Funny Girl

This week has been full of some great Sidney commentary. Here are some of my favorites:

• During Miss Hawaii's talent performance - "Mom that's a lot of shaking." Aloha!
• I was laying on the couch reading a book and she came by very seriously and whispered, "Mom watch out for dragons!" Thanks for the heads up Sid!
• I had made some paper dolls for her, and I told her we should give them names. The first one she named "Chloe." The second one she named "Dandy." Not sure where that came from, but it's her new favorite name. For the third one, she couldn't think of a name so she combined the first two and came up with "Clowndy." The new Brangelina!
• We were naming her stuffed animals and she wanted to name 2 of her puppies "Perrito." I explained that we should give them different names so that we can tell them apart. She said, "Okay. This one is Perrito and this one is Dingy Perrito." Not only a name but an identity.
• We've been working on brushing her teeth before we go too bed. I think that she's getting the idea because last night when I was brushing my teeth she yelled at me from her bedroom, "Be sure and get the ones at the back!" Colgate smiles all around.

Coffee Talk With Kay and John

I've decided that it's time to start letting my state senators know what's on my mind. Thanks to email I can do this from the comfort of my desk with a cup of coffee in hand. Granted it's a one way conversation, but it's not their place to agree or disagree just to listen to the voice of a Texan they represent. If you'd like to let a Texas senator know what you're thinking, Kay and John are only an email away!

How many episodes of Survivor Man should you watch to prepare for the breakdown of civilization?

More than two. Hehe! As a girl who has a tough time camping in an RV that has electric and water hookups, I'm not sure that I would be able to scrape by with my own hands, a hatchet, and some flint. I suppose that the will to survive would probably be stronger than my need for a memory-foam mattress. Hopefully, all the doomsday 2012 business is just silliness, but just in case I'll be doing my Discovery Channel homework.

The Old Grind

Alas, Christmas break ends tomorrow. The past 6 weeks have really flown by. However, we were able to cram a lot of good family time into them. I'm excited that graduation is getting so close, but I know that my next batch of classes are going to create a lot of brain strain. Damon's classes will be starting this week as well, and I'm curious to see how we're going to be able to juggle our jobs, classes, and toddler. Thankfully, it's only for a few months. I can do it.

Uncle Landon Visits Odessa!

My brother Landon was able to work Odessa into his tour of Texas. I'm so glad that he came to see us! Just wish it could have been a longer visit. He's promised to come back for my graduation so hopefully we'll be seeing him again in May.

New Years Port A Trip

Damon and I spent New Years in Port Aransas with my cousins and their friends. It was a great location. Meredith found a wonderful house that was close to the beach. Devon made sure all the meals were delicious. We played games and watched a few bowl games. The Cotton Bowl was a big disappointment. Better luck next year Red Raiders! The weather was cool most of the trip. One morning everything was covered in fog. We didn't have to worry about sunburns. I'm already looking forward to going back with Sidney. Pelicans are funny looking birds but are so graceful in the air. While the guys were fishing we saw a pelican get hooked while trying to steal someone's fish. Sneaky bird! The poor pelican survived the episode, but it moped for a bit with it's beak hidden in the water before flying away.

I told Damon that if I could be a bird I wouldn't mind being a pelican. His response was, "Pelicans go blind and die." So I guess I won't be a pelican after all.

Here's Meredith our fabulous trip coordinator.
Marta and Kyle being silly. Sidney really liked Kyle. I asked if she made any friends while she was at Aunt Pami's house and her response was, "Yes! Darby. Kyle is my friend. A chiuaua lives in his car!" She had a great time playing with Aunt Pami and Haylie. She's still warming up to Sutton. Hopefully her dislike of boys will last until she's 18. The trip was such a great way to start the year. I didn't make any resolutions. I pretty much have my goals set out. This time next year I will have my BSN and will be working on becoming fluent in Spanish. 2009 is going to be fun!

Kermit Christmas

We spent this Christmas with Damon's family in Kermit. We got to see lots of family and Sidney had a great time playing with all her boy cousins. She made out like a bandit with the gifts!

You're never too young to play 42! My sassy girl!

My mom-in-law and grandma-in-law.

Christmas morning was a surprise for Sidney. This horse was her favorite gift. It walks when you tap it on the nose. Thunk!

She now has a new kitchen and a Cinderella castle! Thanks Santa!

Look at that smile!

Sweet Daddy playing Barbies!

It was a great Christmas. I ate way too much and got to spend a lot of time with some great people. Couldn't ask for more!

Hope your Christmas was this memorable!

I'm totally learning this song for next year!

Thundercats Hoooooooooo!

All I can say is "Snarf!"

Christmas Happenings

This month is flying along! Sidney is enjoying all the Christmas decorations. Every now and then I catch her "fixing" the ornaments but mostly she's been good about leaving the tree alone. Here she is modeling her Christmas princess dress that Kevin and Collin gave her. Their mommy has excellent taste!

This year Sidney asked for a Christmas tree in her room that was purple. It actually turned out pretty cute. I'm tempted to leave it up because it makes a nice night light.

We went to the Christmas parade with some of the nurses I work with. Quinn (he works in Cardiac Rehab with me) and his two boys Collin and Kevin. Quinn is from Kermit and went to school with Damon.

Erwin and his son Gio.

The kids faces in this picture crack me up. Sidney has a bit of a shy streak.

Boot Scoot and Boogie!

My first semester at Texas Tech has come to an end. I started with a lot of doubts about myself and what I was capable of. The past few months have had plenty of challenges and frustrations. But there have also been some highs. An instructor asked for permission to use one of my papers as an example for her future students. Woohoo! And I made a 4.0! Damon says that I was the only one that doubted I would do well. So all my worries and fears were for nothing. I'm half way to my goal of graduating in May. To celebrate this milestone I'm treating myself to a pair of cowboy boots. Yee-haw!

The Christmas break is giving me some time to read for fun. I finally finished The Shack. It was a great book. I cried - a lot. The authors perspective on relationships was interesting and very thought provoking. I just started reading another book called Scratch Beginnings. So far it's convinced me that I am very blessed to have the opportunities that I have. I'm a little envious of the freedom of responsibilities that the author describes, but it's really nice having a private bathroom - with a door!

It's Official!

After a bad take off on his motorcycle last Wednesday (which ended with him rolling on the ground after his bike), Damon has now crashed every vehicle we own. Our insurance agent probably won't be sending us a Christmas card this year.

It's a Happy Hutto Thanksgiving!

It was fun while it lasted

The Red Raiders record of 10-1 is nothing to sneeze about. Just wish the OU game hadn't been such an embarassing loss. Go OSU!