Little Bohemia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAL AND NESS

2011-07-20T10:01:00.001-05:00

Though you are far away, you are not far from our hearts!
We love you and wish you a Happy Birthday on the 23rd!!

Potty Training for Brennan...er, um Dada and Mama?!

2011-07-20T09:46:00.002-05:00

We are now in the midst of trying to potty train Brennan.
Hmmm..I know you are thinking what fun, right!?

So it started with a Peter Potty in the bathroom so he can stand to pee just like Daddy and we also bought a potty that goes on the toilet so that it would be less mess when he wants to poop just like Dad. (ik, a visual) SORRY!

Well, a disinterested Brennan only prevailed. I think this was also a fault of ours since we leave the bathroom door closed. (yes, B has been caught playing in the toilet and I think this is UBER gross).

So now we have a frog potty that sits in the hallway. We try not to push the subject and try to allow him to tell us if he wants to go. This only works maybe 10% of the time. I still use diapers so maybe this is part of the failure also. My thinking was that he will see if all the time when he goes to play in his room.

Maybe I just need to be a little more patient. I see some successes and many failures but I don't get too worried. He goes more frequently at school, most likely because he sees his friends going.

Only time will tell I guess, for now I am left researching better ways to have positive influences for the potty. I don't want to try bribing and I am astonished at the amount of families that are out there that do this. I don't want to give him treats to go. I don't push food on him.

Anniversary #4

2011-04-14T09:42:00.002-05:00

Wonderful day to wake up to knowing that I married Justin 4 years ago today. Things are swarming in my mind though of all the things that we have done up to now and what still needs to happen. I'm fixated on buying an airstream now that the kitchen has been renovated. I have a chip in my diamond that needs to be replaced at Jared's but I am hesistant since this is the diamond that Justin picked out for me. (dang, I knew to take off my rings when I do projects...).
Brennan turned 2 at the beginning of this month and I might have to post strictly for that since that would be a long one. Yesterday he had his first swimming lesson and although it didn't start so smoothly, it ended pretty well. He was associating swimming with fun again. I am also tempted to build a swimming pool in the backyard. (Justin says no but we can work on that one).
Taxes are due and I am getting tired of paying but this year it wasn't so much since we dropped alot into the house and could write off in taxes this year. (hence, my reasoning that we need an airstream!) (2nd mortgage could be written off in Texas). :)
Justin is taking me to Paggi House tonight and Nana & Papa are coming in to watch Brennan. Should be fun!
I keep thinking that I should start sewing again since it has been a while and I still have over half of a quilt to put together. whoa. things catch up and go by quickly.
BUT I am glad of where I am today. Great family, great husband, great kiddo, great friends, great job...finally and to think I am 38. Bout time!

Trying it again.

2011-01-26T12:42:00.002-06:00

We have gone through some major changes the last year or so and with facebook, this blog was all but gone. I thought I would push the door open again and see if I have time to update and post daily ongoings (or at least major goings ons).

Today, I sit with a new company. Multimedia Games is a wonderful, exciting, gaming company in which we produce and sell slot machines and software. I have a very outgoing team with great people and I am no longer induced everday by negativity as I was with ADP Totalsource and its inadequate management and down-right nasty employees. The job was overwhelming and underpaid for the treatment that I had to go to work with everyday. Things are definately looking up.

Justin and I have a new kitchen! We started the demolition in Oct 2010, bought cabinets by the end of that month and now..Jan 2011, we are done with flooring, doors, cabinets and most trimwork. I am super happy with the outcome. Now he just has to stop me from cooking...LOL!

Brennan is now 21 months and he is putting his personality out there and testing our limits. We are just trying to be patient and let him explore without too many no's said but all in all that is kinda hard since its like a moth to a flame in most cases and the normal dangers that we have to prevent him from he seems to love the most.
There are more temper tantrums and he is saying no to lots of thing but the great moments come from the yes's and the sparatic hugs and "mote" to turn on and watch toons and dance together. LOL! little bug!

Traci and Albert are expecting their 2nd child a month from now if the pregnancy lasts that long. Marcus will be welcomed to a new home also that they are building in St. Hedwig. It is huge and will definatley be a wonderful thing for Lainey and the family.

That's all for now..don't want to give away everything. I have lots more in the days coming... Peace.

2009-05-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

Inspiration comes in many forms for me!

2009-02-07T09:29:00.006-06:00

Originally I had stumbled upon Amigurumi...a japanese doll that is made by crocheting or knitting yarn. I was peaked with interest but when you google the word only some small, not very interesting animals or figures came up. That's when I found "Boo"!
This is the inspiration doll that got me started on my hunt to make a doll of my own -----> http://stitch.hellooperator.net/free-patterns/amigurumi-doll/

Then I was inspired by Gourmet Crochet's Beth Doherty to make a doll that had a little personality and had fabulous eyes and details.

This is the 2nd inpiration doll: She is called "Cleo". http://www.gourmetamigurumi.com/

So now to my first creation...I am pleased to announce "Ula" has arrived. I am still working on some more details like giving her a necklace and some shoes.

My Baby Shower from my best friends -Feb 1, 2009

2009-02-03T18:42:00.003-06:00

Place/Time: Crumpets at 11:30am
Hosts: Traci, Cindy & Meredith
Attendees: Mom, MaryLou, Linda, Meredith, Marley, Traci, Lainey, Sharlin, Heather, Cindy, Cheslie

We had a wonderful brunch at Crumpets. Thank you to all for the wonderful gifts!!

From My baby shower

Heather's Baby Shower -Jan 31, 2009

2009-02-03T18:34:00.002-06:00

Saturday I drove to Corpus to attend Heather and Misty Mae's Baby Shower at her house. What a cool baby shower this was! With her family and friends in attendance there were lots of food, games, cake and presents.

Heather's Baby Shower

Ticker :)

2009-01-10T22:39:00.001-06:00

Tablecloth for Nanny

2009-01-07T17:44:00.002-06:00

Ok, so it took me 1 year to finish the darn thing but it made for handy work to finish when we finally have Brennan's name :)

This was supposed to be Nanny's Christmas gift of 2007 :/

Austin's New Year Clock at Auditorium Shores 08

2009-01-03T15:57:00.004-06:00

New Years Clock in Austin 2008

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clock tower will burn for First Night Austin
Last Update: 12/31/2008 6:48 pm

This clock tower will burn New Year's Eve night. Austin is ready to ring in 2009 with the giant First Night Austin outdoor celebration. The New Year’s Eve party is expected to attract more than 100,000 people to the downtown area from 3 p.m. until midnight. The free, family-friendly event includes 60 art exhibits, workshops, a parade, fireworks and other interactive events. The centerpiece of the New Year’s Eve celebration is the Resolution Clock Tower. The three-story, 34 foot tall, dual faced functioning wooden clock is the creation of Community Art Makers. From until 6 p.m., First Night attendees can write their New Year's resolutions on the structure. Then at 8 p.m. the clock will be set ablaze. Austin artists Dave Umlas and Marrilee Ratcliffe are the creative minds behind the intricate sculpture. "So often 'art' is the tangible thing produced, something placed on a wall and revered or reviled," said Ratcliffe. "We're trying to turn this perception on its head a little. What we build is large and meant to create an impact upon introduction, destruction and disappearance." "Our pieces are intentionally massive and intricate. It takes a dedicated team to build them. Upon their destruction, what is left is the skills we have garnered and the relationships we've built, the community we have created and that is the real art. We burn it so that we can restore and build it again," Umlas said.First Night Austin will wrap up the street party with fireworks from 11:45 p.m. until midnight. The fireworks will be ignited on Lady Bird Lake just west of the South 1st Bridge.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few burns reported during First Night Austin New Year's celebration
CBS 42 Reporter: Ryan Loyd
Last Update: 1/01 11:23 am

Resolution Clock Burns For New Year's Eve

Spectators at Auditorium Shores watched the Resolution Clock go up in flames to kick off the New Year. New Year's Eve was off to a big bang in Austin. The 35-foot wooden structure at Auditorium Shores, known as the Resolution Clock, was set ablaze shortly before 8:30 p.m. and took nearly half an hour to burn.
Firefighters were on hand to supervise the burn. But as burning embers fell from the sky, wind carried the ashes east, some people complained of being burned on their skin. Others said they walked away with burnt holes in their clothing.
Pat Wheaton is an artist who helped construct the tower. He says he was not aware of anyone sustaining serious injury.
“If someone had short sleeves on, there were embers coming down so they might have gotten hit with those, like a bug bite," he said. "That’s the only thing that I saw," Wheaton added.
Hundreds of thousands of people attended the burning of the Resolution Clock on the grounds of Auditorium Shores. Many lined the First Street Bridge to watch the clock come down.
Some people standing on the grounds were in direct line with the falling embers.
"The embers didn’t carry that much and most it wasn’t embers anymore, it was just ash," Wheaton said.
For the most part, those involved in the burn said the event was a huge success. The tower was constructed by local artists, who dreamt up the idea nearly a year ago.

Night out with Friends after Christmas.

2009-01-03T15:45:00.001-06:00

We joined Dana, Adam, Niki, Donnie and a few others out in downtown Austin to hangout. :)

Downtown after Christmas 2008

Roan Christmas in Nacogdoches 2008

2009-01-03T15:29:00.002-06:00

Justin and I travelled (along with Brodie) to Nacogdoches for our annual Christmas with his mom, dad and Aunt Pat! What fun!!!
It was filled with yummy turkey and of course the fixin's and long leisure days of rest. We always have a great time when we are there.

Christmas at Roans 2008

Jupe Christmas 2008 at our house

2009-01-03T14:29:00.004-06:00

Christmas was delightful and full of love and happiness. David came in a few days early from New York and then Robert, Leanne, Chris (Annie's boyfriend) and Aunt Linda followed on Friday. We spent the days leading up to our Christmas shopping, running errands and baking/cooking. Lots of fun!
Saturday was our family Christmas and everyone was in attendance except Vanessa and Justin S. They were snowed in back at their home in New York...but made it at 2am Saturday morning. There was lots of movement from kitchen to dining room to living room, smokers in the backyard underneath the almost leafless Pecan tree, and hanging out with merriment drinks in the living room. We had a royal feast on China and antique placeware as well as eggnog and all the fixin's. Later on in the night the family crammed into our small living room and partook in the White Elephant gift exchange where my Martha Stewart pottery mixing bowls were a hit and made it around the room multiple times before the best hubby of mine grabbed them last :)
Here are the photos from the days leading up to Christmas:

Christmas 2008

And Christmas Day (ok..Saturday the 20th but who cares as long as family is together);

Christmas Day 2008 (Dec 20)

Heading to SA and Christmas Decorations 2008

2008-12-09T14:40:00.005-06:00

Justin and I were driving into SA last month for a quick Thanksgiving dinner with David, Robert, Nanny, Janice, Wayne, Val, Sharon and Jimmy (Belinda stopped by before her and Val headed out to their own dinner). On the way we saw a very lovely sunset and I thought that I would share.
Shortly after, I forgot to take any photos of the actual gathering but Val has posted some really nice ones on her blog...

Sunset during Thanksgiving and Holiday Decorations

This month is always cool to decorate since it's now the Christmas spirit! Justin while on vacation for 2 weeks (and not going anywhere) put up some lights on the tree next to the driveway. You can barely see the large ornaments that are hanging on it but I assure you they are quite lovely. :)
Also, I made some wreaths and then visited with Mom, Dad and Sharlin to split up ornaments that Mom had collected over the years. I inherited the porcelein Christmas tree with the "light bright" lights!!!! YEA!! Also, I got Gma/Gpa Korbar's nativity scene which now sits below the TV in the living room. Dad gave Brennan and us a train for around the Christmas tree and there are lots of old ornaments that are now in the tree as well. This is going to be one kick butt Christmas!!!

I am also starting a new blanket for Brennan...its called Colorful Wheels Afghan. What do you think? It's only a couple of rows into it and I still have many more colors to add.

Nov 26, 2008 - Week 20 for Brennan

2008-12-02T09:52:00.004-06:00

The day before Thanksgiving found us (myself, Justin and In-laws) heading to the Clinic Office for our 20 week Sonogram appointment. I took Wednesday through Friday off for Thanksgiving and to spend a little extra time with Mary and Steve while they came in for a visit with us.
We arrived for the 2pm appointment and while only three of us got to go in (sorry Steve) we had a wonderful time and saw Brennan in a whole new light!
They started out telling us that this one will be DVD'd so that we can go home and show family members and keep as a momento. The better of an hour found us enthralled in the transparent body form that will be Brennan. 10 finger, 10 toes, perfect mouth and eyes, ears, stomach, kidneys, bones....they followed them all to find any imperfections/perfections and body weight and height. At right under 1 pound, he is growing right on the chart scale. He measures about 10 inches now and was kicking and moving his hands and head all the while. (NO..I can't feel him just yet :( They said that my placenta is acting like a pillow to cushion the blows that he is making inside).
Here are some pictures:

20 weeks - Brennan

He is definately all boy!

The rest of the day I was in awe of what was to become a new baby boy. I think it really hit home seeing how he moved and how he is growing into this tiny little thing. I wondered that night how all the cells in his body just knew where to grow and how to link themselves so that his ears were where they were supposed to be and what his features would look like and who he would resemble the most. Would he have Justin's nose or mine (my Dad's)?
He had already showed signs of being Justin's little boy...he kept holding his hand near his face. This is exactly how Justin sleeps at night. See.....awe.

More to come as the weeks pass and as we prepare for his arrival.

Feelings about

2008-11-19T11:25:00.002-06:00

Why does it seem that Christmas has to be expoited before we can even enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday season?
Doesn't anyone care that the leaves are changing and that the pilgrims and indians had something that stood for something?

Christmas songs have been playing and there are plenty of Merchandise to buy in all the shops. Merch was available way before Halloween which is plenty sad in its own right. I really like this time of year but it seems that the mass public is so ready just to skip to the end of the seasons and go straight for all the shopping glory when they miss out entirely on the point of each of the season's holidays and what they have to offer.

Arg!

Updates (Halloween, Fredricksburg & Wurstfest)

2008-11-16T11:32:00.003-06:00

Halloween was spent getting off of work and hastily carving a pumpkin with Justin to make our porch look just right. I got into the spirit of baking (LOTS of cookies) while Justin handed out to the kiddos that came to our door. Suprisingly, there were tons of kids that showed up. I think I did an awesome job with the decorations also. Large spiders in a web with a tombstone and some pumpkins. I didn't want to overkill for our first Halloween.

Take a look:

Halloween 2008

The Fredrickburg trip ended up being an impromptu morning thought that ended up on a journey through Lukenbauch, Texas and the Wildflower Center around LBJ park. Fredricksburg is a pretty nice Texas town with lots of shopping for all tastes. They have tons of furniture (antique and new), bakeries, clothing, etc. I ended up not taking a ton of pictures since we were chatting most of the time and trying to look at everything.

Fredricksburg, Texas - Day trip

Wurstfest! Das German festival in New Braunfels! David and Robert were in town and mentioned that they were thinking about going. I had been talking about it for a couple of weeks trying to see if we can make time to go and since this was the perfect excuse, we headed out the door to be awed by the German culture (Yes, I am very honored to be German). :)

Wurstfest 2008

Down and Out in Austin, Texas

2008-11-16T11:03:00.002-06:00

Friday afternoon around 3pm I started to get some abdominal pains and they got progressively worse over about 20 minutes. Since I was still at work I had to call Justin to come and pick me up to take me to the doctors (which reminds me, my car is still at work).
Once at the doctors, they took a urination sample and did a quick checkup to see if the baby was ok and he is (thankfully). But they didn't have any conclusions and thought that it might be intestinal.
Friday night was not any better and Saturday was slightly better but the quick shots of pain reminded me all to well what was going on in my body. Could it be the cyst on my ovary giving me some problems? Could it be my appendix? (not likely since I didn't run a fever)
Today, Sunday, offers no conclusions. Justin and I debated whether or not to go to the Emergency Room. Did we want to pay the cost just to be told it was the cyst and there was nothing they could do for us or have them say that it was indeed instestinal and we had to ride the whole thing out? Obviously we are riding the situation out. While today is slightly better, I am still getting some discomfort and some slight twinges of pain. Mind you the pain is sharp when it does hit and so I am reluctant to move out of bed or off the couch.
I feel that the weekend has now been a total disaster and I had to break off my weekend plans to see my family (Vanessa and Justin were coming into SA to drop off their puppies before heading on vacation and Val and Janice were back home from some Chicago to NY road trip). We were going to pick up some items from Mom and Dad and bring them back to our house and now we have nothing. I didn't even get a chance to go play Bingo which I was looking forward to also. :(

So here I am, updating my blog which has been neglected. Dejected and sad that I missed what could have been a lovely weekend with family.
I love you Ness and Val! Sorry that I missed our time together.

Love,
Sheila

Brad Paisley - Paisley Party Tour: Oct. 18, 2008 Selma, Tx

2008-10-21T17:52:00.003-05:00

OMG!! I had the best time at the concert. Great seats! Great Entertainment!
Lots to talk about but Justin needs the computer to work. I will have to fill everyone in on the evening. There were tons of pranks done.

Brad Paisley Concert

This came from Brad's site:

Tonight was the last show of the summer tour and the pranks were going off like clockwork. First, when Chuck was playing, about twenty of our crewmembers ran out and covered him with syrup and feathers. Chuck tried to get away by running into the audience, but there was no escaping the BP Crew. During the song, Stealing Cinderella, the MOO TV crew had photoshopped Chucks face on a bunch of Cinderellas. They walked across the screen for the whole song. Next, Brad came out on stage, telling Chuck that Julianne had sent over a video (which Brad hadn’t watched yet) and they put it on the big screen. In the video, Julianne explained how Chuck wasn’t intellectually challenging for her and a little too much of a frat boy country star. She broke up with him via video and even had another man in the tub waiting for her. After Chuck played another song, Julianne appeared on the screen again explaining that it was all a joke that Brad and her set up. On Chuck’s last song, the crew started disassembling the drummer’s drums while he was playing. While another drummer was hidden behind the curtain, Chuck’s drummer was soon air drumming.

Jewel wasn’t pranked until her next to last song when Sweet Pea, dressed as a giant condom, was hoisted above her. He danced and spun around for the whole song. For the last part of Jewel’s show, she usually yodels. During this show, someone on the BP crew muted her microphone and did a Chewbacca impression.

Now, the BP crew knows better than to prank the one who pays them, but Chuck and Jewel didn’t know better. During Brad’s acoustic part of the show, one of Chuck’s crew, DJ, came out dressed as Borat. He did a little routine saying that he wanted to meet Brad, the second best singer on the tour (Second only to Chuck Wicks). On Brad’s last song, the amplifier doors opened up and a bunch of the crew and different band members were in there having a party! Brad went in and shut the doors behind them before he came out to play a few encore songs. Even though the show was over, the pranks weren’t. When Brad’s plane landed in Nashville, Jewel had a surprise in store for him – two cops with multiple warrants waiting to arrest him. As he was sitting in the back of the police car, the officers explained that Jewel Murray had charged him with multiple accounts of “Excessive Noodling.” Of course, Brad pleaded guilty and was let off with a little slap on the wrist.

Thank you all for coming out to all of the shows on this part of the tour. We will kick back off in January with the second part of the Paisley Party tour. Even though we won’t be on the road, we do have some special events coming up which I will write about, so keep tuning in!

And the tests results are in.

2008-10-03T08:59:00.003-05:00

We have the tests results and they turned out great. There is a healthy baby growing and we are very excited!

Also, we have found out the sex of the baby....

IT'S A BOY!

11 weeks and counting

2008-09-27T07:43:00.002-05:00

11 weeks

We went into the Doctor's office to have the CVS testing done and while we were there we had another chance to see the baby on sonogram.
When they first tried to sonogram the baby, my uterus was having a contraction and the baby's head and upper body was pinned by the walls of the uterus. The funny aspect of this situation were the legs that were still free and kicking quite vigorously as to say, "get me out". The nurse said that this was totally fine and that there aren't any problems with what was happening, it just made for bad pictures. (See picture #2).
A little bit later the doctor came in to do the procedure *more about this later* and did another sonogram. We actually got to see the baby free him/herself (all the while still kicking) and then sink to the bottom in the fluid and make itself at home at the bottom of the uterus. (See pic #1). Justin and I found this experience totally funny and we were both in awe. At least we know that this kid won't give up on the tough situations and will get him/herself out of "tight" predicaments. hahahahaha :)

CVS Screening: http://www.reproductivegenetics.com/cvs.html

The passing of a dear companion - Puppy Jupe

2008-09-17T20:14:00.002-05:00

I know this will be news to those few that read my blog and I am truly and deeply saddened to bear this news. Puppy Jupe passed away today under the Oak tree in the front yard of my parents.
I just spoke with mom and she said that life was normal for PJ. She took her off the lead and let her roam the yard after dad leaves for work. PJ looked at mom for the all clear to go and play but this time lingered for just a little longer which seemed strange to mom. After mom reassured PJ to go and play and a pat on the cheek, PJ walked around the house and was in the front yard doing what PJ did: just soaking in the sunlight and being a great dog.
Mom said that she was out at church and dinner with friends when Dad called and gave her the news that PJ passed away under the big Oak and was at peace.

We will miss our beloved dog. Saved from a lonely life and a broken leg by Uncle Wayne in the beginning and given a second chance to be a family dog to many. She was a good trucking dog, a great companion to Jupes and Korbars alike. We will love you forever!

Little Bundle of Joy - 8 weeks

2008-09-03T18:05:00.003-05:00

So don't shoot me since I haven't had a chance to update in a while. For all the questions that have been floating around.....

To-date feeling: nauseous, anxious, tired, excited
Why: pregnant with 1st child
What we won't be doing: decorating a room, re-painting a room, giving the child a nickname too early, introducing pastels into the house
Due Date: Our anniversary....April 14, 2009 (this will be our 2nd anniv.)
What we will be doing: asking family and friends to think of the neutral palette when buying gifts :)

Justin and I are excited that we are able to share this news with everyone. We had to hide the news until we were able to tell our parents and Nanny at the same time and we were fortunate to have that oppportunity when everyone came over for dinner August 23rd. That's when all the news/phone calls/text msgs/emails broke with the rest of the family and friends.
(If you don't tell my parents....Nanny was the first person to know....hehehehehe)

We love all the support that everyone has shown us and wanted to thank you for all your blessings and love as we try to figure this phenom out.

:)

From 8 weeks

Moving Day

2008-07-21T21:10:00.003-05:00

Morrow House update and Moving in

Well, moving day has arrived and we headed to San Antonio on the 4th of July for a BBQ with Uncle Wayne, Val (and boyfriend), Nanny and a stop in by Karen. Great food!
We got up really early to leave to move and discovered that Justin could not find his keys. ARG!!!

After searching for 45 minutes we finally found them DEEP in the couch and were off!
We met up with Traci and Albert (and Elaine) at mom and dad's house to get all of our stuff from the apartment. We had to leave the really big stuff for later since we needed most of the little stuff right away.
After having breakfast and laughing at Lainie and how she put her thumb in her mouth after every bite (literally), we were off again to the big town of Austin.

It didn't take very long to unload everything into the new garage since we had extra help from friends here too. Adam, Bonnie and Alex came over for a little help. The boys ran to the austin apartment and brought back our couch, alcohol cabinet and some large items.
Thank goodness.

The unpacking has begun.

Val arrives in Austin

2008-07-21T21:08:00.002-05:00

Val arrives in Austin!!

updates on Elaine

2008-07-21T21:08:00.001-05:00

Elaine (Lainey) Maria Zarazua - July 2008

Going the final stretch

2008-06-25T23:47:00.005-05:00

Updates on the house and move...I am thoroughly exhausted, so I am going to make this short and sweet.

The past couple of days we sheetrocked the garage, taped and floated it and started on the texturing of the walls. Justin also ran wiring for the new can lights in the garage and they look might nice. Also today we started running all the wiring for the network, phone and video through the house. We also got our crown mouldings up in the living room and bedrooms...wow~! I just need to finish painting and the rooms will be move-in ready probably by this coming weekend.

Leanne stopped by on her way to San Antonio. She was going to the dentist to get her braces finally off. HOOORAY!!!

I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Cinnamon! She turned 13 and I miss her dearly...*sniff.

Working on the Morrow House

A Friend is Leaving...

2008-06-11T13:48:00.002-05:00

What started out to be a horrible day has surpassed the scales and move to full couth death-con.
I just learned that Heather, who has been one of my closest friends for the last 16 years, is moving away from Austin to Corpus Christi to be closer with her and her husband's families.

Hail Storm April 4, 2008

2008-06-09T20:47:00.002-05:00

Early in the evening we had broadcasts that there was going to be a major hail storm in the gill country. What was happening around Lake Travis was supposed to pass by Austin without a problem. I had an eerie feeling that it would be by the house and I was right....
I told Justin that we should move our cars underneath the carports just in case.

Hail Storm May 2008

Housing Update

2008-06-09T10:26:00.006-05:00

Justin and I have been working non-stop on fixing up the house with new paint, crown moulding, garage finish-out, shed gut and re-finish-out, new networking cables, updated Electrical and updated HVAC...whew!

I will have pictures soon, I promise....when I get a chance to breathe and take them.

I just got done with painting the 2nd bedroom/closet, office, hallway and living room along with all the trim. What we need still to do for these rooms is the crown moulding and buy and install nice wood blinds (they had cheesy cream color blinds and this just won't do anymore ;)

We should be installing cabling for the network and phone today. We are going to be putting a central brain into the house (more specifically, Justin's office) to run our day-to-day stuff with. We are also will be painting the Master bedroom and closet today.

Stay tuned..

Painting the house

Demolition

2008-05-20T07:03:00.002-05:00

Justin and I have been at the house Monday and Tuesday after a weekend of camping with our friends. :)
In those days we have been taking out the sheetrock in the Garage and the Big Shed, installing radiant barrier material and organizing our Little Shed that keeps our garden tools and lawn mower and soon we will be removing the fiberglass insulation in the Big Shed since it was not sealed and had an infestation of small to medium size lizards, spiders, red ants and who knows what else...

Today though, I have to tell you, I am totally exhausted and we are going back today to haul the debris that we have been piling up in the Garage along with some of the old wood that the seller left behind. The electricians will start work Thursday (God Willing) and take a week to update our electrical system and new braker box. It is then set for the HVAC people to come in and finish replacing the duct work and other items that they are responsible for.

In the meantime, we have our designer finishing our drawings for the bathroom addition. We already have the outside drawings and elevations and all we need is the inside cabinet and electrical drawings (approx. $800 for everything), then we have to get an engineer to look at the foundation (approx. $450), get a bid from a contractor ($??) and go to our bank to get financing.

Whew...home ownership is WORK. I will keep you updated and try to take some pictures today. :)

The House is OURS!

2008-05-15T07:01:00.000-05:00

It is finally done. We closed on May 15th!!!

Ending of the Option Period

2008-04-21T07:26:00.003-05:00

We have had some really good news! We went back to the Electrician and asked what the cost is to make the house legal. Apparently making the house up to "code" was to rewire the house and put in many more outlets on top of the grounding and replacing the breaker/panel. We are now done!

The seller is going to pay for the repairs and we will assume the city permits (only about a couple hundred $$).

Now we wait until May 15th to close!!!

In the meantime we are waiting to hear back from some designers and the contractors about what the cost will be for adding the new bathroom and carport.

I want the carport to be solid like a carport but look like a pergola..what do you think?

Inspection and Contingencies

2008-04-17T20:25:00.003-05:00

You may have heard by now that we have still progressing with the house on Morrow.
The update:
Inspection went well last week but it was determined that the HVAC/furnace was out of code and the ducts would need to be replaced for about $2300+/-. Also the electrical panel and wiring were out of code and most importantly had serious factors that need to be resolved to the amount of $10,000 (ouch!). [The inspection report was rather lengthy but these were the serious two since it is an older house]
After meeting with the electrician and furnace/HVAC person and getting those bids, we forwarded them on and included them in our contigency to the seller that the repairs be made after closing and that they pick up the cost.

Tonight...Janet, our realtor, called and said that the seller does not want to lose us and are willing to split the cost of the repairs 50/50. You should probably know that there is two lingos going on with the electrical that we need to get more information about tomorrow from the electrician that submitted the bid. One was making the house "legal" and the other to "code". I am sure that to make it legal will still be expensive but going to code will make the addition of the 2nd bathroom alot smoother when the time comes.
My stomach is churning on the notion that we could be facing an uphill battle with getting into an older home. Also that the seller will not budge on what she wants to pay.

The facts and then you judge:
Say you were buying this home and the seller's house was in need of some updating. You are thinking that they need to make it "habitable" right? That's what I am thinking. How can you sell a house to another person when the house needs something as basic as electricity without being shocked. The backstory of the seller: she inherited the house from her parents and holds a paid note with no liens on the house. Should she pay the entire amount and call it a day since you think that she is gaining nothing but $dollars in the transaction? She has probably been paying the taxes and house bills since this. Now, say that you know that the house has been on the market for around 249 days..does this make a better bargaining tool for you to get the money you need to bring the house up to code/legal...whatever.?

Now we are faced with asking the electrician the difference between legal and code and seeing what that price point will be. Either way I feel that we start this whole process over with another house or get the seller to assume more of the cost since technically the house is not ours "YET".

YET! Fascinating word that would change lives and hopes. The new meaning that turns an appartment to a house and a buyer to an owner. We will not assume liability YET, we will not be a money pit YET...daunting and sinking and spinning to an ever lasting word..YET.

Found some really cool stuff!

2008-04-16T22:46:00.003-05:00

http://www.bathroom-mania.com/en/enhome/enfshome.html
You have to see these!!! Nice in a boys room?

http://www.dutchtub.com/english00/index.php
What if I start selling these here?

The funding

2008-04-08T19:21:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the wide world of home ownership. We just solidified our APR and deal with Wells Fargo Mortgage. Now we wait until they process us and then we provide documentation in a couple of days. Also, we have an inspection and designer coming out to look at the property on Thursday. WOW!
Here we go.....weeeeeeeeee!

1501 Morrow....soon to the "The Roans" new digs!

2008-04-06T20:07:00.007-05:00

We made an offer and after some slight negotiations, the house is ours!!!!

We decided to focus our attention to buying a house in a small neighborhood called Crestview. Just North of were we currently live but on the inside of Mopac, this is the small neighborhoods that time forgot. The city of Austin is planning big things for the area and there is soon to be an Metro line that runs near it.

Sheila & Justin Roan
1501 Morrow St.
Austin, Texas 78757

It offers 3 bedrooms (1 is a bit small) and 1 bathroom. It has a 2 car garage and a generous backyard. New kitchen appliances and the bathroom has been retiled with Travertine tile.

You can click on this link to take you to a virtual tour: http://vt.realtour.biz/?P=23769&T=NOTIDX&
Also, expect that Justin and I are going to be making some changes to the whole thing to include an additional Master Bathroom and a larger kitchen (knocking out some walls, moving a door and windows) and adding a carport/arbor for keeping our boat.

We will be super busy in the next few weeks getting an inspector out, getting our financing finalized and meeting with parents and an architect to scope out our projects that need to be done. Also finding a contractor..I am so excited! If all goes well, we expect the keys to be in our hands on May16th!!!!

This is the inside (where the new/largert kitchen will be and the side view of the house (where the new bathroom will be).

I forgot to mention that there are 3 churches that surround the house so if you need to attend either a Lutheran, Methodist or Bible...we have you covered and you can get drunk with us on Saturday and crawl there in the morning. :)

Zilker Garden Festival March 2008

2008-03-30T19:11:00.002-05:00

We decided to head off the the Garden Festival after a "blah" morning. It turned out to be fun looking at the different vendors selling their crafts and lots and lots of plants including flowers, herbs and tropical plus alot more.
http://www.zilkergarden.org/about/events/zgf.html

Zilker Garden Festival Mar 30 2008

Donnie Marshall's Birthday - Dec 2007

2008-03-27T18:58:00.003-05:00

I know that this is late but I thought that I would post it anyways. :)

Donnie Marshall's Birthday Dec 07

My "other" man...Brad Paisley!

2008-03-19T17:54:00.004-05:00

Justin and I decided to head to the Houston Rodeo this past weekend to see Brad Paisley's concert. What a great time we had!!
We headed up to Houston on Friday and stayed with Ma and Janice. It was cool to catch up and also hear about stories of Val and Ness when they were little (hehehee, I'll never tell :)
We were also fortunate to sell the extra 2 tickets that we bought since our friends were not able to go with us. I am sorry that they missed out.
We headed out that morning and got to the grounds early for breakfast time. Hardly anyone was there as we travelled through the aisles and aisles of vendors and through the carnival grounds, expo grounds and kiddie area. The coolest things going on that day were the mutton busting for the kids (of course!) and the Mule Pulls.

Houston Rodeo 2008

If you have never seen the Mule Pulls before, the next time that you see it on the schedule you have GOT TO GO! The 2 Mules in each team pull a specially constructed weighted sled that they keep added weight to through the competition. The team that pulls the heaviest load wins...BUT it is also factored on the weight of the 2 mules. So figure if you have a lighter team of mules pulling the same weight as a heavier team, the lighter team wins! Pretty cool! But that's not all....those mules WANT to pull. They were born to pull and they will keep trying to pull until they are stopped. Now that was cool! I have some good pics of the teams, so you will have to see what I am talking about.

Now on to Brad!
What a show!! I was simply star-struck. The band put on a great show but alas I was disappointed not in our seats (section 106, really good for a rodeo) or the music/performance...but on the spectators (noticed I didn't say fans) :/
They didn't get up! They didn't let loose or dance! What a bummer. Anyone that knows me, I didn't let those people stop the good time that I was having! I got up and I waved. He came to our section a couple of times and yes, he is gorgeous. I just simply wish the concert to be longer at the rodeo (only 1 hour). I guess I will have to see him in concert :) OH WELL!

Elaine Maria Zarazua

2008-03-19T17:50:00.003-05:00

We welcome to the world, a bright and shiney baby girl!!
Traci & Albert have issued in a new chapter of their life with the birth of little Lainey on Feb. 8, 2008.
We are so very happy for them both.

Lainey was born a month early at a tiny weight of 4 lbs, 5 oz. but she is growing fast and has already suited herself to 6 lbs by this month of March.

I will have to post a picture soon! Stay tuned!

Michael Buble' Concert 2.27.08

2008-02-28T19:55:00.006-06:00

What a great experience this was!! If you want to see a great entertainer and love the old crooner music, you will fall in love with Michael Buble'!!!
I have been a fan of his for about 3 years now and I finally got to attend a concert. Justin had bought tickets as my earlier birthday gift/late christmas gift and it was definately worth it!

"Michael Bublé came to the Frank Erwin Center for one night only on February 27; as a part of his third major concert tour of the US. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Now Austin area fans can see one of the hottest concerts of the year, as Bublé brings his irrepressible spirit, engaging humor and confident charisma to the concert stage to perform his current hit, "Everything," from his latest CD, Call Me Irresponsible, along with his smash hit "Home," and all of his other timeless classics.
Bublé's new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains a depth of feeling that will surprise and delight long-term fans and impress those new to his music. Call Me Irresponsible boasts more of Bublé's buoyant, modern interpretations, including songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, Cy Coleman and others. " Michael Bublé - Bungalow-B

During his concert he was outragously funny, poking fun at Mayor Will Winn and some country songs. He befriended a 10 year old by the name of Paxton and then greeted the fans with great music off his new CD, Call Me Irresponsible. He actually was very witty and had a sense of humor that encompassed making fun of the band (where they were from and how one was involved with Porn before getting into the band...not) and how greatful he was to be so lucky to be in the place where he is today (fame and all). He was down to earth and very approachable. The girls in the audience fell in love and tears were brought to Justin's eyes when he sang I Want to Go Home and had pictures of Austin and UT flashing in the background. We will be sure to attend another concert. I hear that he is playing Houston this weekend and Dallas in a week or so.

This is one of my favorite entertainers! Thanks to my honey for the tickets and the great seats!!

Update on the house......saga

2008-02-17T15:10:00.004-06:00

Justin and I decided to place our bid on the house. Unfortunately, we found out that there is a competing bid for the house. There is no way to know how much the othe offer is for or who it came from so all we could do is make our best offer and place a heart felt letter to the sellers.

Keep checking for updates, we should find something out today......

It is now 8:08pm and Justin and I finally heard about 30 minutes ago that the sellers are going to accept the other offer since it was "considerably more" apparently. Too bad for the house, we would have been good a good home owner for that house. :(

We will continue our journey for now and keep our eyes open to other possibilites. :)

Great News!

2008-02-16T09:17:00.002-06:00

Justin and I are heading to put a bid in on our very own first home!!!! Please wish us luck!

You can look it up with the MLS: Property Details for Listing #4649374

or check out some photos

Last Christmas at the country house for the Roans?

2007-12-31T15:15:00.000-06:00

This Christmas, Justin and I travelled to Nacogdoches to spend some extra time with his parents and the family. It hit us right before Christmas dinner that this might be the last time that this house will see Christmas for the Roan family. They are getting ready to put the house up for sale to move into town and build a new shiney home.

See the pretty antiques that Mary collects, she has ultimate taste and an eye for things pretty. Manuel and Pat (Mary's brother and sister) joined in for the feast. Yummy! We ate way too much and took more home for Justin to pig out on.

Merry Christmas!!

Vanessa's African Journey into the Wild

2007-12-05T23:13:00.001-06:00

You can check out Vanessa's journey here: http://austinlehman.com/blog/

Wish her well and pray for a safe return. Her blog updates are simply amazing and inspiring. You really should read.

Another little creation

2007-12-05T22:25:00.000-06:00

Since Traci is expecting in March, I thought it would be nice to start sewing little bitty things.

I sewed a couple of bibs, felt baby shoes, burb towels and a very small quilt.

I have lots more I want to do...it really is quite a small bit of fun to do the small things in life too.

The cutest scarf

2007-11-23T23:23:00.000-06:00

http://www.freepeople.com/index.cfm

So I discovered a new store: Free People

I loooove this store. It reminds me of hymalayan/nepal type wear bordering on czech and alpine lace. I think it is very bohemian and I love it all. There is one scarf in particular that I have my eye on for Xmas. So...honey..if you are reading this then this is the one I want. I promise to put more color in my wardrobe if you buy this for me.. hehehe

Camping at Pace Bend Park

2007-11-21T07:38:00.000-06:00

A group of friends decided to get together and go camping this past weekend. Since the weather is nice (cool for Texas standards) we headed out to Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis with Sarah, Carlos, Jesse, and James. Boy..what an a great time.
It did rain a little. There were noisy kids first thing in the morning. It was a bit cold at night. BUT things turned out just perfect!

Camping at Pace Bend Park

Longhorn Living News

2007-10-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

We're famous!

http://www.tsp.utexas.edu/FrontPage/TSMweb/advertising%20supplements/Longhorn%20Living/longhorn_living.pdf

True Texas Tailgating Takes Planning, Time

By Amber Groce
From hook ‘em horns to the lit orange tower to “The Eyes of Texas”, UT has its fair share of traditions. Among these, tailgating is a Texas tradition that takes planning–more than most game-goers realize.
The tailgating tradition begins early on Fridays before home-game Saturdays. Most tailgates begin several hours before the kickoff, which requires the hosts to start setting up and preparing hours before that. Many groups and organizations at The University of Texas set up booths for tailgating. Companies sponsor some because they realize so many show up to tailgate before games. The tailgate tradition tends to last longer for evening games than for morning and afternoon ones because there is more time to set up, cook, eat and hang out.

Carter Goss, advertising representative for Texas Student Media, hosts The Daily Texan’s Kickoff Countdown Tailgate Party that is sponsored by Toyota before every home game. Goss said that companies jump at sponsorship opportunities––unique ways to be associated with the University––because there are so many loyal UT fans at the tailgates. At any given time, there are typically 40 people at the Texan’s tailgate, with about 200 in attendance
throughout the day. One member of the team begins waiting in line at 5 a.m. on Friday mornings to reserve a space in the parking lot. Team members continue taking turns in line until the space on the lot is secured around 6 p.m. that same evening. Last year, Goss began waiting in line Wednesday morning for the Ohio State game. There are normally 60 groups that tailgate in the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum parking lot, where Goss’ tailgate is located. Tailgates, which typically begin anywhere from four hours to 30 minutes before kickoff, sometimes
resume for an hour or so after the games. County Line BBQ provides sausage wraps with tortillas and Cannoli Joe’s provides a veggie and Italian sausage dish for the Texan’s tailgate. Along with catered food and beverages, Goss said that the best tailgates incorporate fun activities for the fans, and give out prizes. Goss’ tailgate tradition is going on its 15th year.
“We offer free food and fun,” Goss said. “Every year, all the tailgate teams in lot seven at Brazos and MLK put together a golf tournament to benefit the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum.”

Jason Pittman started his tailgate, Texas Pigs, seven years ago. His tailgate is also in the Bob Bullock Museum lot, and has been at that location for the past five years. Sponsored by Shiner, Red Bull and Dos Lunas Tequila, the Texas Pigs tailgate includes throwing washers and watching the game via satellite on their plasma screen television.
“We arrive early on Saturday mornings to set up the bus and tap the kegs,” Pittman said. “We started off with two chairs and a Lil’ Smokey Grill. Now we have a renovated school bus, a 55-inch plasma-screen TV, three to four kegs, food and hundreds of friends.”

Justin Roan hosts Texas Ringers, another tailgate on home game days in the same parking lot. Since they cook their food themselves, they purchase and prepare the food on Fridays before game days. They recently teamed up with Texas Pigs and Hornball to triple the tailgating fun. “We used to have about 10 people at our tailgates, but now my wife and I have to cook enough food for at least 200 people,” Roan said. “We set up and start cooking early Saturday morning to make sure all the food is ready before we have to leave for the game.”

Tailgates bring fans together to celebrate the one thing they all have in common: their passion for Longhorn football. Look for the massive crowds on Martin Luther King Boulevard between Congress and Brazos Oct. 27 when Texas plays Nebraska. It is hard to miss the Texas Pigs’ big orange school bus.

Justin's Day of Relaxing Golf and Wreckage?!

2007-10-21T15:50:00.000-05:00

Justin was playing in a Golf tournament on Friday, October 19th. He had just finished at around 7pm and was leaving the course to turn on Enfield (not even a mile from home) when a white van t-boned him. He said that he looked both ways and didn't see the van until it was too late. The speed limit is 30 miles an hour on this road but I am convinced that the van had to be speeding considering Justin's truck was facing back to where he came out of the drive, the bed of his truck smashed into the high embankment yard of a nearby neighbor and his tool chest (bolted to his truck) was torn and thrown into the yard. But Justin was cited for Failure to Yield at a Stop Sign and the other old country guy was left without a ticket.
Be sure that there is a fight in order.

These are the day-after pictures....

Justin's Wreck

Family Photo--finish

2007-10-16T09:49:00.000-05:00

The finished product..for Nanny Bday (just in time) - updated w/Pics Now!

2007-09-30T22:56:00.000-05:00

Whew!!

I finally did it. The quilt is done and it was so much fun to make but I have to say that it is a relief because it is done in the nick of time for her suprise birthday party this coming Saturday.

just look!!!

Nanny's 80th Birthday

The weekend in pictures!

Dinner Out

2007-09-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/SheRoan/DinnerElArroyo

quilt

2007-09-17T07:24:00.003-05:00

Almost there!! I just finished putting the layers together and pinning the whole thing together with about 100 safety pins. All that is left is to quilt the layers together.

wed

2007-09-17T07:24:00.001-05:00

Jennifer & Charles Lang Wedding

The family attende the Lang wedding this past weekend. Donna & Chuck Lang's son, Charlie, wed Jennifer in a lovely but hot outdoor wedding. Donna is the daughter to James and Alma (Aunt Blondie) Kerlick. Alma is Nanny's sister. ....that should sum it up.

The wedding was held at the old Red Berry Mansion off of Gembler Road and Hwy 90. I was especially delighted about the building after hearing stories of Aunt Sharon and my mom's adventures when the son of Red Berry was entertaining at their pool. The pool in the picture is not the original pool. That one is long gone, but at one time was at lake level with lake fed water that is crystal clear. Mom also mentioned that it had a spiral slide into the pool. Red Berry was notorious for gambling and hosting all sorts of parties. There is even mention that he won this land in a poker party.

http://www.redberrymansion.com/

The Legend of "Red Berry"
By Tom Rickoff
Red Berry and his horse
From bootlegging and organized gambling to the Texas Senate, "Red" Berry settled in San Antonio in the early 1930’s, bringing with him a fast mind and style that made him a unique character in the city’s history.
Virgil Edward Berry was born February 27, 1899, one of thirteen children born in a log cabin on a farm in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He only attended school through the seventh grade, and then became an office clerk in Fort Smith where be was quickly dubbed "Red" because of his stock of red hair. He went on to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist and then enlisted with the U.S. Army. His introduction to San Antonio was during a 10-month assignment at Fort Sam Houston where he was an M.P.
In 1929 he settled permanently in the Alamo City in what he fondly called the "recreational business". He purchased a number of horses to race at the old Alamo Downs and indulged in high stakes poker playing from $2 to $5,000 a hand. His lifetime motto, "I never cheated a man," was basically true when applied to head-to head poker playing only. He really did not need to cheat because he only played with the cream of San Antonio’s gamblers and in the long haul was generally able to prevail through superior skill.
He opened The Turf Club that housed a beer hall, restaurant, cocktail lounge and a lavish gambling casino with mirrored walls, crystal chandeliers and thick carpets beneath the dice tables. From April 1934 through 1957, politicians looking for fame repeatedly targeted the club. Eventually the raids and seizures of gaming equipment put a damper on the operation and when the county was looking for additional office space downtown Red offered his Turf Club building for $120,000. Throughout the 30’s and 40’s Red was "boss gambler" in San Antonio.
After the close of the Turf Club he moved his operation to La Vernia, Texas until the 40’s, when one day he sat down to play a little "pitch" with one of his favorite marks, John Sullivan. Red walked away with what is known today as the Red Berry Mansion and estate. Red bulldozed out a rise on the property, threw up an earthen damn, diverted the flow of his well and soon had a beautiful 15-acre lake complete with a small island.
Overlooking the lake, Berry constructed one of San Antonio's most unique residences, a three story, 12,000-square foot mansion, which resembled a Riviera chateau and was at the time valued at $125,000. Berry was extremely proud of his home and imported many of the material used in its construction. Designed not only as a home, Berry’s plush mansion became the haunt of San Antonio’s wealthy gamblers and therefore the political football of law enforcement-minded politicians. Raids ensued, as did Red’s lavish gambling parties, through the 50’s and into the early 60’s. Red went on to have a successful career as a politician, first entering the race for Police and Fire Commissioner in 1947.
In 1960, he won the primary and general election for State Representative 60th District Place 4. In 1962 and 1964, Berry was re-elected and in 1966, at the age of 70, he was selected to that State Senate, 19th district. Red’s platform always pushed for pari-mutuel betting even though he was never able to convince Texans to vote for it. Red sold his property and home in 1973 to Walter Corrigan, then the President of Sommers Drug. In 2002, Bill Tidwell, owner of Cardell Cabinetry, purchased the estate from Corrigan, refurbishing the mansion to its original splendor and re-opened it to the public as San Antonio’s most beautiful and unique special events facility.

Aunt Sha Sha & Aunt Linda's new Totes!

2007-09-15T00:25:00.000-05:00

I just finished with Aunt Sharon's tote last night and Aunt Linda's new tote this morning. What do you think?

Sha Sha's is denim on the outside and bright yellow cotton on the inside. Her name is stitched to match the inside with bright yellow and the handles are a cool retro fabric that is paisley with reds, browns and yellows.

Lin's is in the same denim but has a nice burnt red for the inside and her name is in a verigated red/orange thread. The handles are also done in the retro fabric.

update on Nanny's quilt..

2007-09-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

The quilt is coming along nicely. But you tell me....

OMG Estate Sales R Us

2007-08-25T11:32:00.001-05:00

When I woke up this morning around 6:30ish I wondered what I was going to do today. I sat down and pinned a couple of more pieces together for Nanny's quilt and thought to myself today would be a good day for garage sales....nea, Estate Sales!

Why waste your time at garage sales sifting through the junk of people and who knows what you would find. Go straight for the good stuff I always say.

I found this ad in the Austin Statesman this morning:

Details
Central - FINE ESTATE SALE 1914 Victorian estate in Hyde Park, a time capsule of the very finest china-crystal -Roseville-Staffordshire- Limoges-too numerous to list-old Persian rugs-exquisite American furniture- 1960's collection of vintage Mexican pottery, iron & decor-rare Life mags, paper & vintage postcards-linens, quilt fabrics-vintage hats & clothes-rare books-costume jewelry-the best of everything & some good old junk too. Fri, 24th at 9am-5pm (no earlier!). Sat, 25th, 9-5. Sun, 26th, 10-5 half price. CC & cash only. Park smart or ride the bus. 506 Texas Ave. 38th at Duval. This great lady had fine stuff, come and see
First Date Published: 24-Aug-07
Source: Statesman Classifieds

Delighted with my newest direction of buying, I headed out early to beat the crowd only with the presumption that I would only look for fabric...vintage of course.

BUT..you wouldn't believe what I FOUND....LOOK!!!

My first find was a picture frame containing old flower post cards...

My second find was a pair of lights..yippee!

Next up were some small stuff: T inkertoys, anytime note cards, teapot, really cool purple hat, glass bowl and some old vases (Haeger and Redwing). Cool old sheet pans, old rag rugs and a brooch thrown in! But that's not all I tell you. Not by far!!

Then I went into the backyard and found a lamp and a chandelier that you will find amazing..

Why stop there?!! Don't even think about it! I found some old fabric shears and shoe horns (metal), antique glass salt bowls and mother of pearl spoons to match!

Then I found what I call the best of the best... a kick ass actual silver mirror!! Jealous???!!! You should be! I got the mirror for pennies and it is worth thousands!! Whoo Haa Haa Haa!!!!!

This was my final purchase, I just love old ties. Brodie doesn't look to happy but his momma was considering I purchased all this for just a few hundred dollars.

New Hutch for my fabric - UPDATED

2007-08-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

I was inspired! I found and conquered what I would be my first installment of my fabric/creative furniture pieces. :)

You will have to judge for yourself though.
Notice the vintage wash bins I picked up many years back for $1 each.
Goodie for me!!!!

UPDATED..check out the new picture of my lamps. I re-wired them and now they match perfectly.

The Kiwi

2007-08-23T15:46:00.001-05:00

The need to keep fidgeting

2007-08-23T15:44:00.000-05:00

Most Excellent Kid Boutique

2007-08-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

http://www.modkidboutique.com/

Keep you kids in style, cool patterns!

The Perfect Craft Room

2007-08-23T14:03:00.001-05:00

I want to document what I would think would be the perfect room to be creative.

I even thought of incorporating a laundry room inside my craft room (well hidden behind cabinets).

The large floating island that can be used a mixed craft work table and a large hutch to store all my knick knacks.

Hmmmm.

Ready for a new Venture

2007-08-23T11:45:00.000-05:00

I have been finding different images that really spark my interest and would love to adapt them to my current style of nothing.
I find that as I look at patterns that I am alot like those that tempt my pocketbook.

Here is a prime example of what I aspire to be like in years to come.
http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/

This is a designer that creates the fabric I oh..so love.

She is inspiring to make a brighter and cheerier life. I have also seen her craft room and hopefully soon, when Justin and I buy a house, we will have something very similar.

My likes and more likes

2007-08-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

I really really like Kat from L.A. Ink!! I noticed her on Miami Ink but she was always disrespected from those guys. I am so happy for her that she has her own place and that she is making something for herself.
She makes L.A. cool again! And she makes me want a tattoo...heehehe.

Gearing up for Nanny's 80th Birthday

2007-08-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

I decided that I would make a quilt for Nanny's birthday. This past weekend, Justin and I drove to San Antonio with the task of tricking out our new BBQ trailer. While I was there I was going to trick Nanny into picking her colors for her quilt. hehehe It worked. I played the role of "color-blind" and she laughed but quite took over to pick her own quilt colors.
The colors that she chose remind me of a fall harvest. Mustard yellow, Harvest wheat with a green background and slate. The borders (not shown) will be orange and the back will be a mustard/orange flower mix. Quite pretty, I should say.
After only working on it for 3 days (off and on), I have 10 blocks and more fabric cut to sew.

Remembering Lady Bird Johnson

2007-07-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

Lady Bird Johnson's name will forever be linked with wildflowers. The former first lady, who died Wednesday at her home in Westlake Hills near Austin, Texas, shared her love of nature with Texas and the nation. She was 94.

And though nationally, she was best known as the wife of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, Mrs. Johnson was very much a figure in her own right. She mixed Southern graciousness with a quiet, cast-iron fortitude that not only won admirers but allowed her to steer a large business enterprise and help forge a national environmental movement.

Back to the Daily Grind

2007-07-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

Why is it that you look forward to your vacations then in a blink of an eye it is all over? I have to mention that I loved my time away from the States and now that it is over, I long to explore those parts of the world that are waiting for me. They wait for the weary traveller...the ones that will save money all year long, prep their suitcases for the inevitable trip and become teary eyed when all they have are memories left on film.

$25,000 is all I need.
Debt free and left to use my money for living my daily average life and go on amazing trips with the money I earn day to day.

House on the lake?
Trip to Australia?
Lounging on the beach?
What do I want when I grow old and where do I want to go in the world?

Not to much to ask.

Today I know. Justin and I are going to see the new Harry Potter flick -->Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. We have waited for such a long time for this movie and now it is here. After a marathon of movies this weekend, we are prepared for the next installment. Then later, taking my already purchased ticket, to pick up my final Harry Potter book. :)
I am a HP Fan..I admit it.

June 25 - Iceland to New York today

2007-06-25T10:43:00.000-05:00

Wow, this has been a really good trip! I will have to back fill all of the details from yesterday because the names of the places are difficult. But I can give you an update on where we are today.
Robert, David and Justin and I are getting packed to head downtown for some last minute eating and shopping. Since we didn't get home until 3 am..again, we are slow to start.
First things first...eat. We find a nice restaurant that has some authentic Icelandic cuisine. Salted Cod and Braised Lamb..mmmmmmm. Really yummy!
Since we are getting close to the time we need to get to the airport, there is only enough time to stop in tourist souvenir places for some gifts and then we are off for a really quick trip next to the tallest place in Iceland, the church.

BTW, contrary to popular belief, Iceland does have trees and is really green here. Of course the trees are all planted and the green is from the moss on the lava rocks, but it is really pretty and there is much to see and do.
They have summer houses outside of town when the weather is nice. Reminds me of Canada and pictures of Ireland.

So we pick up our things and head out in the car to the airport. No offense, but I am ready to be in a country that you can hail a cab instead of going to a taxi stand and where restaurants have to greet you right away and give you your food in a fast, normal cycle. Everything and everybody is relaxed here when is comes to service. I guess we have grown used to having everything at our fingertips and getting the things when we want them.

We are now at the airport and there are more and more people showing up. We should catch a few up on the hours lost along the seas and find ourselves in New York later on tonight but not late.
Justin would like to head to Les Halles for Dinner. Anthony Bordain's restaurant in the city. We are going to call Ness and Val when we land to see if they want to join us. I need to find out what their work schedules are like, I would love to see where they live. If..by chance..we are not able to do so (and you are reading this, Ness) we will make a special trip to NY just for you!
See you soon!!!

June 24 - Day 2 in Iceland

2007-06-25T10:38:00.000-05:00

After sleeping in just a bit because we were out late last night, we get up to yet another hospitable feast from Auste', Robert's cousin. She bought Skyr, a flavored type of yogurt and pastries. She is heading to Los Angeles with her boyfriend, the singer and won't be back until the end of the week so we say our goodbyes to her.

We find ourselves going on a long treck today in the rental car with David and Robert. We are heading out to see all the sights from Reykjavik to Vik. There are some waterfalls that we must find along with glaciers and a water gyser.

We stop to down a few more hot dogs and we are gone around noon.

More to come....

June 23 - Day in Iceland

2007-06-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

Wow, did I mention before that there was going to be daylight the entire time??
It is around 10pm here and it looks around 4pm outside. This has been a crazy day. We slept just a few hours before heading to the Blue Lagoon for relaxation.

The Blue Lagoon is wonderful. The mud and the hot springs of this place are cool to look at. You should know that there is really clean mud that they give you to put on your body and face so that you don't have to use the mud in the pool.. the mud below the waters contains not only the nice mud but 1000s of people's DNA becuase of the hair located in the mud. It kinda grossed me out. Still a cool place to come to but pricey.

We are now headed to hear Robert's cousin's boyfriend sing at a local bar. Apparently we are socializing with the high society of the town.

More later....

The bar we went to has an older crowd than expected but we still hung around to hear him sing. Not bad, Baer was classically trained and is quite popular here but still has the cover band of the 50s sound. :/ Really weird.
After lounging for a while with some drinks, we decide to head back into the center of town to another bar. Not quite as action packed but still a lot of people are out. Funny the older people do not slow down here at all and there are tons out getting quite drunk.

June 22 - Day we are leaving Paris and heading to Iceland

2007-06-23T16:34:00.001-05:00

Today we decided to spend touring the old cemetaries of Paris. We head out after a rain kept us in the hotel to picnic on bread and meats on out bed. Yes, we had a wonderful time eating lunch at the hotel and pretending that it was a beautiful day filled with wine and food. We laughed a ton and as soon as the sky was clear, we headed out to the cemetary.
Packed full of big old architecture crypts, we saw the tomb of Jim Morrison and many others that I will have to write about later.

For now we are getting a taxi to head in rush hour to the airport. We should arrive in Iceland around 2 am and drive the 45 minutes to Reykjavic and Robert's cousin's house. By the way, it will be daylight the entire time that we are there!!! How cool.

Pictures of Day 2

2007-06-21T14:00:00.001-05:00

Honeymoon - Day 2

Picture of Day 1

2007-06-21T13:01:00.001-05:00

Honeymoon - Paris Day 1

Pictures of Day .5

2007-06-21T10:27:00.001-05:00

PICTURES OF DAY .5 FINALLY

Honeymoon - Paris Day .5

June 21 - Trip to Versaille

2007-06-21T09:03:00.001-05:00

Unhappy day it is for me - really, just me. I am in bed today resting my back that keeps shooting sharp pains when I move. I figured if I rest today then tonight I should be somewhat fine to take pictures at the Eiffel Tower when it gets dark.
So here I am...in bed...sleeping, taking meds, watching Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy (one of my favorite movies) and relaxing to try to escape the lower back pains.
Justin, David and Robert have done me the greatest of favors by going to multiple stores in the hopes to find meds that will eleviate some of the pain and to buy food to fill my tummy while they are at the Palace and Gardens in Versaille.

We keep in touch by texting messages and they shoot pictures via David's phone to show me how fabulous Versaille can be.

BTW: Paris' version of soap operas are just a cheesy as the U.S. and they have channels that are in Islamic, Japanese and other languages. The only english channel is really CNN here.

------------update

Dinner tonight was at Julien across town. The architecture was not a disappointment. We have tons of pictures here also. Robert and I started with French Onion soup that was far better than anything that I have ever had. The escargot that we shared and the pate that David and Justin had were great too.
We ddin't make reservations and there was no need since the restaurant was open well past 1 am serving food. Come here and you will be delighted in the atmosphere and the service. Ciao!

June 20

2007-06-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

As we head out on yet another adventure in the City of Lights, we took a moment to reflect on the surreal experiences that have led up to this moment. Still stunned and wanting to drink more of the vast city, we head back to the Louvre to continue where we left off.

David and Robert should be arriving back to Paris today to start their vacation. We send a text message to meet at 2pm at the Louvre and venture inside its chambers.
Justin and I catch up to the Egyptian and Greek sculptures today, including taking in the statue of Venus de Milo (aka: Aphrodite). I read a funny thing on the wall though. It stated that they were unsure that this was indeed the sculpture depicting the actual Venus because it was missing its arms. Although one of the most well-known statues of the world, it was still only just a shot in the dark to be the image of the Greek goddess.
Winding around the pottery and tools used by those long ago and the multiple paintings, sculptures and frescos it was finally time to go to Cafe Marly in the Richeleau wing of the Louvre to meet the boys. A few snacks and cocktails later we decide to view the paintings of Monet that were specifically painted for the city of Paris and are now housed in the L'Orangerie.

This was a really special place. You think that they would be just a couple of paintings but indeed are paintings (long and tall), one on each of the oval walls that wrap around the entire room. Up close you can view the indistiguishable painting strokes of the artist but from across the room the entire water lily painting scene. Quite breathtaking!

After this, we walk across along the Seine and the bridges to view La Petit and Grande Palaises (? spelling) and the area where Pricess Diana died in the tunnels. Around the corner we catch the RER train and set out for the Jardin du Luxembourg (Gardens of Luxembourg) and the Museum that is showing René Lalique jewelry. While David tours the jewelry; Justin, Robert and I rest in the outside Cafe and enjoy some beverages.

If you get a chance to view the Gardens, please take my recommendation and walk all the way around this beautiful place. There are many things going on here. Displays of outside sculptures (quirky and cool), old men playing chess, kids in a play area that are messy with sand and water, perfectly aligned trees wrapped in burlap (these happen to be new plantings), kids on pony rides and different grassy areas where tons of people are sitting and just enjoying each other.
I think this is one of my favorite parks so far.

After dwelling around the area, we head up the gardens and discover someone shooting what looks like a commercial or part of a movie. Of course we stop. We always stop. We also tried to get in the movie but were asked to step back. :P

Keep going and we see a wonderful fountain and sit and rest for a while again. By now I am getting tired and my back is starting to hurt. Don't you just hate it when you body gives out?!
We are now full circle in the city and are going to eat an early dinner so that we can go on our outing to Versaille to tour the Castle and grounds on the outskirts of Paris.

Dinner was at La Petite Prince. Let me say this about the place: The owner and young waiter where darlings and very accomodating to our foolish French. Even though David and Robert were getting really good at speaking French, we got the older waiter that was not so accomodating and made us feel like stupid Americans for the first time. He was obviously in a mood and "acted" like he didn't know English. I wanted to order an appetizer first and then have him come back to get my meal, but he made me order right away asking if I knew (in French, of course) that there was a pre-set menu costs and an app and dinner entree were together. No worries, a glass of wine and we ignored his silliness and just kept talking in English and ignoring his rudeness. The food was good but not quite as good as some of the other places that we have eaten.

After we finish, we decide that dessert and coffee are a must somewhere else. Funny thing is, most places won't take you if you are not eating dinner first. Arg! We head to a more populated area for crepes and coffee. After this, we say our good-byes till the morning. Good thing...my back is killing me by now and all I want to do is lie down.

June 19 - Dinner at Le Train Bleu

2007-06-20T02:16:00.001-05:00

We just ate at the greatest restaurant! I have had really expensive food and I have had really great atmosphere. I even have had really great waiters and wine and tasty food...BUT I have not had all of the elements come together quite like at Le Train Bleu!

Ok, so this is a pricey place but not over the top. Housed in the train station at Gare de Lyon, this restaurant has a fabulous interior dated to the 1900s. It was like eating practically in a museum.
The wine was 72 Euros. It was a chilled Merlot with a nice woodsy flavor. A good choice in my opinion.
We started with Shrimp as an appetizer ordered for 2 people. There were 3 tempura shrimp served with a pineapple confit and sauce (I couldn't get a taste for exact ingredients but it was awesome)! Price..29 Euros
Then Justin ordered the Beef Filet with Bernaise Sauce. It came with roasted potatoes and vrey thin green beans. He really liked this dish, especially the sauce. Price..30 Euros.
I had the best dish. It was called Piglet something or other. It was pork rolled in a fatty layer served with mashed potatoes and topped with a brown sauce. I am describing this horribly but you will just have to trust me that this was the best dish ever. Price..28 Euro
Afterwards we had profiteroles. Ice cream in between puff pastry served table side where they pour the chocolate sauce over the top. Justin also had Cognac. Price..13 and 14 Euros.

So for the greatest dinner..romantic, fun and remarkable served by the most accomodating waiter on earth (he was a delight) our price was only 186 Euros. This is cheaper than some places that you will go in the U.S. and much nicer. Also, the price included the TVA tax, small surcharge for the waiter (we tipped another 20 Euro).

So overall, don't miss out on coming to this place if you visit Paris. It is really easy to get to and well worth it. You can make reservations but we didn't and they accomodated us right away, no waiting. YUM!!!!!! is all I can say.

Day 3 - June 19

2007-06-19T13:21:00.000-05:00

This morning, Justin and I find ourselves on our own. :) Not that we are in need, but it will be nice to venture out and discover Paris by stumbling around without our favorite tour guides.

We catch the Metro and go straight to the Arc de Triomphe, as promised. Go straight through with the Museum pass and you will walk the spiral staircase, all 284 stairs, to the top and into the first room which is the museum section explaining what the Louvre is about. Grab a brochure and read up while you are on the top, when you get to the bottom the statues on the building and the building itself will make much more sense. It is overwhelming to climb the last staircase to the top of this! You see down all avenues which make up the downtown Paris area. It is like a central hub that outreaches all of the areas. We did take a ton of pics here! It was a perfect day!

Afterwards, we go back to the Tullerie Gardens down the Champs Elysees to sit in the shade and take them in before going over the Musee D'Orsay again. The Louvre is closed today (Tuesday). No worries!
It was a good thing that we headed back to the D'Orsay, we missed the whole impressionist era. I am so glad to have seen now, with my own eyes, Whistler's Mother, works by Cezanne, Renoir, Monet, Manet and others. Degas' ballerina was wonderful and probably my favorite!! We saw so many impressionist painting than usual too considering that there was a special gallery set up to view many many more that wouldn't be here normally. I almost cried! Ok, I did a little!

We ventured through St. Michel's streets just to view the very touristy shops and restaurants. This looks like it could be a trap so we just go to look, nothing else. A quick ice cream and cocktail later, we head back to the hotel for a nap and then we will go to dinner.

Don't be fooled by this short post, this took all day! We left at 8:30am and didn't get back to the hotel until 7pm. It is now 8:30 pm and we are up and getting ready to find a fabulous dinner spot!

Talk to you soon!!!

Day 2 - June 18

2007-06-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

Robert met us at our hotel this morning and of course I was running late because my legs are dog tired. You had better make sure that you are a little fit (which I thought) but my legs are sore and my feet are well worn from the walking and the stairs that you will have to climb if you want to go anywhere or see anything.

Things you should know about this place...Paris, France:
Yes, there are cobblestones in the tourist areas but not really on the walks in between the areas because of lots of paths and roads. It will slightly rain here..annoying rain (not hard just light but sometimes often). If you look like an American, the gypsys will pick you out and "try" to scam you. More on this in just a bit! To get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, catacombes, top of the Notre Dame, around the Louvre and about the town in and out of Metro stations...there are stairs! The people are nice if you are nice to them. They are sometimes short with you if you don't know what you want so step back and decide first then you can engage. Learn a "little" French before you come here. Just the basics like how to get to the Toilettes and how to ask for tap water. Then you will really like this place!!

As we head out of the hotel, we grab a pastry and a soda and down them before heading to the Metro. Did I mention that we are right near a Metro station and it has been a lovely thing!?
First thing first, we get off the Metro and walk to the Place de la Concorde. This was the place where the housed a guillotine and beheaded Marie Antionette and Louis XVI among others. Now there are two fountains and an obelisk of Luxor (sister to the obelisk behind the one at the Met in NY). This obelisk honors the Louis XVI by his brother. This site is a major intersection for traffic, one way looks towards the Arc de Triomphe and the other towards the Tullerie Gardens and the Louvre. ONWARD, we cross the major street towards the Tulleries.

On our way to this site, by the way, we were stopped by a small innocent looking girl that looked like she just picked up a gold ring on the street. Looking lucky, she asked if she had just found this ring and if it could be real. Not knowing anything, we actually took a look a the ring and told her it looked to be authentic so she indeed was lucky. She then said that it was too big for her so that we should just take it. We took it (yes, we did :P) and started to walk away and then she try to stop us and ask for a little money since we were lucky. Hmmmmmmmm!@ We just gave the ring back and walked away! BEWARE!!! THis will happen many times and so you should grow a skin and just ignore them. Damn Gypsys!!!! Arg!

On to the Tulleries:
Vast open space with lots of gravel (packed, kind of like packed crushed granite), some statues and a few grassy areas surrounded by squared off trees. This is a really long area that leads you to the Louvre. Well worth the walk! It is filled with a couple of fountains and a couple of places to lunch. If you come here, pack a picnic.
After the Toullerie Gardens, we head up to the Louvre. Here Robert says goodbye but we will see him soon enough in the next few days. Justin and I go through a checkpoint in a side door of the Louvre (highly recommend buying a Museum Pass before you come and a Metro Pass..the Museum Pass gets you ahead of the large lines). We are in awe of the glass pyramid and the very large Museum that they call the Louvre. Again, pictures do no justice.

There are four sections to the Louvre and there is no way in hell that you will be able to finish this place. Pick your favorites and head directly to them. You will wonder off at times, some rooms you can't take pictures in and they police these very well and fuss at you if you try (hehe, so I tried) but get back on track. We discovered that the Monna Lisa is packed full of people looking at her but she is still worth it! We still managed to see Napoleon's apartment (very opulent), French scupltures, the medieval Louvre (the original part of the Castle that is left before the Louvre was built on top), Winged Victory of Samothrace, Raft of Medusa, and some Crowned Jewels. Much more things were covered but you will have to see the pictures and do some research because there was soooooo much here! Unfortunately, Aphrodite or otherwise known as Venus de Milo was being moved but we are probably going back just to see her.
After getting tired, which you will do, we head to the Cafe on the 1st Level (really the 2nd) to grab some lunch on the veranda looking over the courtyard. We had to wait a bit but the views were the best to relax at. This cafe is located in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre.

We walked around a bit more and decided to go back up to the Champs Elysees, right past where we started at the obelisk. It starts with a little park and then connects to part of the avenue filled with shops much like New York but with larger sidewalks. The major difference was that they put car shops here! Yes, Mercedes and Peugot were selling their cars in what looked like a major mall. Really cool! You should know that all of the shops that are in the states are here also, just that your money doesn't go as far so you can wait to buy many things. DON'T miss out on the food, atmosphere, drinks or attractions. Use your money wisely and you will have much more fun! We are spending a ton but not really!

Ok, so we finally reach the Arc de Triomphe, whew!

Deciding to go into it after this really long walk, we head towards the underground passage way that leads you under the traffic only to be stopped by Police. Not what you think though. They just finished elections here and they were honoring their veterans today. We were told that we would have to wait until the commencement was over. Ug!
Not giving up, we go to the nearest Cafe and grab food and drinks to listen to the band and watch a little of the parade. This was neat but I didn't get a chance to take much pictures here.

Ok, so we ended up giving up and headed back to the hotel. We decided that we should get to the Arc first thing in the morning. For now we will take a quick nap after the exhausting walking that we have done.

---We woke only to walk around in our neighborhood, grab some quick snacks and go back to the hotel to sleep. By now it is already 3am and we probably should go to sleep.

First full day in Paris - June 17th

2007-06-18T02:33:00.001-05:00

We got up after crashing at the hotel for just a few hours and headed out to have breakfast with David and touring the Catacombs. These also were near David's hotel in the 14th District.

21 Euros for all 3 of us and we decend down a spiral (narrow also) staircase to an underground corridor filled with pictures and the backstory of the catacombs. You walk through some passage way and then into an area that is filled with the bones of millions of people. There is a guy that quickly tells you that no flash is allowed and we get on our way through the mile journey of underground bones neatly arranged and stacked deep through these tunnels.

We took lots and lots of pictures here. <<<>>>>

This part will have to go quickly, Justin is up and we need to meet Robert now. David took off yesterday and Robert's working the flight that leaves today. But before I go, I will have to fill you in on the Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower.

We did go all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower and it was simply breathtaking!!! It was raining all the while leaving Notre Dame, which we toured the inside, and didn't stop until we were on the top of the Tower and laughing with Robert all the while.

Love you all but got to go and get pretty to see the L'Orangerie and the Louvre with Robert!~

Talk to you soon!!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

update:

Notre Dame's interior is wonderful and huge. The stain glass was beyond anything that you see in the books or on the internet and while there were lots of people everyone was polite and there were tours that you could listen in on. Justin and I immediately thought that this was overwhelming. The size of the outside still does nothing to hint on the grand entry and hallways inside the cathedral.

After touring the inside of the Notre Dame, Justin and I walk to the Musee D'Orsay via the Siene River. The walk was wonderful and there are lots of boats (sightseeing, living quarters and small ones). The boats that people park and live on are long and have lots and lots of room. Unlike the American version of a yacht, these were low and long with outdoor living spaces much like a courtyard. Cool! Half way there and the rain starts yet again. Not like the rain of Texas, this is lighter and whispier but still will get you soaking. We manage to pick up a painting along the way and still head towards the D'Orsay. Funny thing was Robert was walking ahead of us the entire time from the Notre Dame but we noticed him right before we got to the Musee.

We enter the museum and tour for a while looking at the wonderful works of art and stopping in the cafe with a huge see-through clock for the outside public. After dessert and coffee we try to see the most important pieces but find that they were out on loan. ARG!!

So we decide to head to the Eiffer Tower. Still raining all the while, we get there only to have Justin stopped from taking the bottle of wine to the top. Not that it was wine, mind you, just that it was glass :)

I had to give it away to a couple who were so gracious.

The ride in the lift to the top was super cool. I think we took a ton of pictures for this also. The top was windy and adding in the rain, we still had tons of fun! Very wet and loving it!!

There were really no words to describe the view. All around Paris and descriptions of the places that you are looking at. YOu will have to trust me and just look at the pictures.

Oooohh la la!

Later on that night we stop for dinner at Le Coupe-Chou. Lit by candlelight and small and cozy like a really small wooded cottage we drank wine and laughed with Robert. I forgot to tell you that all sorts of waiters and people that we have been contact with have been super accomodating with the language. If you try they are amused and will speak English with you. Robert's french was very good and got us everything we wanted. Escargot, Lamb, Steak..we ate it all. Filled with food and a little tipsy (ok, me!), we said our goodbyes to Robert and will see him in the morning!

Arrival to Paris via Iceland -June 16th

2007-06-18T02:10:00.000-05:00

I will have to post pictures when I have more time, I promise.

We arrive into the Iceland airport, after a drastic 6 hour time change from NY...7 from Texas, at 6:30am. Justin and I tried to catch up on sleep but we stilll didn't get any until the sun was coming up over the wing of the airplane. This part was surreal since we new that we would be all mixed up with no sleep. I honestly don't know how the flight attendants do this daily.

<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>picture is of a small town in Iceland taken from our seats on the outgoing flight to Paris from Iceland>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

We touch down in Paris at 1 pm!!

Thank goodness we cleared customs back in Iceland. All that was left was to pick up our baggage and grab a taxi into Paris (37 Euros) to our hotel. BTW, traffic is everywhere and the drive to downtown Paris looks like the suburbs of outer parts of New York. Graffiti and condos are everywhere. It is not until you start to reach the city that you see the architecture of old and the cleanliness of its people.

We check into our hotel and it is exactly like the pictures. Very clean, cute and modern. When I say cute...this means small and cute but cute none the less.

We settle in at the hotel and then refresh before leaving to meet David half way between his hotel and ours to go see some sights. We had a picnic after a quick shower and a tour of the Cathedral at Le Halle.

<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>

We head to Notre Dame (only the outside) and then stopped into a cute little place to have crepes and coffee. Yum!
I will tell you that the outside was spectacular, then inside we will have discovered the next day.
Also, nightfall doesn't happen here until around 11pm. The sun isn't really up but the sky is blue and the daylight was still upon us when we walked throught the Latin Quarter to David's hotel. We had a lovely dinner and drinks at a Jazz bar. We didn't get back to our hotel until 3 am...hehehehe! What fun!

The Start of our Honeymoon - June 14 and 15

2007-06-18T01:47:00.000-05:00

I'll start with backfilling in for our trip over here. We departed Austin only to be mixed up in the blender of delayed arrivals to Dallas and New York. When we checked into Austin, the gate agent put us on an earlier flight...thank goodness since we didn't end up leaving because of the weather "around" Dallas. Long story short, we arrived into Newark airport around 2:00 am and finally reached David and Robert's apartment at 3:00 am.

We got up later that morning after some really quick rest to go eat breakfast with David in the City. We did some shopping in Soho and headed back to get ready for our flight to Paris via Iceland. The flight was at 8:35pm so we would have to leave around 4 to take in account of the traffic that we would encounter. (OK, so the traffic was worse then we thought! It took an hour and a half just to taxi our way to JFK...arg!) Here's the funny part, since we were stuck in traffic, our taxi driver decided to take a detour to try to get us there quicker. He turned down the avenue that Vanessa and Justin S. live on. After a call to our cousin, she informed us that she was just leaving work and that we might be passing her. The taxi driver was so cool that we had a few moments to see Ness and Justin along with one of their friends from work. YEAH!! Quick hugs and dinner plans when we get back...yeppers.

Ok, so we reach JFK and David walks us to our gate. Luckily his sign in for his Paris trip was around our departure time so he got to go with us. THANK YOU...David and Rob give us a huge suprise by packing a boatload of snacks, redbull and water along with books and maps as a gift to us. There were things like a book of the Little Prince and really nice headphones, crossword puzzles and all sorts of goodies. J and I were both suprised, this was such a nice gesture!!

<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Justin and I board for Iceland.

Let me just say that the flight attendants for Iceland Air are really pretty! Very straightforward but really pretty :/

On to June 16th...and our first day!

Getting Ready to Leave - Tomorrow is day 1 of the Honeymoon

2007-06-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

I am unbelievably excited for this trip with Justin~!

On the way there….
1.) American Airlines
a. Leave: June 14th 5:25 PM from AUS (with a connecting through DFW)
b. Arrive: June 15th 12:10 AM to EWR
2.) Iceland Air
a. Leave: June 15th 8:25 PM from JFK to KEF, Flight #FI614
b. Leave: June 16th 7:40 AM from KEF to CDG, Flight #FI542
c. Arrive: June 16th 12:05 PM in CDG

Coming back….
1.) Iceland Air
a. Leave: June 22nd 10:35 PM from CDG to KEF, Flight #FI547
b. Arrive: June 23rd 12:10 AM in KEF
c. Leave: June 25th 5:00 PM from KEF to JFK, Flight #FI615
d. I think we arrive at 8:25PM on June 25th into JFK
2.) American Airlines
a. Leave: June 26th 4:25 PM from LGA to AUS through RDU
b. Arrive: June 26th 8:50 PM to AUS

Summary:
20 hrs in NYC
6.25 Days in CDG
2.75 Days in KEF
24 hrs in NYC

We are staying with David & Robert in New York and also meeting up with them for a short while in Paris and the full time in Iceland to stay with Robert's family. We are so excited about the possiblity of getting lost in the "City of Lights". We have metro passes and museum passes so I am sure that we will be popping all over the place.

This is where we are staying in Paris....Park and Suites Paris Bibliotheque: 15 Rue de Tolbiac, Paris 75013, France. It is a cute modern little place that Justin picked out, located right near a fast new metro station.

Proud New Parents

2007-06-05T14:09:00.000-05:00

I have neglected to mention that Dana and Adam Lerway had their twins a few months ago. Jonas and Ranger are doing great and here are a few pictures of them:

Honeymoon is upon us

2007-06-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

Justin and I have just finished a shopping spree that puts us back in the fashion fast lane so that we won't look like total Americans when we visit Paris and Iceland. No tennis shoes or jeans..hmf.

We will spend the next few days cleaning the house and prepping for the day we have to leave. I have already begun to pack and we are still more than a week out.

Yesterday we received our metro and museum passes to get us in and out of everything while we are there and not have to wait in line or keep paying for everything. I am relieved! I also didn't have any problems with my passport like many people that I am hearing about. I did the expedited service and got it back in a week.

1 Month and Counting 5.14.07

2007-05-15T13:54:00.000-05:00

Justin and I doing great. We have already fallen back into our routine at work and with friends. :)
I hope to get more photos from some friends that I know have some: like Traci and Bernie. Also to get my hands on the video (uncut) from the wedding from Val!
I can't wait to see that one. To remember it from a different angle. Yea!!

I am now sewing some projects that I put off for a while. My new venture is to sew a Cathedral Window quilt. Take a look at the picture. While this work is not my own but a rendition of what the finished project will look like, I thought it was worth the time to put a picture of how beautiful it could be. We will see.

Rehearsal Dinner 4.13.07

2007-05-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

Photos provided by Bernie Purdy.
Bernie was our and we would like to thank him for such a wonderful job that he did for us. The photos are beautiful!

http://www.purdyphoto.com/photos/friends/justin_dinner/

We received more photos from Mom: Here they are!!

Rehearsal and Wedding Day Photos from Mom

Wow! More Photos from the Wedding

2007-04-30T11:08:00.000-05:00

These are the contributions of the persons that took photos using our disposable cameras. They might seem a bit grainy in some but they definately give a different perspective!
Enjoy!!

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #1

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #2

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #3

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #4

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #5

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #6

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #7

Wedding Photos from disposable camera #8

Wedding Photos Arrive

2007-04-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

Our professional photos are now posted until July.
We will be getting all of our negatives for free in one year along with all the "rejected" photos that are not in the website.

If you want to view them..you will have to go here:
(copy and paste in new window)

http://www.pictage.com/photodisplay/PHOTODISPLAY/login.xml?producer=security&forced=false&continueUrl=AUTO&xsl=/xsl/v3/authenticate.xsl&JServSessionIdphotodisplay=biqc6ccia1.JSA77

We are building our scrapbook and hope that you enjoy all of them, we do!

Illness after Wedding

2007-04-18T08:47:00.000-05:00

How funny to finally be stress free and I end up sick. It started with a sore throat Monday morning so I trudged through work even though I felt crappy. Then Tuesday, I couldn't even get out of bed until 1pm. I moved downstairs and slept off and on on the couch.

How can anyone go to their honeymoon straight after their wedding?! Does this always happen to the bride?

Today I feel a LOT better :)

Wedding Day 4.14.07

2007-04-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

I have been asked if it was everything I ever wanted..
Please let me tell you how I felt on my big day.

I started the day by waking very early (6am) after a really suprising good night sleep. I got up and took a long bath: salt & sugar scrub, shave and oil. It was nice to be alone for just a few moments anyways. I roamed the halls after that. I saw Mary (Justin's mom), David, Traci, Beth and Alyssa. I shouldn't forget to tell you that my room was decorated with rose petals and lots and lots of tulle. There was a wonderful bow and ribbon attached to the door with the words from a famous song, "I'm getting married in the morning"!
I waited for everyone to get ready to leave and in two cars (Traci driving her big ole' truck) and David in mine we headed for the hall at around 8:45am.

Decorations started at 9am after some juices, coffee and breakfast tacos bought by my mom and dad. We set up the chairs at the ceremony site, broke out the tables and helped fluff up some of the tissue paper balls that I had for the tent.
Good thing that the previous event set up our lights for the tent.

At 10am Traci, Meredith and Cindy took me to get my hair rolled and at Noon we went to get my makeup airbrushed on. Thank you so much for doing this for me. At this moment I was really relaxed and had nothing to worry about.
We headed back to the hall.
Meredith stayed with me while everyone else had gone to get ready or nap and while everyone was away we put the table cards out and moved some things around. At 2pm, we had another rush of people come to help decorate. The tissue paper balls were hung, luminaries went to be set up and the catering company arrived along with all the chairs and more tables.

OK, so here is where the first glich came in. The linen people brought white table cloths with a horrible rose pattern on them. My fabulous catering people had this resolved in 1 hour...yeah!!

The tables were being set, the handkerchiefs were out and the gift/sign in table was up and runnning. We even set up the backdrops for photos by Ness.

I was then told to stay in the backroom at 4pm when Justin arrived at the hall. Whatever happened out there, I have no recollection about but I can tell you what was happening in the back room.

Brandi, my hairdresser, not only did my mother's and my sister's hair. But also did Nanny's, Alyssa's, Marley's and finally mine. My Best Man, ran to the market to save my day by getting me some beautiful flowers for my hair.

2nd Glitch: Wedding Cake and Flower disaster

After putting aside my ill feelings about those things, I was out the hall and down the aisle to look at my weeping Fiance to soon be my husband. All of our friends were there to witness in a sunny but chilly day.

We said our vows and our officiant, Bernie, was wonderful with everything including the readings. Nice long kiss from Justin and we were out the aisle and taking pictures with our party.

Since it was kind of chilly the hall was opened up and I guess the appetizer station was great because there were only cheeses left from the mushroom caps, bruschetta and asparagus wrapped in filo. :)

The rest of the night was wonderful. I remember chatting with lots of people and I remember Justin and my first and last dance. I hope everyone had a good time...we did.

We exited to glow sticks and sparklers...to David's Mercedes convertible and off to the Driskoll Hotel.

Whew! What a night. I am exhausted even two days later.

Vanessa's pictures: http://adventured.net/blog/

Wedding Day from Heather

Sheila's Wedding - fom Vanessa

Wedding Day from Traci

Bachelorette Day

2007-04-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

March 17, 2007

St. Patrick's Day? Or Bachelorette Day?!!

A small group of gals joined me for dinner at Shady Grove and then a few green beers at Mother Eagans on 6th and Vichi in the warehouse district for all night dancing! We had a blast. I will have to finally figure out the photo uploads and post all pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Good thing that there is Magnolia Cafe..open all night afterwards :)

Very hungry...lots of dancing and lots of hungry women afterwards.

Bachelorette Party

Bridal Shower by Aunts

2007-04-05T12:05:00.000-05:00

I don't want to forget about the brunch Bridal Shower that my Aunts (Sharon, Linda and Janice) threw for me that included the women of our family. It was at Los Patios in San Antonio on March 10, 2007. What a lovely day!!

What a cool day to be surrounded by those that you love.

Good food at a nice place and "almost" all the girls of our family. :'Sorry that everyone couldn't make it. Val! and Ness, we missed you :(
Check out all the cool pictures.

Bridal Shower by Aunts

2007-04-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

Bridal Shower by Friends & Sister :)

2007-03-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

March 3, 2007
I wanted to thank all of my friends and my sister for throwing me such a lovely bridal shower. :)

Though it be known that I have not a lot of friends but just a few friends that are close to me, those particular friends are friends worth dying for.

The shower was held at Meredith's house in San Antonio and was very lovely. The italian cuisine was a nice touch along with the appetizers and wine. Traci, Cindy, Sharlin and Meredith threw such a nice get-together.

Bridal Showers