Do you fondue?

I had this totally brilliant idea to have a NYE Fondue party in cocktail attire, of course. I have the dress and the pots, but now I realize I have no clue how to make fondue. It seems so easy at The Melting Pot. I know for sure that I want to do 2 pots- one cheese and one chocolate. I need help! If you have any pointers let me know. We are super excited about the party. We got Partini for Christmas and are looking forward to playing it, though I know nothing about it. Here's to hoping it is loads of fun. The champagne is chilling and I will be off work tomorrow to whip the casa de Sass into tip top shape with the quickness. There is nothing like bringing in the New Year with good friends, fondue and a clean house!

On New Years day we will get up at the crack of 9 am, put the jeeps on the trailers and hit the trails. Let's hope for minimal breakage and repairs so that Mr. Sass can stay in happy mode. After all, JEEP does stand for Just Empty Every Pocket and some minor repairs are to be expected, but hopefully there will be no major issues.

Well, I am off to look for fondue recipes. Hope everyone has a fab New Year's. See you in 2009.

Cheers Y'all!

Back in the groove...

Our holidaze were wonderfully hectic. We celebrated Christmas Eve & Morn with my fam, but poor B-Bop was sick. He couldn't even come over for Christmas morning breakfast, which was delish by the way. Little Red was stoked about all of his toys and especially loved the jeep and army men. He was so cute running from one thing to another reeking total havoc on our house. We played, ate then played some more. We all took a very long and much needed nap after the festivities were over. Friday we packed up and headed south for Christmas with Mr. Sass's family where we ate and played and ate some more. LR got the cutest little Elmo kitchen. He made us coffee, pizza & eggs over and over. We got to spend time with Miss Sassypants and she even got to come home with us to spend a few days. I took lots of pictures that I will post when I get around to it. It could be half way through 2009 by the time I get a gazillion toys put away, the mountain of laundry done, the destroyed house cleaned and organized and one million pictures uploaded.

Luckily this is another short work week. People, we have to ease back into this. We have many festivities planned for New Year's. Little Red & Miss Sassypants will visit GiGi and B-Bop and we will celebrate with good friends, fondue & champagne. New Years Day will be filled with jeep riding, mud, rocks, football and mimosas. Can you tell Mr. Sass and I are compromising?

Fa-la-la-la-la

I am in a fa-la-la-laabulous mood! The holidaze are in full swing and even my Scroogeish boss is in the spirit. I just can't figure out how the shelves in the stores can be almost empty when we are in a time of economic crisis. Seriously, not one set of Barbie clothes available in any store. Since I have a little boy, I don't get to do much little girlie shopping. However I recently found out that a sweet lady I work with has NEVER owned a Barbie doll. I was floored. I just can't imagine my life without Barbie and the gang. They were my homegirls for alot of my childhood. Naturally I went out and bought a Barbie for my dear friend, but couldn't find nary an outfit for her. Anyway, she seriously cried when she opened the doll. She was more moved than i could have imagined and honestly I didn't realize a $6 Barbie could make a 60 year old woman cry. I am so glad I made the effort. It was totally worth the midnight trip to Wal-Mart.

Santa delivered Little Red's jeep last night. He wanted to make sure Mr. Sass had plenty of time to put it together and sticker it up. It is so stinkin cute and the exact same color of our big jeep. LR is going to totally freak out. He isn't going to care if Santa brings anything else. In fact, I don't know how we will ever get him out of the thing. I just can't wait to see his face when he sees it. I never ever thought I would say this, but I don't care if I get a single gift. All I need is to see my little boy's eyes light up on Christmas morn! Well, maybe I care just a little bit...

Home for the Holidays

We had a fabulous time in Tennessee. GG came down with a yucky stomach bug, but other than that the trip was great. We had chili at our fam's annual chili supper, went to my childhood church on Sunday morning, had lunch at Memi's and just plain enjoyed ourselves. It was great to see everyone, but the visit was just too short. We have an extra large family, which makes for never a dull moment, but makes it hard to visit with everyone.

Both of my sweet and wonderful grandmothers passed away this past summer and this was my first visit back since. Honestly, I was dreading it, but the trip was just what the doctor ordered and I am certain both of my grandmothers were watching down pleased as pie to see us celebrating this wonderful season together.

Little Red was a total doll (mostly). He danced, sang and just all out entertained. He was totally the life of the party. There was minimal growling and lots of tickling and laughing. At one point I was getting him to tell us which people were girls and which were boys. He got most of them right. When we asked him if he was a girl or a boy, he said, "I'm a cowboy!" Where do they come up with this stuff? Fun times were had by all. I hate that GG was sick and now Aunt B has come down with the yuckiness. Let's just hope that no one else gets it. Thanks to all the family for your wonderful hospitality. I am truly in the holiday spirit now!

Bah Humbug!

It is a good thing that I was in the holiday spirit last night when I took Little Red to get his pictures made. We had a 5:40 appointment. We were there until almost 9:00. I was ready to scream. Can you believe that Little Red was an absolute angel? That is more than I can say for all the other wild kids acting a fool. I was floored by the way their parents let their kids be buck wild without even flinching. One lady never looked up to check on her 3ish year old. She must have spent an hour looking at her proofs and she never even glanced his way. I had to regulate at the block table. Their was throwing, screaming, crying and all out hysteria until I laid the smack down. I was so hoping one of those parents would say something so I could give em an earful about their heathen children. Don't get me wrong, Little Red is a wild one, but you can be sure my eyes are on him at all times and I won't hesitate to let him know if his behavior is unacceptable. Once it was finally our turn for pictures, LR did great at first, then he lost interest. The photographer was so stressed out at this point that she just couldn't get him zoned back in. She had only taken about 20 pictures when I put her out of her misery. LR just wasn't going to cooperate. We waited another hour to view the proofs, which surprisingly were pretty good. I ordered a package and hightailed it out of there. I was not waiting another hour to get the pictures. No way, no how. When we got home Mr. Sass asked where the pictures were. He just couldn't understand why I didn't wait on them. I almost kicked him. I'll pick them up at lunch. I may or may not give the manager a piece of my mind. We WILL NOT go back there. They WILL NOT lure me back in with their $10 photo package with a gazillion pictures and 6 free Christmas cards. This is so hard for a mama that loves a good deal. Don't worry though, I kept the holiday spirit the whole time. I plastered a lip glossed smile across my face and bit my tongue way more than normal. It's a good thing the pictures turned out so cute or I might have lost it.

Tis The Season...

I am so loving the holidays! Little Red squeals with delight at every light, tree & snowman he sees. Each time a song comes on the radio, he asks "Is this a Cwissmas song?" He knows that Santa is going to come down our chimney with presents and he is pumped, however he could care less about seeing Santa in person. He has asked me to make sure Santa knows he wants a jeep. He also knows that Christmas is Jesus' "birfday." He is very excited about the birfday cake that we will be making (that I had no idea about). Last night while reading books and saying prayers we were talking about all the ways we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. He promptly said, "Mommy, we have to make Jesus a cake. I help you, okay?" How can you argue with that? Last year when I asked Mr. Sass what kind of Christmas goodies he wanted me to make he quickly responded that he wanted a funfetti cake with sprinkles, so I made a birthday cake. Looks like we have started a new tradition!

Little Red is spending the night with GG tonight. I will finish my Christmas shopping (only 3 gifts left to buy!). I am going to try and get gifts wrapped, but they won't be going under the tree. I am just not that stupid. Little Red will have to wait until Christmas morning to destroy the living room!

Knock, Knock, Who's There?

A friend came over for a visit last night. He rang the doorbell and Little Red immediately exclaimed, "PIZZA'S HERE!" It was just too funny. He was quite confused when our friend J came in without a pie. Is it sad that my child assumes a pizza is coming every time the doorbell rings? Do I need to cook more?

My big little sis, Molly (aka Auntie M), has been at our house this week keeping Little Red while I am working. She is home from college for the holidays and we are so glad to have her! It has been great to have another girl at the Sass House. Last night we made a late night trip to Marshall's and Wal-Mart. It was so much fun. Have I mentioned that my little sisters are 5'10" & 5'7" and I am only 5'1"? How does that happen? Anyway, she is super smart and funny. I want to congratulate her on making all A's this semester. I am so proud of you, girl!

Picture This...

GG and Little Red had a photo shoot while I was gone. Can you believe how angelic and innocent he looks? Are you sure that is my kid? Seriously. GG says he broke more things this weekend than my 2 sisters and I have in our entire lives. I can't even believe he was still long enough for her to capture this moment of pure sweetness.

I had a blast in Nashville! We ate, drank, shopped & relaxed. We dressed Ryan up in total bacelorette garb and hit Broadway. We bar hopped and had tons of fun dancing our rear ends off. I swear we even danced with Sanjaya(how old is he?) from American Idol at the Cadillac Ranch. How is it that every other guy we met had just graduated from medical school? Whatever. I promise I will post some pictures soon.

Flake out!

We didn't get a single flake. Oh, well. No worries about travel conditions for the Bachelorette Bash tomorrow! You would not even believe how upset folks are over the forecast being wrong. I am so glad that I am not a weather professional. Looks like the next chance for the white stuff will be after Christmas. Hopefully we'll get a blizzard and I will get a week off to spend with Little Red. A girl can dream...


Little Red was into everything last night. Seriously, he was more of a mess than usual. Before I could even change out of my work clothes he had almost knocked over the Christmas tree, pulled a floor lamp over, paraded around with my boots on his hands and feet, emptied the dishwasher (which was full of dirty dishes) and reorganized my cabinet from the inside. He then proceeded to unfold all the laundry I had folded, unpack the bag I had packed for my trip, put his jammies on backwards & finger paint with my lotion all over the bathroom. All of this happened between 5:30 and 8:00. Thought yall might enjoy a look at his charades. Some of the pics were taken with my phone, so excuse the poor quality.







As you can see, LR is a busy little fella. It's a good thing he is so darn cute. If only I had half of his energy. I am tired just posting about his antics. GG, get ready- he is all yours tomorrow. I am outta here. Nashvegas, here we come!

sNOw way!

It might snow. This is obvious cause for grocery store chaos, school closing craziness and all out panic. I'm telling you hysteria sets in at the mention of the s word around these parts. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a flizzard (flurrie blizzard), but if we get a storm that messes up our party plans I am gonna be seriously ticked. Don't get me wrong, I lurve the white stuff. I am like a kid at Christmas when it comes to snow. I check weather blogs, stare out the window and hope for snow every winter. Sometimes I actually get to see a few flakes, but usually there is alot of disappointment and anger toward weather professionals for getting the forecast wrong. Seriously people, move somewhere other than Alabama if you really want to see snow. What are the odds that the our best chance for a decent snow in years comes when I have a getaway planned for the weekend. I'll be ok with snow as long as it is 50 degrees and sunny tomorrow to dry it all up. I would love for Little Red to get to play in it again. Here are some pics of LR during last years only snow. It was just a dusting and it was gone in the blink of an eye, but he loved it!

I will keep you posted as the flakes head our way. Come to think of it, I'd be ok with the day off tomorrow as long as the snow melts in time for us to head out Saturday morning. Gotta love that 4 wheel drive. Oh, the possibilities...

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

I'm taking a break from all of this mommy stuff. The potty training, bed time drama, finicky eating, etc. are taking a toll on this worn out mama. Saturday I am heading to Nashvegas to kick up my heels for my good friend Ryan's Bachelorette Bash. Little Red will be with GG and B-Bop. Mr. Sass will be throwing a cookout & Wii Party for the bachelor at our house- those boys are wild I tell ya.

I can't wait for oodles of shopping, eating, drinking, dancing & dishing. This will not be a relaxication. This will be a full blown P-A-R-T-Y! We are going to show Ry a great time on her "last night out." If you have any Bachelorette or Nashvegas tips let me know.

Potty Like A Rock Star

Little Red pooped in the potty this morning. I am oh so proud. Everyone in my office is proud of him, too.

Here is the dialog from our phone call this morning.

Me: Hello (Expecting it to be the sitter)
LR: Hey Mommy!
Me: Hey buddy!
LR: I poopoo in da potty
Me: YOU POOPED IN THE POTTY!?!?!! YEAH!!!! (note- all caps implies that this was said a little too loudly)
LR: Yes mam.
Me: Did you get candy?
LR: Nose way- I gots ice cream with chockit. Lots of chockit.

I have gotten several e-mails and calls from co-workers congratulating us on this accomplishment. The life of a mommy is so very glamorous.

Keke Rocks!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Little Red

My super talented bff Keke gets all the credit. I asked for help tweeking some photos for the Sassy Family Christmas card and she went above and beyond.

Sticky Santa Situation

I've been thinking back on last year and how scared of Santa Little Red was. He loved looking at him from afar, but didn't want to get too close. I buttered him up for several weeks talking Santa up and taking him by different Santas at various locations trying to see if he was more comfortable with one than the others. I decided he was ready while visiting Keke- Hey,the line was really short so I thought what the heck. He was excited while we were in line (especially the back of the line). As we inched closer to the front I could see the concern on his little face. By the time we got to Santa he was in full blown hysterics. I had to buy the picture. It's horrible and hilarious at the same time.
Apparently not much has changed this year. He is still super scared and totally capable of throwing an even bigger fit. Should I put Santa, myself, LR and all the innocent bystanders through this experience in order to get another priceless pic or do we just skip it?

Scheduling Conflict

How can kickoff of the SEC Championship game and our local Christmas Parade be at exactly the same time? Poor planning I tell ya. Come on people, get your priorities in order.

Oh No!

Little Red's favorite thing to say is no. I can't say I'm surprised since he hears it all day every day. It must be rough being 2 1/2 and into EVERYTHING. Just last night he unrolled a whole role of toilet paper and was on the brink of stuffing it all in the potty when Mr. Sass caught him. All I could hear was Mr. Sass saying, "Noooooooooooooooooooooo!" Hearing no almost constantly, must explain LR's love for saying no constantly- even when he means yes. He has now adapted his love for saying no into "Little Red" language. His current faves are:

Nope-a-dope
Nosireeeeee
No, I tan't
No way Hosey (I think he means Jose)
Nose ways

I am so sick of hearing NO! I am sure he is too. I must come up with another way to express no before we both go loco. Any suggestions?

Ho Ho Ho!

Mr. Sass and I were watching the news last night when a story came on about a doctor who does tons of AIDS research, has made numerous ground breaking discoveries and has won lots of awards. Can you guess what his name is?

Dr. David D. Ho

I'm sorry, but that is hilarious. His work and accomplishments are very impressive, but I just can't get passed his name. You can read more about him here.

Bedtime Shenanigans

Bedtime is always interesting (to say the least) at our house. Little Red is afraid he is going to miss something if he sleeps. I mean I can't blame him. My after LRs bedtime routine does consist of cleaning the kitchen, laundry, etc. and of course King of Queens reruns. I've told him that if I had the choice I would happily go to sleep when he does and he could do all of my chores. Main problem there is LR LOVES to clean. The dust buster is his fave toy. Not kidding, but I stand firm that (get in the) bed time is 8:30 pm. He is a less than helpful cleaning assistant once tiredness sets in. Plus, I need a few minutes to accomplish some things and "me time" to veg in front of the tv and wind down. Little Red does not seem to understand this concept. Or the fact that my head is going to explode if he messes up any more of my freshly folded laundry. LR has several tactics he uses to keep himself awake.

Tactic 1- He will not be still. He tosses, turns, kisses, hugs and repeats. Over and Over.

Tactic 2- He will not be quiet. He will sing, bark, talk, cough, hiccup, laugh, etc. to keep from falling asleep.

Tactic 3- He constantly "needs" something. He needs water. He needs new jammies cuz his are choking him. He needs to potty. He needs more kisses.

Tactic 4- Total and complete cuteness. He is so cute that part of me wants him to stay awake. Shhh....Don't tell Mr. Sass.

So, last night was no different. As I laid there with him, praying he would give in and go to sleep and wondering which tactic would be used, he started baaing. I told him to hush and go to sleep. He said,"But I'm being a sheep." Somewhere along the line he has gotten being a sheep and counting sheep confused. I told him to close his eyes and go to sleep. He said,"I tan't cwose my eyes. I sweep wif them open, ok." He immediately turned over and went to sleep. His eyes were closed. Shh, don't tell him! He is just so snuggly and sweet at bedtime. He constantly needs more kisses and wants his belly rubbed. As a working mom I get so little time with him during the week, so I treasure each moment. But come on kid, why does it have to be so difficult? And if you are going to stay up late, at least sleep past 5am. Seriously.

Have a Sassy Christmas!

As promised, here are pics of the sassy tree. Mr. Sass thinks its fabulous. Little Red thinks its "bootyful". I think it could use something else. Any suggestions?

Yep, I made the bow myself. Watch out Martha Stewart, here I come!

Just another day in paradise

I'm still working on the girlie tree. Last night was filled with laundry and cleaning, so the tree will have to wait. I promise to finish it and take a picture tonight.

Unfortunately I am experiencing a bit of blogger's block today. Who would have guessed a day would come when I was speechless?- sort of.

I did teach Little Red to sing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" last night. Him singing it is just too stinkin cute. It comes out sounding something like-

Wiff you a mewee cwifmass, Wiff you a mewee cwifmass, Wiff you a mewee cwifmass and la la lala! Ta-Da!

We will work on "and a Happy New Year" tonight, but I don't think he is going to give up on the ta-da. He is oh so stubborn. Where does he get that?

Back in the groove

So, Roll Tide! The game rocked. Can't wait to see what happens this weekend. Please note that I only talk big when my confidence level is high. There is a chance. I know we are good enough. Let's wait and see. I'll take 12-0 any day. I'm just saying.

We had a blast at Nanu & Pops. Got to spend great quality time with Marianna or as Little Red says "Myanna" who will be known from here on out as Miss Sassypants, well becuase it just fits. She is growing up so fast. She was 5 when Mr. Sass and I met. Now she is almost a teenager. She is beautiful inside and out. We had fun girl talk. I haven't laughed that hard since Aunt B's bf told a funny story at her bday party. The food was delish the company was loverly, but it was nice to get home.

We spent yesterday decorating. We have 2 trees. Mr. Sass insisted that I have a sassy tree. In hindsight I see that he wanted to be all manly and get a LARGE real tree strapped to the top of the truck and the only way to convince me was to promise me a tree covered in sparkles and girliness. How could I resist that? He even agrees that I should make a sparkly tulle tree skirt. I so love him. I will post pics once I am finished with it.

For now, here is Little Red and his "very own twee." He is oh so proud!

The scratch on his face is the result of a run in with a strand of garland. You should see the garland. Decorating can be dangerous. This is my first year (that I can remember) having a real tree. My dad developed a suspicious tree allergy when I was very young. It smells so good, but the Dust Buster must be used daily. I even have a wreath(also fresh) on my front door. I am totally in the spirit!

Happy Decorating!