Mellie Dee ♥

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2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Tattoos, Bread Baking, and Christmas Fun

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2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Baked Amish Friendship Bread

Even though I was off this past week, I had to work as needed. So after sending off the reports to the leadership team, I went and baked the Amish Friendship Bread MacKenzie had given us to grow.

The texture is more like a pound cake but still delicious nonetheless. I made one exactly as the recipe asked and another with a lot of dried minced garlic and everything but bagel seasoning with sesame seeds on top. The later was the winner at our house.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | JJ & Jacob Open Christmas Presents

Wednesday, I went over to Mallory’s to give them their Christmas presents. They were all excited for “Melissa Crackers”. That’s JJ’s face as he screamed “MELISSA CRACKERS!” with enthusiasm and Jacob’s while he chowed down on one.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Rizzo in Penguin Onesie & Christmas Nails

Rizzo and I got into the holiday spirit. He wore one of his many Christmas pjs and I put on some Christmas light nails.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mellie Dee Makes Dinner Rolls

Brudda, SIL, Emmy and Ethan came into town Thursday the 24th. On Christmas day, Emmy and I made dinner rolls from scratch. Always something I wanted to do but never had someone to make it for so it was the best occasion. As Sissy said, “I’ve never seen someone so excited to eat dinner rolls.”

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee, Rizzo, Ethan, Emmy, Hot Pot, Christmas Gifts, Jackbox

We did a video call with the cousins to open presents together after lunch. Then it was our usual Hot Pot for dinner and open presents after. Sissy and BIL came over in the morning to grab their presents so we did a video call as well.

Mum ended up with me as Secret Santa which meant, I bought my own gifts within the limit set. Brudda and SIL ended up getting me a signed copy of Folklore from Taylor Swift! I officially have an autograph from two of my favourite artists that got me to pick up a guitar and write.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy's Starbucks Fail

Day after Christmas, SIL, Emmy, and I went to Target and picked up Starbucks since they had 20 percent off. Emmy accidentally got Tammy to spill her drink a minute after she got it in her hands. Luckily, Starbucks was nice enough to remake her drink.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy, June, Rizzo & Crown Kitchen

I played guitar as Rizzo cuddled up beside me, took Emmy on a walk with June, put on nail stickers on Emmy, and we ate Crown Kitchen’s pizza for dinner. Their pizza is super thin. I think that it would taste better if we ate it there. Their toppings due fall off which makes for a meh pizza. I don’t hate it but it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Rudolph's Light Show | Hockley, Texas | Ethan, Emmy, Mellie Dee

We did the drive thru Rudolph’s Light Show for last Christmas light sensation. Santa’s Wonderland was definitely a better drive thru Christmas light show. This wasn’t horrible, but not worth the cost. The drive to get there was longer than the show itself. I think we were done in less than 10 minutes. Emmy had fun though.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Inkbox Tattoo Prank with Sissy and Brudda

When we got home, we video called Sissy and showed our parents our sibling tattoos. Best prank ever because of how angry our parents were. It was so hard to hide it from our family. I wore long sleeves even though I was sweating and Brudda kept his shirt on always. There where times it slipped but they never noticed.

Brudda bought the Inkbox Freehand kit, I made stencils and drew them all on us. Sissy took off her jacket and messed up the design before it dried so that’s why it looked so bad. Still, Mum couldn’t tell the ugly.

The triangle signifies the three of us. Top is thicker for Sissy, Middle for Brudda, and last one of me. It’s weird but after a while, I don’t even notice it being there.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mr. Donuts

This morning, Rizzo and I decided to leave with Emmy, SIL and Brudda back to Dallas. Ethan stayed behind. We stopped by Mr. Donuts for breakfast and headed out.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Emmy's Ice Cream Cart

When we got back to Dallas they cleaned the house and built Emmy her Ice Cream Cart Christmas gift. She kept trying to feed me ice cream but I told her I’d get diabetes if she fed me any more.

2020 | Week 41 of Quarantine | Dallas Eats of the Week

SIL and I picked up dinner from Densetsu. All the sushi rolls and towers, etc. were delicious and plentiful. Definelty a place I’d order from again.

I had other great foods this week. Los Balitos tacos, Raising Cane’s kids meal, Mala Szechuan, sushi, and steak made by Brudda. Gaining weight but I’m finally off and going to enjoy it. Working tomorrow to send reports to the leadership team, then hoping no one else emails me for the rest of the week.

Hope you all had a great holiday celebration!

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Camping at Stephen F. Austin State Park

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2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Wine Country Christmas Gift from Work

Work was nice enough to send everyone a Wine Country gift basket. It has wine, cheeses, crackers, olives, etc. I haven’t fully opened it up so I’m not sure what the wine is but I’m sure it’ll be delectable.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Bachelorette & Gift Wrapping with Mallory & Beth | Dunkaroo Dip, Whataburger, Amish Friendship Bread

On Tuesday, after work, I went over to Beth’s, picking up Whataburger for dinner on the way. We had plans to wrap presents while watching an episode of the Bachelorette. Not my type of show, but I love hanging out and doing mindless stuff to get away from the stress of work. MacKenzie couldn’t make it but she was nice enough to drop off some homemade Dunkaroo dip and Amish Friendship Bread Starters for us. I didn’t bring any presents to wrap since I wasn’t about to lug everything but I did help Mallory wrap a little bit of hers.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Plum Planner & Rizzo

Plum Paper delivery came! I’ve always wanted to order from this company so I’m excited to see how they work out. I’m going to find time one of these next few days to put in all the birthdays, and future dates I already know about. Eeek!

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Poop & Fart Books, Christmas Gifts

Since I was off Friday, I did some last minute Christmas shopping for the remainder of the people we have left, then wrapped presents just before midnight while watching Castle. I’ve been obsessed with that show and am already a little sad that it’s almost over. Also, I love to wrap presents. Let me know if you need some assistance.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Starbucks, Rizzo & Kato

We were suppose to camp Thanksgiving weekend, but due to the thunderstorm, we rescheduled to this Saturday. Funny enough, it was thundering too. Luckily, we stuck it out and it was a glorious afternoon/night.

Mum, Dad, June, Rizzo, Rocky, and I stopped for some Starbucks then we met up with everyone else (Sissy, BIL, Bruno, Kato, Gordon & Patsy) at Stephen F. Austin State Park around three. I did some photoshoots with Rizzo during our walk with the pups. Kato had crazy leaves stuck on him. He’s so cute!

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Rizzo & Tents

Before our pup walks, we had set up our tents on our two campsites. The pups all stayed in the car and I was very surprised that Rizzo wasn’t squealing like a pig as he usually does when he’s not next to me.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Campfire, Sushi, Chana Masala, Self Heating Hot Pot

We got the fire set up for warmth and cooked our foods on the picnic table. We had a camping grill with butane so it made things a little easier. Everyone made their own foods and shared. So much food I didn’t take a picture of everything. These are just the highlights.

I’ve always wanted to try a backpacking meal so when I saw Backpacker’s Pantry’s Chana Masala, I grabbed one. It was much better than I expected for instant Indian food. They say it’s two servings but I felt it could be three or four servings! Definitely something I wouldn’t mind eating again and makes me want to try others.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Night Sky

I love watching the sky change and being in an area where it was pretty dark, it was nice to see so many stars out. Just breaking the cold area destressed me. Oh mother nature. how you always amaze me.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Mellie Dee, Rizzo, Kato, Bruno, Rocky

I took a lot of pictures of the pups because they are all so stinking cute. Why yes, Rizzo did get a camping sweater. Glad I did because that, his furry coat, and a giant furry blanket were enough to keep him warm in the 40-degree weather in the wee morning. I’ve always wanted to take the pups camping and I’m glad I finally get to cross it off the list.

2020 | Week 40 of Quarantine | Stephen F. Austin State Park Camping | Breakfast, Rocky, Rizzo, Mellie Dee

We all woke up, walked the pups, made breakfast. We sat and talked for a bit more before we started to clean up. Gordon and Patsy gave us Starbucks Hot Cocoa mixes and a Panettone Cake to take home.

It’s been a crazy weekend but it was a very enjoyable one. Although we didn’t get to do much hiking due to the puddles and such, I want to visit more places and just breathe in nature.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Music | The 1 by Taylor Swift

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2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Professional Scrum Management Training

I finally took a training class. This one was to become a Professional Scrum Master. I have two chances to take the test to be certified. Sadly, I don’t think I’m ready even after the class. I have to study a bit more first. Definitely super engaging using Mural and find that it was very helpful.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Friends Advent Calendar

I finally own an advent calendar. I’ve been wanting one since I was a kid but not one with chocolates. Luckily, Friends came out with one and I snagged one when it was super cheap. Will report back after 25 days!

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Heights Bier Garten | Houston, Texas | Erin, John, Christopher

On Thursday, after work, I met up with Erin, John, and Christopher at Heights Bier Garten. I had told them I’d only come out if it was outside and they stuck by it. We froze our butts off for over 4 hours. Erin and John are finally back from Japan and we met up and caught up. She got me candies and a Hello Kitty bag. It’s crazy how it’s been over a year since they left for Japan and 9 months since I’ve seen Christopher.

I finally got to drink Saloon Door PB Chocolate beer! Still one of the best I’ve ever had.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Blood Donation with Mallory

Friday, Mallory and I met at the Donor Center and made our usually blood donation. Mallory came half an hour later than me and still finished before I did, sigh.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Mallory's Hamburger Helper & Beth's Baby Shower Favours

I went over to her house afterward to put together party favours for Beth’s baby shower and chomped down on some yummy cheesy goodness. I’ve been craving mac and cheese type foods and this hit the spot.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Starbucks, Hot Pot, Steak

Steaks and sweet potatoes, Starbucks drinks, and hot pot hit all the right spots. The cold makes me a little lazy to workout. June’s been walking earlier and I’m usually still working so I’ve pushed myself to complete workouts from the telly since it’s pitch black out when I am able to workout.

2020 | Week 38 of Quarantine | Spotify Unwrapped

Another amazing year with Spotify. Taylor Swift is still my number 1 and as it says, her “The 1” is what got me through 2020. So here goes:

And if you wanted me, you really should’ve showed
And if you never bleed, you’re never gonna grow
And it’s alright now

…

I have this dream you’re doing cool shit
Having adventures on your own
You meet some woman on the internet and take her home

…

I persist and resist the temptation to ask you
If one thing had been different
Would everything be different today?

We were something, don’t you think so?
Rosé flowing with your chosen family
And it would’ve been sweet
If it could’ve been me
In my defense, I have none
For digging up the grave another time
But it would’ve been fun
If you would’ve been the one

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Mum’s Birthday & Thanksgiving

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2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Daily Walk, Relaxing Outside with Rizzo

If I told you we continued to walk every single day, would you believe me? Because you shouldn’t. With the festivities and weather, we had to skip a few days. I will say that running/walking in the rain is actually very therapeutic. Rizzo was not a big fan though. Regardless of what happened, I did spend a couple of hours outside with a hot cup of tea watching my shows to relax.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Annual Holiday Volunteer, Starbucks, McDonald's

It was Mum’s birthday Wednesday so she got to leave early and she joined me while I searched for goodies for the elderly in different stores. Sissy and I usually sign up for a holiday volunteering event and this year we chose to buy a few necessities and assemble the bags to donate.

I got my Starbucks and Mum got a McDonald’s happy meal. She saw the Disney toys and want to collect them all. #kidatheart

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Mum's Birthday | Antonia's Italian Ristorante | Katy, Texas

At night, for dinner, Dad and Mum pulled out their own alcohol so June and I followed suit for jokes. I ordered everyone Antonia’s Italian Ristorante. We haven’t ordered Italian food during this whole pandemic and it really hit the spot. No one had leftovers but me which is crazy since my fettucine alfredo was a kid’s meal and everyone tried out the mussels. Definetly a place we’d order from again in the future.

We video called in Brudda when we did the cake and Emmy sang along with us. Sissy called in shortly after to open presents with us.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Thanksgiving Hot Pot

On Thanksgiving day, Sissy, Brudda, and I stayed on video chat together for over 8 hours. Brudda was in and out of the chat but Sissy and I were there from start to finish – until it was time for us to retreat back to our families to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Sissy mostly worked on her paper while we shopped and talked about random things. Whenever Brudda was on, we talked about random computer stuff and his photography website. There were times of silence but knowing someone is there with you makes it all the best. It’s different this year, but not, since our family has always been connected.

Hot pot was crazier than usual. A lot of leftovers but Mum wanted the feeling of celebration, so much so that we got lobsters. Best addition. We watched a movie together afterward before we all retreated back to our rooms to relax and fall asleep.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Raising Cane's | Annual Shutterfly Calendar

On Friday, we all jumped back on video chat to discuss annual calendar making and Black Friday shopping, all while Sissy continued writing her paper. We make one every year, collecting our extended family members’ pictures of the current year and creating a calendar for the next. I was able to start and send it off to the presses on the same day which is the best feeling.

Mum and June went out shopping and came back with Raising Cane’s for a late lunch for me.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Sayad Mediterranean Grill | Houston, Texas
Pita | Free • Cold Vegetarian Sampler [hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, grape leaves, eggplant with tomatoes] | $16.25 • Mixed Grill [shish kabob, kofta kebab, chicken kabob, meat, and chicken shawarma with grilled tomatoes, onions, and rice] | $21.99 • Cauliflower [fried spicy cauliflower with cilantro and garlic] | $9.29 • Batata Hara [fried spicy potato with cilantro and garlic] | $9.29

On Saturday, everyone had their own thing going on. June had to work, Mum went out shopping, Dad did his own thing, and I worked on random projects. I ordered Sayad Mediterranean Grill for my one meal a day. I’m not trying to lose weight or anything, but I just forgot to eat.

I will for sure order from here again. Everything was made to perfection and I was surprised at how giant their pita was! Their mixed platter hit the spot. It reminds me of Ashy’s cooking whenever I had this at his house. Oh the memories.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Minuti Coffee, Kolache Factory, Sushi

Today, Sissy and BIL came over with Minuti Coffee and Kolache Factory. Mostly to come and pick up the Holiday Bags. She’s going to drop them off at the donation place since it’s closer to her house.

Later at night, Mum and Dad went out and came back with sushi. If you can guess where this is from, you’ll be a genius.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Rizzo, Mellie Dee, Rocky | Atomic Habits Book | Christmas Contract Movie

I was lazy all day. The only day where I had nothing going on. I was able to start my book club’s choice, Atomic Habit. I’m usually a fiction only type girl, but this book is well written so far that I’m able to blow through more pages than I thought.

It was also nice to cuddle up with Rizzo while I watched sappy movies. If you ever watched One Tree Hill and love it, check out Christmas Contract. It stars five of them in this movie which brought me back to high school/college years.

Oh, how naive I was.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa’s Wonderland | College Station, Texas

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2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy Presents

I took two half days and a Friday off to spend with Emmy. I got her a 7 day advent calendar to help countdown when her parents were coming to pick her up to go back home. She had fun opening it every night and got to open day 7 with her parents.

One of the days I was off, I took her to Walgreens where she looked at the candy aisle with glee. I didn’t get her anything though since we had planned to get a happy meal from McDonald’s.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy Gingerbread Mansion

I took off early on Monday and we did a gingerbread mansion together. She had so much fun eating it while working and was so excited to show it to EVERYONE — my parents and June when they got home, Sissy and BIL when they visited, and Brudda and SIL when they came to pick her up.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa's Wonderland | College Station, Texas | Emmy

We did the gingerbread house to get her in the festive mood since I got her tickets to Santa’s Wonderland with the parents and June.

This has always been on my list and I always thought it was very romantic to go on dates like this with a significant other but it never happened so what better time than with everyone I love?

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa's Wonderland | College Station, Texas | Emmy & Mellie Dee

She had fun making faces at everything. I wish they had other foods to offer us but with the pandemic and it being Monday, not many stalls were opened. My parents and June had fun as well and loved the hayride the best since there was A LOT to see. Emmy loved it so much that she asked me to take her to Christmas practically every day after.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy & JJ Playdate | Mary Jo Park | Jacob & Mallory

I had Friday off and took Emmy to Mary Jo Peckham Park to meet up with JJ for their playdate. They played with rocks and practically spun around in different things.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy & JJ Playdate | Mary Jo Park | Jacob, Mallory, Mellie Dee

These are my favourite pictures I took. They are so cute (and us)! They were both sad we had to say goodbye but we’re already looking at Christmastime when she’ll be back in town to play.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Sunset Walks | Emmy & Rizzo

Per usual, daily walks. Emmy was sad that she was having her last walk with Rizzo. The views have been gorgeous! That bottom right picture has got my heart so happy! It still amazes me how beautiful mother nature is.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Garden and New Plants

Mum and I went to a garden center and I loved walking down the aisle to lit Christmas trees. And I got my second plant. The pot says Cal Cor Plant so I’m not sure exactly what it’s called but I know they’re also known as polka dot plants. They have other colours but these two creates such a Christmas vibe for my bedroom.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Early Thanksgiving, Brudda, SIL and Mum Birthday | Sushi Neato | Crumbl | Whole Foods Cake

Saturday, Brudda and SIL came down and Sissy and BIL came over to celebrate an early Thanksgiving and birthdays of Mum, Brudda, and SIL. I FINALLY got my sushi after a year later! It’s been a no-no in our house since the pandemic but I’m glad we got an exception.

We had ordered Door Dash for Sushi Neato but they were having issues with their app and website. Sushi Neato told us the food had been ready but no person came to pick it up so Sissy and BIL went and got the food. After calling Door Dash, they ended up refunding us the whole meal! Love Door Dash’s service!

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Eats

Great eats for the week includes Starbucks, heart shaped poached eggs, and some of the best pepppered shrimp!

Now that Emmy is gone, it’s back to my usual scheduled meal times. I’m sure being with her makes me gain weight with the amount of times she eats. This girl has to eat a snack before bed. Literally, eat, pee, brush her teeth, watch a few minutes of a show, then bedtime. Crazy but at least it’s consistent.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy and Mellie Dee Selfies

When her parents came, she did not want ANYTHING to do with us. Understandable. Luckily, she had to sleep one last night with me since Brudda got Lasik surgery and couldn’t have a crazy girl kick him in the face in the middle of the night.

In the morning, we brushed our teeth and went back into bed and watched Bluey for a bit so that she wouldn’t wake up her parents. I was able to get a few shots of us together and she even told me she loved me and gave me a lot of kisses.

I miss her but I’m also happy to have the whole bed to myself again. Finding activities for a three year old is exhausting but I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything else.