Saturday, May 30, 2009

My Shout Outs to All Things Texas (in no particular order)...

-Shout out to the kitties and the Brees. I'm a better person for having known you.

-Shout out to The Grapevine. You changed my life.

-Shout out to the hill country. You have given me great times- from Stubbs BBQ to Barton Springs, to the final resting place for my daddy.

-Shout out to the Chuychanga and queso compuesto. Oh, how I love you.

-Shout out to The Whiskey Bar, The Old Crow, and a dozen other Dallas parking lots. I know my secrets are safe with you. ;o)

-Shout out to big hair, and big boobs. Not sure that I'll really miss you.

-Shout out to itchy fields of bluebonnets along the highway.

-Shout out to the Texas twang. Here's hopin' my kiddos don't lose theirs.

-Shout out to Wranglers and the men who can wear them. My sincerest thanks.

-Shout out to ladies in the bathroom at Billy Bob's during the David Alan Coe concert in 1999. You confirmed my suspicions of what western bars were really like.

-Shout out to 6-35--where I am certain I have wasted at least 5 years of my life sitting in various traffic jams for invisible wrecks.

-Shout out to Starplex and Kappus..Oh the memories...

-Shout out to the Saucer and Goodrum...Oh the memories...

-Shout out to mullets and Safeway feet, neither of which are going extinct--thanks to Texas.

-Shout out to David Johnson of Alabama and your family. You helped me realize how outdoorsy I am..and by outdoorsy, I mean, I like getting drunk on patios. (stole that line from http://www.someecards.com/)

-Shout out to Dublin, TX. I will always be a Pepper.

- Shout out to the 2008 Eagles E Team. Y'all are a special group of boys with some pretty amazing parents. You brought us a lot of smiles.

-Shout out to Dr. Cole. I wish I could take you with us.

-Shout out to "fixin". When I'm fixin' to fix some fixins' in Indiana, I'll think of all y'all, and wish that y'all might could come and visit us. ;o)

-Shout out to South Padre Island. You're a dirty, dirty beach, but I love you still.

-Shout out to tumbleweeds. I can't believe I never went to West Texas to see you in person.

-Shout out to Richardson, Addison, Oaklawn, Uptown, Wylie, & Mesquite--the only places I've ever called home.

-Shout out to the snake. I hope I never meet anyone like you again. I am a better person and learned a lot by being exposed to someone so deceitful and manipulative. They'll all figure you out soon enough. Alcoholic is just another word for liar, and we both know what you are.

-Shout out to Big Tex.

-Shout out to Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Charlie Robison, The Dixie Chicks, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, The Toadies, and Deep Blue Something. All of you have at least one song that brings forth a good memory for me--and you're all from Texas.

-Shout out to my family...and to the friends who are like family. We love you all very much.

So, I'll probably think of a few more shout outs, and add them later. In the meantime, check out this video that my friend Lea sent me. No, we're still going to Indiana-not Ohio, but I thought this was great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45DFVyriVI0

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Peace Out Texas

For those who aren't on my e-mail list, or a part of our immediate family, this may be some surprising news for you. On June 5th, 2009, we are leaving Texas and moving to a small town in Southern Indiana. We will be about 45 minutes outside of Louisville, KY, and just a day trip away from other big cities like Chicago and Indianapolis. We are so excited about this new adventure and for the way that God is opening doors for our family. We truly feel blessed and are excited about the life that awaits us. Of course all of this excitement is mixed with other emotions as well. We are nervous. Dallas, TX has been my home my entire life, and Wes has been here since he was 5. We are scared--because as you know..change can be scary. Here are some answers to some of the most frequent questions, I have recieved. If you have more questions, please leave a comment and I will try to respond.

What do the kids think?
They are sooo freakin' excited. I thought they would be more upset, but they aren't. They are both Gemini's and seem to thrive off change, and are always looking for an adventure.

What about Nursing school?
There is a great nursing school in the town we are moving to. In fact, the local hospital is the largest employer in the town. It is also the largest hospital in a 50 mile radius.

Do you have any family there?
No. Check this out though. My friend Sherry (her daughter takes dance with Grace) is a corporate headhunter. One of her co-workers and friends lives in the town we are headed to. She has gotten us in touch with one another, and Karen has beena HUGE help in helping us find somewhere to live.

What about your house?
Honestly, we're not sure about the house. If you know anyone interested in a good "as is" deal, let me know. Also, let me know if you know interested in renting in this area. We are also selling my car. I think we may have it sold. My friend is comiong for a 2nd look and test drive tomorrow, but in case she passes, there is an ad on Craigslist. https://post.craigslist.org/manage/1177921518/gwesf Pass it on.

What about Romo?
He will not be coming with us. First, we will be renting when we first get there and most properties only allow pets under 25 pounds, and then of course a pet deposit. Second, he does not do well in the car. He will not get into a car by himself. We has to lift him in the truck. When we took him with us to White Rock Lake last Spring, he was so anxious that he vomited in the car twice. Those who know him, know that he is a sweet and loving (though sometime humpy-LOL) dog. He never humps us, but will sometimes do it to people he doesn't know well. He has not been neutered yet. He is half lab and half basenji. If you or anyone you know might be interested in provinding him with a home, let me know. He does great around kids, and other dogs--not sure about cats. Oh and here is a pic of his complete cuteness. There's one of him kissing my little sister's boxer Bradie during their playdate. Then a pic of one when he was very embarassed and didn't want to look at the camera after Grace had "painted" his nails with a marker. She tried telling him to look at the camera and smile. He refused to smile, but he did finally look at the camera.








When did you say y'all are moving? June 5th--which is now less than two weeks away. YIKES!!


I will be back in a seperate post to give my shout outs to Texas. We are going to miss SOOOO many people. We have some wonderful friends in the Lonestar State--and only a handful of people that we will be thrilled to no longer run into an the grocery store. LOL! If you think I'm talking about you, then you are probably right. ;o)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mother's Day 2009

I had an awesome Mother's Day weekend! First of all my wonderful husband and kids surprised me with some fantastic gifts. I got a new lens that I have not so secretly been coveting for several months!!!! It's the Canon 50mm 1.8. It is a must have for moms, since it takes GREAT portraits and can be used in low light settings.


They also got me a really pretty necklace and ring from James Avery. The necklace is on a black leather cord, and can be worn with more dressy outfits or with casual stuff.


Saturday evening we joined the in laws for dinner at Red Lobster to celebrate Mother's Day and my father in law's birthday.
After dinner, Wes' family came over for a little bit, and Kim let me use her daughter as a model while I played around with my new lens.




Isn't she adorable?? We are all so in love with her gummy smiles and chubby cheeks. On Sunday, we went to church to watch Serena's dedication. Her mommy had her all dressed up in a pretty yellow dress.


After church we headed to Mommy's favorite cafeteria--LUBY's!! It was yummy. Then, I came home and took a nap. A NAP!!!! After my nap, I got up and took Hunter and Grace to the park, where I was able to play around with my camera some more. So, I've got to share a few more pictures that I've taken over the last few days. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, and I think these pictures sum up pretty well how awesome it is to get to be Hunter and Grace's mom.





Thursday, May 7, 2009

Mother's Day Give Away's

Go check out some of these blogs and websites for some Mother's Day Give Aways and May Freebies from some of my online and real life friends.

***Win a Scrabble Tile Pendant***:

http://bagbybunch.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-first-giveaway-scrabble-tile-pendant.html

***SAVE THE BOOBIES & ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN a PHOTO SESSION***
My amazing friend Jackie is doing the Susan Komen 3 day, and she is trying to bring in as much money as she can for this awesome cause. Jackie, or ahem...Jacqueline..is an AMAZING photographer. Check out her work here: http://www.jacquelinereitzphotography.com/
Below are the details of what she is doing and how you can enter to win. Oh! And keep in mind as you donate that any contribution you make is tax deductible! Here's what Jackie has to say about entering this contest
:

I am giving away two free mini-sessions OR 2 free full sessions.Here's how it'll workTo be entered:visit http://tinyurl.com/3dayjr and donate $5.00 to my funraising before May 21st (that gives you 15 days!). Every $5 you donate counts as one entry. Donate $20 and you get 4 entries. The prizes will be determined this way:If I get less than 30 entries, I'll give away 2 free mini sessions! ($50 value each)If I get 31-50 entries, I'll give away THREE free mini sessions! (50 value each)If I get 51-70 entries, I'll give away 1 free mini session, and I'll upgrade the 2nd mini session to a full session! ($50 value/ $300 value)And if I get 71+ entries, I'll give away 2 free full sessions ($300 value each)So at a minimum, you will win a free mini session... but at a MAXIMUM, you will receive a free full custom session ($300 value!)Now why is this so complicated? B/c the more entries I receive, the bigger the donation to Susan G Komen, the closer I am to my fundraising goal, the more generous I will feel SO, Go place your donation (remember, EVERY $5 = 1 entry! So if you donate $50, That's 10 entries and we are already 1/3rd of the way towards going to Level 2!) Also, be sure to blog about this contest, that way more entries will be submitted, and your prize will increase!

***FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY*** An up and coming wedding photographer is looking for some weddings to photograph this month in the Dallas area. Here are the details from Carole:
I am an up-and-coming photographer, in need of wedding photos to round out my portfolio. I have done several bridal and engagement sessions, and assisted at one wedding. You can see those pics here: http://hisandherscreative.smugmug.com/Included in this offer is a cd of web-sized images, for sharing online and through email. (All pics will be fully edited.) If you like any of them enough to want them printed, you can order them from me for a reasonable price. I can even order a magazine-style album for you, at a lower cost than you could order one for yourself.Please note:I have never done a complete wedding on my own, so if you can afford a photographer and were thinking of accepting this offer just to save some money, you may want to think again. I believe I'll do a great job, and I don't anticipate missing any shots or messing up the ones I DO get, but there are no do-overs with your wedding so, if you can afford a pro, please use one!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree...

So, Grace has had this thing for headbands for a few months now. And quite frankly, I had begun to contemplate taking my friend's advice and "losing" them...Until today...when I came across this picture.

So, instead of throwing away one of her beloved headbands. I'm simply going to savor her unique style and thank my lucky stars that she isn't too much like me--and doesn't insist on wearing cowboy boots with sweats and the headbands.