Totally Tolers

2011 Favorite Moments

2011-12-18T07:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Tolers!

Enjoy!

Santa Picture

2011-12-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

At the Chi Omega Christmas Event, Whitney was not a fan of Santa.
I just love crying santa pics and my dramatic girl didn't disappoint me.

Christmas Pics

2011-12-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

Some Christmas pics. Whitney is becoming a difficult baby to photograph. She is the happiest, smiling baby at home, but put her in front of a camera and you get the mouth wide open face or a very dead serious look. This year getting her to sit on a stool or bench proved to the especially challenging.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes only one costume just won't do.

Grandma Toler found the Mickey Mouse Costume when Whitney was just months old and sent it in a box full of clothes for her in September.

Grandma Couture made the poodle skirt and hair tie and the blouse I already had.

Since Tug hates costumes (shocking for a theatre major) my pal Linda joined Whitney to a Church Trunk or Treat event and then we went trick or treating at a few friends and over to my moms house, which led to just a few more houses.

Every house was the same thing: excitement running towards a door, smiles when she gets to knock on the door, panic when they open the door, clinging to mommy when they speak to her, "up" "up" "up" neighbor puts candy into baby's (really mommys bag) then closes door, followed by whitney shouting "bye bye" at least ten times down the street till we reach the next house.

It was a great night.

Breakfast

2011-10-24T19:05:00.001-07:00

Had the day off work today, so we slept in and had a late breakfast. Check out the self feeder.

Favorite Pumpkin Pics

2011-10-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

In October we spent many Saturdays mornings at the Arboretum. It was a great place to get out and enjoy the fall weather. Whitney could run around and play with all the pumpkins. We left around eleven oclock before it got too crowded.

She really liked it when we piled some small pumpkins all over her. She kept motioning for more pumpkins.

Updated pictures

2011-10-13T19:48:00.001-07:00

Meeting the President

2011-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Whitney met President Obama today. It was a very confidential event that we couldn't talk about until after it was over. (we ony told a few trusted friends. I debated what to put her in, that might get her some extra attention. I was going to go for a supercute look, but then i heard another parent mention an Old Navy Flag shirt and I knew I could do better than that. So I was up till 11pm hand sewing this patriotic ribbon onto a Grandma Couture jumper.

LOVE MY LIL DEMOCRAT!!!

The parents were not allowed to come, only the kids and teachers and it was a highly secure event. It took me 25 minutes to get through the security, body scanners, secret service and bomb squad dogs, just to drop her off in the morning. It was quite an experience!

The teachers said that Obama went directly to her (she was the first child/baby he spoke to). He shook her baby hand and told her she was most patriotic young citizen. The teachers said that Whitney smiled at him and then tucked her head away, being shy.

Here is a picture of the him reading a story in the preschool class. (pic is from my TV)

These are Whitney's baby friends, but sadly she is not in this picture. This pic is posted on whitehouse.gov. We are awaiting pics from the traveling White House Press Secretary photographer, he was the only one allowed to have a camera.

Milk and Cookies First Birthday Party

2011-07-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

I just love theme parties and when you don't have a job over the summer, decorating can take over your life.

Here is the Milk and Cookies Bar with Six different types of cookies and the three milk choices

Some baby friends at the party.

I made her seven layer cookies and milk cake.

She loved everyone singing to her. At first she just picked off the chocolate chips.

After we took her hand and showed her how to really get into it,

she chowed down.

After that she shoved it in her mouth, using two hands most of the time.

Grab a cookie favor on your way out.

Hawaii Arrival and Day 1

2011-07-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

We arrived greeted by Tug's parents, with orchid leis in hand. We pushed on through our jet lag and walked around the resort, then ate dinner and went to bed at around 8pm (Hawaii time). Only to be woken up around 3Am to a jet lagged baby (who thinks it's seven her time.) It was a rough first few nights.

We started the day off by attending the morning session at the hotel, which was an introduction to the hotel, its amenities and their excursions. We then spent the day relaxing by the beach and then the pool.

Here is Whitney enjoying her canopy beach tent.

"Sand looks tasty....."

"Maybe not"

Hawaii Day 2

2011-07-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Our rental house was amazing. It had a huge plumeria tree in the backyard and it dropped tons of plumeria flowers all over the backyard.

This is the back of the house, the plumeria tree on the left. The deck had outdoor dining and a grill. The walkway leads out to the beach, right in our backyard.
This is the front of the house, with our taning area on the left, palm trees all around the house.

A view from our beach backyard. It was amazing! If I go back I'd love to stay there again.

Our tanning deck.

The entire wedding party and friends took a Dolphin snorkel trip. We saw the spinner nose Dolphins. We also snorkeled with lots of fish, turtles and saw dolphins from a far.

Ko Olina Marina

Wild Spinner Nose Dolphins

The ship from Pirates of the Caribbean 4 is docked here in Oahu.

Hawaii Day 3 and 4

2011-07-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Surfing on the North Shore

We took surf lessons, and took this picture, in case no one got up, we could photoshop us actually standing on the board. But we were all pleasntly shocked, that we got up almost everytime.

Our surf instructors on on the ends and I made every attempt to flirt with my instructor on the left.
It was an overcast day, so the pic is kind of gloomy, but here Rob and I are, waiting to catch a wave.

Look what washed up ashore. He sunbathed for about 20 minutes then got back in.

Look Ma, no hands....

After our surffing lesson we went to the famous Matsumoto for their shaved ice.

So much to choose from...

Later that night we attended the Rehersal dinner an ate traditional Hawaiian foods.

Hawaii Day 5

2011-07-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

A pic of the guys before they left for the wedding. It was so sunny outside, apperently no one can open their eyes for the pic.

The wedding was held on a Hawaiian plantation. It was so beautiful there, it was an amazing place to get married in.

Some traditional Hawaiin dancers provided entertainment after the wedding.

The first dance...

All four of the guys back together again, kind of a bad pic though. (still learning the settings on my camera)

Hawaii Day 6 and 7

2011-07-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

START HERE HERE HERE HERE

Vacation photos no special order

2011-07-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Whitney on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard Front of the ferry. You can also sit inside which we did. Way too windy for the baby. I believe the ferry is 3 or 4 stories. It took about 45 mins to go from Wood's Hole to the Vineyard.

Boats docked at the Vineyard

Lighthouse

Same lighthouse

L and I were driving Mike Toler's car.
This is the Burgess Museum, a real tiny place. Burgess wrote the Peter Rabbit series. Interesting - his wife died giving birth and the son was sent to Mr. Burgess' aunt to raise. Mr Burgess wrote stories about Peter Rabbit in the Briar Patch for the aunt to read to his son. Eventually they became a series in a publication.

jam factory

This is the Briar Patch where the stories of Peter Rabbit take place.
There was a big sign warning against ticks on the trail. Lauren and I decided to skip the trail.

Methodist church from 1849. Lots of Methodist churches on the Cape.

Beach at Wills Point. Water everywhere on the Cape is freezing even in July.

Baby Bottom

2011-06-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Just a mid day skinnydip for baby and dog.

Sloppy Joes Night

2011-06-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Dog and Baby

2011-04-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ever since Whit started crawling, she and Maddie have become best pals. Whitney crawls all over Maddie, and Maddie is still trying to figure out how to play with Whitney. She brings her all the dog toys and pounces her paws down, but Whitney has yet to reciprocate.

Grandma and Whit and Maddie

Bluebonnet baby

2011-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Texas more than your baby in bluebonnets. ( i can't believe she wore these sunglasses)

Having your picture taken can get old, really really old.

Must start screaming.

just two quick pics

2011-04-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

Easter

2011-04-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

While going through some pics, I noticed I never posted from Easter.

We busted out the fine china, had a wonderful lunch, attended mass, and had a mini Easter Egg hunt in the front yard.

Her G-ma got her this amazing smocked white dress from Chocolate Soup, when she was just months old and I've been waiting to put her in it.

After a quick outfit change into another dress from G-ma (this one hand made) for egg hunting. I just love this pic of these two.

Grandpa helped her open the eggs, which had her favorite puffs, raisins and goldfish.

8 months

2011-03-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Dallas Blooms at Arboretum

2011-03-10T17:36:00.001-08:00

My favorite time of the year. Spring has sprung and I'm loving my days at the Arboretum. I've gone four times already this month, thankfully we have a membership. Its just beautiful for Dallas Blooms.

Tulips and Baby

Look at that lil chubby face.

Actually the first closed mouth pic we've had in months.

Poor Baby, there wasn't a flower bed, bench or rock, I didn't attempt to drape her on.

I'm sure she was happy to just sit in her car seat on the way home.

Photo Sessions are just so exuasting.

After a successful transfer to her crib.

(note the insane amount of paci's in her bed--ahh self soothing at it's best)

Black and White Photos

2011-03-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

Whitney and Daddy

(The last time I put her on my shoulders was months ago and she barfed in my hair, I was secretly hoping for the same results when Jeff did it, but I guess she liked it too much)

Just testing out the black and white setting on my camera.

Of course the baby who always has her mouth open..... never fails.

7 months old

2011-02-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some 7 month old pics from Feb 23rd.

Kind of bored on a Saturday....

Christmas till Feb

2011-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

A video slideshow with Christmas, New Years, Hospital trip, Cancun trip and Valentine's photos.

finally, a long time coming...

2011-01-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Whit from early October to early Decemeber.

The Beatles

2011-01-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

The resemblance is uncanny.

Cancun

2011-01-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well, after much consulting with the doctors, we decided to head off to cancun, as we had planned all along. Our fourth destination wedding in 5 months, (7 total this year) was my cousin Season's. It was good to see family, aunts and uncles and Whitney was in a good mood and hadn't let her injury stop her. By the time we had arrived in Cancun her eye was only minimally swollen and the bruising had set in a variety of colors.

With a margarita in one hand, pushing our bruised baby in Cancun, i doubt we'll win parents of the year, but oh well.

The resort Azul Sensatori is a fabulous all inclusive resort about 20 minutes of cancun airport. It boasts being a resort for multi generations. They have several sections of the resort for premium, adults only, and family, all separated by many pools, bars, restaurants and activities. It was so baby friendly, they have a partnership with Fisher Price, so at every restaurant nice high chairs are there, as well as a Fisher Price toy lending program, and have cribs, baby monitors, and strollers available for your use. The resort was great, however the weather was not so sunny as usually cancun is. It was mostly windy, and overcast all the time we were there. Sadly, we never even got in the pool nor beach (other than our feet) but relaxing with baby after the traumatic week we had in the hospital and back home was just what we needed.

Here are a few pics of our lil' sunshine.

I just love this pic.

Napping in a beach cabana became a daily necessity.

The Wedding was a very small, and intimate ceremony with their families and closest friends.

Lovin' the shoes!!

Uncle Ed, Aunt Cyd, Season, Adam

At the reception, Season and Alex, who have done competitive ballroom dancing together had an amazing first dance that was choreographed with so many dance styles, it was awesome. I can't imagine how many hours of practice when into that.

W. loved dancing at the reception.

When every one's dinner was served, they brought out Whitney's place setting, with a jar of baby food on a silver tray. We thought it was so cute and then went back to debating over who would drink the glass of wine they poured for her spot. =)

All in all a great relaxing four days in Cancun with an awesome resort, family wedding, and a bruised baby with a margarita.

Next Destination wedding: in May, the biggie HAWAII (12 glorious days!!) for Chris and Charity's wedding!!

A trip to the ER

2011-01-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well we have arrived, in parenthood that is, with our first trip to the ER.

Monday afternoon around 5pm, my mom was over at our house watching the baby for us. She was holding the baby and tripped over a laundry baskett in the hallway (which obviously shouldn;t have been there) and she fell with the baby in her arms. They both fell really hard. Luckily Tug was in the backroom finishing up some work and heard the fall. Both mom and Tug tried to stop baby's screaming for over an hour. Whitney was screaming at the top of her lungs and vomited three times. She refused to open her left eye and started getting really sleepy when Tug called the pedi, who said to take her into the ER. So I immeidatly left what I was doing and headed to the Children's ER, arriving there before they did.

After waiting in the ER with just about every illegal alien and their sick illegal kid for about an hour, being exposed to strep, flu, RSV, 104 fever, menengitis, I was so grossed out we decided to wait in the car. They finally got her back, took a CT scan, and determined that she had a fractured skull. My heart just sank and I heald her in my arms and balled.

They started an IV on her, which was highly traumatic for mom and dad. We watched them hold your baby down and hurt her, and you can't do anything to help her, as she give you this look of desparation and pain through her screaming. They gave her morphine and she stopped crying, was completely drugged out and fell asleep. At about 11:00pm We were admitted to hospital for neuro observations. They put us in a room with a metal crib (which looked like it should hold some wild animal at the zoo) and a video camera watching our every move. We later learned that not all the rooms have video cameras, so we thought we were under suspecion for child abuse. After a night no no sleep for the parents, (baby slept great under morphine) and a day of observations and re-telling the story about 10 times and meeting with different doctors, we were released about 5pm.
We are hoping that baby will not need any surgery or procedures to repair what may or may not be a cosmetic issue. We just need to wait and see how it heals..... Now on to the next issue, we're scheduled to go to Cancun at the end of the week.

Fast forward.... since it takes me about 3 weeks to get my posts up, as of now baby has healed well and we have one more opinion about a surgery or not, but more on that later..

SNOW DAY

2011-01-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

Even though it was just an inch we seized the opportunity and put baby in her snow suit. I just might be the only time she uses it this first year.

Happy one/one/one one

2011-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

Hugs and Kisses from Whitney for a wonderful New Year!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

We are thrilled to celebrate Baby's first Christmas!

Heading out for Christmas Eve mass

Christmas morning...Every Christmas when I was a child, my mother started off the morning with a big huge bloody mary to survive the insanity of the day. Now almost as a rite of passage, I made myself a large bloody mary.

Pictures from seeing Santa at the NorthPark mall. (who we all know is the only real Santa.)

Off to Mexico for Thanksgiving

2010-12-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Monica got married over Thanksgiving in Tulum Mexico. She had amazingly beautiful beach wedding and had a totally rocking reception with mariachis, fire dancers and a live band. My mom came along to take care of Whitney while I was at the wedding weekend activities. After 3 nights in Tulum, we went to Cancun just for the last night. Here are some of our favorite pics from the trip.

Dallas 3 Day

2010-11-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

Ever since I walked in the 3 Day I have been an instant supporter. Although I probably will never take on the challenge of being a walker (a 60 mile journey and raising a minimum of $3,000) I want to conitnue to head out to the cheering stations. Last year I managed to take out my 3 Day toilets that everyone loved, even though I was feeling sick (little did I know, it was becuase I was pregnant) So this year, I quickly made a sign the night before and trucked baby out there. The walkers loved the sign and so many stopped to take pictures of Whitney with her sign. I just love going to be supportive at the cheering stations and to see all the crazy outfits and decorations.

Whitney's Christening

2010-10-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October 17th we had Whitney's Christening at church. Her gown is a family heirloom and is over 95 years old, and Whitney is the 19th baby to wear it. Family and Friends joined us for this special day and then returned to our house for a small reception. Whitney was wonderful throughout the longest baptism ever. She was surrounded with love from her proud Godparents Alycia and Mitch.

Whitney's 4th Video

2010-10-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoy

3rd Whitney Video

2010-09-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

Here's our next Whitney Video. She's just over 7 weeks now.

1 month old

2010-08-23T15:37:00.001-07:00

When I was preg. I was given these stickers (www.pickysticky.com) that you put on the baby's shirt and take a picture in them each month.

Here is our one month old pic. The pic is not the greatest because It's impossible to get an open eyed and closed mouth pic of this girl. It's just not gonna happen.

Whitney 3 weeks old

2010-08-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the next video montage installment.

already a lil red raider

2010-08-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Whitney's First Week

2010-07-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tug and I put together a little video slide show set to music. (We're still learning the program, so it's not professional, but it's pretty good)

SHE'S HERE!!!

2010-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our little Whitney has arrived at 1:39pm on Friday July 23rd. We are overjoyed and falling in love all over again.

38 weeks

2010-07-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Since the baby's heart rate and my BP was high last week, we went back today for our last sonogram. The doctor and I decided a c-section is best because, (despite having a huge ass) my pelvis has not rotated out much and with her size, we'd probably end up in a C-section after a birth attempt anyways, so why not just schedule it. So it's scheduled for Friday July 23rd at 1:00. I can't believe my next post will include her. So excited for Friday.

Nesting

2010-07-11T12:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I opened and assembled the car seat, carrier, stroller and swing. Today I am doing paint touchups in the back den and taking down all the pictures, because we are having the floors sanded and re-stained on Monday morning.

9 1/2 months!!

4th of July weekend

2010-07-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Feeling festive and tired of the usual American Flag cake, I made up these hamburger cupcakes for the 2nd time. I used the recipie from another website, but added coconut dyed green to make it look like shredded lettuce and a fancy toothpick to finish them off. I decided to use almond buttercream icing, instead of vanilla but they turned out so sweet that next time I'll probably just use vanilla.

Just when I thought I couldn't get any bigger, I hit the 9th month, less than 30 days now.

My Baby Shower "A Southern Soiree"

2010-06-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

I had my final baby shower on June 12th, and it was lovely. The hostesses did such a great job keeping to the southern theme. We had a fabulous brunch of vegetable pancakes with roasted plum sauce, southern honey ham, homemade buttermilk biscuits with peach preserves, popovers with berries and cream. For drinks we had basil lemonaide and sweet tea out of traditional southern jars.

Here is the AMAZING invitation that Alycia made with her faboulous cardmaking skills/buisness.

Here is the porch and drink stations.

Yummy, Petit fours with flowers and pink booties on them.

All of the hostess wore southern aprons for serving the brunch.

Diane, Kathryn and Alecia

After everyone ate brunch, the hostesses had some entertainment for the guests, thankfully it did not involve any form of baby shower games, (which I hate- thanks girls)

Alycia read off her top ten list of ideas and sudgestions for new mothers then Diane sang a beautiful song called "Reaching" while a slide show was shown. The hostessess asked of all the guests to submit pictures of themselves as babies and pics of their babies. It took alot of hard work, but the slide show was so cute. Several people were crying and eventhough I'm typically not the cryier, with my hormones, I was right there with the rest of the emoitonal ones.

Dad bought me a pink lil baseball glove, which all the

former cubbies moms loved, just as much as I did.

I can't beleive how generous everyone was. We

have tons clothes and all the baby necessities now.

I gave each of my hostesses an insulated picnic/cooler

with their monogram on it and I put tons of plastic

pincic supplies in there.

My car was too full and we had to have

another car, loaded up with gifts just to drive home.

Thanks to all our friends and family for making this day so memorable for me.

We are truely blessed.

Incredible Chewing Machine Strikes Again

2010-06-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

Just when we feel like we've gotten out out this famous Labrador puppy phase, the incredible mischievous chewing machine strikes again.

1) After a baking project that ended badly, i tossed the cupcakes in the trash. Well Last night we came home to discover that Matador learned how to push the foot pedal open (therefore raising the lid) and exposing the 15 cupcakes in the trashcan and ate them. ALL OF THEM, ALL 15 CUPCAKES and ABOUT 12 FOIL WRAPPERS, gone in probably 5 minutes. (luckily it was just cake and no icing- but I'm sure she would have loved that too).

2) Just a day before the cupcake incident, we regretfully had to tell my parents that the drink koozie we borrowed out by the pool, won't be returning. (at least not in it's original state)

3) But the most shocking of them all was about 3 weeks ago when I came home from work to discover that Maddie, must have been investigating the stove top when her paw turned on our gas stove and gas was leaking throughout the house for hours on end.....

It all started when I was walking up to our front door and I started smelling gas outside (this was before I was even in the house) I immediately thought I hope my neighbors don't have a leak or something. Then i put my key in the door and I can definitely tell the problem is coming from our house. I fling open the door and call out Maddie's name, hearing her collar jingle and her rush to the baby gate (which we have throughout the house to confine her) assures me that she's at least alive. I run into the kitchen and can hear the gas stove hissing away. It was turned to level 6 out of 8. I then take her out into the backyard, and make sure she is still standing, breathing, and conscious. I go back inside and open all the windows and doors and attempt to call my husband. He didn't answer (was in a meeting)but after a quick text of "Gas Emergency call me now" he calls back in 1 minute and he calls the gas company to come over. Creepy gas man arrives 30 minutes later to see a frantic pregnant woman, standing curbside with her dog, checking for neurological damages. (making dog sit and shake repeatedly) He then checks our gas level and determined that indeed the stove gas was on (which I already told him) and not a gas leak. He takes some readings and after airing the house out for 45 minutes he determined that the gas probably was on for well over 5 hours and we needed to air out the house for another 30 minutes and it should be safe to return.

Thankfully we all survived, myself, maddie and the creepy gas man. The next day we had to buy these protective gas handle covers that are meant for babies, but should also be sold for Labradors at your local pet store.

You know how children regress to younger toddler like behaviors when their mother has a new baby. Well maybe Maddie senses the change and has already started regressing to her puppyhood. God help up when the baby actually does get here.

29 weeks 3D sonogram

2010-05-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

We had our 3D sonogram at 29 weeks unfortunately I skipped lunch that day and baby was feeling just as tired as I was. Although we were hoping for lots of movement on the video, she slept mostly through whole thing. But it was still such a great experience. We got these three pictures and a 3D DVD movie of the whole thing, which I have watched just about everyday since then.

She's spent the whole time curled up on my upper right side. Despite rolling over from me and some poking from the sonographer, she kept her hands and feet in front of her face for a few pics.

All curled up here with her feet practically in her mouth

Dr Seuss Baby Shower for Wendy

2010-05-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun planning and hosting a baby shower for my dear friend Wendy with a Dr Seuss theme. She is about 9 months pregnant and I am about 7 months in this pic.

The babies initials with Cat and the hat made for a great centerpiece.

We posted pictures of the mom and dad as babies throughout the party and some Dr Seuss quotes on all the tables.

On the left was the signature mat, and on the right each guest took a note card and wrote words of encouragement/wisdom/advise.

This was the photo station for the guests to use. Each guest had a variety of zany dress up items and then posed for their pic in front of the backdrop. I matched each guest pictures with their words of wisdom/encouragement and created a book for the mom to be to keep.

Here was the lunch plate with Spectacular Sammies, Diffendorfer Salad, Mayhem Mixture and Green Eggs and Ham.

Our drink station offered Mimosas, orange juice, tea, lemonade and water

While the mom to be opened the gifts we played the 4D sonogram in the background.

All the cute girly clothes she received we added to a clothes line.

Desserts plates with Bartholomew Brownies and Zany cakes.

Look at all those gifts

For party favors each guest got chocolate dipped pretzel rods.

Loading up the car, with her many new gifts.

Crib completed

2010-05-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

It's a GIRL!!!

2010-04-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

In mid March we found out, It's a GIRL!
Here is Baby Toler's more recent glamour shot.

The pic is not all that great, but we're not too worried about her football player shoulders or the incredible floating head without a neck.

Spring Break to Houston

2010-03-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick trip to Houston to see Alycia and my Goddaughters.

Curling lessons

2010-02-28T07:53:00.001-08:00

The Dallas/Ft Worth Curling Club held lessons for anyone interested. It was $10 per person and we had a great time, trying something totally new and different. Yes, I did go out on the ice at 4 months pregnant, but I was very careful and apparently I had the best pitching form in my group! Our friends Mary and Cory came along as well. Cory thought this would be the start to his olympic career.

Here I am getting some tips from my curling instructor.

Check out his kilt. He was an interesting character...

Mary's face says it all!

Now that's a determined face..

Who would have thought that he would be so

good at sweeping, when he's never

even used a broom at home.

SNOW DAY

2010-02-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

Just a few of our favorite pics, we got 11 inches in our yard.

Yes, we fed her a snowball in her dish (i know, I know)

Saw this a few streets over...

Who needs a snowman when there's a snowwoman.

Denver Trip

2010-02-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

Went to Denver for a business conference. Two teachers, the principal and myself went for the National Conference of Bilingual Educators. The conference was probably the most boring terrible conference I have ever had the displeasure of sitting through, but at least we had a few adventures and I got to see my friend Alecia there.

We took the railroad train up Pike's Peak.

The minute I found out about this trip to Denver, I contacted Alecia's boyfriend, Shane, about arranging a surprise to Alecia. So here is a video of me showing up on her doorstep with flowers and balloons for her birthday (which was in about 10 days). She's kind of an emotional one, but I loved seeing her reaction.

New Years Eve

2009-12-31T13:35:00.000-08:00

For New Years Eve we had two other couples over for dinner and festivities.
I went with a black and gold theme throughout the table and party room. My food theme was home cooked comfort foods.
I served Ham... for health, Mac N cheese .....for comfort, Black Eyed Peas .....for Luck, and Green beans... for greens (money)

Me, Aimee and Linda

(yes, it was sparkling apple cider)

We used desert to tell them our surprise.

One each cookie I piped in icing "Baby Toler due July 2010"

Toler Family Christmas

2009-12-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

We arrive in Newark NJ and head off to NYC for the evening.

First we browsed around Times Square to see everything. It'd been at least 4 years since we'd been there.

Here's us at the Rockefeller Center Tree and Angels.

Check out this Santa just cruisin' around Times Square.

Saks Fifth Avenue window display.

This building was covered in snowflake lights.

After dinner at an Italian Pasta Bar, we went to see South Pacific.

Well it just wouldn't be Christmas in NYC

if we didn't see Santa coming out of a Gentleman's Club!!

We spent the rest of the week and holiday in Cape Cod MA with MaryBeth's family. There was about a foot of snow on the ground most of the time we were there. We enjoyed a very casual relaxing week with great family.

We were trying to decide a good time to tell MaryBeth and Mike about our surprise. We decided to quit waiting for the perfect moment and the wonderful news was told in the church parking lot after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It was the best gift we could have given MB and they were both thrilled! We told the rest of the family on Christmas Day.

Tyler Family Christmas

2009-12-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas with the Tyler family early this year, because of our plans to go to the Northeast for Christmas. Here are just a few of my fav pics.

opening his new golf bag

Mom opening her favorite gift, while sitting

in some sort of Yoga pose.

haming it up for the camera, while checking out

his new dolly.

Our Big Pregnancy Surprise!!

I decided to trick my parents into thinking that we're going to take a picture after opening all the presents. Husband says he'll give us all a count down and then says "Everybody say Lauren's pregnant" a quick chuckle is heard in the background and then I jump out and shock everyone with the truth. Mom gets it right away, but dad seems to be confused still waiting for the camera to take the picture. I'm so glad we got their reaction on video. (the video takes a while to fully load, so hit pause while it loads fully then play it)

Texas Tech game at Cowboys Stadium

2009-11-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

Texas Tech vs Baylor Nov 28, 2009

Cowboys Stadium

Setting up our tailgate grills
Oficially tailgating hours before the game.

Linda and I waiting to go inside the gates.

With the crowd chanting "Raider Power"

throughout the stadium

Frankly, i thought this sign was outright hysterical,
is that the best he can do

The stadium was filled with red,

it was practically a home game for Tech

Masked Rider

Cheering on the Raiders to victory at

one of Mike Leech's last games.

Lobsters

2009-11-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

Erich visisted from Austin bringing Lobsters with him. He got a great deal and he brought up live lobsters in the back of his truck. Tug working in the kitchen equip. business has a great steamer at his work, so we all headed up there for them.

Just before certain death to hit....

Here's the steamer.
Toler boys enjoying the slow painful death upcoming....

And they're in...

defiantely cooked now.

Brothers, enjoying their creation. I tried a small bit, but it wasn't my thing.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

My mom's over died just a few days before Thanksgiving so we decided to go out for Thanksgiving. Here's a quick pic.

canned pumpkin

2009-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

My co-worker, Katie thought is was hilarious that we give Maddie canned pumpkin whenever she gets into something she's not supposed to eat (which hasn't happened in a while). She gave Maddie an extra can just for the holidays. I took these pics for her thank you card.

Thanksgiving cupcakes

2009-11-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving cupcakes made for the staff at the school. I used Bugle chips to look like a cornucopia.

Trip to Houston

2009-11-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

This weekend we traveled down to Houston for the weekend. We went for our good friend Craig's wedding. We had a great time with all our college pals. I think it's been since our wedding since we all were together. Good time were had be all.

On Sunday we stopped off to see the Clark's and my precious Goddaughters.
(baby is wearing the outfit I gave to big sister when she was a baby--looks like big sister is now sporting a new college, but no hard feelings--she can go wherever she gets a full academic scholarship)

Cheering at 3 Day

2009-11-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

This year I decided not to be a walker and I tried to get on crew team, but it was too late and they were already full, So I did the best I could and supported at the Cheering Stations. My mom and I made signs and the 3Day tacky toilet made an appearance too.
The cheering station was fun, but I missed being right in the middle of the whole thing as a walker. So I'm considering walking again next year... (we'll see)

The street down Arapaho was filled with cheering people.

Denver Trip

2009-10-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

Went to Denver to see my friend Alecia for the weekend. We had a great time catching up with bottles of wine, going shopping, haunted house, passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, brunch (with bottomless bloody Mary and Mimosa bar) "Girls Only" Comedy Musical, and touring downtown.

Here is Alecia and Shane, going into their first haunted house.

I didn't have time to be scared, because I was too busy laughing

at Alecia who was terrified and hiding her head in Shane's coat.

I almost wet my pants from laughing so hard at her.

I'm not sure what's going on here, but after 4 Bloody Marys

I'm sure I was funny at the time.

Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

2009-10-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today I made pumpkin patch cupcakes. I've been dying to try an icing recipie in my Hello Cupcake recipie book, using Marshmellow fluff. Although the icing tasted good the amount of stickyness will probably keep me from making it again.
I used pumpkin spice cupcakes recipie (regular and mini cupcakes) from the book and added Nuttella in the center for a sweet nutty taste. It baked well and the flavors combined were so tasty. I topped the icing with orange sugar crystals and used orange cookie icing (because it dries hard) piped onto the top of the cupcake and used a sour straw candy as the stem.

I boxed them up for some of my co-workers to take back to their families.

Spider Cupcakes

2009-10-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Spider Cupcakes

Make chocolate cupcakes, covered with Dr Pepper frosting, and dipped into ch0colate sprinkles, and use candycorns inserted into cupcake (with a dot of cookie icing) and using a toothpick carefully insert Twizzlers pull and peel strings into the cupcake.

Breast Cancer Cookies

2009-10-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday at work, we all wore pink and I made these cookies and set up a display table too. I had lots of breast cancer stuff left over from my 3-day walk.

Pizza

2009-10-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband made the best pizza ever. He put tomato basil pasta sauce, cubed ham,cubed turkey, sauteed red pepper, apple wood smoked bacon, onions, garlic, Feta and goat cheese.

80's party

2009-09-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a birthday since I turned 21, but for some reason I knew I had to celebrate big for my 30th. So I gathered two of my closest friends who are a month younger than I am and we joined up for a TOTALLY AWESOME 80's party.

We rented out a party room, in a warehouse style loft, with natural hardwood floors overlooking downtown. We created invitations, hired a cheap DJ, got a cake baker, and found some aspiring photographers (who needed experience for their portfolio)

For invitations we used our friend who is a graphic designer and she created this photo postcards for us

The party started at 8pm, so we only served drinks, munchies, and cake.

We had two types of punch: "Pretty in Pink" (alcoholic) and "Like a Virgin" (non-alcoholic)

We had a keg of beer, soft drinks and water bottles.

We created 80's inspired waterbottle labels with

LA Gear high tops, pac-man, speak n Spell, and Ferris Bueller

We had several tables with 80's decor. I printed off pictures of 80's toys

(since most of the guest were children of the 80's) and put them in cheap plastic frames.

This is how I decorate at all my parties, just swapping out the picture according to the theme.

We laid out candy from the 80's all over the party room.

People enjoyed the variety of sunglasses available. We ordered them all

through Oriental Trading.

This is our DJ, dressed as the Karate Kid. He was great.

We played all 80's music with fast and slow songs.Here is our Michael Jackson memorial, where we encouraged

guests to lite a candle for the king of the 80's

We decorated with 80's toys and

memorabilia throughout the party room. We created this photo backdrop, that looked like

something out of the prom from footloose. It's made of cheap PVC piping

with balloons attached and two foil curtains from OT.

Here are the BIRTHDAY GIRLS,

in all ourRAD glory!

We loved our cake, which a friend made for us.

All of our guests came dressed in 80's attire.

Seeing all the outfits, was the best part.

Here I am, having a blast in my Jessie's girl outfit, which i found at goodwill for $15.

We had a FABULOUS time!

Our photographer pictures are located with LeClear Photography. (click here) then click "portfolio" and then "special events."

It was truly the best birthday party I've ever had and I'm so lucky to have such a great group of friends to celebrate it with.

Texas Tough Bike Race

2009-09-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

We went to support our friend Robert as he participated in the Texas Tough Bike Race. He rides in the professional division. We had a great time.

Family Cruise

2009-09-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

In mid September we took a cruise with both sets of parents, as awkward as some may find that, we managed to have a great time together. We left out of Galveston TX, then had two sailing days to Montego Bay, Jamaica, then left overnight and woke up on Grand Cayman Island then left and went to Cozumel, Mexico.
We enjoyed lots of things throughout the cruise. In Jamaica we visited a Jamaican plantation and tasted all kinds of delicious fruits all grown on the plantation. In Cozumel we went diving, where the water was the warmest dive we've ever had. In Cozumel we to the Playa Mia Beach Club (our third time there).
On the cruise boat we enjoyed the comedy clubs, theatrical reviews, ice carvings, music trivia, laying out by the pools, steel drum bands, the insane amount of food consumed and I especially loved the Chocolate melting cake, which was like heaven in your mouth.
We had a great time, and it was the first time for both sides of our families to be together since our wedding (over 2 years ago).

Amazing pictures

2009-08-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today celebrates the ten year mark for US news' week in pictures. Check out some of the most amazing pictures of the past ten years.

Click here

My 30th birthday

2009-08-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well, It's official. I'm a grown up!!

I've never been the type to want any celebration or birthday party since I was like 12. But this year, hell yeah!!! Some of my other close girlfriends are turning the big 3-0 within a month of each other and we've been planning a rocking 80's party. I can't wait. Although the party is my big gift, I did receive lots of flowers just to make my week that much better.

Flowers Galore!!

The Prodigal Son Returns!!

2009-08-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

I'm beyond thrilled today and I'm preparing my famous neon signs for the game today. WELCOME HOME PUDGE!!

We had great seats, but we went to visit Linda's friend who was seated in the upper deck. We took the signs too.

Me and my signs made it to the Jumbotron and Fox Sports News. We got a great video of it. (to be uploaded soon)

Cake Wreck

2009-08-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite new blogs to visit is Cake Wreck where people have sent in their Cake disasters that have been ordered through a "professional bakery"

Ahh The stupidity just amazes me.

Interesting Design, I recall a simular cake at My friend Wendy's bachelorette party.

YUM Yum, nothing pleases me more

than to slice into your baby at the shower

"I got dibs on the butt"

What a wonderful letter combination for the white cake!

If this is a work of art, my dog is the next Picasso

To all my friends, please take note of how

I'd like to be remembered at my funeral.

NEW JOB OFFER!!

2009-08-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

After going through two interviews and then being put on hold for a while, for processing, it was finally official, and I accepted a NEW JOB!!!

We celebrated with Champagne at home and went out to dinner at Kirbys!!
I'll start the new position on Aug 10th!!

Houston for a 3rd Birthday Party

2009-07-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

My precious God Daughter Eleanor celebrated her 3rd birthday.

I went to Houston for my Goddaughter Eleanor's 3rd birthday. Alycia hosted a little back yard party with three splashing pools, beach balls, sprinklers and a slip n slide and about twelve 3 year olds. Since the party was starting at 9am she served a few breakfast items, and drinks. Instead of doing a large cake, she thought it would be easier to make cupcakes so she made Martha Stewart recipe for cupcakes, only problem is, the recipe is 19 steps. YES 19 steps, and we were melting both white and milk chocolate in a double broiler at almost midnight, the night before. Needless to say they tasted amazing and her love for Eleanor showed through the 3 day process of making the cupcakes.

Here are the amazing 19 step mini cupcakes bites!

After all the kiddos left and Eleanor ate lunch and took a long nap,

She got to open her gifts. One of her favorites was a dress up bag with

lots of dress up clothes to play in.

Princess in training already
Their cat Cellis enjoyed rolling around in the sidewalk chalk.
So she spend the afternoon pink.

Here is Penelope sucking her thumb the exact

same way Eleanor did at her age.

Hamburger cupcakes

2009-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

We went to a backyard pool party and cook out last night. I wanted to bring cupcakes that went along with a summer theme. I found a recipe from the Internet on how to make hamburger cupcakes. So i gave it a try and they came out so great.

Here's what I did: take any recipe for yellow cupcakes and bake accordingly, then let them fully cool , take cupcake wrapper off and cut in half. Then bake a set of thin brownies (i used two pans) and cut out a 2 inch circle and set aside at least 12 circles. Then using any icing recipe add food coloring, add yellow for mustard and red for ketchup. I also used green dye to coconut for lettuce.

I assembled the cupcake burgers as follows: cupcake top half, yellow icing (which also looked like melted cheese), brownie, red icing, green coconut then cupcake bottom half. Then i put a light sugar glaze over the top and sprinkled sesame seeds on the top and put in a tooth pic.

I was told that someone grabbed one before dinner and thought is was a slider burger, he was surprised but ate is anyways.

Here is Bella enjoying hers.

Speechless

2009-07-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there are those moments my my life, when he neaver ceases to amaze me. Ahh "A boy and his dog"

Austin and Lago Vista for 4th of July

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

Over the weekend my pal Alecia and I drove to Austin to pick up her boyfriend Shane (who flew in from Denver) for the 4th of July weekend and to successfully meet the parents.

Shane wanted to tour Austin for the day. So after picking him up at the airport (where his Southwest flight arrived 25 minutes early- Thanks SWA) we went to lunch on 6th street and cruised around then we did the Austin Duck tour. I'm told that the duck tour is the laughing stock of Austin locals but we offically put out tourist cap on and enjoyed the ride. Thinking it only drives through the puddles, Alecia was impressed that the vehicle/boat actually goes striaght into Town Lake. We enjoyed the historical tour of Austin and the lake but could have done without the raging heat of 104 for the day.

Here's our route through Austin on the duck.

Crusing past the capitol.

(complimentary duck bills were the best part.)

After the duck tour we cruised around campus, because it was say to hot to walk around, and then we went to Barton Srpings for the rest of the afternoon.

4th of July in Austin and Lake Travis

2009-07-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Alecia and I went to Lago Vista for the holiday weekend and her boyfriend, Shane, flew down there to meet her family and spend the weekend there. Since this was his first time in Austin, we did all the touristy things. We even went on the duck tour, that tours the groups through the city and then onto Town Lake.

After our tour of Austin, we spent the rest of the time, by the lake in Lago Vista.

The water level is so terribly low this summer, but it uncovered a great sand bar where we all felt like we were at the beach. We spent the days with Alecia's family and nephews, flying kits, drinking beers and relaxing.

Alecia's nephew, Preston, dug this hole for over an hour

and climbed in, before we knew it he was chest deep.

Alecia and "Nana"

We went to Point Venture for Fireworks, Thanks to our connections

with the Point Venture Park Ranger (alecia's dad)

Peg Leg Puppy

2009-06-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sadly Matador has a severe sprain (possible torn ligaments) in her arm (wrist joint) and is in a cast/splint for about two weeks including a cone on her head so that the incredible chewing machine does not chew off her cast.

Poor puppy couldn't even drink any

water without spilling the bowl

She's getting lots of attention these days.

Here's the story...
While I was visiting a Alycia in Houston, Tug had to make a last minute business trip to San Antonio for the night. Normally my mom will watch Maddie but this was extremely last minute so he made an overnight boarding reservation where she has boarded before. When Tug picks her up from boarding, she limps for about three strides and then refuses to walk on her front paw. The employee comes out and tells Tug that they noticed that she was limping as well, but they put her in the dog run, for a nap and some alone time and then she "seemed fine" and they put her back out to play with the other dogs.

Tug carries her to the car and feels on her joint and she yips in pain and pulls away. Tug takes her to the vet and despite vet thinking it looked broken, it's just a sprain or possibly a torn ligament. She is put in a splint/cast and they tell us to keep her resting and calm. ( yeah right-do they know that she's a lab puppy??)

She was mildly limping last week after going swiming, but it went away and i think sending her to day care and boarding probably aggravated the injury. I feel bad but we've got to stop rushing her to the vet for every little incident. Guess this made it worse, sorry puppy...

I've got words for the doggie day care which told us nothing about her limping, (and probably wouldn't have unless Tug and Matador hadn't stopped walking in their parking lot. ) We won't be returning and I'm writing a hot letter to them and of course I plan on attaching these pics.

I think we've single handedly paid for those new flat screen TV's in the vets office.
So far in just a year and a half we've been through:
*numerous puppy vaccinations
*Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (consisted of several ER trips, and then almost fatal ICU care)
* Spay Surgery
*induced vomiting (when she ate the remote control)
*Ear Infection
*Eye Infection
*Allergies
*Skin Infection
* Chipped tooth (requiring surgical dental work -from eating rocks)
* ER visit (after eating viscine bottle)(thankfully this one was on the house-b/c we're a returning customer=)
*Kennel Cough (from the Kennel Cough Nasal Vaccination- lovely!!)
* Sprained Paw

I can't wait to see what the rest of her lifetime holds.... hopefully we won't have to mortgage the house and live under a bridge to see it.

Rangers Game

2009-06-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

Last week we hit up the Rangers game with our pals Robert and Linda. We sat in great seats provided by Robert's company. Thanks Vinson Process!

We spotted these two guys a few rows down, who had used body paint to look like rangers jerseys. Linda and I couldn't resist not taking a pic with these two.
After the Rangers victory there was a great fireworks show.

Two blissful years!!

2009-06-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well it's official we've survived 17,520 hours of marriage without killing each other yet. It's been a wonderful first two years and I am so happy to be married to my best friend.
Today we're remembering our wedding!!
Since our anniversary was on Tuesday June 16th we decided to celebrate on Saturday and a little more on Tuesday. We've decided that we will trade off planning anniversaries. Knowing that I couldn't top last years (King suite at the Westin) I planned a calm night out for dinner and a romantic desert at home. Instead of waiting for husband to come up with the romantic set up at home (that I've been hinting at for years) I decided to bite the bullet and set it up for us now. I bought a new table cloth and napkins and picked up two slices of cake from Romanos Bakery (where we got our wedding cake). I busted out the candles, and the "good china" (which we've never used) and bought some flowers.
Saturday we went to dinner at Kirby's and ate our favorite Copper River Salmon which is seasonal to this time of year. (Surprisingly this is the same place and dinner we ate last year for our first year anniversary- not that I'm not creative -we just love it.) It was amazing as usual and we went home where I set up our romantic dessert. With the candles lit, Michael Buble playing in the background, flowers, and dancing in the living room, I thought I was in a scene The Bachelor.

On Tuesday (the actual anniversary date) the Yankee Husband cooks pot roast. It was really good and it cooked almost all day in the slow cooker. We left the set up in the dining room and had a nice diner again.

Husband was a real gentleman and said some of the sweetest things at dinner.

Pot Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatos

and Roasted Vegetables

(note the use of "good china")

These are glasses that Husband's grandmother gave to us

as our wedding gift. They were a wedding gift to her and

her late husband and they enjoyed them for over 40 years.

The bottle was empty but this is the bottle we had all

our guests sign at the rehearsal dinner and

drank it on our first anniversary.

We are following the traditional anniversary scheduled gift and this year it was cotton. In addition to my cotton gift husband gave me pearl necklace and matching earrings. He always goes well above any of my expectations. He's the greatest. (this has to be the worst pic of me)

Wife gave Husband two cotton golf shirts and a cotton Texas Tech Golf towel and two books

Husband gave Wife Q-tips "to clean out your ears so you'll listen to me more"

and pearl jewelry

After the romantic night was over, I found my husband

was back to his old self again in a mater of hours.

My LAST DAY

2009-06-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day of work for the summer break!!! Although I don't get the entire summer off, I'll take what i can get and be happy with my 6 weeks!!

For those of you who don't know, I work as a counselor for an early childhood school. I work with children who come from the poorest and roughest living environments in Dallas and the children I see for therapy mostly have severe emotional or behavioral problems. (which means they: hit, kick, punch, rip up, cry, scream, spit, pull, push, curse, threaten and tantrum) all the time. I love what I do, but working with these kids can be stressful.

(this is what most of my kids look like,

when I get called to a room to "deal" with them.)

In honor of my last day I've created:

Top ten things I won't miss on my summer break

10. The stinky kid Joshua who once told me he "was packin' heat"

9. Writting behavior plans till I'm blue in the face

8. Listening to my Nigerian boss repeatedly call me "Loreen"

7. Children who flip gang signs at me

6. Parents who have large amounts of cash falling out of their low cut dress

5. Children who can throw a punch harder than I can,

4. My Nigerian boss threatening that we won't have a job when we return

3. Children who tell me they're going to "bust a cap in my white a$$"

2. Reading e-mails from my co-workers who despite having a masters degree have the verbal skills of a third grader

1. Children who spit more than an irate Llama at the petting zoo

First things on my list...

Livin' la vida Lago

2009-06-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend 6 of us girls met up at Lago Vista (on Lake Travis) where Alecia's parents live for her brother's high school graduation. (actually it was just an excuse for a weekend getaway, but we'll take it. We left Dallas around 1pm and headed for Lago and went straight to Jacob's graduation.
CONGRATULATIONS JACOB!!!

After the graduation we went back to Alecia's parents house for a great party. Apperently it was a huge deal to buy a keg, so here we are appreciating the Keg of beer. (sorry about the picture quality, I had some resizing issues)

We ate a ton a great food all weeeked long. Thanks to Diane, Georgia and Nana for their great culinary skills.

Here is Alecia's family. She's the oldest of 5 kids, I guess that explains why she is so bossy.
We hung out all night with the keg of beer, and in the morning, after nursing out hangovers, we headed out for the beach.

Crystal, Lauren, Lauren, Alecia, Kathryn, Mary Margaret,

Alecia's nephews: Gage and Preson

Lauren and Kathryn

Preston burried in the sand.

Jozanna, Alecia, Mary Margaret, Crystal

The making of a great weekend: Good Food, Good Beer, Good times and Good freinds...

This next package is for you!!

2009-06-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today I found the perfect gift for the "not so nice" person in your life... A heaping pile of Cow dung, yes that's right. A package of poo delivered right to your doorstep from an anonymous giver. Check out poop senders for that special someone in your life. Hmmm, will it be Cow, Gorilla or Elephant, decisions decisions..

Top people that might someday receive a steaming package of poo with the UPS guy
1) The officer who insisted on inspecting my car last weekend
2) My "I wouldn't call that cheating" ex-boyfriend
3) My Nigerian boss, the next time he calls me "Loreen"
4) My grad school professor who assigned a 20 page research paper due in 1 week

** On a side note, I can not believe that someone actually makes a profit off poo. If my husband gets laid off again, I've got his new business waiting for him. (what?? it's already his job to pick it up anyways, how about package it and send it off too)***

Urban Spoon

2009-06-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Can't decide on where to go, let urban spoon, tell you where to go. Enter your zip code for local choices

Dallas / Fort Worth restaurantsUrbanspoon

Dallas / Fort Worth restaurants on Urbanspoon

Teachers Celebration Party

2009-05-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I gathered all my teacher friends to celebrate the best part of working in education: summer break. We has brunch, champagne and relaxed by the pool.

The food: I named each item school related names such as: Cafeteria Eggs Benedict, Teachers Pet Pastries, Principals Casserole, Failing TAKS Fruit Skewers

The drink station: Lemonade, soft drinks, water, and most everyone celebrated with lots of Champagne and Mimosas.

The decor: used large butcher paper to cover the tablecloths and wrote school related names in marker, decorated with #2 pencils and apples, along with come printed teacher cartoons posted on the fence behind the drink station.

We all had a great time, just relaxing by the pool in the "child free zone!"

Slip Slidin' on Sunday

2009-05-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, after a few mimosas we decided to challenge each other on the slide, as to who could create the biggest splash. You would think we were kids again. I just loved these two pics.

Water Dog

2009-05-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just another lazy Sunday with our water loving dog Matador.

My Amazing Goddaughters

2009-05-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Aren't they just the cutest things ever.

Kentucky Derby Party

2009-05-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

We all were planning on going to the Kentucky Derby party at the horse races but it was predicted to rain so Kathryn hosted a last minute Kentucky Derby Party at her house. Alecia's mom, Nana and Aunt Georgia were in town so they joined as well. We all created huge hats, mint juleps, food and plenty of wine.

Linda, Alecia's mom, and me

These were my mint julep cupcakes.

There's never a shortage of food at our parties. (or wine)

Just us girls feelin' fancy!

That's Alecia's Nana on the left, who just celebrated her 70th birthday

and her Great Aunt Georgia on the right. Crystal made

sure their drinks remained full throuhgout the night.

Alecia, Crystal, and Kathryn

Linda won the award for best hat.

______________________

Wolfgang Puck's 560

2009-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation we went out to try 560 by Wolfgang Puck (which is the old Antares) at Reunion Tower.

Here is the description... Wolfgang Puck's first Dallas restaurant is a revelation to the city's dining scene. A sleek glass pavilion welcomes diners who ascend 560 feet into the center of the restaurant and its majestic 360º views. The restaurant itself slowly rotates over the city offering continual, differing and unparalleled panoramas throughout the meal. The interior is modern and the ambiance warm and inviting, creating a zen-like atmosphere–the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal. The cuisine is signature Asian-influenced Puck, and the extensive wine list is sure to quench any aficionado's thirst.

We all sat at the bar and had great views of the city on the rotating bar/lounge. We ordered drinks and appetizers but no official meals (b/c clearly none of us could afford that).
The drinks were awesome by out bartender (who had a stricking resemblence to Dr Benton from ER) and the appetizers were even better.

Julie has some serious Vanna White Skills!!

Here is a friend of mine (who shall remain nameless)
after having 4 pear martinis.

Surprise for Alycia's birthday in Houston

2009-04-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday April 21st one of my besties, Alycia turned 30!! I arranged with her husband to fly down to Houtson and visit her. We kept it a total secret for almost two months. I flew out of Dallas on the moring flight to Houston, arrived and rented a car. Using my navigation (that we got for Christmas) I located a florist, party store and grocery store nearby.

I bought all my supplies and headed for her house, which I drove past, twice because they painted the outside. I parked my rental car, at the neighbors and waked over. The walk to her house proved to be a challenge in itself, because I was carying: a camera, a dozen balloons, chocolate, confetti, a Tiffiany gift, 30 roses and a large sign.

Check out the video of me surprising her. (sorry about the balloons they kept hitting me in the face and I was holding so much stuff)

This is Penelope Marie who was

about 7 weeks when I visited. I certainly had baby fever

but husband said babies are GROSS.
(I guess he needs a little more time.)

Alycia reading the "sisters" book I gave to Eleanor.

I think Eleanor liked the balloons too.

Happy 30th Birthday!!

This Economy is definitely getting worse

2009-04-16T19:41:00.000-07:00