The Kindergarten Beau

I got a text today.  It read:  "You can learn alot in a kindergarten lunchroom...LOL...Ethan is sweet on Zoey"

I have known about Ethan - he is Zoey's kindergarten BFF.  Well, that's what we call him.  For a while there, Zoey was coming home from school everyday talking about Ethan...pictures Ethan draws for her, how she is going to marry Ethan...Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.  I have tried to down-play the whole idea from day one.  I am not about to encourage my 5 y/o daughter to be boy crazy - seriously??  Despite, all the talk drives a Dad crazy.

Though today I couldn't help myself.  My reply to the text read, "OMG - do tell!"  I felt like such a gossip....gossip gathering on my own daughter!  Pretty quick the response read, "Someone said Ethan loves Zoey & is going to marry her and he nodded in agreement - too cute"  I almost didn't know how to respond....my text read, "Oh geez!"  Pete has not heard "the gossip." 

The texts came from my girlfriend, obviously, having lunch with her daughter.  I feel fortunate to have an informant that was able to get to the inside & hear what the insiders are saying.  I feared having a daughter who was CRAZY over Ethan (a very darling boy, I will say) and thinking Ethan had fears thinking she's crazy.  Phew...at least he's agreed to marry her!!  And I have been assured by Ms. Grantham (their teacher) that she won't let them run off to Vegas this year - I can rest, for now.

I am un-encouragingly amused by this whole situation.  However, I will admit I'm utilizing the 'Ethan card.'  An example you ask - a week or so ago Zoey wanted to wear a hideous outfit and I wanted her to wear a darling dress her Ganny had gotten her.  I used the 'Ethan card'....Me:  "I think Ethan will like the dress Zoey...more than that outfit - don't you think?"  After a look, Zoey:  "yes, Mom."

Young love - what's your story?

Sunday Guinea Pigs

Most Sunday afternoons we host dinner.  That (perhaps) old-fashioned tradition - we keep alive at our house & I love it.  As much as I'm probably exhausted from trying to fit EVERYTHING into my weekend, we always try to host Sunday afternoon dinner.

For so long it' been just my Mom & StepDad coming over.  Now my brother is coming which includes his girlfriend & kiddos.  My girls LOVE playing with Uncle - riding on his shoulders, playing sneak...all the fun (sometimes loud!) games.  And the best part of the ruckus is that I think my quiet-preferring mom loves watching all the craziness.

Please know, I enjoy cooking for everyone, as long as everyone is willing to be my guinea pig.  Last week, I threw together orzo pasta with turkey sausage & grilled veggies.  The inspiration came from an incredible Italian seafood stew I had enjoyed.  The week prior, I made carnitas verde in the crock & we made tacos.  It seems that each week comes together randomly - I joke with my brother that I roll a "big fatty" & look through what I have on hand to put together the menu.  I think if that were true I'd munch my way through the menu!

I love our honored tradition.  My dinners are not always a perfect hit but I love that my family tries....in so many ways.  Do you have a tradition you will share with me?

The Happily Odd Friendship

You know what it's like...when you've been thinking of calling someone - they've been on your mind - and next thing your phone rings & it's them.  Sometimes I have mixed feelings:  a little guilt because I should have called earlier & just plain happy to hear from the person.  I know, you'd think I was raised by a Jewish mother for all the guilt....though I usually go with just being plain happy for the call.

Today my ex-hubby called....I had been thinking to call him for days and I even admitted that to him (my Jewish mother guilt).  You have to understand - my ex-hubby and I have a good relationship.  That is something I am proud of & thankful for.  I believe we have a mutual respect for one another & 100% of our hearts want the best for each other.  He even has a really great family! 

WHY we didn't stay married isn't important.  It's more important that we've continued to respect one another - though not an easy road in the beginning.  He's a great guy with a heart of gold, hilarious sense of humor & always willing to lend a hand.  He called today to share the news of what he had bought himself for his 50th Birthday - a 2012 Porsche Carrera.  I was so thrilled & happy for him - I know he'll love it (when it's delivered in April) and I know how proud he is.  I made him promise me a ride next time I'm out.  :)

Thank you Mr. Ex - you continue to make me smile - you are a good guy - you deserve all the goodness that comes your way. 

The Icing on Top - football vs shopping

Tonight was one of those good nights...the one when the kids get in bed & actually go to sleep - no shenanigans.  So, as my husband is watching USC Football, I asked, "what is it you like about watching football?"  Without hesitation he responds, "strategy & execution."  I was surprised by how quickly he had responded.  But it made me wonder, so I asked - "what about the hard hits?" and he told me "that's the icing on top."  Needless to say, this conversation made me wonder.

What is it that 'we girls' love, as much as our men love football?

Perhaps, I clearly have a problem though my first thought is SHOPPING!  Strategy & Execution - we need both for a great shopping experience.  Let's start with strategy:  you need a good shopping partner (if you're choosing to have company), you need to know if you're browsing or have a goal in mind, you need to know if you're planning to score a deal....there may be too many to list.  You definitely need strong execution, as well.  You may even need to execute impecably if you're planning to score a deal.  So whether it's "regular" shopping or clothes - you always need a strategy & execution.

This brings us to the hits - the "icing on top" (according to the husband).  I will admit, when I put this in the context of shopping I instantly think: super awesome piece, you look ultra hot, extreme deal, perfect place to wear it & lots of compliments.  This type of situation is definitely the icing on top!  Last year Pete & I were flying into Seattle for a big celebration - I wanted the perfect outfit.  I was lucky enough to find it and it was my touchdown!  Even to this day, I love the bustier that was the key to the whole look.

Do you have a favorite piece that's YOUR icing on top?

Don't Take Life TOO Seriously - No One Gets Out Alive

Don't Take Life TOO Seriously

No One Gets Out Alive

Please tell me we are all guilty...
consciously, I remind myself FAR too often to chill out, relax, take a deep breath, "did anyone die?", and various other 'stop & think' crutches that my mind requires.

I am a bit serious (I blame my career) and I am a self admitted control freak. A control freak to the degree, when I get a pedicure, I find myself watching what's being done...I know that chick is going to miss or forget something. Gosh forbid it's not perfect. I patronize those nail shops, like the rest of you, the place where you walk in, you hear "you wan' pedikur?" & you can't even tell who greeted you because you're looking at a sea of tiny girls wearing skinny jeans, extremely high heels & their masked faces buried in foot baths. Ok, I'll skip that tangent & get back to it - the nail shop is pathetically where I must nag myself some more. "Relax, enjoy the pedi - you are not the nail lady Courtney." Even when my sandals are being put on after the whole ritual - I have to literally look away & force myself to let the person do their job without my so-called help. It's ridiculous.

And so I seem to be finding more people that are control freaks too. Not all of them are self-admitted though - you can tell by how they jump into situations. These are the times my inner control freak relaxes & I'm amused at watching my own kind.

Seeing my own kind in action seems to make me think. I know, not again, but yes!....I'm back telling myself how much I need to chill. Though, the times I cherish most are when I'm with people I can relax with - I get silly. Believe it or not! I have quite the goofy side - it's almost embarrassing.

So, we may not all be guilty but we may all be a lil' freaky. Do you admit to your freaky-ness?