Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The Little Prince had a sleepover in our den last night. I put him down around 8:30 p.m. and he slept until 11 p.m. I fed him and he went back to sleep until 2:30 a.m. After he ate again, he went back to sleep and didn't wake up until 7:30 a.m. He ate breakfast and then I gave him a bath and dressed him. It's now 1:30 p.m. and he has had lunch, but hasn't been back to sleep since 7:30 a.m. What happened to his morning nap?  Aren't babies his age supposed to sleep 20 hours a day?

Rose really loves the sweet little boy and worries when she hears him fuss or cry. If she can get to him she will try to give him a kiss or two. If she can't get to him Rose will walk around and around the ottoman until he stops crying. 

Today I'm creating a happy New Year's Eve. Mr. B, Mr. Baby and I are staying home tonight. I can't wait to put Aulay in the tuxedo onesie I got him. 

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

It's New Year's Eve Eve so let me ask this question ... where did 2014 go? I can't believe that there is only a day left in this year.

Big Daddy Nick and The Suffers have a show in Dallas tomorrow night. Dr. Mc has reluctantly agreed to go to Dallas with Big Daddy. This means that The Little Prince will be staying with the Pettits for two nights. It's amazing how much stuff was brought into the house this afternoon that TLP might potentially need. I had to get lessons on everything. I'm not sure I'll use any of what is now in the living room, but I guess it's good to know how to use it all, just in case.

Today I'm creating more planning for January 2015 events. I checked my blog from December 30, 2013. The weather one year ago is the same as it is today in Houston: cold and gray.

Monday, December 29, 2014

I've been working on five events today, or six if I count the wedding of Sweetness and Girafferty. I think I have the four in January figured out, which makes me feel great.

To accomplish what I needed to get done today I stayed in my pajamas and wasn't tempted to leave the house. So while walking around in my pajamas and mulling ideas over in my head, I removed the ornaments from the Christmas tree, washed clothes, and cleaned the kitchen. In my mind, I did some great multi-processing.

Today I'm creating an e-mail blast.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

It has rained all day in Houston. Not just a little rain, but steady rain all damn day. I made up my mind early to stay inside and dry.

Shortly after 9 a.m., I walked into the kitchen in a camisole and flannel shorts. I also was probably yawning and scratching either my head or butt when I looked to my right and there stood Big Daddy Nick. I'm not sure who was more surprised to see the other one, but I quickly grabbed a Diet Coke out of the fridge and left the kitchen while he laughed.

Today I'm creating an afternoon of list making. Between now and Wednesday I'd like to get plans for currently known 2015 events down on paper. I'm still someone who writes things on paper, instead of an excel spreadsheet, when it comes to planning. Call me old fashioned.



Saturday, December 27, 2014

Mr. B and I went to the movie last night and saw Unbroken. It was very interesting, although I wonder if Louis Zamperini's story might have been exaggerated some.

I couldn't sleep last night so I watched movies when I got home. I watched the Kurt Russell version of Tombstone. After watching it I spent a couple of hours online reading about Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson and other legends of the Old West. Come to find out, the stories of their lives were exaggerated. Hum, I see a pattern of embellishing the stories of legends.

Today I'm creating a day of searching the Internet. After I finished reading about legends of the Old West I got on Pinterest and looked at everything wedding.

Friday, December 26, 2014

In my mind, I had a perfect Christmas Day. It was very low key with only Mr. B and me at the house all day. We slept late. Mr. B made breakfast. The rest of the day was filled with napping, watching movies, and eating leftovers, including the delicious lemon chess pie.

I also spent time yesterday on the Internet looking at everything wedding. There's no doubt that Sweetness won't have the same type of wedding as Dr. Mc because they are two different women with two different styles. It's interesting to think about what Sweetness will like for her wedding.

Today I'm creating down time. We may (or may not) venture out of the house today.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

I'm pleased to announce that there will be a wedding in 2015. Sweetness and Girafferty are engaged. They proposed to one another in Carlsbad Cavern while on their way to Santa Fe. All together now … awwwwww!

I knew something was going to happen because last Sunday night Girafferty told Mr. B and me that he really loved Evan and wanted to marry her and take care of her. Hearing this from him was amazing since he is a self-described "introvert" who doesn't have much to say. On the flip side, he often flashes big smiles that say lots.

Today I'm creating happy thoughts. A new baby in 2014, and a new son-in-law in 2015. It's exciting to have the family growing!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Sending holiday wishes to everyone!

I think it's safe to say that this is without a doubt the most memorable year of my life! The birth of Aulay Evan Zamora, and watching him develop and grow since August 19, 2014, has been an incredible journey.

So far it has been a quiet Christmas Eve. Normally I would be running around like a chicken with her head cut off, but instead I was able to finish all the busy work yesterday. Today (while still in my pajamas) I've vacuumed the floors, straightened the kitchen, set the table, and started dinner. And, of course, I've had some kiss-y face time with The Little Prince.

Today I'm creating Christmas Eve dinner for the family, except Sweetness and Girafferty who are probably at the casita by now. I'm going to enjoy time with my family tonight and hope my friends are doing the same with their families.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The cutest little Santa

I didn't sleep well last night and as a result I woke up this morning with a massive headache. My headache got worse when I realized I wasn't really finished with all my Christmas errands and there are still things to do today.

Sweetness and Girafferty left for Santa Fe this morning during all the rain. It's raining here, but in Santa Fe there is snow. Plus, the low at night is in the teens. It's hard to keep the casita warm when the temp gets that low!

Today I'm creating email blasts for a client, as well as scheduling another e-blast for next week. There are also those neglected errands that aren't getting done while I'm lazing around the house.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Christmas brunch with the family

While some people are decorating the tree (mainly the lovely McCarley sisters), some people aren't involved. Mr. B is working his Sunday Sudoko puzzle while Girafferty takes a snooze. The Little Prince is also taking a nap and Big Daddy is MIA (probably in the garage apartment taking a nap).

As for me, I have on a silly Christmas hat and am listening to Christmas jazz while enjoying a mimosa. I should say I'm continuing to enjoy mimosas since I've already had several at the Glass Wall where we had Christmas brunch. This year, Sweetness and Girafferty will be at Pettita Casita in Santa Fe for Christmas. Even when Dr. Mc and Big Daddy lived in Denver while she was in graduate school, she always made it home for Christmas. It will be weird not to have everyone here this Christmas Eve.

Today I'm creating a decorated tree (finally). Actually I'm the design director for the Christmas tree, pointing to places on the tree where ornaments need to be placed. It's good to be me!

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Time to decorate the Christmas tree

The Christmas tree has been sitting in the house for several days now. The fresh tree smells great, but I'd like it more if it was decorated. I hear that MIGHT happen tonight.

We have an agreement in the Pettit household that Mr. B puts the lights on the tree and I take care of the ornaments. Obviously it's important that he do his part before I put the ornaments on the tree. I wanted to have only blue lights and ornaments on the tree, in honor of Aulay, but that idea was vetoed.

Today I'm creating wrapped presents. Perhaps wrapped presents under the tree will encourage Mr. B to put the lights on it. We'll see.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A story about a mother's love

Whenever I took Dr. Mc or Sweetness to get the doctor I cried when they cried. Whenever they were hurt and crying I also cried. Dr. Mc used to laugh at me for being such a softy! Well, yesterday the little man went to the pediatrician for vaccinations. Big Daddy took a picture of The Little Prince with his mama. As you can tell by the expression of his face and the tear in his left eye, he wasn't happy. Then look closely at the pic-of-the-day and you'll also see a tear on Dr. Mc's right check behind her glasses. Awwww. Now who is the softy?

After my Tuesday client meeting I came home and made a delicious pot of bacon, potato and onion soup. I thought it really tasted great, but couldn't get Mr. B, Dr. Mc or Big Daddy to even taste it, much less have a bowl. Note to self: Your family wants meat of some sort with dinner and a few pieces of bacon added for flavoring doesn't count.

Today I'm creating a decorated Christmas tree. The tree is still in the back yard. Wrapped in twine. And not in the stand.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A big pot of soup … the cooler weather has arrived

Even though the cooler weather didn't arrive in time for dinner last night, that didn't stop everyone from eating the chili I made. Big Daddy even took a bowl to his brother, Alex. Since the pot was empty and clean from last night, I decided to make soup for tonight. It's simmering on the stove and looking mighty hearty.

A friend brought me a tablecloth last week. It belongs to a friend of hers who wants me to remake the tablecloth into two aprons. The only problem is that I have questions about whether to make bibbed or half aprons, and I can't get a response. The woman wants to give the aprons to her nieces (I'm assuming for Christmas) and I need to know more details that I have now.

Today I'm creating an e-blast, doing some Facebook postings for a client, and submitting a proposal for an event that will happen in February. The Christmas tree is in the back yard. Hopefully the tree will get put in the stand tonight and we'll start decorating it tomorrow night. Hopefully.

Monday, December 15, 2014

A pot of chili on the stove … come on cold weather

All three Houston channels forecasted that a cool front was coming in today so I made chili for tonight's dinner. It's after 3 p.m. and it's still very warm outside. I'm talkin' short sleeve shirt weather. Do you think the weather forecasters got it wrong?

After cleaning the house yesterday I'm hoping to keep it neat and tidy for at least a few days. With The Little Prince visiting with all of his "gear" it can get crowded in some rooms. I have to stop moving "treasures" from one room to the other to make room for things and start getting rid of more unnecessary stuff.

Today I'm creating an e-blast to send out tomorrow. This is testing my skills because people are beginning to request certain foremats that are beyond my skill set. What to do. What to do.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Some rocking and humming

My food for the Friday night party was yummy. And even though it was too warm to wear what I originally planned, Dr. Mc helped me find a substitute. It was a festive party and night.

Saturday is a blur in my mind. I know I sat with The Little Prince at night, but I can't tell you what happened the rest of the day. I don't even remember what I had for dinner. I must have been really tired!

Today I'm creating family time. I sprinkled the house with some Christmas decorations, although getting the tree and decorating it is on tomorrow's agenda. This afternoon Mr. B went to the office, but there were sightings from the McZams plus Sweetness and Girafferty. I used to like the craziness that consumed the holidays. Now I would rather have some fun times with the family. I enjoyed just rocking the wee one and singing Christmas carols to him.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

A day of cooking

The Little Prince stayed with me for a couple of hours last night. He was asleep when he came in the house. About an hour later he drank a bottle and then went back to sleep. Not much kiss-y face time involved in that visit!

I feel like a domestic goddess today. I'm making a pork roast for dinner and have already started cooking for tomorrow night's event. I have a plan for the next two days about what I need to accomplish. Hum … I'm not sure I included time to dress for the party. I don't think that is something I can delegate.

Today I'm creating Neiman Marcus Dip, Blue Cheese Tart with Cranberry Chutney, Butternut Squash Soup and Potatoes au Gratin.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Hump Day

It's horrible when a writer is at a loss for words, but that's how I feel today.

An unexpected visitor came to the house this morning. MJ, the mother of a friend of Dr. Mc and Big Daddy, came by to see The Little Prince. He slept through the visit, which he apparently didn't do last night. Dr. Mc and Big Daddy looked sleepy this morning. We had lunch and then the weary parents left for a nap. I hope the wee one will cooperate.

Today I'm creating dinner. I know that doesn't sound like much, but I want to start cooking more.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A crazy Tuesday

My day. Client's office. Lunch and catch up with Marta. Back to the client's office. To the grocery store and two more errands. Home. I don't mind multi-processing, but I dislike running around as I did today.

Dr. Mc and Big Daddy are having dinner with my goddaughter, Madame, and her husband, who are expecting a baby in about a month. Dr. Mc and I missed the shower for Madame because it was at the time when Aulay was getting out of the hospital. I'm going to stay home tonight. Mr. B is bringing home a pizza and I'm pouring the vino.

Today I'm creating a to-do list for a company party on Friday night. Shopping is tomorrow followed by prepping on Thursday and cooking on Friday. I may not be the life of the party after cooking all day Friday.

Monday, December 8, 2014

A calm Monday

Whenever I don't post for a couple of days I think I should confess what kept me away from the computer, so here goes.

Saturday's artisan market was great fun because there was a steady crowd of people all day. Some of the artisans were disappointed because they didn't sell much, but I was very happy! The price points of items I was selling were $5 – $60, which make great gifts (for friends, family and yourself). Unfortunately, after standing up from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., my back was bothering me all day Sunday. I treated myself to an off day on Sunday. Nick and I watched the Texans win and I cuddled with The Little Prince while his parents ran some errands.

Today I'm creating an organized studio. Before life gets out of control (again) I'm going to return my unsold items to my studio and put everything back in its place.

Friday, December 5, 2014

A different day than I expected!

I was planning to hang out at the house this morning and finalize my plans for tomorrow's artisan market. Instead I got a call to work on a project that took until 3 p.m. Not what I was expecting and now I want a nap!

Last year in November I participated in the Santa Fe Recycle Market. It was fun being selected to participant in the market, but standing around for 2.5 days was tough. Fortunately the group show I'm in tomorrow is only from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Today I'm creating a couple of e-blasts and gathering everything needed for a client event tomorrow. Someone else is going to do the set up tomorrow. I'll be standing around tomorrow. Smiling. Chatting. And (hopefully) selling.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

It's time for a haircut

TBT when (from l to r) Melinda, Katie and Kendall were
inducted into the National Honor Society. The three met
in the sixth grade and are still good friends.
If I had tons of money I'd have my hair washed and blown dry every day. Or even better, I'd have Jim (my stylist) come to the house every morning to coif my hair. Even better, on his way to the house he'd stop and get me a latte. What the perfect beginning to any day!

I'm still planning for the set up of the holiday show and sale I'm participating in this Saturday. My space is smaller than usual so I'm trying to take advantage of vertical space instead of just table tops. The only problem is that nice shelving is expensive. And as well all know, "it's all in the presentation." Then there's the problem of what to do with the shelving once I've used it in the show. I could save it and use it again, possibly, but where would I store it between shows?

Today I'm creating orders for a client's imprinted merchandise plus creating two or three email blasts. The most fun part of my day (other than holding Aulay) was getting my hair washed, cut and styled.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Plans for Christmas

So many people decorated either before Thanksgiving or the weekend immediately after for Christmas. I'm behind in getting ready for Christmas and need to get on the ball. If I'm organized, maybe we can decorate on Sunday.

But first, I had to hold and give The Little Prince lots of hugs and kisses this afternoon. He was looking very much like a little man in his white hoodie. He is trying so hard to pull his head back when it is on my shoulder. It is so cute the way he pulls his head back and it bobbles until it's back on my shoulder. Rose was up on the couch looking at him, trying to figure out just where the noise is coming from … her little nubby tail wagging so fast.

Today I'm creating work on the computer. I never thought I would retire from working, but I'm more and more in the mood these days. Working with fewer and fewer clients doesn't bother me. It's clear to say that the focus of my life has changed.