Mark, Haley & Asia

2009-02-09T08:34:00.001-08:00

Wow, so I haven't posted anything at all in a really long time! Ooops! Ha! We have been keeping ourselves quite busy!

Let's see ... since the last time I wrote on this blog, Mark and I have gotten married ...

Mark's boys! John, Brad, Eric, Coy and Robert!

My girls! Brittany, Katrina, Erica, Jennifer, Tricia and Allison!

Our first dance (a disaster, but a little funny now)!

... spent a fabulous honeymoon at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort (we dream of going back) where we had two butlers waiting on us hand and foot, a beautiful ocean view from anywhere in our suite, great food and a happy atmosphere ... we both can still smell the air and feel the warmth of the sun, which keeps us desperately wanting to return!

Mark and I waiting to eat dinner at the OK Corrall (Tex-Mex food, ha)! The OK Corrall is in a circular shaped building that is upstairs and has the best view of the sunset - it's where we took most of our sunset pictures because we were there at a perfect time! There were no windows or walls anywhere at the resort, which completed the feel of the Carribean!

We also bought a house!!! The house we bought was a foreclosure in the north side of Denton and needed a tremendous amount of work when we signed the papers. We were up for the challenge because within our price range, this was a good house, and we didn't have to replace any floors (long story)! Ha! We are still working on it bit by bit, but with the help of our parents and a handful of friends, we have managed to make this feel like home. It's fantastic!

This is during an ice storm that occured a few weeks ago, which shut down most of Denton for a whole two unnecessary, but nice, days! =-) We are going to be working on the curb appeal when spring rolls around! You see my frosted car?! Hehe! It really was cold!

If you click HERE, you can see more pictures of the above events and some! It is my MySpace photo album, and it is much easier to post things there, rather than here!

Other than everything above, we have both been keeping rather busy with work, and my school! Mark is still working at KC Distributing, selling Red Bull! I am working as a Pre K 3 teacher at The Treehouse Academy in nearby Corinth! I absolutely love my job! I'm also back to school full time ... and I am going to graduate! I recently spoke with my advisor and after taking off here and there, and piddling around (as my Mom would say), I am very serious about finishing in a short time! I'm going to do as much as I possibly can, and I don't want to give any dates, but I should be graduating in a year or so ... it really depends on what I can do with a full time job!

Otherwise, la la la la la la la life is ... wonderful!

2008-01-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

So, my life doesn't stop in order for me to plan a wedding … who knew?!! HA!

Wedding planning is more stressful than I had imagined … probably because a) I wait until the last minute to do pretty much everything, b) I am quite the unorganized bride, c) I am incredibly indecisive, and d) school and work aren't slowing down! Really, it's a lot of fun, but it takes up more time than I thought it would. Maybe not so much more of my actual time, but it's all I think of … what I have to do next! Ha! The honeymoon to Antigua (along with being Mark's wife) will be a nice payoff!

We got our passports! YAY!

We just ordered the bridesmaids dresses! Double YAY!!

(They look like this, but not this color ...)

We ordered our beautiful cake! Triple … well, you get the idea!

(It's pretty much going to look exactly like this, minus a bit of detail here and there!)

The next on our do to list involves; checking out a showroom for the chairs for the ceremony, and then finding a sweet ride to jet to the hotel in after the reception … a particular Rolls Royce is my getaway of choice!

(This exact one ... Cloud 9 Coach in Richardson)

School is … going! I have an estimated graduation date, but I'm quite embarrassed about it. I really wasted two entire years on classes that I didn't need once I changed my major. Go me! Ugh … Meeting with my advisor a few days ago was nice, though … she made me feel better about it! Believe it or not, I'm not the only person with a gazillion unusable hours!

Work is alright … it's quite the dramatic place (although super fun), but you have to understand why. There are like, two guys that work there, and I don't even think they are there that often. So, it's a building full of girls, and children who just want to play, therefore have short attention spans! The kids are fantastic, though! Even the ones I get upset with every day, I just love! For those of you who don't know, I got a new job where the hours are perfect for me – at The Treehouse Academy in Corinth where I am a Pre-K teacher – I spend Monday through Friday with four year olds!

Mark and I are just splendidly in love! It's the most amazing feeling to have one person in particular to come home to everyday. I have been known to come home in tears after an overwhelming day, and he seems to make it all better! The night before last we cooked dinner together and just talked … then watched some George Lopez … it was so relaxing, and so nice just to be together!

Asia is wonderful! We just put her back on her thyroid medication so hopefully she will shed the pounds like she did last time and be her extra playful self again! She is already hungry much less – down to twice a day from three to four times daily! She had one of her 'spells' recently where she passes out, it's like a seizure without the seizing. It totally freaked me and Mark out, but she hopped back up and we all went back to sleep! She seemed okay the next morning and the Doc said just to keep an eye on her … it's something she, and we, are going to have to live with!

The holidays were very nice! I miss the tradition I grew up with – Christmas Eve was spent with the Sanders family and Nannie and Bampaw's house … we would go to church, come back and eat, someone would take us outside to see if we could find Santa Claus, then when we came back in, we learned he had been on the roof the entire time! Christmas morning I would wake up to Santa gifts at my house, then my family would come over and we would all have Christmas brunch and open presents together, with Harry Connick, Jr. Christmas music playing in the background, of course! Then everyone would leave and my parents and I would head to the huge town of Normangee, Texas to spend Christmas day/weekend with the Mathis side of the family. It was wonderful!

We spend our holidays now with my Brewer cousins and my Aunt Patsy … then, Mark's entire family gets together Christmas day. It's much quieter for our family, but I hope that just one holiday we can get everyone together, like the old times!

Anyway, on a sad note … sometime during this last summer (I think) my cousin John brought over some rat babies – his pet rat had had babies. I said I didn't want any, but Tricia did. So, we welcomed home our little rat, Trottle. He was super cute, and although you may think rats are ugly and horrible, if you had met him, you would have loved him, too. He and Asia became best friends … and my mom, who will jump on a chair and scream at the sight of a rat, actually got to where she would let him touch her! He was the kind of little fellow who would squeeze out of his cage to go jump on the couch and curl up for a nap with the dogs, which he did often, until we had to switch cages! Ha! Anyway, he got sick last Sunday and was not doing well at all. He could not walk without falling over, and it was just really sad. So Monday morning when I went to turn the space heater off, I found him curled up in his cage, not moving. It was pretty sad, and I actually never thought I would say that about such a little animal … he was just so funny! I can't even bring up all the silly things he would do – scaling up the entertainment center wires is just the beginning!

(Sir Hunkerford Trottle, aka Trottle Trottleton)

Okay and another sad note ... Heath Ledger, and Brad Renfro?! Both were HUGE crushes of mine in high school ... and I still had a little crush on Heath Ledger ... two very talented, young and good looking actors. It's just so sad ...

Anyway, moving on …

I've been working out again! I need to get back in shape for our wedding! When I was working out with Justin (Blue), I lost nearly twenty pounds, but unfortunately gained all of it back. Argh! It is okay, though, because I am super dedicated to working out hard core for the next four months! Oh, and I'm calorie counting! I wish I were like Mark – eat everything I want and lose a pound! HA!

Speaking of, the big day is officially less than four months away. I don't know if I'm excited or scared out of my mind at the thought of everything that is left to do! AH!!! My bridesmaids are truly my sanity at the moment – they keep me laughing and fairly organized – something I really need! Ha! Oh well … things are mostly fantastic!

I hope everyone is having a wonderfully fabulous new year!!!

2007-07-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

So, my Mom came out of surgery doing very well! They did get all of the cancer, and her lymph nodes were free and clear of anything malignant! Hooray! She is a little bruised, but mainly sore, I think ... especially where they put the 'medport' in! The 'medport' is under her skin and it helps with inserting the needle for chemo! Once the chemo is finished with, she can take it out!

Because of her particular type of cancer and how aggressive it is, they are doing radiation first. She won't start her chemo until about the time school beings from what I understand! She isn't thrilled about that because she wanted to adjust before the kids begin driving her crazy again!

Other than that, all is well!

She, my Dad and Aunt Patsy, as well as Katie and Koko, all went on a camping trip so that they can relax and unwind! I think it's a wonderful idea!

Soooo, Asia, Dodger and I are just sitting here! Dodger has been so good so far, so I am very happy about that!

I hear today is the busiest day of 2007, since it's 7-7-07. I don't really "get it", but I guess some people consider that lucky? Who knows!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe July 4th and continue to have a fantastic summer! =-)

48 things

2007-06-27T13:17:00.001-07:00

48 things

1. FIRST NAME?
Haley

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
The actress Hayley Mills, and my Aunt Jane (middle name)!

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Last Wednesday ... I was feeling helpless!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Most of the time.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Turkey or chicken.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I should hope so!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
This is as close as I come to a journal.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
I certainly do! Although they cause me problems every year!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Goodness no! I am seriously afraid of heights!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL?
I like good ole' oatmeal!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
They rarely have shoelaces, but when they do it's doubtful.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Stronger than I give myself credit for.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR?
Coffee.

14. SHOE SIZE?
Eight, or so.

5. RED OR PINK?
Pink, please!

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My indecisiveness.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
All of my grandparents. I took my time with them for granted.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Only if they want to.

19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
A blue tee shirt, red polka dotted shorts, and I just kicked my shoes off.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Chicken, from my favorite Thai restaurant, Sweet Basil! Yumm!

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The dishwasher.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue.

23. FAVOURITE SMELL?
Rain!

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My fiancee, Mark.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
Their smile.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON YOU STOLE THIS FROM?
I like her blog.

27. FAVOURITE DRINK?
Water with lemon, diet coke with lemon, or flavored water.

28. FAVOURITE SPORT?
Golf, I have no choice!

29. EYE COLOUR?
My eyes are oh so blue!

30. HAT SIZE?
Large, I assume ... I have a rather big head!

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No, I have perfect eyesight!

32. FAVOURITE FOOD?
Anything, as long as it has chicken or tofu in it.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings all the way!

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Spring.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Depends who’s offering.

37. FAVOURITE DESSERT?
Tiramisu, Tres Leches from Churrascos in Houston, Sweet Potato Pie, and Buttermilk Pie! I have an awfully large sweet tooth!

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Who knows.

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
See above.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
Lots and lots of bridal magazines!

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Golf clubs! Go figure ...

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
We watched Smokin' Aces on DVD.

43. FAVOURITE SOUNDS?
Silence, jazz, water running, the sound a fan makes on a hot summer day!

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES?
Beatles.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME?
London, I believe. It's a tie between three different places, but I truly don't know!

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
I know at least one verse to nearly every song, ever!

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Some hospital in Bell County, which is in Temple, Texas!

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
No one. I found it on a blog. :)

2007-06-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

If it's not one thing, it's another. Seriously.

My Mom has been having a pretty hard time lately. This has been a bad past year - with my Dad being diagnosed with congestive heart failure and my grandfather passing away, my Mom has had it tough!

So, she went to the Dr. a few weeks ago and a test of hers came back abnormal. So, she went to a specialist, and another test came back abnormal. They decided to do a biopsy, and he results came back that she does have Stage 1, Level 3 breast cancer. It's the earliest stage it can be found and treated, but the Level 3 means that it's the most aggressive form. She also has some thing called HER Plus, which makes the cancer even more aggressive, which means that her recovery will include six months of chemotherapy, and then radiation.

So, Friday is her surgery! Then, July 16th she will begin her first round of chemo. She will go every two weeks for six months ... looking on the bright side, if you have to have cancer, this is the kind to have! I have been told this is very serious, but a walk in the park compared to what other people are going through! Nine times out of ten, breast cancer is not found until at least Stage 2, so we're doing good already! The Dr. did tell her that she's going to lose her hair and I have been instructed to keep a look out on a well made wig!

Other news - I got a job at Macy's! I work in the home section and so far, so good! It's very different than any other job I've had ... I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that yet, but it's keeping me very active! And, it's a really good way to keep my mind off of what's going on right now with my Mom!

My knee is healing well! My stitches are out and my scar is showing - yikes! Not exactly the type of scar you want, but what can ya do?! I will be sure to watch out for holes in piers from now on! =)

Well, that's all I know! Hope everyone is having an outstanding day/week/SUMMER!

<3

2007-06-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a fairly interesting weekend!

Knocked Up is really good! Freaking hilarious if I do say so myself! We went on a 'double date' to see that Saturday night!

Yesterday we all (we = Mark, Me, Mom and Dad) decided to go out on my Dad's little boat since my Mom and I had never been out on it! My Mom and I waited on land while they put the boat into the water ... I peeked onto the super busy pier, saw a slat of wood missing and hoped that no children would fall through! It was a fairly big slat ... big enough to hurt someone - obviously!

Well, once they were putting the boat in, my Mom and I trekked down the pier, I turned around to tell her something, or to look at what Mark was doing maybe, and down I went! My whole left leg went straight through the missing piece of wood! It was a good one foot long piece of wood that was gone, and it happened to have nails sticking out of it! The nails made a pretty awful wound at the front of my knee, so we went back on to land to check it out! It sure didn't look good, so we decided to find the nearest fire station, which we did, although no one was there!

So we decided to go to the ER after seeing what it was doing to my skin! They got us in right away and were probably some of the nicest Dr's and nurses I have ever met in my life! Well, as it turns out, my skin is severely bruised all around my knee, and I had to get eight stitches!

I came home last night and seriously crashed, right after I learned how to ice my knee down with frozen vegetables, thanks to wonderful Tricia! Her boyfriend just had knee surgery, so lucky for me, she is experienced in taking care of injured knee friends! Ha! But really, I'm just so thankful that I have wonderful people around to cheer me up ... and to take care of me! Haha! Just kidding ...

My first set of stitches ever, and I feel like it was sooo avoidable! So now, I am practicing the daunting task of keeping my knee straight so I don't mess up Dr. Rey's artwork! It's interesting, but so far so good!

Mark is proving to be the best fiancee ever, and without me even mentioning it, he called in sick to work today! I think he was going to do that anyway, but still!

I am feeling fine, although I am surely not looking forward to unwrapping the bandage today in order to clean it! I go to see my regular Dr tomorrow, then a week from today, I will get them out! I have a feeling this may be a pretty long seven days! Ha!

Edgefest & Gwen!

2007-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Wow ... I have no words! Well, I kinda do, but, well, ya know ...

Edgefest was soo much freaking fun! It was also nearly over a month ago ... I'm just late on posting this! I cannot even express how great of a time we had! We get there after our two mile walk, find the bathrooms, get our first $8 beer and find our seats.

Yay for being at Edgefest, with the sun blaring down on us - it felt sooo good!!!

We sit there for about ten minutes while we are all quietly thinking ... why are we not down there? When I say 'down there', I am meaning on the field! There were two blocked off area's on the field ... one was full of merchandise you can buy, the other was where you relax and watch the concert from the back ... or get up as close as you can and join in the mosh!

We walked down, then we walked back up to see the other two stages ... won three free burritos and a cd from Chipotle, realized we had missed a few bands we all really wanted to see and got a little sad ... walked back down again and kind of sat around waiting for a big rush so we could pass by the security guards with no problems! That moment never happened ... we actually watched another couple get thrown out for doing what we had wanted to do, so we put an X on those plans!

Tricia was determined, and we all saw it, so off goes Robert. He begins talking to this big mexican dude (I guess I need to say ... I have nothing against anyone who is big, or mexican), he turns around and yells for us to come on. Unknowingly, we followed and the guy completely let us through! I'm still not exactly sure what Robert said to him, but it worked! So, once we were in, Robert goes and buys us two 'Field' tickets off of a couple, so that we can go in and out!

So, with our original tickets, we were supposed to watch the bands from here:

(See the blue lights ... )

But instead, thanks to Robert, we were watching them from here ...

(This is not zoomed in ...and that is the lead singer of AFI)

I can't say this enough ... I have a newfound love for Papa Roach! Before we actually got onto the field, he and his band were performing ... when he had the microphone up to his face, he was smiling ... when he didn't, he was smiling ... he was having a jolly ole' time and it was wonderful to watch! He looks a ton different than he used to ... he kinda looks like the Madden brother from Good Charlotte, only not as cute ... but his smiling face more than made up for it! I heard him on the radio today and fell in love even more ... who knew that The Paramour Sessions (Papa Roach's newest cd) was completely written in a famous haunted mansion? He said he meditated in this amazing ballroom, came out and wrote five pages worth of lyrics ... the first thing he wrote was, "In the brightest hour of my darkest day" ... which is the first line of the song Forever!

I had a girl fall on top of my head (physically, fall ... she was crowd surfing), I was hit in the back of the head by mark's hat and elbowed in the mouth by the dude in front of me ... but it was great! Mark and I had the time of our lives ... as did Robert and Tricia! Mark keeps commenting on how he thinks this is possibly the most fun concert he has ever been to!

For me, I thought Blue October was great! They were the band I was most excited about seeing from the beginning! I knew most of their songs so it was fun to sing along! Papa Roach, AFI and The Killers are tied for me ... they were all amazing! Very energetic and totally got you in the head bobbing mood! Most of them had songs that I didn't know they sang! Jet, included!!

We began to look like raccoons! By the time The Killers were nearly finished, we had been there for nine hours or so, and were pretty ready to get some grub and a drink that wasn't beer! Even me ... which is completely unusual!

I can say with much anticipation ... we are excited about Edgefest 17 in 2008!!!

Edgefest 16 * April 15, 2007
(thanks, Tricia, hehe!)

The Killers
My Chemical Romance
A.F.I.
Muse
Blue October
Jet
Papa Roach
Bowling for Soup
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Kaiser Chiefs
Sparta
Saosin
Bullet for My Valentine
Say Anything
Placebo
Finger 11
Ataris

WIND IT UP!!!

Oh gosh, so on May 5th, I went to my first Gwen Stefani concert! Along for the ride was Mark, John, Tricia, Katrina, Hannah and Robert! Fun times! Lady Sovereign was her first opening act, followed by Akon! Luckily Lady wasn't out very long ... I'm not a big fan of her! I am also in love with Akon's DJ! I want him to DJ at our wedding! HA! He was running around the stage pumping up the crowd (and doing a fine job, if I may say so myself) and put on at least a five minute show before Akon ever walked out!

Katrina and Hannah came up from Austin/Weimar on Friday night and we had a little get together! Then, Saturday we got a hotel in Dallas and went to the concert!

I seriously love Gwen! Mark has a crush on her now, too! He kept saying "She's so preeeetty! She's like gloooowing!"! I have a crush on her and her husband! Ha! She put on an awesome performance! She even hollered out to us on the 'grass'! =) It was one of those concerts where you don't know half of the songs, but you don't care because she's still that awesome! And you can just tell how much in love she is with her son, Kingston! It's seriously adorable!

The line going out of the concert was seriously long and after a few beers, I was really needing to find a restroom! Thirty minutes of a traffic jam and we found our first restroom ... that happened to be broken! So, we went to this ghetto used-to-be-sonic place that sold beer in cups! I ran to the back and I swear there were deals happening along the way ... and it stunk! I got a pretty good laugh out of it! If only I hadn't gone by my lonesome! So after we left there, we went through another drive through place called Daiquiri's Drive Thru where they sold beer (like a Beer Barn), as well as other unmentionables! It was weird though ... they had rap music blaring and inside of the barn, actually had little pop up umbrellas where I saw men in business suits! It was a cool place, but super random! Anyway, then we trekked over to a place I seriously can't stand, but it was right next door! Denny's! Dun dun dunnn! I have never liked anything there, but I chomped it up! All the beer we had bought pretty much went to waste and we went to sleep!

Not much to say other than we had a great time! Harry Connick, Jr will be in town this weekend (I hope Mark is reading this! Heheheee!) ...

Hannah, Tricia, Katrina and I

Mark and I enjoying Gwen!

((Just wanted to say these pictures are small because I resized them ... I can't stand when pictures are so big that it messes up the layout ... even if they are more exciting full sized!))

Sad day ...

2007-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well, my parents, Mark and I were on our way to my cousin's house on the lake when my Mom got a call from my Aunt to tell her that the nursing home had called and my Papa was running a fever. Not ten minutes later, my Mom got a call from the nursing home. They asked her to pull the car over and they had some news ... she gave the phone to my Dad and immediately knew. When he got off the phone she asked "Is he gone?" and he said yes.

I didn't know what to do. It was so incredibly sudden. He was fine yesterday, ya know? I just put my hand over my mouth and asked "Are you serious?" and began to cry.

I have been crying for five days straight now, because of other senseless drama that has been dragging on ... I'm so tired of crying.

My Papa ... well, his real name is Aubrey Ray Mathis ... gosh, what can I say about him? Words can't begin to express how great of a man he was. He was the rock in our family ... he would do anything for you ... he was a great brother, husband, father, grandfather, etc. He was eighty five when he passed away, although he always said he died the day Nannie (his wife, my grandma) did, which was in March of 2002.

I didn't realize it would be so hard for me ... then I saw him and he didn't look how I remembered him looking. He wasn't strong, determined and he wasn't looking for something to do ... he was so peaceful.

I hadn't been to see him in a really long time, and I'll never forgive myself for that. My Mom always would tell me that he asked where I was and he would say "Gosh, that girl is so busy!" with a big smile! He never stopped smiling!

So, I no longer have any living grandparents ... which is another reason I think this is so hard for me. Mark has all of his ... I feel as though I'm being cheated out on time with them.

It was good to have all of my family together again, though.

The service was today. Being in that church brought back some incredible memories that I wouldn't trade for the world.

I'm going to miss my Papa, but I do know he is in a better place ... and where he has wanted to be for four years now.

In the last few years he got more and more confused. I don't exactly know how he passed. He just developed a fever and not thirty minutes later, he was gone. He just went to sleep. I'm really going to miss him.

2007-04-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for such a busy time in our lives - and it's absolutely wonderful ... minus the drama and stress my mother and I feed off of one another!

With summer just around the corner, Mark and I are beginning to begin some serious wedding planning! We hired a wedding coordinator and she is great! We found a place ... we have set the date! Next we get to meet vendors and do taste tests! Yummy!!!

Spring Break was amazing ... it was just what everyone needed! Bits of drama here and there, but not as much as usual ... most everyone else in the state of Texas had spring break the week before us, so we kind of had the beach to ourselves! I think the single guys and gals were a bit disappointed, but we all had fun anyway! Mark and I snuck out of the house one night to go on date night - we went to Seafood and Spaghetti Works, then got an ice cream and drove over to the marina. We walked up and down the docks until we came up to the jetties, so we went and sat on the jetties for awhile and just talked until the sun went down ... it was super windy, but most definitely a picturesque moment!

On the beach!

I've slacked off on working out with Justin ... although I plan on getting back in to it as soon as I begin working a bit more! Asia had surgery right before we left for spring break to remove a lump that has been slowly growing larger. Turns out, it was cancer ... but they think they got it all. That was extremely scary for Mark and I to have to deal with because she's our little girl! Yes, she may be a dog but she is different than any other dog I've ever known! She's almost like a cat! Ha! But, she is healed and is doing really well now! Anyway, the point of this is that her surgery was very expensive and we had to borrow money from Mark's mom, and are now in the midst of paying her back!

Well ... the boys (Mark and Robert) decided to surprise Tricia and I with tickets to see RENT! If there is one thing to know about Tricia and I, it is that we are one hundred percent complete and utter RENTheads! Although we have seen the movie a gazillion times (not only do we own it, but for a quick fix, it is also saved on our DVR), we had never seen the play! And let me tell you, it was wonderful!!! It was for sure the best Saturday night I have ever spent in Fort Worth ...

Tricia and I enjoying every minute ... look at those ginormous smiles!

Mark and I enjoying the city view of Ft Worth ...

After the play, at Cabo Grande!

Easter weekend was alright ... nothing out of the ordinary happened.
But, check out this Easter picture ...

I know it looks just awful that I am dressing my dog in bunny ears, but I kid you not ... she enjoyed them! Not once did she try to take them off! Isn't she just the cutest thing ever?! Hehee!

Mark and I used to have a tradition of date night that began in late 2005! We kind of slacked off, but after spring break we decided that instead of having a set night, we are going to make one night a week specifically for spending time with one another ... outside of the house! If I can say one thing about that, not having a set night makes it much less stressful! We started out the night at Pasado's Mexican Restaurant in Frisco ... then we headed over to Dave and Buster's for a night of fun that we ended early a while back! We racked in somewhere around 700 tickets in probably an hour or less ... Mark is really good at those games! We walk upstairs to leave and lo and behold, what do we see?! Virtual golf! So, you know we have to stop! I'm 20 over after the second hole and the game pretty much just gave up on me, so I decided to do the same! I told Mark to play some more, but he was just as frustrated with it as I was! We had a really super time!

At Pasado's ... that place is extremely bright with crazy neon lights everywhere!

The lovely game of virtual golf ...

Our early summer is going to be really pretty busy ... this morning, we go put the deposit down on where we will be married, this afternoon I have to babysit until late, tomorrow we get up early and go to Frisco to enjoy the music of Edgefest all day! Then, May 5, I have some Weimar friends coming up to go to the Gwen Stefani concert at the Smirnoff Centre in Dallas! May 17, it will be one year until Mark and I are married! May 19th is our engagement party, and like a handful of other couples' wedding date! Then, May 21 is Mark's birthday! We hope to go to a few more concerts and enjoy our summer to the fullest! I hope you can do the same! =-)

Happy Saturday!!!
<3

2007-01-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
2007

I am quite certain that this new year will bring plenty of joy and happiness to our table. And, I can't wait! =)

2006-12-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

So, I bought Brides and the knot Texas Edition ... Tricia and I sat around and drank wine and gawked at dresses. None of the dresses made us googley eyed but it sure was fun! It makes me very excited to start the planning process ... I just can't believe all of the things that a wedding involves - starting with having to choose ... a traditional wedding with everyone, or a destination wedding with only the closest of friends and family. Gives us something to think about ... ;-)

2006-12-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it seriously been half a year since I was last on here to update our website?! SO much has happened since then! Let's see ...

At the end of the summer, Mark, Asia and I moved in with one of our best friends, Tricia, and her furbabies! Things have been great there, and Asia is loving getting to see Chloe and Jericho all the time (the names of Tricia's Cockers)!

During a slightly rainy day, I took Asia out to use the bathroom before leaving for work and while we were in the backyard, our house was struck by lightning! It was pretty scary and pretty much scarred Asia and I both for life! The lightning fried our air conditioner, Mark and Tricia's phone chargers, our big screen television, Mark's somewhat new surround sound, and most of all, our computer! Our computer was my biggest concern because EVERYTHING was on it! My cousin, being the computer whiz that he is, took it to see if he could save anything but he couldn't. So, anything that wasn't already on my Photobucket account, or my Blog was lost. That was extremely upsetting! In addition to the lightning, since we have lived here, we have also encountered a hot air balloon within a few arms reach and a sonic boom ... needless to say, Asia no longer likes the backyard!

In September we celebrated all of the animals birthdays.

For Halloween, Mark, Tricia, Robert and I dressed as the crew from Grease - I was Sandy, Mark was Danny, Tricia was Rizzo and Robert was Keneckie! It was loads of fun and we got plenty of compliments!

November 1, I began my workout with our friend, Justin (a.k.a. 'Blue). We do kettlebell workouts and since then I have lost 13 lbs and that number is still climbing! Go me!!! In November, I celebrated my birthday! It began with a shopping trip to Target with Tricia, then back to the house to get ready for Dallas with Mark! Mark and I went to Robbins Bros., 'the worlds biggest engagement ring store' and fell in love with a setting. I had my suspicions, but they were all thrown out of the window when we got home and there were no cars outside! I walked in and was surprised by some of my closest friends! Tricia, Mark and Robert totally threw me my FIRST EVER surprise party! And, it was a blast! :) I have the best friends, really!

On December 12, Mark and I shared our four year anniversary! And, on December 17 he asked me to marry him! The whole thing was just incredible - he is an amazing man and I sometimes can't believe how lucky I am to get to share the rest of my life with him!

December 19 we celebrated Tricia's birthday!

Not a week later, my parents invited Mark's parents over for dinner and presents on Christmas Eve! It was not the first time they had met, but I was still nervous. Things went really well ... and I hugged Mark's Dad for the first time ever! I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me it kind of is. For those of you who don't know his Dad, he is quiet. Mark thinks the world of him so I always wanted him to like me but I never was quite sure he did. I didn't think he disliked me, but I also wouldn't have gone as far as to say he actually liked me ... approved of me, even! Not only am I lucky to be marrying Mark, but his family is nothing like the Barone's on Everybody Loves Raymond! (If you didn't get that, it's a good thing!) Ha ha!

So today is Christmas Day ... I am typing on our new computer (Thanks Mom and Dad!) and Mark is busy putting together his new speaker stands and rearranging the living room!

Things are going really good ... and I hope 2007 just brings even MORE joy our way ... if that's possible! =)

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your past year has been fulfilling and next year is even better!

<3 Haley

corn and sixth street

2006-07-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say I have the most awesome friends EVER! There is never a dull moment ...

This past weekend (the first weekend of July) Mark, Tricia, Robert and I ventured down to Weimar (a.k.a. Dub Town) for my friend Jackie's wedding! After a five hour drive in the pouring down rain, we had to change in the craziest of gas station restrooms. In the end, my friend looked absolutely beautimasss!

I am totally stealing some of this from Tricia's comment on my MySpace, but I have a few words to say about this trip. If you weren't there, it doesn't matter!

Corn fields

Tricia begging to go mudding!

Gas stations and trailer parks

I found you, Miss New Curly!

Water Shute

The Dizzy Rooster

The Comal

Great Friends

Endless Flies, Kegs and Champagne

This summer is turning out to be fantastic! A new adventure around every corner! Every time I get together with that one friend, we create memories that last a lifetime ... goodness, what's to come! =)

Happy 4th of July!

2006-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe fourth of July weekend! =)

- Mark, Haley & Asia

The Mavericks

2006-06-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I, Haley Jane, am officially "in to" the NBA playoffs! Ha! I have even found Tricia quoting statistics which I will either contribute to her living with the stat king, otherwise known as Robert ... or, us girls are really enjoying these games!

Last night I found myself getting mad at the refs on that ignorant last call they made, and today I found myself reading Sports Illustrated online to see how Mark Cuban (who, by the way, was rocking the Stackhouse jersey) was feeling about it all. For a multi billionaire, he seems to be an awesome dude! Don't get me wrong, I am loving the playoffs, but I did not understand one word of Cuban's interview ... "you can't catch the ball in the frontcourt while established in the backcourt". Yeahhhh, what he said.

And now, on every single channel on television, they are asking if that 'flagrant foul' by Stackhouse against Shaq should have cost him sitting out a game. A game that we did damn well in but lost in overtime with 1 second left due to a really bad call. I mean, really ...

And for those of you who have not seen the 'flagrant foul' video ... click play below. Yes, Shaq got hit hard. I still think Stackhouse should not have been suspended.

Oh, and Dirk speaks english ... and I bought a 'Dirk is my homeboy' shirt ... pictures to follow! Game 6 is tomorrow! =)

In the meantime, we should really consider recruiting referees from Canada or something ...

Seasonal changes ...

2006-06-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love Jimmy Buffett ... he just sits wherever with no shoes, a cold drink and his guitar. It seems that he doens't have a care in the world. He just likes to "live happy". I think that is why I enjoy summer-y music so much ... it is so happy and carefree. Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and of course, The Beach Boys are on the top of my list!

"Let me remind you: We are party people, and things will get better." - Jimmy Buffett ... to think, how nice it would be to live by this quote.

So my parents are moving up here ... today - they are in their new house now! It's all so strange. I am really sad that I don't have many ties to Weimar anymore, but I can't expect them to be there the rest of their lives just for my sake. I don't even know if I'm sad because of missing the town and the memories I have there, or if it is mainly because I miss the houses ... the incredible memories we created over the years will last a lifetime, but I feel as if I have to let them go ...

Speaking of moving, Tricia, my neighbor and one of my best friends, moved out. I am really sad. My other neighbor and I are kind of on the outs at the moment, so I am beginning to feel a bit lonely. As I am sure that Tricia is, too. I miss you being my neighbor, Tricia!

And, I put in my two weeks notice at my job. I am not going to vent here, but everything was just becoming silly and I don't want to deal with it. The other job I have lined up is something I will enjoy more, I will be making more money, and I will have more free time ... I'm thinking to drive to Sanger?!

We are pretty sure that Asia has heart problems ... I still need to make an appointment for the cardiologist but her blood tests came back normal (speaking of blood tests, Mark had a scare and we thought he may have meningitis, but after his blood was away for a day being tested, he only had an awful viral infection). So back to Asia, the right side of her heart is enlarged and that is normally how cardiomyopathy begins. Just to think of it scares me half to death. I love that girl so much ...

I know this is all pretty random ... it's like I'm really talking! Ha ha ...

You know what? I love the summer! Love ... really, I do! It makes me happy ... I feel like I should be riding with the windows down every day, drinking a glass of wine or a cold beer, outside, in the evening ... I want to swim! Because of a newfound love of this magazine of my mother's, I would now like to go to a flea market.

Okay I should be going to help my parents unpack now ... crazy, isn't it?! I hope that everyone has a wonderful summer ... hopefully I will begin to update more often! I love you guys! =)

2006-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Wishing all of our friends and family a fantastic easter holiday!

2006-04-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Asia being extremely cute at the dog park in Dallas with her LOG ...

2006-04-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

A night at Robert's always insures good times ...

... and the other pictures just really shouldn't be posted ...

April, Me, Tricia and Rikki

Spring Break 2006!

2006-04-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Sanders Beach House

Spring Break 2006 was pretty fun! I won't go in to details - if you were there, or if you were lucky enough to see our video (The Real World: Port Aransas) you know what went down! =)

Along for the ride: Me, Mark, Tricia, Robert, John (my cousin) and Eric (Mark's brother).

For the weekend, my Dub Town friends (plus a few) came down: Kat, Hannah, Chelsey and Kelli!

There are a few pictures that aren't going on here for some reason - dunno why! I will try to figure it out! :)

Me and Tricia, probably getting ready to go do something!

Packing up to go ... Tricia getting rid of the boxed wine the classy way!

The weekend spring break girls ... Kat, Me, Tricia, Chelsey, Hannah and Kelli!

Asia at the beach! She LOVES the water!

'Aunt' Tricia and her 'neice' Asia looking pretty!

Mark and his big ole' saltwater fishie (not sure why this picture is bigger than the others?)!

... because everyone needs to put gas in your bicycle! =)

Tricks and Treats!

2006-04-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Asia knows tricks! Everything she knows ... guess who taught her?! Yup! Moi!

Sit, Shake, Gimme Five, Settle & Roll Over! She's such a smartie - of course I have to brag!

Press play!

Just a little late ...

2006-04-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

This video may be a tad bit old, but here it is! It has no sound and it goes quick, kinda like reminds me of The Wonder Years! But, it is a video that I made with my new camera (just a regular digital camera, not video camera) on the way from Weimar to Denton on Christmas Day!

Just click Play! =)

Kashew Krew

2006-04-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Kashew Krew

Me and Mark (a.k.a. Wild Rice & Chicken Leg)

Wow, I haven't updated in a while ... we have turned gangsterrr!

This all started with our weekly Sunday night get together at our place to watch Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy (two of the best shows EVER)! We have been slacking off, but here it is:

Here is the list of our crew! ... and I stole this from Marta! ... and of course, this is only fun and games, people!

NAME: Kensington Kashew Krew (but to avoid affiliation with the not nice people, we shall go by Kashew Krew for short)

OFFICIAL THEME SONG: "Let's Ride"

OFFICIAL COLOR: Magenta (Sam's idea)

OFFICIAL WORD: "bitch"

MEMBERS:

Marta aka Wheat Thin

Paige aka Salt Lick (think Utah or paige's obsession with salt)

Sam aka Raw Oyster (thanks to Red Lobster) -- no longer a member of our group!

Tricia aka Tutti Fruitti

Mark and Haley aka Chicken Leg and Wild Rice

Me and Tricia (a.k.a. Wild Rice & Tutti Frutti)

Mark, Me & Paige (a.k.a. Chicken Leg, Wild Rice & Salt Lick)

Tricia and Marta (a.k.a. Tutti Frutti & Wheat Thin)

Mark and Paige (a.k.a. Chicken Leg and Salt Lick)

Robert and Tricia (a.k.a. Our adopted member without a name and Tutti Frutti)

Ohhh, the curveballs of life ...

2006-02-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

My Dad & Mom on Christmas Eve 2005
So, at 22 years old, the average person never expects to have to worry that one of your parents may not be here tomorrow. Well, what the hell is average?!

My Dad went to the doctor on Monday and was admitted straight in to the hospital because of diabetes (newly diagnosed) ... Tuesday night my Mom calls to tell me that they are taking him in an ambulance to St. Luke's because his heart is only functioning 18%! Sooo, I make plans to come down on Friday. We got to The Woodlands and my Mom calls to tell me that Dad got some tests back and "it's not good". His regular Dr. didn't make us feel any better ... and neither did the nurses! I have come to realize that their job isn't to make us feel better; they don't want to be responsible for our heartache after giving us loads of hope and then something going wrong.
Sooo, my Dad has congestive heart failure. On Monday, he has the surgery to put in the pacemaker/defibrualator. I will never know how to spell that word, I sware ... Anyway, without the above, he has less than a 3% chance of survival while with it, his chance of leading a somewhat normal life is over 50%. Not great, but something we are going to have to learn to deal with.

He is in generally good spirits; my Mom is not. He is visibly having trouble breathing and it's hard to watch but he's still full of jokes and laughs. He met his surgeon today (the one who will do all of the things to his heart on Monday) and absolutely loved him! I think they joked around for a good thirty minutes. I'm glad because my Dad needs that ... he needs to be around happy people! I have been trying to stay strong but it's hard; especially when you see your Dad, always the tough one, laying in a hospital bed with your Mom combing his hair and telling him she loves him every three seconds!

Well, he still has the strength ... and the nerve ... to join with everyone else in asking when Mark and I are going to get engaged/married. He told the nurse today that he is pulling for grandchildren! He turns in to Bampaw more and more every day but I absolutely love it ...
I never thought I would have to deal with this so I never thought about what would happen if one of my parents weren't around; such as my Dad! I'm not even going to go in to all my what if's!

So, I am going to have to be strong for the both of them. I cried a lot yesterday but today I was good - no tears! He had a good day and that makes me happy! My Mom and I were in his room quite a bit today (only two can be in there at a time - he is still in ICU) and he kept telling us how nice it was to have his two girls there with him. Sunday was a sad day, too ... when I told him bye and walked out of the room, all of us teared up and my Dad closed his eyes. It was touching ... but extremely sad! I am going to make a silent promise to myself and to him that I will call him every day just to say Hi and see how he is feeling.

I just have to add that I have the best friends ever. You know who you all are! I love you guys!
Please keep him in your prayers ... he really needs it right now!

Update (Monday): He is out of surgery and it was completely successful! I have talked to him and he says he feels like he has just been hit by a truck ... but it will get better I am sure! He still has a sense of humor, though ... three nurses were standing over him testing out some new equipment and my Mom was feeding him and she told him not to eat so fast!

Please continue to keep him in your prayers ... we aren't exactly out of the woods yet!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2006-02-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your day is filled with lotsa' love!

Always,
Mark, Haley & Asia

What's this wet stuff called?!!

2006-01-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

Sooo, last night we were all sitting in IHOP and come out and the ground was wet! Then, we looked off in to the South and saw lightening! We figured it wouldn't last long, but we have experienced two bouts of power loss, and it hasn't stopped yet! Yay for rain! 100% chance of all day rain ...

Asia loves to play in the rain but today she looked at it like "What in the world could this nasty stuff be?!!" It was really cute ... just thought I'd share ...

There have been billions of grassfires up here and they have really been destroying stuff, so hopefully this will calm that down for a while ...

And this may be off topic - Millenium Monopoly is fun but goodness, does the game ever end?!!! Haha, it was lots of fun, though! And the car is really neat ... I was the cell phone ... go figure! =) Hehe! I love my friends ...

"Baby it's rainin' on Sunday ... stormin' like crazy ... and we'll hide under the covers all afternoon." Keith Urban ... yum ... ;-)

Have a good Sunday everyone, and a great upcoming week, as well! =)

The Nutcracker Ballet

2006-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Mark and I at the Nutcracker Ballet

Morgan, the King Rat, and Stormy

I am not quite sure how many of you are aware of my past and ballets/plays. My Mom and Dad are very arts-y and love the theatre! Going to see musicals such as 'Les Miserables', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'South Pacific', and 'Grease' at least once a year were very common occurances.

In addition, going to see 'The Nutcracker Ballet' at the Wortham Center in Houston every single year was a tradition! I had not been in years, until this past year! My Mom and Dad decided to take my Aunt Patsy, Mark, Me, and my two little cousins Stormy and Morgan! I had not seen them in forever! During the intermission and after the show, the performers come out in their costumes and take pictures and sign autographs. It's really cute! My Mom just sent me a picture of Stormy and Morgan with the King Rat! Seriously, how cute are they?!! Morgan just attached herself to Mark the whole time, it was really sweet ... I love you girls! =)

Happy 2006!!!

2006-01-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year! So far, this new year has been awesome - sleeping all day, then grocery shopping!

Last night was fun - I didn't feel all that good, but it was fun to be spending new years eve with friends and just all around having a great time!

I hope that you all have a wonderful, happy, and healthy new year! =)

Always,

Mark, Haley & Asia

Blizzity Blue

2005-12-31T11:26:00.000-08:00

Happy 24th Birthday, Blue! =)

To a great friend - We are glad you are back in town (finally)! Ready to party tonight?! It's your birffday (I stole that from Tricia) so don't think you're getting away with not going out or doing whatever it is that we are going to do! We love you! Always - What It Do, Marky Mark & Asia

Merry Christmas!!!

2005-12-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

Just wanting to wish you all a safe and very merry christmas!!! =)

Lots of love from Mark, Haley & Asia

Tricia's REAL Birthday!

2005-12-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

Although Saturday was the day we celebrated Tricia's birthday, Monday was her REAL birthday. It just so happenned that Monday was also the day that Robert returned home from his Cozumel cruise ... bringing with him a bottle of Banana Cruzan Rum!

So, it started with the Rum and a phone call ...

Then, we decided to go to Applebee's with Paige and one of her friends ... just went to the wrong Applebee's ... So, we were in Denton and got a call saying we should come to the Christmas Party at The Tavern. So, we did.

I saw two friends of an old friend of mine (I miss you, Susan!), who know about me and shot taking, and I knew I was screwed.

After a lot of beer, a few Blasters, and a lot of funny pictures, we decided to go home ...

Tricia, I hope that you had a GREAT birthday!!! We sure had fun!!! Love you, girl! =)

2005-12-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

Only the best line ever!!! Haha!!! =)

2005-12-20T16:19:00.001-08:00

The birthday princess of the hour, Tricia! =)

2005-12-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

Aren't we mean?!! Note the hat ... and the smirk ... I just can't pretend to be a mean person ... I'm too happy ... =)

2005-12-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Me and Paige ... whatever ... she liked it ...

2005-12-20T16:16:00.001-08:00

Was Mark thirsty? The picture failed to get his legs ... he had another beer in between them ... haha! =)

2005-12-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

Me (after a few shots) and Tricia ... I'm still not going to turn in to much of a shot taker, but it's a fun every once in a while sorta thing! Only on special occasions ... =)

2005-12-20T16:15:00.001-08:00

Me and JT ... seriously, how cool is that hat?!! =)

2005-12-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

Okay so we get to The Tavern, and Ben (in the red with his arm around me) and JT and their buddies are there ... so Ben, knowing that I am not much of a shot taker, decides to buy me a Blaster ... All I'm going to say is "Wow" ... and there were more to follow! =)

2005-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

Tricia and me in the car ... she is a princess, you know!!!

2005-12-20T15:55:00.001-08:00

Paige and her friends at The Tavern!

2005-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Robert and Tricia ... and some random dude in the back!

2005-12-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

Mark, Me, and Greg ... we found him in the corner at The Tavern ... this is Mark's old roomate ...

2005-12-20T15:53:00.002-08:00

I always have to take pictures of myself ... it's a thing ... don't really know why ... but I have fun doing it, so whatever! =)

2005-12-20T15:53:00.001-08:00

The boys at Applebee's ...

2005-12-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

Me and Mark at Applebee's ... we're so cute! Haha! =)

2005-12-20T15:52:00.001-08:00

The guys -- Robert, Brad, Mark ... I guess neither do drunk girls ...

2005-12-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

Mark driving Tricia's hot car ... and this was going around a curve, mind you! He's got skillz! =)

2005-12-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

The girls -- Tricia, Me, Paige ... drunk guys don't take very focused pictures so I've noticed! ;-)

2005-12-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Birthday Crew at Applebee's ... minus Paige! Robert, Eric (Mark's brother), Brad, Tricia, Me, and Mark! =)

Tricia's Birthday!

2005-12-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I didn't quite get around to getting all of the pictures and information on here that I wanted to! Sooo, yesterday was Tricia's birthday!

Happy Belated Birthday, Tricia! We love you!!! =)

For those of you who don't know who Tricia is, she is my neighbor and one of my closest friends! There's no way you can know her and not love her ... although another neighbor might disagree (ugh)!

Well, this past Saturday was Brad's graduation (as well as Lilly's), and we decided that we should join the two parties (Brad's graduation party and Tricia's birthday party) and head over to Sneaky Pete's! After we closed down the bar in Pete's, we headed over to Denton to the Sweetwater Grill & Tavern near the square!

We had a BLAST ... but Tricia's birthday celebration was so not over! =)

2005-12-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

And, for obvious reasons, my favorite smooch of all ... ;-)

2005-12-20T15:24:00.001-08:00

A romantic smooch from Sam to Paige! Nicki was still freaked out about not letting two lesbians take her picture ... after she'd been kissing girls all night! Haha ...

2005-12-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

Smooch!

2005-12-20T15:23:00.001-08:00

Is that guy seriously in the background of every picture?! Haha! Another smooch from Nicki!

2005-12-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

A very surprised smooch that totally freaked out Tricia! =)

2005-12-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Two of my greatest friends - Paige, Tricia, and Me ... last time, I promise!

2005-12-20T15:20:00.003-08:00

Me, Tricia, and Paige again!

2005-12-20T15:20:00.002-08:00

Me, Sam, and Tricia ... isn't he just the p.i.m.p?!!!

2005-12-20T15:20:00.001-08:00

Me ... looking incredibly un-sober! ;-)

2005-12-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Girls!!! Paige, Tricia, and Me!

2005-12-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

Mark, Me, and Brad!

2005-12-20T15:17:00.001-08:00

Sam and Paige - how adorable are they?! I mean, really!!!

2005-12-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Nicki, Paige and Tricia outside of Sneaky Pete's ... what was that, Tricia? ... "Who am I? Where's Trish?!"

2005-12-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

Sam and an extremely intoxicated Nicki! =) Sam is Nicki's boyfriend, John's, brother!

2005-12-20T15:15:00.001-08:00

Paige, Tricia, Brad, and Me! =)

2005-12-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

Nicki and Blue ...

2005-12-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

Okay so Nicki is probably one of the funniest, and funnest, people I've ever been around! Totally random, always up for a good time, and was for sure the life of Sneaky Pete's that night ... for the guys, anyway! Sorry, men, she's taken! =)

2005-12-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

Sam, Me, and Brad ... haha ... Sam has the funniest expressions ... I think it's a Canadian thing! Only kidding! =)

2005-12-20T15:12:00.002-08:00

Sam, Paige and Tricia ... and Sam is looking where?

2005-12-20T15:12:00.001-08:00

Tricia (the birthday girl) and Paige - aren't they cute?! I love them! =)

2005-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Tricia and Sam ... yeahhh!

2005-12-20T15:11:00.002-08:00

Me and Paige - I just love her!

2005-12-20T15:11:00.001-08:00

Me and Mark ... blurrry! =)

2005-12-20T15:11:00.000-08:00

Me and Brad!

2005-12-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

Nicki, Blue, and Tricia ... Blue was lovin' it! =)

2005-12-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Sam takes the funniest pictures. Doesn't the chick in the back look like Melinda from the Real World?! I am still debating on if that was her or not ... she even talked and moved like her ... hmmm!

2005-12-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

Mark and Blue - Peace, foo!

2005-12-20T12:44:00.001-08:00

Paige and Sam

2005-12-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

Sam, Me, Brad

2005-12-20T12:41:00.001-08:00

Nicki and Tricia with the snowman ...

2005-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

That snowman and bear got a lot of action that night! =)

2005-12-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

Brad and Tricia with the bear ...

2005-12-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

Brad getting really wasted on his graduation night ...

2005-12-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Brad, Me, and Mark ... check out the wine stain on my shirt, ha!

2005-12-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

Brad and Tricia getting ready for their buttery nipples ... hehe ...

2005-12-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

Brad and Mark

2005-12-20T12:35:00.001-08:00

After the shot ... of hot damn, I might add! Haha! Lucky for me, I ducked out of this one ...

2005-12-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

Before the birthday/graduation shot (Paige, Sam, Nicki, Blue, Tricia) ...

2005-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Blue's like a little kid in a candy shop - how cute is this?!

2005-12-19T18:10:00.001-08:00

Brad, the graduate, and Blue pimping out!

2005-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Blue being ghetto - What It Do!

2005-12-19T18:09:00.001-08:00

Jericho (Tricia's baby) and Aunt Haley doing some snuggling! =)

2005-12-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

A sleepy, wet, yet warm, Belle-arina! =)

2005-12-19T18:08:00.001-08:00

Paige's Christmas tree and Belle's big self! =-)

2005-12-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

Belle (Paige's baby) after a bath at Tricia's ... all snuggled up! =)

Congratulations Brad & Lilly! =)

2005-12-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well, Brad and Lilly (totally seperate people) have officially graduated from UNT!

I met Brad through Mark (neighbors and old friends) -- he graduated with 'Applied Technology & Performance Improvement' !

Lilly, aka L Dawg, was my first roomate! -- she graduated with 'Sociology'!

Paige is next, then Tricia ... then me!! Yay!!! One day ... haha!

Anyway, many congratulations to Brad and Lilly for an awesome achievement! Much love to you both! =)

2005-12-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Dallas Skyline -- for those of you who don't know, we were eating in the big, bright, ball to the left of all the buildings! The pyramid building next to it is the Hyatt Regency --- which is a part of Reunion Tower!

2005-12-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

My heart necklace that Mark gave me -- he spent so much on us this anniversary! I just adore him, really! =)

2005-12-13T09:37:00.001-08:00

After we got home, Asia wouldn't sit still but I snapped this picture while I was holding her treat ball above my head! =) Isn't she a cutie?! I just love her!!!