Love This!

and this one....




oh how I love Glee!

: )

I just realized I never blogged about my wonderful birthday present my hubby got me. I have been wanting one FOREVER but never DREAMED I would get one...without further ado...

Best husband ever.

He said he has been researching them for about year and he had always wanted one as well so he thought what better time than my birthday? : ) I cried and cried when I opened it. J is so ah-mazing when it comes to presents....lets see...

21st Birthday- A flat screen TV

22nd Birthday- MY ENGAGEMENT RING

23rd Birthday- A wii

24th Birthday- My digital piano

He is soooo good to me. I am so blessed to have a husband like him. My love for him grows more and more each day. And not because of the presents he buys me- but because he is my soul mate.

 Anyways, back to practicing...



Weekend Re-Cap

How can Friday seem so long ago and yet at the same time feel like yesterday!?

**Sorry no pictures**

I came home and plopped myself on the couch with all intentions of being a bum all weekend- hubby was gone- all alone- just me and the pup. So I caught up on DVR (which is my hubby is gone ritual) and took a little Friday afternoon siesta. Around 8:30 a white truck pulls in the driveway! YIPPIE!! HUBBY IS HOME! He would only get to stay for till Sunday morning but I was thrilled.

Saturday morning we slept in till 10ish then I got up and made orange rolls, coffee and scrambled eggs. After breakfast, we got ready for our day and was non stop pretty much the rest of the day. We went to Taylor & Eric's- dropped off Ella's jacket she had left at Nanas, then went shopping. We went to Academy (got bubby his skiing gear), Sears, Bath and Body Works (obsessed with my new soaps & proud I was able to get J into that store), Target, Stein Mart, Harbor Freight Tools and finally home. WHEW! I am not a shopper. Don't get me wrong I love clothes but I hate shopping all day. We finally got home and relaxed for a little while before heading back over to Taylor & Eric's for dinner and games. We had baked potatoes & sausage. YUM! With girl scout cookies for dessert! DELISH! After dinner, we played Pictonary. Boys against Girls. Amy, Myself & Taylor kicked some butt yet still somehow managed to lose to the boys. We are pretty sure it is because they were looking at our drawings. : ) After Pictonary, we headed home and hit the sack. J had to leave this morning and needed his rest.

This morning J left bright and early. I woke up and had trouble falling back asleep at first...but before long I was sleeping away. When I did get up, I ate breakfast & watched church on my computer- our pastor is still walking through Psalms and I LOVE it! After church I showered and wrote my list of what to do. Justin likes to say I make lists and then don't do anything on them- but not today. I was busy. I did laundry, cleaned the toilets, picked up the house, went to the bank, Kirklands, grocery shopping, etc. After all that I watched a movie and now am doing some more laundry and contemplating what I should eat for dinner.

Tomorrow starts another week. I can NOT believe its February. Guess its time to change my color. Let me explain every day on my planner when I complete something I check it off in colors themed according to the month. Such as November was orange and brown, December was green and red- so February will be pink and red. : ) I already picked out what I am getting J for Valentines day. Mom thinks its weird- but I think its neat.

Quotes from Church

Its not how well you worship, but how well you live.

30 minutes of worship doesn't equal 7 days of obedience

Get up every morning and ask God...

not my will but yours be done.

Good Start

This morning I just could NOT get out of bed. UGH it's Friday, one more day!!! So I finally get up, hurried and get ready and drive to school. I walk into my office and what do I see? A special treat just for me. One of my dear co-workers/friend brought me donuts this morning!! : ) It is so the little things that make the day. : )

1*21*11 & 1*22*11

Friday

1*21*2011

We woke up and got busy. I actually woke up to mom already in the front bathroom going through EVERYTHING!! She was laughing because she opened a drawer and found a Butterfinger. (Figures- Granny always had candy hidden everywhere). I got up and began helping. We dived up all 35 bottles of lotion. Granny LOVED her lotion. That took awhile and after we had emptied everything out from the cabinets and put everything in piles, I showered. Mom moved to the back bathroom and cleaned that one out while I took a break and read my book some. (I know- total help I was)

After the bathrooms were finished, we made grilled cheese and tomato soup. Shawn got there and we had some more soup and sandwiches. Before long, everyone was back over and we all hung out together. Mom suddenly realized it was Friday night and we were leaving Sunday and panicked that we hadn’t gotten enough done. So before long we were in another cabinet going through and making piles some more. Before too late, we headed to bed so we could get busy on Saturday.

P.S. Sorry no pictures of this day...cleaning bathrooms doesn't make for a very good backdrop. : )

Satuday

1*22*2011

Saturday I woke up and had breakfast before showering and getting ready for the day. We sat around and discussed our plan for the day before getting busy. Before long, U. Pete brought A. Jenny up to the house and we had sloppy joes and hot dogs for lunch.

After lunch, I started making piles. I took all the pictures and knick-knacks off the shelves in the living room and divided them among the sisters. This was huge. This was the first thing that we had done that you really could tell a difference. (Everything else had been cleaning out cabinets, under sinks, etc.) But we wanted to de-clutter and de-personalize the space just in case someone needed to come and look at the house. (Realtor wise) Mom & A. Jenny went through cabinets and bookshelves. While Mom & A. Jenny went through things, I went through the house with Shawn and took pictures of every paitning my grandfather had done that was framed in the house. Grandpa loved loved loved to paint. He loved precious moments, birds, houses, etc. Shawn & I also went down into the basement and found some more painting that he had done that weren’t framed. One of mom’s favorites is a photo of Granny that he drew while he was away at war right after they got married. (in slide show) Finally, I finished all the photos and decided to take a break. Well with mom in go go go mood- a break wasn’t happening. I helped them go through things, throw things away, get trash bags, climb on shelves, etc.

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As the afternoon wore on, A. Ruby & Paula arrived and the sorting continued. Shawn & I went for a ride to Lowes. Granny told A. Jenny something before she died. (When Papa died, Shawn & U. Pete went and got a lantern to put out on his grave.) Well Granny told Jenny to make sure the light was always burning because she didn’t want to be out there in the dark. (Yes, we know she ISNT out there and she is NOT in the ground- but still the human in us feels the pain and sadness of dark and cold) So Shawn & I drove to Lowes to try and find a matching lantern so they would each have their own. However, Grandpa died in 1993. We couldn’t find the same light. So we decided on a hummingbird light & a butterfly light and we would move the lantern to the middle. Grandpa loved hummingbirds & Granny loved butterflies. PERFECT! I held my tears back but will always remember being able to go and help pick out what keeps their grave lit up at night. They were really pretty. I kinda wanna go get some for our yard so I can daily be reminded and remember what an amazing family I come from- both sides. **My cousin Shawn with the lights**

**Me with the lights**

That night we ate pizza and worked some more. We worked until we went to bed. Finally, we hit the sack because Sunday morning we would be driving to catch a plane.

One of the treasures Mom found... (I took a picture of the picture & then edited it to bring out the brightness)

Momma & Her Daddy on her wedding day...a treasure always

1*20*11

Thursday

1*20*11

This morning the furnace man came to the house. The heat hasn’t been working properly so it would be hot then cold, etc. so he came early and I slept through it all…thanks to Nyquil again. When I did get up, Mom & I went through some old newspapers and cleaned out under some cabinets that my aunts can’t get too. I found some amazing old cameras, newspapers, candlesticks, photographs, puzzles, old bills and paychecks. It is amazing what people keep and you find. Ones man’s trash really is another man’s treasure.

After finishing three cabinets, Flora Lee & Hubert stopped by. Flora Lee & Hubert are wonderful people. Mom dated their son Terry. Mom’s terrible accident was on the motorcycle with Terry and later Terry passed away. At one point, Mom & Terry had been engaged. They have always been too kind to our family and really are part of our family. They came and talked with us about all sorts of things- puppy dogs, old cars (Hubert’s passion), life, dying, and everything in between. They really are a sweet little old couple. They have been married 59 years. Mom just left to go get us Dairy Queen. When they left, suddenly we were starving. I need to vacuum. I stayed here because Uncle Pete and Uncle Ray were going up to the nursing home to get the rest of Granny’s stuff today and were bringing it to the house so I needed to be here to let them in when they get here.

Mom got back and we ate quickly before leaving again to go to Wal-Mart to get some totes to pack Granny’s stuff in. We got on the road and then turned around because one of my mom’s old friends had followed us and wanted to come and chat with us at the house. We went back home, sat around and talked about life and how things have changed. Paula & Brian came over and the three of us went to the Dollar Tree to pick up some more Thank You Notes and then finally to Wal-Mart to get the totes to pack stuff in. When we got back, we looked some pictures I have taken and then ate burgers A. Jenny made. We turned on Now & Then and have sat here and watched it while the sisters are in the kitchen writing thank you notes. I feel like I could be doing something but have no idea what to do. I am sure this will be the extent of our evening. Enjoying our time with our family- It is supposed to snow another 2 inches tonight. I am just getting over my cold thanks to Nyquil but if it snows I am sure it will return because I know I will be back out playing in the snow- this time I am determined to go sledding. I also took pictures today of different things in the house like paintings and different nick-knacks along with flowers from the funeral. The amount of flowers truly is unbelievable. Granny sure is one loved lady.

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1*18*11 & 1*19*11

Tuesday

1*18*11

Tuesday, I didn’t take any photos. It was a very laid back day. It was cold. We had lunch together and then all came into the living room and sat around for the rest of the afternoon telling stories about Granny. I was typing everything so that I can make all the stories into a book for the family. It is going to be really neat. The book will have things she loved and stories about her and some other stuff as well. I might try to add a family tree in there as well. Verna made her famous lasagna and we all sat around and ate dinner. After dinner, I felt terrible. The cold from making snow angels, playing in the snow, staying in my wet clothes caught up with me. I was suddenly very hot and felt no good. I took some Nyquil and went to bed.

P.S. This day was also Justin and I's 1 and half year anniversary!! : )

Wednesday
1*19*2011

Today I woke up after taking NyQuil and felt a little better. I got up and went and ate breakfast (biscuits) with Mom, Verna, Indy & Carol before laying down on the couch and taking a 45 minute nap or so. (NyQuil really gets you!). Mom woke me up and told me I needed to wake up long enough to tell everyone bye and that Ruby, Ray & Paula had gotten there. I got up and moved back to the kitchen table where we talked and chatted about all sorts of things. Around 12:45, Verna, Indy & Carol all headed out to drive to Kentucky.

Once they left I showered and got ready to go visit Janice. (Grandpa’s sister’s daughter- mom’s cousin) Mom, Ruby, Paula & I had left over lasagna, bread and salad before Mom & I headed over to Janice & Roy’s. We sat and talked. Janice & Roy were both school teachers so we had a connection and could talk about education all day long. Janice also had some pictures of Grandpa & his sisters & brothers. So I took photos of the photos. : ) It is weird to me to think about family you have that you don’t even see that often. They live up on top of the hill and when we pulled into the driveway it was snowing. SO PRETTY!

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We stayed there for an hour and a half or so before heading to the local dairy queen. We totally have a dairy queen by our house- but I barely ever go, but when we are here its tradition- dairy queen ice cream is a must. We got ice cream and headed over to Ruby’s. We ate our ice cream and played with her sweet puppy dog, Beau before heading home. Mom said she felt like she had been gone from the house too long. It is true though. Mom & I have both left this house as little as possible. It’s like we are cocooning under the comfort of this house. We just got back to the house and I am going to catch up on what has been going on so that when I get home, I won’t be super behind.

Not long after I wrote this, Aunt Jenny got here and soon after Paula & Ruby followed behind. We ate leftover lasagna, salad, and all the other leftovers. We are all about done with leftovers. Tonight was the first time the sisters sat around the table (minus one who had to go back to work) and talked about things they needed to do, etc. They got the Thank You note card organized and Paula and I went to McDonalds and watched “Because I said so” before joining them in the kitchen while Jenny went through one cabinet of a hatch in the kitchen. Before long, we were done with that – Ruby & Paula went home and Mom, Jenny and me headed into the living room to discuss our plan of action for the following days.

Tomorrow I am determined to accomplish something. Even if it is just to throw away old phone books and expired lotion and cleaning supplies. Night night!

1*17*11

Monday
1*17*11

This morning Dad, Jessica and Roy left. Mom was very upset to have her family leave. Thankfully, I was able to stay behind. We spent the day being together. Jason, Melissa, Maggie & Jake all came over along with everyone else. We all ate, sat around, talked, ate, etc. At one they headed home and we sat around and talked for awhile. Around 4ish, Verna and I had to run to Walmart so we went to the cemetery first. The flowers on Granny’s grave were BEAUTIFUL. It started snowing while we were out there…




After the cemetery & Walmart, Paula & I made cream cheese mints. YUM! We ate a lot of them but had fun making them.
And you know Mom & A. Ruby weren't far either....

1*16*11

After a rough Saturday, we needed a realxing Sunday...

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1*15*2011

Saturday
1*15*2011
The Day of the Funeral

"The Many Faces"

When I first started my word document under this day was written, plain and simple:

"I can't write about this day yet." There were too many emotions. Since then, I wrote.

I woke up and must have been on automatic. I have never dealt with death like this before. I can’t cry. And if you know me, you know I am a CRIER!! I showered, put on my black dress, my black leggings, and my black boots. I even put on makeup and fixed my hair. I had brought pants to wear but mom said she was wearing her dress (it is 30 degrees and icy & snowy). She said her Momma deserves a dress. So Jessica & I wore a dress as well. We arrived at the funeral home around 11. We went into the chapel and I cried. The tears just came. There is no way to avoid it.

The family was the only ones there from 11-12 then it was open to the public. She looked so peaceful and beautiful. They fixed her hair, painted her nails and made her look like an angel. We know she is in a better place. Around 12, the funeral home filled up. The amount of love throughout the funeral home that day is worth more than its weight in gold. So many people came from all over. The line down the aisle was almost out the door there were so many people. Saturday was the longest day ever. From 12-2:30 people came from near and far in ice and snow to tell Granny goodbye and pay their respects- at 2:20 they began the service. Pastor Davis, the family pastor- (married mom & dad, knew our family forever, was at one time my aunt’s father-in-law) did the service. He talked about moms and how there is always a place in your heart for your mom that cannot be filled by anyone other than the Lord. He talked about how what you do and how you act is rooted in the way your mother raised you. He talked about how he knew our family and how loved Granny is.

After the funeral service we got in our cars and followed the hearse to the cemetery where we would say our final goodbye to our beloved grandmother. We drove in the freezing weather down the road to the cemetery where we all filed into the mausoleum (it was too cold to do it graveside). We had a short service and then it was done. The finality of it-

We came home and before long the house was full of family and people. I have decided that I deal with things like this through photos. I got my camera and went around and decided I took

“The Many Faces of Maggie’s Funeral”

the laughter, the tears, the sadness,

the babies, the unborn babies,

the stress, the distraught,

the innocence of a child, and the cry of a baby

but above everything else-

family was together and that was all that mattered.

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1*14*2011

So I will begin sharing with you the journey... I wrote this all in a word document while I was there- (since no internet while I was there) Also, a lot of this is just for me to remember- random things we did or said- but I want to remember.

Friday

1*14*2011

The morning light came through the window and I woke with a start; knowing that today I would get on a plane to fly across the country to bury my grandmother. The grandmother who I looked forward to going to visit every summer. The grandmother who let me eat candy whenever I wanted, and gave me my love of candy. The grandmother who loved everyone and was the sweetest little lady. The grandmother who raised my mom and aunts to be the mothers they are today.

We left the house and drove to the airport, arriving still in shock of what was going on. One, I never go anywhere during the winter. Two, it was like I as on automatic as we walked through the airport and the twinge of excitement that you are going on a trip is rushing through your blood- only for the reality of where and why you were going to sink in. We got on the plane- had a smooth flight- met Jessica & Roy at the airport- picked up a rental car- drove 3 hours to get to Bluefield- all the while I am perfectly fine. The tears have yet to come. The reality of it all- yet to come. Everyone would be at Granny’s just like always. You pull in the driveway and escape your cares and worries of the real world because you have arrived at “Granny’s” I may be 24 years old but you are never too old for you “Granny’s” where late night snacks, game shows on tv, and stories of times past are the regular. Yet this time, when we pulled in the driveway the reality hit. Like a BRICK. I suddenly couldn’t move. The girl, who had been so anxious the whole 3 hour drive about getting here so we could all be together- couldn’t move. Suddenly the flood gates opened and the tears came. I couldn’t get out of the car. I couldn’t walk into the house and not hear sweet Grannys voice yelling from her wheelchair- “Who’s There?” or walk into the kitchen to see Granny leaning over the fridge with her wheelchair blocking the way to whatever anyone wanted. But most of all, I couldn’t go in there and Granny not be there- Mom held me in her arms until I was ready to face the family. Together we could face the upcoming days. Alone, in the car I was just that. Alone. I got out and Paula came out to the car to give me hugs. I went the house where I saw my Aunt Jenny- I went straight to her and cried more & she held me and cried back. Then I moved from Aunt Jenny to Aunt Ruby where we tried to joke and make the situation that was bringing us all together not so depressing. We laughed through our tears but all of us knew how badly each other were hurting. People I didn’t know were coming in and out, dropping off loads and loads of food.

Trying to escape from the chaos, I put on my jacket and coat and went to play in the snow. The first time I have ever seen snow. I was a little kid at Christmas. The sorrow of the hour past and I frolicked and played in the snow. I made Paula, Mom & Dad come outside and play. I made snowballs and pegged Daddy only for him to turn around and almost peg me in the face (not on purpose, I’m sure). After coming in and out a number of times, Dad got the camera and Paula and I went outside to make snow angels. (Remember this is my first time in snow) Paula tricked me and I made the snow angels by myself. HMPH! : ) It was fun and I made a “perfect snow angel”. I made two side-by-side so that we had a Grandpa angel and a Grandma angel. I was freezing and soaking wet when I came inside.

The rest of the night was spent with family. Being together was the best thing we all needed. People continued to bring food and stuff over as we all just sat around being with each other. We headed to bed early seeing that the funeral was the next day and we would be getting up early.

Random Thoughts

Today has been 200 times better than yesterday. I guess I was just tired from traveling, overwhelmed with the whirlwind of a week I had just had and had a major headache- today, however, I have been go go go! It feels good to get back to the grind. If only this last until I get home and I can unpack and do some laundry. : ) I won't hold my breath. I have had some random thoughts I wanted to blog about and since I don't have the word document with me at school about my trip- what better time to random blog than now? (while my kids are at CAMP- Computer, Art, Music, PE)

{ONE}

I love love love Crackerfuls. Colleen introduced me to them and I am addicted. So good. Also, I love Granola Thins- Dark Chocolate. My staple for breakfast, snack and lunch have been granola thins for breakfast, Crackerfuls for 10:00 snack and healthy choice steamers for lunch. I am hoping I don't get sick of these things too quickly. It is also great because all I have to do is grab them and go.

{TWO}

My hair is in a total funk. It is constantly FLAT. BOO! So annoying. I love love love curling my hair- only problem is I don't know how. I told my friend Kelly that move teach me to curl my hair to number one on her to do list. My hair is finally getting long again (cut it all off after we got married-a year and a half ago) and so I really want to learn to curl so that it will be my quick fix. Everyone always says they curl their hair when they don't have time to fix it...I want that to be me.

{THREE}
*Update* - this website is fake- sorry.

My cousin sent me this email and its so neat. It is a website that you can find out where any criminal that has been convicted lives. Here is the email & website- try it out.

"Just type in a street name at the top of the form and you whole neighborhood map will pop up. Every place you see a red balloon or thumb tack is the home of a convicted felon. Just place your mouse over an icon & not only will the name come up, but also the crime they were convicted of. Safety first. "

http://www.felonspy.com/search.html

{FOUR}

At the airport I was looking through my magazine and OPI is coming out with a TEXAS line. The colors were so cute. Like...."Houston we have a Purple" or "Ya'll come back ya hear!" or "Guy meets Gal-veston" I kinda want the whole line. Not that I would paint my nails "San TAN-tonio" but I think it would be neat to have the whole collection. But at $8 a pop...not quite sure about that...lets see 12 new nail polish...thats $100 on nail polish. Not gonna happen. Maybe I'll pick one to go get... : )

{FIVE}

Can you believe its almost FEBRUARY!?!?! I don't know where this month went. Really, I do. First week was first week back to school after Christmas break. Second week was faculty meeting, my birthday & Granny passed away & a plane ticket to Virginia. Third week was Virginia. Fourth week, back at school. But still WOW! I guess when something like a death in your family happens you live in a twilight zone for a little while.

{SIX}

So sad...my mom's facebook status last night... "Back in Texas. Been missing from school: 6 days. Been missing from Texas: 10 days. Days we'll miss our mom: forever. Thanks for all the support, prayers and true friendship and love our family has felt during this difficult time." I can't imagine losing my momma- so I can't imagine the pain she is going through right now. Love you mamma bear!!

{SEVEN}

Yesterday Justin was able to go and visit Nana, (his mom's mom) and have lunch with her. Justin said he thinks she really enjoyed it. He ate lunch with her and his dad @ 11:30, sat and talked till 6:30 and finally came home. Those special days are times he will remember forever. I am so thankful he was able to go spend time with her, only sad I wasn't able to go as well.

{EIGHT}

I am so annoyed with my car. A few months after I turned 16 I got a brand new ford explorer sport. It is 2004 and only has 67,000 miles on it. Can you believe it!? However, whenever it is cold- my locks don't work. They will lock fine. But thats the problem- they stayed locked. I don't have keyless entry so its a manual unlock- but it won't unlock. HMPH! I have to go to the back of the car, pop the glass and press the unlock button that is back there. I always look like I am trying to break into my own car.

Not Yet

I cant get back in the swing of things. I wrote in a word document every day we were gone. I will post them all including photos soon. Hopefully, tomorrow.

So much

So much has happened since Tuesday. The quick re-cap

Tuesday night- Justin & I went to eat for my birthday since he was leaving again for work. We went to Cheddars- YUM! Then we came home and he gave me my beautiful wonderful birthday present. (which I will have a later post on) Lets just say its always been my dream and its a musical instrument.

Wednesday- school, gym for Step class, then my friend Pamela came over with cupcakes and we ordered pizza and had a "almost your birthday" party- the two of us. We sat and chatted and enjoyed each others company. (Little did we know that it would be the only birthday celebration)

This morning. I woke up with my phone ringing. It was mom. I assumed she was just calling to wish me happy birthday. I answer and she begins singing happy birthday! I smile to myself thinking today is my birthday. : ) After she is done singing she tells me she has sad news for me. Granny died in her sleep this morning. WAIT WHAT!? I was in shock. The tears didn't even come immediately and still haven't come full fledge. I still am in shock. I just cant believe she is gone. Its not real. I cried, called Justin, school and went back to sleep. Trying to be positive and think at least now I get to sleep in on my birthday. I woke back up, packed and headed to Kingwood. We are flying tomorrow. I am sure when we get there it will hit me. It still isn't real. So I may be MIA while we are gone but hopefully I wont be. Writing is my way out. Writing is how I get my emotions out. I write in my brain all day long. All sorts of family and friends are making their way to Virginia tomorrow and the following days. Its going to be a long whirlwind for the next few days. You know what I mean? Like its going to go by so fast, yet so slow at the same time. Not to mention, its going to be 6 degrees and 17 for the high. Hubby just called....night night bloggy world.

Happy Birthday To My Twin!

Growing up, I was blessed to live 4 minutes from my cousin who just happens to be 2 days older than me. We have been inseparable since we moved to Texas. If you are a long time reader or personally know me, you know Elissa has always been there for me and is really like another sister to me. She has a sense of humor, a wonderful fashion and decor sense, and loves the Lord.

2005- @ our Grandparent's Anniversary Dinner

From jumping on the bed together singing Salty, "Get Hot", playing house, sleeping on the trampoline in the backyard, telling Emily we could fly, being able to have sleepovers during the week because we "were cousins"- (worked every time- we are family- how can you tell family we can't have sleepovers!?) to going to college and getting web cams so we could talk (being 10 hours apart was something we never had known- she was in Arkansas and I was in College Station) our friendship has never waned.

2007- Christmas Break- Sisters & Cousins

As we have ventured into our adult life, she stood by me when I got married and vice versa (along with our sisters). We have discussed baby plans- how our children must be like us and be BFF from birth! : ) When she was on her honeymoon and I couldn't talk to her it was like torture. Its one of those things too- we may not talk every day (but frequently for sure) but when I CANT talk to her- OMG!

2008- 21st Birthday in College Station! (see what I mean about being together?)

Today Elissa turns 24 years old. And until Thursday she will be "older" than me. We have always had our birthdays together. (typically, a cookie cake and our families came over to each others house) and having birthdays without each other almost makes it not feel like a birthday at all. Because how can I turn a year older without cookie cake and the Parkers!? Hopefully- she feels the same. So today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISSA! I hope you know how much you mean to me and how thankful I am to have you.2008- 21st Birthday in San Marcos

We even did the same pose at each others wedding without even realizing it and the photographers caught it...my weddingElissa's Wedding

You know what I realize about these photos that rings true to our relationship. (Go with it Elissa)- we both need each other to hold each other up- from the smallest of things (what to wear to Christmas day) to the largest decision we ever made (our weddings). I hope I have been there for you as much as you have been there for me.

I'll leave you with our "used to be" classic pose-
not so much anymore-
but we thought we were hot! haha!


I LOVE YOU ELISSA!!
I almost forgot...1-11-11!!! AHH!!

Not My Ideal Weekend

Friday after school I came home and went right over to Kellys. They had a gas leak in their house and havent been home all week so I was in Kelly/Jake withdrawl. I went over there and hung out for awhile before coming home to re-do my makeup for the Cotton Bowl.

Isnt he so cute!?

For the Cotton Bowl we went over to J's boss house. He has taken a job in Houston and will be leaving so it was kinda like a going away party/watch the game party. It was a lot of fun. Thankfully I am a social person and make friends. I hung out with one of the guys wife for the night. Sadly, we lost but it was still a fun night.

We got home around 12ish and headed to bed. Around 1am I wake up with a terrible headache and super nasuea. I spent the rest of the night hugging the toilet. Seriously, every twenty minutes I would rush back to the toliet. I had nothing left inside me! UGH it was terrible- I couldnt even keep water down. Around 6ish, I finally went to sleep until the dog next door barked and woke me up around 10:30. However, I stayed in bed all day. I got up at 4, took a bath, tried to sit up on the couch but still felt terrible so I headed back to bed. I watched a movie on Netflix on my computer before rolling over and going to sleep for the night.

Thankfully this morning I felt alot better. I woke up and took a shower and made me some toast. I was super hungry. Today I have spent laying around, reading, taking it easy. Thankfully, it seems that it was a 24 hour bug and I am on my way back to 100%. However, it stinks that the weekend I have hubby home is spent in bed. HMPH!

I'm Smiling Because...

I'm famous again!!! : ) Last year I was in the paper for the hospital as an ad and a few days ago I was in the paper for smiling. : ) : ) : ) They do a section in the paper called, "I'm smiling because..." and I was at lunch with my friend the other day and the photographer came up to us and asked if we would wanna be in the paper! I mean DUH! OF COURSE WE WOULD! So here I am...I had no idea it would be the FRONT PAGE!! See me...I'm on the left side. Here is up close. It says... "I'm Smiling Because...I survived H1N1 one year ago" It has almost been a year since my run in with death and I am smiling because of my health.

Excuse the quality of the picture---taken with my phone : )

Spoiled

I have gotten a taste of the good life. Justin has been home for over a week now. It is WONDERFUL!! I am totally not used to him being home this long. I just don't know what to do with myself. Also, he was supposed to leave for a job but it got postponed so now he may only have to go for half a day on Wednesday because this weekend is his off. Yippie!! However, cooking dinner for two for this long is getting old...I don't know how I would do it if he was actually home every night. I have been spoiled in not having to cook and I have been spoiled by him being home. When it comes down to the two- I'll take him being home any day. : )

Also, for Christmas I got a sonicare toothbrush. It is amazing. I have always had really bad teeth. (Straight? Yes- never had braces Strong? No) I have never gone to the dentist without coming away with a cavity, filling or weak enamel. Plus my teeth are so sensitive that when I smile at recess duty my teeth hurt cause of the wind. (Sad I know) But since I have started using my Sonicare- its a new world! My teeth feel so clean and stay feeling that way! I know some of you are probably like...cool an electric toothbrush. Well let me tell you, I have had some electric toothbrushes and none can compare to my sonicare. I have even gotten Justin in on it now. : ) Totally random, I know but thought I would share.

1-1-11

On 1-1-11 we slept in and then got up to go to spend New Years Day at Lake Conroe with family and friends. We got there and hung out with everyone for awhile. Snacked, Talked, Snacked, Talked, Etc. We even got a big game of Apples to Apples going. We played for probably over an hour. It was so much fun! I love that game! The boys played pool, played Battlefield, played on the slot machines and took the boat and jet ski's out. I sat snuggled up by the fire outside for awhile and then moved inside to watch the football game. It was so much fun I didn't even take many pictures and the ones I did take were so that was just so my sister could see how cute my hat that she bought me looked : )

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!! For New Years Eve, I was the happiest girl. Hubby didn't have to go out of town so we went out to eat with Kimberly & Jeremy to a nice little restaurant in town called Cafe Excel. It was really good. Hubby & Me

Kimberly & Me

After dinner we all came back over to our house. I had made cookies and Kimbo made chocolate covered strawberries. Kimberly & me went to WalMart and bought Apples to Apples so we could play it. We watched Tosh.O and played Apples to Apples for quite awhile. After we were done with that we set off poppers in the backyard.Justin had the great idea of popping one right next to Pip. He has never been that terrified in his life! When midnight came around we had a toast and kissed our boys!! It wasn't long after that when Kimberly & Jeremy left for the night and not long after Justin and myself turned in as well. Not as young as we once were...hehe : )

Lets make 2011 a good one!!