Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Remember what Memorial Day is all about, even if our leader doesn't.????
This statement came from a Facebook post this afternoon and IS NOT MY THOUGHT AT ALL and that is why there is a question mark at the end. What the hell does that even mean? I get so sick of blanket comments like that with absolutely no elaboration of what the basis of the statement even means.
Let's break the statement down...
"Remember Memorial Day"... that's a given. We should all honor our fallen soldiers on Monday. How do we do that? Go to a parade, hang a flag in your yard, wear red-white & blue, have a cookout. Now I don't know what President Obama has planned on Monday, but I feel pretty confident that he will probably do one if not all of the things that make us as a nation patriotic. I think he'll even go a step further by visiting the Veteran's Memorial that day in DC. What will you be doing that day?
"Even if our leader doesn't".... WHAT? What does that even mean? What is the basis of that statement? Everyone knows I am an Obama supporter through and through, but even if this message was posted during Bush's term I would have the same reaction. Don't use Memorial Day to trash the current President and what he stands for. Obama, and even Bush for that matter, have more patriotism in their pinkie finger than I have in my whole body. They live and breath the United States of America and what it stands for and that's why they are where they are.
If you're going to make a statement like that, state your reasons for why you feel like that. In my opinion, there is nothing to support it! We must find a way to stop trashing a President that has been given so many obstacles. Why can't we support him in making this a better country instead of making statements like that, which only set us back!
Let's break the statement down...
"Remember Memorial Day"... that's a given. We should all honor our fallen soldiers on Monday. How do we do that? Go to a parade, hang a flag in your yard, wear red-white & blue, have a cookout. Now I don't know what President Obama has planned on Monday, but I feel pretty confident that he will probably do one if not all of the things that make us as a nation patriotic. I think he'll even go a step further by visiting the Veteran's Memorial that day in DC. What will you be doing that day?
"Even if our leader doesn't".... WHAT? What does that even mean? What is the basis of that statement? Everyone knows I am an Obama supporter through and through, but even if this message was posted during Bush's term I would have the same reaction. Don't use Memorial Day to trash the current President and what he stands for. Obama, and even Bush for that matter, have more patriotism in their pinkie finger than I have in my whole body. They live and breath the United States of America and what it stands for and that's why they are where they are.
If you're going to make a statement like that, state your reasons for why you feel like that. In my opinion, there is nothing to support it! We must find a way to stop trashing a President that has been given so many obstacles. Why can't we support him in making this a better country instead of making statements like that, which only set us back!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Experience Of Oprah's Live Your Best Life Weekend
What a chance of a lifetime.... and what a wonderful time my Mom and I had in NY over Mother's Day Weekend.
It all started back in March, March 15th to be exact, when Oprah's Live Your Best Life tickets went on sale. Weeks before that I had a conversation with my Mom and asked her if she would be interested in going if I could actually get tickets. We both thought, "we probably wont get them, but if we do, it's meant to be". So, on March 15th and 12:00:01, when tickets went on sale I was online trying to get through. Five minutes later, I had two tickets and got all the lifeshop seminars of my choice (Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh). I couldn't believe it, in fact I sat there for the rest of the afternoon in shock that I had actually gotten through. I called Mom and I think she was as dumbfounded as I was. I really thought that tickets would have been gone or I would have lost computer connection and not been able to complete the transaction. But it was really meant to be.
Then the planning began; airline tickets, hotel, transportation, food... you name it, I was organizing everything. I didn't want Mom to lift a hand. So, I got our travel arrangements coordinated where I would leave from Houston and she would leave from Charlotte and we would both fly to NY and get there within an hour of each other. It worked out perfect. I also arranged for a car to pick us up at the airport and went ahead and made our dinner reservations. I knew the weekend would be full of Oprah events so I wanted everything laid out where we didn't have to make last minute decisions in an unfamiliar city.
Friday
The day finally came, May 7th and I had to get up so early as I had a 3 hour flight and wanted to be in NY before noon. Mom's flight was a little delayed so I had time to sit down, eat and make a few phone calls before walking over to my Mom's terminal. Mom finally arrived, the car was there to pick us up and we were whisked away to the Hotel just in time to freshen up before the Welcome Reception began.
We got to the Reception at Gotham Hall and it was beautiful, simply beautiful. You walked in to the reception hall with the music playing, champagne and hors d'oeuvres were being served and in the middle of the room was Loreal's Step And Repeat where photos were being taken of all attendees. The colors were beautiful, the flowers was gorgeous, the sight was breathtaking. Pictures don't even do it justice. The O' Team even went as far as placing bouquets of flowers in the men's urinals. Yes, there were men there, but the women sure outnumbered them.
I made reservations for Mom and I at Park Avenue Spring, which is a quaint little restaurant on 63rd and Park Avenue. It was really very pretty. Park Avenue Cafe changes their decor with the change of the season. Luckily, from the pictures I've seen, Spring was my favorite season! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was so lovely.
After dinner, Mom and I had all intentions of touring the Empire State Building, but from traveling and walking through New York during the day we were so very tired. So, we ended up heading back to the hotel so we could get a good nights rest for the next days events.
Saturday
We needed to be at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 8:00, so Mom and I got up early enough to walk down there from the hotel in hopes to get something to eat before the lifeshops began. The doors opened at 8:00, but the Opening Remarks were not until 9:30, so in my mind we had plenty of time. Do you know, when we got there the lines were unbelievably long. People must have gotten there at 6AM as the line wrapped around 5 city blocks, it was amazing. I've never seen anything like it. We walk in, and because of the heightened security due to the Times Square bombing attempt, we all had to walk through metal detectors and have our bags checked. So, this made the line seem to take even longer. We got in just in time for the Opening Remarks, but not in time to get something to eat. Oprah came out and started the day welcoming everyone and thanking them for showing their support. She didn't speak long, and there wasn't anything poignant said, but EMOTION TOOK OVER! I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience and couldn't believe I was sitting in the same room with a WOMAN that I so admire and look up to and I was sharing that experience with MY MOM on Mother's Day Weekend. I just lost it. The only thing that could have made it better was having Laura there. I so missed sharing that experience with her. It was such an emotional start to the day. After Oprah's welcome, she introduced Elizabeth Gilbert, author of EAT, PRAY, LOVE. I tell you, she was a hoot. I thought she was so funny and I really enjoyed her story. I've never read the book, but after hearing her speak I've downloaded the book on my Kindle and can't wait to see the movie when it comes out. After hearing Elizabeth Gilbert, Mom and I had to get to our lifeshops. We saw Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh. Because this was a celebration of O' The Oprah Magazine's 10th Anniversary, each lifeshop focused on 10 things to living your best life. I took away something from each one, maybe not all 10 but something and I've tried to incorporate them into my life.
After the lifeshops, Mom and I went back to the hotel in order to get ready for Oprah's Celebration at Radio City Music Hall. Luckily we were only 2 blocks from the Hall because we were already tired and our feet were a little sore as well. We walked in not knowing where the seats would be, and were blown away when the attendant walked us down 18 rows from center stage. Mom and I both looked at each other in amazement. So surprised and so excited.... we would actually get to see Ms. Winfrey up close, live and in color. Oprah spoke for and hour and a half and talked about where she came from, where she is now and where she's going. She talked about how important following your passion is. I can truly say that I've not learned to do that yet but I hope that one day I can find that inner voice that tells me it's OK to follow my passion. I've talked about this before, but my passion is to become a photographer. I love it, love catching life in motion. However, I don't do enough to support my passion. One day, I hope I can go there and have the nerve to break away from an office environment and follow my dream. I'm not there yet, and don't have that courage quite yet, but I pray that one day I will.
Once again, Mom and I had all intentions of going to the Empire State Building. Did we make it there? NO! We were now even more tired than the day before and had to be at Oprah's Charity Walk the next morning by 7AM.
Sunday
The days prior to Sunday had been beautiful. Sunny skies and really pleasant weather. We woke up Sunday to pretty skies as well but it was so very cold, in the 40's. As well as I had organized the weekend plans, I surely didn't do that when it came to my Sunday outfit. I had shorts and a t-shirt and did not bring a jacket at all. At 40 degrees, I would surely freeze. Luckily Mom brought 2 pairs of long workout pants, but I still didn't have a jacket. Fortunately, I brought a few pashminas and threw them over my arms just to try and stay warm. Because it was so early in the morning and it was Sunday, there were no stores opened when we left so I had to just suck it up and walk.
We arrived at the Intrepid Museum at 7 and got lined up for Oprah's LYBL Walk. Mom and I were walking for the organization, Share Our Strength®, which is dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry. The walk was to start at 7:30, but Oprah and few other celebrity walkers did not arrive until 8:30. We were cold, hungry and at that point getting a little frazzled. By the time the walk began we were so through with speeches and thank yous.....it was time to get this thing started. The walk began at the Intrepid and ended in Times Square. Once we arrived in Times Square and walked around to a few of the booths then it was time to head back to the hotel in order for the car to pick us up and take us back to the airport.
So, that was the weekend. I had such a nice time and so enjoyed the experience with my Mom. I hate that we didn't get to see more of NY but for me the experience was a chance of a lifetime!
It all started back in March, March 15th to be exact, when Oprah's Live Your Best Life tickets went on sale. Weeks before that I had a conversation with my Mom and asked her if she would be interested in going if I could actually get tickets. We both thought, "we probably wont get them, but if we do, it's meant to be". So, on March 15th and 12:00:01, when tickets went on sale I was online trying to get through. Five minutes later, I had two tickets and got all the lifeshop seminars of my choice (Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh). I couldn't believe it, in fact I sat there for the rest of the afternoon in shock that I had actually gotten through. I called Mom and I think she was as dumbfounded as I was. I really thought that tickets would have been gone or I would have lost computer connection and not been able to complete the transaction. But it was really meant to be.
Then the planning began; airline tickets, hotel, transportation, food... you name it, I was organizing everything. I didn't want Mom to lift a hand. So, I got our travel arrangements coordinated where I would leave from Houston and she would leave from Charlotte and we would both fly to NY and get there within an hour of each other. It worked out perfect. I also arranged for a car to pick us up at the airport and went ahead and made our dinner reservations. I knew the weekend would be full of Oprah events so I wanted everything laid out where we didn't have to make last minute decisions in an unfamiliar city.
Friday
The day finally came, May 7th and I had to get up so early as I had a 3 hour flight and wanted to be in NY before noon. Mom's flight was a little delayed so I had time to sit down, eat and make a few phone calls before walking over to my Mom's terminal. Mom finally arrived, the car was there to pick us up and we were whisked away to the Hotel just in time to freshen up before the Welcome Reception began.
We got to the Reception at Gotham Hall and it was beautiful, simply beautiful. You walked in to the reception hall with the music playing, champagne and hors d'oeuvres were being served and in the middle of the room was Loreal's Step And Repeat where photos were being taken of all attendees. The colors were beautiful, the flowers was gorgeous, the sight was breathtaking. Pictures don't even do it justice. The O' Team even went as far as placing bouquets of flowers in the men's urinals. Yes, there were men there, but the women sure outnumbered them.
I made reservations for Mom and I at Park Avenue Spring, which is a quaint little restaurant on 63rd and Park Avenue. It was really very pretty. Park Avenue Cafe changes their decor with the change of the season. Luckily, from the pictures I've seen, Spring was my favorite season! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was so lovely.After dinner, Mom and I had all intentions of touring the Empire State Building, but from traveling and walking through New York during the day we were so very tired. So, we ended up heading back to the hotel so we could get a good nights rest for the next days events.
Saturday
We needed to be at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 8:00, so Mom and I got up early enough to walk down there from the hotel in hopes to get something to eat before the lifeshops began. The doors opened at 8:00, but the Opening Remarks were not until 9:30, so in my mind we had plenty of time. Do you know, when we got there the lines were unbelievably long. People must have gotten there at 6AM as the line wrapped around 5 city blocks, it was amazing. I've never seen anything like it. We walk in, and because of the heightened security due to the Times Square bombing attempt, we all had to walk through metal detectors and have our bags checked. So, this made the line seem to take even longer. We got in just in time for the Opening Remarks, but not in time to get something to eat. Oprah came out and started the day welcoming everyone and thanking them for showing their support. She didn't speak long, and there wasn't anything poignant said, but EMOTION TOOK OVER! I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience and couldn't believe I was sitting in the same room with a WOMAN that I so admire and look up to and I was sharing that experience with MY MOM on Mother's Day Weekend. I just lost it. The only thing that could have made it better was having Laura there. I so missed sharing that experience with her. It was such an emotional start to the day. After Oprah's welcome, she introduced Elizabeth Gilbert, author of EAT, PRAY, LOVE. I tell you, she was a hoot. I thought she was so funny and I really enjoyed her story. I've never read the book, but after hearing her speak I've downloaded the book on my Kindle and can't wait to see the movie when it comes out. After hearing Elizabeth Gilbert, Mom and I had to get to our lifeshops. We saw Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh. Because this was a celebration of O' The Oprah Magazine's 10th Anniversary, each lifeshop focused on 10 things to living your best life. I took away something from each one, maybe not all 10 but something and I've tried to incorporate them into my life.
After the lifeshops, Mom and I went back to the hotel in order to get ready for Oprah's Celebration at Radio City Music Hall. Luckily we were only 2 blocks from the Hall because we were already tired and our feet were a little sore as well. We walked in not knowing where the seats would be, and were blown away when the attendant walked us down 18 rows from center stage. Mom and I both looked at each other in amazement. So surprised and so excited.... we would actually get to see Ms. Winfrey up close, live and in color. Oprah spoke for and hour and a half and talked about where she came from, where she is now and where she's going. She talked about how important following your passion is. I can truly say that I've not learned to do that yet but I hope that one day I can find that inner voice that tells me it's OK to follow my passion. I've talked about this before, but my passion is to become a photographer. I love it, love catching life in motion. However, I don't do enough to support my passion. One day, I hope I can go there and have the nerve to break away from an office environment and follow my dream. I'm not there yet, and don't have that courage quite yet, but I pray that one day I will.Once again, Mom and I had all intentions of going to the Empire State Building. Did we make it there? NO! We were now even more tired than the day before and had to be at Oprah's Charity Walk the next morning by 7AM.
Sunday
The days prior to Sunday had been beautiful. Sunny skies and really pleasant weather. We woke up Sunday to pretty skies as well but it was so very cold, in the 40's. As well as I had organized the weekend plans, I surely didn't do that when it came to my Sunday outfit. I had shorts and a t-shirt and did not bring a jacket at all. At 40 degrees, I would surely freeze. Luckily Mom brought 2 pairs of long workout pants, but I still didn't have a jacket. Fortunately, I brought a few pashminas and threw them over my arms just to try and stay warm. Because it was so early in the morning and it was Sunday, there were no stores opened when we left so I had to just suck it up and walk.
We arrived at the Intrepid Museum at 7 and got lined up for Oprah's LYBL Walk. Mom and I were walking for the organization, Share Our Strength®, which is dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry. The walk was to start at 7:30, but Oprah and few other celebrity walkers did not arrive until 8:30. We were cold, hungry and at that point getting a little frazzled. By the time the walk began we were so through with speeches and thank yous.....it was time to get this thing started. The walk began at the Intrepid and ended in Times Square. Once we arrived in Times Square and walked around to a few of the booths then it was time to head back to the hotel in order for the car to pick us up and take us back to the airport.So, that was the weekend. I had such a nice time and so enjoyed the experience with my Mom. I hate that we didn't get to see more of NY but for me the experience was a chance of a lifetime!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Oprah's Live Your Best Life Weekend
I'm so excited to be going to "O The Oprah Magazine's", 10th Anniversary, Live Your Best Life weekend in May. I was so fortunate to be able to get 2 tickets to the event, which is being held in New York City, NY.I'm taking my Mom for Mother's Day and look so forward to the trip!
Oprah will be kicking off the event on Friday and then Saturday we're off to three seminars which include Dr. Oz, Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh. Saturday evening Oprah will be hosting an event at Radio City Music Hall and Sunday my Mom and I will be joining the Live Your Best Life walk in an effort to raise funds for 10 of Oprah's favorite charities.
Grame's Easter Treats For Laura
Thank you Mom for making Laura's classroom and dance class treats for Easter!! They were a hit with her dance class and she's taking the others to her classmates tomorrow. Luckily my mother has a creative side, because I sure don't!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy... Now Relax.... AHHHH
The last few weeks have been so busy and I've not had a chance to blog. Oh, how I've missed it!
Let's start with 4 weeks ago... we started the Saturday (10/17) out at a fall festival with Lisa and Wyatt. Wyatt and Laura had a great time playing in the pumpkin patch and picking out their pumpkins. Laura and I had to leave a little early this year so that she could go to her friend, Crystal's Birthday Party.
The party started at 4:00, but lasted into the night. They all had such a good time together and had a hard time when it was time for the parents to disburse.
That next week Laura and I stayed pretty busy preparing for her Birthday Party, which was 10/24. Her theme this year was Hello Kitty, so we had to get all of the supplies; cake, balloons, napkins, plates, goodie bags, etc. ready for Saturday. She wasn't too thrilled with the planning part of it, all she wanted was the actual party itself. I was very surprised at the kind of party Laura asked for this year. Tim and I take her to this place near our house and it has bowling, laser tag and gaming machines. Well, that's what she wanted to do this year. As girly as she is, I was surprised she wanted to have it there. But, I have to say all the kids seemed to enjoy it. Because Laura's Birthday was actually during the week, we decided to go ahead and give her the big gift before the big day.
Now Tim and I both thought we would get a much bigger reaction than we did. Tim showed up with Laura's new puppy, Lilly, that she had been asking for all year and her response to Lilly was just "Hello". Are you kidding me? We thought there would be jumping and screaming and all we got was "hello"? Oh well, I guess you never can tell how they're going to react, can you? Laura and Lilly were able to spend a little bit of time together and then it was off to her party.
They all seemed to have a really good time, and the boys really enjoyed the laser tag . I think that was the highlight for all of them.
My Parents always come in for Laura's Birthday, so the week they are here I try and find fun things for them to do. One of the Keener traditions is going to Dewberry Farms so Laura can pick out another pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. So, we headed there for our Sunday afternoon. This year, now that Tim's Dad and Stepmother live in Katy, we ended up having a larger crowd - me, Tim, Laura, Grame, Pops, MawMaw and PawPaw.
Now that Laura is older we decided to do the Corn Maze this year. That was a lot of fun and will be a new tradition at Dewberry from now own!
The next week seemed to be a little hectic. Laura's dance instructor gave them all permission to wear their costumes to the Tuesday class but before Laura could wear hers, Grame had to do some alterations. Luckily Grame came through and had her outfit all ready for her when we got there Tuesday afternoon. The rest of the week we were all getting ready for Halloween and Tim and I actually got a few date nights in. What fun! It's nice to be able to get out and have adult nights from time to time.
One of our date nights was a movie night. We saw the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It". It was really good!! We both enjoyed it. The movie seemed to be a little long, but all in all it was nicely done. It's hard to imagine putting together a movie about MJ's final dance/dress rehearsal, but they did and did it well!
Saturday rolled around, which happened to be Halloween (10/31). I had gotten tickets for me, Laura and Grame to see the musical, Mary Poppins.
Laura thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun to watch her expressions during the show. At times you'd see her little hands go up in the air when Mary was singing in a higher octave and when the orchestra played, it was like she was the conductor. Too funny!
After the musical, we had to hurry home to get dressed up for Trick-Or-Treating. Laura ended up being a Hollywood Starlet. This was the first time we've ever let Laura wear "dress-up" make-up.
I have to say, she looked so pretty. Looking at her all glammed up, made me think about 10 years from now, when she's getting ready for her prom. Oh, time is just flying by so quickly. Lilly also got dolled up for the festivities. She went as a Princess Pup. Too cute!! By the time we got both Laura and Lilly home, they were pooped from the day.
Sunday, Mom and Dad had to head back to North Carolina. That day always seems to be a hard day for everyone. We all get a little sad that we wont be seeing each other for a few months. So, I had planned earlier in the week for Laura and Wyatt to get together and go to the park for the afternoon.
I think that seemed to help a little bit, but even when we left the park the tears came because Grame and Pops would not be there when she got home. Now that she's older, it seems to affect her more.
Now, fast forward to the next weekend (11/6). For Tim's Birthday (in September), I surprised him by flying his best friend from childhood, Chad along with his wife, Joanna down for a weekend in November. This would be that weekend. They got in around 6:30, just in time for dinner. We all went to Pappadeaux's and it was wonderful. This was one of the first restaurants I visited after moving to TX and have loved it ever since. After dinner we headed back to the house to get ready for an adult night out. Laura was having a sleepover with MawMaw and PawPaw.
We ended up taking Chad and Joanna to see a local band that Tim and I really like, Lounge 4407. We had such a great time. The band was, as always, fabulous! Tim really enjoyed catching up with Chad and it was so nice to hang out with his wife. They were both so nice and great to hang out with.
Now after a month of being busy and on the go and what seemed to be nonstop, we finally had a calm, relaxing weekend. This past one was one of the first in quite some time that we didn't have anything planned. I got so much done around my house. Don't get me wrong, I still have a ton to do (my piles never seem to go away). But, we had a great time. Last night we ended up having movie night so Tim and Laura made homemade pizza's. Earlier in the day, Laura asked if she could open up a concession stand and sell popcorn and candy at the movie. So, she and I had gotten some things for her to "sell" at her concession stand. She had such a great time doing that. She charged me a little more than I would have liked to have paid for a candy bar, but to her it was so much fun.
Ah, I think I've rambled on long enough. Hope everyone is doing well. Just think, in a few more days it will be Turkey Day. YUM YUM!!
Let's start with 4 weeks ago... we started the Saturday (10/17) out at a fall festival with Lisa and Wyatt. Wyatt and Laura had a great time playing in the pumpkin patch and picking out their pumpkins. Laura and I had to leave a little early this year so that she could go to her friend, Crystal's Birthday Party.
The party started at 4:00, but lasted into the night. They all had such a good time together and had a hard time when it was time for the parents to disburse.That next week Laura and I stayed pretty busy preparing for her Birthday Party, which was 10/24. Her theme this year was Hello Kitty, so we had to get all of the supplies; cake, balloons, napkins, plates, goodie bags, etc. ready for Saturday. She wasn't too thrilled with the planning part of it, all she wanted was the actual party itself. I was very surprised at the kind of party Laura asked for this year. Tim and I take her to this place near our house and it has bowling, laser tag and gaming machines. Well, that's what she wanted to do this year. As girly as she is, I was surprised she wanted to have it there. But, I have to say all the kids seemed to enjoy it. Because Laura's Birthday was actually during the week, we decided to go ahead and give her the big gift before the big day.
Now Tim and I both thought we would get a much bigger reaction than we did. Tim showed up with Laura's new puppy, Lilly, that she had been asking for all year and her response to Lilly was just "Hello". Are you kidding me? We thought there would be jumping and screaming and all we got was "hello"? Oh well, I guess you never can tell how they're going to react, can you? Laura and Lilly were able to spend a little bit of time together and then it was off to her party.
They all seemed to have a really good time, and the boys really enjoyed the laser tag . I think that was the highlight for all of them.My Parents always come in for Laura's Birthday, so the week they are here I try and find fun things for them to do. One of the Keener traditions is going to Dewberry Farms so Laura can pick out another pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. So, we headed there for our Sunday afternoon. This year, now that Tim's Dad and Stepmother live in Katy, we ended up having a larger crowd - me, Tim, Laura, Grame, Pops, MawMaw and PawPaw.
Now that Laura is older we decided to do the Corn Maze this year. That was a lot of fun and will be a new tradition at Dewberry from now own!The next week seemed to be a little hectic. Laura's dance instructor gave them all permission to wear their costumes to the Tuesday class but before Laura could wear hers, Grame had to do some alterations. Luckily Grame came through and had her outfit all ready for her when we got there Tuesday afternoon. The rest of the week we were all getting ready for Halloween and Tim and I actually got a few date nights in. What fun! It's nice to be able to get out and have adult nights from time to time.
One of our date nights was a movie night. We saw the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It". It was really good!! We both enjoyed it. The movie seemed to be a little long, but all in all it was nicely done. It's hard to imagine putting together a movie about MJ's final dance/dress rehearsal, but they did and did it well!Saturday rolled around, which happened to be Halloween (10/31). I had gotten tickets for me, Laura and Grame to see the musical, Mary Poppins.
Laura thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun to watch her expressions during the show. At times you'd see her little hands go up in the air when Mary was singing in a higher octave and when the orchestra played, it was like she was the conductor. Too funny!After the musical, we had to hurry home to get dressed up for Trick-Or-Treating. Laura ended up being a Hollywood Starlet. This was the first time we've ever let Laura wear "dress-up" make-up.
I have to say, she looked so pretty. Looking at her all glammed up, made me think about 10 years from now, when she's getting ready for her prom. Oh, time is just flying by so quickly. Lilly also got dolled up for the festivities. She went as a Princess Pup. Too cute!! By the time we got both Laura and Lilly home, they were pooped from the day.
Sunday, Mom and Dad had to head back to North Carolina. That day always seems to be a hard day for everyone. We all get a little sad that we wont be seeing each other for a few months. So, I had planned earlier in the week for Laura and Wyatt to get together and go to the park for the afternoon.
I think that seemed to help a little bit, but even when we left the park the tears came because Grame and Pops would not be there when she got home. Now that she's older, it seems to affect her more. Now, fast forward to the next weekend (11/6). For Tim's Birthday (in September), I surprised him by flying his best friend from childhood, Chad along with his wife, Joanna down for a weekend in November. This would be that weekend. They got in around 6:30, just in time for dinner. We all went to Pappadeaux's and it was wonderful. This was one of the first restaurants I visited after moving to TX and have loved it ever since. After dinner we headed back to the house to get ready for an adult night out. Laura was having a sleepover with MawMaw and PawPaw.
We ended up taking Chad and Joanna to see a local band that Tim and I really like, Lounge 4407. We had such a great time. The band was, as always, fabulous! Tim really enjoyed catching up with Chad and it was so nice to hang out with his wife. They were both so nice and great to hang out with. Now after a month of being busy and on the go and what seemed to be nonstop, we finally had a calm, relaxing weekend. This past one was one of the first in quite some time that we didn't have anything planned. I got so much done around my house. Don't get me wrong, I still have a ton to do (my piles never seem to go away). But, we had a great time. Last night we ended up having movie night so Tim and Laura made homemade pizza's. Earlier in the day, Laura asked if she could open up a concession stand and sell popcorn and candy at the movie. So, she and I had gotten some things for her to "sell" at her concession stand. She had such a great time doing that. She charged me a little more than I would have liked to have paid for a candy bar, but to her it was so much fun.
Ah, I think I've rambled on long enough. Hope everyone is doing well. Just think, in a few more days it will be Turkey Day. YUM YUM!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Father's Day
I need ideas on what to get for Father's Day. I have such a hard time with the men in my life when it comes to buying gifts. Any suggestions?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Polar Express
We took Laura on The Polar Express train ride in Palestine this weekend. The ride is as close to the movie as you can get. When you get to the station, and are standing in line the conductor yells out "ALL ABOARD". We get on the train, take our seats and enjoy our cookies and Hot Chocolate on the way to the North Pole. Once arriving at the North Pole, we saw where Santa lived with all the elves. The Conductor asked us all for our tickets and proceeded to stamp a "B" in each of them. Then we thought it was time to head back to the station, when guess who arrived? Santa!!! Santa came on board and handed out bells from the reindeer to each of the children. Laura's eyes were lit up the entire time. All of the children were dressed up in their PJ's, slippers and robes. It was one of the most magical moments I can remember. Anyone who has a chance to do it, please do. It's well worth it. During the ride, the cooks are all dancing and singing in the aisles. They also read the book before arriving at the North Pole. It was truly amazing.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Laura's trip to see Santa
We were able to see Santa this afternoon. Laura was really excited to give him her list this year. She's gotten a lot better than when she was a little thing, when she used to ball when she even saw Santa.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Warm climate Christmas'
Is it hard to get into the Holiday spirit if you live in an area with warm climate?
H.O.P.E.
Here are a few tips on Holiday Office Party Etiquette.
1.) Don't pitch ideas, keep your conversations to lighter subjects.
2.) No brown nosing.
3.) Use table manners.
4.) If drinking alcohol, make sure to have 4 appetizers for every drink you have.
5.) Dress appropriately.
6.) Don't arrive too late and don't leave too early.
7.) Thank the person who invited you.
8.) Make sure you know if spouses or significant others are invited.
9.) Remember ~ this is still work.
Now go out there and have some fun, just not too much fun.
1.) Don't pitch ideas, keep your conversations to lighter subjects.
2.) No brown nosing.
3.) Use table manners.
4.) If drinking alcohol, make sure to have 4 appetizers for every drink you have.
5.) Dress appropriately.
6.) Don't arrive too late and don't leave too early.
7.) Thank the person who invited you.
8.) Make sure you know if spouses or significant others are invited.
9.) Remember ~ this is still work.
Now go out there and have some fun, just not too much fun.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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