Tiffani & Co.

Sneak Peek

2009-11-08T21:44:00.011-06:00

Whew...what a weekend!

I have lots to update about - showers, babymoon, etc - but those posts will come later.

This weekend my Dad & Mark came in town to help us put together the nursery. Let me just say, when they come to help - they mean business! If you can't run with the BIG dogs...stay on the porch. They are AWESOME! It was by no means a relaxing weekend, but lots of laughs & lots of fun was had. Hopefully, next time they come to Houston we can all relax & there will be NO tools in sight!

Here is a sneak peak of the nursery because the bedding is still being made, the canvas is still being painted, the curtains are still being sewn, the glider is still being upholstered & knick knacks are still being purchased - but here is the SHELL of the nursery...

Tim excited about painting PINK

My Nursery Crew

Hanging the Mirror

Putting the Crib Together

Lucy didn't know what to think, but...

she probably hoped this was all for her!

My one assembly project...the changing table!

While I did that, the BIG dogs helped Tim

install our new wrought iron stair rails.

(A VERY challenging task!)

My favorite part of the rails...

Mom & Dad to Be

Pop & Grandpa

Once everything is in place & it is a baby ready I will post more pictures...

like I said this is just a SNEAK PEAK!

We were sad for the weekend to be over,

but happy to be well on our way to a finished nursery!

Thanks Dad & Mark for EVERYTHING - you guys are the best

& we LOVE the way everything turned out!

(In fact, I just found Tim in the nursery admiring our work.)

Alright, I am off to bed...I can barely keep my eyes open.

Blame it on...IKE?

2009-10-22T21:36:00.007-05:00

First order of business, I would like to apologize to my husband. He was really sad that I had my LONGEST blog stall after I posted about him painting pottery. Oops! I had begged him to go with me forever & the one time he actually said he would do it AND I blogged about it - I got stuck! For the record, I was there too & here is my pottery to prove it…

I'd like to take a minute to blame my blog stall on a little something we call Ike - as in Hurricane Ike. I had all these intentions of posting about my BFF's bridal shower/bachelorette party, but then Ike happened & we lost electricity for several days. No electricity = no blogging. One thing led to another & I just lost my motivation. So here are some highlights from the past year…

My Best Friend Forever got Married

I Broke my Foot stepping off our Porch to Walk the Dogs

(really cool move)

Tim's mom took us to London & Paris

Walked the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk with Sunni, Sarah Beth & Annalee

Clara Beara was Born & I became an Aunt AGAIN

Tim & I went to North Carolina to visit his Family

Ava Woo turned 3

Tim & I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary in Costa Rica

We Floated the Guadalupe for Tim's Birthday

My Best Friend moved to Alabama

My Dad & Mark took us to Seacrest Beach, FL

My sister, Emili, moved to NYC

BUT, the most exciting thing that happened…
We found out we were pregnant on May 11th!!

It's a girl & we are due at the beginning of January - just in case you didn't see on Facebook or on my sister's blog or on the sidebar of my blog! I guess if I wanted it to be a surprise then I should have kept blogging…that IKE!!

Hello, my name is Tiffani.

2009-10-19T21:36:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile.
Actually, it's been 1 year, 1 month & 17 days - but who's counting?

I needed a blog break & let me tell you it was GOOD. I have a lot to catch up on, but I don't have the time tonight…so it will have to wait for another night. BUT, I just wanted to show off my new blog look created by Becky at "Cheese My Head". I am in LOVE with everything about it & I can't wait to start blogging again. If you need a little update on your blog - don’t hesitate to contact her…you WON'T regret it!

Thanks Becky - you are the BEST!!

A Pottery Miracle

2008-09-02T20:47:00.007-05:00

(Just look @ that concentration!)

I have been begging Tim to go to The Mad Potter with me for months - maybe even years...my dreams finally came true on Friday afternoon. Lucy is happy to know that she will have a new dog bowl in just a few days! She has always been jealous of Stewart's bowl!

New Kicks

2008-08-19T21:01:00.006-05:00

I have always been secretly jealous of my running friends that are so athletic and buy their running shoes at Luke's Locker. It is a store in a league of its own…a track so they can watch you run, walk or whatever & find the perfect shoe for you. Amazing. Very intimidating for a non-athletic girl like me. Anyway, the store has always reminded me of my friend Liz because on several occasions I have heard her say, "I went to Luke's the other day…blah, blah, blah…I love running!" I always thought she was so cool because she shortened the name to Luke's.

Well, the other day Tim & I went to buy me some new shoes for my 3 day walk. My other shoes have been giving me blisters & I needed an upgrade. We went to Luke's Locker. I was a bit nervous, but oh man was it fabulous! I had to walk for my shoe guy & then he brought me out 3 pair of sneakers to try on. All in a size 7. Apparently, I should have been buying my tennis shoes a size bigger - no wonder I have so many blisters! He laced me up & even taught me the runner's knot so they wouldn't feel big. I fell in love with the Nike shoes. They were like walking on clouds. It was a wonderful experience & now I am allowed to say "I went to Luke's the other day…blah, blah, blah…I love walking!"

P.S. Lucy chewed Tim's new Croc Flops the other day

so we had to buy him some new ones. Lucky for me, Berings was having a sale...why not throw a pair in for me too?!?! Love them!

Beach Bums

2008-08-13T20:38:00.013-05:00

I really think I am a quaint girl that loves quaint beach towns and quaint beach food and quaint beach shops and quaint evening strolls with snow cones. Yes, I definitely think I could survive the life as a quaint beach girl on the highway of 30-A in Florida.

We just got back from a week at Seacrest Beach, FL. It was absolutely wonderful. Sunni, Xavier, Ava, Sarah Beth, Jason, Tim & I drove down there and had a quaint little old time. We spent most of our time lounging around on the beach, eating delicious food (I think the final count was 11 blocks of cream cheese used for various dips, etc), laughing at anything & everything, reading fabulous books (Sunni was not lying when she recommended Same Kind of Different As Me), singing songs from Hairspray, Psalty the Praise Book and The Little Mermaid with Ava, shopping for cute anything and walking around the most adorable beach town squares.

I already made Tim promise that we could make Seacrest Beach a tradition in our family. Of course, he agreed! Here are some trip highlights from the beginning to the end...

On the road

Sarah Beth & Jason 'studying' the map

The Front Seat

The Back Porch in Destin

Beach Babes

Uncle Tim & Ava

Dinner @ The Red Bar

Dinner @ the House

Angelina's...YUM

Matching Seaside Shirts

Tim had to leave in the middle of the week to go back to work...so this was my tribute to him!

A Night in Seaside

Time to say our Goodbyes to Seacrest Beach

Next year our entire family is going & I can't wait until I get to be a quaint beach girl again!

Long Time No Blog

2008-08-13T19:02:00.009-05:00

Yes, I am ashamed I have left my blog so unkept for the past month…or should I say months. BUT, I sure was having fun doing all the other things I was doing. I needed a break & I can't say that it won't happen again, but I am starting fresh today. Here is what I have been up to this summer…

Visiting Dallas for a 'Sister Weekend'…

hmm, I guess I only took pictures with Ava

Celebrating Tim's 28th Birthday (& hunting down a Wii for a surprise present)

Playing lots of tennis
Ok, ok…so it was Wii tennis, but I was sore so it has to count!

Going to Puerto Vallarta for Nelson & Jenni's Wedding

Planning a Surprise 60th Birthday for Tim's Mom

Having a 4th of July blast at the Lake House

Moving Tim's Mom from her beautiful house to a gorgeous townhouse

Going to Destin…that is a whole other post!

So it looks like I am all caught up...phew!

"Once you go, you know."

2008-06-19T21:12:00.007-05:00

That's what 'they' say about Jamaica. Boy are 'they' right about that one! Tim & I decided to take a celebration the surgery is over/anniversary trip to Jamaica. Neither one of us had ever been to Jamaica & we were SUPER pale & SUPER excited to be going on a relaxing vacation!

We stayed at the Sandals Whitehouse Resort...it was absolutely amazing & I would recommend this place to anyone. We had a blast & even got upgraded to a concierge room which was so excellent. We thought for sure someone was going to knock on our door & tell us they made a mistake. We spent most of our days reading, sleeping & eating on the beach. I also drank about 5 BBC drinks a day - just think of 5 milkshakes...that is probably why I gained about 5 lbs a day while I was there, but hey those pounds don't count because I was on vacation!

The View from Our Balcony

At the Spa after our Couples Massage

Cafe de Paris - we stopped by there several times a day...that could be where the 5 lbs came from!

Reading on the Beach

Snorkel Rats

Coconut Milk

I am definitely counting down the days until Tim & I return to the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Yeah, mon!

We Don't Even Talk Anymore

2008-06-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

Yikes! According to Boyz II Men, my family & friends...I haven't updated my blog in a long time. Oops! I'm guessing everyone is tired of reading about our 1st anniversary. Since then we have been very busy with Jamaica, a trip to Dallas, stalking Game Stop for a Wii, Tim's birthday, Puerto Vallarta, a wedding shower, Tim's 10 year high school reunion & a wedding. When I wasn't busy I admit I was just being lazy about posting. Sometimes you just need a break, but I am back in the saddle again. Ok, I'll start working on my Jamaica post...but I'm also watching So You Think You Can Dance ...I can't promise I won't get distracted!

A Paper Anniversary

2008-05-20T21:17:00.011-05:00

It's sad, but true...I am no longer a NEWLYWED. It's so unfair, BUT Tim & I had a wonderful time celebrating!

On our wedding night, the Country Club forgot to put the basket of food & cake in our limo before we left the reception. Tim & I were starving later that night & we had no car to stop off at the nearest fast food restaurant, the hotel wasn't serving food & we didn't want to call a family member to help us out. So my lovely husband called Papa John's. Unfortunately, they were closed & would not accept his bribe of $50 to deliver a pizza. Thankfully, Domino's was still baking! We enjoyed a fabulous cheese pizza together - it was delightful!

Tim & I debated for several weeks on what we should do for our first anniversary. We thought we would go out for a nice romantic dinner, but as time passed we decided we could save the money we would spend on dinner & use it for a couples massage in Jamaica...just like in St. Lucia! Tim jokingly said, "Why don't we get Domino's just like our wedding night?" At first we laughed & then you could hear the wheels turning in our head. We remembered how delicious the pizza was & that sealed the deal for our paper anniversary! We had such a great time & I know I'll love the pizza even more when I am enjoying my massage on the island of Jamaica!

(Our cake was still pretty good!)

Don't think this is going to work every year Tim...I love you!

Love You to Pieces

2008-05-19T06:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary.

Presto Chango!

2008-05-05T21:28:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, I have a cute little puppy called Lucy.

She is very curly because she is part poodle.

Lucy is a Cavapoo.

Please let me introduce you to my new puppy called Lucy.

She is a Whippet.

Alright, she isn't really a Whippet, but I love to call her that. About two weeks ago we had to get Lucy shaved. We were sad to see her curls go, but her hair dresser was even more sad. Somehow she got extremely matted. Apparently, her parents did not know that her curls should be brushed everyday. We had a brush, but as you can see Lucy used it more as a toy...oopsy!

We now own a shiny new brush so that when her curls come in we can brush those tangles out!

Poor Whippet, Lucy!

A Turkey Hunt by Numbers

2008-05-03T22:12:00.008-05:00

(Better late than never!)

ZERO.

The number of turkeys that were shot & the amount of camo that I own.

ONE.
My very first time to shoot a gun. I grew up around Barbies & ballerinas. I think the only gun I ever shot was a water gun...oh, and the Sega gun for Dunk Hunt. I was totally good at that game! Anyway, I'm not sure about the whole hunting thing. It makes me too nervous, but Tim & Mr. Fatheree were great teachers.

TWO.
The number of snakes we saw while we were there.
(Even though Luke promised me we wouldn't see any snakes right before we got out of the car.)

(I don't care that this was a baby snake...ain't no snake a baby to me!)

THREE.
The number of hunting teachers available to me.

FOUR.
The number of cacti I mistook for turkeys while riding on top of the hunting truck.

FIVE.
The number of times a minute that I wished someone had told me there was such a thing as snake boots. If you think I wouldn't have made Tim stop to get me some on the way there...you are crazy!

skip a few...

ONE HUNDRED & ONE.
The number of times I heard Luke & Tim practicing their turkey calls. It went a little something like this...

Wire Bundles

2008-04-11T09:31:00.004-05:00

Dearest American Airlines,

Do the words turkey hunting mean anything to you? Didn't think so. Because of you that's what I will be doing this weekend. I know it will be loads of fun because I will be with Tim & we will get to celebrate Luke's birthday with him, but that was not what I had planned for the weekend.

Do the words Boston, Flight 1972 or Flight 154 mean anything to you? They should. I am SUPPOSED to be touring the streets of Boston right now with Sarah Beth & Elizabeth. Elizabeth moved to Boston last year & we were going to visit for a fun girly weekend. No turkeys allowed!

Thanks to you and your bundles of wire that must be checked, our flights were cancelled. Yes, I know my safety should come first, but could you have not checked it when you were supposed to? So instead of preparing for my Big Boston Tea Party I must go pack for turkey hunting. Do you even know what I should pack for turkey hunting? If so, could you get someone from AA to send me any info on the subject? Seeing as how I have never been hunting & don't own one shred of camo, any insight would be helpful. Ok, I am off to raid my closet for appropriate hunting gear instead of giggling with my girls on the streets of Boston.

Boston is Just a Dream,
Tiffani

Chili Willies

2008-04-07T21:41:00.009-05:00

Fifteen minutes after Tim & I arrived at the Fatheree's river house in Bandera, TX on Friday night...

Tiffani: "Next year I am definitely entering my award winning chili in the chili cookoff!"

(Side note: In college some fellow DDD's & I entered the Chi-O Chili Cookoff. We made a lovely vegetarian chili & won 2 years in a row. The third year we burned the chili or something, but we won an award for spirit. You may be thinking...veggie chili? I promise it was so good. Although, I can't prove it to you because the recipe was in one of my college books that I sold back...college kids always need money! What was I thinking by not writing it down?)

Luke: "Does it have beans in it?"

Tiffani: "Um, YES!"

Luke & Tim: "Oh, you can't enter it then. No beans allowed."

Tiffani: "Hahahaha...whatever!"

Luke & Tim: "No really, a real Texas chili does not have beans. Your chili would be disqualified."

Tiffani: "But...whhaat?" (perplexed the rest of the night)

I just found this in an article online.

Most often heard here in Texas is "If you know beans about chili, you know chili ain't got no beans". It is a near hanging offense to serve up chili with beans in it down here in the Lone Star State.

I say again...WHAT? As for me & my house, we will serve chili with beans! BUT, this weekend I made an exception & went along with the no beans rule.

We went to Bandera for the 11th annual 11th Street Cowboy Bar Chili Cookoff. I really served no purpose except for moral support & major people watching (there was also a motorcycle rally...very interesting). We had so much fun! Although our chili did not place, we came out of the weekend with a couple blue ribbons! Again, I had nothing to do with this!

Celeste & her 1st place Bloody Marys

Celeste & her 2nd place Margaritas

Mrs. Fatheree & her 1st place Salsa

Luke with his FABULOUS beans

Tim & his horns...they go everywhere with him!

(Sadly, they did not place either.)

Luke & Celeste turning in the Yummy Chili

Me with my truck driver husband...
I'm sure I just finished eating 100 cookies!

Beans or No Beans...We'll get 'em next year!

P.S. The 'Big Brother' in my office discovered that the girls on the 5th floor frequent Blogspot way too much. We are no longer able to visit Blogspot...terrible really! I'm so behind on all my blog reading. Lunch has a new meaning to it - boring!

"It's a God Thing!" - Christy Miller

2008-03-28T15:45:00.006-05:00

Let's all take a trip back to say...1991 or 1992. It was a summer afternoon & I am sure my mom wanted to occupy us girls. My life was about to change as she handed us a copy of a book called Island Dreamer by Robin Jones Gunn. Here is a little summary of the book from Robin's website...

Christy Miller is spending her sixteenth birthday on Maui with her family, Todd, and Paula, her best friend from Wisconsin! What could be better? But Christy soon finds that she and Paula don't have as much in common anymore. Christy wants to live for God more than anything, while Paula's obsessed with having a boyfriend...even if it means stealing Todd from Christy! Will he choose Paula over her? Or will the islands send Christy dreaming in new directions?

I immediately became obsessed with the book & Christy Miller...not to mention I had a HUGE crush on Todd Spencer. I probably doodled Tiffani Spencer on note pads. At the time I had no idea that Island Dreamer was Book 5 of The Christy Miller Series! You can imagine my excitement when I found out I could read about what happened to Christy pre-Maui!

Needless to say, Christy Miller was a VERY important part of my teenage/college/adult life. All my friends became obsessed too & I am pretty sure my little sister Emili & her BFF Liz re-read the books out loud to each other while driving to Arkansas with Lizzy's family. We all LOVED Christy. In fact, when I was in college I heard that she came out with updated Christy Miller books. For example, Christy now had a cell phone instead of using a pay phone...Christy has to stay up with the times! So of course I bought the entire set of updated Christy Miller books!

If anyone out there has a teenage daughter please go to the bookstore immediately & buy these books! Ok, so enough on Christy Miller. If you are a Christy Miller fan...SIT DOWN for this...

Thursday during lunch I was trying to find a book title for Sunni. It was a Robin Jones Gunn book so I went to her website, and saw this...

If you’re here because you’re a fan of the Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen books, I have great news for you! You can now catch up with Christy, Katie and the gang in Peculiar Treasures, book one of the new Katie Weldon Series.

OH. MY. GOSH. An entire series on Katie...this is Christy's BFF. I was dying! I immediately emailed my friends & we all agreed that we cannot wait to read this series! Thankfully, today was my day off so I could go to Borders and pick up my copy that I reserved last night. Phew!

So if you see me chatting with middle school girls about what is happening in the Katie Weldon series...it is completely normal. I know I am 28, but that is beside the point...Katie Weldon is my best friend too!

I know there are other Christy Miller fans out there too & I just wanted to let y'all in on my discovery!

Love,
Tiffani Spencer

P.S. If you want to read something a little more on the adult level, you should check out Robin Jones Gunn's Glenbrooke Series. I also own all of those books & I absolutely LOVE them!

A Little Late...Happy Easter

2008-03-26T22:01:00.003-05:00

He is Risen...He is Risen Indeed!

These simple words get me every time - simple but POWERFUL. As I spoke them this Sunday, I got chills just thinking of how God sent His only Son to die for us, for you, for me...WOW! We can't even imagine how much He loves us, but He does & always will!

After a wonderful celebration at church we headed home for an Easter at our house. Tim & I hosted his Mom for a fun Easter weekend. This was my first holiday to be the official chef & hostess. It was so much fun to plan!

Our Official Easter Pictures

(Please Excuse the Pale Easter Girl)

Tim & His Mom

Me & Alix & Megan (the dog)

Tim & The Easter Pups

I made Kelly's Korner Chicken...delicious!

Perini's Ranch Salad...aka Homemade Ranch Dressing

To wrap it up we had coffee & Tim's favorite...Chocolate Eclair Cake

Notice how fancy Tim is...I decided to break out our china for this Easter Celebration. It was our first time to use it for a full meal & I decided that my goal is to use my china as much as possible from now on! I LOVE my china pattern...in fact, I might be obsessed with it. It is the Vera Wang: Vera Lace Pattern.

Last but not least, here is my kit to dye Easter Eggs...as you can see, that did not happen!

Circa: A Little Over 1 Week Ago

2008-03-24T12:28:00.012-05:00

1. Ava's 2nd Birthday

2. Enjoyed myself more than I should have at McDonald's. At least I had 2 partners in crime, Emili & Sarah Beth.

And GONE!

3. Got to see Sarah Beth & Joe. I hadn't seen Joe in 1 year. Somehow I didn't manage to take a picture with Joe so here is the one from a year ago. This is at a St. Patrick's Day wedding shower that Tim's friends threw for us. SB & Joe were so sweet to come in town for it, but that my friends, is the last time I saw Joe until last weekend. (Excuse my look...not sure what I was doing with my hair that day!)

If you have been keeping up with Sarah Beth's blog you know that Joe just got back from serving our country in Afghanistan with the Air Force. AND, if you are from Abilene you know that the B-1 Bombers are the coolest...Joe flies one so that must make him EXTRA cool. He is a very brave, smart & honorable man. I am very proud of him & thank him for all he has done for our country & me. He is always so sweet & takes care of my BFF just as I hope she would be treated. She deserves the best & Joe is just the man for the job.

Anyway, Joe gave Tim & I a little something from Afghanistan. It is a flag that he flew over Afghanistan in our honor. We absolutely love it & feel so honored to hang it in our house. It is currently on our travel wall at the top of our stairs. Every time I go upstairs I feel so patriotic & just want to salute it! Thanks Joe!

My Ultimate Niece

2008-03-14T11:02:00.005-05:00

Two years ago today I was gearing up for the Houston Rodeo. Tim had received free tickets for the performance that night & we decided to partake in all the wonderful food the Rodeo has to offer. Little did I know, when I went to bed my dream of the funnel cake I had eaten a several hours ago would be interrupted by a phone call from Xavier. Sunni's water broke & they were going to the hospital. A quick early morning Southwest flight later I was at the hospital & waiting to meet my niece.

I had no idea how much I would love her & how much joy she would bring to my life. The past two years have been so much fun with Ava in our family. She is so sweet, so funny, so dramatic & so precious! I love her with all my heart!

Aunt T-T & Ava through the years...

Happy Birthday - I love, love, love you!

Confession...I'm so excited!

2008-03-12T13:14:00.004-05:00

The other night Tim & I were trying to figure out who Borat was engaged to & for some reason we thought it was Amy Adams - but we weren't sure. We knew that the girl was in Wedding Crashers so we went to IMDB.com and found out that it was really Isla Fisher. Tim was reading her bio & then said, "Tiff, are you just super excited?" I had no idea what he was talking about so I looked at the screen and saw this...

Isla Fisher

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) (filming) .... Rebecca Bloomwood

Oh my gosh! I can't wait!

When I read the Shopaholic books I always thought they would make fabulous movies & now my dreams are coming true. If you haven't read the Shopaholic series then I suggest you do so before February 13, 2009...well, at least read Confessions of a Shopaholic. The books are TOTAL chick lit so don't go into it thinking it will be all intellectual. In fact, Becky will actually make you mad because she does some stupid stuff, but it is just fun reading!

See you at the movies!

A Game of Tag

2008-03-06T20:52:00.007-06:00

I was tagged by Sarah...

10 years ago:

It was 1998 & I was a senior at AHS...Go Eagles! I was dating Luke at the time & probably wondering what we were going to do when we both went to college. The big high school dating dilemma! Don't worry, we broke up a week before Prom - but we still went together. I have a feeling if he hadn't broken up with me a week before then he would have broken up with me the night of Prom - once he got sight of my sequin/beaded dress...what was I thinking? I think it would have been time for cheerleading try-outs & I was probably crying over my uniform...why did my cheer days have to end! I don't think I was going anywhere fun for Spring Break. I think I stayed home from our church ski trip so I could surprise Luke at his Chrysalis. In June, Jason's mom took us on one last hoorah to South Padre Island where I proceeded to eat LOTS of crab legs & bake in the sun! I had a fantastic group of friends that I still hold close to me today & I was so sad to leave them when I went off to Baylor!

Things on my to-do list today:

1. Mail our HOA dues.
2. Balance the check book in Quicken.
3. Buy milk & bottled water.
4. Workout.
5. Finish painting our room.
6. Start ALL my wedding albums.
7. Buy Ava a birthday gift.
8. Take my 100 calorie snacks to work.

What would I do if I suddenly became a Billionaire?

1. Pay off my student loans & my family's student loans.
2. Pay off any debt we have & our family has.
3. Buy a nice house...nothing too fancy!
4. Give lots of money to our Church, Susan G. Komen, American Congenital Heart Association & any other charities I love.
5. Set aside college money for our future children.
6. Hire Sarah Beth as my personal stylist.
7. Vacation, vacation, vacation with Tim, my family & my friends.
8. Quit my job & do something really fun - like publish these stories my mom wrote.

Three of my bad habits:

1. I am REALLY slow when I get ready...I honestly have no idea why. Therefore, I am almost always running behind - even though I hate being late. Don't blame me, I got it from my mom!
2. I pick my nails/nailpolish so I ruin almost every single manicure I get.
3. When I bake cookies I end up eating LOTS of cookie dough.

Five jobs I have had:

1. Tax Accountant for a natural gas pipeline company
2. Tax Accountant at PwC
3. Student worker for Texas Pension Consultants
4. Director for Kids of the Kingdom
5. Filer Girl/Phone Girl/Copier Girl for my Dad's Real Estate Company

Five things people don't know about me:

1. I have a subscription to Martha Stewart Living magazine. Rarely do I read all the articles, but I love looking at all her ideas. I used to have a subscription to her new magazine Blueprint & it was my favorite, but they just sent a notice that they are not printing any new issues!
2. I love real strawberries, but strawberry flavor gives me a headache. For example, I could eat a strawberry pie, but I cannot stand strawberry milk...or gum...or lollipops!
3. I LOVE peanut butter, but Tim is allergic to peanuts & he will not kiss me if I have been eating any food with peanuts. Sometimes I have to choose between my love for peanut butter & my love for kisses from Tim.
4. No one can surprise me...I always figure things out. I often think I should be a detective.
5. When I was little I stole a toy from the Bible Bookstore. I honestly did not think I was stealing, but my mom saw me playing with it in the car & I was in trouble. I had to bring it back to the store & apologize for stealing.

I tag Sarah Beth, Julie & Sunni.

Favorite Weekend Accessories

2008-03-03T17:51:00.008-06:00

I thought I would share a few of my favorite things from the weekend...

Friday

I love buying beach gear.

I happened to go to Old Navy on Friday & this caught my eye.

I can't wait to wear it in May!

How can you resist a cute cover up?

We met Luke & Celeste at a new sushi place called Soma Sushi...it was SO good.

Saturday

My mother-in-law surprised me with this adorable bag on Saturday morning.

We went to Austin for a wedding.

I got to put on my new Anthropologie dress

with my new fun shoes!

We got to spend time with good friends!

They passed out cigars at the reception.

The boys were loving it & I was loving being with Tim!

Sunday

I enjoyed staring at this caricature of us at the wedding the entire way home!

Tim thinks his caricature looks like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Drinking a Cherry Diet Coke before the Texas baseball game!

There is nothing like a real cherry in a Diet Coke!

A February Bronzing

2008-02-27T21:16:00.007-06:00

The other day I decided that I was absolutely too pale to attend a wedding this weekend. The dress I am wearing shows my scar & I figured it would be less noticeable with a tan. In the past I have gone to the tanning beds to add some color to my face, but since I am trying to be healthy about the sun & since I have a scar that is not supposed to be in the sun for awhile, that option was out. So I thought I would give the spray on tan a whirl!

I Googled 'best sunless tanning Houston' and I found a place that won the 2007 -08 Best of Citysearch 'Best of Tanning'...I didn't want to be orange! I had two options. One, airbrush tan. Two, mist-on tan. Since the words airbrush tan remind me of body builders & pageant children I decided I would go with the mist-on tan. Although, I plan to try the airbrush tan for a special occasion one day! I hear it is fabulous!

I was a little nervous because this was my first time to do the mist-on tan, but they were very helpful & showed me exactly what to do. I was all prepared and ready to go. Once I was in the tanning box (which I must say was dark & kind of scary) I read the checklist on the wall. I gave myself a pat on the back for doing everything on the list. Pressed the first button. Pressed the second button. Got in my first pose, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, held it &

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The first round of 'misting' SHOCKED me. I accidentally swallowed the mist because I was so freaked out I forgot that I wasn't supposed to take a breath. I had to calm down & get myself back in order because I only had 5 seconds to turn, get in the next pose, close my eyes & hold my breath. I got better as it went on, but I was ready to get out of that black box with the powerful mist/fan!

I now am the proud owner of a golden tan...although, I might call my hands a little tangerine. But, I am ready to put on that party dress!

Ahh, Friendship

2008-02-25T21:10:00.006-06:00

There is nothing like spending time with old friends. It warms your heart & soothes your soul!

Thursday I got to see Annalee, Evan & their precious baby Adelaide. We met at our favorite spot, Hungry's...delicious as always. I had so much fun ooing and ahhing over Adelaide, reminiscing over old times, and laughing over the thought of our high school reunion!

Last time I saw Annalee in November

Present day

Saturday I got to see Liz & Amanda in Ft. Worth. Now, I usually get to see Amanda, but rarely do I get to see her after she has run a 1/2 marathon. I was so proud of her! I never get to see Liz because she moved to Chicago in June so this was an extra special treat!

Amanda, Me, Emili, Liz

Emili, Amanda, Liz and I blocked out Tim, Kyle & the rest of their family & gabbed away. It was so much fun to laugh with old friends! Don't worry, Tim & Kyle talked about boy stuff so they were fine!

I also got to hang out with my little friend/niece Ava. She is so BIG...I just wanted to cry when she greeted me at the door on Friday night waving & saying "Hi, T-T...come on T-T."

I have to share this picture with you. Saturday we went shopping at Southlake Town Square & Ava took off her jacket.

Ava: "Aunt T-T I'm cold."
T-T: "You want to put your jacket back on?"
Ava: matter of fact "No."
T-T: "You want Aunt T-T's vest?"
Ava: smile & "Yes."

She is a HOOT & she knows it!

A Chic Travel Girl

2008-02-20T20:23:00.004-06:00

Guess what I got in the mail the other day?

My NEW passport with my NEW name!

I can't wait to use it during all my travels this year,

BUT wait it gets better.

My sister, Xavi & Ava gave me this for my birthday.

An ultra chic pink leather passport cover.

My passport is gonna look WAY COOL!

What Just Happened?

2008-02-17T20:22:00.007-06:00

Let me tell you a little story about my Friday off...

The dogs had a grooming appointment at 8am. I figured I would be a good little exercise girl & go to the YMCA after I dropped them off. Ooooo...I see my NEW pink Jon Hart tote with MY initials on it that Tim gave me for my birthday...I'm gonna carry that to the gym!

Wallet - check
Cocktails for Three - check
(just in case I want to stop at Starbucks and read)
Cell phone - check
iPod - check
YMCA towel that Tim accidentally brought home - check

Good workout. Talk to Sunni. Watch a little bit of a show I taped. The dogs are ready. Pick them up & they look SO CUTE.

(She used to have 2 bows)

Shower. Decide that the Jon Hart tote is perfect to carry as my purse for the day. Take out iPod. Off to luch with Tim. We eat at Which Wich...loved it. Drop Tim off at his office.

It is about 1:15 & I have to get Lucy to the vet at 2 for some shots. I'm low on gas. I stop & fuel up. Traffic, lots & lots of traffic. I took the worst route home. It is about 1:50 & I know I am going to be late to Lucy's appointment.

I turn my car around in front of my house so it will be ready to leave. Lock the car. Leave my precious Jon Hart tote in the car since I am grabbing Lucy as fast as I can. Open house door. Turn off alarm. Let Lucy out of her cage. Go to the restroom since I drank way too much Diet Coke at lunch. Turn on alarm. Grab Lucy & leash. Tell Stewart I am sorry, but we will be right back. Lock door. I'm proud of myself because that only took about 2-5 minutes.

I get to my car & I am about to open the door & I see glass on the street. I think hmm, someone's car must have been broken into...how terrible. I look up & my passenger window is broken. I panic. My Jon Hart tote is GONE with my wallet, cell phone & book!

I freak out & go back inside. I can't call anyone because my cell phone was in my bag. I grab Stewart too & I decide I will walk to the dry cleaners to call Tim. I am sobbing. On my way I realize we have a phone line for our alarm so I can plug in our old phone & call Tim so I go back to the house. Shoot the phone has to charge. I sob some more. I am so freaked out because it happened SO FAST. Was someone watching me?

Needless to say, I got ahold of Tim & he came home right away. We spent the rest of the day cancelling credit cards, etc. The little meanies only got to have a bit of fun at several gas stations before we shut them down. BUT, I'm really mad because they get to use the remaining balance on my Chick-fil-a & Sonic gift cards. Oh & the rest of our Dillards bridal credit! Thankfully, I was safe & everything they took could be replaced.

So if you see someone walking down the street carrying a pink Jon Hart bag with MY initials on it, pulling out MY new Coach wallet I got for Christmas, eating a Chick-fil-a sandwich, drinking a Sonic drink, Dillards bag in hand, reading Cocktails for Three & pretending to talk on a silver cell phone...please tell them what's up because this is all I've got left from my Jon Hart memories!

Moral of the Story: NEVER leave anything in your car...even if you are only going to be a moment!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T08:33:00.001-06:00

Bark Park Adventures

2008-02-10T20:22:00.000-06:00

Do you wanna go to the (enter high pitch voice) DOG PARK?

Dog tags start jingling & Stewart is HYPER!
Lucy doesn't know where we are going, but since Stewart is excited SHE is double EXCITED!

Here's how it goes down:

Stewart is a snob so he barely acknowledges other dogs.

He would rather run around alone, sniff the grass & wade in the extra blue pond.

Although, he did take a liking to this tiny, tiny yorkie on Saturday. You must know that he slobers a lot at the dog park & it happened to get on the cute yorkie's back. I was very embarassed & mumbled a 'sorry' as I carried off slobbery Stewart!

Lucy is a little timid about the dog park. In the past, she would spend the entire time jumping in any human lap available. Thankfully, she is warming up to the idea of playing with other dogs. I think she spent most of the time shadowing Stewart.

Occasionally, she ran up to other dogs & then ran off with her tail between her legs.

We can only hope that she will start some kind of chase next time...we would be so proud!

Ahhh, a dog's life.

Book Worm

2008-02-08T15:50:00.000-06:00

While I was off I had a chance to do what I love...READ!

Here are the books I read. I loved all of them, but I have a special place in my heart for

A Thousand Splendid Suns...so good!

Here is what I am reading now...

Go curl up & read!

Just a Few Things...

2008-02-03T22:05:00.000-06:00

1. Work - Last week was a crazy week of work. First of all, going back to work after 2 months is not an easy task, but to make it worse January is our busiest month. So while I was watching Ellen & Oprah all my little friends at work were working SUPER hard. You can imagine they were excited to have me back before the January 31st deadline. They were very supportive & made sure I didn't over work myself, but I did have stuff waiting for me. All this to say...I couldn't ease my way back into work.

2. 4:30 a.m. - That is the time we all left work on Thursday night/morning. That is also the time some people wake up to get ready for the day. Tim, Stewart & Lucy all greeted me when I fell into bed.

3. Groundhog Day - I love this day because it is such a silly holiday & it is my oldest friend's birthday. Since Amanda was the birthday girl her wishes were our command.

We started the night out at Lupe Tortilla...

followed by some entertainment at Laff Stop...

Christian Finnigan was performing & he was hilarious. Also, Kyle admitted to us that he thought about doing Open Mic night. He even shared a few of his ideas. I 100% support him.

Don't worry a birthday is not a birthday without dessert! Cupcakes from Sugarbaby's...YUM!

4. Super Bowl - I decided that I was going to support the NY Giants because I love Peyton Manning & wanted to show his brother some love. Tim & I made some black bean dip, turkey sausage & turkey burgers to celebrate the LAST football game of the season. Amanda & Kyle joined us for a good time & several high fives when Eli took the win!

That was supposed to be my New York sign. First of all, I did it backwards. Second of all, I did an M instead of an N. It's the spirit that counts! Of course, Tim is always putting his horns up even when they aren't playing!

These were their best Super Bowl moves...hmmm!

5. Biggest Loser - Since I worked late on Tuesday, I didn't get to watch The Biggest Loser until this weekend. I cried several times. Can I just say that I love Bob, but he really upset me when he didn't pick Bernie & Brittany. They were with him from the beginning & they are my favorite team. So now I love Jillian & I am giving Bob the silent treatment for awhile. Go Black Team!!

Back to Work, Back to Reality

2008-01-27T19:57:00.000-06:00

As I type, tears are forming in my eyes. Tomorrow is officially my first day back at work. Granted, I would have much rather been at work for the past two months instead of having a valve replaced in my heart...BUT, short-term disability has been pretty sweet!

My usual day consists of waking up to give Tim a goodbye kiss, cuddling with Lucy & Stewart in bed, watching Matt Lauer do his thing, watching a movie, taking naps, reading, calling Sunni MANY times to talk about nothing, eating, calling Tim to ask if he thought he would get off early...you get my point - I usually do whatever I want. Tomorrow morning that freedom is O-V-E-R.

This didn't occur to me until I was taping Miss America on Friday afternoon. I figured since it was on TLC on Saturday night, Tim probably wouldn't want to watch it. I shrugged my shoulders & thought what does it matter I will just watch it on Monday while he is at work. To my horror, I remembered that I would not be sitting pretty on the couch...I would be at my desk in front of my computer screen...DOWNTOWN!!!

Actually, it will be fun to see all my friends & get back to real life & communicate with humans instead of two dogs. I even wore high heels to church this morning so I could practice for tomorrow.

FYI, they were not as comfortable as the socks I usually wear, but I know I will be fine as I go back to such a supportive & understanding group. They have been wonderful to me.

I'm not sure Lucy feels the same...

as she will be going back to THIS tomorrow morning!

Twenty-Eight...Let's Celebrate!

2008-01-20T23:59:00.000-06:00

I just love my birthday! I love the date, I love the festivities, I love getting to do whatever you want to do because you are the Birthday Girl!

Here are 28 things I did on January 20th...

1. Tim said Happy Birthday at midnight...while we drove home from a wedding.

2. Looked at my cell phone before I went to sleep & saw my BFF Sarah Beth had called at midnight.

3. Tim sang Happy Birthday to me when I woke up...Stewart & Lucy joined in at the end.

4. Ate a glazed donut, chocolate covered donut & a twist donut. I have been craving donuts for such a long time. What better day to do it when calories don't count?!

5. Got roses from Tim's Mom.

6. Went to lunch at Rainbow Lodge with Tim

7. and Alix. It was very yummy!

8. Opened Rainbow flip-flops from Alix.

9. Changed into a movie outfit.

10. Picked up Amanda & Kyle.

11. Saw 27 Dresses with Amanda, Kyle & Tim.

12. Made Tim get me some popcorn.

13. Made Tim go back & get me a Diet Coke...apparently he didn't hear me the first time when I said I want popcorn & a diet coke.

14. Laughed & almost cried at 27 Dresses...what can I say, I am a sucker!

15. Tried to go to 2 sushi places, but they were closed.

16. Ate at Mai's with Amanda, Kyle & Tim.

17. Listened to birthday messages from all my family & friends!

18. Talked to my Dad.

19. Talked to Sarah Beth.

20. Opened gifts from Tim.

21. Blew out candles.

22. Ate some delicious TCBY cake.

23. Watched the end of the NY Giants & Green Bay Packers game.

24. Stated that there was only 1.5 hours left of being the Birthday Girl.

25. Talked about what a crazy year it has been.

26. Got ready for bed.

27. Finished The Kite Runner.

28. Watched the clock turn 12:00 am & realized someone else was officially the Birthday Girl!

Oh, What a Night!

2008-01-19T14:02:00.000-06:00

Picture this...

3 Panian Girls

Several Barbie Dolls

AND

The Key to our Living Room Dance Party Success

Oh man did we love our parents' Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons CD. We'd dance around the living room singing at the top of our lungs & I'm pretty sure my Mom always joined in with us. Some of my favorite songs are:

Sherry

Oh, What a Night

Who Loves You

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Bye, Bye, Baby

Walk Like a Man

You can imagine my delight when I found out Jersey Boys the musical was coming to Houston. I ordered tickets immediately for my birthday weekend.

Last night Tim & I were off to the theatre for a very fun 'dance party' (at least I was doing the dancing in my mind.) It was a very interesting and entertaining show. I was able to relive my childhood days & learn how they became Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The crowd was LOVING it & I was even able to dance a little to the encore of Oh, What a Night!

I was just so sad when it was over, but you know what Frankie Valli says...Big Girls Don't Cry!

How I Love Thee...

2008-01-16T14:18:00.000-06:00

Dear Stairs,

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways. You are so kind to help support me when I fall. When Tim came home on Monday & I got too eager & ran down the stairs & slipped...you were so sweet to cushion my fall with your pointy edges covered with carpet. Tim couldn't believe his eyes when he saw me completely horizontal, but he was so comforted to know that you were there.

It reminds me of a time when Ava & I were sitting on the bottom step and Sunni slipped down a few steps. She ended up about an inch away from us...I know it was you that stopped her from knocking us over. You have such a wonderful heart.

Thank you for the memories, the tears, the laughter, the soreness, the whip lash & the bruise on my tailbone.

How I Love Thee.

Tiffani Does Dallas

2008-01-15T20:33:00.000-06:00

Christmas I was with my family.

New Year's Eve/Day I was with Sunni, Xavi, Ava & Sarah Beth.

New Year's week I was with Jason & Amanda.

After Jason left I was with those chirping crickets again...shoot!

But then again, so were Sunni & Ava...we might as well listen to them chirp together! Since I had been released to drive, I left for Dallas on Wednesday & planned to stay until Friday, but my hubby got asked to go hunting with a friend for the weekend...so I stayed until Sunday!

Here are some highlights...

Ava's play date at Pump it Up!

All of her little friends are SUPER CUTE!!

Lunch with Emili/Visit to her Office

I don't have any pictures of food, but let me just give PROPS to my sister right now. Sunni made the BEST meals while I was there. Turkey spaghetti, homemade ranch dressing, yellow cake with chocolate frosting, hamburgers, steaks, cowboy potatoes and chocolate chip pie...so good! I think I have decided to move in with them just so I can partake in all their eating goodness. I also decided that I should become a better wife & think of some delicious dishes myself!

Choo-Choo rides with Conductor Ava

(not sure the wheels will ever be the same)

Cheesecake Factory with the Fam

Lunch with Kristen after Church

'Stephanie Tanner' & 'Kimmy Gibbler'

It was a fun weekend with my sisters, brother-in-law, Jason & my Ultimate Niece. Now I am back at home trying to busy myself with little projects...wishing I was having guests this week. I'm sure once I go back to work in 1.5 weeks I will be wishing I could hear those crickets chirp once again!

Holiday Happiness

2008-01-04T09:54:00.000-06:00

So I haven't been bored for the past 2 weeks. Although, if you have visited my blog lately you might think so since I haven't updated in awhile. It's just that I was having so much fun that I couldn't stop to blog...

Socialize with my sisters or blog...socialize

Eat another Christmas cookie or blog....eat

Watch a good movie or blog...movie

Hang out with friends or blog...friends

Play with Ava or blog...Ava

The list goes on & on. Of course, the fact that I couldn't find my camera battery charger might have had a lot to do with it...you know I can't blog without pictures! Since my battery was low I didn't get many pictures from all my Christmas fun, but here are a few...

A Family Night at Perini's

Making Cookies

Where is Emili? On the phone!

Making Strukla

My Dad gives us an Angel every Christmas Eve

And then, the camera battery went dead!

How do you spell Tiffani?

2007-12-20T09:10:00.000-06:00

B-O-R-E-D!!

This is the first week I have had no outings during the day & I am going a little crazy! Here is a little peek at what we have been up to...

Morning Dog Naps

Great, what am I supposed to do?

I could do something productive.

Like write thank-you notes or organize something?

Nope, too bored to do that.

Hmm...I guess I could go get some juice!

Delicious!

Now what?

Perfect, I have What Not to Wear taped.

Stacy & Clinton will bring me entertainment!

Well, that was fun. Now what?

A piece of fudge will do the trick!

Afternoon Dog Naps

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Now I think I will call Tim 5 more times!

What a fabulous surprise to my most BORING day!
Tim took me to get a mani/pedi...I even talked him into getting one too!

O Tannenbaum

2007-12-17T15:18:00.000-06:00

Twas the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when all through Houston

EVERYONE was buying a Christmas Tree, even Tiff & Tim.

The ornaments were hung on each branch with care,

In hopes that their 1st Christmas Tree would soon

give reason to stare!

Come on Baby and Rescue Me

2007-12-13T22:35:00.000-06:00

And that is exactly what my mother-in-law did today!

Alix took the day off & took me Christmas shopping. It was so much fun to have a girly day with her. We shopped, talked, laughed & lunched! She was such a lady & opened all my doors & held all my packages. I even got some free advice on what to buy people on my list...it was fab!

Thanks to Alix I am 99.9% done with my Christmas shopping! Now I just need to teach Lucy & Stewart to help me wrap the presents!

Alix, you are my Rescue Hero!

And the Crickets are Chirping

2007-12-11T21:39:00.000-06:00

My Dad, Sunni & Ava all left Houston on Saturday afternoon. (Of course, not before we stuffed our faces at Los Tios...three words...Golden Beef Taco! ) It was a sad, sad day.

Don't get me wrong, it is great to be back to just Tim & Tiffani, but I knew I was going to miss each of them tremendously...they are the best! They were so sweet to give up so much of their time to take care of me & entertain me. I now have a freezer full of delicious meals & Ava left behind some of her fabulous kid snacks too!

I definitely heard the CRICKETS CHIRPING on Monday. Tim had heart patient proofed everything for me...unscrewed bottle caps on water & juice, placed items on lower shelves, dressed me & set up the couch for me. I was ready for my day alone.

I ended up spending most of my time sitting on the couch, catching up on all the shows I missed, shopping for Christmas presents online & dreaming about all the places I would take myself if I could drive! It was a LONG day, but I managed to survive & get some well needed rest. Besides, I knew that Tim was taking today off so I only had to get through Monday before I had someone to talk to!

Today we had to go to the doctor's office for a little finger prick & then we were off to the hair salon for my long awaited haircut! Ahhh...freshly trimmed hair feels so great! We ended up going to lunch & then I proceeded to take a hard core nap at home. I was exhausted! The afternoon got even better when Tim took me to see a movie. I decided we should go see a boy movie since he has been so great to me so we were off to see No Country for Old Men (it was very suspenseful...I kind of wanted to hide under my seat a few times). All in all, it was a great day filled with fun outings & the best company! I guess it is back to the CRICKETS tomorrow!

P.S. I am feeling great! I am still very sore & I don't have full range of motion in my arms yet, but I am working it out. I try to get some sort of lung exercise even if it is just walking around the house, but I still get pretty tired & need to rest. I can't wait to take the new valve out for a spin in several weeks! Thanks again for all the recovery prayers!

I'M BA-ACK!!

2007-12-06T18:50:00.000-06:00

Woo Hoo!!

Many, many thanks to Sunni & Tim for keeping the blog updated, BUT most importantly thanks to everyone for the prayers & sweet comments. Tim read me all the comments in the hospital & they were all so encouraging. My family & I feel so blessed by all the prayers. There really are no words for how thankful I am for each one of you. I have so much to say, but I am really tired so I am just going to post a few pictures from the last few days.

Wednesday Ava & I spent the morning watching Elmo in Grouchland on the couch while we ate our breakfast. Ava has definitely been the best medicine for me. She always makes me laugh & she loves to move my robe to look at my incision with a smile on her face. I'll be so sad when she leaves...the simple words 'Aunt T-T' have never been so healing!

After couching it for awhile we all went to Target for my outing. I'm supposed to walk around to make my lungs work so what better place to do that than Target! My Dad strolled Ava in a cart & Sunni strolled me around in a wheelchair. I protested that one, but everyone including Ava said NO! It was fine until Sunni left me in the medicine aisle. She had to get something from another aisle. It was really great...people would pass and look at me. I wanted to say 'Yes, I don't have any makeup on & my hair is not done & I am carrying around a pillow & I am sitting in a wheelchair & I am in the medicine aisle...all ALONE, but I promise my sister is right around the corner!' Sunni redeemed herself by taking me to the clothes section so I could get some new stuff to lounge around the house. Later that night my Dad made chicken & dumplings & apple pie...yummy!!

Today we went to Memorial City Mall for our outing. I was going to post all about it, but my lovely sister stole my post while I was taking a cat nap! You can read all about it here.

I'm so happy to be home. I'm still moving slow & I get tired very easily, but I think being able to go see Santa a week after heart surgery is pretty impressive! Thank you Lord!!

Home Sweet Home

2007-12-04T20:17:00.000-06:00

Tiffani is home!

Early this morning, Dr. Franklin came in, and told her he was in EARLY today so she could be discharged EARLY.

Praise the Lord! His provisions for this surgery & hospital stay have been amazing. Everything went so smoothly, and any hiccups were quickly taken care of. We feel like it's a miracle.

My dad, Ava, and I just made a huge trip to the grocery store to stock up Tim & Tiffani's fridge. We ate homemade tostadas and pumpkin ice cream for Tiff's first night back home. And tomorrow we'll make & freeze meals for them.

Other than that, we're just celebrating her homecoming, and basking in God's sweet grace He's shone on us.

This is Sunni, signing out. Tiffani will be back to blogging soon!

Extreme Makeover

2007-12-03T23:42:00.000-06:00

Two great things happened today:

1. Chest tubes came out!

2. IV came out!

Tiffani is a free woman, and no longer tethered to machines or IV poles. So liberating.

To celebrate, Aunt Kathy orchestrated an afternoon of beauty which included a shower, body butter, a hair blow-out, and a headband placed on Tiffani's head.

Before

After

-Sunni

Caring Critters

2007-12-03T23:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Caring Critters came to visit Tiffani in the hospital room. It's a volunteer group that brings dogs up to visit patients at St. Luke's. They were so cute & we enjoyed petting them so much!

We especially loved Gus, a Biesla (spelling?)

And Garreth, the Italian Greyhound

-Sunni

Holly Jolly Hospital Room

2007-12-03T12:02:00.001-06:00

The Christmas Tree

Santa makes a visit!

Tim holding one of Tiffani's chest buddy pillows. She uses it to hold it against her chest when she sits, stands, gets out of bed, or coughs.

Tiffani with a chest buddy. She's not as excited as Tim about the pillow.

Jason (a.k.a. Ava's Manny) and Tiffani

Emili and Tiffani (she's not on oxygen anymore...this is an older picture)

Ava clowning for the camera in the hospital's valet line. We had a request from Tiffani that if she couldn't hold Ava, she wanted pictures STAT!

Sometimes we just entertain ourselves by taking pictures of each other. This is Emili at one of our late night hospital pizza parties.

-Sunni

If You're Not With Us, You're Against Us

2007-12-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

That's what we keep saying to each other if one of us cringes at the amount of junk food another one of us is eating during Tiffani's hospital stay. Jason & Emili got a 10-piece chicken McNugget pack this MORNING at the hospital McDonald's during their coffee run, and that's the motto they started when I made fun of them. Then I stated the motto to them when they mocked me for eating a bag of Cheetos mid-morning, & ordering spicy waffle fries in the cafeteria for a community appetizer for lunch. We said it again when I questioned everyone's judgement about their pie for dessert after our turkey & cornbread stuffing around 2:00 pm today.

In other news...Tiffani is doing well! She's in her cheerful red bathrobe, and is doing her breathing exercises often & doing them well! The nurse said her lungs are looking a lot better. This morning, she did a breathing exercise to Mercy Me's "Little Drummer Boy." Best one yet!

She still hasn't gotten her chest tubes out...her doctor hasn't come by today, and no one can find him to have him check her & give the OK for them to come out. He's been paged several times, but he's unavailable. So we're assuming she'll keep them for another day. Tonight we have BIG PLANS to somehow rig the shower chair, and wash her hair.

We have lots of pictures to post, but the hospital's network is giving us trouble. We'll keep trying to get them posted!

Going to grab a bag of M&Ms,
Sunni

On the Mend

2007-12-01T08:24:00.000-06:00

Tiff had a great first night her own room. She is resting comfortably and doing her breathing exercises. Her nurse is hopeful that she can have her chest tubes removed today and then we can have her up and walking.

She is still very sore, as expected, but getting her out of bed and walking should help her energy levels and soreness a lot.

I am so proud of her, she is so strong, within 24 hours of having open heart surgery, Tiffani has:

Gotten her breathing tubes removed.
Gotten out of bed and sat in a chair by herself.
Moved out of ICU.
Doing her breathing exercises (double the required amount).
Eating solid foods (I'm talking BBQ chicken, corn and carrots).
Entertained her whole family in her new room.

The nurses last night said she looked like she had gotten out of surgery two days ago, when I told them she hadn't even been out of the OR for 24 hours, they were really impressed.

We have been reading Tiff your comments and she wants me to thank every one of you for your prayers and thoughts, they mean so much to her and to all of us.

All our love,

Tim

On the Move

2007-11-30T14:38:00.000-06:00

More good news. Tiffani got her breathing tubes removed this morning around 6:30 am. We got to go in and see her at the 10 am visitation and she was looking great and talking, but obviously she is very sore and tired. We saw her at the 5:30 am visitation too, but she still had her breathing tube.

We just got word that she is going to be moved out of ICU this afternoon, we are just waiting on a clean room. She is progressing really, really well and is hitting all of her major benchmarks on schedule or ahead.

Her cardiologist Dr. Franklin, told her that yesterday was the easy part, now the hard stuff begins. She will have to begin breathing treatments and sitting up in a chair today. Tomorrow she will continue the breathing treatments then she will be standing and hopefully even walking.

Thank you all again for the support and prayers.

All our love,

Tim

** Ava Update **

Ava is feeling and looking much better today, she doesn't have pneumonia and has returned to her role as the "ultimate niece" and "ultimate distraction".

Nightcap

2007-11-29T23:09:00.001-06:00

We all just went back to the cardio recovery area to see our sweet Tif, and she looks great! Her skin is so pink, and she's resting comfortably. If it weren't for all the tubes, you wouldn't even know she'd just had major surgery. At some point in the next few hours, they'll start the process of taking Tiffani off her breathing tube. She's very sedated, which is nice because she was worried about gagging on the breathing tube. Once she starts waking up a little, they'll take it out so she can breathe for herself. She did try to mouth "I love you" to Tim, and tried to furrow her brow when Tim & my dad said goodbye; so she's beginning to perk up.

We can't say this enough...thank you for all the prayers, and sweet thoughts. Thanks for your continued prayers throughout Tiffani's recovery. We feel the love. Praise God for our family in Christ! He is good & faithful always.

As promised, here are some pictures from this morning.

Tim & Tiffani--still newlyweds!

The sisters

Tim defying the hospital cell phone rule. He answers to no one!

-Sunni

Thank you Lord!

2007-11-29T19:27:00.000-06:00

"Well, she's all done."

Dr. Fraser just came out and gave us the great news. The surgery is over and Tiff is resting in the ICU recovery.

We get to see her in about an hour.

I will keep you all posted.

All our love,

-Tim

It's Shiny and New

2007-11-29T19:04:00.000-06:00

"Everything is going wonderful!"

We just got great news, they have made it past the most high risk part of the procedure, reentering through Tiff's breastbone, and they are putting the new conduit and valve in place as I type.

"This news does not come with a time frame" so keep the prayers coming and I will give everyone an update as soon as we know something.

All of your thoughts and prayers mean more to me and our family that I can possibly say, thank you all so much.

All our love,

-Tim

PS- I have taken over blogging responsibilities because Ava is still not feeling well and Sunni had to leave and take her to the minor emergency clinic, so keep them in your prayers too.

Houston, We Have a Heart Valve

2007-11-29T14:40:00.000-06:00

Tiffani went back to the operating room at 1:15 pm, and we just got our first update at 1:45 pm. Tiffani had just gone off to dreamland after they got her arterial IV in place. They said it took them a little while to get that in, so we hope they deadened it "real nice" or else we will never hear the end of it! Dr. Fraser said the surgery will take 5-6 hours, but could go longer, and it's not a bad thing if it does. He said he takes his time. Which, of course, we appreciate.

We arrived here at 6:30 am, so we've really just been sitting around, and attempting to keep Tiffani entertained & relaxed until she was taken to the O.R. We're trying to use as much Grey's Anatomy lingo as we can. We even have our very own Dr. McDreamy.

Pictures to come!
-Sunni

P.S. Hope you like the new header! We thought Tiffani would like the surprise when she starts blogging again! Thanks, Fabulous K Blog Designs!

A Brand New Shiny Valve

2007-11-28T21:36:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't posted about my wonderful Thanksgiving in North Carolina yet, but I promise I will get on that in a few days. Here is a sneak preview...

It seems like ever since we got home Tim & I have been on the go. First, we had to get a Christmas tree. Second, we had to clean our house for all the guests that came in town today. Last but not least, we got our new laptop in the mail...and we just had to set it up! So as you can see there was just no time for blogging until now!

Today we spent the day at the hospital for my pre-op tests. I can't believe the surgery is tomorrow. It seems like I have been thinking about it forever & it has been so far away, but tomorrow I check in the hospital at 6:30 in the morning. My surgeon has a short case before me so I probably won't go into the operating room until around 11 or 12. I wish I could just go in right away so I wouldn't have to sit and wait, but at least I get more time to pray & read all my verses that have gotten me through the past few months. I am nervous, but CERTAIN that God has everything ready to go. HE will be the chief surgeon tomorrow!

I just want to thank every single person that has been praying for me and my family. I will never be able to express how much it means to me. Knowing that I have an entire ARMY of PRAYER WARRIORS out there has given me so much peace & comfort. I have NO DOUBT that God will be taking care of me & my family tomorrow. He is the Ultimate Healer & has blessed me immensely...especially by giving me brothers & sisters in Christ to pray for me.

My sister will be keeping my blog updated until I can take control! I'll be back soon with that brand new shiny valve! Keep those prayers coming!

Love, Tiffani

How To Make a BLUE Couch Cushion

2007-11-19T13:41:00.000-06:00

First you'll need...

A Blue Pen

Then you'll need...

A Baby Cavapoo...Named LUCY

Then you'll get this result...

A Blue Couch Cushion

(I realize you can barely see anything. This was after LOTS & LOTS of cleaning. I was too mad to take a picture right after it happened. I promise it was WORSE than this...dark blue...I'm not just being dramatic.)

Then you'll have to...

Wash the Cavapoo

You might think the Cavapoo is cute, but do not be deceived...she is still a terror!

A FULL Guest Room is a FULL Heart!

2007-11-13T21:59:00.001-06:00

I LOVE when our guest room is full!

This weekend Sunni, Ava, Emili & Jaime all came to Houston. I was so excited because someone was actually coming to visit Houston, and it wasn't for anything related to doctors! Just for FUN!

Sunni & Ava arrived on Friday morning so I got to have some quality Niece Time at The Aquarium downtown!

Ava & Aunt T-T

The Fish

Ava loving the Jungle Sounds

Ava's Favorite Big Cat

The White Tiger Charmer

Ava & Sunni on the Shark Choo-Choo

Ava's Sea Lion

Last Stop...Splash Pad

Emili & Jaime got to our house late Friday night so that could only mean one thing...we would need some Buffalo Grille breakfast in the morning! Saturday we hung out, watched Blades of Glory, watched Ava feed the dogs treats & play with her doll, walked around the Village AND took Jaime to Lupe Tortilla for his first taste of heavenly beef!

Jaime & Emili

The Joys of taking a Family Picture

As I put away the few toys we have for Ava & cleaned up the guest room on Sunday afternoon, I just wanted to have a my own tantrum on the floor...Ava style. BUT, I resisted because I knew my guest room would be full again in just a couple weeks!

My Little Champion!

2007-11-07T11:25:00.000-06:00

Ok, so he's not exactly a soft ball champion,

but he can still be MY champion!

The MHI Hammers fought the good fight last night & made it into the co-ed softball championship game!! Tim was giddy & I was just so excited because they were playing so well. I kind of wanted to throw on a Hammers jersey and join them. (Although, I did play intramural soft ball for Tri Delt & let me just say…it was not pretty - it was best I was in the stands cheering them on.) I'm sad to say they were 2 runs short of a victory, but I was beaming because my little pitcher did such a fab job out there!

Go MHI Hammers…you'll get em next season!

Fun Run (or walk) Your Heart Out!

2007-11-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Tim & I participated in The Texas Heart Institute Great Pumpkin Fun Run. We had been wanting to do it for the past few years, but we were either out of town or had something planned that day. This year we decided we just HAD to do it! The Texas Heart Institute is where I will be having my heart surgery in a few weeks so I was pumped to support them!

Just as we hold Race for the Cure close to our hearts for my Mom, we hold anything dealing with hearts close to us for Tim's Dad. Brian passed away from a heart attack about 4 years ago. I met Tim about 4 months after that so I never had the honor of meeting him, but I feel like I know him through all the stories Tim & his family have told me. From what I have gathered he was a caring, funny, honorable, loving, Christian man & then some. I can definitely tell that Tim is his son. I am so sad I never got to meet him, but I'm sure my Mom & Brian are chatting it up in Heaven…probably laughing at all the silly things Tim & I do!

So Saturday morning we woke up very early & walked (not ran) our hearts out in memory of Brian and in honor of me! Next year I plan to run…or at least jog since my brand new heart valve will be 1 year old…almost!

Happy Halloween from...

2007-10-31T21:57:00.000-05:00

Lucy the Mad Ladybug

Stewart the Bored Texans Fan

A Windy Weekend

2007-10-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday with book in hand & i-pod in purse, I boarded a plane to Chicago! Our whole family met in Chicago for a surprise birthday party for my Auntie Lizzy (basically my grandmother). She will be 90 years old in December!!

Don't be fooled by her age…she is still movin' about. She still drives, grocery shops, attends church several times a week & frequents Burger King with her lady friends for some coffee. I love every moment I get to spend with her. I really only see her in the summer & at Christmas time when she visits Texas. It was a treat to see her in the fall & be in Joliet, which is a little outside of Chicago.

My Auntie Lizzy had no idea Sunni & I were coming on Thursday so it was fabulous to see her surprised face when we walked in her house. Emili, Tim & our California cousins/uncles came on Friday night - again all a surprise. Everyone stayed at my Auntie Lizzy's - it was so much fun to be with everyone!

Now, I know my big sis had her camera out every second so I have a feeling she will have a great post about our time in Chicago. I've decided to wave my white flag & surrender…I can't compete with her, but I thought I'd share SEVERAL pictures...

Ava energized by the crisp wind!

Ava at the Pumpkin Patch

Aunt T-T forcing Ava to take a picture!

All the cousins decorating for the party.

The finished product.

Treating ourselves to the famous Merichka's Poorboy Sandwich. My dad worked here in high school...sweet!

Emili & Ashley eager about Merichka's

Onion rings, poorboy & Merichka's house dressing...what more could you want?

SURPRISE!!

Ava & Aunt T-T @ White Fence Farm

Dad, Auntie Lizzy, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Ron & Uncle Don

The 3 Sisters

Me, Emili, Jessica, Ashley, Melissa & Sunni

Melissa & Amare

They adopted him about 4 or 5 months ago from Ethiopia...he is ADORABLE!

The famous & yummy White Fence Farm Chicken

Tim & I had to leave early on Sunday morning because we had tickets to the Texans vs. Titans game. I bought him the tickets for his birthday in June because we are both in love with Vince Young. It was so sad to leave everyone in Joliet...I think I cried several times on the way to the airport & in Houston. Tim & I had such a wonderful time visiting, laughing & listening to the stories that Auntie Lizzy told. I definitely left my heart in Joliet...guess I better go back soon to get it! We love you Auntie Lizzy!!

ICE MEN

2007-10-23T21:01:00.000-05:00

Last week Tim got some free tickets to the Aeros vs. Rockford hockey game. The Aeros are basically the Houston minor league team for the Minnesota Wild NHL team...I think!

Anyway, the tickets were FRONT ROW!! Even though the stadium wasn't near full & we probably could have moved to the front row without the tickets, we still thought we were pretty cool.

I have never been to a hockey game so I was shocked when they were so violent, but on the other hand I LOVED when they hit the glass right in front of me! It was just so crazy to watch. A fight even broke out on the ice (like helmets & fists flying) & none of the coaches got mad. One of the guys got thrown out of the game, but it was like nothing happened...just a little tiff. Hmm, I guess it is just the game of hockey?!?

It was lots of fun & I decided I could become an Aeros fan, but I couldn't help think of one of my favorite movies...The Cutting Edge.

I drifted off & thought about how I could pick one of these rowdy guys & train them to become an Olympic ice skater. Ahhh, then I could look back one day & say I knew them when. I guess I better dust off my ice skates and get started. I think Adrian Foster is just the guy...

My Bad

2007-10-23T09:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know…I have been a very bad blogger! BUT, since I am in the tax world I was a bit busy for the October 15th deadline & then my family went to Chicago to celebrate my Auntie Lizzy's 90th birthday! I promise I will post ASAP (like tonight) to update everyone on all my happenings!

One thing - I'm sure everyone has heard about the fires in California…just terrible. We have lots of family in California. My cousin, Stacy, & her husband, Tim, & their toddler, Caleb, had to evacuate their house the other day. Also, my cousin, Melissa, & her husband, Justin, & their new baby, Amare, live in San Diego - they haven't had to evacuate yet, but there is a chance they might have to. Please keep them & all the other California families in your prayers.

Ok, I'll be back later with pictures & posts!

Big Sisters are the Best!

2007-10-10T00:04:00.002-05:00

They know the best places to get pedicures...

They take you to fun places to shop &

they always know when there is a festival...

They know everyone needs a cookie

to get through the shopping...

They make you delicious dinners

with a surprise on top for your husband...

They always know when you need a carmel apple...

They give you EXTRA cute nieces that can say your name...

AND

They turn 30 before you do...

Happy Birthday Sunni!

Love You!

Music to My Ears

2007-10-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

Friday night in Abilene...

Aunt Tiffani: Ava, can you say Bevo?
(after giving Ava a big stuffed Bevo)

Ava: Bebo

Uncle Tim: (faints on the floor with a smile on his face)

Sunni: Ava, can you say Aunt T-T?

Ava: Bebo

Sunni: Can you say Aunt T-T?

Ava: An T! T!

Aunt T-T: (faints on the floor with a smile on her face)

The rest of the weekend I continually asked her to say Aunt T-T...she just smiled & laughed or threw out a Dee-do or Bebo. She was taunting me! Finally, I got another 'An T-T' on Sunday. Mark says she said it on Saturday morning, but I think he was taunting me too!

Ava, you complete me!

Mamma Mia!

2007-09-28T23:23:00.000-05:00

So I admit it...I have been in love with ABBA since Sunni's show choir sang Take a Chance on Me...circa 1993 maybe?!? If I remember correctly - they sang it a cappella & I thought they were SUPER cool - especially my sister!

It should be no surprise that when I heard Mamma Mia! was coming to Houston for a special week performance, I would buy 2 tickets! Going to the theatre is always a treat!

Originally, Tim & I were going to see the show, but my silly husband forgot he had his work dove hunt on Wednesday night. I had to call on my girlfriend, Amanda! I knew she would be in for the fun because she also loves musicals & on our 2005 Cruise Girls trip we sang Dancing Queen at karaoke night!

It was such a fun show...we absolutely loved it. I kind of wanted to get up & start dancing in my chair, but so Amanda wouldn't be embarrassed - I controlled myself! I would have loved to have gone with Tim, but honestly, I think this is definitely a girlfriend kind of show...so cheesy & corny & fabulous all at the same time. Something girls can appreciate!

So next time you see Mamma Mia! playing at a theatre near you...grab some girlfriends & have some fun...maybe even get up & dance in your chair!

My Man!

2007-09-27T17:25:00.000-05:00

Sarah, Natalie & Sunni tagged me, enjoy...

The Game of Tag about your MAN:

1. Who is your man? Timothy Clark

2. How long have you been together? We have been married for a little over 4 months, together for 2 years & 4 months on Saturday.

3. How long did you date? We were very 'unofficial' for 2 months, official for a little over 1 year & engaged for 9 months.

4. How old is your man? He is 27...I am a little over 4 months older than Tim!

5. Who eats more? Hmm, this is a toss up. I'm gonna say Tim, but I am VERY close behind & proud of it!

6. Who said "I love you" first? Tim. I loved him before he said it, but I wasn't about to say it first.

7. Who is taller? Tim. He is 13 inches taller than me. In fact, he is the tallest one in the family now...more like a giant compared to us!

8. Who sings better? Since I was in choir & show choir...I'd have to say I do. BUT, Tim can sing & he can make up songs way better than I can! He says he got that talent from his Dad.

9. Who is smarter? I'd have to say that is a tie...we are both smart!

10. Whose temper is worse? I'm going to go with Tim. I am pretty patient & Tim is working on his patience. Although, I have my moments too (I'm sure Tim would agree)!

11. Who does the laundry? We share this responsibility.

12. Who takes out the garbage? Tim & Stewart. I offer to help (sometimes), but he likes to be the man!

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do...along with Lucy & Stewart. Although, it's starting to seem like Lucy & Stewart have taken over & now I am in the middle right up against Tim. I think Tim just holds on for dear life so he won't fall off the bed! Dogs!

14. Who pays the bills? We both do, but since I have always been a nerd about my money - I am the one who puts everything in Quicken!

15. Who is better with the computer? Me! Tim isn't bad with computers, but I am really mechanical so I can usually figure everything out & fix problems.

16. Who mows the lawn? If only we had a lawn to mow!

17. Who cooks dinner? Both of us do, but I must say that Tim is a really good cook! He has been doing a lot more cooking since I get home later than him.

18. Who drives when you are together? Tim...I think he is scared of my driving...I have no clue why...I am a really good defensive driver!

19. Who pays when you go out? Most of the time he does, but it doesn't really matter since it is all in the same account.

20. Who is most stubborn? Again, we have a tie! We are both SO stubborn!

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Oh man, we both hate to admit that we are wrong, but I would say me. Well, maybe Tim...ok, tie again...depends on what we are wrong about!

22. Whose parents do you see the most? We see Tim's Mom the most since my Dad lives 6 hours away...what a road trip!

23. Who kissed who first? Tim kissed me first...I am a lady!

24. Who asked who out? We didn't really have a 'real date' first date...we hung out a lot & then started dating. BUT, Tim did ask me out to Lupe Tortilla...it was our first 'public appearance' date...so let's count that & say Tim!

25. Who proposed? Tim!

26. Who is more sensitive? Definitely ME!

27. Who has more friends? We both have a lot of friends. Most of his friends are in Houston so we see them a lot more than I see my friends.

28. Who has more siblings? Me! Tim is an only child & I have 2 sisters!

29. Who wears the pants in the family? I'd like to say that I do, but it is probably more like Tim wears one leg of the pants & I wear one leg & the belt!

I tag...Sarah Beth, Katie, Kelly & Annalee...if you haven't been tagged yet!

Will you accept this rose?

2007-09-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

For all you Bachelor fans out there, here is a little gift my sister shared with me...

Click here: The Bachelor Recaps

Please join Lincee every Tuesday morning...you won't be disappointed!

A Surprise & A Slumber Party

2007-09-24T20:53:00.000-05:00

SURPRISE...

Since I love my husband SO much & since he has been working SO hard on all his projects...I decided a Friday Night Surprise Date was in order! Friday afternoon I emailed Tim & told him to be ready for a fun date when I got home.

I took him to our favorite sushi place, Azuma.

Then off to see a movie...a boy movie since it was HIS surprise date & not mine!

It's the little things that spice up your life!

SLUMBER PARTY...

Saturday afternoon we packed up some clothes, a Pekingese & a Cavapoo & headed to Tim's Mom's house. She lives in Houston, but it seems like we are always so rushed when we get together for dinner. We decided a slumber party was in order!

She made us some yummy snacks while we watched the UT vs. Rice game & a fabulous dinner. If you think Tim loves the Longhorns...you should see his Mom! They are so funny to watch - sometimes they even scare the dogs!

Thanks for all the fun, Alix!

I hope your weekend was filled with fun surprises

(& slumber parties)!

A Post About Nothing/Everything

2007-09-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

I got my haircut on Friday.

It is shorter than usual.

I was a bit worried about cutting it short for my hospital stay in November.

You just can't throw it up in a pony tail when it's short.

My stylist, Jim, told me he would come to the hospital one day to wash & style my hair.

Isn't he the best?!?

We spent all weekend painting & taking down wallpaper.

It was tiring, yet productive.

The house is starting to look good.

Lucy decided she wanted to help.

So she rubbed her body against all the walls.

Now she thinks she is a paint brush.

These are the best.

After Tuesday's episode of The Biggest Loser,
I am officially in love with Bob Harper.

When I came home I had TWO packages!

One from Gems on Display...

Thanks to Katie, I ordered this to organize my earrings.
Her display is much cuter, but they were out of stock!

And, one from Julie Robles Photography...

Our Wedding Album arrived!!
I was SUPER giddy...it is BEAUTIFUL!

To top it all off...we have been married for 4 months today!

My Little Cone Head

2007-09-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Lucy took a trip to the vet to get 'fixed'. Thank the Lord Tim took her because I would have been crying as the nurse took her out of my hands. Everything went well & don't worry she is still wild as ever - apparently the medicine did not slow her down!

BUT, she is pretty MAD we put this cone on her...how can she do all the Cavapoo things she needs to do?

Poor Lucy.

Backyard BBQ

2007-09-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

Because sometimes you just need a relaxing dinner on the patio with your husband...

Hot TEXAS Weekend

2007-09-10T19:17:00.001-05:00

Dear Mack Brown,

Where to begin? I went to Baylor, but I have become a Longhorn fan by marriage. I must admit y'all had me at 'Vince Young' in 2005, but every year I grow to love you more & more. I still haven't allowed myself to to do the horns, but you understand since I am a Baylor Girl through & through...my hand has been trained to form the perfect bear claw! I just thought I would thank you for a few things...

Thank you for making so many Houston Longhorn fans so that the city felt they needed to open a University Co-op store. This allowed me & my husband to buy some new polos for the game & some burnt orange/white Christmas lights on Friday. You know, the essentials!

Thank you for letting the UT vs. TCU game be in Austin so I could enjoy a yummy lunch at Maudie's. Although, I did get a little hot since I had to eat outside, but I realize there is nothing you could do about that.

Thank you for allowing 5 million people to tailgate in the heat before the game. We had lots of fun catching up with friends & the sweat was really great for the look I was trying to achieve!

Thank you for allowing Bevo to attend each game at the Darrel K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. This gives me some entertainment while my husband gets really into the game...not that I'm not into it, but sometimes I just need to look at a cute animal. I couldn't quite find Bevo on Saturday & Tim wasn't that into helping me locate his whereabouts, but I know he was there! I love to compare Bevo to my dog, Stewart. Tim thinks they look nothing alike...maybe one day you can give me your opinion?

Thank you for making the fans so crazy about TEXAS. I wouldn't know what to do without the loud crazy/funny guy that sits a couple rows in front of us every year. If I can't find Bevo, you better believe I am listening to what he has to say!

Thank you for the jumbotron that sits near my seat. I hear this is the largest high-definition video display in collegiate sports. I love to watch the game on the screen since half the time I can't see where the ball went on the field. There is no doubt I will see it on the jumbotron!

Above all, I thank you for all the Big 12 flags you have. I felt at home when I saw the Baylor Bear flag pass by my seat! Just in case you didn't know...my Bears won on Saturday - Baylor 42, Rice 17! Guess you better get the boys prepared for October 20th because you never know what could happen at Floyd Casey Stadium!

Thanks for a fun Longhorn Saturday! Oh one last thing, do you think next game I could be moved to a suite - I got pretty hot in the stands?

TEXAS FIGHT,

Tiffani Young/Charles/Sweed/Ogbonnaya

Horseshoe Bay Happenings

2007-09-06T21:13:00.000-05:00

My Labor Day Weekend was absolutely labor-less!

Tim & I got our map out on Friday morning & drove to Horseshoe Bay to meet Sunni, Xavier & Ava for a grand time! We stayed at the Marriott Horseshoe Bay Resort & shared a family studio room. So great to be together under one roof & have a kitchen so we could save some moola on food!

I had so much fun relaxing with Tim, talking to Sunni, laughing with Xavier & hugging on Ava. It was a fun weekend had by all & I was so sad when we had to say goodbye!

We spent most of our time...

Swimming

Eating

Golfing

Dancing

Playing Sequence (Sunni & I won)

Up and Down the River

and Loving

Hope yours was just as wonderful!

Hearts of Prayer

2007-09-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

I finally heard from the heart surgeons on Friday afternoon. My surgery date has been scheduled for November 29th. Even though it is a little scary, I am so happy to finally have a date on the calendar.

The nurse told me that I would be feeling better by Christmas time, but I wouldn't be 100%. If you know me then you know I LOVE doing everything during the Christmas season...shopping, decorating, baking, etc. My sister already reassured me that she would take me to the Galleria in a wheel chair when I started feeling better...just so I can see the decorations at the mall & maybe get a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks!

Please pray for the surgeons, Tim, my family & me on November 29th...you can pray before & after that date too! I love knowing that I will have an army of prayer warriors going into the hospital with me!

p.s. just in case you are confused why i am having heart surgery...read this post.

What colors do you LOVE?

2007-08-31T05:10:00.001-05:00

My friend, Natalie, informed us all that today has been named

National College Colors Day!!

So get out your gear & show your spirit - we sure did!

Baylor Girl Lucy

Baylor - Texas Stewart

Stewart had a hard time deciding what colors to sport.

He grew up going to Baylor, but he does LOVE Bevo!

Die Hard Texas Tim

Go Bears!

From our family to yours...Happy College Colors Day!

Birthday Bash Pictures

2007-08-30T22:54:00.001-05:00

Little Emili turned 26 last week so Tim & I packed the car & headed to Dallas last weekend. We had such a great time celebrating with everyone!

Saturday Night...

Dinner at the Hibachi Grill - yes, that makes 2 weekends in a row & I did finish my fried rice both times!

The 26 Year Old & Me

Xavier, Ava & Sunni

Tim & Jason

Ava & Me

A Japanese Birthday Celebration

Me & Tim

Happy Birthday & thanks for the fun!

Let THE SEASON begin...

2007-08-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

Saturday, August 18th - Afternoon

Tim: Guess what?
Tiffani: What?
Tim: Only 2 more weeks until football season begins! (fist pumped in air)
Tiffani: Sigh & roll eyes...great!

My first UT/OU weekend with Tim - 2005.

Monday, August 20th - 12:31 pm

After we decide we are going to Dallas for my sister's birthday I receive an email entitled...'FFL Draft - Very Important' and I quote...

Hey babe,

My FFL draft is at 5pm on Sunday. It is critical that I have at least 1 hour to get ready for the draft. That means we need to leave Dallas before noon on Sunday.

Thank you for your consideration.

Your loving husband.

Thursday, August 23rd - getting ready for work

Tim: Guess what 1 week from today is?
Tiffani: (excited) We get to pack for our Labor Day trip!!
Tim: Yes, but it is ALSO the beginning of FOOTBALL SEASON! (said in football announcer voice)
Tiffani: There are games on Thursday?
Tim: YES!!!! (insert Longhorn hand signal)

Sunday, August 26th - FFL Draft Day

Tim is HYPER & GIDDY all day!

2:00pm - Back in Houston

2:30pm - Went to Lowe's to buy a ladder so I could continue painting our living room while my husband acts as a professional drafter starting at 5pm sharp!

3:00pm - Stop at CVS for some medicine & milk.

Tim: I should really get home soon so I can get prepared.
Tiffani: BIG eye roll...I thought you only need 1 hour for prep.
Tim: Yes, but I would really like some extra time.

3:30pm - I'm painting...Tim is prepping!

4:30pm - Tim comes downstairs & compliments me on my straight lines (I've always been really good with a paint brush.)

Tim: (giddy) Ok, wish me luck!
Tiffani: Woo hoo...go get em!

5:00 - 7:45pm - FFL Draft is in session.

7:50pm - Tim updates me on his draft.

Tiffani: So how did it go?
Tim: (excited, yet concerned) I think it went well, but I'm a little unsure about it.
Tiffani: You said that last year & then you won.
Tim: But, I really mean it this year.
Tiffani: Another eye roll...I'm sure you did a great job! Did you draft Vince Young?
Tim: No.
Tiffani: Drats!
Tim: Oh baby don't you worry, this year your favorite player is going to be Laurence 'Gravy Train' Maroney from the New England Patriots! (said in high pitched, excited voice)
Tiffani: (Note to self...look up the colors for the Patriots...better get some gear if I have to watch all their games!)

11:15pm - In bed watching Sports News with Randy McIlvoy

He just finished interviewing Mack Brown about the UT Football Season.

Randy: You can see the Longhorns take on Arkansas State this Saturday.

I look over at Tim & like a kid in a candy store, he has a huge grin on his face. His favorite season is about to begin!

26 Candles & 1 Cake...

2007-08-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Little Emili!

The Birthday Girl

The Birthday Girl in her Younger Years

Have a HAPPY day & make sure you eat LOTS of cake.

I love you so much!

New Kids on The Block

2007-08-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

No, not those New Kids on The Block...

These...

Kyle, Amanda, Me, Tim - circa January

Amanda & Kyle moved from Baytown to Houston at the end of May. They moved just minutes away from us - I was super excited! Technically, they are not new to the block since they have been in Houston since May, but I am still classified as a NEWlywed so they can still be the new kids!

We decided to get together with them on Saturday since we hadn't seen them since Lizzy's going away party. It seems like every time we get together we always go to Azuma or Lupe Tortilla so we opted for something different. We were all missing a little piece of Abilene & decided to find a hibachi grill similar to Fuji's...off to Tokyohana we went!

Waiting for our Table

Me & Tim

Amanda & Kyle

The girls showing off their skills!

I managed to polish off my entire plate - including the blessed fried rice! It was a delicious dinner with old friends.

After dinner we went to Volcano for some more fun & I ran into Allyson - a fellow co-worker & blogger! What fun!

Allyson & Me

All in all, it was a fun night out with the New Kids on The Block...can't wait for next time!

Lucy to Lady in 1 Hour

2007-08-19T21:45:00.001-05:00

Can I just say that I LOVE, HEART, LOVE Scrub-a-Dub Dog Wash! If you live in Houston & want to wash or get your dog groomed - then Elizabeth is your girl. Here are a few of the reasons I highly recommend a doggie visit there...

A. They are SO sweet to the dogs.
B. They do not cage the dogs.
C. They always make your dog look they just came out of an Aveda salon.

If you will recall several posts ago, Stewart had his beauty shop appointment & I posted this picture of our Cavapoo, Lucy...

Too Wild to Groom

Well, last week Tim & I decided it was time for us to get our 4-month old puppy groomed. Tim was against it at first because Lucy has a beautiful coat (everyone tells us...we are just so proud), but after a few weeks our hippie puppy needed a cut!

She was off to Scrub-a-Dub on Saturday afternoon...

Before

When I walked into the salon to pick her up, this is what I saw (please brace yourself)...

WHAT??? Oh my gosh, I was about to faint!

What happened to our tomboy Cavapoo? She turned into a true Lady. I went on & on about the bows & how cute they were - Elizabeth finally said that she could put bows in Stewart's hair too, but she said my husband might not like that. Secretly, I wanted to tell her to go ahead and pencil that treatment in for Stewart too!

I'll have you know that 1 hour before Amanda & Kyle came over to go to dinner, she managed to take one bow off! So much for showing off my dainty Miss Priss - she was back to her WILD Cavapoo ways!

Raindrops on Roses & Whiskers on Kittens...

2007-08-16T22:30:00.000-05:00

If you will please refer back to one of your favorite childhood movies…The Sound of Music. It is storming outside & the lovely Fräulein Maria is able to calm down the frightened children with a simple song, My Favorite Things.

This is NOT what our house looks like when it starts storming. How I wish Tim & I could just sing that song & make everything better! Stewart, our Pekingese, HATES any kind of storm - small or large. We can always tell when it is about to rain because he gets nervous, his eyes get big, he stares at the window, starts shaking & then panting. He loves to hide in tight spots…like a bookshelf (yes, he knocks everything out of the hiding spot before he settles in), a crevice in the closet, behind furniture, etc.

When a storm breaks out at night he sits on the bed - pants, licks his chops & watches the window for lightning. He hates lightning, but at the same time he is very intrigued by it. We try & make him snuggle with us, but it just doesn't do the trick - I think it makes him more nervous! So he tries to hide under the bed.

Clearly, there is not enough space for him to get under there, but somehow he does & gets stuck. Tim has to lift the bed up while I pull him out. Then he tries to get behind our dresser & gets stuck.

We finally found the perfect solution. The cabinet in our bathroom. We keep our beach towels/old towels in here - perfect for a dog bed. Last night Tim even made him a tent so he didn't have to see the lightning.

Stewart absolutely loves it & it is definitely one of his 'favorite things'…oh, he also loves 'brown paper packages tied up with strings'!

She's Finally a Tuggle!

2007-08-13T20:29:00.001-05:00

On Friday afternoon I was off to Waco (sans Tim) for Amy & Matt's wedding. Tim was off in Mexico for some dove hunt - a work thing. So what's a girl to do, but make her BFF her wedding weekend date! Since Sarah Beth's boyfriend is deployed we agreed to accept the duty & be each others wedding date! It was such a fun weekend from start to finish!

Amy, Me & Matt

Amy is one of my greatest friends. My sister & her sister were sorority sisters before we got to Baylor. Sunni took me up to Amy's room to meet her during move-in day at Collins Dormitory. I'm not sure how Amy wasn't scared of my short haircut with a 'tail' that was flipped up, but she managed to say hello. Then I think our conversation consisted of 'Oh wow, you have a shower in your room - so lucky.' 'Yes, I am from Waco so I knew to request this room.' Ok, so that might not have been the exact conversation, but it is definitely close!

Sarah Beth lived on the same floor as Amy so we all became friends, then sorority sisters, then roomies for a year, then lifelong friends! Amy is such an amazing & encouraging friend & SO funny…she can always make me laugh! Amy was a bridesmaid in my wedding & then I was given the honor of standing as one of her bridesmaids on Saturday.

The weekend was jam packed with fun…

Friday

The L*ngerie Shower at Emmalie's house (so cute!)

Me & the Blushing Bride-to-Be

The Rehearsal

The Happy Couple

The Rehearsal Dinner at the Arboretum

Sarah Beth & Appetizer

SB, Taylor & Me

Sophomore Year 16F Roomies

Kristin, SB, Amy & Me

Hanging out at Crickets with the Bride & Groom

Taylor, Me, Bride & SB

Saturday

The Bridal Luncheon

Me, Amy, Lauren, Kristin, Taylor, Amy & SB

Our Table

My Seat - Yummy!

Muffins Anyone??

My Very Own Dessert!

After the Bridal Luncheon we made a stop at the Spirit Shop for new Baylor Shirts - Ava even got a new shirt from her Aunt! FYI, the house where Flash used to be is now called Harts & Crafts. Alicia lived on SB and Amy's floor freshman year. She opened up this store & it is SUPER CUTE. Must go when you visit Baylor!

Getting Ready for the Wedding

The Glowing Bride & Me

All Dressed & Ready to Go!

The Bride & Her Crew

The Reception

Bride's Cake

Groom's Cake - Thanks Matt!

Mashed Potato Martinis

Amy, SB & Me

Baylor Girls with their Dr. Pepper Floats

(If you didn't go to Baylor you wouldn't understand!)

May I have this dance?

Joe, watch out...she is 2 for 2!

Sunday

SB & I finish off the trip & eat at La Fiesta - a wonderful choice!

Here's to the Newlyweds…the wedding was BEAUTIFUL!

Happy Honeymoon...Love you Both!

Happy 1 Year to You!

2007-08-09T07:59:00.001-05:00

It is official...Tim & I have been engaged for 1 year! Ok, ok so we got married during that year, but I love count downs & I love to remind Tim that today is our 1 year engagement anniversary. Anytime I mentioned it during these past weeks he would politely tell me that we are married so we actually haven't been engaged for 1 year & now we use our wedding date as the new count down. Hmm...I don't buy that! I will always remind Tim that this is the day we got engaged & when the day comes that we have been engaged for 50 years then I will still make him take me out to dinner!

I remember it like it was yesterday...

The night before, Tim made this bet that he would have the ring the next day & I was like yeah right...so then he started making these silly bets like 'If I have the ring tomorrow then you have to watch any football game I want to watch'...etc, etc. I agreed to ALL his bets because I knew he didn't have the ring. BUT, he kept going & going so I thought maybe something was up & I got kind of excited.

The next day was my last full day at PwC & I thought I would get off early, but I had to clean out my desk & finish up some returns so it was taking me longer than normal. I was trying to hurry because Tim & I had planned on doing something special to celebrate my last day at PwC (I wasn't sure if this was a decoy for celebrating after he proposed, but I didn't want to get my hopes up.) Anyway, Tim kept calling me & asking when I was going to leave - I was getting so annoyed because I was like if you stop calling then I can finish up here. So then he told me to call him when I got in my car. Gosh, very needy today!

I called him & he asked me what I wanted to do tonight. I was like aren't we going out to dinner to celebrate my last days at work. He replied with, 'I wanted to go workout & then we could just have those Smart Ones meals in the freezer.' My heart sunk...he is NEVER going to propose. I was really frustrated so I told him I would just see him when I got to his house. I was getting so upset...why can't he save enough money to buy the ring...he just bought UT football season tickets...he really should have set that money aside for my ring. I was having a BRATastic moment...oops!

As I got out of my car & walked up to his door there were 3 rose petals outside. I thought...hmm, someone dropped their trash. Then I thought about it & was like wait those are rose petals & if there are more rose petals when I open the door then I know my life is about to change. Sure enough I saw more...

When I walked in 'our song' was playing (we really don't have one, but we kind of made one up). Tim was standing there with 3 roses & I was shaking & tearing up. I walked over to him & he handed me...

One yellow rose for our friendship.

One white rose for God - the foundation of our relationship.

One red rose for our love.

He said lots of romantic stuff, but I can only remember the key words since I was in a dream world! Then he got down on one knee & asked me to be his wife! I said YES!

We celebrated with some champagne as we called our family & friends...then we had a romantic dinner at Rainbow Lodge. It was a night I will never forget & I will cherish forever!

I love you Tim...& Happy 1 Year Engagement Anniversary!

Dog Days of Summer

2007-08-08T20:55:00.000-05:00

It was once again time for Stewart's 'summer cut' - which in Houston tends to be his everyday cut! So we were off to Scrub-A-Dub Dog Wash...

BEFORE - No, I don't crimp his ears!

AFTER - The sleek metro look.

Lucy - too wild to groom!

A rare moment - both dogs sharing a chair!

Spotlight is on ME!

2007-08-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

My sister, Sunni, tagged me...enjoy!

The Rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random facts about me:

1. I LOVE to travel. If I could be a professional traveler - I would. My favorite vacation is a beach vacation - I absolutely LOVE the ocean/sand. I am jealous of everyone going on a vacation, even if I just got back from one. Both of my sisters are going on beach vacations this week & I will spend the entire week dreaming of what they are doing & what they are eating! You might catch a single tear rolling down my cheek as I board the plane to go back home from a vacation - I repeat, I love vacations!

Cancun Marriott Casa Magna - Family Favorite

2. My mom used to tell us the best stories before bed. She wrote them down in a spiral & always wanted to get one of them published. My dream is to publish all of them in her memory. They would be a hit!

3. I have a secret crush on Vince Young, but so does Tim so everything is cool!

4. I love invitations...party invitations, shower invitations, etc. I love thinking of the poem for the invitation & I love printing the invitations. I wish I could open up my own invitation store.

5. When I was little I wanted to be a nail technician. I used to give my sisters manicures and pedicures. Not to brag, but I was really good! People used to ask me if I got my nails done & I would respond, "No, I just did them myself!" Then I would give myself a huge pat on the back. Although, now that I am older I prefer to go see the ladies at Paradise Nails!

6. The thought of Christmas Eve/Christmas Day in Abilene brings joy to my heart & a smile to my face! I LOVE every single tradition our family has created over the years. Everything about the holiday is so cozy & wonderful...the decorations, the cookies, the snacks, the movies, the smell, the angels & the pjs...everything! Before Christmas we draw for Secret Santa with my Aunt Kathy, Norma & Auntie Lizzy. I am always in charge of creating the slip of paper for the drawing - it is one of the many highlights of my year!

My Dad always gets us matching pajamas!

7. I love baking cookies...any dessert really, but cookies are my favorite! I loved baking cookies with my mom & sisters when I was little. It is very therapeutic for me - all the measuring & mixing & making people happy when they get to eat a hot cookie off the cookie sheet. Several years ago I wanted to go to culinary school to become a pastry chef, but then I realized it wasn't free!

8. I have major OCD when it comes to locked doors. I check and make sure our doors are locked at least 2 or 3 times before I can go to bed. Yes, I know - stop with the insanity! Tim doesn't try to stop me & one time he went to check the doors for me! Like I said - he is the BEST!

The Spotlight is now on YOU...Sarah Beth, Andrea, Melissa, Natalie, Sarah, Brittney, Christie & Caroline. The last 2 are in hope that they will start a blog...if not, they can email me their list!

Heart Cath Fun!

2007-08-01T23:42:00.000-05:00

Hmm...I'm not real sure if the word FUN belongs at the end of the word Heart Cath, but you have to make the best out of what you are given!

I have been M.I.A. in the blog world for about 2 weeks because I had a Heart Cath on July 19th. Yes, that is exactly 2 months after my wedding day. To celebrate, Tim let me squeeze his hand as hard as I could while they put an IV in my hand & took my blood. (I HATE, repeat HATE IVs and blood tests - everyone says I will make a great pregnant lady!) I couldn't have made it through the day without hand squeezing, kisses, hugs & prayers from my amazing hospital-rookie husband! I love you!

Pre-Heart Cath Roses from Tim

Pre-Heart Cath YUMMY Cupcakes from Christie & Ryan

After all the prep...sorry about the chin!

NOTE: I will try to post pictures in between the many paragraphs for your entertainment. Please know that I do realize I look white & puffy, but it's either that or no pictures! Also, I am not a doctor so I may not explain everything correctly, but I'll do my best!

Let me start at the beginning...

I was born with a heart defect - the diagnosis was transposition of the great arteries (TGA).
I had a shunt when I was little.
I had corrective open heart surgery when I was 11 & my nails became pink just like my sisters! To celebrate they bought me a manicure set & Troop Beverly Hills. I'm pretty sure we can all quote that movie...including my Dad & my Aunt Kathy!
I had a heart cath when I was in high school & they ballooned my valve.

Less than a month before I got married I had an MRI - my doctor just wanted to give me a peace of mind that everything was alright. Two days after Tim & I returned from the glorious St. Lucia we had a doctor's appointment to discuss the results. Our freshly sun-kissed faces were told that the right side of my heart was a little larger than it should be. This was because the valve had become more calcified and was narrowing - that made the right side pump harder. The right side of the heart is not supposed to work that hard. The doctor wanted to do a heart cath to evaluate the pressures in my heart & see if they could balloon the valve to open it up. If they were successful then it would buy me some more years before I had to have surgery to replace the valve.

As the words 'heart cath/surgery' came out of his mouth I immediately wanted to shut him out & start worrying - this is what I normally do when my Dad & Aunt Kathy are there because they can listen to all the important stuff & I can zone out. BUT, since they were not there I had to act my age & focus on what the doctor was saying & try to blink back the tears. Needless to say, it was not the news we wanted to hear on our 11th day of marriage, but over the past 2 months Tim & I have become closer than ever.

Sad Hospital Faces

So back to July 19th...

My entire family came to Houston for the big event - I was so excited because it is rare that you see a Panian in Houston! If only we could have gone to fun places around town...the hospital is no Children's Museum - right Ava?!?

Ava at Lupe Tortilla

The heart cath was only supposed to be a couple of hours, but I was in there for around 8 hours. They ballooned the valve a little & tried to put a stent in the valve. A stent is like a little spring to hold open the valve. They made 4 attempts, but they could not get the stent in the valve. I also developed a hematoma during the heart cath so I lost a lot of blood & now I am anemic (but don't worry I faithfully take my iron pill everyday so I will be back to normal in no time)! While I was in the recovery room the doctor (along with my family) came & told me that I was going to need surgery. I let the tears fall this time.

Tim helping me brush my teeth.

My encouraging Dad & his white marshmallow daughter!

Emili & Me

My private 'nurse' Aunt Kathy & her patient!

What a circus!

I was able to go home around 4pm the next day. My fam hung out & then everyone except my Dad & Mark went home on Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning around 2:30am I woke up to my heart beating in my head. It was pounding & I could feel it in my chest. I woke Tim & my Dad up & they decided that we should go to the ER. About 1 hour later - I had a new IV & my own room - they move fast when you say heart! The doctors decided they wanted to observe me another day in ICU. Apparently my heart started beating on a new rhythm so they gave me meds to slow it down. It was uncomfortable for most of the day, but I had my little servant Tim to serve me water, apple juice, diet coke, crackers and share my disgusting, yet yummy hospital food with. My dad also put me in my place when I started getting negative - he is always the best at making you look at the positive side.

Sharing my chicken noodle soup (homemade by Sunni) with Ava the day before!

Sunni & Ava flew back to Houston on Sunday night so she stopped by for a midnight visit...we had fun hearing about her day at church!

Monday my doctor came to see me. He said that sometime between 3-5am my heart went back to its normal rhythm. They didn't really know why...I do, it was definitely the Lord! He said I was free to go & I could go back to work the next day if I wanted to. Yeah right, did he not see the bruising that was starting to form - could he not see that I could barely walk standing straight? Apparently he could not feel the pain like I could.

That makes 2 hospital trips.

Custard Time!

Thankfully, Sunni & Ava stayed with me the entire week. It was so wonderful to have some company & lots of help doing simple things around the house. Also, I never get to spend days & days with my sister and my niece! We didn't do much because I couldn't walk for too long. The bruising was sore & I got tired pretty fast. Basically, we couched it, ate snacks & watched television. We did make it out to Target so I could get some new dresses for when I returned to work. I still can't wear pants because I am so swollen. Ava also entertained us with her tricks - saying 'nummy, nummy' when she wanted me to share my bottled water with her. I LOVED being with them. I'm crossing my fingers that I wasn't TOO boring so they will come stay with me another week after my surgery!

Ava falling asleep at lunch while eating fries.

Cookie Bouquet from SB & Joe

Flowers from Xavi's Mom

Flowers from Dan & Ashley

(I also received flowers from Alix & my work, but by the time I remembered to take a picture they were wilting...they were beautiful & I LOVED them!)

I have officially gone back to work & I am feeling much better. I am still sore & swollen, but hopefully that will improve each day. Now I am ready to get back to being normal & put the surgery in the Lord's hands! I want to say a special thank you to everyone for the emails, cards, flowers, food, calls & ESPECIALLY all the prayers for me, Tim, my family, the doctors & my heart. I cannot even begin to express how much it means to me. Whenever I heard people were praying I was like YES, I have an army of warriors behind me! Please keep the prayers going for the surgery. I will let everyone know the date once it has been scheduled. I was always taught that the Lord is the Ultimate Physician & Healer. I know this is true & I know He will be with me & give me strength & peace to get through all of this! He is the ULTIMATE!

Deep in the HEART of Texas!

2007-07-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

This weekend Tim & I drove to Dallas for a Texas Size Goodbye to one of my oldest friends, Liz! When I say oldest - I mean oldest. Let me tell you a little story...

Once upon a time there was a Panian Family & a Curtis Family. Each family had 3 sisters. Sunni & Christine were the same age. Tiffani & Amanda were the same age. Emili & Liz were the same age. The story goes...they knew each other when they were in their mothers' bellies!

Liz, Emili, Me & Amanda

Liz just accepted an amazing job in Chicago & it is time to say goodbye to our 80's Texas Girl. I don't think it really hit me that she is leaving Texas until this weekend. How can I go that long without seeing Liz, but more importantly how can she go that long without Texas chips & salsa?

Her family threw her a Truly Texas goodbye party at a place called Ozona. It was fabulous - chips, queso & a cake from McKay's Bakery in Abilene...what more could a girl want?

Liz, Jason, Natalie, Me, Amanda & Emili

I am going to miss Liz so much, but I know she will be so successful at her new job & her new life in the Windy City! Tim & I will have to go visit on the DOUBLE!

Here are a few of my favorite memories with Liz:

Playing hours & hours & hours of Barbies with Liz, Emili & Amanda.
Trying to switch best friends with Liz when Amanda was getting on my nerves (Emili & Amanda would do the same so don't think I was being mean!)
Performing 'Angelettes' at Christmas time on the Panian sidewalk. Angelettes was a wonderful Christmas show we would put on for each other...yes, we were kind of weird!
Making beauty pageants up until Amanda got married - don't judge, they are really funny!
Playing babies - our 'husbands' were always on a business trip.
Tea parties.
Creating PCU (that's Panian Curtis University)...we did make a year book, grade book & class schedule. Our mascot was a lightning bolt & our motto went a little something like this 'We Strike Tests'...I can't remember the exact wording, but that gives you a feel for the 'cool' university life we created!
Eating flautas & burning our tongues on the hot apple filling.
Fishing for minnows at Buffalo Gap State Park.
Calling the big bed when we spent the night at our house.
Laughing & laughing & laughing.

Liz & Me

Me & J / Me Elizabeth & Brooke

Emili eating a cheesy quesadilla

The Harringtons

I love you Liz & I will miss you!

Good Luck in Chicago & always stay 80's!

First Place Goes to...

2007-07-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

Miss Ava Wava Woo...for being the Cutest Niece Ever!

Ok, so maybe I am a little bias, but just look at my proof...

eating donut holes

loving the glaze

watching aunt tiffani steal her donut holes

excuse me, those are mine

that is a LITTLE dramatic

just chillin with uncle tim

what a ham

(just in case you needed to see 1 more pic)

Ava is my 1st place niece...I love you!

(sorry Lola...you are my #2)

Doggy's Day Out

2007-07-09T22:01:00.000-05:00

Friday was my Friday off (I'm on the 9/80 schedule) so I took the opportunity to have a Ladies Luncheon with my 2 cute friends - Amanda & Annalee! It was a fabulous time. We lunched at Hungry's, and all had the very positive chicken salad. We had so much fun giggling & catching up...we MUST make it a tradition!

BUT, before the lovely luncheon - Annalee brought Berkeley, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, over to meet Stewart & Lucy! This is how it went down...

The doorbell rings & in comes Berkeley without a care in the world...mi casa es her casa!

Lucy wants to play with Berkeley because she is half her kind, but oh man - Berkeley is so much bigger!

Stewart only sees Berkeley on a silver platter dressed as a juicy turkey - I have to hold him back for awhile! His growling does NOT phase Berkeley!

Finally, Lucy learns that Berkeley isn't going to hurt her...

and

Stewart decides Berkeley is cool, but he wants to keep her blocked on the chair...he doesn't want to take any chances - she could chew on his pheasant toy!

Lucy & Berkeley request Best Friend necklaces from Petsmart!

Berkeley & Annalee take off - Lucy is tired & Stewart is relieved!

Thanks for a fun day Amanda, Annalee & Berkeley!

P.S. I forever HEART Berkeley!

Firecracker, Firecracker...

2007-07-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

I love the 4th of July, but since it was in the middle of the week this year - it just wasn't the same as usual. For the past 4 years I have celebrated the 4th at my dad's lake house in Blackwell, TX (I prefer to call it the prairie house since the lake has been really low), but this year our family took a break. I really missed all the festivities - eating my dad's yummy apple pie/homemade ice-cream, playing games, watching the 'Daddy Warbuck's Firework Show' & laughing at Sarah Beth's sparkler dance rendition of You're a Grand Old Flag. Oh, I almost forgot - I also missed the chihuahua that SB babysits during the 4th - Coco (aka - Coco Chanel Mademoiselle)...she is my favorite 4th treat!

July 4, 2007 brought lots of rain to Houston so we really didn't have the option to go swimming or play outside with the dogs so Tim & I thought we would be very grown up & get our house in order. We decided to tackle our closet & clean out all the clothes we don't wear. Of course, we thought we would be finished in a few hours, but yeah right! It always takes longer than you think & once you start you can't stop - don't worry, I asked! Tim said if we didn't finish then we wouldn't be able to sleep in our bed that night. We had clothes, shoes, gadgets, etc all over the bed & floor! It was Lucy's toy heaven!

(This was at the beginning...it got worse!)

I did get some entertainment from Tim when I caught him shadow boxing in the mirror - apparently he wanted to relive some high school memories...

By the time we finished the closet it was around 6:30...we decided it was time to take a shower & put on our 4th of July colors for dinner. We grilled out BBQ chicken & corn, ranch style beans, cornbread & strawberry shortcake! While we were eating, the fireworks started on television - they were beautiful, but we were so lame to watch them from home!

Anyway, it was a great day - but I definitely missed the hot 4th fun in Blackwell...SB you better be brushing up on your sparkler soft shoe for next year!

Tim, Stewart, Lucy & I would like to salute all the troops serving our country & give a special shout out to Wyatt - we love you & you are always in our thoughts and prayers!!

Happy belated 4th of July!!

Good Eats

2007-07-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by Annalee to share my Top 5 places to eat. How did she know I LOVE food?!?

There is no better place to live than Houston when we are talking food - so get ready to drool...

1. Lupe Tortilla
Where to begin - the beef fajitas! I am in love with them. I normally get chicken fajitas everywhere else, but NOT here. Basically, Tim & I open the menu, close the menu & look at each other & say - Beef Fajitas? Like we even need to ask each other (although, sometimes I get crazy & order the beef fajita salad). They are out of this world. The beef is tender, yet crispy - I can't even describe how melt in your mouth it is. We have had MANY conversations about what we think the secret recipe is & so far we have only come up with lime and garlic with some kind of pepper, otherwise known as marinade from the heavens. If you ever dine at Lupe Tortilla, please order the beef fajitas...you will not be sorry!

2. Buffalo Grille
If you are a fan of breakfast food then meet your new best friend! This is a Saturday or Sunday favorite of mine. Sunday they only serve food from the breakfast menu...don't let the line scare you away because it goes fast. I don't really have a favorite because everything is SO delicious, but I love their HUGE pancakes, yummy biscuits, filling huevos con papas & tasty cinnamon coffee! Tim usually gets the special called Chiliqueles. I have no idea what is in it, but after he has licked his plate I hear the words 'food coma' coming out of his mouth! They also have Mac & Cheese that is Out of This World! This place is definitely YUMMY!

3. Mai's
This is a fabulous Vietnamese restaurant. SO good - I used to go at least once a week when I worked at PwC! My favorite entree is a #44 or Bun Ga Nuong Cha Gio. This is a bowl with vermicelli, charcoal broiled chicken, veggies and a Vietnamese egg roll cut up. If I am trying to be healthy I get the #35 - same thing, no egg roll! Don't forget to order spring rolls for an appetizer - so refreshing!

4. Hungry's
I heart Hungry's. Positive Eating = Positive Living. That is their motto & everything about this place is positive. I think Tim & I keep their delivery service in business. I ALWAYS get the Chicken Salad Plate - yummy chicken salad, fruit & pita bread on the side. So fresh & so lite!! Sometimes I pretend like I am going to get something different just to amuse Tim...I usually look at the menu for about 5 minutes & then say - um, just get me my usual! I'm all about trying new things, but not when it comes to my Positive Chicken Salad Plate!!

5. Christian's Tailgate Grill & Bar
One word comes to mind...BURGER! This place has the juiciest burgers I have ever sunk my teeth into. I dream about this place - ok, not really, but it could happen! Every bite is so delightful & to top if off you get a side of fries. The last two times I have been there I had to get a salad with chicken because I was trying to watch my weight (wedding dress), but I think it is time to partake in the goodness! See you there!

*Bonus* Azuma
If you love sushi please go try the Crazy Irishman...FAB-U-LOUS!!

That is my take on the Houston food scene...what's yours? Tag you are it, Mrs. Timmerman!

To Blog or Not to Blog...

2007-06-28T12:44:00.001-05:00

I choose blog?

After months & months of reading blog after blog, I have decided that I too should join the world of bloggers! It all started in January when my sister Sunni started her blog. I became obsessed with it...just waiting & waiting for her next post (maybe because I was bored at work). You could say I was & am her #1 blog fan. Although, it helps that she posts extra cute pictures of my niece! So it was that 8th day of January when I was introduced to this awesomeness called a BLOG!

Don't get me wrong - I had heard of a blog before, but I thought they were only for deep people who had something really important to say with new theories on life or whatever. After I clicked several links on my sister's blog...I realized I was mistaken. Blogs are for anyone - a place to show off your adorable baby or dog or weekend plans or fabulous vacation or favorite book, food, drink, etc! I was HOOKED!

Now that I am a professional blog reader I realize my life is interesting enough to have my VERY OWN blog too! I don't have a baby - but I do have...

A Handsome new Hubby - Tim

(just married May 19th)

One Pesky Pekingese dog - Stewart

One Wild Cavapoo puppy - Lucy

One Ultimate Niece - Ava

Two Unbelievable Sisters - Sunni & Emili

One 80's & Fabulous Bro-in-Law - Xavier

One Amazing Dad - Tony

One Sweet Mother-in-Law - Alix

One Crazy BFF - Sarah Beth

One Hilarious 'Brother' - Jason

I definitely think those are blog worthy! Here's to the beginning of my new blog life...cheers!!