West Side Story

Easter

2009-05-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Easter is my favorite holiday. Each year we go to Elgin where I grew up to get together with the Ford's, our long time family friends.

Easter 1987

Easter 2009

My trip to New York

2009-03-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, what can I say? This past weekend was I think the maximum amount of fun and crazy that one weekend can hold. I feel happier today than I have in 6 months and it is because I keep thinking about my trip last weekend to see Jennifer. I am giddy just thinking about it.

Of course all of the things we did were super fun, and I will go into detail about that later. But the best part of the whole weekend was the fact that I didn’t think about the things that have been getting me down so much lately. It was a vacation from my real life where lately the emotional roller coaster has been getting the best of me. Who needs anti depressants when you have a friend like Jennifer? My only regret is I wish I had gone to visit sooner.

So like I said before, all of the “activities” we did were really fun but mostly the funny people made the weekend worthwhile. It is no surprise that Jen and Mike keep such quality company considering the type of people they are. All of their friends that I met were truly lovely and welcoming and fun and some of them even really mean. (you know who you are…) Also, my friend Lance from TX was up in NY at the same time so we got to hang out with him a little bit too~ and him and I have a total love hate relationship where every conversation ends with us declaring our undying hate for each other. It’s funny in our own sick way I guess.

On my flight going up to NJ I left 8.5 hours late…which means I sat in the airport with a eclectic group of raging mad people and one guy who kept saying that his free soft drinks made the delay worth while. I am pretty sure I am not the only one who considered punching this guy in the face.

I finally got there at 6 am instead of 10 pm…but whatever. I got there, and I got a free $350 voucher so I can’t complain. It was worth it because now I can go back sooner and visit.

On Friday Jen and I got a couple’s massage…it was extremely romantic and sensual except for the fact that my massage therapist had a cold was breathing really loudly and wiping her snot every five minutes. She also kept karate chopping me. But it was really relaxing and it was a fun thing to do. It is a memory. Let’s just leave it at that.

We then went into the city to see Jen’s Aunt and Uncle Loops and Jenny. These two are probably presidents in the aunts and uncles hall of fame. They are so much fun to hang out with. I had met them 8 years ago when we went on vacation with them in Florida and every time I go up to see Jen I like to go hang out with them for a while. They have 3 boys now so we got to see the kids (who are unusually adorable) and play musical chairs. We ordered dinner in and just spent a few hours chatting. I am hoping to go back this summer and spend some more time with them.

After that, we went over to Jen’s friend’s Rachael’s apartment for her birthday party. It was all girls and we all just hung out and danced and ate cupcakes and played with the exercise ball….you know, the usual. It was really great getting to meet everyone that I had heard so much about and getting to reconnect with Jen’s friends that I had met during her wedding parties. After hanging out at the apartment for a while we went to a club and met up with Lance and his friends from TX.

After a few hours of hanging out and what not we headed home. We had packed so much into the first day but everything was well worth it. Saturday we slept in late and then in the mid afternoon went out to help Mike find some glasses. I can say with some confidence he may regret going eye glass shopping with two such strongly opinionated women. In the end though, he found the perfect pair I think. I’m not really sure actually how that shopping trip ended.

Picture with a chicken 2007

Picture with a chicken 2009

Next we had to go to CVS b/c the night before I lost my bag of lip gloss out of my purse. If you know me, you know that I am lipstick and lip gloss junkie to the extreme and generally I like to mix all the colors until I find the right combination…So this was a devastating blow…and sadly probably $200+ worth of lip gloss and lipstick gone forever. So sad. So we had to go buy more lipstick and lip gloss at CVS. Even writing about this is painful. I am only slightly exaggerating.

Then we headed into the city to go shopping a little bit. We stopped at H&M and bought some scarfs. I know it should say scarves but scarfs is funny. I was trying to surprise Jennifer and buy her one too but she was complaining so much I had to just give it to her right then. The woman loves presents. I also bought a fake purse at Chinatown. It’s actually not so much a purse as it is a ginormous bag. It is delightfully wonderful. Love IT!

After the shopping, Jen and Mike had to go to a special invitation dinner so I went and met up with Lance and his people for dinner. We had Indian food and it was delicious. I had such a great time at dinner. Everyone at the table was so funny and sarcastic that a moment didn’t really pass without someone saying something funny. The waiter also kind of had it out for Lance too which was hilarious to watch. And also Lance had on an ugly shirt at dinner. Had to throw that in there RD!

So then after dinner, I went back and met up with Mike and Jen and their other group of friends from church. We hung out for a while at this sports bar. I think it was called Woody’s? Again, I got to meet more people that I had heard a lot about. It was good conversation and good drinks. After Woody’s we headed back home to Hoboken to play rock band and dance and do some other embarrassing things that will not be revealed in this blog. Ok, one of them involves me waking up Jen and Mike’s roommate Tony. The rest will remain a secret! Oh yeah, and Daniel threw a football at my face.

Sunday morning we woke up and it was time to head home already. We sat around in the living room for a while while Mike told the same story 5 times about how he was secretly texting someone from someone else’s phone the night before. Yes, Mike, it was hilarious. Kudos. Jeni and Mike took me to the airport and headed home to be picked up by Scooter and Sophie. It was great to see them, I get so anxious when I am away, even though I did have so much fun.

I think sometimes in our life there are just people that you meet and you automatically click. Jennifer and I were not like that at all. That is my fault b/c I thought Jen was too Bibley at first. But now we are peas and carrots and even though we don’t get together often enough, when we do each time is better than the last. We are soul mates and I love her. I can’t wait until next time we get together. Thanks Jen and Mike for a wonderful weekend!

My thoughts exactly...

2009-01-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

I have tried to collect my thoughts about the recent inauguration but haven't quite been able to put those thoughts into words. My friend Cass posted a link to this blog and I feel like this is the first thing I have read that I can really relate with. Thought maybe some of you would enjoy reading it too.

A Tribute to my Main Man...Mr. Scott West, CPA

2008-12-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

This is a Territory Trail Production...enjoy!

Happy 30th Birthday Scott!

2008-12-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Marta, Heath, Devon
The Birthday Boy!

Don't Mess with us!

Goofy Marla!

The Homies of Territory Trail

My Sweet Niece Rachel and her hottie mom, Marla!

Marta and Darby acting silly as usual...

Sorry Kyle, I had to post this one...Ladies, he's taken, I know what you're thinking...

The Dads

The Ole Gang: Phil, Kat, Pete, Craig and Scott. Where's Paul? Hmmm...

This ain't fast eddie's...

The moms and daughters!

The girlies. Hailey installed her own pig tails~very cute!

Marla, Me, Marta...Their names get confusing!

The guys

The party was really fun!

Sutton is 2!

2008-11-23T21:03:00.001-08:00

Last week my cousin Marta's little boy Sutton turned 2! We have a small group (it is really just the four of us and the kids...) get together one night a week and last week we celebrated Sutton's birthday. Here are some photos! Darby eating cupcakes. Her hair is just gorgeous and she is very proud of her curls (they are natural, lucky girl!). She is quite the little sass!

Kyle, Scott, my Mom and Marta eating dinner. I set the table for the third time ever, don't be impressed!

Cupcakes with Spider Man cupcake holders. On a side story, I selected the spider man theme because Darby really wanted to Spider Man for Halloween! She instead had to settle for a female super hero, Super Girl.

Sutton and Darby riding in the fire truck we gave Sutton for his birthday. He walked into our house and immediately knew it was for him. It was so hilarious. His legs are still a little short to drive it properly and he kept getting stuck in it. He also only wanted Scott to help him get unstuck, no one else! What a little booger!

Here is Sutton with "Got" as he calls him. They are very tight, as you can tell. Sutton is the funniest little guy. He loves giving "squeezes" (hugs) and he is just now starting to talk a lot. It has been a pleasure watching him grow so big the past two years. He doesn't even look like a baby anymore which kind of makes me sad sometimes.

We had a good time eating stir fry and celebrating the little man's big day. It seems crazy to me that he is 2, it was just yesterday we were up at the hospital visiting them when he was born!

Visit to Houston

2008-11-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went to Houston for Halloween and to see some friends. First stop on my agenda was at my sister-in-law's house in Cypress. It was Halloween night so we passed out candy to trick or treaters. Here are my nieces as the evening was winding down...Aren't they so cute?! Saturday morning I went to Clear Lake to see Jamie and Jay and their new precious baby Josiah! It was so good seeing them and meeting Josiah. Jamie of course is such an adorable mom. Let's face it, the whole family is just the cutest. We had a relaxing day just hanging out and soaking in the wonders of this new little life they brought into the world!

Jamie and Me

Jay, Josiah, Jamie

I had to put this picture up to show how tiny he is!! Hopefully when he is older he will forgive me for posting pictures of him getting his diaper changed on the internet ;)

Me, Jamie, Josiah

On Saturday afternoon I went to Sugar Land to see my friend Cassidy and her two little girls. I only got one picture though while I was there. I think Cass and I were too busy talking. Cass was one of my best friends in middle school and high school (and she still is). We don't get to see each other often enough but the great thing is when we do it is just like old times! Now she has two kids and she is the best mom. She is so patient and I love watching her talk to Caroline. It is very interesting how creative you have to be when rationalizing with a 3 year old!

This is a picture of Susannah, Cass's youngest daughter.

She is the most calm and sweet natured baby. She was just as happy as she could be and she is so cute!

It was a really fun weekend! This weekend we were super lazy...We did the movie the Changeling and it was a very intense film. It was good but of course, very sad and shocking. I would recommend seeing it though if you like a good drama.

That's all for now!

Babysitting, Cinnamon Rolls and Bathrooms

2008-10-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

Friday night we babysat Marta and Kyle's kids Darby and Sutton. It was a lot of fun! Darby spent a lot of time "painting" and, of course, wearing her princess gloves...I think Sutton looks like such a big boy in this picture. I can't believe he is almost 2...

Friday evening the kids helped me make cinnamon rolls for the next day and then Saturday morning they came over to help eat them! This was my first time making homemade cinnamon rolls. I found the recipe online. Here is the link: http://http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Ever-Cinnamon-Buns/Detail.aspx?src=etaf I have no idea how to add the links...Cass, you seem to be good at it, please teach me! So back to the cinnamon rolls...I had been craving my grandma's cinnamon rolls but nobody has her recipe so I just found a recipe online and they turned out pretty decent. They were huge though and there were so many! Next time, I will probably make half the recipe!

The Kids seemed to enjoy them!

Then Saturday the guys finished up our downstairs guest bathroom. It had been "out of order" for about 2 months since the tiling extravaganza, so they installed the new pedestal sink and toilet. It is back in working order now...I still need to repaint behind the sink and paint the cabinet white but I am just glad that they finished as much as they did. It took them a long time and a lot of hard work!

So that is what we were up to this weekend...Marta and Devon and I also watched "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood" yesterday while the guys worked on the bathroom. Last weekend I had read that book so I was wanting to see the movie. The book is way better, as is usually the case. There is just no way to fit that much detail and information in a movie. I am currently reading the prequel, "Little Altars Everywhere" and it is a really good read as well.

Hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend!

Twinkies

2008-10-12T17:13:00.001-07:00

Scott and his dad Steve have been participating in a mentor program that goes on wilderness trips and learns wilderness survival skills paralleled with spiritual lessons. For one year they go once a month on a weekend excursion with the kids. I snapped a picture of them in their gear two weeks ago as they were heading off for the weekend.

What Have You Been Reading?

2008-10-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

The past month or so I have read so many great books. If you are a reader too please let me know what books you have enjoyed so I can check them out.

First off, I got sucked in by teenage vampire romance and read the Twilight series books by Stephenie Meyers. http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html My cousin Marta started me on them, and once I started I couldn't stop. These books will definitely suck you in! I read all four: Twilight, Eclipse, New Moon, and Breaking Dawn. Scott has been working a lot the past 6 weeks so it has left plenty of time for me to spend reading. Though I will say these books are quite quick reads. I finished each one in about 48 hours or less. (Not quite as quick as Marta who read the first two in 48 hours!)

I also have been reading and am almost finished with The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. This book is extremely thought provoking and for myself really caused me to reflect on many of my own beliefs and actions. I think I realized how much I sort of just float through life without paying attention to why I am doing what I am doing. So I definitely would recommend this book. I would love to post excerpts from this book but you really should just read the whole thing because it is that good.

And lastly, on Friday I read a book called Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I really like the way this book was written. It is almost at times like just hearing someone think out loud. He kind of jumps around and you wonder where he is going to take the story but it always comes around to make a point. He is also very funny so it is easy to just get wrapped up in the stories. I really like the transparency of the author in this book. He is very real with himself and I think that is why this book resonated with me. Sometimes I wonder if anybody feels the way I have felt or thinks things I have thought that maybe I am embarrassed or too closed off to talk about. I like how Donald Miller really just lays those things out there. I want to be more like that...less afraid of what people are going to think or say, and more raw and authentic.

So that is what I have been reading lately. I am need to finish up The Irresistible Revolution and another book I am reading about St. Francis. I mainly read what people let me borrow so lately here I have been reading most of Kyle and Marta Dugan's books. Thanks guys! I live within "a stone's throw" (that's for you, Joy;) from the library so I really have no excuse for not reading more. If only time allowed!

I have gone kind of blog crazy this evening but I have been putting off blogging for a few weeks so the time was right!

Boot Camp

2008-10-12T16:33:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post about boot camp for sometime but haven't had the time enough to sit down and write about it.

Back in August I started going to bootcamp with my friend Cari http://goudeau.blogspot.com/. We had found the boot camp online and wanted to give it a whirl. I have been wanting to get in better shape but I couldn't seem to find the motivation on my own. On the first day of boot camp I definitely thought that I was going to pass out. It was very challenging mainly I think because I was so out of shape.

As the weeks went by though it started getting easier and easier and I liked it more each time. I discovered that I am definitely a group exerciser. I really like working in a group and I tend to work harder and longer than when I just go to the gym on my own. So I completed 8 weeks of boot camp and I feel so great about it. I would love to keep on going but it is a little too expensive to do all the time.

Here is a link to the boot camp website if you want to check that out: http://www.fullforcefitness.net/default.html

I think the worst/best thing about boot camp were the burpees. We used to do burpees in volleyball practice and I didn't like them then either. What you do is put your hands down on the ground and jump your feet back. (you will be in the push up position now) Then you jump your feet back in to your hands, and jump straight up with your arms straight up. Then you do another and another...burpees are not easy, especially when you do 70 of them in one day sometimes. You should try doing 10 and just see how sore you are tomorrow! These are a really effective exercise though b/c they use so many major muscle groups.

Boot camp really taught me a lot about myself. For one, I will do anything not to waste money. There were so many mornings when my alarm went off at 5:15 and I really did not want to get up. And what inspired me more than the fact that I needed to get in shape was the fact that I had already paid for each class and if I missed a class I was basically throwing away $12. I know this was the main motivator too because now that I am not going to boot camp I cannot seem to get up early enough to go to the classes at the YMCA. I set my alarm to get up for them, but I do not actually go. I also learned that exercising is mostly mental. I sort of already knew this, but each day when I would do more than the day before I realized it was not only because I was getting stronger but because I expected myself to do more.

Boot camp really reminded me of high school volleyball practice and I realized how much I miss that kind of exercising. I am hoping now to keep up my boot camp experience by finding work out buddies and going to group classes when I can. I would encourage anyone who is even thinking about exercising more to just take that step and start doing something. You might be surprised once you do how much you actually enjoy it.

Chicken Spaghetti

2008-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

So, this weekend I made chicken spaghetti. I have received many of the email chain recipe emails but never really reply to them so I thought I would start posting some recipes on my blog. I am always looking for new things to make so I thought maybe somebody else out in blog land might be too!

This recipe is partially made up, and partially from 2 other recipes I got from friends. You can modify to fit your personal taste!

So, for starters, bake 1 lb. of chicken on 400 for 20 minutes. I seasoned the chicken with Lawry's seasoning salt and put a half tablespoon of oil in the bottom of the pan.

While the chicken is baking, chop and saute 2 red peppers, 2 green peppers, and 1 white onion. I found a little trick to keep me from crying while I chop onions---I wear my sunglasses. It really works!

Also while the chicken is baking start 1 lb of spaghetti noodles and boil until done.

When the chicken is done baking chop into little cubes. I think technically you are supposed to shred the chicken, but I think that is more high maintenance so I just chop it.

When these three things are all ready, put them in a big pot all together with 1 lb. 2% velveeta cheese and 1 can cream of chicken soup. Mix it all up until all the cheese is melted. I sort of chop the cube of cheese up before throwing it in there so it will melt faster.

Then spread out in a pan (1 large or 2 small...I sometimes freeze half for later) and top with a thin layer of Kraft 2% shredded cheddar and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese on top is melted.

Beware this recipe makes a ton of food! You could probably feed 10 adults so if you have a small family like me you may want to half the recipe. I always just go ahead and make it all so we can eat leftovers in our lunches.

I forgot to get an "after" picture but you can just make it and see what it looks like for yourself!

Just Kidding

2008-09-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

I think this lady is so funny!

What a Deal!

2008-09-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Umm, I thought that I would share with everyone my "steal" of the week...I bought these here shoes for $6.50 at the Naturalizer outlet yesterday. That's right, you read me...that's $3.25 per shoe! They were 90% off.

And to make my story even better (as if $3.25 per shoe gets any better?), I went specifically to look and see if these shoes had gone on sale because I wanted them earlier in the summer but they were $40 then.

I might also add that they are very comfortable with lots of interior padding.

I had to share the excitement with someone! I am sure Cass will appreciate this the most! :)

Ladies Retreat Weekend

2008-09-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went on our Ladies Retreat with our church. Devon and Marta and I were roommates. The retreat was about “Refreshing in the Presence of the Lord”. It is interesting that I do not feel refreshed because I was gone all weekend. Hmm…

So, I guess the main point I took from the whole thing was that it is crucial to refresh ourselves with things of God and not things of the world or our own independence. I suppose this is one of those things I have always known, but am not really consistent about practicing. So it was a good chance to sort of refocus.

The most fun thing about the whole weekend was our “photo shoot”. We took a bunch of ridiculous pictures one day during free time.

This was a cool fence made out of painted bikes.

Going for a fake bike ride!

We decided to take a photo with the fall turkey and scarecrow.

Aunt Leesa, Marta, Me and Aunt Jeanie spreading cousinly love. I thought it was cool that Aunt J & L had come to the retreat together. Everyone in this picture is cousins with someone else in the picture.

We couldn't resist the rare opportunity to take a photo with the tractor.

Block Heads?

Aunt Jeanie singing and her sweet friend Shirley on drums.

A fun weekend was had by all!

Last But Not Least: BDay Dinner #3

2008-09-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

So, on Sunday we spent the day with Scott’s family. His parents wanted to get me a bike for my birthday. I had been riding Marion’s bike since they moved to Austin so they wanted to get me one of my own. After much deliberation in Academy about which color would look best while I fly like the wind…I chose a turquoise/teal blue Schwinn.

Scott’s sister also made me a delicious strawberry cake. She makes very delicious, pretty cakes, as this picture obviously shows. One year she made a birthday cake of a princess castle for Rachel…it was phenomenal to say the least.

Sophie, Hailey, and Rachel playing in the backyard.

Earlier in the day Scott took me shopping for my birthday. I got some new work clothes from Ann Taylor. I hate dressing professional for work…but I must admit when I have cute outfits to wear it makes it less annoying. My favorite dress I got looks like an airline stewardess outfit. Maybe it can second as a Halloween costume!

That evening for dinner we ordered in Chinese food to round off the birthday extravaganzas. So I am 28 now and the birthday awesomeness for the year has come and gone…I am getting pretty old but not as old as Scott who turns 30 this year!! Can’t wait to celebrate with my old man in December!

Have a good week! I am going to the church retreat with Devon and Marta this weekend so be on standby for a report on that coming soon!

Birthday Dinner #2 of 3

2008-09-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

My second birthday dinner was shared with my friend Devon who made this beautiful cake! Devon and I have the exact same birthday (9-12-80). This year in my "unbirthday celebration" attitude I wanted to just keep things low key and have a simple dinner with my birthday buddy! Devon is one of the best cooks I know...and she made this phenomenal chocolate fudge cake. I think it looks so professional... Before dessert, we had dinner at Hyde Park Bar and Grill in Austin. It was such a unqiue restaurant and my food was delicious. After dinner we went back to Heath and Devon's for dessert and wine. I finished my last bottle of wine from our trip to Napa Valley. I guess I will need to go back and get some more then! (wishful thinking?)
Marta and Me- I am so glad that I live near my cousin! It is so great to be able to see her all the time!Scott, Kyle and Heath

I didn't get a picture of Devon last night unfortunately. After dessert we watched Michael Phelps host Saturday night live. Tina Fey was so hilarious at playing Sarah Palin. (and acting is not one of Mr. Phelp's strong suits!) It was a very relaxing low key evening spent with friends.

Melissa's Wedding

2008-09-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday my good friend from high school Melissa got married. She looked so happy and gorgeous.

Melissa and Rob
Laura and Me
All the Girls: Katie, Laura, Me, Melissa, Summer, Nicole, Katherine

It was so great seeing everybody and catching up. I hadn't forgotten how funny everybody was, I was just reminded of it because I was laughing the whole time. Summer and Laura are so hilarious. It was a fun day spent with old friends!

Birthday Dinner #1 of 3...

2008-09-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me well know that I LOVE my birthday...but I must say that this year I am sort of just blah about the whole thing. My whole life my mom has made my birthday so special that I almost expect it to be "off the hook" every year, but after 27 years of birthday amazingness, I think #28 just can't keep up! (what goes up, must come down, right?) So this year for my birthday I am still having 3 "celebrations", and by celebrations, I mean eating at 3 different restaurants over the course of the weekend...but I just don't feel that excited about it.

Last night Scott and I had dinner with my parents and my friend Blair at Outback. I really like the Outback and I hadn't been there since last year on my birthday. I used to eat there all the time when I lived with Rebekah. The servers there knew us...kind of embarrassing. So it was good to return there and eat my steamed veggies! (and don't forget a bloomin' onion, of course) Scott, Me and Blair
Good Ole' Mom and Dad
Blair got me these adorable ice cream bowls for my birthday. I can't wait to eat my ice cream in style. Thanks Blair!
Blair and I became friends about 5 years ago even though it just seems like yesterday. We worked at Francesca's together and after I fired her for stealing, we became buddies. Just kidding, I didn't fire her for stealing. (but it sounded good!?:) Blair is a precious person inside and out!

So after dinner we went to see the movie "Burn After Reading". It was such a great film...I like that kind of weird humor. Brad Pitt does a great job at being a goof ball and the story line is so hilarious. I highly recommend seeing this movie!

Last Thursday I also celebrated with my co workers by going to lunch at Chuy's. My manager made sure they sang to me and it was very embarrassing! The girls from the office got me some yummy Bath and Body Works stuff and some coasters from Southern Living. Thanks Ladies!

So I will try to post pictures next week of the rest of my birthday extravaganza. You might notice I am blogging a lot today but it is because I finally have free time!

Friends 4 Eva!

2008-09-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday some friends from high school and I got together. First we hung out at my house and then we went to Dallas…We haven’t always stayed in good touch over the years, but when we get back together it is just like old times!

Summer, Me, Katie, and Megan
Summer posing with rising country star "Greg Caldwell". He was out promoting himself. He even had his CD with him to prove who he was! He even gave us autographs on our hands!

The beautiful "Haverin" sisters, Laura and Tricia.

Katie, Megan, Me, Summer and Laura

We had a great time catching up and telling old stories. Today our friend Melissa is getting married so I will have pics from her wedding coming up soon!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-01T15:35:00.001-07:00

This weekend Scott's sister Marla and her family came to visit for Labor Day. We had a good time hanging out and spending time together.

Here is a picture I took of the girls:

I also caught a picture of Hailey and Sophie snuggling after a long day of playing!

Sophie has really calmed down over the past 6 months. She turned 2 in March and everyone who had owned a boxer before had told us that at 2 years they will finally calm down. Now she is great with the kids and we don't have to keep a constant eye on her. After her initial excitement wears off when people come over she kind of just does her own thing. It is so nice! She is also not jumping up on people as much either. We have tried all of the dog whisperer tricks on her over the years but I hate to admit we are just not diligent enough with it. So I am glad now that she has calmed a little with age. It also kind of makes me sad though to think that she is getting older.

We also did some more work on our house this weekend. A few weekends ago we laid tile and this past week we began the grouting process. We are having to take it slow with that due to time constraints and low energy levels! Grouting is not hard but it is a tedious process...and not only that, but we chose black grout which has to be acid washed so that adds a few extra steps in there. I can't wait until all of our projects are wrapped up! I guess when you do things like this yourself you are saving money but you are losing time.

We also installed a new dishwasher. Our dishwasher that was in the house when we moved in was seriously the loudest dishwasher I have ever heard. It sounded like a large aircraft was taking off in our kitchen. We couldn't even watch tv while the thing was running b/c the tv wouldn't go loud enough. Our new dishwasher is so quiet I don't even know it is running so I like that about it. It also dries the dishes much better so that is another plus.

And our last little project we are doing is remodeling the downstairs bathroom. First we were doing the tile and this weekend Scott reinstalled the toilet. We still need to finish texturing the wall, installing the pedestal and plumbing fixture, changing the light fixture and painting. It never ends, does it?! I am so happy with the improvements we have made so far. We knew when we bought this house that there would be a lot of work to do. I am glad that we have started the improvements now so we can enjoy them for longer.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day Weekend!

Besties: A Tribute to my Girls

2008-08-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

This summer I also spent a weekend in Dallas with 3 of my great friends from ACU. These three girls have been such an important part of my life the last 8 years. We all got together to celebrate our friend Jamie's new arrival to her family. Jamie is expecting a baby boy in October.

In our usual fashion we had fun acting crazy and laughing! I have so many memories of that throughout the years. It is physically impossible to hang out with Jamie, Sarah, and Hilary and not laugh. These 3 girls have been such loyal steadfast friends and I feel honored to have them in my life.

Here are some pictures of us over the years...

Jamie's Bridal Shower Winter 2004

Jamie's Bachelorette Party Spring 2004

Galveston Summer 2005

Meredith's Bachelorette Party Winter 2006

Meredith's Bridal Lunch Spring 2006

Meredith's Wedding Spring 2006

Trip to Houston Spring 2007

Jump!

Jen's Wedding Fall 2007

Trip to Austin Winter 2008

Cheerleading!

Jamie's Baby Shower Summer 2008

Trip To Dallas Summer 2008

For one, writing this blog has made me realize how often I change my hair color! But most importantly, it has made me thankful for friendship. I have so many amazing girlfriends, I am truly blessed. I can't wait until the "fab four" get together again!

Summer Vacation

2008-08-18T19:20:00.001-07:00

This summer we went on a vacation to the Northwest. We went to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, the Redwoods, the Oregon Coast, Portland, and Seattle all in 10 days. We traveled with our close friends Heath and Devon Williams.

Overall our vacation was a wonderful experience. We got to see so many gorgeous places and try new foods and wines and meet new people and we had a wonderful time. We had wanted to travel to Europe but we decided it would be more economical to stay in the states so we decided to give the northwest a whirl. I am so glad we took such a long trip and got to go to so many places.
Everyone asks me what my favorite part of the trip was, but that is really hard to say. I can say my least favorite part, which is also one of the funniest parts and that is this cabin we stayed in on the northern California coast. It was super eerie and creepy in the middle of the woods in Trinidad, CA. I highly recommend never staying there! The accommodations weren’t ideal, but the worst part about it was just the eerie feeling of the place. I felt like I was a character in a Stephen King novel. Nobody really slept well that night and at 4 in the morning we were all awake watching tv because I was so scared it had woken everyone up. (not to mention that when I got up to use the restroom every step I took creeked and made this extremely loud noise…and the bathroom door didn’t shut all the way…) so in retrospect it is funny but I can say at the time I was legitimately in fear.

But if I had to narrow it down, I would say that Napa Valley and Portland were my favorite locations. Napa Valley was so beautiful and I loved learning about the vineyards processes and tasting new wines. Portland was a fabulous city and the weather there was so beautiful. If you know the Dugans you probably think they are a little obsessed with Oregon but now I can see why!

I also can’t fail to mention the fascinating presence of the Redwoods. I sort of have a thing for trees and I have wanted to go see the Redwoods for some time. I was absolutely in awe of them. They were bigger than I even imagined and saw in pictures. You can’t really imagine something of that magnitude. I think sometime I would like to go back and just spend time absorbing and taking in these magnificent creations. We only got to spend a few hours at most actually walking around but I hope one day to return and spend time just being still. There is just something about the forest that has always calmed me and sort of spoken to me. I remember many times at Camp Blue Haven just going out into the forest and sitting and listening and thinking. It is sometimes challenging for me to find that peace and stillness in my every day life.

So we have been back from the trip a little over a month but I am just now getting around to posting some pics. I have probably already overwhelmed some of you with all 600 pictures but for the rest of you, this is just a glimpse!

New Floors!

2008-08-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we installed tile flooring in our house with the help of some of our favorite people! A big thanks to Heath and Devon Williams, my parents, and Scott's dad Steve~ and don't forget Scott's mom Marion who was our faithful cheerleader. It was a weekend of hard work to say the least and we are still not completely done with the project...but here is a peek at how far we have gotten...I am still new to posting pictures and stuff so I am sorry they are all out of order! Marta is supposed to give me a blog tutorial soon so bear with me!

The Shack

2008-08-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

I recently read the book "The Shack". For me, this book really worked through some things that have perplexed me for some time.

In this book, the main character Mackenzie has an incident in his life which he refers to as "The Great Sadness". I too have a 'great sadness' in my life that the past few years has consumed a part of me that I can't quite explain. I have been in this cycle of trying to get over it, trying to trust in God, trying to question God, trying to work things out…all in the end to never come up with any answers. I have then tried to rest in the knowledge of the lack of knowledge of how to deal with my 'great sadness' or why things happened the way they did…but even that comfort has been fleeting.

It has been difficult not to define myself by this moment. In my mind, everything in my life either happened before or after Neal died. I have often thought to myself and probably even said to some of you that I would never be the same. I have also found myself wanting to hold on to this great sadness as if it in some way paid honor to my brother. I have been frustrated thinking that people don't remember him and I have been angry when I have let a day go by without thinking of him myself. There are just no easy answers.

I know I have missed the mark though…and reading this book has helped me learn more about the nature of God and more about the human nature of myself. In the book the Shack the relationship of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is so pure and uniquely defined. I am not sure really where I am going with all of this…(imagine me, rambling…I know…it's difficult) but I think this book is a must read if you are in any way interested in learning more about the nature of God and his love for you.

Here are some quotes from this book that I found insightful:

God to Mackenzie: "There are millions of reasons to allow pain and hurt and suffering rather than to eradicate them, but most of those reasons can only be understood within each person's story. I am not evil. You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are also not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make the ultimate good and the most loving outcome."

"You see, broken humans center their lives around things that seem good to them, but that will neither fill them nor free them. They are addicted to power, or the illusion that power offers. When a disaster happens those same people will turn against the false powers they trusted. In their disappointment, they either become softened toward me or they become bolder in their independence. If you could only see how all of this ends and what we will achieve without the violation of one human-then you would understand. One day you will."

"People are pretty tenacious when it comes to the treasure of their imaginary independence. They hoard and hold their sickness with a firm grip. They find their identity and worth in their brokenness and guard with every ounce of strength they have. No wonder grace has such little attraction. In that sense you have tried to lock the door of your heart from the inside."

Mack to God: "Is that why we like the law so much-to give us some control?"

God to Mack: "It is much worse than that. It grants you the power to judge others and feel superior to them. You believe you are living to a higher standard than those you judge. Enforcing rules, especially in its more subtle expressions like responsibility and expectation, is a vain attempt to create certainty out of uncertainty. And contrary to what you might think, I have a great fondness for uncertainty. Rules cannot bring freedom; they only have the power to accuse."

"Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive. I give you an ability to respond and your response is to be free to love and serve in every situation and therefore each moment is different and unique and wonderful. Because I am your ability to respond, I have to be present in you. If I simply gave you a responsibility, I would not have to be with you at all. It would now be a task to perform, an obligation to be met, something to fail."

These few quotes from this book are just a glimpse of how much insight it offers. If you have read this book I would be interested in your thoughts on it. We are currently studying this book with some friends and it is always interesting to hear what other people have taken from it.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2008-08-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night I went to the Round Rock Express game with my friend Devon. We met up with my parents and my cousins from College Station. We got to use the Skidmore's suite to watch the game in style! I do not particularly care about baseball at all, so it is extra appealing to me to hang out in the a/c while I pretend to be interested in the game. At the end of the game they had a fireworks show that was pretty cool. I think Round Rock won the game, but to be honest, I have no idea.

The Skows are all from College Station. My dad's cousin Loren and his wife Mary have 2 sons Kevin and Ben who are married to Brooke and Ashley. So they all came down to Round Rock to go to the game with us. Kevin and Ben used to come to Camp Blue Haven with us every summer and consequently Kevin and I became big buddies in middle school and high school. Well, I had not seen Kevin in 10 years! It is kind of unbelievable but I am glad we finally reconnected. His wife is adorable and so sweet and so is Ben's wife Ashley. We all had a great time. I am looking forward to spending more time with them hopefully this fall at the ranch in Menard.

So, the rest of my weekend was packed with working on putting tile in my house…which is a whole other blog in itself. I am waiting until I have decent "after" pictures to write about that and post some pictures.

Is this thing on?

2008-08-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Here I am! I have decided to start a blog. I am not really sure why but I seem to enjoy other people’s blogs and all my cousins have one so I was beginning to feel left out! So, here we have my debut into blog world! I promise to try to be as entertaining as possible while still trying to maintain some level of privacy. (there are just some things that you shouldn’t blog about…am I wrong?)

I would like to give a thanks to Rochelle for helping me out with my title. After much consideration of far worse blog names, such as “Mindless Memoirs” and “Wild Wests” I was having a very hard time thinking of something relevant and witty. So I welcome you to West Side Story…a blog about our life.