the walsh's

Panama City Beach

2009-09-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's ok to be jealous, I would be.

Landed in Nashville yesterday and spent the ENTIRE night up with my bestest catching up on every little detail of our lives, even repeating a couple stories a few times....sorry christa! haaha. But we are now headed down to Panama City Beach to spend the rest of the week catchin up some more, laying in the sun, read some good books and enjoy the company of each other and her family. I am so glad that I have been able to come run away for a bit!! Thanks mom and dad! This trip is just the refresher I needed! I will post pics later of course, possibly on my new blog??!!! Have a fun, safe labor day weekend!

Going through the Big D and don't mean dallas

2009-08-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

Well folks the Walsh family is coming to an end, Ryan and I are getting a divorce. Not that this is really the way to tell everyone but those closest to ryan and I have been made aware of the situation already. It is tough news to handle, therefore I would rather hide behind the text and not have to hear everyone's opinions and thoughts on our relationship. I won't be going into detail about the whole situation for the sake of our sanity and privacy but I thought this would be the fastest, easiest way to let everyone know what is going on with us without having to continually explain ourselves to everyone as we see/talk to you all. Trust me, I know this stinks and it is sad that we hardly even made it to our 2 year mark but it is by far the best thing that we could do for ourselves. We need to take care of what each of us needs and that is going to be best handled seperately. I don't have much else to document other than there will no longer be any more posts on the rdwalsh blog. Eventually I may start a new one but that is still just a thought. Hope this finds everyone esle doing well and having a happy tuesday!

George Strait

2009-08-10T11:09:00.001-07:00

We were blessed to be able to see George Strait in concert Saturday night as an anniversary gift from Shirley. We had AMAZING seats which wouldn't have been possible without the help of Janet and Ray.....we were on the floor about 20 rows back. Julian Hough, Blake Shelton AND Sugarland all played before the KING of country made his debut. Sugarland was absolutely AWESOME!! Sometimes on the radio her voice gets a little too twainy but I must say they are WAY better live! I was jumping around and singing my head off and Ryan and I also danced quite a bit. It was an absolute blast and I also snuck up about 5 rows away from George to snap some photos. Of course I brought the nice camera, DUH!

ENJOY!!

walking down the tunnel to the floor seats!! so excited!

at our seatsthe whole crew...

Julian Hough..not such a good photo. Blake Shelton

He was funny, he actually played the "free credit report.com" song. haha. good stuff.

SUGARLAND!!!

SOOOO GOOOD!

and GEROGE!!!

He is just the cutest!

dancin' the night away

It was just the most fun evening we have had and we completely enjoyed ourselves! Thanks for the tickets and wonderful evening!!

tonight

2009-08-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be enjoying to tunes of Julian Hough, Blake Shelton, Sugarland and the KING of country music......

GEORGE STRAIT!!!!!

I am pumped and cannot wait!

Of course, I will post more later.

Happy Saturday!

Bill and Helen

2009-07-25T12:02:00.001-07:00

Last night we celebrated bill and helen's 49th wedding anniversary.

Ryan and I planned a little surprise party for the two of them complete with their daughter and her family, some neighbors, friendsn and lots of food. We decorated the house with streamers and tissue puff balls (thanks taryn!) and flowers, of course.

we started with a couple appetizers: I made my aunt Becky's salsa......sooooo good!

Kelley made these little weiners wrapped in bacon with brown sugar on top.....a heart attack but so delish!

matt, our next door neighbor taking care of the chickens and sausage.

the chicken was VERY yummy!

we also had potato salad, jalepeno bread and my mom's 5 cup fruit salad (I'm turning into a real betty crocker folks!) The fruit salad was quite the hit as well!

Most of the gang sharing stories and enjoying our dinner.

kell and truman.
bill and helen. Love this picture. They are so cute!

We made them blow out candles while we sang the happy birthday song but we slipped in Happy Anniversary. Haha, they were good sports though.

We asked helen her secret to a lifelong marriage (she was 16 he was 18 when they got married!!) And she said, "Just make sure you can look at that same face for forever, cause 49 years is one long time!" Haha, we all got a good chuckle outta that one. Seriously, she said, "you just gotta keep at it. It's gonna take some work."

I think they had a good time, we all enjoyed ourselves and getting to know their family a little better. They were quite surprised.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BILL AND HELEN!! Here's to another 49 years!

Discovery Green

2009-07-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Friday evening Ryan and I had a little date night. We went to a new park in downtown Houston called Discovery Green. (It is similar to the American Airlines center in Dallas, where they show movies and such for free.) They were showing a movie about the first landing on the moon....celebrating the anniversary of America's part in the space race. The park is really neat, nice and clean, probably because it is so new but we still enjoyed ourselves.....even in the 100 degree weather. There are fountains all over the place, bacchi ball (sp?) courts, benches, a little grill/cafe, you can rent sailboats and float them in the pond, live music (unfortunately when we were there it was worse than bad karaoke...entertaining nonetheless.), and some fun art around the park. It was a lovely evening and we will definitly be visiting the park some more!

I love this man but why can't I get a normal smile?

lub ya!

most of the park. ::band to the left::grill/cafe to right::sailboat pond in front::

kiddies.

these things are cool.

they're about 100ft. apart but you can hear each other talking when you sit in them just right. good engineering.

my love

"honey, will you take my picture?" my most common words.

"make every moment count."

it looked like rain. we were lucky it waited until saturday though. :)

It was a great evening and I can't wait to go back again!

would you be my neighbor??

2009-07-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Since we have been living back in Houston we have gotten to know our neighbors quite well. We have Bill and Helen who live across the street from us, Matt and Alexis who live next door to us and Mrs. Angie who lives caddy corner (sp?) to us. Our nieghbor on the other side of our house owns the house but rents it out and it is currently vacant.

As time has passed by our friendships with our neighbors has grown. I think it is really neat that in today's society, where most people couldn't even tell you who lives next door to them, that we are so blessed to have such a nice, warm and welcoming neighborhood.

We have had the low down on past and current relationships, old neighbors, crime that has happened in the past....which is still quite minimal, children, health scares and successes, best nail/massage/and other beauty salons near by, best eats close to our house and of course the happenings of today.

Ryan and I have spent many afternoons either in the front lawn with Matt and Alexis just chatting it up or on the porch with Bill and Helen shooting the breeze (Bill is retired, Helen is semi-retired). Mrs. Angie usually ends up making an appearance and joins the conversation. She is a sweet, sweet lady! She is in her 80's and still mows her own lawn, which she is quite particular about as well. So cute.

Anyway, one day as we were talking about food and Mrs. Helen said that she makes this mud pie cake that is just to die for. We then told her that next time she makes it to let us know because we would certainly like to try it. This week, she made it, took a few pieces for her and bill and then brought the rest to us.

It's the best MUD PIE I have ever had!!

(which is a lot for me to say since I am not a "sweets" person!)

So good in fact that I took a few pics for you all to enjoy.

Looks good huh?!?

Ryan and I feel so truly blessed to have these people as our neighbors not only cause they are nice and bring us sweet treats but because they are what good neighbors are supposed to be. So many times we are taught to treat our neighbors kindly and many times we think we are too busy to stop by and say hello or just wave good morning to them. I think that we all need to take a little extra time to enjoy the lives that surround us....you never know how they may help you in the future.

So, be nice to your neighbors and get to know them. Trust me, it's fun.

free?....for real??

2009-07-12T13:44:00.001-07:00

Gotta love the Internet.

Ryan said he had been reading online about these "free markets" that go on every once in a while in different cities. Houston was hosting one this Saturday and he decided to give it a go. (I decided to forgo the trip, due to work and am now regretting it.) Typical me just assumed that there was no way that this market would be completely, for real, 100%, no joke free without some sort of stipulations.

I should have gone.

It is in fact completely, for real, 100%, no joke FREE!!!

Think of a gigantic garage sale ~ sans the little circle dot price tags. This market is full of people who have too much stuff and want to get rid of it, so they brought it to the market and gave it away. You know what they say, "Another man's trash is another man's treasure." This is so true. Ryan was able to gather me a few goodies and surprised me when I got home from work. He was telling me about all the cool stuff that was there and how the only rules were, 1.) no prices and 2.) no bartering or trading. We can defiantly live with those rules! Here are the goodies loverface got me. Thanks hun! lub you!

A little jewelry dish to put these......

into here.....

a little piece of photography.

and a cute little teddy bear

not sure where or when the next one is but I will certainly be researching this!!

4th of July

2009-07-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

Our 4th of July was fun and quite enjoyable. We started the weekend on Friday heading out to kelley's mom's house, Mrs. Erin who let us swim, grill out and bring our pups to enjoy the 4th as well. THANKS ERIN!

Suprisingly the dogs like to cool off on the rafts.

Harley and Truman are such good buds.

J's belly was all red for the rest of the day from this belly flop!

The whole crew minus J and a typical face from ryan.

our grill was stuffed with AMAZING burgers and chickens!

SMOKIN'!

Then Saturday ryan and I headed over to the Bellaire to see the parade and work the Kay Bailey Hutchison tent that was there. It was a cute little parade that mostly consisted of fire trucks and old cars.

They had an olt timey band that played all the cool songs from back in the day. They were so cute!

They also had a petting zoo....me and the llama

and this is a scottish highlander cow....I thought he was cute and furry!

After bellaire, we went to kelley and j's apartment to enjoy some sun in the pool there for a few hours. Once it got to be too crowded we headed over to Sugarland to do some more campaigning. Kelley and J were nice enough to accompany us there.

Kell and J at the sugarland festivities

Fianlly, we were done campaigning there and headed back over to downtown to see the fireworks show they had prepared for the night. It was FABULOUS! and I was suprised to see some new additions.

This smiley face was really cool, even though in the pic. he looks angry. There was also hearts in the show.

::SUNDAY:: ryan was working in the yard again and found this little guy under all the brush. He named him George and wouldn't stop talking to him. haha. so cute. He was asking what they like to eat and how to take care of them (luckily, I had experience with a turtle as a household pet) and I told him they eat lettuce and to just put him in some water. And so he did.

George

Ryan and George. His new friend.

Sawyer was unsure of george.

As was Harley

But instead of keeping george out of the jungle we decided to free the little man in the Bayou on allen parkway. I think he will be much happier there.

It was another BLAZING hot day and the pups were panting pretty bad so we walked over to this fountain and let the dogs swim a little to cool off. They enjoyed it.

A little family photo.

Now that the weekend was over I was able to enjoy a good nap after dinner. This is how sawyer and I like to cuddle. For some reason he enjoys sleeping on my head.

Well that was our fun little weekend. We also put up gutter on the backside of the house and spent some time with our neighbors Bill, Helen, Mrs. Angie and Matt. Hope everyone had a great 4th!!

Lately

2009-07-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

I know, I have been super bad with updating this thing lately but ya know, it's been kinda nice unpluggin' from the world. I can't say that we have been real busy or anything we have just been living our lives and enjoying the ride.

::A few things we have been up to::

:finished our backyard and regularly enjoy sitting on the back porch watching the pups play and watching the grass grow.....it's filling in nicely.

:spent many days working on my tan with kelley at the pool.

:celebrated Brooke's birthday with some more pool fun and grillin'

:took my texes test and missed it by 19 points. Yes, it sucks. I am over it.

:ryan had a successful meet and greet event where all of his chairs/co-chairs were able to meet each other and get fired up for the campaign. Joanne Herring and his idol Pat Oxford made an appearance which made it quite the event.

:I have been working part time with the catering company I used to work for in college and am actually enjoying it. It's cool to go to millionaire houses and see all the cool stuff they have. (except for when they have an event outside....I mean, really? it's 100+ and you wanna wine-n-dine outside???)

:had a mini house warming party with friends a few weeks ago.

::a few pictures:

me and kell poolside.

ryan and the boys napping

brooke's bday

our bestest friends.

a HUGE thank you!!

2009-06-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

::NOTE:: this is LONG but oh, the magic that ACTUALLY happened.

This weekend we were busy little bees. As I mentioned before we completely renovated the ENTIRE backyard. My mom and dad came up to Houston Friday night so hey could drop off a few tools and so we could get a good early start on Saturday morning. So, at about 8 am my parents, ryan and I, ryan's father, John and a couple friends, Kelley and J were all here and ready to undergo what would end up being a 12 hour job. (i am still sore today, it hurts to cough. ha!) We got a bobcat, 4 pallets of grass, and one fat pile of sand and got to work. Luckily, we have one HUGE red oak in the backyard so it was shady for most of the afternoon,(but it was still a good nice and humid 95+) without that we would have certainly had some heat stroke issues. The bobcat was fun and interesting.....not one of us had ever driven it before and so the boys had a fun time figuring it all out. It's a little difficult because there are two pedals and two joysticks, all of which do something different. Ryan and my dad did most of the driving, I stayed away from it.

So the process of the backyard was as follows: Clear out the remaining weeds and trees, Fill in the pond with the dirt around it (for some reason they built the pond HIGHER than the house....not smart when it rains.) and level out the backyard. Then lay sand to further even out the land and to help the sod grow a little better. Next lay sod. Last, water everything like crazy.

Here are the results....

BEFORE

AFTER :)

Some more befores...

part of the pond area.

we came across quite a bit of wildlife in the backyard as well.

ryan did a great job on the bobcat! Great job hun!

quite a tight fit to the backyard, but dad did AWESOME!!

dirt and sod makes us happy.

John working hard!

J and my madre digging up the never ending pile of lava rocks.

nearing the end.

our sweet red oak, probably 50 years old. it's grown through the chain link.

and one last shot of all of the hard work!!!!

I really was there working, I know I am not in any of the pictures but I promise I worked as well. Actually, I worked all day until I had to go to real work. After I finally got home (around 11:30p.m.) All I could do was stare at the amazingness that had happened in my absence. I even get a little emotional about it, strange I know. Ryan and I were talking just about how amazing it was that we had an idea, then a plan and then LOTS of help and just that it all worked out perfectly and we can say that WE did it. That is probably why it's that much more special.

BUT WAIT, THERE"S MORE...

Sunday morning I woke up and decided I would go ahead and attack the front yard because if I didn't just get up and do it, it would be a hot mess for a while. And I was already sore so why not. All I did really was take up half the garden and lay down some more sod. I just didn't like that half the yard was mulch.....and I am not much of a gardener so it would always be mulch and I think grass is prettier. So, I dug up the weeds, monkey grass and stones and Ryan took out the extra mulch. I laid down some sand, leveled it out and added the grass. I don't have the best shots of the front but you can kinda see how it was before.

BEFORE

AFTER

All I can say is that we are now the proud owners of an amazing backyard and are so pleased with everything!! I think this may actually help me become a better gardener because even though it was a lot of hard work it was a lot of fun. The dogs DEFINITELY love the new grass. Before they would just tip toe around and try to find somewhere flat to potty but now they are free to roam and they are soooooooo happy with it. What else is nice is we get a lot of birdies in the morning as well. They love to play in the sprinklers and take their baths. Sawyer likes to stalk them and chase them out of the backyard. It's pretty cute.

BUT what is most important is that we were so blessed to have those who voluntarily helped us. With out Lynn, Alan, John, Jonathan and Kelley none of this would have happened!!! We are truly so blessed to have those around us who will help with the projects that aren't so fun! We can't thank you enough!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! We LOVE you all and are now FOREVER indebted to you all! (or until you have a backyard that needs help.)

a little update

2009-06-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

I have been really good in studying studiously for like a million days in a row and I do get on here and check up on everyone but just don't blog but this evening you all are in for a treat. HA! right. Anyway, I have been cramming my brain full of all kinds of historical factoids that I surely hope I remember the day I take my test (a week from today, thursday). I am making progress.....slowly, but it is coming. Some were asking what it was that I plan on teaching....and my plan for the fall is (once I pass my test) to be teaching high school History, Social Studies etc. and coaching track and field as well. I think I would be a fabulous teacher and an even better coach but I am a little biased. haha. but really, it's where my heart is at. AnYwhO, we haven't been up to too much. I took a day off of studying and spent the day out by the pool with kelley and it was a day WELL spent! Oh how I love the texas summers with a pool near by!! Ryan has been working his hiney off...he is very important you know. :) luvs ya hun. But he is very busy but he is LOVING his job. So, happy husby happy wifey.

The last major project on our house is the backyard......you may remember photos from a previous post of the rain forrest jungle we had in the backyard?......well, some of it is already gone but we will be doing some MAJOR rennovations to the lovely jungle we have had. It will be one long, hard, hot day but oh the magic that is going to happen. Before and After shots will certainly be posted.

Well friends, sorry this is kind of lame and much more of a journaling post than anything but trust me after next thursday we will be back up and running again. Cross your fingers, toes, legs and eyes for me. :)

talk to ya later

2009-06-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Since we have completed most of what was on our TO DO list, you know the whole, moving, quiting macys, finding a part-time job, unpacking the new house and showers/weddings.....etc. Well, the last thing on that list is my TExES exam, which is my teacher certification exam. I get butterflies just thinking about it. I will be taking my exam June 25th and can't waste a single moment. I have SOOOOO much to study for. Wanna a little glimpse to see if you could pass??

It goes back to Ancient World Civilizations: You know these people, Cleopatra, Confucius, Plato, Alexander the Great and so on. Also we need to understand the major political, economic and cultural developments of Africa, Greece, Rome, Mesoamerica, South America, Middle East, Near East and Asia. ( seriously, what do you know historically of all of these?)

Then we move a little closer to the history of 476 A.D. to 1350. The time of Genghis Khan, Mohammed, Charlemagne, the Norman Conquest etc. With that we also need to know the social, economic, political and cultural changes that happened in this period. Of course also the whole Roman Catholic period and the rest of religious happenings...knowing and understanding how they relate to past happenings and how they shaped the future. (I am just now to this part. :[ )

Next up: 1350 to 1815: Martin Luther, The Black Death, Leo da Vinci, Napolean, Atlantic Slave trade. (stuff you may be a little more familiar with right?) Major developments of Africa, the Americas, Western/Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia. European Renaissance and Reformation. European expansion. And of course all things social, cultural, political and economical. :)

Then we come to 1815 to PRESENT day: whew: as if you hadn't crammed enough in your brain already......We start with the events that have shaped the development of world civilizations from 1815 to now. that's A LOT! But some examples Simon Bolivar, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and the Russian Revolution. Then we need to understand the causes and effects of major political revolutions and independence movements of the 19th and 20th and now the 21st centuries. Add in their the understanding of political and cultural expansion, i.e. rise of British empire and Japanese expansionism. The industrial revolutions. Totalitarianism in the 20Th century. Causes and effects of WW1 and WW2. The spread and fall of communism (my fave period) And the influence of individuals, Adolf Hitler, Nelson Mandela, Mohandas Gandhi and Mother Teresa.

I will leave it at that. That is just the History of the World and US. Of course There is much more to learn, like the beliefs of each religion and the histories that go along with it, the roles of men, women and children in different cultures and the history of that. Of course, the majority of my test will be over world history and US history....but do you ever remember learning so much about the rest of the world in High School? I surely don't......and I LIKED history as a child, high school student and I LOVED it in College. So, I will be barricaded in my living room with the classical music blaring and studying like a madman trying to soak up every bit of history that I can. I WILL pass my test, so now I just need to go study. Wish me luck and I will talk to ya later.

d

This is for you MEGS

2009-06-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

so, as I was looking through some old photos, look who I FOUND!! hahahahah! Just reminded me of the last time we went to the hook before we moved and how much you guys LOVE Carl Hayes. Not gonna lie, he is good......and we miss you guys!
p.s. he looks like a creeper and nasty sweaty man but this was AFTER he played. :)

a wedding and a baby shower

2009-06-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

How I spent my weekend

:Saturday:

This wedding was for a girl, Candace who I used to work wtih at Macys in college station. She and her now husband spend LOTS of time at the lake and so they got married at their favorite waterin' hole. :) Of course I didn't mind cause the water is definitly my element! Plus it was a perfect sunny, HOT day for the boat, jet skis and bbq.

A few pics.....

saying their "i do's"

they are so sweet together.

mr. and mrs.

posing for all the pics.

bullet their dog and groomsman. he is so pretty!
kisses

flowers and wedding band. love men with wedding rings on. it's hot.
driving away into the...sun. ha.

their fave place

Then I had a baby shower for one of my bestest friends on Sunday. Tiffany and I go way back to.....freshman year in high school....if not earlier. We cheered together, polevaulted together and spent lots of time growing up together.I miss her a lot (they are now in South Carolina) because she is so far away but they are doing so fabulous!! Tiff and Robert (the hus.) have been married for 5 years and this is baby number 1!! Kaitlyn (sp?!) Pettijohn will be here late August and I am super excited to meet her! She is gonna be one heck of a smarty pants too! Robert is some type of nuclear engineer, and she is a Nurse!! I'm telling ya they are one power couple! Anyway, here are some shots at the baby shower, I had a blast!

::SUNDAY::

baby booties!

~cake by george, ya can't go wrong!

Tiff!! isn't she cute preggo?!
Cutest gift ever...her husband is in the NAVY.
Vonna reading a prayer for Kaitlyn

She got ALL her furniture for her nursery! SWEET!

this is charlie, tiff's cousin...she is adorable

Katy (cousin), tiff and Me. Katy actually lived in college station the same time we did! small world.

sister's-in law and madeline, niece in law.

Tiff's family.

Memaw, Katy, Michael and charlie, Vonna, Tiff, Debbie, Andrea and Leslie

Now that the most of our "to-do" list has come and gone we can start to really settle into the new house and getting my teaching stuff completed. WHEW what a busy last month!!!

houston happenings

2009-06-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

So, we are all moved in. it all began last friday. My parents (alan and lynn) came up friday morning as well as a couple friends of ours from houston to help us load up our UHAUL to get on down the road to houston. A HUGE thanks to you guys who helped us move!! It made our lives so much easier and there was less of a chance of ryan and I killing each other with witnesses around. :) So our house is in the Heights-ish area and it is perfect for us for what we need. We were in a 3 bedroom 2 full bath house in college station but have dowgraded to a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath here in Houston. I think it is perfect (and less space I have to keep clean) for ryan and I and the two mutts....who seem to have adjusted just fine since all they have done is sleep around everywhere the last few days. We are minutes from all the goodness of Houston but without all the city fuss which we enjoy.

Moving along, I took a few shots to show how we managed to fit all of our furniture into this place, it was a little work but after much compromise and puzzle working we got it to fit just right. In these photos the bedroom, bathroom and office are not included.....it is still all too messy for me to air publicly. YIKES! not to mention that we are working with the landlords to fix our a.c. It is all new duct work but appearantly when the contracter was to hook up all the loose ends to the main area he just decided to shove it all in the corner and seal it up. sweet, good job, you slob! So, the landlords have very politlely come over to rip the ceiling off and attatch all of the ducts to the main unit thinger. It is now blowing pretty nicely all throughout the house. phew. Otherwise we would have had a fatty a.c. bill! gotta love those texas summers. :) ANYWAY, that is enough about the house, the rest of it is quite nice and we haven't had any problems thus far. Did I mention we are in a much older house? We think it was built like in the early 50's ish time, so it has seen it's fair share of tennants. Ok, for real, here are the pics. enjoy.

This is the view from the front door. It is our sitting room or formal dining room, but really, who is that formal anymore? we hardly make it to the dinner table. so sad. NOTE, to the left is the office and to the right is the master bedroom (which will not be pictured)

This is the opposite view of the front room.

As you walk through the front room you enter the kitchen. Yes, it has no cabinet doors. I have always wanted to have a kitchen like this and I have already decided I will ALWAYS select cabinet doors. :) yes, it only took me 5 days to make this decission but what you have has to always look like pottery barn kitchens (yea, right.) and the empty space you have to decorate. Really, who decorates their cabinets when you have doors......yea, something to think about huh?! haha. anyway, I do like them though, I just won't buy a house with a kitchen like this. :)

If you turn around from the kitchen you see this room. Our living room. It's pretty sweet and nice and open. Not to mention its like 5 feet from the fridge. YESSSS!
If you were to sit on our couch there in the living room and take a look to your left you would see this beautiful built-in bookcase that takes up the entire wall. Not gonna lie it's the perfect place for me to put on display my photo addiction. I told you I had a problem :) haha jk. We bashed out a couple shelves to fit the TV in there but I think ryan enjoyed that part of taking his aggression out because of my annoyance. Luvs ya huns! ANYway, I love this room. It's homey and sweet and guests will get to see all the fun pics we have of us and family through the years. Now, i need more frames. Straight off that amazing bookcase is the dining room. We have some more art to hang an such so it looks pretty sloppy. Don't judge. It's only been 5 days.
Ok, now brace yourselves kids. this backyard is one. hot. mess. !!! But it has quite the potential. We will be renovating our first backyard this summer. cross your fingers folks, this could be a sight to see. We are just renting but the landlords said, do WHATEVER you want. and so we will. Our plan: rip everything out but the gorgeous gigantic red oak and level it and then lay some new sod. the pups will love it. I can't wait to get dirty.

:THE DETAILS:

We are in an older house and the landlords have kept it antiqued for the most part. Which I love, for some reason it reminds me of Nana's house (my mom's mom) maybe its the smell of an old house and the fact that there are more random closets and doors than we know what to do with. HA. Oh, back in the day they certainly must not have had much of a wardrode, the bedroom closets are TINY. Ryan and I have made many compromises and agreements with the closet space. To give you an idea of what we are dealing with here, at the old house I had 2 walk-in closets FULL of bags, shoes and clothes. Here, I have 1 closet that is half the size of one of the closets at the old house. Let's just say I have cleaned out my closet and have nothing left that I am willing to sacrifice.....and getting there was tough. Ok, moving on, this is getting entirely too long. ugh. SO, what I like most about this house is that they have kept some old door knobs and have cute little handles for everything like you would find in an older home. These are my fave.

and this is roofus, our guard dog. he is the best ever. never had one accident and he always stays close to home. sweet boy.

Now that you are all asleep and bored with my longwindedness, I hope all is well with the rest of ya's. I can say that ryan and I are 100% happy to be back in houston. we are now closer to work, friends and some family. Thanks again to mom's and dad's who helped load, unload and clean both houses! So very much appreciated. Now, we are off to watch the red wings with some friends.

whooooooooWeeeeeeee

2009-05-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

HOWDY Y'ALL!!

just some love from your white trash neighbors. :)

haha, but really, i LOVE getting rid of all that crap we accumulate over time!

cheers to moving. after this weekend we will officially be "houstonians" again. :)

More of K & J

2009-05-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more of the enagement shoot I did with kelley and Jonathan. I was SOOOOO nevous to do them but am VERY happy with the results. we took over 300 pictures and a little over 100 turned out. I think that is pretty good. Oh, and Kelley and Jonathan like them too. :)

let me know what ya think :)

Kelley and Jonathan (soon to be Brege)

2009-05-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Kelley and Jonathan's engagement shots. These are just a few. I may post more later. I had an absolute blast and hopefully will be able to shoot more couples like this! Thanks Kelley and J for letting me stalk you guys for a few hours in the warm Houston sun! Y'all are the BEST! LOVE YA!!!

I'm BACK

2009-05-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well, kinda. I just wanted to pop in and give a little update.

We have made progress on the packing but still trying to find a place to actually move in to. HOPEFULLY, tomorrow we will have a solid address (cross your fingers) to which we will belong. I just finished a NINE DAY stint with MACYS. Man, they sure were FAR TO KIND to give me such a rockin schedule. Not only did I work 9 in a ROW but I closed 5 out of the 9 nights. I will take it as my parting gift. THANKS MACYS!!! On a less bitter note, I did complete 1 of the 2 photo shoots I have scheduled. I took about 500 photos and about 200 turned out BEAUTIFULLY! Her name is Stefanie and she is GORGEOUS and so easy to photograph. We had a blast and she will be getting married in August. YAY! I have my 2nd photo shoot tomorrow morning in Houston (engagements!!) and I am super excited, I just hope the rain holds off......or makes for some super cute photos. haha. Let's see, Ryan is still doing awesome at his job, like we all knew he would. He is meeting all kinds of new people and making his network larger than life. The dogs are kind of freaked out cause they aren't sure why all the stuff in the house is being shoved into boxes. I think they think that we are leaving for a long time without them. They are so cute. Lastly, sunday evening we are having a going away party with all my macys girls (whom I dearly do love) at our house. It will be interesting, considering all pictures, candles and decor have been packed away. But I know that we will have a blast and enjoy some kareoke time! I love those girls, they truly are the only reason I enjoy working at macys. Well, that is the best update I can give. Please forgive the random stream of thoughts, I will not be editing this paragraph. I have limited my time to the blog to 20 minutes so I can continue being productive. I surely hope all of you are doing well and enjoying life as it comes your way.

this is stef, could she be any prettier?! p.s. she is a SUPER smarty too!

zzzZZZZzzz

2009-05-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Our blog is boring! UGH! Sorry for all of you readers out there. Maybe soon we will have more "blog worhty" things to write about. Until that happens I will be taking some time off.

let the chaos begin.....

2009-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

I already bite my nails enough as it is and I am afraid that after these next two months are over I will have no more nails left. We have quite a schedule building up and it is covered in stress. But it will make the time fly which is good. Here is our little schedule....

Studying for my teacher test

Find a house to live in

Two photoshoots in two weeks

Pack up this house

I leave Macy's at the end of may

We move at the end of may

Find a job for the summer

I have a bachelorette party at the end of may

studying for my teacher test

Baby shower in the begining of June

Weddine in the begining of June

Unpacking at our, hopefully, new home

Studying still for my teacher test

Finally, take my teacher test at the end of June.

Hopefully I PASS and then I can find a teaching JOB!

WHEW!!!

Wish us luck in all our new adventures! Hopefully all goes smoothly, with little to no nail bitting. :)

birthday finale

2009-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

I know you have all heard enough about my birthday but I just wanted to make a special shout-out to everyone for your cards/calls and gifts.

THANK YOU to......

Mom and Dad

John Shirley Jenny and Ryan

Nana

Amber and Christiaan

Eric Sarah Jack and Addie

Christa

AND

All my girls that work with me at MACYS.

pik-cha's

2009-05-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so once Ryan and I get settled in back in houston (end of may and I am SOOO excited) I wanted to get some of my most fabulous photos printed. BUT I have no idea where to go. I am definately going to need to blow them up because I want some of them as "artwork" on the walls and such. But if you blow them up and it's not done right the pictures gets all grainy and it looses it's whole effect. >SO< I am asking all you fabulous friends and family out there if you , A.) have had any experience in blowing up/printing large pictures if so.... B.) How much did it cost ya and C.) what was the name of the place or website you used. THANKS a biliion cagillion. yall are the best. :)

and P.S. we have made to 100+ posts!!!! congrats to us. yay! can't believe I have actaully kept up with this that well.

birfday

2009-05-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

got this GEM in the mail yesterday. THANKS MOM AND DAD!!! LOVE YOU! I didn't expect anything since I am the world's worst at birthday's I don't ever expect anyone to give me anything for mine. It's only fair. But I sure appreciate it!! haha.

growing up

2009-05-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

The time has come where we are officially grown ups. How do I know? Because now all of our friends are getting married and having babies. It's kind of weird to look around at your friends and see how far we have all come. No more ramen noodles, late nights cramming for tests, scrounging around a few bucks for the dollar menu, (actually this still sounds a lot like us) it's now all about finding the right dress, invitations, painting the baby room and picking out names. I love that we have graduated to the next level of life. It's fun getting to go to all of these events and root on your friends in their new journey's in life.

Ouisies

2009-05-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

{I was excited to go to dinner so I made ryan take an "excited photo" with me....this is what we got.}

Thursday evening Ryan and I went to dinner with his mom, dad and sister to celebrate my upcoming birthday, the big 24. We went to Ouisie's a gourmet southern style restaraunt.....it was delish!! I had seafood crepes (not usually a big seafood fan) that had shrimp and lump crab meet covered in cheese with asparagus..mMMm so good!! It was fun getting together with the family to catch up on everything and see what everyone has been up to. Thanks for the wonderful dinner everyone!

{ryan, shirley, jenny, john and me}

{I asked ryan to write me a nice note and this is what I received. such a smarty pants.}

{with my birthday cake}

nashville

2009-04-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

As stated before I went to nashville last weekend to run alongside my friend Christa in her first half marathon. It was LOTS of fun! I flew in Friday and we went to the marathon expo to pick up our registration packets and see if they had any cool gear that we had to have. Then we enjoyed a nice evening at the house while her dad, Mike, cooked us a fabulous steak. It was delish. We were off to bed early because we were up at 5:30 the next morning.

I have to say a big thanks to Christa's mom, Mari for letting me run in her name! Poor think was training for the marathon and a few weeks out got a stress fracture in her tibia! Stinks! So she was sporting a lovely boot (which she hates) all weekend. But I in turn we gave her a good finish time. :)

5:30 am come too early! We got up, got dressed, made breakfast and headed to the starting line. There were THOUSANDS of people!! We walked right up to the start as our corral was about to start, PERFECT timing! So, we were off at around 7:30. Not gonna lie I was a lot more emotional about running this one. I have no idea why, I think I have just found something that I really enjoy and it always amazes me the amount of POEPLE that gather at these kinds of events! And it's cool to be running and hearing everyone cheer (I always assume they are cheering just for me..haha). But I was pumped and ready for the next 13 miles to come!
We were trucking along but came up on some knee pain so we walked for a few miles but still had a great finish at 2:42. I was pleased and so was christa. But we were both hoping to be around 2:15 - 2:30 so a little bummed but still stoked to finish considering we walked for about 4 miles.
After we finished the race we took some photos in our gear. Christa had a friend that asked if she could sponsor us on our run. So, we got a nice outfit and hats and waterbottles that were given to us. Thanks Muzak Heart and Soul Foundation! Then we were off to the house for showers and naps and food. After we were all cleaned up we went to Cantina Loredo and the food was amazing! and they make guacamole table side. pretty sweet! After dinner we went around downtown-ish area and caught up on life. It was fun and I am so glad that I was able to spend the weekend with her. Sunday we spent on the couch watching tv and relaxing. Then, Monday I returned home to rela life. ugh. But I had a good weekend and am now seeking out my next half, any suggestions?

vacation

2009-04-26T13:33:00.001-07:00

I will post more later when I return home tomorrow but I just wanted to say that I have endured my second half marathon and I am pretty sure I am addicted to them. It went well, finished in 2:42. A little slower than we were anticipating but my buddy had some knee pain creep up so we walked for a few miles. However, I was certainly pleased with the time considering I have only "trained" for a couple weeks prior to this trip. But I am paying for it, I am uber sore today. I am walking like I am 99 years old. Anyway, that is all for now, I will post more later. Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

for all you ladies

2009-04-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

After working in the cosmetics department for almost 2 years I have come up with a BEST OF list for the most common products. Here goes....

These are just my opinions and not a reflection of the integrity of other lines or products.

Best Foundation: Prescriptives. They have one of the best processes in finding that exact shade for you and also have a whole plethera of foundations depending on what kind of coverage you are wanting, light to full coverage. AND they also have a specific foundation for photo taking. :)

Best Powder: I would say the most popular is certainly Clinique, but my fave is Prescriptives. PX has another great process for finding that exact shade for your skin. It's called custom blend and they take all different color tubes of powders and blend them all together to make your perfect powder.

Best COLOR: (and by this I mean eyeshadows and blushes) Prescriptives again. They stay on alllllll day, even if you ten to touch your face a lot AND you don't need to put an eye primer of for them to stay.

Best Mascara: LANCOME!! They have the best mascaras EVER! All kinds for whatever you are looking for, lengthening, fuller lashes, curling etc. Also they have a great eyelash primer you put on before your mascara and it helps protect your lashes from the harshness of the mascara and helps them stay long and beautiful! the stuff is amazing.

Best Brushes: Estee Lauder. They are not PETA proof but they are great! They don't shed and stay nice and soft after many, many cleanings.

Best Face Cleansers: Origins. They have the best lines for all types of skin AND they use almost all natural items in their products, so you can do your part in "going green." :)

Best Scar Treatment: haha, this one seems silly and it's not really stated on it's label but Estee Lauder has a product called Advanced Night Repair and if you have any cuts and scraps this product is amazing at diminishing the appearance of it!! They also call it the "little brown bottle."

Best Eyeliners: Clinique. They have pencils and the automatic twisty ones. They slick right on and stay put all day.

Best Scrubs: Origins has some of the most amazing body scrubs that smell even better! mMMmm!

Best Exfoliater: Clinique. They have the "7 day scrub" that is a nice light exfoliater that you can use a couple times a week and it is fabulous at getting rid of the dullness to your skin.

Best Masks: Origins. They are awesome.

Well, I think this is my list. Again, these are just my opinions and just what I have come to see as the best items in these categories.

what do you use that is the best?

yummy

2009-04-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

I cooked some amazing chicken enchiladas last night and I am very proud. I can count on my fingers (seriously) the amount of times I have cooked for Ryan and I so I was hoping to get it right.....they turned out great! YAY! Go ME! :)

....dyson.....

2009-04-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

I vacuumed the tile and wood floors today. I felt like a weirdo doing so.....but hey, if Mr. Dyson is gonna put an option to do so on the vacuum, then why not?! I still feel like a weirdo.

Por Que?!

because I just think that vacuums are too fragile for tile floors (and they make too much noise) and wood floors should be swept?!...... who knows. maybe I am just a weirdo. But really, it worked and I am pleased with my tile, wood, carpet floor vacuum. It's pretty sweet, not gonna lie.

yes, this is all i really have to blog about! how LAME am I!?!?! BUT, only 2 days til Nashville and 3 days til my half. I'm getting excited!!!

p.s. I am completely aware that my two words of Spanish are probably grammatically incorrect but who cares. right?!

randomness

2009-04-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

:a quick catch up on the walsh's:

First, I must say I have forgotten yet another bday. Seriously, I am the worst ever!!!! Sooo, SORRY DAD! I LOVE YOU! I even set a reminder on my phone to call ya and tell ya happy bday but the dang alarm was turned to "off". boo! However, I did call you on the 15th, and left you a voice mail. Sorry! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!! so I suck with birthdays. I am super lame and now I feel like a big slug. :`( But I DO hope that you got all that you wished for and enjoyed yet another year of gaining wisdom and knowledge! You're the best dad anyone could ask for! LOVE YA!

I (danielle) am leaving to Nashville next thursday to run a half marathon with my bestest on saturday! YAY! one week to go! It will be her first 1/2 and my second but I will have only had 16 days to train for it......so we will see if I am moving afterward. I am super excited to see nashville again and spend a quick weekend with Christa. We are also going to be appearing in a fashion show......we will see how that goes. I will finally be able to have my own mini America's Next Top Model (besides the little ones I have in the living room while I watch it. hahahaha).

I burned my arm today while I was "cooking" lunch and I think that is part of the reason I leave the cooking to Ryan. Thanks honies. :) I use the term cooking loosely because I was only reheating some frozen stuff. haha. That is the type of cuisine I can whip up!! Again, thanks Ryan for keeping me full on more than just junk in the fridge/pantry.

At the END of MAY I will officially be leaving MACY'S! YIPPIEEEE!!!!! I couldn't be more excited! I have learned a lot of lessons that will help me in the future, but working retail has sucked the life outta me. :( So, end of may Ryan and I will be packing up and moving back to Houston......sweet houston. I can't wait. I am already counting down the days! I miss everything about that city! The skyline, traffic, shopping, restaraunts, museums, airports, running trails......and soooo much more!

Ryan has been busy with his first couple of weeks in his new job and is LOVING it! I am so glad that he has finally found something that is just about the most perfect job for him. He is super happy and thriving already! Congrats Lover! I am still so proud of you!

My close friend Kelley and her fiance Jonathan have asked me to take their engagement pictures and I am extreemly nervous to do them. As much as pictures mean to me I want every single picture to turn out perfectly and I keep having nightmares of how disappointed they are with all the shots. YIKES! So, kelley, if you are out there...please be nice! Ad we may have to have a couple of sessions to make sure I got it right! But I am super excited for them and their journey they will be taking to becomming Mr. and Mrs.

After nearly 24 years I am finally realizing that I don't get to eat whatever I want without any consequences. BOO! This stinks! I know I know, shut up danielle. But seriosuly this evidence I am seeing is not the same as when I was working out 5 days a week for 2+ hours. I just thought it would all stay the same while I stuffed my face with chik-fil-a for breakfast and lunch everyday. Who knew you actually had to eat healthy AND excercise???!!! Anyway, not like I am going on some strict diet, cause I don't believe in diets anyway, BUT I will be thinking twice before I order that #5, 8pack with large Fries and a large coke from chik-fil-a. I will substitute with a water. hahahahahah Just kidding. I guess what I am saying is that it is another sign that I am growing up and getting older. wiser? I am not so sure about, but definately older.

I think this is all for now. Pretty much just a little of what it going on in my big empty noggin. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their week.

Easter

2009-04-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

my favorite photo of the weekend. :) enjoy.

:a recap of our easter:

we dyed eggs

aunt ro and uncle carls house

wandered around on the land

we learned sawyer is quite the herding dog. he only got run over once. (he is ok, don't worry.)

the dogs LOVE the longhorns. not sure that the love was returned

sawyer was definately in his element

the pups wandered around with us.

cows

we had a lovely time and very much enjoyed relaxing around the farm. can't wait to go back.

EasteR

2009-04-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight after I get off work we are headed to the FARM for EAsteR!! Yay! I love visiting this place! Ryan's Aunt and Uncle own lots of acreage out in Wharton that they grow cotton and cattle corn on. It is beautiful and so relaxing. So, Ryan and I and the pups are loading up tonight and heading in to town for the Easter festivities of tomorrow. I can't wait!

p.s. I also can't wait for all of you to update your blogs with the happenings of the Aanerud's visit to Utah/Wyoming. I will be checking in to see your photos! :) Love you all! and HAPPY EASTER!!!

"yuv you d"

2009-04-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Could this little gentleman be any stinkin sweeter! thanks SARAH for emailing me this video. I watch everyday! I wish I could give yackers and addie (and everyone else too) a BIG 'OLE BEAR HUG!!

for some reason it cuts off a little early but its still the sweetest voice and words I could hear! :)

HapPY biRThdaY

2009-04-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am the ABSOLUTE WORST at remembering birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Don't know why but that is just how I have always been. Yesterday was my Brother ERIC's birthday and I forgot to wish him a happiest of b-days. SO I am here to 1.) apologize for missing out on that one (again) and 2.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC! heard you guys had a little party to celebrate, sorry I am not there (otherwise I would have def. remembered) but I hope you all had fun and you got everything you wished for! LOVE YA!

celebration time

2009-04-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we were able to meet up with Forrest and Megan who took us out to celebrate Ryan's new job. We went to dinner at cheddar's and enjoyed great conversation catching up on Megan's trip to cali, Edward Cullen, and of course Ryan's new job. It was tons of fun and we really enjoyed the night. THANKS GUYS!!! we had a blast!!!

....patiently waiting....

2009-04-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

I just can't wait to see all of the lovely photos and videos from my families vacation!!! I am sure they are having the time of their lives and I am super excited to see/hear how it all went! If any of you have any pics already.....feel free to post. :)

He got the JOB!!!

2009-03-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

As some of you may or may not know Ryan and I have been blessed with the delights of unemployment, thank you economy. Ryan's previous job as a landman (oil/gas) started to slow down around Christmas time and then the work completely stopped coming in around January. So, for the last few months we have been growing together and figuring out how to make ends meet. Not gonna lie there were times where we wanted to kill each other but I must say that this experience has truly helped us to reconnect and build a stronger foundation as a couple, husband and wife. Also, it has helped both of us to re-evaluate what is truly a "need" and what we can live without. It was hard and sad to see shopping go by the wayside, but it was a must. haha.

Moving on, Ryan has wanted to go into politics, and if any of you have had the chance to talk to him you would know that this would be the most perfect job for him. So, he had an interview with the office of Kay Bailey Hutchison to become a field rep of some sorts for her campaign as governor in 2010. He got a phone call this morning from the office CONGRATULATING him as the NEW REGIONAL POLITICAL DIRECTOR of Houston and surrounding areas for Mrs. Kay Bailey. WOOOHOOOOOO! He starts TOMORROW!

He was thrilled and almost literally jumping for joy! I am so proud of him and could not be more excited for this next step in his life. I thank our lucky stars for finally turning lucky for us and blessing us with this fabulous opportunity. CONGRATS HUNNIES! I LOVE YOU!

even sawyer was excited. haha.

silly puppies

2009-03-29T13:55:00.003-07:00

just looking through photos today and found some funny pictures of our dogs...they crack me up with their little personalities.

harley jumping for a treat.

sawyer always has to lay ON TOP of harley. poor harley bear.

sawyer yawning.

jumping for his toy

sawyer and bear when sawyer was a puppy.

But at least they love each other. sweet puppies.

jack and addie

2009-03-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Is this not the sweetest picture in the entire world?!?!?! My sweetest niece addie and nephew jack. what cutie patooties!! Miss you guys! **Hugs and Kisses**

sarah, eric...I really hope you aren't mad I stole your pic of jack and addie but I couldn't resist. Love you guys!

Bluebonnets

2009-03-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I also took some pics in the Bluebonnets that are in bloom all over Texas. This field is the most beautiful sight I have seen in a while! Pictures just don't do it justice, but we tried.

Hearne

2009-03-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

here we have a small town called Hearne. This wall is what is left of a cotton refinery or something like that. I thought it was interesting, hence the photo shoot.

today

2009-03-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Today I am off work and am taking all day to not clean the house, not do any laundry, not bathe the dogs, not do any dishes and so on.........

BUT

I am taking pictures allllllll day. So, stay tuned to see what I come up with.....

p.s. THANKS to sarah and eric for the dedicated post!!! I LOVE your family and can't get enough of you cuties!!

The {soon to be} Wiley's

2009-03-23T06:01:00.001-07:00

Some photos of some friends of ours, Robert and August. They will be tying the knot in July. Congrats guys!!

random thoughts

2009-03-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

Things that are running through my head lately. Do not judge.

I am still bitter, and probably always will be that I do not get to go on (a much needed) vacation with my sister and mom to see the cutest family on this earth.

I absolutely LOVE Carrie Underwood and wish I could meet her. She is so sweet and down to earth.

I have the perfect 3 locations to take some seriously sweet photos but am having trouble with making time to get to them, and being creative enough to make them fabulous.

I so wish that Spring Break was a national holiday. And they should all occur at the same time. What a great idea.

I hope that I find a teaching job in a good school district.

I am all over the place with what grade and content area I want to teach. I want it all. haha.

I so wish I had 200 bucks and a day of shopping at forever 21. I haven't been shopping since before Christmas!!! Crazy huh?!?!

I miss my family a lot lately. They are so cool and always make me laugh and I sure need some laughs.

I have the cleanest tile floor in all the land. :) Hand scrubbed like Cinderella. It makes me happy for some reason.

I miss my long hair. I wish it would grow faster.

I should really start working out again, I miss running. But I need to set a goal or something so I actually have a reason behind me working out.

Megan, I am jealous you get to go to California for a week! I LOVE Cali, it is so pretty on the west coast! But I know you will post lots of pictures so that make me happy.

I really can't wait to move back to Houston and begin the next chapter in our lives; Teaching and getting Ryan into and through law school.

I need to start saving some extra cash so I can afford my photography hobby. There are many things I need to buy.

Well, this is enough for this fine Friday morning. Now I need to get in the shower and get ready for closing the dang store 5 (five) {FIVE} did I say 5(???) nights in a row. UGH!!!!! Can't wait for my career change.

rodeo

2009-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Ryan and I were invited to join some friends at the Houston Rodeo Cookoff. We all had so much fun eating, dancing, laughing and enjoying each others' company! For those of you who may not be aware of how big this event is, think Texas State Fair in size and # of people but all the streets are lined with tents that compete to see who has the best food. So for us, we just chow down all night, hopping from tent to tent. YUMMMMYYYY!!!!!! We had a great time and wished we could have done it all over again! Thanks Kell for the invite!

J and Kelley

a taste of some of the food.

steve madden

2009-03-10T12:49:00.001-07:00

Oh Steve, if you feel like sending me any of the following I wear a size 8 1/2............

I am a little obsessed with all of these but way to broke to buy. :(

lake ray hubbard

2009-03-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Please know that I do not take pictures of myself because I am that narcissistic. I have no models, so I am my own. :) all pictures by me.

Hay in Mexia (ma-hay-a)

2009-03-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots I took on the way home from Dallas.

:home:

2009-02-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

As you all know I have been on vacation since friday night and it has been oodles of fun! I left College Station Sunday afternoon and headed in to Dallas to spend a few days with my mom and dad. Sunday evening Amber and Christiaan also came in to watch the Amazing Race and the Oscars with us. Amber made some delicious brownies and we popped some popcorn and curled up on the couch to see all the pretty and not so pretty dresses and hair-do's. We had lots of fun. Then Monday mom and I went to get pedicures and eat lunch at the Cheesecake factory! YUM YUM! We split the Santa Fe Salad (the best EVER) and a slice of brownie sundae cheesecake, AMAZING! Then Tuesday we went to the aboretum and spent most of the afternoon there seeing all of the exhibits they were building and the buds that were about to bloom. We were just a couple weeks early for all the flowers, o well. It was still beautiful! I love going there! And then we enjoyed lunch at Souper Salad. MmMmMm! That was the best beginning to any vacation! Thanks for spoiling me mom! I had lots of fun just hanging around the house. Nothing beats "going home" to hang out. I enjoyed lots of laughs, hugs, pictures and good conversations! Hopefully I will be able to do it all over again!

FinAlLy

2009-02-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

As of 7:30 pm tonight I will be on vacation until next Sunday! Hallelujah!! I certainly need it, haven't had a vacation since August.

HapPY VaLEnTinE's dAY

2009-02-14T10:26:00.001-08:00

Hope you all enjoy your valentine's day with your loved ones!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

photos by me.

busylittlebee

2009-02-12T07:34:00.002-08:00

Today, I am feeling a little overwhelmed. There are so many things that I MUST accomplish today that I do not even know where to begin. Not only is the house a COMPLETE mess, dishes piled up, hairballs rolling like tumbleweeds across our floors, laundry all over the place, bathrooms need a serious scrubbing and the dogs need to play AND gt baths today BUT to add to the list I have an even longer list of things I need to get on top of for work. I have calendars to make, events to plan, communicate and execute as well as check in on my daily biz-is it good or is it bad and what am I going to do to fix/change it. We have make up artists coming to the store tomorrow and is their spot clear and free for them to come in and setup? What is even worse is that I will bee out of the store for 3 days (today being a "day off") but I will be making an unscheduled visit to make sure everyone is clued in to what is happening. Along with houe and work stuff I am still in the process of changing careers and preparing for tests, and looking for the right school that I want to teach at. Could I really have one more thing on my plate for today? Actually it seems more like a platter today. Well, I guess I should quite my moaning and gt to working. I know I can do it all and tonight I will just finish the day saying, "wow, what a day." I am off to start my busy day.......(I am just glad I don't have kids to throw in to the mix yet.)

2009-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

If I were a vampire, I would probably look like this...

best teachers

2009-02-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Today was my first "alternative certification program" class for teaching and I found it quite helpful, informative and inspiring. Mostly the instructors just went over what the certification process will be like and what to expect as a first year teacher. Hopefully I will get through the class and tests quickly and land a job in 3 or 4th grade and begin to make my mark in the lives of young ones.

One thing that the instructor had us do was think about our best teachers we have had over the years and list out the qualities of why we thought they were the best. I immediately thought of a few teachers that had positively impacted my life but the one that had the biggest impact would be coach rob.

Coach Rob was my track coach who I never actually had in a classroom but I regard as the "teacher" that had the biggest impact on my life. He taught me a sense of discipline on the field, the act of being a good sport and respecting not only my teammates but my opponents and officials. He called me out when I was wrong and pushed me beyond my limits to make me stronger, faster and smarter. He always stayed late when we wanted to practice after school and helped me find a sport that I will forever love as long as I am alive. He also watched out for me, helping me find a good university, putting in his "2 cents" on which would best serve my needs, for which I will forever be grateful for. He was always willing and able and never said he didn't have time for me or the team. Thanks coach rob for your compassion, drive, love and support you gave me and you put into your job! I know I am not the only one you have impacted and I hope to be as inspirational to others as you were to me.

I certainly had many more positive influences growing up in the education system which is probably why I want to teach now and I can only hope that I can become a teacher that has such a passion for what I do that I may positively influence the lives of young ones. Here's to the best teachers we have had and the impacts they have had on our own lives.

i love plaid, alot.

2009-02-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't mind a dress like this...
I love the ruffles and the colors were pretty sweet too. I must learn to sew considering we won't be shopping for a while.

bad dog

2009-02-03T18:14:00.001-08:00

One evening Ryan and I went in to Houston and returned home to this face,

obviously he wasn't wagging his tail, whinning in excitement to see us so we began to scour the house to see what happened. Then we found this.....

Yes ladies and gents, that is my external hardrive that held every single picture I have ever taken since I have owned a digital camera. My heart sank when I saw that I may have just lost every documented moment of the last 8 years or so. Lucky for the mutt, after much fidgeting with the darn thing I was able to back up the photos on Ryan's external hardrive and then put them back on my computer. Now my dog just better not chew on my computer.

before and after

2009-01-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here are just a FEW "before" and "after" photo's I have been playing with. Just another shoutout on how you should upload photoscape.org.......

before

after

before

after

before

after before after before after

OMAGOODNESS

2009-01-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I LOVE photography. However, I am still learning so many of my photos need serious editing but those programs are usually super expensive....UNTIL NOW!!! I googled "free photo editing" and the website photoscape.org popped up, it's stinking amazing and FREEEEEEEEEEEEE! it's like photoshop (which is like 100 bucks or more!!) but better simply cause its free. But really you can do so much more to your photos than what picnik offers. You can donate if you would like to help them further develope their programs but it is truly free, no strings attatched! obviously I am a little excited but I wanted to share the news for you other aspiring photographers out there :) hope you enjoy!!!

COUNTDOWN

2009-01-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

The countdown is on!!! My bestest friend is coming to college station and I could not be more excited! I have exactly one week until I get to pick her up from the airport and get her all to myself for 4 days! There will be lots of laughs, long conversations, hugs, cheers, inside jokes, new memories made and plenty of reminiscing!

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful woman as my best friend. She has seen me through the good times and the bad and never once judged me. She is strong, smart, independent, beautiful and an amazing example and role model for me. I miss her everyday (she now lives in Tenn.) and frequently catch myself wishing that I could run into her room and chat like the many times we did as roommates. I am so glad that God has placed her in my life and can't wait to see what roads life leads us on. I love you momma, your the best!

at one of the many pryor parties

spring break-first time to the river/gruene

~good times~
- trip to cali -

- in san antonio -- polevaulting hotties -

- nashville - her new home :(

the way we usually end up at the end of the night, deep in covo. :)

- grand ole opry -

- boscos? -
- christa's 21! -

-one of the MANY long convsersations we have had over the years -
- she was there for my "I Do's" -

*~Christa, you are my sweet best friend and I am so lucky to have you as my #1! I couldn't have asked for anyone better! I am so glad that you and I were placed in each others paths and able to grow so close over the years! Love ya! Can't wait for our fun weekend up ahead! ~*

"Luck of the Irish"

2009-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday evening after a long day at work I was tired and excited to leave because I had 2 consecutive days off. (YESSSS!) So I strapped myself in and sped off to get home quickly to my love and begin my mini vacation. Normally, I drive pretty cautiously and don't have much of a speeding problem, that day was diferent. Like I said I sped off, out of the mall parking lot and decided against stopping at 2 of the mall stop signs. (oops, my bad!) Then, approaching the feeder to get onto the highway there is another stop sign, (which i think is silly cause how do you expect to get up to 60 mph, quickly from a complete stop.) which I also, "totally paused" at. O, and in trying to get to that stop sign, I was probably speeding. So, of course I get pulled over. I should have, I was being an idiot. Not to mention that I actually saw the cop but figured he wasn't paying me any attention. I was wrong. So I get pulled over and he politely asks me if I knew why he pulled me over, (of course I know why) I just laughed and he joined in. He proceeded to tell me all about the running of stop signs, the speeding, and to add to the mix, he said, "And you have a breaklight out and you probably would have caught that had you had your car inspected. (it has been a year, exactly since I have been inspected. YIKERS!) I laughed again and I said yes, sir, you are probably right. Well, he then told me, "I won't write you a ticket for the stop signs and I won't write ya for speeding, cause I didn't actually have a radar on you. Just slow down and completely STOP at the stop signs." my response, "Yes sire, absolutely." He proceeded, "Now, I am going to write you a warning for your breaklight, since you didn't know BUT I certainly can't overlook the fact that you haven't had your car inspected in over a year, that one, you will receive a ticket." DANG!, but I couldn't complain, out of all 6 tickets I could have received, I was only getting 1. saweeeett! So he took my drivers liscence and registration back to his car. It took him a realllly long time, so of course, I begin to worry. What else could there have been? did he forget something, am I going to jail? You know, you start to worry and all things go rushing through your head. FINALLY, he comes back to my car and chuckling he says, " You know you sure do have the luck of the Irish because my electronic machine that write these tickets is not working for some reason and I am not about to sit here and handwrite all this information for 2 different citations." WHEW!!! (Thank goodness he was feeling lazy that day!) So he said slow down, stop at your stop signs and PLEASE get inspected. I replied with a polite and ellated Yes sir and thank you and we went our seperate ways. Oh man, I could not have been more lucky!

Now that you are all scared out of your britches knowing how I drive on occassion but just know that I don't always drive like I am on fire. :) I thank my lucky Irish poeple for bringing me such luck. Now, it's time to get my car inspected.......

what's new with you?

2009-01-13T21:08:00.000-08:00

ok, so it's been what, a week since we have posted last? man. I need to get better at this. I am on another long stretch of consecutive days worked (7 to be exact), so that will be my excuse for the dry spell in updating you all. I have a list of things to post about so here goes............

...old friends with new news...

my best friend from high school came in town from virginia to see her family and a few friends I was blessed to be able to see her and her husband for dinner. It was soooo nice to see her and catch up! She also told us that she is pregnant! YAY!! I am so excited for her! CONGRATS TIFF! It is weird now because she is my first friend (that's not family) to be pregnant after being married for a little while. No, I don't feel the pressure to start trying (quit sweating ryan) it's just another sign that despite our efforts, we are growing up. fast.

....new years resolutions....

*read 12 new books this year: there is no reason to the # of books, I just wanted to be more specific than, "read more" so I picked a number and researched a few good books and have already read one and am on the the 2nd book of the year. yay!

*run another 1/2 marathon and one full marathon this year.

*talk on the phone more: meaning instead of just texting someone, actually pick up the phone and have a conversation with my friends and family. I am not a big gabber, but I certainly need to get better at it.

*send out birthday cards/gifts for family birthdays. Eventually I will get to anniversaries but I thought I would start with birthdays. I am the absolute WORST with this. (sorry mom, dad,eric,sarah, amber, christiaan, jack, addie, jenny,shirley,john) but hopefully this year will be different, so far so good.

*expand my vocabulary: I feel like I have a limited vocabulary. Like I say the same few words when describing things. Time for a change. I mean I may not be really smart, but at least I could sound smart right?! :)

*take more walks with ryan: I need to make more time for him. And we have enjoyed walking the dogs together often, plus its a good way to get our booties off the couch and out for some fresh air.

...new career paths....

This last year has been a great learning experience.....learning what I do NOT want to do for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all the girls that work for me, but I do not care for some others that I work with, the company I work for and am in need of some change. So, I am looking at teaching. I plan on getting my teachers certification this summer so that I may teach in the fall. I am very excited and can't wait to see where this road takes me. Also, with the lighter schedule I would have more of an opportunity to take photography more seriously and persue that further.....possibly into another new career.

Well, we don't really have much else going on around here. We have been kind of dull since christmas. I hope everyone is doing well though!

TTYL

2009-01-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

hello! I just wanted to pop in and say, I do have lots to post about but really, I can't find the time to do so. Our store is in the middle of getting ready for inventory (i do mine on monday!) so i come home, sleep and then go right back to work. UGH! but anyway, I plan on posting once THIS is all over and I can get back to my post holiday/inventory routine....

Thing i need to post about:

~new years resolutions~new paths for us~seeing old friends with new news~seeking out photography as a new career~another 1/2 or maybe a full?~

not that I really need to post that list for you all to see, more like a reminder list for me. I think I have lost my memory somewhere down the line. Talk to you guys later!!!

HapPy NeW YeAR!!

2009-01-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! I hope that everyone had a fun, safe and exciting New Year's Eve This year Ryan and I were surrounded with great friends and of course each other so needless to say we really enjoyed ourselves. We started out at a friends house for burgers, mac and cheese, spinach & artichoke dip, and of course BLACK EYED PEAS. Once we were done eating we hit the town to celebrate the countdown. We all had our midnight kisses and celebrated well into the wee hours of the morning. We had lots of fun and I hope that the rest of the year is a fun as New Year's Eve was.

katy and shaffen, thanks for hosting!
leslie and jarred
the boys watching basketball

I loved my hat. thanks katy!

christmas

2008-12-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

I can't believe christmas has come and gone so quickly and we are now staring 2009 right in the face! I am excited for a new year and a fresh start, for whatever it is I need refreshing. haha. I will eventually come up with some things I want to accomplish this next year but I will save that for a later post. In the mean time I will fill you all in with our december details.

After the 1/2 marathon I had a full shedule of work and ryan had the house all to himself for most of that time. He was sweet enough to keep up with the chores like dishes, sweeping, moping and of course playing with the dogs. THANKS HUN! We planned our first christmas party with friends and it was lots of fun. We enjoyed an amazing turkey that ryan made (his very first!!) some ham, mac and cheese, green bean caserole, spinach and artichoke dip and some pie. It was all so delicious and we were stuffed!

Christmas eve we ran in to Houston to see Ryan's family and enjoyed more food and great company. But we were only there for a few short hours so I don't have any pics.

Once we were done with the Walsh party we went to Dallas to celebrate the rest of Christmas with the Aanerud's. Eric and Sarah were in town this year too...which means Jack and Addie were also in tow. We had lots of fun and laughs and I loved every minute we were able to spend with everyone while we were there. AND Amber and Christiaan brought their wii so we all enjoyed learning how to play...turns out we were all pretty decent at the games!

momma bowlin
merry christmas jack jack with his loot
showing momma his presentssweet addie

helping daddy open presents
playing with grandpa
jack playin with christiaan and amber
jack and ryan love playin together

My favorite part was seeing Jack christmas morning. He semi, not really understands christmas but it was just sweet to see him tearing off the paper of his christmas goodies. He is also just the sweetest little boy, even with Addie. He once heard Addie crying and he looked up said, "addie, addie." then ran over to her and gave her kisses. *melts your heart!* he is just the cutest, but I may be biased. And addie is certainly looks like Asay girl! She is adorable as ever and was really pretty quiet the whole time we were there. Eric and Sarah, you guys are blessed. Now I will stop talking about your babies like they are mine. :)

*kisses for addie*

Anyway, hope all of you had a very merry christmas and are looking forward to the new year!

wheezing WE DID IT wheezing

2008-12-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, (December 14th, 2008) My mom, Aunt Kathy, Amber and I all completed the 1/2 marathon and my Aunt Jana completed the FULL 26.2 miles!!! WHEW! AND we did so with out any major injuries. Of course we were sore as all get out but we all were able to trot accross that GLORIOUS finish line and be awarded our pretty little medals, tshirts and have our photos taken. Ryan was there for our cheering section and also got some great ACTION photos of each of us closing in on the finish line.

Before the race~
ryan takin our photos~

amber was having lots of fun! :)

how we felt post-race

momma and aunt kathy~

aunt jana!! 26 miles and still smiling!

all finishers get a medal, how nice!

we were done and jana still had 2 more hours of running....

it's snowing! it's snowing! it's snowing!

2008-12-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Yes ladies and gents we had a WHOLE DAY of SNOW yesterday in the little town of College Station, Tejas. It was glorious! Hahaha! And this was the real deal! It started out as sleet but turned into a 3 hour snowfall. All in all, we got about an inch or so of big white flakes. Of course Ryan, me and the dogs bundled up and went to play in the snow. We very much enjoyed

ourselves!

{I know there are some of you that read this blog and live in wintery towns where snow is a regular occurance but I also know you can remember back to the years where you lived in Texas and would get so excited over the littlest bit of white flakes....even if it was sleet.}

After we were completly numb, Ryan and I decided to go to

Santa's Wonderland....what is this you may ask?! Well it is a wooded park that is lit with over 1 Million christmas lights!. Pure genious! Anyway, it was delightful and so much fun especially because we could enjoy it all in the warmth of the truck with christmas music on the radio. At the end of the tour you have the option to go into Santa's land, (which we did) a western themed town with shops, santa and the mrs.', a petting zoo, bonfire, live music, food, and they play christmas movies on a huge screen. It was really neat and a fun experience for the both of us. BUT what made it even better was ALL THE SNOW! :)

they sure are proud of their ags!!

gotta have the nativity scene! all life size!
that donkey was so mean to the little bunnies!

busy little bees

2008-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

sorry it has been a while since our last post, we have been just a little busy the past few weeks. Instead of a lengthy detailed play by play I will quickly sum up the events that have taken us away from blogging.....

~since thanksgiving~

*we decked our halls with christmas decorations

*ryan went hunting at his aunt and uncles farm

*harley got skunked and not so enjoyed a tomato juice bath....which also stained his coat

*we hosted the macy's executive christmas party

*I had a door decorating contest at work {2nd place!!}

("buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?" {get it? i do makeup/color})

*finished all of our christmas shopping minus ONE gift

*I have been playing around with the camera trying to get better and learn more

more thanksgiving

2008-12-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I also enjoyed a thankgiving at his dad's house in Houston. It was a nice relaxing evening filled with great conversation, memories, food and of course laughter. Here are just a few pics.

Me, Jenny, John and Shirley

John and Penny, the sweetest dog ever

the boys, Ryan, Jason and Steven

thanksgiving

2008-12-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so much fun for us this year! (I know this is a week late but O well.) As mentioned before Ryan surprised me with a cabin in New Braunfels the night before we were due in Austin. It was a lot of fun and very relaxing! We were just down the road from a little town called Gruene which is also where we got engaged. :) We love this town so much because it is a VERY small town and people are so friendly and polite. There are a few shops that always have people sitting out in front of them and the same goes for all of the cafes and restaurants It is just a darling little town. So we just joined the crowd and poked around town AND took some photos.

Gruene Hall-where Ryan popped the question

gruene water tower
I LOVE Texas

us down on the Guadalupe River

again on the river

the leaves were so beautiful

After our relaxing night in New Braunfels we got ready for a busy day in Austin. We checked in to our hotel and then made our way to the Capitol. The grounds were so beautiful! I have never been to the capitol but it was breathtaking! As we were walking around we saw a lot of Aggies lining up and down Congress Avenue and found out that the Aggie Core/Band were marching in for the "big" game....So we again joined the crowd and waited for the parade of maroon, (after all, we do live in college station). It was pretty fun to watch how serious the core really is. I guess that may be one cool thing the Aggies actually do. haha. After all the hoopla we met up with Ryan's mom and sister and ate our thanksgiving brunch at the hotel then got ready for the big A&M vs. UT game. The game was lots of fun and we had a lot fun. All in all it was a great Thanksgiving filled with lots of new memories and pictures, my favorite. :)

ATX - Capitol Building

my sweet husband

tubas, the band marchin in
waiting for the game to start at the texas EXS building - GO HORNS
Jenny, Shirley, Ryan and I with their cousin Shelley - her last year as a longhorn cheerleader-

GO HORNS!!

Texas Fight

After every game the horns win the tower turns orange

Its Official

2008-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, its official - We're a Crackberry family. I (Ryan, just cuz I never post anything on here..) got my Blackberry Storm on Friday and LOVED it.. Danielle has been asking for a new phone for Christmas and I have been asking her to come over to Verizon - mostly because T-Mobile blows...alot. We met in the middle and she is now on Verizon and has a NEW STORM!

So far we both love our phones.. She's been setting the ring tones all night so that each message and whatever else has a different ring tone - which is fine, I do the same myself. Hers are all girly and "dingy" and sound like a chorus of Elf Bells going off all the time.

But regardless of her choice of ring tones, I am glad that she likes her phone. I just hope we can keep hers and mine separate!

-- Funny note: Each time hers dings or mine dings a certain tone, Harley thinks its the doorbell and starts to gruff... What a doof..

PROOF that Guys are funny even though their wives say differently...

2008-12-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

be back later

2008-11-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I have thanksgiving off as my "holiday" this year. YAY! At least I get a holiday. What does this consist of? It just means that my two days off this week are Wed and Thurs. how nice. So, I have been wanting to go camping cause I LOVE camping when it's cold outside! I begged and begged Ryan to take me camping but he kept claiming he couldn't take any extra days off work this week and he had too much to turn in before Thurs. so it would basically be impossible to get off. If you know me, I do not do well with "No's" and so I pouted, threw a tantrum and acted wayyyyy under my age for a few days. Then yesterday, while at work enduring a 12 hours VP visit to the store, I received an email from Ryan with a cute picture of a cabin in New Braunfels. I asked Ryan why he was sending me pics of a house and he said, "That's where we are staying tomorrow night." He had already planned to take me camping and had all the arrangements taken care of. How thoughtful. Of course, this made me feel like one big fat terd because I was such a brat. But we are now off to our cabin for the day/night and then we are going to enjoy hot dogs and cool weather instead of turkey and stuffing at the UT vs. A&M game in Austin. Good Luck to Shelly as sheer cheers on the Horns and GO HORNS!! (i am sure it won't be a close game.) HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!

football season

2008-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend ryan and I also went in to Houston to go to the UH football game. We were able to go tailgating with a few friends and catch up. Here's some pics.

this will be our christmas card. :)

all the girls

us and shasta's girlfriend....

shasta the cougar~

the girls waiting for the team to walk through

the carnival

2008-11-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

And so we went. We had alots of fun riding all 4 rides. haha, there wasn't a huge selection of games or rides but we still enjoyed ourselves. here are some pics......

MaraTHon time

2008-11-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

well, as of yesterday, there is ONE month to go til the 1/2 marathon in dallas! WOAH! I am crazy pumped and just keep hoping I make it to raceday healthy and prepared. It will be a good test-run for the real deal. I hope it isn't too much harder than I am expecting it to be. I need to make some plans for some serious massages afterwards.....anyway, just thought I would let you in on my countdown!!!

speaking of countdowns, there are only 42 days to christmas! every day my boss keeps saying that. it is kind of annoying, cause she says it with this high pitched sqealy voice like a high school cheerleader jumpin up and down. haha. the image makes me laugh a little. but it is EXACTLY how she is. SO, have you started your chrismas shopping?????? yea, me neither.

Twilight

2008-11-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

I am on the 4 and final book of the Twilight series and I cannot wait to finish it! We have made plans to go home to dallas next weekend and that is also the weekend the MOVIE comes out!!!! YaY! I am so excited! I am also making my momma and sister go with me but I think they were already planning on seeing the movie, so I guess I am just adding myself to their plans. but it's whatever. anyway, can't wait to see you guys! love you!

CaRNieS

2008-11-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

{Sorry for the 3 posts in one night but I seem to find this therapeutic}

There is a carnival in town and I have been wanting to go since I saw them piecing it all together. Tonight, I get home from work and ask Ryan, "You wanna go to the carnival tonight?" He responds, "Ummm, yea, I guess." I in turn say, "You seem to be a little wary of going to the carnival....." and he says, " Those things travel the world with drug dealers as operators....So, yea." HAHAHAHA. It may not be true about the drug dealer part but it is true. But we WILL go to the carnival and WE will like it! haha. anyway, hopefully pics to follow.....

office space momemt

2008-11-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

I totally had an office space moment today. And I hope that you all don't get the wrong impression of my view of work. I enjoy my job, I do. Just usually the stories I have are little annoyances. Maybe it's time I change my perspective? But usually I just end up shrugging it off and laughing anyway, so maybe I am doin alright. ANY-wayyyyy, this morning, I was trying to make just 25 copies of something and then darn thing KEPT JAMMING!!!! UGH! haha, so i had to keep popping the thing open (this copier is like the size of texas, cannon type of copiers) and ripping all the paper out from all of the crevices so it would quite beeping and yelling at me. I at one point had to stick my arm, up to my ELBOW into the thing, stretching to reach this little piece that had been jammed and then the copier started melting my skin off!!! HaHAHAHA. Just kidding. But it did burn me. * dang thing* but really no harm done. SOooooo, i just said screw it, after I kicked it a couple of times and went on my way, leaving the problem for someone else to deal with. haha. oops. But my day turned out productive and went without a hitch. So I guess sometimes the mornings are just the time for all the kinks to get worked out.

shake it like a polaroid pitcha

2008-11-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today, {(haha, I know, "how did it feel?" at least that is what ryan usually says)} that I would absolutely LOVE a polaroid camera. I love how you can take a picture and then the thing spits one out for you, no uploading, no sending photos online and having to go pick them up....it's just "say cheese, *snap*" and then there is the picture. I also love how raw the photos always turn out. Anyway, I was thinking how much I really want one and then I was thinking, do they even make them anymore? haha! I know my parents used to have one, but knowing my mom, (a packrats nightmare) we probably don't have it anymore. (LOVE you mom!) Just a thought I had.

The Perfect Gift

2008-11-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

As I was driving home from work today, I got to thinking....man, "I have a lot of Christmas shopping to do." Then I was going down the list of the family and friends that I/we have to shop for and wondering what everyone would want. Of course, I want them to like what I get them and for them to have some meaning, thought behind it. AND I (most of the time) want my gift to be the best gift they had received, that would be the competitive side of me coming out. But I do want the gift to suit the person receiving it, hoping they would use it at any chance they had and just adore the gift. I think this is something we as humans hope for and not just me (tell me if I am mistaken.) but I also know that I have given and received a couple of gifts that have never seen the light of day. :( Anyway, my point here really is once I got to thinking in this 7 minute drive home from work was, "What is the perfect gift?" Everyone has that tough "customer" they have to buy for, for me, my mom and dad (seems like they have it all!) but what do you get that person who you want to give the world to but just can't afford it, you want to tell them that you love and care about them but just not sure how, you want to show them they are worth more than anything in the world......what is the perfect gift?

Work has seriosuly gotten me in the holiday thinking! Sorry there is already so many posts about the holidays! But like I said, we do have lots to shop for!

christmas time already?!

2008-11-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

WARNING: I am just venting so please do not perceive me as being a grumpy little lady sitting on my couch typing away with a scrunched up face and bitterness towards the holidays. :)

Today, I heard Christmas music playing on our radio at work and this was the thought that came to mind.

"Is it really necessary to already have our entire Christmas setup done? I didn't even get a Halloween!"

Working in the retail rat race I feel that sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and lose track of where we are in the “here and now.” For instance, Last Friday I finalized my entire Christmas setup. That's right, 2 months before Christmas I was christened by the big folks who ran through my department and sprinkled us with their holy water. Of course it took me two weeks and only 17,000 floor moves; but in those two weeks I feel like I missed Halloween. In my haste of trying to get everything ready and my mind spinning in circles over what goes where, I lost track of where I was in real life. I was approaching the last days of October with Halloween around the corner ....needless to say we didn't have much planned. We were able to scrounge up some plans in the last minutes with some good friends of ours and we had a lot of fun but I am most sad that we weren't able to really plan a fun costume or have a party of our own :( So, here I am now, in the first week of November and today for the first time hearing Christmas music on our radio at work.

I am beginning to sound whinny and that is not my intention. I can only say that I wish all retailers would take the holidays one at a time. Celebrate each of them, separately, by themselves. Instead of having their entire Christmas setup blasting through the store before you can even say "trick or treat." I think that the Holidays are a time to really sit and enjoy the time we have together, be goofy and dress up like goons, give thanks for what we have and what has been given to us, to celebrate families and the time we have together. I wish the retailers saw it all from another perspective, for the sake of sanity amongst the associates and to give them time to think twice about their life outside of work. I love the holiday season and get so excited when this time of year comes around, but I just want some actual time to truly enjoy each holiday.

I guess I just need to keep a better eye on what is really happening as it is happening and not just what is happening in the land of Macy’s.

It's Official

2008-11-02T18:32:00.001-08:00

Well, as of 8:32 this evening I am now registered to run the 1/2 marathon. whew. It certainly makes me nervous but I know it will be a perfect gauge of how the full marathon will go for me in February in Austin. But I am excited to run the 1/2 cause I will be doing so with mi madre, my sister, aunt jana and cousin jacuelynn and my Nana will be in tow as well, but just as an onlooker. So, it will be a fun family affair. Hopefully all goes well and we finish in one piece. ~wish us luck!~

HELLO!

2008-10-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I have not been on here in a while so I was stopping in to fill everyone in on what we have been up to.....not that many of you care but it's ok I will still tell every detail. :) So, first things first, after coming back from New Orleans the first week in october, I worked for a week, cleaned the house, did some laundry and then counted down the days to go on another vacation.... WYOMING! DUH! So we packed our bags and headed North for a long weekend with the family to celebrate the birth of our niece BEAUTIFUL addie and the birthday of my grandma (turned 80!). I was soo pumped to see Eric and Sarah and everyone else, (i would name you seperately but I have already did that in the posts before) to just catch up and make some new fun memories. As always, we had an absolute blast AND ryan was able to meet this wholeside of this family for the first time and get to know more about me and my family. He LOVED it out there, he loved the mountains, the cool weather, the country and of course the company! I would have to say he mesh's (sp?) quite well with everyone....always a plus. :)

Anyway, we got to see SAMBA acres which is my grandma's trailor up in the mountains, got tosee addie, who came a little early to meet us all, thanks addie....i know she planned it, we were able to play with jackers and keep him up WAY past his bedtime, see all of our family and catch up, go down memory lane with my dad, see the busy downtown evanston shops, eat the most incredible, gigantic steak anyone has ever seen, shoot some guns, see park city and hike a little. It was by far the most fun weekend of the year! We can't WAIT for christmas

2008-10-20T21:46:00.001-07:00

Tagged (by carrie)

My 8 obsessions right now...
1. My new baby niece Addie and my nephew Jack!
2.taking photos
3. working out
4. chik-fil-a
5. shoes
6.fashion magazines
7. christmas
8. forever 21 (we just got one out here! yay!)

8 words or phrases I use often...
1. Howdy
2. whatcha got?
3.awww skeet skeet! haha yes it's true, ima gangsta!
4. outstanding (due to work....i don't really care for the word)
5. mkay
6. da (yes in russian, thanks honey!)
7. wanna do me a favor?
8. whatever is fune

8 things I want to do before I die...
1. run a couple marathons.
2. take a hot air balloon ride
3. travel of course, australia, paris, italy, norway to name a few
4.skydive
5.speak spanish fluently
6. have some munchins of our own
7. .christmas in central park
8. go scuba diving

8 things I want or need right now...
1. a new car
2. to finish the twilight series!
3 snow! (.hahah yeeaaaa riiiiight!) at least some cool weather!
4 another week of vacation so i can go back to wyoming/utah
5. more shoes and jeans.
6. our own house
7. a shower! just got done working out....
8. to see christa!

8 people I tag...
1. Megan
2. August
3. Allison
4. Katy
5. Amber
6. Jessica
7. Trisha
8. Amy R.

going crazy

2008-10-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

I know most of you are bored to death of hearing about how excited I am to get to Wyoming to see all the family but I just can't wait!! Little Addie was born on saturday and I am sooo jealous of everyone who has been able to hold her and kiss her already. The pictures I have seen are sooooo cute and I just want to be there already to see her and giver her my love. I also want to see Mr. Jackson! He is now talking and has quite a personality and I want to soak him up like a sponge! I can't wait to see Sarah and Eric and catch up with them to see how they're doing. I also can't wait to see my Grandma Aanerud, who will be celebrating her 80th birthday with us while we are in town! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA! Oh, and of course I can't wait to see Amber and Christiaan and MOM and DAD!!! I also can't wait to see my cousins (and Amy's little family too!) and my Uncle Doung and Aunt Becky. We don't get to spend nearly enough time together! I also can't wait to get to Wyoming because now I can wear all those WINTER clothes I have been stocking up on! haha. I LOVE snuggly sweaters but down in the south we really only have about 2 months where it is actually cold enough to wear them.....with the purpose of keeping you warm and not just wearing them because it's december. I can't wait to hang out at my grandma's house because it holds so many fun family memories for me AND I am glad that this time around Ryan is able to join our family and we are able to now make more fun memories together. I also can't wait to see my other Asay friends and sisters-in-law! I can't wait to see Taryn, Brady Carrie and Brad and her little family! (i think you all are coming?) But for sure Taryn and Carrie! I am so happy and proud of my family and I always cherish any time that I get to spend with them. I wish we were staying longer but I know we will have loads of fun! See you in TWO days!!!

Ants in the Pants

2008-10-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to get to wyoming! here are a few reasons why...........

I am so excited to see everyone and be able to visit for a while! I will be taking MILLIONS of photos so be prepared!

new orleans

2008-10-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

Last week I was given the opportunity to go to New Orleans with work to help open 2 new Macy's stores. It was quite an experience! I worked only in the cosmetics area unloading stock for 5 days....I have never seen so much product in one place before!! It was quite a site! But it was lovely being able to help the new team get settled and prepare for their store opening. It was a long week but we also made sure we had some fun while in town. The ladies and I went down to teh French Quarter for dinner and to walk along canal street, that was pretty interesting!We ate at the Palace Cafe, the food was AMAZING!!! and they fire up the bannana Fosters at the table...yummy!!! Then we got carried away in to a bar where they had great classic rock music so we stayed, sang along and danced the night away. On the way back to the car we heard a man yelling, "FREE BULLRIDES," so of course, I turned around ran in and hopped on. That was so much fun! Another night we were able to go to Harrah's and try out our luck..... I am not so lucky! We decided to leave when I only had .05 cents left. haha. don't worry though I only spent the money I put aside to play with. After finally figuring out the machines and losing all my money I have decided that gambling is not for me. I think I am too antsy to just sit at a machine and push buttons/pull levers and lose money. But it was a fun experience. Anyway, that is where I was for the last week, and why our blog wasn't updated for so long. (I still haven't convinced Ryan to post on here yet.) Now, I get back to work for a week and then head off to Wyoming to visit with family for a few days! I am so excited to get to see Eric, Sarah and Jackers and hopefully addie!!! And of course my grandma!!!See you guys soon!

a few more things I need to add to my list...

2008-10-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland.....does disneyworld count?

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon....i will pretty soon!

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie....as an extra they filmed at our highschool. haha.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

lost toys

2008-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

I know that every other post on here is about our dogs and how wonderfully cute they are and I am sure that most of you think I am crazy for thinking they are so darn cute.....but they are. so get over it.

Anyway, I have yet another video of sawyer being cute. He frequently loses his toy (the little green man) under the bed, couch, table etc. But he will sit there and wait for it to magically roll back to his mouth or until Ryan or I notice that he is sitting staring at the furniture. It is kinda cute though, you must admit.

please pardon our ghetto camera. I dropped it and now makes funny noises as it focuses. oh, and please forgive my silly voice. it's a little ridiculous, i know.

ENJOY

my bucket list

2008-09-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

So, my mother spoke in church a while back and mentioned that she had a bucket list, in which she has been marking things off like skydiving! :-0 Now, I haven't seen the movie so I do not know exactly what a "bucket list" is but I have made my own list of things I wish to see/accomplish/learn here in the near future. I know most of you could really care less about what I plan on doing but I feel that my odds are better if I write them down and make it aware to others that these are things I plan on doing.

SOOooooooooooooo........

Here Goes...

*read the twilight series

*actually read the harry potter series (never read ANY of them)

*Run a Half Marathon....then a marathon

*Go Skydiving

*See the Grand Canyon and Redwood Forrest

*Visit the Statue of Liberty

*Go scuba diving in Australia

*Learn how to sew

*Backpack (fo real) across Europe

*Visit Fashion week in New York

*begin taking photography seriosuly

*Of course, become a mom :)

Of course there is always room to add to the list. I suppose that as I mark one thing off I should add a new one. We will see how far I get on this list.

the walsh's

Panama City Beach

Going through the Big D and don't mean dallas

George Strait

tonight

Bill and Helen

Discovery Green

would you be my neighbor??

free?....for real??

4th of July

Lately

a HUGE thank you!!

a little update

talk to ya later

This is for you MEGS

a wedding and a baby shower

houston happenings

whooooooooWeeeeeeee

More of K & J

Kelley and Jonathan (soon to be Brege)

I'm BACK

zzzZZZZzzz

let the chaos begin.....

birthday finale

pik-cha's

birfday

growing up

Ouisies

nashville

vacation

for all you ladies

yummy

....dyson.....

randomness

Easter

EasteR

"yuv you d"

HapPY biRThdaY

celebration time

....patiently waiting....

He got the JOB!!!

silly puppies

jack and addie

Bluebonnets

Hearne

today

The {soon to be} Wiley's

random thoughts

rodeo

steve madden

lake ray hubbard

Hay in Mexia (ma-hay-a)

:home:

FinAlLy

HapPY VaLEnTinE's dAY

busylittlebee

best teachers

i love plaid, alot.

bad dog

before and after

OMAGOODNESS

COUNTDOWN

"Luck of the Irish"

what's new with you?

TTYL

HapPy NeW YeAR!!

christmas

*wheezing* WE DID IT *wheezing*

it's snowing! it's snowing! it's snowing!

busy little bees

more thanksgiving

thanksgiving

Its Official

PROOF that Guys are funny even though their wives say differently...

be back later

football season

the carnival

MaraTHon time

Twilight

CaRNieS

wheezing WE DID IT wheezing