Out with the Old, In with the New...

A new year is always fun, don't you think? The promise of so many new adventures to come... and memories to make. A fresh start. Clean slate. 

Looking back on 2008, I just cannot believe what a fabulous year we had. We are so incredibly blessed!!

Some of the highlights... we went to Kauai with John's family, went on a Caribbean cruise with my family, sent both kids to summer camp at LLYC, taught the kids to waterski, went skydiving (and lived to tell about it!), spent Thanksgiving with friends and family at the pub and then had a perfect Christmas surrounded by loved ones here at home... um, hello, it just doesn't get much better than that my friends!! 

Hard to believe Kathryn turned 1o this year. Wow. A decade. She's growing up so fast. Too fast. She got to go to Science Camp with the 5th grade, was a cheerleader during football season and is now playing basketball. Kathryn and I had a fun Girls Only trip and went back to California to visit all of our friends there. Yes, I think she had a good year. 

Jasper also continues to delight us daily. He's really coming in to his own. He's funny and smart, just like his Dad... and of course, good lookin', like me. ;) I know he had a good year because, well, that's just how he is. Always happy. No matter what. Lucky kid. 

And John... ahhh yes, well, big year for him since he finally got the ginormous TV of his boyhood dreams!! LOL! He's also really enjoying his incredible work schedule that comes with seniority. Life is good. 

And me. Gosh, really, what more could I possibly as for? Nothing. Not a single thing. Except maybe world peace. I adore my children beyond words and my husband is still my very bestest friend in the whole wide world. He makes me laugh daily and can still make my toes curl. He's still even the most handsome guy I know, although Jasper is working very hard to play catch up in that department. Heck, even my dog is the way coolest and cutest dog there is... so yes, I am a happy, happy girl. I also love how my relationship with my parents continues to grow. I have totally hip and fun parents (even though my 13-year-old niece would NOT agree! LOL!) and LOVE that I can honestly call them great, great friends.

I'm looking forward to 2009. It's going to be another fantabulous year for us. We will be going back to Kauai in March and then John and I get to go do a BIG grown up trip to Ireland this summer while the kids are in camp. We're also very much anticipating the birth of our first nephew in April! Cannot WAIT to meet him!! Oh, and let's not forget John will be celebrating the big 4-0 in July! Whoa ho! :) 

But unfortunately, most years do not pass without some sadness. Just this month, there have been two tragic deaths near us. One of Kathryn's friends, Stephany, was killed in a car accident on December 16. She was only 11 years old. The whole community has been torn apart by this incredibly tragic loss. She was a sweet, sweet girl. 

Another friend, one of the Cub Scout leaders, gave birth to a baby girl, Shelby, on December 10. Sadly, Shelby was born into the world much too early and did not survive. She passed away on December 23. Bless her little soul. 

I thank God every day for our continued health and pray He keeps us healthy and out of harm's way. 

I also thank all of my dear friends and family for helping make this such a memorable year. I am just filled to the brim with happiness and gratitude and feel like the most blessed friend, daughter, wife and mother in the entire world. 

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!!! Be safe tonight! See you next year! :)

For the Record...

Let's just let it be known that Stacy is still a bad ass. Got that? Good. 

We went to Six Flags over Texas yesterday for a very belated (sorry kid!) birthday celebration for Kathryn. We'd given her tickets WAY back in September and life just got so busy that we didn't have a chance to go. 

Well, yesterday was OUR day and you know what? It was PERFECT. Blue skies, high 60s, very light crowds and three very cool adventuresome kiddos! The longest line we waited in was 20 minutes! Most rides we practically walked on. Oh and the best part... all the holiday lights and music were still going strong... it even "snowed" at night. Super duper fun. 

But let's get back to the part about me, the bad ass. 

Yes, I know I amazed you when I went skydiving a couple months ago... and now I can amaze you again when I tell you that I rode the Titan!!!!!!!! AUGHHHHHH. OH MY GOSH. THE SCARIEST thing I've ever done in my life. WAY worse than skydiving!!! REALLY! 

How intense was it???? So intense that I actually BLACKED OUT for a few seconds on the ride! I am NOT even kidding! Freaked me right out! That has never happened to me before on a rollercoaster! Bwahahahaha! Here's a nice little description from the Internet to back up my point:

Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h

The Titan was built by the same Swiss designers that built the Goliath but includes extra twists. It has 5,280 feet of track, allowing for more drops, loops, and corkscrews. After dropping from the 255 foot hill, you are plunged in to a dark tunnel at the speed of 85 miles per hour. Titan includes a spiral that creates forces of up to 4.5gs.

Do you see that people? 4 and a half gs???? Yup. That will SERIOUSLY mess with your head! John agrees that was the biggest thrill he's ever had. A-MA-ZING!

But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share my bad assness with my daughter, Kathryn... who rode this ride not only once, but TWICE!!! Even after dark! She also earned some major bragging rights!! 

Anyway, great day. Jasper even rode the Shock Wave with us twice... that sucker has TWO full loops!! He is so brave. A 15-year-old kid told him he was super cool. That made his day. 

Fun fun stuff and lots of laughs and great memories! Thanks for sharing your fun birthday day with us Kathryn! And thanks for being so brave!! I'm TOTALLY impressed girl! 

Only 364 more days...

I'm already looking forward to next Christmas! I just love Christmastime. So much joy and laughter and best of all, TOGETHERNESS. 

We had a pretty perfect Christmas day here in the Murphy household. No one cried. No one was lying on the couch, urping between gifts. Mom and I didn't cut ourselves chopping or peeling all day in the kitchen. Roxie was nice to Schnitzel. The ham didn't dry out. The tree was still green, the weather was glorious and everyone seemed to get what they wanted... so gosh, yes, I dare say, it was pretty darned perfect! I hope you all can say the same for your Christmas day!

I have absolutely loved having my family here this week. Truly. I am sad they have to go today, but I understand them wanting to try to beat the mad rush home.

Well gosh... then what to do? A teensy LITTLE part of me wants to join the crazies out there today and grab up some major steals with all the huge sales... but then the more sane (and fortunately more persuasive!) part of me says, nah, skip it. Let those other crazy fools fight it out on the roads and in the stores today. I'm going to STAY HOME in my jammies all day long, drink too much coffee, write some thank you notes, look at my Christmas photos, write in my Christmas journal, watch the kids (John!) play the Wii and eat yummy leftovers. Sounds like a pretty perfect day-after-Christmas day to me. 

*I'll add some Christmas photos later today when I get them downloaded! ;)

Home Again, Home Again...

Gig-a-dee-gig!! And only TWO more days until Christmas!! WHAT FUN!

We had a great time on the cruise... you know how cruises go... eat and drink and play and then eat and drink some more. Lobster bisque, filet mignon, lobster tail, shrimp, escargot, and everyone's favorite... warm chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream! YUMMMMMM. Mom even sweet-talked the head chef and got the recipe, but said she's not going to share it with anyone. 

We really all should've been marched straight to the Betty Ford Clinic off the ship... if you know what I mean. Hee hee. I'm sure we killed a few brain cells on this trip. But gosh it was fun! 

The kids both partied until the wee hours of the morning, enjoyed the Kids' Club, snorkeled, swam, turned into prunes in the hot tub, danced, laughed and ate probably two gallons of ice cream each... and that's no exaggeration! 

We stopped in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel... went horseback riding and snorkeling, drove beach buggies, and ate and drank some more! LOL! 

Thank you Dad for such a wonderful gift! I love that we share these memories and I'm sure we'll be giggling about our inside jokes for years to come!! 

And now... the BIG countdown has begun!!!!!!!!! Can't WAIT for Christmas morning! So many surprises to come!!! 

12/13/08

'Twas the night before our cruise, when all through the house, 

Stacy was really excited to wear her new sequined blouse. 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 

Cause when we get home the WHOLE family will be there! 

The children can't wait to eat ice cream all day, 

While into the sunset we go sailing away. 

The next day in my bathing suit and favorite baseball cap, 

I'd just settled down for a long Caribbean nap.

When out on the Lido Deck arose such a clatter, 

I sprang from my chaise lounge to see what was the matter. 

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

But John and Grampa and two big frosty beers!

With a smile and a sigh that came oh so quick, 

I knew in a moment it was gonna be a great trip! 

Gramma was relaxing with her new paperback book, 

So happy to know there were no meals to cook. 

And we whistled and sang 

And called out by name... 

Now Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel, here we come!

For lots of stress-free holiday fun in the sun. 

Kids? What kids? We haven't seen them in days! 

Can't even hear their screams over the warm ocean waves. 

They might be at the Kid's Club or even the arcade... 

I'm sure wherever they are they're very well-behaved. ;)

We'll be happy and plump, right jolly old elves, 

And we'll laugh at the scale in spite of ourselves. 

Cause we'll eat lobster and steak 'til we've got round little bellies, 

That shake when we laugh, like bowls full of jelly!

My iPod and wine is really all that I need, 

Okay, maybe a massage... a nice gentle kneed. 

I'll think of all the people in town still rushing about, 

Shopping and stressing and cursing no doubt. 

As I lay in the sun, knowing all *my* work is done, 

Worrying only "Has the shuffleboard tourney begun?" 

And you'll hear me exclaim as I sail out of sight, 

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

There's no place like home for the holidays...

It just really doesn't get any better than this... 

How cool is it that we'll be going on a cruise and then will be home just in time to celebrate Christmas at home with family? LOVE that!! :) 

We've been enjoying the holiday spirit around here and hope YOU have too!! 

Here are a few photos I downloaded this morning... trying to catch up on my own photo editing now that I'm finished with all my 2008 clients!! ;) 

Oh, see my GIANT 4 ft. x 4 ft. Santa canvas hanging in the background? Isn't it AWESOME?! Unfortunately, the photos don't do it justice. It's VERY sparkle-plenty in real life!!! The whole thing is made out of silver glitter and I just ADORE it!!!!!!! I've been drooling over this in the Pottery Barn catalogue for three years and this year I got a Visa gift card from my mother in law, so decided to just GO for it, be silly and indulge myself!!! THANKS PAT!!! I just smile every time I see jolly old St. Nick grinnin' at us. His smile is so contagious and reminds me that this is a season about JOY and happiness and good times. A time to rejoice!!!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Ohhhh don't you just LOVE that old song? I loved it when they sang it in the movie "Elf." So sweet. 

And yes, it *is* cold outside!!! WOW. Last night a tornado watch and tonight a chance of snow... welcome to CRAZY Texas weather! Then, of course, it'll be back up to 72 degrees by the end of the week. Ha ha ha. At least the weather never gets boring around here!!! 

It is a bit strange this week, listening to Christmas carols and watching for snow while packing bathing suits and flip flops!!! Hard to believe that in just 5 days we'll be sunnin' our buns!! Ohhhhhhh and SCARY buns they are right now!! My Mom called me yesterday and said her whole body looks like a frog belly! LOL! So so so pale. I was trying on clothes today (doesn't every girl deserve a new sparkly top for a cruise!?) and was thinking, "Oh man... no ONE wants to see this pale pale skin on the boat" so yes folks, I'm going in for a nice little spray tan on Friday. Trust me... you'd thank me!! 

But anyway... just wanted to pop in and apologize for being such a major blog slacker lately! It's downright embarrassing. I've just been super duper swamped... and sadly my blog is one of the first things to get abandoned, ignored and neglected. I *will* do my best though to share all of my fabulous holiday/cruise stories with you!!! 

Hope you're enjoying YOUR holidays so far... now go snuggle up with your favorite honey, cause baby... it's collllllllllld, cold outsiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!! 

Ten Days

We're in it baby... the official 10-Day Cruise Countdown! WOW! 

That means ten days to finish shopping (ooh so close), finish wrapping (um, not so close), and attend several school and neighborhood parties and parades (fun).

I am not freaking out. 

I also have to finish the NINE "last-minute" orders that came in today (eek!), pack myself and the kids for the cruise.

I am NOT freaking out. 

Oh, and I also have to figure out WTH I'm going to do for my Christmas card this year!!!!!!!!! 

Okay, I'm freaking out, just a little. 

Oh wait, I haven't even TAKEN the photo yet!!!!!!!! 

Okay, totally freaking out! LOL! 

Bucket List

As a child, I was obsessed with death... and quite terrified of it. Perhaps it was in part because of my evil sister, who used to tell me that every freckle I had was cancer. I used to also have this horrible recurring nightmare that my mother was holding me down, trying to feed me poisonous green slime (remember the kind you'd get in the little plastic trash can?). That's a strange one because really I have THE NICEST parents on the planet and they would never do anything like that... but like I said, I was terrified of dying. 

I used to lay in bed at night and pray to God to just let me live long enough to get married and have babies. I'd say "Pleasepleasepleaseplease let me live long enough to have a baby and then you can do whatever you want with me." Ha ha ha. 

Well, thankfully we have a generous, loving God, and He has let me live through the birth of not only one, but TWO wonderful little children... and now my prayer has changed... now it goes something like, "Pleasepleaseplease let me just live long enough to watch my children get married and have babies... THEN you can do with me whatever you want!" LOL. 

So have you seen the movie "The Bucket List?" Great flick. I watched it the other night. It deals with the uncomfortable notion of having to think too much about your impending death. So the two guys who know they're dying decide to make a list of all the things they want to do BEFORE they die. It's their "Before I Kick the Bucket List." 

Last night I laid in bed thinking of what mine might be... 

Well, let's see. I've already done so much...

Graduate from college. Check. Get married and have kids. Check. Visit Japan and Mexico and Hawaii. Check. Snow ski. Check. Ride in a helicopter. Check. Skydive and bungee jump... check.

Start a small business. Check. 

Cool... that all seems pretty good. But let's think of what else I would like to do:

* Drink a beer in a pub in Ireland... on my way in July!

* See a Broadway show in New York

* Go on a photo safari in Africa

* Have 2 Golden Retrievers as pets, and maybe a horse & a farm! 

* Publish a book

* Hold a grandbaby

* Learn to play the bongos

* Visit every state in America!

* Meet Missy Mullins in person... oh and Dave Matthews too! ;)

* Own at least one top of the line ($$$) Nikon lens!!!

Alright, that's a good start. How about YOU... what's on YOUR list?? 

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care...

Aw, this images just sends warm fuzzies all over me!! I love it. It's so symbolic of what's to come... 

We are going to have a joyous Christmas this year and we deserve it! And we deserve to spend it together. I can't tell you how excited I am about that AND that *I* get to host it! Gosh, I think I feel like a real grown up now because hosting Christmas day is a VERY grown up like thing to do you know. :)

Anyway, my kids made the new stockings this morning during our craft hour. Jasper made Grampa's and Dee's and Kathryn made Allie's and Gramma's. Aren't they cute?? 

AND *ohmygoshohmygosh* we are officially into our Two-Week Cruise Countdown!!! WOO HOO. Look out Cozumel... here we come! Just think... I'll have a TAN on Christmas day!! HA HA! 

Just call us the Griswolds...

Okay. Um. Wow. I do not have a single horizontal surface left in this house that isn't covered with Christmas decor. Looks like the North Pole came here and threw up. But it's great. I love it. So festive... and it ought to be because *I* am hosting Christmas day at my house this year!!!! FUN. 

I'm sorry I'm so freakishly behind on blogging... whoopsie daisy! 

I am going to blog TONS tomorrow... about a whole menagerie of stuff!! ;) Just you wait!!! Lots of pictures too, pinky promise. 

I am.

I am 38 today. 

I am glad. 

I am laughing and healthy and comfortable in my skin. 

I am happy I still get butterflies in my stomach when I hear John's truck pulling into the driveway. 

I am the luckiest mother I know. By far.

I am blessed beyond words. 

I am wrinkly.

I am in love with my doggie.

I am excited for the holidays!

I am going on a cruise in 20 days. 

I am sentimental and sappy. 

I am addicted to coffee creamer but not to coffee. 

I am not good at Sudoku but I kick ass at the word jumble. 

I am a dreamer.

I am pleased that if I were still only 18 and looked into a crystal ball and saw this as my future that I'd still be quite happy and satisfied. 

I am amazed I don't feel like a grown up just yet. 

I am anxious to meet my new nephew. 

I am loving the journey.

I am surrounded by the bestest friends in the whole wide world... both near and far!

I *am happy* on my birthday.

I am me and there's no one else I'd rather be!

(Photo by Kathryn, November 23, 2008)

The best present I never received...

No, that's not a typo. This really is about the best gift I never received. :) 

Let me explain. 

John was cleaning out his hotmail account inbox the other day. He had some embarrassing number of old (REALLY OLD!) emails cluttering up his life, so he was doing some house cleaning. Let's just rewind allllllllllll the way back to 2005. Yup. Long time ago. I think he needs to check that account more often! 

Anyway, point is, three years ago he apparently was feeling motivated to give me the best birthday ever. Something gave him the idea that 35 was a big deal. Humph. Okayyyy. I'll go with that? So yeah, my sweet adorable husband emailed ALL of my BFFs asking for their suggestions and advice on what I should get for my 35th birthday. And the silly boy saved all their responses! 

So I had the EXTREME pleasure of reading all these replies yesterday! OH MY GOSH. I have THE BEST GIRLFRIENDS EEEEEEEEEEEVER!! You would not BELIEVE their sweet (and WONDERFUL!) suggestions. Let me show you a few: 

First from one of my dearest friends ever, my college roommate, Leanna:

flowers and lots of them

spa day or a full massage from you

write a poem, if you are in to that

EE Cummings wrote a fab poem called "I carry your heart with me". Look it up. She'll love it.

make her a chocolate cake, covered with slices of strawberries. don't forget the champagne

party with the whole family, have her mom give you pictures of each birthday and show everyone the changes she's gone through to get to her wonderful phase she's in now.

let her know you appreciate every minute you have with her and that you you love going through the journey of life as her husband. (really mushy, i know)

Now from my FAAAAAAAAABULOUS BFF from Canada, Gillian:

I am SERIOUSLY missing your lovely wife right now - and with her birthday coming up, I was thinking .... maybe ..... that I could fly out to surprise her for two days or so? I would purchase the airline ticket, so don't worry about passes and stuff. I just want to see her so much!!! I am running this idea by you 1) because it would be awesome to surprise her and 2) I think you would best know if Stacy could handle visitors right now (or at the end of the month). I know this the busiest time for our photography, but as of Nov. 21 I am no longer shooting - and I think Stacy will be taking a break, as well. There will orders to deliver and such, but being in the same business, I can certainly help Stacy organize her orders if they arrive while I'm there visiting. I'm also a very low-maintenance guest! :) So, what do you think? A three day mini-surprise-Stacy-trip? I would love it!

AWWWWWWWWWWWW I was SO CRYING after just these two replies! But wait, there's more!! 

Check out these amazing ideas from my very clever, sweet friend, Heidi, from Washington:

Does she have a favorite candy? Chocolate? Go the extra mile and buy 35 truffles????

Does she have any dreams? Running a marathon?, taking a class? writing a book? Visiting Paris at Christmas?  if so....acknowledge that dream....get her running shoes, a journal, a statue of the Eiffel tower.

What about write a poem? could he do that? Have it framed? 

 Maybe find a spa and get her a facial or massage and a pedicure? Nothing makes women feel more special and pampered than pretty toes I will keep thinking.....

What about a piece of jewelry? It looks like she wears it? Something artistic? Is there a Nordstroms close by? They have "new artist" pieces all the time and could help him if he is clueless. They also have very classic whimsical and fun things too- w/ lots of selection. Kind of expensive but....it’s a suggestion.

 How about.....a first edition book does she have a favorite author? Maybe a signed copy?  

 What about a girls night out plan? He could plan a fun overnight for her and a few of her buddies- w/ maybe a hotel room, wine, candy? Bring out the kid in her...???

And let's not forget my hysterical fun friend, Terri, from California...

How about something with the number 35....like 35 hidden envelopes all containing something hidden around the house??????????  I love that stuff !  Some could just contain a few words of love and romance and some certain gift certificates and perhaps a final one sending her to a favorite restuarant where you will be waiting for her?  You could number the envelopes so she gets that there are 35 of them....or have 35 balloons delivered with a message inside each one....

 I will be thinking of cool ideas for you.........I know she is weird about lingerie and picky about certain things...no pomp and circumstance kind of girl....yet loves when you pamper her really....  ;)

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

Okay, so the FUNNY thing about this whole ordeal is that I got NONE OF THE ABOVE from my husband!!!!!!!!! BWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA. Really... I think it was truly one of the most boring birthdays ever. That's okay... he can maybe make up for it THIS time around. But I wanted to thank all my girlfriends for their replies and ideas. I'm touched that you think I deserve all that fabulous stuff! Hee hee. You guys are the BEST!!!! And they always say, it's the thought that counts anyway!! Thank you all for a wonderful gift... I never received. ;) 

 

The Mother Ship has Landed... the Tale of a Boy and His Bionic TV

We finally caved. I can't decide if I'm happy about it or not... but there's no question about John's and the kids' feelings on the matter...

Yes, we finally got TV. We survived without it (quite easily!) for 14 fabulous months, but finally decided to plug in baby. And of course, like with most things in his life, John decided to go ALL OUT... we didn't get some wimpy 50 inch TV. Not even a 60 incher. No people... we're talkin 73 inches of pure electronic love upstairs!!!! Santa brought it a little early because he wasn't sure how he was going to fit this monstrosity in his sleigh on Christmas Eve... so we got a special delivery. 

Okay, some people might STILL think we're a little crazy because we didn't get cable or satellite or anything cool like that. Oh no, we got an old-fashioned, ginormous (8-foot!) Griswold antennae so we can get the basic 5 free channels. I'm cool with that. I'm actually anxious to watch "Grey's Anatomy" (the ONLY show I watch) on this big huge TV cause just think of how big Patrick Dempsey's hair will be on the screen! Ahhhhhh lovely!! :) 

But John is downright giddy. So are the kids. I mean, totally giddy. John was literally jumping up and down in the driveway when the delivery truck came Friday. The driver was laughing because I TOLD him there'd be a kid jumping up and down in the driveway so he'd know he was at the right house... and he told me he expected a LITTLE kid, not a 39-year-old "kid." Ha ha ha. 

Anyway, Old Man Winter finally arrived in Texas this week so I suppose it'll be nice to snuggle up and watch a ton of movies while it's too cold to play outside. Feel free to come on over and join us... I've got plenty of popcorn to go around! 

Cussing and Grunting...

Okay, so like I said in my last entry, my Dad is here for a Work Week... and we've already accomplished so much! I'm reminded of the chant from the Bob the Builder cartoons I used to watch with my son when he was a toddler. Remember those? They'd say, "Can we fix it?" and yell, "YES WE CAN!" That's kinda the battle cry around here this week. But something I realized, there wasn't NEAR as much cussing on Bob the Builder! Ha ha ha. Yes, I said earlier that this week would involve a lot of trips to the hardware store (5 so far in 2 days), a lot of Budweiser and a lot of sweat... but I forgot to mention, more importantly, a LOT of grunting and cussing... and even a few Bandaids. But mostly grunting. My Mom called and asked, "So, is Dad making sound effects?" Ha ha ha. I love it. 

We have completely finished the office and the kids' bathroom (the Plumbing Job from Hell... I'm SO sorry Dad!!!) and today we're going to tackle some projects in my studio. Dad also has a special project he's going to do with Jasper after school... VERY cool... more on that later. ;) 

Would love to stay and chat... but gotta get to work! :) 

Excuses, excuses!

Click on photos to view full size... 

Yes... I have a LOT of excuses this week. ;) I know I haven't been consistent with my blogging this past few days, but I've been super busy! I promise to try to get back in the groove soon! Thanks to all my adoring fans for checking in on me... and nagging me for more! Ha ha ha. :) 

So here are a few of my excuses... my clients from this weekend. Shew. First triplets, then two little firecrackers of girls and then a gorgeous young lady and her horses! FUN stuff!!! I just love my job. I had a great time with all these clients. They sure kept me laughing. 

But now I'm wondering who smeared the Vaseline all over my computer screen??!! Oh wait... it's not my screen, it's my EYES. My poor tired eyes! LOL! They are very, very blurry. 

So I will close and rest my eyeballs... but promise to blog again SOON! I have SO MUCH TO SAY! HA. Scary. My Dad (Mr. Fix-it!) is coming tomorrow for a work party week! WOO HOO. I love it. I have a long project list we're going to tackle. I'm sure it will involve a lot of trips to the hardware store, a lot of Budweiser and perhaps even a little sweat, blood and tears... but we'll have so much to show for it! :) Oh... and I also have to show you the before and after pictures of my office! STAY TUNED! 

ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh

I did it!

Woo hoo! 

I reached my first goal. 

Helloooooooooooooo Land of 120s! 

Got on the scale this morning... 129.2 WAAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOSKI! I'm so happy! :) 

Just had to share. 

I'm finishing Part II of painting my office today. Once I'm done I'll write more. So far so good... my colors are "caramel" and "chocolate kiss." LOL. I wonder if I will subliminally feel hungry while I work now? 

Change

"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction."

 - Winston Churchill

Change is coming, just as quickly as the leaves are falling from the trees outside my window. It is a little daunting, but I am praying that our future president will lead us in the right direction. 

I have never been truly fond of change. Actually, I don't mind CHANGE, I just don't much like the CHANGING. Does that make sense? Okay, like I have always been really envious of girls like Winona Ryder, who can change their hairstyle and color monthly. I was NEVER like that. Those of you who have known me my whole life know that I've had about four hairstyles, and usually go back to the same one I had in Kindergarten, sans the bangs. I'm the one who sits in the chair at the hair salon, sweating profusely. The changing makes me a nervous wreck. But usually, once the foils are off and the hair is dry and I'm walking out the door with my fresh highlights, I'm happy as a clam. 

Change is good. 

I love to paint rooms though. I've painted dozens of rooms and I do it often. I bore of the same color and crave change. But painting rooms is safe. If you don't like it, you just paint right over it. Maybe that's why I like it so much. That, and the instant gratification you get from rolling that new color over the old. 

Yes, change is good. 

So I'm nervous about Obama because this is a little more serious than just a new hairstyle or paint job. I personally did not vote for him, yet as an American, I will support him even though I'm nervous about WHAT things will be like after all of this CHANGE he's talking about. But I realize that since our country seems to have nearly hit rock bottom, there's really only one way to go... and that's up! I hope Obama brings GOOD change to this country. Heaven knows we need it. I'm a bit sweaty in the palms about it this morning... but I suppose that's because it still remains unseen and unknown. I've always kindof agreed with whole notion of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," but it IS broken people, and we DO need to fix it. Hopefully Obama is the man to help us do just that. 

Change is good. 

We hope. 

Bad Ass

Well my friends, what can I say? I'm officially a Bad Ass. :) 

Sorry to brag, but it's true. 

This past weekend, I spent five hours tottering around on six-inch heels and THEN I jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet... and I didn't kill myself doing either one! MIRACULOUS! 

What a crazy fun weekend! Unbelievable. 

If anyone had told me I'd be caught dead in public in that naughty elf costume or that I'd actually go through with skydiving (sure, it's EASY to talk about it, but entirely different to actually DO it! LOL!), well, I might have thought they were off their rocker. 

But I did both. And lived to tell about it. 

Skydiving is insane people. Seriously insane. And so it makes sense that anyone who is willing to do it more than once is, well, an INSANE PERSON! HA HA HA HA. 

I am so super duper glad I did it, but I doubt I'll ever feel the need to do it again! ;) No thanks. I'm good. 

I'm laughing that people told me the free fall feels like floating in water. I'm guessing these people have never actually BEEN in a pool or any other body of water. To me, it actually felt like I was FALLING... at a rate of 120 MPH!!! No floating sensation here thankyouverymuch! 120 MPH is fast. Really fast. And that means a TON of pressure on your face and body. It's slightly violent and pretty uncomfortable! It's also kinda hard to breathe!!! I had to focus very hard on that part. 

My dive instructor was great though. So calm and cool and collected and reassuring and wonderful. I think I love him. ;) He truly made my experience so much better!!

So yeah, the free fall. Just totally insane crazy amazing. What a rush!!! It was THE longest minute of my ENTIRE life!!!! I'll never forget it. 

The GOOD thing is the whole experience, while you're doing it, like sitting in this teensy little toy plane, going up and up and up and up, seems so surreal that you almost don't really GET that you're actually DOING it. Almost an out-of-body experience for me... THANK GOD... cause I think if I'd been more coherent, I might have freaked out, just a little. ;) 

So free fall was crazy. Did I already mention that? I guess this is the adrenaline rush that keeps people coming back for more. But for me, once the canopy opened (OH PRAISE GOD thank you so very much!!!) I really began to enjoy myself. Talk about RELIEF! Whew!!! I almost cried because I felt so euphoric!!! I've never been so happy in my life! HA HA HA. Well, until my feet touched the GROUND and then I was truly, utterly, ecstatically happy!!!!!!! 

I'm glad our cousin Holly talked us into it. I'm glad John and I both did it. I'm also quite glad neither of us seem to have the urge to do it again. 

Now do I think *YOU* should do it? ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY!!! You won't regret it!!! 

Now Gimme Some Candy!

Funniest Halloween memory ever? Remember the Adam Sandler skits from SNL... where he was missing an arm or some other appendage and he'd say, "Hey, I'm crazy one armed man... now GIMME some candy!" Oh my gosh... our friend Woody does the BEST impression of this and had us absolutely ROLLING, dying laughing one year... a million years ago, before we even had kids. We were all in Whistler, Canada, skiing and the weather and snow were beyond perfect and there was Woody, in his camo pants, skiing SO out of control... and all along, just being totally and utterly hilarious with his "Gimme some candy!" skits. I'll never forget it as long as I live. I guess you had to be there... ;)

I am not really a huge fan of Halloween because I can't stand the battles over candy that erupt in our house for weeks after trick-or-treating. But really, who can deny kids this holiday? What kid doesn't love going door to door begging for candy? So I refuse to be too much of a spoil sport.

What I do love about Halloween is how it brings out the silliness in most people! I was up at the school yesterday, donning my cat ears, sparkly eyeshadow and black and orange striped tights... and looking around at all the other grown ups dressed as Cat in the Hat characters just made me smile. I guess the holiday really does still bring out the kids in us. :) 

My kiddos had lots of opportunities to dress up this week... two parties (Superman and pirate) and the wax museum (Johnny Appleseed) and then trick-or-treating last night (Draco Malfoy and the Sunday comics). Fun stuff. They are still at the neighbors' house this morning, after an impromptu sleepover. I don't even want to KNOW how much candy they ate last night, unsupervised, surrounded by mountains of sugary sweets. Hmmm, do you think they brushed their teeth? Now THAT is a scary thought!! 

Addictions

I've heard that the first step toward breaking a terrible addiction is admitting that you HAVE an addiction. 

Hi. My name is Stacy and I'm a lotion-aholic. ;)

John teases me incessantly about this. Not sure what bothers him most... me coming to bed smelling like a fruit basket every night or cleaning out my glove box and finding 8 bottles of lotion stuffed in there. Hmmm. Probably a toss up! LOL! 

Yes. I love lotion. Any kind. Can you tell? (This is just my UPSTAIRS stash, by the way!) Body butters are particularly good! And anything that smells like food, especially desserts. Did you know I even change my moisturizers with the seasons? Yup. It's true. See, I told you I was sick! 

I like to use my Candy Cane or Gingerbread Juicies during the holidays. Apple Torta and Mocha Mint are also good on cold days. In the summer, I'm all about coconut. I've got Coco Cabana, Tropical Colada, Coconut Melon, Coconut Lime Verbena... well, you get the picture. 

But my ALL-TIME faaaaaaaaavorite is Oatmeal Cookie by Bed Head. Um, YUM! I love to just lie in bed at night and smell myself. LOL. 

Yes, a terrible addiction indeed. 

I must have these ooey gooey things near me at all times. If I don't, I might actually freak out just a little bit. John's seen it. It's not pretty. But as long as I'm armed and ready, I'm good. And there's just nothing better than cracking open a new jug of lotion!!! Mmmm. Love it. 

John has challenged me... to see if I can resist buying another container of lotion until ALL these are gone. Ohhhhhhhhhh babe... yeah, um, that's a toughie! I don't think I'm up for that challenge. Sorry. 

And let's not even get started on my lip balm addiction. That will have to wait for some other time. ;) 

A Time for Wishing...

I suppose it's that time of year... the time for wish lists. Here it is, not even Halloween, and Jasper has already handed me HIS Christmas wish list. Well, I suppose it'll help me get a head start on my shopping! HA. Trouble is, he's likely to change his mind 18 times before Christmas morning arrives! He's been known to do that. ;) 

Jasper's 2008 Christmas Wish List:

* $100 bill

* a very long rope

* whipped cream

* electronic Pokeball

* Pokemon card pack

* Bakugan superpack

* Lego theatre set

* fish Webkinz

* spy robot

* electric guitar

* my very own puppy (make sure it's house trained)

* Kirby super star ultra for DS lite

* pie

* Ben 10 watch

* pen knife

* Pokemon Orange Island DVD

LOL... gosh, do you think he missed anything??!!  

What's on YOUR wish list? Do you remember what your FAVORITE gift was that you ever received? I do! Mine is my Rub-a-Dub dolly!! Remember her? The "Rub-a-Dub Dolly, soft pretty dolly" doll? 

Ohhhhhhhhhh I wanted one SO bad when I was little. That's like ALL I wanted for Christmas. Every time I'd see the commercial I'd just go CRAZY. And I didn't get it. :( I think I was sad for three years after that. 

Well, two years ago, I got quite a treat... on Christmas morning, we were opening gifts and it was my turn. I ripped into a gift from my mom and guess what it was? YUP. My VERY OWN VINTAGE RUB-A-DUB DOLLY, still in her original box!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I literally burst into tears! John had NO idea why I was crying over this frightening balding doll... but I swear I felt like I was 5 years old again! WOO HOO! My mom admits that she didn't really buy it for me out of love, but rather to shut me up so I'd let her off my 32-year-long guilt trip! Bwahahahahaha!

No, I haven't taken a bath with her, but she sits in my closet and I smile every time I see that box, and think of my mom and how much she loves me. :) :) THANKS MOM! You're the best!  

Jack Frost Was Here

I love the way frosty things look. I love the way the sun sparkles off of them, making them look coated in glitter or shimmering diamonds. I love how they make me think of Christmas cookies and ice skating and snowflakes. I love how they crunch underfoot. 

The mornings have been dazzling this week. Wonderfully frosty! I wanted to capture some of the beauty and felt quite limited by my camera... but I tried. Oh, and a word to the wise... don't squat in the thistle bushes!!! IT HURTS! LOL.

Aw, Come On... How Hard Can It Be?

This post is dedicated to everyone who has ever been on the other side of my camera. ;) 

Seriously. How hard can it be people? You just stand there and look good and let *me* do all the work. You have the easy job. I am the one who has to figure out f-stops and compositions and lighting and shutter speeds and ISOs and flattering angles... really... all YOU have to do is just stand there. 

Easy Peasy. 

NOT!!!!!!!!!! 

LOL. Oh gosh. Now I know why I was meant to be a photographer... because I am SO much more comfortable BEHIND a camera rather than in FRONT of a camera!!!! Ohhhhhhhh I cannot stand having my picture taken! And I'll be the first to say it's NOT as easy as it seems! 

So last night John and I were getting ready to head out to the Southwest Airlines Spirit Party in Dallas and John suggested we run out and let Kathryn snap a few pictures of us in our field. I'm always saying how I'd LOVE to have a nice romantic picture in this lovely meadow before the leaves fall... so okay, sure, let's do it. No problem. 

HA!

What a scene. Too bad someone wasn't videotaping it! Oh my gosh. I was laughing hysterically. First I decided we should SIT in the tall grass. I mean, really, I had my clients do it a few days ago, so how hard can it be? Um, NOW I know why my client looked at me like I was crazy! LOL! I got an inch-long sticker in my thumb and couldn't figure out how to sit... then my hair was apparently covering my face so John and I had to swap sides... and all the while Kathryn is snapping away! Then Roxie decides she wants a piece of the action so we're trying to get her to either look cute in the photo or get out of the shot. She didn't look cute! LOL! 

We finally decide this sitting thing isn't working. So we go by the tree. Well, John, mind you, has a FAT lazy lip cause he's JUST come back from the dentist. So I feel like I'm trying to be romantic with a ghoul. And he has a scab (ew!) on his bottom lip cause he'd cut his lip (ow!) shaving. And he has nose hair. Sticking out. Double ew. And it's awfully hard to be romantic while your 10-year-old is WATCHING! LOL! 

Then I decide to walk over and take a peek at the images on the camera to see if we're even in the neighborhood of okay. And I realize that since Kathryn is much shorter than we are, she's been shooting up into the sun so all the images are ruined. :( Ohhhhhhhh and what a shame cause there were actually some cute ones!! So we repositioned her and tried a few more quickies... but by this time I was just DONE! 

The whole escapade only lasted about 10 minutes, but I tell ya, it sure gave me a much better sense of how my poor clients must feel while I'm telling them what to do!!!!!!!! Like the ever-romantic "almost kiss" that I just love... um, not so easy to pull off! HA. 

So to all my clients and friends and family that I have been bossing around for years while I stood there ever-so-safely BEHIND the camera... I'm truly sorry! I feel your pain! 

But, I do hope your suffering has not been for naught. I hope I've given you some lovely images (and perhaps funny memories!) that you will cherish for a lifetime... even if you got splinters or stepped in horse poop or got mauled by a deranged barn cat or almost dropped your baby... it was worth it RIGHT??!! ;) 

Here are two images, taken last night by my wonderful little budding photographer, Kathryn. Thanks honey!