Santa Claus really came to town...

Wow I've got to be a better updater(sp?)! Ok, so Christmas was great but quick this year. We spent the days with family, saw some old friends that were in town, had lots of food, movies, games and such. Skip got an iPod, which he has wanted for sooooo long, so that was fun.(We got the ProductRED one, so we are doing our part!) We got seasons of The Office on DVD which we love, cold hard cash, clothes, lots of good stuff. But Reese, dude, she racked up! It was, as you can see from the pic, an Elmo Christmas! :) It was so much fun seeing her get so excited!! God is good--and that is made even more evident at this time of year. His provision is amazing.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work I go...

Well, as of tomorrow morning at 8am, I am re-entering the workforce! I have been fortunate enough this past year since having Reese to be able to work only part-time, and then the past two months to be able to be home with her full-time. What a blessing! We have been praying for God to provide us a way for some extra income this year...with Skip being a first year teacher. Anyway, a dear friend(thanks Matt!), was faithful to pray and hook me up with a friend of his at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine. I emailed her and things went pretty fast from there! The HR people there have been amazing and as of tomorrow I am going to be the assistant to one of the sales directors. She is a really neat lady and I'm really excited to work at such a cool place! Check it out here!! I have committed to work full time for at least a year....I'm so sad to not be home with Reese everyday(but I have family and friends that are amazing beyond words that are helping make that easier by keeping her :)...so please pray that I,and Reese,adjust to this new schedule and that I truly enjoy my job.(I'm already enjoying my new Banana work clothes-I love me some "on clearance" Banana!) I am so thankful for God's provision and faithfulness and know he will continue to be faithful in this chapter of our lives!! I mean, hey, I get my own cube...what's cooler than that?? :)

It's about stinkin time...

Ok, so it's been too long since I've posted Reese pics! So here are some of our fall favs! Stay tuned for more bloggin to come soon on our newly "Christmafied" blog site :)!

...playing in the leaves with Papa
...with one of her many suitors, Miller!

...trying on winter hats! :)

...hangin outside, our favorite thing!

...pickin out her pumpkin with daddy-

I don't think this is "the one" based on her expression!

Something to read???

Daddy, you seriously need to post something for your faithful blog readers to read. Otherwise I'm going to have to post something from my ABC book and I don't think most people would find it all that exciting. Waiting for more than 4 months now on something new...

Click here to see my Daddy's blog.

Your daughter,
Reese

Car Conversations

So, I have recently been told by my college roommate, who lives in Colorado I might add, that Skip and I remind her of the couple on the Sonic commercials. Now, Im not sure if this is a compliment :)...and at first I was like "what??", but...given the conversations we have had in the car this week, Im beginning to think I agree with her.


Conversation #1-- "What makes the difference between a burrito and a taco?" (Skip)
"Obviously, the outer shell and how it's wrapped. If it is folded/in a hard shell, it's a taco. If it's wrapped in a soft tortilla, it's a burrito." (me)
"I disagree. What about soft tacos?" (Skip)
"Well, but soft tacos are folded, so it's still a taco."(me)
" I think it's the filling, that determines the taco/burritoness."(Skip)
"Well, but you can order a beef burrito. Hummm, agree to disagree. When in rome..."(me)


Conversation #2--"Where is that tanker taking all that milk?"(me)
"To the milk place"(Skip)
"What do you mean? Is it going from the farm to the place that pasteurizes it or to the dairy or Kroger or what??"(me)
"From the farm to the dairy."(Skip)
"So Mr. Milkman, do they just open the spout on the truck and empty it in to the jugs, cuz thats gross if thats where our milk comes from ."(me)
"Our milk comes from cows, honey."(Skip)


Conversation #3-- "If you had a super power, like one from Heroes, which one would you want?"(Skip)
"Obviously Parkman. Cuz I could read minds and control people."(me)
"What about Claire though. Then you could heal yourself."(Skip)
"Or what about the new girl that can do anything she sees? And I do love Mohinder." (me)
"Mohinder doesn't even have a super power." (Skip)
"So what? I still love him"(me)
"Well, then I would obviously kick your butt..."(Skip)
"Whatever...I would...kick your butt...too."(me)
"Good comeback." (Skip)

---Because of conversations like those and many many more involving trivia, useless knowledge, and what if's, I have to say...we laugh alot and my roommate is seeming more right as the days go by. Thanks Michelle! :)

That for which I am THANKFUL...

I just stepped outside and wow...so cool how the weather changes in an instant. Hot to cold, fall to winter...God is amazing! So as I wipe snot from my daughter's nose, get out winter sweaters and jackets, make myself the first mug of hot chocolate of the season, and tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I ponder all the things I truly am thankful for:

-A God who is full of grace, love, goodness, faithfullness, sovereignty, justice, forgivness, holiness, protects me daily, and who saved me from an eternity apart from Him!
-My family. A Godly father, mother, and brother who love me unconditionally, take care of me, taught me, and who I love to spend time with...as well as extended family--grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...all who love the Lord!,
-A husband who loves me, works to provide for his family, makes me laugh, has integrity, and makes me a better person, and who has put with me for almost 5 years!,
-A beautiful daughter who is full of life and personality, and is happy and healthy!
-Friends that are so close, they are family as well. God has provided us with beyond amazing friends, who all bring something different to our lives, support and love us unconditionally, and who we have the time of our lives with!
-People and things that inspire me to be better and do more! (adopting from Ethiopia, fighting illness and dealing with grief, a beach at sunset, traveling to Europe, living on support, having twins :), trying out for American Idol :), living your dreams!),
-Living in a country where we have freedom, and the people who fight and die so I can have it...a country where you can live, work, get medical care, ect. however you want!,
-Jobs that provide for our family,
-That for today, we are experiencing the blessing of good health,
-A roof over our head, a car to get us places, and food to eat,

And of course, all the little things that make life, life :) :

-my DVR,
-Taco Bueno and Chick Fil A,
-Northpark mall,
-People magazine, Harry Potter :),
-trips to NYC,
-beautiful weather,
-a good margarita,
-VEGAS BABY!!,
-laundry detergent,
-heat and air conditioning,
-the ATM,
-shoes,
-Oh, this list could go on and on...so I'll stop now!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!

Tuesday Night Lights

Our first football season has come to a close so I thought you all might like to see "Coach T" in all his coaching glory! As you can imagine, Skip was the most hard-core of any of the coaching staff :)...no but seriously, the kids really responded to him, liked him and I think Skip enjoyed his experience too! Now on to basketball...Im sure he will be asking me many questions since my knowledge of the sport is pretty amazing...yesssss!....I can relive my b-ball days through 7th grade boys!! :)

Reese all bundled up to watch Daddy!

Coach T with his players...check out the awesome track suit!

White Settlement 7th grade football is quite the draw for the fans...as you can see!

Christmas Excitement

So, I walked into Target, my fav place, today and lo and behold....Christmas stuff was out!!! Yea!!! I know many of you are the "it's too early for Christmas" crowd...but I fully embrace the marketing strategy :) Don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving and think it deserves more attention, however, I have to admit my heart still skips a beat at the sight of garland, and trees and fake snowmen. I have even turned on 103.7 and whipped out my Christmas cd's already! I just love the galleria all decorated, the sound of Christmas songs, the holiday scents, Charlie Brown Christmas...I think the anticipation and "build-up" to Christmas is almost more fun than the day itself...Before you all get worried and think Im so so shallow, let me just say I do know the real "reason for the season"(so cliche I know) and it is Jesus! (and friends and family :)
But, there is nothing wrong with a little holiday cheer! So I dont want to hear any comlaining if you are in my car and Mariah Carey's Christmas album is blaring through the speakers! :) (one of the greatest Christmas albums of all time, by the way!)
Merry Christmas early, to each and every one!!! (and Happy Thanksgiving!)

Roar Reesie, Roar!

Reese dressed up like a lion for halloween. The suit didn't stay on long, but she did a great job handing out her favorite candy to the neighborhood kids - Reese's peanut butter cups, of course!

How to manipulate Daddy...

Step 1: Calmly explain to Daddy that you would like things to go in a slightly different direction.

Step 2: After breaking Daddy's will, proceed to do what you want to do.

Step 3: Bask in the thrill of victory over your clearly inferior opponent.

A Clean Slate...

Ok, so today being the beautiful day that it was...Reese and I set out on a mission. Clean mommy's car...inside and out. I mean, I took it to the car wash and vacuumed it and everything. It was harder than it sounds. Now those of you who have ridden with me know two truths...I speed like a banshee(what is a banshee anyways???), and my car usually has a layer of "stuff" on all surfaces. So...it was like "choose your own adventure" cleaning it out. Here's a not all-inclusive list of stuff I found...
-cheerios
-dvd's, books, cd's, magazines-all sorts of entertainment items
-those earrings Ive been looking for
-embarassingly, lunch trash from a few days ago...hey it was Potbelly, yum!!
-about $15 in change
-3 pairs of shoes
-a million Target receipts
-a toaster AND tea maker???
-Sonic cups
-more cheerios
-Elmo
-a few yards of some cute fabric, sweet! I could use that.
-A Metro church bulletin from like 2 years ago
-toothbrush
-chargers for cell phones we no longer own
-and my personal favorite...some Miller Lite(and no I dont drink and drive-there is a logical explanation for this...a certain someone's wedding shower:)

Anyway, I am entering this Friday with a clean slate and I plan on keeping my little Corolla clean from now on!! :) Yea!!! And you can all hold me accountable.........

Reese's fall fashion show...

Haven't updated on Reese in a while, so here ya go!... she LOVES being outside, she says "bye-bye", "Elmo"(which comes out "Memo), and her newest addition, "Wow!". She loves doing her animal sounds, eating "grown up" food, and is very happy and energetic. Her "evil cackle" laugh is a favorite! We are loving this stage of her life, although she is wearing us out! :)

1)Playing outside on a chilly(for texas) morning :)...notice the cargos, waffle henley, and Vans tennies(courtesy of Uncle Ben)!
2)Hangin with Owen at the playground...notice his arm around her :) Muaaahaaaa!!...our plan for the marriage of these two is almost complete!
3)Another outside photo...sportin her new "Inspired" Gap Red onesie!
4)Watchin baseball with daddy
5)With my high school friends Robin, Meghan, and Bethany(and her baby bella). We have been friends since 8th grade... :)

...Okie weekend

Our sweet friends, Jay and Gina Mendenhall, that moved to Oklahoma this summer were in town this weekend and were our houseguests! We hung out, went to a wedding, talked, laughed, all kinds of hoopla...We miss them so much and were soooooo glad to be able to spend some time with them!

**And just a side note...Skip and I are in a fantasy football league with a group of friends. They convinced me to play with them even though only one other girl is playing. But now...I would like to say...I am winning!! (Not that I really care as I am not competitive at all :) As in, first stinkin place, beating all the boys!! Oh yes, my first round pick of my hero Peyton Manning is paying off! Ok, thats that. Just had to gloat a little because Im WINNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today's Top Ten

As Reese and I were on our morning walk today, and I was sweating a little less than usual, I thought about the coming of fall and how it is my favorite thing ever! I love fall and here's why:

1) cool breeze, pretty colors , that "fall smell" in the air
2) the new fall line at Gap
3) NOT wearing stupid capri pants and tank tops, which I hate, but instead wearing awesome jeans and sweaters. I love fall clothes!
4) The day that you turn your clock back and get an extra hour of sleep. (although Im not sure how that one will work out this year with Reese...pretty sure she's still gonna wake up. Dang.)
5) Pumpkin patches
6) the fact that Thanksgiving is in the fall season. I wait 12 months for Thanksgiving food!
7) Football
8) Fall means we are that much closer to the holiday season--Love it!!!!
9) the smell of that first fireplace lighting up and the yankee fall-scented candles
10) falling leaves (although I hate raking them :)

I hope you all enjoy the season as much as I do!! Happy Fall!!

These are the people in our neighborhood...

Yes. That is reference from Sesame Street, in case you're wondering. Ok. So here's one reason I love our neighborhood. As Reese and i were on our morning walk today, i waved at all the usual suspects. The old man and lady that have lived in that house since 1954, the lady the smokes on her front porch every morning at 8am, the guy "roomates" that are so friendly and Reese loves them...lets see, who else??....the guy that we cant figure out exactly why he is home all day, every day...I mean, are we the only people that work??, the guy that waters down his driveway (yes his driveway) every day, the people that have their Christmas tree up year round(thats a whole other story :), the young couple that are Tennessee fans, the man that falls asleep in his chair in the driveway every day...we have more than a few characters living among us. But today, the little old man three doors down, was learning how to ride a bike! So stinkin cute! He is seriously 80 years old at least, and he was riding his bike around and around in his driveway, and...it had training wheels on! I hope Im like that when Im 80!!
Its the little things that amuse me :)

...A New Beginning

Ahhhhh, Monday, September 24th....one of my favorite days of the year. Anyone have a guess??? If you know me at all, you would know it's because tonight begins the new fall season of tv! And yes, I know, I know. Im a dork and tv is the devil(Lanny), but I cant help it...I admit, I love it-I love kindof being in another world for an hour, Its fun!! Now, this day comes with much preparation and anticipation for me. The Friday before the Monday of the new season, I sit down with my fall preview tv guide, a glass of wine, and my DVR remote. So, this past Friday night, while Skip was gone at a football game, I did just that. Step 1 requires highlighters. I highlight all the shows I think I might want to watch. Now, I already have established shows on the roster, so there is only limited room for new shows. But, Ive done my research on all the new shows, so Im ready to make the hard choices on which ones to cut. The DVR records two shows at one time, so step 2 is going through and making sure of any overlapping times. This year, luckily only one night has shows that conflicted so I had to cut one on Thursday. Last year, I had way too many that overlapped and so I made the decision to cut ALL(and yes that includes American Idol-that ridiculous show that took up 3 night a week on my DVR--Go Daughtry!!) reality tv. (I was getting way bored of it anyway, and I would much rather watch a good drama than the "way-over" Bachelor or something.) Anyway, so step 3 is actually setting the season passes on the DVR and then...Im ready for a new season...so exciting!! This is not an all-inclusive list, but, Heroes, Gray's, CSI, new fav Ugly Betty. And of course, we cant forget about the mid-seasoners...24 and Lost.
Ok, now before you think Im in love with my DVR(although I might possibly be-and I know there are few of you out there that understand), and that I ignore my child to watch all these shows, know this...I really dont watch every show, AND what I usually do is save up and watch on nights that Skip is gone coaching and Reese is asleep. Anyway, whatever...

Cheers!--to DVR's, the start of a new season, and all of you who are in the "tv club" with me!

..."in my heart's eye"

This past week I visited my family in Tennessee. It was my grandmother's 80th birthday, Reese needed to see her Tennessee relatives, and I needed some pork bar-b-q.(is there any other kind???) :) We had a great time visiting with grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins...then we trekked down to Destin, Florida to suffer for a few days on the beach. My mom, my cousin, Reese and I took my Grandmother on a girls trip down there for her birthday. She loves it there but has not been able to go for a really long time, so it was a neat thing. We had so much fun shopping, eating, and hanging on the beach. Reese's first beach trip was a success!(although flying with an infant, by yourself, with connecting flights, is quite the challenge :) ) She was a little daredevil, but our little bathing beauty too! On another note...I am 27 years old, and my grandmother is 80. I think it is so cool how, at least to me, she is kindof ageless. I mean, I know she is older in my brain, but in "my heart's eye" she is still the same as she was when I was 5 years old...filling my stocking at Christmas, humming me songs at night, making me her special oatmeal... You wont often hear her complain, she is so kind and excited about life. I am so glad I got to spend this special time with her and hope I can remember and learn from all the things she is and does!

Yea for beach/girl's trips!!! :)

...The rise and fall of Caesar

As you know, Skip and I are...how should I say it...not pet people. (There are a select few we like however:) Well, our neighbor loves scottie dogs. In fact, they have a statue of one in their front yard. The one they had, Tiger, died and they got a new scottie puppy, Caesar. OK. For the past few months Caesar comes out with his annoying as heck bark and goes crazy right by Reese's window every day at her naptime! Wakes her up. For you moms you know how precious naptime is!!!! Gold! I have cried, yelled, cussed, thought of how I could sneak out after dark with a ski mask on and some sort of weapon....... Hum, or I really just wanna drop kick him off a bridge. Now that you all think I'm a complete psycho :), let me assure you all your pets are safe...Or, are they???

Afterthought of the day:
Has anyone ever wondered what the people that work at the DPS, Social Security Office, and City Court have in common?? They all are the thorn in my side. You are legally required to use their services yet, they are SOOOOOOO slow and for the most part, frustrating and only semi-helpful. And whats the deal with going to one place, waiting in line, only to find out you are at the wrong place and need to be at a different place waiting in line!!??!! Or, the ever popular, they close at 4pm, and seriously, if you show up at 4pm exactly, they will lock you out and have a security guard with a gun standing there just in case you didnt get the picture. Anyway, just a thought :)

...Our weekend o' fun!!!

We had a busy few days this weekend! It was Reese's 1 year old birthday on Saturday, and...a dear friend of mine, Misty, got married, and I was honored to be a bridemaid! The wedding festivities were Friday and Saturday into the wee-hours of the morning. There was dancing, partying, laughing, and possibly a little alcohol freely flowing! :) Then, on Sunday, we had Reese's birthday party. She was so cute! She didnt want anything to do with the cake, but...she was our little birthday princess! And just in case you're wondering if you can find this nice little strawberry overall number(in the above pic) in the new fall line at baby Gap, you cant! :) This is circa 1981, which I wore at my 1 year old birthday party! Strawberry Shortcake is making a comeback people!! :)

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson...and

Happy 1st birthday sweet baby girl!

Let's play the feud!!!!

Just a little advertisement!...Our friends, the Vanderveer family, (Ive been friends with Kristin since I was like 6 and we know the rest of them from college), was on Family Feud recently! Yes, the show is still on the air :) Anyway, it airs this week!! They won, so they are on all week. September 10-14, on the CW at noon!!! Set your Tivos...they are apparantly very entertaining!!