26th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michael!