Saturday, January 29, 2011

~Stacey Leigh~


~Stacey Leigh aka Ti-ti~

I have known Stacey since the 3rd grade. We had a love-hate relationship then. Love from the sense of Stacey was the sweetest person on the planet and hate from the perspective of how stinky I was, a spoiled little brat that invited everyone from our cheer leading squad to my birthday party...except for cutie pa tootie Stacey. Horrible. Plain meanness. Only, by the grace of God, she forgave me early on in our relationship and we have continued on to be the best of friends...the best you could ever imagine.

Stacey knows me better than I know me, or at least better than I want to admit to myself! She can decipher me and knows my moods and all of my imperfections. She loves me for who I am and I love her more than she could ever imagine. Stace is one of the most four beautiful persons I know - both inside and out. She has a kindred spirit and we have lived through Stacey and her most awesome adventures. Sea World animal trainer and ranch hand to name a few. My grandmother passed away on her birthday and we have the call from my dad on video, something I will forever treasure, as a young girl having such a wonderful family to comfort me at such a horrible time.  She is vivacious, and so heartfelt.

Stacey is a gem, a wonderful wife and at some point she will be an extraordinary mother. She has not only achieved her dreams, but far exceeded them. She is a doll and by far a unique and loved sweetheart. She can take your breath away when you lay your eyes on her and her heart will do the same. She has uncanny determination, she is an AGGIE, and we will never let her live it down or be so proud of her. Way to go Stace! GIG EM'

Stace, you are one in a million and you have a special place in my heart.

Friday, January 28, 2011

~Lauren Nicole~

Lauren Nicole aka 'Ral Ral'

There are many photo's to choose from, but it had to be this one. Us & our daugters Cooper & Ava at ~8mo. Too funny!

I've known Lauren since elementary school, where we were cheerleaders for Milam Elementary. Go Mavs! We came up with the 'Moo Cow Club' in 3rd grade with another dear elementary friend, and had what I would consider a true sister relationship. We spent the night with each other more times than I could ever count, gave each other haircuts unbeknost to our mothers and spent alternating weekends with our dads together. We were a 2 for 1 deal! My dad refers to Lauren as his adopted daughter.

Lauren has helped to mold me into the person I have become, there aren't many experience that I've had without her by my side. We have also had riffs that have lasted for many months ... but just as we separated, we always came back together. Our friendship was meant to be. We have grown through so much together. I admire Lauren for her honesty and can always count on her to council me through the thickest, the Lord her guide.

Lauren is Martha Stewart, seriously. There is NOTHING she can't do, she's the BEST chef, baker, seamstress, and mother. I always knew she would be the best mother - she has intrinsic instinct and the patience of Job.

One of my most memorable moments with Lauren is the time we wrecked the four wheeler and managed to fling ourselves into the bank of a creek ... INJURY FREE.

Lauren, you are simply AMAZING and you have a special place in my heart.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

~Katrina Marie~


Katrina Marie aka 'Kat' (kids call her Cat in the Hat too,
it's confusing having aunties with rhyming names, dang Dr Seuss :))

I've known Katrina since our freshman year in high school, we played volleyball together & it wasn't until our Jr & Sr years when we were on the same cheer squad that I really got to know her better. And actually, it wasn't until after we had kids that something went 'CLICK' and we have found that we are more alike than we could ever have imagined. Both type 'A', love things in order, okay, we're total MONICA's from friends. ha-ha.

Kat is a gem, she has a smile you can never forget, she loves life and ALWAYS ALWAYS has the best mom advice for me. When I need to call someone at 10 p.m. I usually call Kat and if I need encouragement, she is pretty awesome at that. We're shop til you drop buddies, when we get kicked out of the mall, we always go to plan B - 1st option Target and if we absolutely have to, then it's onto Wally World. We're the ones that drag the other girls along for the super fun ride. And impulsive - that's us.

My most memorable Kat story is her car in high school and my nick name for her. Kat is an inspiration - she is such a strong example of marriage and family and is willing to work through anything for her family. I love her heart and her strong head.

Kat, my sweet pea, you are precious and have a special place in my heart.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

~Heather Ann~

Heather Ann aka 'Hat' (kids call her Cat in the Hat)

I've known Heather since I was about 3 years old, we both danced at Mary Ann Little's dance studio, however, it wasn't until high school that we were at the same school and became closer friends. We have mom's that are almost 2 peas in the pod and grew up 'only children' (that is what I consider myself since my older siblings graduated from high school when I was 3, 5 & 6 years old).

Heather is THE MOST gentle, laid back, nothing gets her goat kind of gal. I LOVE Heathers attitude and her love for humanity and animals. She is also SERIOUSLY one of the funniest people I know and has a way of warming the room with her smile alone. She is gorgeous and has THE best, thickest luscious brown locks! Heather is currently expecting twin boys and I know that she is going to be a wonderful mama. She also has mad decorating skills and can rock any kind of design element - she does of course have a degree in interior design, one that fits her so well! Heather keeps us grounded and always reminds us of the 'right thing to do' she has such integrity and trust.

My favorite Heather story involves a leg cast & a trampoline - greatness! Heater is such a wonderful example of a pure heart, she has one made of solid gold.

Heather, my love, you are a dear and you have a special place in my heart.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

~Fab Five~


  ~The Fab Five~
~Lauren, Michelle, Heather, Stacey & Katrina~

It's a name we gave ourselves years ago -
the perfect description of the friendship between five fabulous individuals.

We've known each other since either elementary, middle or high school. We have shared many experiences together - birthday parties(and the lack thereof), boys, new driving adventures, family events, death, marriage, births; there have been fights, make-ups,
tears, lots of laughter and an immense amount of love.

I consider these 4 girls my sisters. They are always there for me, to share my greatest accomplishments as well as to walk me through my darkest moments. We have similar family backgrounds, and on another level we all just 'connect.'

I am so grateful to have such wonderful women to bounce ideas off of, consult when I have NO idea how to handle my kids, have someone to give me encouragement
when I'm blue and keep me in tune with my true self.

I'm going to spend the next few days blogging about each one of them,
each Fab friend gets her own day - a day I am going to use to
tell her how much I love and think the world of....

~March 2010 : The girls at Stubbs BBQ in Austin, TX~

~March 2010 : Celebrating before Stacey's wedding in Italy!
and yes it's evident we busted out the crimper before our big night!~

~April 2010 : Wedding Shower - Kat's MIA,
I think she may have been living in Sicily at the time :) ~

~December 2008 : Christmas get together at Mi Cocina; Kat was definitely Sicily
We used to tell her we would photoshop her in, there ~

Monday, January 24, 2011

~Like Peas & Carrots~

Austin & I are like peas & carrots, we were meant to go together, peanut butter & jelly, macaroni & cheese...seven years ago today I married my middle school sweet heart. Odds = highly unlikely. Probably better odds that you would win the Texas lottery. Only we far exceeded any winnings from a lottery ticket. Who would have thought the first boy you ‘fell in love with’ and saw across the cafeteria on the first day of 6th grade would end up your HUSBAND?!!

We have an unlikely story, one I cherish and will forever treasure. Austin and I know each other so well we think the same thoughts and can sometimes even finish each others sentences. Not to say that marriage is a 24/7 fairy tail, those who are married know better, but I will say with confidence, I have married my soul mate & best friend and can not explain the joy I feel to have the opportunity to journey through this life with him.


Here it is:

VERY EARLY BEGINNINGS: Our relationship actually begins circa 1983 in Grand Prairie, Texas at the United Methodist Church Mother’s Day out program! It wasn’t until I was in high school & was going through some of my mom’s old photo’s that I realized Austin & I were in the same THURSDAY school class! What I wouldn’t give to have video of those days ;) I do however have a single photograph, of which I can not locate at the present time, but promise to find it at my Mom’s house soon so that I may share it with you.

EARLY BEGINNINGS: Kennedy Middle School, August 1991. As I mentioned above, I can vividly remember seeing one of the cutest boys on the planet across the cafeteria on the fist day of school, one of my friends mom’s affectionately referred to him as ‘Howdy Doody’ since he had cute freckles and looked like an All American boy. I remember asking my friends, Melissa & Beth, whom went to elementary school with him, what his name was. “Austin Buck” And so in October, I decided to invite him to my first boy/girl birthday party. Austin will tell you he had NO idea who I was and was only interested in coming to the party for social butterfly reasons. I was always a ‘good girl’ growing up, cried when I received my first ‘B,’ Austin on the other hand…uhhh, humm. Let’s just say he was not as tame as I. A few middle school memories I cherish were hay rides on my birthday in 7th grade at Samuel’s Farm, stealing an innocent kiss at my party playing spin the bottle and watching Austin play basketball and cheering on the Longhorns. Middle school was rough, I do also remember that, and we had a group of girls that spent about every other week in the school counselors office, sometimes discussing incidents around who was girlfriend or boyfriend with Austin Buck. He had quite the following. lol

We started our freshman year of high school as cross town rivals & also went on to occupy our time other things. Austin was into playing golf and I was into theatre and making new friends, of which consisted of new boyfriends … we drifted apart, but not for long. I joined the golf team and began practicing at the same facility. [that was not a plan, wink wink] Our junior and senior years we were ‘an item’ and attended each others proms, school dances and Austin was a loyal follower of our football team so that he could watch me cheer. I can’t count on my fingers and toes the good times we had during those two years taking trips to the lake, life guarding, four wheeling, and who knows what else – there were a lot of laughs and some tears as well.

LIFE CHANGE: One of my best friends from high school and I were accepted to TCU and shared a dorm room our freshman year. Austin and I were on again, off again…as I thought I was too cool for school, a school that Austin didn’t currently attend. We dated a few other people, but I somehow found myself comparing guys to Austin…no one ever measured up. In my heart I knew he was my prince. I had it all planned out, college graduation, engagement, marriage, house, kids – Just need to get him on board! The middle of our sophomore year Austin transferred to TCU and we shared an apartment with another roommate. [I know, I know – living in sin, and looking back on it I see the pros and cons, I will never let my kids do as I did, but I guess that’s the fun part, I get to tell them do as I say, not as I do. Ever hear that one before?] I actually pulled a ‘Monica from friends’ move by booking the chapel long before I ever had a ring… ha ha, something we laugh about now, but if he knew that back then, I may have scared him off!

FAST FORWARD: I graduated in May of 02, Austin one semester later in Dec 02. We both landed our first job with the Tandy Corporation in downtown Fort Worth, and the Thanksgiving weekend 2003, I had a business trip planned to San Francisco, CA. The trip was rescheduled to January, however Austin and I decided to go anyhow since we purchased a ticket for him to join me. I was also starting to wonder about my plan…was he ever going to ask me to marry him? I seriously had no idea, I suspected that over a family Christmas trip to New Mexico he would do it with everyone present. So that weekend, unexpectedly Austin dropped to knee in Sausalito, CA on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. It’s a trip I’ll never forget, one we had SO much fun on touring Napa and finding our way about in San Fran, complete with a night tour of Alcatraz. It was pretty late in Dallas, so we decided to wait until the morning to call our friends and family. I remember waking up in the middle of the night with my ring finger inches from my face and smiling like a giddy school girl.

MARRIAGE: We had a quaint wedding on January 24th 2004 in our home town, where my dad walked me down the isle and we shared vowels in front of our friends, family and most importantly God. A life long covenant we made and will promise to keep through good times and bad. Marriage is hard work and when you say ‘& the bad’ during your vowels you have no idea what bad means – we all spend, as we should, time with our heads in the clouds in honeymoon bliss. I pray that we find time each year, heck, each month or week to remember the bliss. Hard times will come and go, but through the thick of it, we’ll continue to grow our relationship until there is nothing we can’t work through. I believe in my heart of hearts in the sancity of marriage. Having seen first hand the ripple affect of divorce, I think that my determination is even more intent on making marriage stron. Our recipe consist of: a relationship that focus' first on God, second on marriage and lastly on our children.

So, that is our story, I’m so fortunate to have married my best friend and look forward to what the next 70+ years hold.

And here we are - what fun to go back and line these up. (And yes, I used to be a scrapbooker...that is used to be;))

October 1991 - 6th grade birthday party (check out those sofe shorts!)


May 1994 - KMS 8th grade graduation
 
1997 – High School Seniors
 
2000 – TCU

2003 – New Mexico Trip post San Fran engagement!

2003 – Engagement Photo

Jan 24th 2004 – Wedding

2006 – and Banks Ryan makes 3


2007 – and Cooper Reese makes 4
To many more memories.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Family & Random

I've been less than great about taking photo's lately, so I don't have any super recent ones to post. I do need to take a photo tonight & blog about Cooper & her obsession with my t-shirts!! I've negotiated with her that bed time is when she can wear them...although it doesn't stop her from asking every morning if she can wear them to school. Too cute - she also loves wears my heels when ever she comes home, I can always tell where she is by the click-clack of her step on the wood floors. ;)

I feel convicted today to blog about my family - between my family and my in-laws I feel blessed to have a network of some of the most fabulous individuals in the world. Everyone lives in the metroplex allowing us the gift of being able to share in each others daily lives. My kids have grandparents and great-grandparents close enough to make it to birthday parties & holiday events and I'm looking forward to sharing 1st baseball games (this spring!) and dance recitals (May 21st 2011!). I don't want to take those opportunities for granted and ensure I express how grateful I truly feel.

~PEEPS IN OUR FAMILIES~

~Mom, Angel, Keith, Megan, Kimberly, Coop, Aus & Me~

~Glenda, Rex & Our Fam~

~My Daddy~
~My cousins, Angie, Kelley, Granddad, Me & Amber~
~Niece Kelsey, Sister Kimberly, Niece Megan~

~BIL Jason,Nephew Aaron, Sister Yvette, Banks, Nephew Seth,
Coop, Me & Aus (Missing Newphew Joshua!)~

~With my Mom & Dad @ FC Halloween 2009~

~Cousin Ash, Mom, Kels, Kimberly, Granny Eva, Angel & Me~

~The Roper Family,Cousin Brandy,Cousin Brittany,
Auntie Kathy & Uncle Robert~

~Our Nanny ... the kids LOVE her to the moon & back!~

~Sweet niece Kelsey~

~Cousins Leslie, Me, BethAnn & Lauren~

~Coleman, TX family~

~Uncle Alan~

~Me, Granny Eva, Mom, Kim & Cousin Gina from CHICAGO!~
And there you have it, some of the greatest family a girl could ask for. There are many more members in the area, however looking through my photo files, I realize there are some I am missing & thus a new goal has been set for myself...TAKE PHOTO's OF EACH Family MEMBER in 2011 when the opportunity presents itself!  The next two photo's I stumbled upon & find myself wondering if we should grow our family to more than 4...they are SOOO cute!! :)
~Uggh, i want to EAT him up!~

~SWEET, SWEET girl!~

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Celebration

Today we celebrated the life of Austin's grandfater, John Burdette, or as we call him, Paw.

He is celebrating with the Lord on this very day, and we are elated that he has been called home to enjoy the riches that have been prepared for him, those of which we can only imagine.

We are all blessed to have such a wonderful role model in our lives, Paw lived a life of integrity, of Christian values and was never quick to anger. He admired his family and encouraged all of us to do our best and live life to the fullest. He played an integral part of my husband's life, helping to mold the man I have grown to love so dearly, for that I am grateful.

John Elby Burdette
August 28th 1925 - January 14th 2011


One of my favorite photo's of Nanny & Paw
Married 64 years Feb 2011

Sunday, January 9, 2011

**SNOW DAY**

The first things the kids asked when it started snowing..."Is Santa coming tonight?"

Austin explained that he's only experienced two white Christmas' in his lifetime and one was last year. Banks & Cooper are spoiled and think that SNOW = CHRISTMAS! :)

So Santa is definitely NOT coming tonight...but we had so much fun throwing snow balls at each other. Banks hit me in the face from about 12 inches away!! He has quite a little arm, I'll tell you that much.

We built a snowman, complete with TCU hat and the kids made snow angels & slid down a small hill on a trashcan lid! Fun times - they are sacked out as I type. No naps today and playing in the snow made for two very tired babies.

Happy Snow Day! :)


~Banks would have stayed outside ALL day if we let him!~


~Throwing SNOW at the camera woman!~


~Dad figured it out...~


~Banks is chasing the ever growing snowball~


~They caught it!~



~Going in for a closer look, is she...~
 

~...too tempting to not try a mouth full~


~Silly chick-a-dee~


~Banks is pushing with all his might, that snowball was HEAVY!~


~King of the GIANT Snow Ball~


~Queen of the GIANT snowball!~


~Posing with our Snowman~


~Tiny Snow Angel~


~Sledding~


~OOh - hang on Banks!~


~Way to roll...I see Coop & Dad think your spill is amusing~


~Cooper's turn, Banks is making sure she doesn't fall :) Sweet brother!~


~Tiny Snow Angel~


~Pansies are teh BEST flowers EVER! I planted these puppies before Thanksgiving & they are STILL going STRONG!!~


~Look at the lashes on that handsome boy~