MIA

A few weeks ago mom took Mia to a great park in Houston to take some pictures. We now have a new photographer in the family - she did such a great job, and just like the Princess she is, Mia posed and smiled and "cheesed" like a pro! Here are a few of my favorites, but when I say there are a TON to chose from, I'm not kidding. Friday I'm going to print some and get a great collage frame to put up in the hallway with my favs.

Happy (almost) Birthday to ME

Let me tell you why I have such an amazing husband.

This weekend, while Trey was doing what he does best, I did what I do best.... For those of you who know us, you probably already know what those two things are. For Trey, it means a few trips to Home Depot and building something. For me, it means shopping.

So while Trey was working extremely hard on a project building new stairs for a client, making some extra money for our family, I was out spending it! Now I have to say that I think “spending” tends to come in waves. At least it does for me. I can go a very good while not really spending leisure money. Of course, there’s always groceries and necessities, but I’m talking about the extras. That being said, I also have to point out that when I shop for things like clothes, shoes, etc., I can get quite a bit for half the cost of one of Trey’s leisure spends. (He’ll be the first to admit that he tends to go for the big ticket items – it’s just in his nature – he doesn’t know how to do things small!) Well, I have to admit that lately my shopping has been a bit of a too regular habit. In my defense (and much to my pleasure), a great deal of it has been more of necessity and not so much want. As I’ve been working towards losing the weight that I gained in the last year, I’ve found a need for new clothes. And luckily, there have been some great deals to be had out there. But just as Trey knows only big ticket items, I seem to only know big quantity. And so back to my point that, at least for me, spending and shopping seems to go in waves and I’ve been on a pretty big wave this last month.

So all weekend, Trey was working. And today, among errands, April and I found our way to the mall. We’ve both been “needing” (and by needing I mean wanting) a good new handbag. Well of course, we found just what we were looking for. After much debating (and I am talking MUCH debating), we both decided to make the purchase. Immediately (before we were even out of the parking lot), we were discussing, debating, and deciding. Not with much luck either. As soon as one of would talk the other or ourself into taking it back, we’d starting talking the other or ourself into keeping it. We both went back and forth at least 6 times. Once we got home, we put all of our stuff in our new bags and looked at them again… still can’t decide. So I’ve now decided to talk to Trey about it and see what he thinks, but by the time he calls that he’s on his way home (all done with his job!), I’ve pretty much decided that I need to take it back. So Trey is telling me about his project, and the money he made, and I said – Good, because I was bad! He warily asks me what I mean by bad. I told him about the handbag, and that I shouldn’t have spent the money and I think I’m going to take it back. And his response – Happy Birthday Baby – you’re keeping the handbag!

So to my wonderful husband, who knows me so well, thank you… For your heart of gold, your unconditional love, and for letting me pick out my own birthday present (even though we both know I’d already gotten my birthday present)!!

Happy Anniversary

Last week was a very special occasion... on Thursday Trey and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Wow - I can't believe it's been 3 years already. Time really does fly by. We celebrated in our usual fashion. Good Food and Good Company. We went for a really nice dinner (and it was DELICIOUS!!) and spent our time just talking and enjoying each other's company.

It amazes me how much has happened in 3 years, and how the place we are at in our lives is just how I pictured and also not at the same time. We've been through a great deal together and more and more, I am so grateful to have such a supportive, wonderful, loving husband. To think, this time 3 years ago I never would have foreseen the past year of medical saga I've gone through. And although I NEVER would have doubted Trey would be there every step of the way, I don't think I ever imagined the way in which he'd be there for me. He seems to find just the right balance of creating dependence and independence. I know I can lean on him and he'll be there, and I know he'll do anything for me. But at the same time, I can be my own person and find my own strength too.

There are so many things I love about Trey... One of the things that is best about him is how diverse it is. I realize that may sound really silly, but bear with me. The thing about Trey is that he stays interesting. I think this is because he is an expert at covering all sides.

I love the way he takes on projects with such zest and eagerness. And yet it's also what wears me out since I have to hear every detail of every project even though most of what he is saying makes no sense and has no meaning for me.

I love his complete meticulousness. (I know this needs no elaboration since you know Trey too!) He is the only other person in this world who keeps a closet the way I do. He measures everything to the exact right spot, and when he does something it is to perfection. Sometimes this means it takes longer than I'd like, but he always gets it done right! I love the way everything has a place with him. I just wish that the place wasn't sitting on the floor in the middle of the room or on the counter out in the open! But marriage is about compromise, right?!

And I even love the way he teases me (though sometimes I wish he'd move on!!).

I love the way he regards "my" family as his own (as I do "his" is mine!). I love the wonderful father he is to Madelyn. I love the amount of respect he has for those who earn it. He doesn't give his respect easily, but once he does, you know it is meaningful.

And Trey can make me laugh like no one else can. Sometime I'm laughing because he's funny, and sometimes I'm laughing at him because he thinks he's funny. But regardless, we laugh. And that is so important.

So 3 years later, I'm reminded how lucky I am. I'm married to the person that is as perfect for me as can be. He understands me, and tolerates me, and loves me unconditionally. And what more could I ask for?!

Trick or Treat

Halloween has once again come and gone. But this year was really exciting because Madelyn was in Dallas for trick or treating. So, we got her a little early on Friday in an effort to get home at a decent time, scarf down sandwiches for dinner, and get into costume.

She was the most beautiful SPIDERWITCH I've ever seen. We got her costume a while ago. And last week, I called her to determine what kind of make-up and accessories I needed to get. So I asked her, do you want to be a "pretty" spiderwitch, or a "scary" spiderwitch, and she said - "what do you think I should be"? So we discussed her options and what we could do for each, and she decided... "I want to be a pretty spiderwitch because that would be more delightful"!!! I'm telling you - she just cracks me up.

So I bought some bold blue eye shadow, and we curled her hair. Jennifer sent some fabulous long spider web designed fingernails, so we glued fake nails on her. Yes - I said that right... glued. They came with nail glue (no more of those little sticky tabs that never worked when I was a kid). Well, Madelyn ROCKED her costume. She looked really great!

So, we set out for trick or treating. It wasn't an easy task. First, April's camera batteries kept dying, so back in the house we went for more (you know we have to get some good pictures!). Then, we got a few houses down, and Trey said - oops, I should have brought my flashlight, so back to the house we went. But finally, we set down our street ready to get some candy. As we walked, we became increasingly disappointed. For every house that was "open", there was 4 - 5 houses that didn't have their lights on. There weren't very many people out. I guess our neighborhood just doesn't have a ton of kids. All in all, we spent about an hour or so trick or treating (and walked about 1 1/2 miles - makes up a little for the candy!). But the good thing is that Madelyn could have cared less... she got tons of candy and really had a great time! And there were a few houses that people really got into it so that was fun.

While we were out, we left a bowl of candy on the porch for trick or treaters - fully expecting that the first group to come by would clean us out. When we got home, the bowl was still practically full!! We were shocked.

So now that we were home, it was time to wash off all that makeup and get ready for bed - we were all exhausted. Silly me, I thought surely Madelyn's nails would be low impact glue since they are for kids. Well, it wasn't. We couldn't get her nails off!!! And let me tell you - she was completely helpless with them. Things like getting undressed, brushing her teeth, going potty - all needed help!!! It was really funny. So the next day, we got acetone nail polish remover, and Madelyn went to "Daddy's Nail Salon", where she soaked her fingers and Trey nudged each nail off. HILARIOUS!! (Then, of course, we had to go to the "real" nail salon to get mani's and pedi's.) But before Saturday when Trey got her nails off, April managed to capture this moment...

Here's a few others... Check out the great pumpkin that Trey carved for Madelyn.