Happy Halloween

Today was a whirlwind...between work, a haircut, nails, packing, etc...it felt like all I did was run from one thing to another. This evening, I met up with the Koltarz's when they were finished trick or treating and man do those two boys know how to make an "aunt" happy! While Kara tried to put on their pj's, Parker, Carson and I played tackle! It was a bunch of giggles, pushing, tickling, throwing in the air and kisses! Tomorrow, Kara, Frank and I are off to Dallas for Cramer's wedding, while Kris stays with the kiddos. I will post pics on Sunday and there will probably be lots! Hope everyone had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Twin Baby Shower #2

After my parents picked me up in Hillsboro on Saturday, we were off to Fort Worth for Twin Baby Shower #2! John's mom's side of the family has Family Showers that are a tradition - there is the Family Wedding Shower, the Ladies Family Shower and the Baby Shower! All of the cousins get together and put on these showers and they are always a good time. John's family is so gracious to welcome me, my mom and dad, as if we are part of their family!

One thing is for sure...these twins are so spoiled already...and they aren't even here yet! :) This is a picture of the gifts after they had been opened...unbelieveable!

Tam & John got a lot of their big stuff and crib bedding, as well as some precious blankets, clothes, kitchen items, diapers, etc. Mom even out did herself with this horse with A&M saddle bags! The saddle bags were filled with tons of A&M stuff...t-shirts, outfits, nightlights, piggy banks, socks, etc. It was too cute.

And...here is the car I gave them...it was filled with all kinds of Nascar stuff...particularly #88 Dale Jr. plate sets and sippy cups! These poor children!!!

I also made John a Daddy Diaper Duty toolbelt...it turned out really cute and John was a good sport when they wanted him to put it on. It has everything he will need to change two babies' dirty diapers!

After the actual shower, we enjoyed a BBQ - Mom, Dad and I sat outside and enjoyed the fantastic weather. We then watched the Aggies bring home a victory! The home where the shower was held (one of Linda's cousins) was unbelievable! The decor is amazing and the game room and media room were so much fun!

Sunday morning, we enjoyed breakfast at John's parent's house and then we were on our way back to Houston. John and I unloaded the car and we were pretty much bums the rest of the afternoon. What a great weekend!

Why Didn't I Take Any Pictures?

On Friday, John & Tammy dropped me off at Mandy and Stuart's in Hillsboro on their way to Fort Worth. Of course, we got out of town later than expected, then there was a bad wreck in Bryan that shut down the freeway, so we did not get to Hillsboro until around 10:00. Precious Caroline was still awake because she wanted to see Miss Kelli! She was a little shy at first, but that didn't take long. She was more than happy to show me her "Big Girl Room" and her Baby Brother's Room too. Mandy finally got her to sleep after promising that I would be there in the morning and we could play then. Little did Mandy and Stuart know I had a project for them! I had bought Tammy & John (actually the twins) a car that needed to be put together before the shower on Saturday. With all 3 of us working and having a couple drinks, it was put together pretty quickly. Thanks for all the help you guys! Stu decided it was time for him to go to bed, but Mandy and I stayed up until 2AM talking and catching up! It is hard to believe we have been friends for 12 years! We don't get to see each other much, but when we do, it is just like we are back in Mosher Hall chatting into the wee hours!

Saturday morning, we were up bright and early (they say Caroline slept in an hour, but it was still early for me)! Stu & Caroline picked up breakfast for us and Mandy & I started a morning of crafts - stamping onesies and t-shirts! It was so much fun! Before Mr. and Mrs. P came to pick me up, Matt and Melissa stopped by to watch football and give me a hard time about the Aggies! Before I knew it, my parents were there to pick me up and take me to Fort Worth for a baby shower!

Mandy...I cannot believe you will be adding a beautiful baby boy to your family in less than 3 weeks! I hope all goes well and I cannot wait to meet Bennett...or Andrew...whichever it may be!

Aggie Football and Baby Showers

This weekend was a whirlwind, but filled with good weather and lots of fun with family and friends!

Saturday morning, we were off to College Station for the A&M / Kansas State game. Like always, tailgating was filled with friends and family. A&M games would not be the same if it wasn't for the people I get to see multiple times each fall! Tam is getting pretty uncomfortable so she didn't go into the game and stayed out in the parking lot and watched TV. John's parents came into town so Linda was able to keep her company.

On Sunday, I was off to Rosenberg for a Stern Family Baby Shower thrown by all of my aunts and Sharla for Tammy. They did an amazing job...so much pink and blue! Tammy got tons for gifts...a lot of outfits, books, blankets, etc. Really makes you realize how blessed we are...as we get older, we get closer and closer to the ladies in our family and love the times we spend with them. After the shower, I headed to my grandparents and spent some time with them and my parents. After watching the Cowboys blow the end of the game by not doing anything in OT, I was headed home. On my way, I stopped by Chelsi and Eric's and got to see precious Edie for a few minutes before she went to bed. I walked into the house to Edie's laughter coming from the bath tub...oh, the sound of a child laughing...priceless! I know it was last minute and we didn't get a lot of time, but it was great to see all of you and to catch up! Safe travels, Chels and we have got to get together when you get back from NYC.

Giulia's in town!

Over the last couple of years, I have had the great opportunity to travel to China for business and everytime I am there, I have the most gracious host, who has become a very dear friend to me. My friendship with Giulia has made me realize how much people are alike, no matter where they live! We are both single, educated ladies, close to our family and friends and looking for someone to spend the rest of our lives with (just to name a few similarities). Giulia is spending a week in the US on a whirlwind trip of business from the west coast to the east coast and back to the west coast before traveling home. She flew into Houston Monday night and I met her at the airport...it doesn't seem to matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, we catch up right where we left off. We got to spend the majority of the day together on Tuesday (including a trip to Cavendars to buy her some boots!) and she was off to Atlanta this morning. Giulia...even though we didn't have the opportunity to have as much fun as your last trip, it was great to see you and spend some time with you! I hope that I am half the host to you, that you are to me and that the rest of your trip was successful! Wishing you safe travels home!

HLSR 2009 - Already???

I cannot believe it is already time to begin working on Rodeo 2009. Last night I had a Rodeo meeting for rookie captains and assistant club chairpersons. I was a captain last year, but got promoted a couple of weeks before rodeo and did not get to attend any of the planning meetings or training workshops. Last night was very interesting and the more I learn about the Rodeo...the more proud I am to be a member of the volunteer team! It is amazing how many people give so much of their time to help kids go to college. It seems like all fun and games during the rodeo (and we do have a lot of FUN!), but the goal of the rodeo is to make money for scholarships. I have met a lot of fantastic people, some who will be friends of mine for life! If anyone in the Houston area is interested in volunteering their time, please let me know!

Do I have enough going on to blog about???

So...a bunch of my friends have started blogging (or have been blogging for awhile) and I love reading about their lives...some I talk to on a weekly basis...some a monthly basis...and others no more than once a year...but I feel so connected to them and their families through their blogs. So, I started wondering, would anyone be interested in my life? and I don't keep a journal so this may be a really great outlet for me! I am wondering if I have enough to write about, but if the next couple of weeks/months are any indication, there will be plenty to blog about. Most of my friends have kids that say and do funny things so I am not sure if my blog will be as entertaining, but we will see!!! Wish me luck on my blogging adventure!