Christmas Recap

It has been so long since I have posted! We had such a wonderful time in Corpus for Christmas!! I was there for 6 days and 5 nights and it flew by! I miss my time there so much and really feel as though I was meant to be a Paris Hilton-jetseter-type who can see her family & friends whenever she wants.

Christmas Eve and Day at my parents' house was more special than ever for several different reasons. They are amazing how they pull together all the amazing food and decorations so effortlessly. I hope to one day be able to do it all the way they can ;-)

Beau surprised me by flying in a day early!! He was supposed to arrive Friday, the 26th but instead came in Christmas day. Well, it was more nighttime and he surprised my parents too! Jeff turned in especially early that night since he spent 2 days "slaving over the stove" as he likes to say! My mom and I were cuddled up on the couch getting ready to watch Mamma Mia! when the doorbell rang. Mama went to check the peep hole and no one was there. Not a car, not a person. This spurred a 5 minute frenzy of the two of us running to different windows peaking outside to see who it could possibly be. My parents don't have visitors after dark, especially ones that jsut drop by. Why didn't we wake up Jeff? He's wondering the same thing but I can tell you it didn't even cross our minds. Long story short, Beau left a gift for me at the front door and once I opened it, I knew it was him! He came around the side of the house relieved that Jeff didn't meet him outside with a shotgun! I wish I had video of my mom and I scurrying around. We are so funny together :-)

The weekend was full of wedding stuff! From cakes to guest books to center pieces to decor to wedding crashing to music, we were very busy! Crashing the wedding was especially memorable. We wanted to see a wedding at the Cathedral where we are getting married. It was beautiful! They had the full choir and the Christmas decorations truly made it special. Oh yeah, and the SEVEN priests!! We don't know who they were but they were someone very important in the Catholic church!

Other highlights: seeing Robert Earl Keen w/ great friends, getting to spend more time than usual with my sisters, Beaut meeting my bio-dad, spending time with my Ma (she was a wedding crasher, also!), eating at Whataburger, Water Street and La Playa, Mama's homemade scones for breakfast, her homemade sugar cookies, and every other waking moment of the trip.

Overall, it was a perfect week and we are really looking forward to going back in 2 weeks for our Corpus shower!

Employee of the Month!

There are several things to say about this momentous occasion. First, it may not seem like a big deal - I never really thought it was until today's staff meeting when my Manager stood up in front of the entire company and gave a great, appreciative introduction to acknowledge me!! It really is a great honor and I'm so thankful to have received the award (and the check that came along with it)!

Something else that should be said about receiving this award today is how BADLY the day started off! It's comical (now) how painful my day began - with morning client meetings where I wasn't 100% on my game, how much I beat myself up about "failing" in those meetings, how I ranted in the phone to my mother about all this when she called to simply tell me that they landed safely, the un-characteristic complaining I did to a co-worker AT WORK (how unprofessional) and convinced the day, no, my life would never improve (not dramatic, nooooo). The difference between the morning and my afternoon (completely turning around with such a sweet gesture from my Company), is now pretty funny in hind sight. It may not seem like much to them, but it really does mean a lot to the person being recognized :-)

Wedding Bands - Not the dancing kind!

Beau and I shopped for wedding bands today! I don't know why I put an exclamation point behind that sentence - it was neither exciting nor eventful! It was actually not like I expected it to be - more stressful than anything. It's difficult to shop for something that will be with you at all times (think about it - there is nothing else a part of you like a wedding band) and represent the greatest thing that has happened to you. I say difficult b/c I just want to make sure I love it forever and there are SO many options these days. As I have mentioned before, I don't do very well with a lot of options :-) That being said I'm pretty sure I found my ring! It's beautiful and the more I think about it away from the store, the more I fall in love with it!

Beau had a difficult time as well but for different reasons. I think it's tough for a lot of men who have never worn jewelry in the past to suddenly walk into a store and be excited about rings! I guess everyone is different but Beau actually had a tougher time than I had imagined. It's a big decision and of course none of them "felt right" b/c he has never worn rings before. Again, now that we have been out of the store for a while and have had time to think about it, he is leaning toward the last band he tried on, a classic white gold band.

I'm glad this portion of the planning process is almost out of the way - it just means we are that much closer to the big day! 4 1/2 months to go!

My very first Christmas Tree...

of my very own is actually shared with my F.H. (future husband)! Beau and I went shopping for our tree the day we returned home from Austin. We found the PERFECT (artificial) tree that we will have for our first many, many years together! We debated artificial vs. real, but in the end, this was the best option for us and I couldn't be happier.

My Mom brought my ornaments to Austin for Thanksgiving and I couldn't wait to put them up, one of my favorites times during Christmas :-) The ornaments have been given to me over the years by my Mom and my aunts, uncles and cousins and are so special to me!

It has taken everything I have from splurging and buying a house full of decorations but I understand that it happens over time, especially during the after-Christmas sales! :-) Beau took this picture at the beginning of my ornament hanging. Had I known there would be a photo shoot, I may have put on some nicer clothes (and hidden that giant tendon in my neck!)....

Thanksgiving - Austin-style!

This past Thanksgiving is now one of my favorite memories! My sisters, parents, Beau, Andrew and I all had such a wonderful time. Our Austin family on my grandmother's side opened up their home and annual Thanksgiving tradition to us and it was so cool to be a part of such a BIG day. There were about 50 people there and place settings in about every common area of the house! I will never forget it:-)

After the amazing, large lunch, we headed to the Texas/A&M game. Although we didn't get very far. On our walk down the crowded streets to Schulz's (we were getting our game faces on as my Dad likes to say), a woman in a motorized wheelchair ran over my sister's foot! Amanda was in flip-flops so it was extremely painful and it wasn't your typical wheelchair (think the Hoveround commercials). Thus, our stadium-climbing, game-watching family found ourselves headed back to the hotel to get Amanda off her feet 1 hour before the game. That being said, we had one of the most fun family game-watching events - right in our parents' hotel room! There was a living room and Jeff ordered some champagne up. We had a blast! Here is a picture from Friday, after the boys headed to lunch and the girls headed to shop the great Black Friday sales, we later headed out for Mexican food! I miss them all so much and can't wait until Christmas!! xoxo

Ruben's Pictures

My Mom and Ma were in town last weekend to attend the Dallas memorial service for Uncle Ruben. My mom gave a beautiful speech at the service honoring Ruben's life and we were amazed at the turnout! We knew he had a lot of people at his Church that loved him but it's always wonderful to see. There were about 100 people there and every single one of them spoke to my mother after the service, telling her how wonderful he was and what a contribution he made to the church. There were a lot of tears. We sure are going to miss him.

While they were in Dallas, we stopped by Ruben's house so that Ma could see it one last time before the heirs come up and get their things and it goes on the market. Ma found these photos in his Mother's old chest. There were tons more - I only wanted to get a close up of a few. Ma remembered the story behind almost all of them, sharing her childhood memories and even telling me a story about how we are distantly related to one of the Beach Boys! Too funny - I never knew. Something about my great grandmother and his grandmother were sisters. So what does that make us? And more importantly, does that entitle me to any royalties? Kidding - that was a bad joke.

It was just so neat to hear about my ancestors and it was even richer to have the photos to contribute to Ma's stories!

Beau's World

I thought you would be interested in Beau's recent adventures. He entertains me all the time and I wish I could follow him around with a camera. Of course, that would involve me quitting my job and traveling with him, which I'm okay with...but he isn't.

First, he has the ugliest, most inconvenient softball battle wound that has since become a member of our family (it happened 2 weeks ago). It's just Beau, Shelby, Me and the Scab. I know that's gross but you don't have to live with it. It's just below his left knee and he got it from sliding into second base. Twice. Ok, he fell. Twice. hehe.



Then, there was the morning he went duck hunting at 4am with his buddies. I, of course, didn't even know he left so I was more than amused when he arrived home in THIS!! There is another picture where he put Shelby in his pouch :-) I bet she would make a great hunting dog. Not really.



And finally, his latest project. A doggie ramp near the bed. I know it sounds ridiculous but the idea of never having to pick her up and put her down in the middle of the night or on Saturday mornings is exciting and a LUXURY. Plus, she thinks she can fly and likes to jump off. And b/c dachshunds aren't supposed to jump b/c of their sensitive (long) spines, it's important that we have it.

I had no idea Beau was planning a solution. This picture doesn't do it justice. Trust me, I was scared. Especially when he called and said he was building a dog ramp out of wood and carpet. Eeewwww. BUT, he is amazing and has since finished out the bottom, added nice trim and will paint it a mahogany satin finish. YAY! Shelby loooooves it :-) In fact, we can't get her off the bed. Ever. Well, except for that last photo!

Hello, Lover.....

I had a Carrie Bradshaw moment today. But the 2008 version. I can see that episode perfectly in my head - maybe b/c I have seen it 3,928 times - Carrie's expression through the store window as she spots the perfect shoe. She places her hands on the window and seductively says, "Hello, Lover". I experienced it today. But it was online. And it was a handbag. Well. It's my handbag now ;-)

I called the Galleria Nordstrom to see if they had it in store so I wouldn't have to wait for the shipment if I ordered online. Lauren (my new friend) said there wasn't a store in Texas that had it, which was fine. I just wouldn't have it for this weekend. Fine. Not 5 minutes later I went to "check out" on the website and I got a message saying the bag was no longer available!! Panic attack. Breathe. Think. Lauren! Call Lauren! My new friend got me 1 of the last 10 bags in the country! AND it's 50% off with Nordstrom 1/2 yearly sale, which is what got me in this mess in the first place. So, half off! Which is good b/c it aint cheap.

Now, you may be thinking 2 things. 1) Stacey, you always have Hello, Lover moments and 2) that bag isn't that great.

My answers 1) true, but it's been a while and 2) what do you know! ;-) But really, I have been looking for my black fall bag for quite some time and trust me, you know it when you see it!

My new pin stripe

I guess I'm ready to blog about the new pin stripe some nice stranger gave my car. It's the deepest, longest, whitest key mark I have ever seen! You look at it and it just oozes hatred. However, I'm stumped because I don't have relationships with people who do things like this. I do think it's a stranger that came by the house a couple of weeks ago trying to sell me something.


State Farm was wonderful about my situation and is paying for the ol' Camry to get painted and for my rental car. Well, I guess technically I have been paying for it for the past 12 years of being a claim-free driver!

The positive side to all of this is the snazzy rental car Enterprise gave me! For the past week, I have been driving an '08 4runner. Loves it!


Anyway, the picture above was taken with my camera phone. The line at the top is the crazy scratch (the other one is where my fender meets the upper portion of the car). I wish I could have captured the entire line, which extended from the rear brake light to the front headlight. If only he would have straightened out his craftsmanship a bit...I may have left it on there! ;-)

Simply Fabulous....

I took Beau to the mall with me yesterday, for the most part, against his will. He kindly tagged along since all I had to get were socks. Looking back, I know he was probably thinking, "How long could socks take?" Wellll, 2 pairs of awesome jeans and 1 pair of fabulous heels later, I am ready for Fall/Winter!! I'm still sockless but who needs socks when you have heels like this?!?!

The only thing better than this purchase would be photos of the expression on Beau's face when I was trying them on! He thinks they are the ugliest things and can't figure out why I needed these when I already have a pair similar to them. Bless his heart.... ;-)

Love, lovey, love, love...

the Lovely Listing blog! Go on - take a good 4+ hours out of your day to read through it. Beau and I have been sitting here laughing out loud at this blog! The only thing that makes these photos funnier are the hilarious titles and comments!!

As someone who has always loved to look at homes for sale, real estate sites, etc., it is truly amazing the pictures a homeowner AND their real estate agent will post!

http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com

I cried in Petsmart.

Yep, cried. Right there at the PetsHotel counter. Here's the story....

Monday was Shelby's first day of Doggie Day Camp! She has so much puppy energy and I want her to have as much doggie interaction as possible. The girls at the front desk were so nice and they greeted us so warmly. I really felt like I was dropping my little girl off for her first day of school:) We walked in and all I could say was, "It's our first day". They asked me to fill out paperwork while one of the women walked around the counter. She picked up Shelby saying how she was so friendly and that she would get along great with the other dogs, which I already knew ;) I continued to fill out the paperwork and the sweet woman holding Shelby kindly asked me to let go of the leash :) I was unknowingly clenching it - oops. You think this is where I cried? Nope.

I was so thrilled to leave work that afternoon - hoping to see how exhausted Shelby would be after EIGHT hours of playing with other dogs! When I arrived they called someone in the back to bring her up. The same girls from that morning told me how well Shelby did with the other dogs! I asked them if she played a lot that day and one girl enthusiastically said, "Oh yes! She played all day with the same dogs! She made friends with Sophie and Snuggles. [Inner thought: some people and their dog names! good grief.]. I breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Oh good!" Then I went on [here come the tears] and choked up I said, "Because most dogs don't want to play with her. My friends dogs are all older and they just don't like to play with her! And I feel so bad b/c she is just a puppy and has a lot of energy....." I forget where I went from there but all I know is that they sympathetically nodded while I went on, no doubt, thinking C-R-A-Z-Y!!!!

I'm still a little embarrassed but won't hesitate to take her back next week (too expensive to go every day). It was worth it - she was PASSED OUT! I actually had to carry her to bed later that night - mission accomplished!

Wedding Website is up!

It feels good to check things off my list. This has been a hot one since we want to include the website on the save the date cards that are going out soon. In case you haven't had enough of my wedding babble, here it is:

http://staceyandbeau.weddingwindow.com/

I swear this blog really wasn't meant to be all wedding! I could go into the mystery bumps on my dog's stomach....see, wedding stuff isn't so bad! ;-)

My Inner-vention

Beau and I have decided that I need an inner-vention. Not an intervention. An Inner-vention. I figure that since a) I know about it and am involved and b) it's just the 2 of us within the walls of our home, that 'intervention' is a bit misleading. It all started when my Aunt and cousin, Elaine, graciously gave me their old wedding magazines. An entire box, actually. The box sat in the living room for about a week. I was hesitant to go near them fearing that the options would make me anxious. That's how I am - I get anxiety with too many options. Mainly b/c my taste is all over the board and spans traditional to contemporary, bold colors to light, formal to casual. So, I have discovered a process that works best. My Mother and I have such similar taste and she knows my "vision" for the wedding that she picks out several options (think invitations) and I choose. Easy enough. This has made the process seamless....And then I got into the box. Since then I have questioned every decision we have made, re-thought the vision of the wedding and ultimately returned to square 1 sending people a link of a dress that I like. They kindly remind me that I already have a dress. Like I forgot. There is a magazine on each night stand by the bed, in the bed, on the coffee table, in the kitchen, on the couch, and yes, in the bathroom. I'm out of control! Beau has kindly offered to make the box "disappear".

So, Elaine, if you read this let me know if you want to pass on the box to any of your friends that can handle such a sweet gift!! ;-)

Not my photo.....but you get the 'picture' ;-)

We have a church!

I still can't believe we finalized the Church! We did things a little backwards (long story) but it all came together and it's perfect! The ceremony is going to be at the Corpus Christi Cathedral - also where I had my First Communion all those years ago :-) This Church has always had a special place in my heart - not only because of this and b/c it's beautiful but this is also where our high school graduation mass took place. It was very cool.


I have a feeling this is going to be the longest walk of my life ;-) Not because of who will be standing at the end waiting for me (can't wait for this part!), but b/c I don't like being stared at. So, 250 of my closest friends & family looking at me for, what will seem like forever, is going to make me sweat. Just warnin' you, Beau ;-)



That being said, I do understand that it is a once in a lifetime experience and I will revel in it...I have 7 months to prepare!

If a dog was the teacher....

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy-ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

A Letter to Myself

Dear Stacey,

Well, here you are. A Blogger. Something you swore to yourself you would never do. Hypocrite. Now you have to figure out how to make your friends laugh, your mom happy and your family proud...good luck! At the very least, try to keep them all awake!

Keep it clean and make Shelby and Beau proud...

Peace out,

You/Me