100,000 ZZZ's

Sorry I am so out of breath...there is nothing like being late for one's own party! A certain program that I won't mention (Blogger was giving me fits!) didn't want to cooperate with uploading the photos, but I am also guilty as charged of being a first degree procrastinator! Shoulda started earlier, but I'll try and make it up to you with a great slumber party!Before we get this party kicked into high gear...here are a few house rules:

1. No dancing on the furniture...that includes the Twist, Mashed Potatoes, Jerk, Iron Horse, and the Cabbage Patch!
2. No smoking the bathroom...I don't care if everybody else is doing it! If everybody else was running naked in the streets, would you do that too? Don't answer that, you know who!
3. No prank phone calling...unless I'm the one doing the dialing! Hello...you got Prince Albert in a can?
4. No opening the windows for boys to sneak in and NO sneaking out to meet guys...bring 'em in the front door...just let me get the curlers outta my hair first and some lipstick on!
5. No gossiping...I don't care if you can see through Gussie's gown...pretend you don't!
6. Finally...no toilet papering the neighbor's house. I gotta live in this town after you go home!

It's time to ask the Magic Eight Ball if we are ready to have a good time! Magic 8 Ball, are we ready to have a good time? Whaddaya know...it says HECK YEAH! Do you want to start out with Truth or Dare just as an ice breaker? I dare you to tell me your real age AND your real hair color!

Whoops, I forgot to tell y'all to try and not be the first one to fall asleep! Guess whose bra is going in the freezer first and I guess we all know whose little hand goes in the warm water....like she needs any encouragement in that department. If you snooze...you lose!

I think I've covered all the bases for insuring a great time for all! I've gathered up a bunch of holiday classics sure to make y'all smile! Hey, can one of y'all do my hair like Princess Leia...guys dig it!

Games you say? Oh baby, do I have games to play! How about a couple rounds of Mystery Date...just be sure you don't end up with the nerd! Sorry about that girlfriend...didn't know you married him! Oh, you say he's the CEO at Microsoft now...my bad!

There is nothing like a rousing game of Twister to work out all those kinks and make you feel like a youngster again...until tomorrow morning! Boys...listen up...all hands on the Twister mat and no where else or it's out the door with you, mister! Speaking of boys...I want y'all to have a good time, but come Midnight...you can party, but you can't party here! I won't have the ladies league gossiping about what went on here!

I think I bought plenty to eat...hopefully enough to last the night...otherwise someone has got to make a run to the Border! Who has a license to drive...and a car with gas?

For the girls, I got pizza. We'll put some toothpaste on those zits and worry about them tomorrow!

And for the boys....Hangdown! Do I know the way to a man's heart or what. I'm gonna make some man happy one day...or so my Daddy said!

To wash it all down with, nothing beats a steaming cup of Hot Dr. Pepper with a twist...except maybe a vodka tonic with a twist!

For entertainment and a little lip syncing...check it out...it doesn't get any better than this! Girls, quit giggling and flirting with Cat Daddy...I can't hear myself think!

If Elvis isn't groovy enough...how about a little Rubber Soul? One of these days, I'm gonna run away with Paul...just as soon as he knows who I am. If I scream a little louder...do you think I could get his attention?

Like I said earlier...I think I've covered all the basics. In fact, the only thing I can see missing now is.....

YOU!!!

So just a reminder...play nice and leave me a comment by Midnight, December 20 (I pushed it out one day due to the postponement) and I'll put your name in the freezer with Jenn's bra. If you invite friends over to play with a post, I'll put it in again...if you do a post with jamos, that's three chances you'll get! If you like what you're reading and you'd like to become a follower, please do. I may have something up my sleeve for new friends! Brrr, baby it's cold in there...but just for a little while!

Gift #1

Hot chocolate maker

(Courtesy of CSNStore.com)

Gift #2

Set of four Gorham crystal martini/pudding glasses

(Courtesy of Cookware.com)

Gift # 3

Vintage ballerina length gown...perfect condition! I KNOW!!! Isn't it dreamy...perfect for wearing to bed or out on the town. It is gorgeous, but my flat butt won't fit into it or I would be wearing it now instead of the little sideboard getting to! It is just impossible to have a p.j. party and not give away something to have sweet dreams in! Right? Right! And to go with it...

Gift #4

Darling Christmas mask...would look lovely with this gown and I'm willing to bet money your better half would love the winning combination!

I think that's it...so y'all mix...mingle...make some new friends...invite some old ones! Just be sure and have a good time and let me know what else I can do to make you comfortable...besides letting you show up in your ratty bathrobe!

Kiddies...put Cat Daddy down...gotta run...the inmates are running amuck!

Sisters

There has been a slight change in plans for tonight's post. I just read on Misty's blog, Six Divided By Two, that Angelique, Six In One Hand has been taken to the hospital by her sweet husband after a really rough day. Instead, I am asking if you would please go over to either sister's blog and leave some sweet words. These girls are twins and I know when one is hurting...both are. They are courageous, beautiful young women who could use a little lifting up right about now and I don't know of any more capable people than y'all. You always find the right words of comfort and strength. Misty has asked for prayers and again, I don't know any fiercer prayer warriors than those of you who stood in the gap for Bella, Jenn and I. I felt those prayers daily. I'll only postpone the slumber party until tomorrow night, but I just feel this takes precedence over a party post. I know y'all understand.

Mama "Cat" In Her 'Kerchief!

Here it is y'all....you're official, engraved invitation, hand delivered by me to you! I'm having a pajama party to celebrate 100,000 visitors starting tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. Go dig out your best baby doll's, back-flap long johns, Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie or gimmee tee shirt and jamo bottoms and come join me for a sleepover...Trash style!

Me, you ask...why I'll be wearing my favorite pair of Nick and Nora p.j.'s guaranteed to put a smile on ol' Santy Clause's face! Can you invite friends? Absolutely...my casita is your casita! In fact, if you do a link and/or post a photo of you (or a reasonable facsimile..i.e. Tanner, mannequin, your cat, kids, your bitter half...I don't care!) why I'll even put your name in the freezer for an extra chance at winning one of the prizes I'm giving away!

And to all my bashful Bettys out there...here's your big chance to shine...whatcha waiting for?!?! I'll even let you do my makeover!

All I ask in return is you R.S.V.P. and let me know you're coming (putting up a post sometime between the 15th and the 19th...no pressure). I'll make a guest list on the side bar, so we can have our own Victoria's Secret fashion show! Guys...you're invited too! Here's your chance to see what really goes on when ladies get together unchaperoned! Heck, I think I'm gonna add a prize for the most original pajamas! What do you say to that?

You know what? It just came to me as I sit here drinking my hot Dr. Pepper...I think I'm going to add one more secret Santa gift to the things I'm giving away. Woo-eee! I'm starting to feel all Christmasy here y'all. There is no telling what I'll be thinking up by tomorrow evening!

So dig out those jammies, sleep masks, hair curlers, pillows and sleeping bags...it's time to be the fun girls!!!

Can you say pillow fight???

And She Lived Happily Ever After!

Once upon a time, there was a little redheaded girl who dreamed of being on Broadway or a world famous Radio City Music Hall Rockette. She took dance lessons and practiced her kicks day and night until that fateful day she learned a Rockette had to be at least 5'5". Sadly, save a miracle, she would never grow beyond 5'1". She couldn't truly let go of that dream, but instead held it in her heart for safe keeping, never telling anyone lest they laugh. A glittering dream to take out every now and then, dust off, smile at, hold in her hands and then gently place back in it's hiding place. Many years later, she went to the mailbox to discover a Christmas card in a familiar handwriting. Opening it, she read an obscure message requesting a night of frivolity with dinner, a show and perhaps a little gratitude vo-di-oh-do! Since he had never done anything like that before, she ran to the phone to call her knight in rusting armor to ask who had he meant to mail the invitation to! He laughingly told her to go and look in the drawer of his night stand...he would remain on the line. She flew to the bedroom...yanked open the drawer and there nestled in their own special little envelope, were two front row seats to The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular!

Tripping back to the phone, she asked again if the invitation was for her (never hurts to double check) and YES, it was hers. Tickets to make her secret a reality...even if she wasn't on the stage! Tickets to transport her to the world she had always dreamed of!

Dressed to the nines and escorted by the most handsome man in the room (who just happened to be 10' tall) she climbed the stairs, entered the theater and prepared to be enthralled!

For one brief, shining moment in time, she was a Rockette. She laughed, jumped up and down in her seat, cried, clapped and behaved like that little redheaded girl of 9...and he loved every moment of her childlike happiness!

THE END

The Rockettes are at the Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie starting today. If any of y'all get the chance to go...DO! Don't be chinchy on the seats...get the good ones where you can actually see the sweat...heck, I think I got hit by it! It is worth every penny you'll spend...I swear up and down! The costumes (the toy soldier is the original 1933 design), the music, the high kicks, the precision, the majesty...I could just go on and on. I loved every minute of it and will probably go again this year and every year!

The grandeur of the finale, The Nativity, is one of the most awe inspiring things I have ever witnessed.

Oh and in case you were wondering about the vo-di-oh-dohing...well, a lady never kisses and tells...BUT...you may kiss me under the mistletoe later to say thanks!

CHILLING!

BREAKING NEWS!!!

...---.-.---...-.-

(That's the sound of fresh off the wire!)

This just in:

Guess who is nine months old today!

I can't believe nine months have passed. Bella continues to baffle and astound her doctors with her remarkable progress (and I'm not just saying that because she's mine)! Every visit concludes with the assurance that she is physically perfect. In fact, her doctor started to go ahead and take her off the oxygen, but decided to wait due to the cold weather. They are always amazed...but you and I both know, she has been blessed by a heavenly Father who has and continues to hold her in His mighty and gentle hands. I spent the day with her and Jenn yesterday, (that tree can wait) so you'll understand why I was MIA all day long. In case you were wondering...her Pop came into my office where we were playing and....wait for it.....

There's those dimples!!! She loves her Cat Pop! Isn't she a pip?

Speaking of pips...tighten up those bra/jock straps people, I'll be posting a pip of a party post shortly!

DO OPEN Before Christmas!

After yesterday's tacky post, I felt like I owed y'all something. While typing, I must have been channeling Cher and her Tasteless Tuesdays which btw...I was thrilled to see one posted just yesterday! So with my apology in place, I thought I would try to make it up to y'all by giving you a "leg up" on some wonderful places to go visit! Kinda an early Christmas present from me to you! There are two places I encourage you to visit as soon as you have a moment during the hustle and bustle of the season. Debra has created the most wonderful refuge for women to gather, talk, and learn. She is providing a forum at A Day In The Life to exchange ideas and talk about faith. She selects verses to study and encourages open discussion with no one turned away. It's an opportunity to grow as a Christian and express oneself without worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing. Call it a retreat without having to pack a bag. I know you'll be drawn in by the discussions and in doing so, will come away energized.

The second place I'd like for you to make time to visit reaffirms the power of prayer and faith. Please visit The Red Shed Antiques and watch the video of Michele when she was interviewed on Good Morning Texas. Talk about stepping out of the boat...this is powerful stuff. You can also read the newspaper article wrote about her by the Dallas Morning News. If you are thinking about trying something totally out of your comfort zone and are vacillating about whether you can do it or not...read and watch. Michele is an inspiration to all women and not just cancer survivors. Now if you're in the mood for a hoot and a holler, have I got just the single wide for you. Hop on over to Red.Neck Chic and read her latest post on fire safety. She gives all the 411 on fire prevention during the holidays in her own unique red neck style. Armed only with a roll of duct tape in one hand, a fire extinguisher in the other and her tongue firmly in her cheek, she tells you how to have a safe Christmas with a twist. There is some really sound advice mixed in with a lot of humor. Sure wish I had read it before I set a guest's sleeve afire at a Christmas open house we held a couple of years back! FYI...Christmas sweaters...highly flammable around lit guests and candles...just so you know!

Now if this isn't enough to make up for my ticky-tacky post...then I guess I'll just have to sweeten the pot a little with a preview of some of the presents I'll have on hand for the 100,000 Visitor party that is coming soon. (I just checked the visitors scoreboard and we are sliding in to 99,000!) It's getting close y'all and I am hard at work coming up with party ideas. In the meantime, here's a peek at some of what I'll be giving away!

First up will be a set of four Gorham Christmas Jewels martini glasses! New and in the box...no regifting these from last year! Y'all know how much I love a dirty martini and I'll even include my recipe...how you shake it...well, that's up to you!

If vodka isn't your poison, think how great these would be to serve ambrosia in. Don't they just scream "hostess with the mostest"? I do believe even figgy pudding would look beautiful served up in these! Now I know what you're thinking, but not to worry! For those of you who prefer your beverages a little tamer...I haven't forgotten about you. What do you have behind Door #2, Debbie? Well, I'm glad you asked! How's about this Bonjour PINK hot chocolate maker and mug set? I KNOW!!! How stinkin' cute is this and did I mention it's PINK?!?! Perfect for those cold nights in front of the fire and from what I've seen on the weather reports, this is gonna be needed right away. Hurry up y'all....let's get to 100,000 so I can send this out PDQ!

I really need to pause here and say a special thank you to the folks at Cookware.com which is part of CSN Stores for arranging these gifts for y'all. Thank you for the help in making my friends happy little elves and elfettes! And for all you wannabe Emerils and Paulas out there...be sure and check out their websites. CSN Stores and Cookware.com carry a huge array of everything you'll need to prepare the perfect holiday meal with their great selection of food processors, stock pots AND cookware sets. Venture over and see for yourself what fun cooking can be...when you have the right tools! That reminds me, I have a whole lot of cooking to do myself!

OK, I think that's all the excitement you or I can stand for one night. I told you the gifts were gonna be doozies and you wouldn't want to regift any of them...would I lie to y'all? Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got party favors to prepare, invitations to mail and a million other things to get ready for the soiree!

Regifting For Dummies

I have a question to ask of y'all. How many of you regift? Me...never! I have such a small circle of friends and family, we'd be giving each other the same thing over and over ad nauseam! Now I'm not criticizing you if you do...after all, I've gotten my fair share of ugly a** gifts in the past. And times are tough and we gotta do what we gotta do, but before you go digging in the closet of Christmas Presents Past, I thought I would share a little 411 on what not to do when regifting. It's an art you have to be well versed in to avoid one very red face. BTW, did you know there is a National Regift Day? I KNOW!!! Neither did I. It's the Thursday before Christmas if you can believe that! This is always numero uno on everybody's list, right?

When regifting you need to make sure you have removed any incriminating tags linking the gift back to you as a rerun. Are you following me? Don't leave TO: Joe FROM: Aunt Martha! Dig? Double check to make sure the only TO is the new recipient of said gift. Oh and you want to make doubly sure there isn't a Christmas card hiding in all the tissue paper. How you gonna 'splain that one, Lucy?

Everybody needs a little Christmas music to set the mood, right?

Next, no giving half empty bottles of liquor (and you can't fill the bottle to the top with water either) and no giving of wine to a non-drinker. Do you want that bottle of Champagne to go down the drain? No candles with a black wick end either. For gosh sakes, take the time to trim the wick before regifting! No expired gift cards from the past year that you never got around to using and ABSOLUTELY NO FRUITCAKE...EVER...unless it's a Texas Yahoo and that's a whole other post! That's one thing I'll gladly accept as a regift!

If this shows up under your tree, you have my permission to call a lawyer.

Bottom line is...if you don't want it, what makes you think some one else will! Ugly is ugly and useless is still useless! Now if upon opening said ugly gift, someone in the room goes on and on about it...well then, maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder and maybe at a later date, you can ask that person if they would like to have it....but clear it with the gift giver first! No sneaking around. It'll only come back to bite you in the butt later!

When regifting food items, be very, very careful my friend. Hopefully you know the person well enough to be aware of any allergies, preferences, health conditions (like diabetes) etc. And for gosh sake...do not regift hangdown to a vegetarian or a lifetime member of PETA!

If you're planning on wearing something before sharing the wealth...a little word to the wise. Please be sure and remove all dry cleaner's tags. dryer sheets, and underarm protectors. Just remember...in all things...what goes around, comes around. Do you really want that Chia Pet back a second time?

Really, this is why I don't regift. It's just too hard to remember who gave me what and I've told y'all I'm lazy! I don't want to have to go over a checkpoint list. Plus and this a big plus, I love to shop. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than trying to find the right gift for the right person. The price isn't the issue...well maybe this year it is! I figure if I know someone well enough to give them a present...I ought to know them well enough to give them something they love or at least that's what I hope for. Psst!!! I secretly want to be that person who, when names are being drawn, everyone hopes will draw theirs. Don't tell my secret...that's just between you and me!

Speaking of gifts to love...wait until you see what I've got cooking for y'all for my 100+ party. You won't want to regift these...bet your bottom dollar! Before you go all vocal on me with screaming...the photo below isn't one of them. This baby is on MY Christmas list this year!

I promise Santa, if you get me this from Anthropologie there will be no one getting it from me next year!

P.S. Y'all know I'm just yanking your chain here...right?