Oh, deer!

Two-and-a-half years.

That's how long it took me to plant a potted flower garden that makes my backyard feel like the tropics.

One night.

That's how long it took for the deer to dismantle it.

Geraniums. Begonias. Red Sister Cordylines (Ti plants). Plumerias. Agaves. Coleus. Rose of Sharon. Moss Roses. Gardenias. Tomato plants. Tomatoes on tomato plants. My red Hibiscus.

NO! NOT YOUR RED HIBISCUS!

I know. I feel the same way. You should never come between a woman and her red hibiscus. Or her red high heels. Or her red lipstick. But ESPECIALLY her red hibiscus.

If the deer weren't so dang cute, I'd post a sign that "All Intruders Will Be Shot On Sight" and then sit outside all night with my daughter's pink Daisy BB gun across my lap.

The deer would get the message.

Note to my husband: Dear Love-of-my-life, the next time you take down the fence without adequately protecting my plants, you will be sleeping outside and guarding them yourself. Love, Your Wife.

It's a TOOF!

OK, so your child has to be a fan of the Horton Hear a Who movie (or you have to be... no judgments. M and I love the movie, so I won't tell) to fully appreciate the post title, but our little man has his FIRST TOOTH! C was 5 1/2 months when her first 2 sprouted, so I was getting a little worried when H hit 6 months without even one. No worries now. He got the bottom left one in, and man... is it adorable. At least, as adorable as a teeny, tiny tooth can be. I haven't had any major issues with it yet during feedings, but I do recall that time that I was convinced C had somehow morphed into a breastfeeding shark, so I'll be on guard from now on.

Crazy fun news

I have a few blogs that I read on a regular basis, and I sometimes enter the giveaways that they sponsor. Now, on sites like Pioneer Woman, where over 45,000 people tend to all want the 3 Kitchenaid mixers, or the new iPad, or a Photoshop giveaway, I have a pretty good idea that I shouldn't hold my breath.

BUT...

I actually DID win something in a Tatortots and Jello giveaway! I won a fashion look book from Cardigan Empire. 

Basically, I just sent Reachel, the woman behind Cardigan Empire, my measurements, lifestyle, favorite/least colors to wear, and pictures of myself. She's making a personalized style guide for me! In the past, I would never have thought much about this, since I've always thought I'm pretty good at putting my outfits together. However, with this latest round of post-pregnancy weight/Prednisone, and a lack of clothes that fit and aren't maternity clothes, I've had trouble finding what looks good on me, let alone decent on me. I've been hesitant to buy new clothes until I shape up, which means I have yoga pants and T-shirts... that's basically it.

I'll write more about this once I get the look book! I'm excited to have someone point out options that I'm not seeing now.

True love looks like this...

This reminds me of Toy Story and the scene where Buzz is dressed up by Sid's sister for a tea party.

Perspective

This article helps to put the Catholic Church/Pope Benedict issues into perspective. Reading the entire thing, especially the e-mail sent to the young man, is incredibly enlightening.

Here's one excerpt that is of particular importance, in my opinion:

All of this (she is referring to how many priests have been treated poorly based on the immoral actions of a few) is a little analogous to Abu Ghraib. Because of the behavior of a distinct minority of soldiers, our whole armed forces were tarnished. Also, we see that in the NYC Public School system, the sexual abuse of students is approximately 500 times more prevalent than it is within the church, which -were that widely known- would sully the reputations of countless fine teachers.

**The red portion is my note

Pray for the Church and our Pope during this Easter season.

A model husband

It's a good thing M never reads this blog...

When he was on a business trip recently, some other (female) veterinarians went to dinner with him and commented to him, multiple times, that he looks like a model. Then, the female owner of the restaurant came by and told him that he's "HOT!" M was so embarrassed, especially given that these women were in their forties or fifties.

I had to giggle-- it's always nice to see my husband through other women's eyes. In some ways I've grown accustomed to his utter hotness and can take it for granted. Now, I'm checking him out again. Whoo-hoo, hot stuff!

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 7)

1. We've seen real progress in the potty training department! C went three days with NO wet pull-ups! Maybe the Roman Empire would have lasted if they had just persisted with potty training in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds .

2. My mother-in-law has magical powers. Thankfully she uses them for good, such as helping me organize my bathroom (ok, doing it for me mostly). Everyone should have a fairy mother-in-law.

3. Taxxxxxxxxxxxxxxes.......... (Lisa writhes in agony on the floor). Every year I vow that I will have them done by February, and that I will keep monthly records for the next year so that taxes will be a cinch. And every year I end up writing in agony. But next year...

4. My birthday simply cannot come soon enough. I'm ready to be [30+]. It makes me feel powerful.

5. The elliptical machine and I are bonding, in hope that the fat currently bonded to me will take a hike.

6. Only 1-2 weeks left on Prednisone. Thank. You. Lord.

7. April showers bring May flowers, but March showers bring weeds. LOTS of them. And VERY tall grass. Time to break out the weed eater and get to work this weekend.