Ode to Kim

Ode to Kim

I'm having a tough time writing you an ode,

Because for what I'd do without you, I don't know!

Both neighbor and friend and shopping buddy,

You watch our dogs, even if they're muddy.

We carpool to The Woodlands on Wednesdays and more,

My day feels empty if I talk to you less than four (times).

You keep me in line and up to date,

For my new curtains I cannot wait!

You teach me about life and what's in style,

You helped paint my house and stayed a while.

I think my ode is almost done,

Thanks for all your help and all the fun!

Paint by Number

I know. It's taken me forever and a day to post these pictures. But some of you forget that besides holding down a full-time job, I also have to spend time being trophy wife, keeping house, and powdering my nose. It's a wonder I even have time for this right now...

We spent last Friday night and all day Saturday painting our house! Now remember, my painting experience is limited. Besides painting an accent wall in my college apartment, I have only ever really painted the outside of houses, thanks to summers of work camp. And let's just admit it - you don't have to be a professional to paint houses in the summer with your youth group OR your college apartment room.

Basically, I'm not what you would consider neat.

Considering everything I just babbled on about though, I think we did an alright job! I do have to run through and do some touch ups today, but thank goodness we are finished! I think we'll take a couple month hiatus before we move on to the bedroom.

Here's the living room - showcasing a fresh coat of "Homestead Gold"

"Sweet Annie" in the kitchen!
(Windows anxiously awaiting curtains)
Hm...ignore the random bottle of Pam and all the other crap on the counters. But this should give you a good idea of what in the world we did last weekend!

Now I can't finish this post without giving a BIG, GIANT shout out to the Erbeles'. Guys, they gave up their Saturday night to come over and help us finish painting the kitchen. For real. On one hand it WAS only fair because Kim was the one who convinced me to paint in the first place. So if the project went badly, it was ALL on her. Thankfully, with a combination of their experience and neatness, and Seth's fine painting job where the wall meets the ceiling...and my best effort...it turned out darn good.

That being said, I have to start writing an ode now...

SO...FREAKING...EXCITED!!!

Coming to a theater near YOU on November 21st!

Who's in for the midnight showing??!

Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck!

WHOOP!

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Fightin' Texas Aggie football season kicks off THIS Saturday when they will (hopefully) BTHO Arkansas State.

Does this mean summer is "officially" over???

I have complete faith in God that He will bless us with some fabulously cool 50 degree weather during the game. That's not too crazy of a request, right? Cause Lord KNOWS Paula and I will be in the MSC by halftime if the sun is ridiculously unbearable.

And, yes, we would have to. It would be so embarassing to melt in front of all those people!

Interesting Mary Stat:

This will be my SEVENTH year to have season tickets! What...a...STUD.

You're Not Alone

I LOVE this song by Meredith Andrews. She has such a beautiful voice and the words are some that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. May the words she sings bless you today!



"I search for love, When the night came and it closed in I was alone but you found me where I was hiding and though I'll never ever be the same It was the sweetest voice that called my name singing

You're not alone, For I am here, let me wipe away your every fear, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, And I'm the one that who's loved you all your life, All of your life

You cry your self to sleep, cause the hurt is real, and the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost, with heart ache your closest friend, and everyone else long gone, you've had to face the music on your own, but there is a sweeter song that calls you home, saying

You're not alone, For I am here, let me wipe away your every tear, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest nights, And I'm the one who's love you all your life, All your life

Faithful and true... Forever, For my love will carry you...

You're not alone, for I... I am here, let me wipe away your every fear... Oh yeah, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through your darkest night,

Your darkest nights, And I'm the one that's loved you all your life, All of your life."

Ode to Maggie

I have decided to begin a new tradition. Fridays with the Anderles' will include a special ode. To a person or animal, I deem most deserving for that week.

This week I am moved to write an "Ode to Maggie". Poor girl politely listens as everyone compliments her little bro's looks. Everytime we're on a walk, someone stops us to say "Wow! What a good lookin' dog!!!" All the while pointing at Tucker. She holds her head high. I know she doesn't want us to know it bothers her. However, I feel the least she deserves is an Ode. Because she is beautiful too!

"Ode to Maggie Girl"

Oh Maggie, Maggie you're one of a kind,

I found you on the Space Race bike ride!

You've always been there for me through thick and thin,

You sigh when I'm sad and cheer when I win!

We share popcorn together when we watch TV,

You always lay your head on my knee.

(Mostly when I'm eating though)

You lick my yogurt spoon every morn'

And when I leave for work you seem forlorn.

But you are a BIG GIRL now,

and that's a fact.

We love our Maggie May...

Hip Hip Hooray!

Ok, you got me. I didn't quite know how to end that. I kinda like this ode writing business though. Be on your best behavior if you'd like your own personal ode next week!

Silly Dog...Tricks are for Kids!

Last night was really fun.

We are in our pjs, ready for bed, getting the dogs situated, and then...

Seth: Mary...uh...did you pee in the bed?
Mary: WHAT?! No way! Did YOU?!
Seth: Uh no...maybe you spilled a glass of water on the sheets?
Mary: I just got home? So no.
(Mary smelling large wet spot....)
Mary: OMG. I think it IS pee.
Seth: Would Maggie pee on the bed?
Mary: No way! She does no wrong.
Seth & Mary: TUCKER!!!!!!!!

15 minutes later...sheets, pillow cases, AND mattress pad are in the washing machine. If only we could've washed the mattress.

I'm tired of him "marking his territory" around our house. Can't wait for "him" to become an "it" ASAP!!

Secrets, secrets are no fun

It's no secret that I love dogs. It's also no secret that I have a crappy car. I love to read and I've ridden from Houston to Austin on my bike...twice.

But what ARE my secrets?

Dabney's post the other day gave me a good idea. She divulged some of her deepest, darkest secrets. The things about her that nobody knew. Essentially, she opened up her secret diary. So I'll give it a shot...

1. I think I am semi-claustrophic. Even crowded elevators bother me!

2. I HATE SLOW DRIVERS. They drive me NUTS. I'd say I exhibit a small form of road rage (it only stays in my head though)

3. When I tell Seth I take the dogs running around the whole neighborhood...it's more of a 75% walk, 25% run.

4. I kinda really like Jojo! And Rihanna.

5. I am the ultimate blog/facebook stalker. I know everything about everyone. Even if you don't think I know you or your silly life details...never fear, I know.

6. I have an uncanny memory (ok, so that's not a secret to all of you). I can remember the strangest things like your address, phone #, birthday, college dorm room #, etc.

7. I'd probably consider myself a reckless driver. I don't have limits. If I need to read the mail, I will. If I need to brush my hair, I will. Eat, change the music station, talk on the phone. Yikes. Hopefully I improve before children.

8. When I say how much something cost, I usually say $10 lower than the actual price. It makes me feel like a better shopper. Like, "hey, our house cost $1 MILLION!!!"

9. I have a weird obsession with email. It is the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I check at night. I LOVE EMAIL

10. My husband calls me the mail nazi. I check our snail mail every single day. I get disappointed when we don't get anything.

Ok, I think that's all I can say right now.

Rachel & Michael, with puppy Sammy, are here right now and our house is complete chaos with pups everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are YOUR secrets???

The Big Bang

So...

What could be worse than a puppy with explosive diarrhea and persistent vomiting?

Correct.

NOTHING!!!!!!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed taking Tucker to the vet this evening to figure out what in the whole wide world could have caused the smelly destruction in our guest room today (where the kennel is).

I apologize to any guests who might ever come stay at our house again. :)

I know you don't want to read this. And I know you're screaming stop! But I have to tell you. You do NOT know what explosive is until you witnessed what I did today.

And now that we've all lost our appetites...

When We All Get to Heaven!

I happened to be listening to Brad Paisley's version of this classic hymn on the way to work today and it reminded me of how completely overwhelming and EXCITING it will be when we DO get to be in Heaven!! This is one of my favorite songs and I wanted to share with all of you today.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.

When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

May God bless your day in more ways than you can imagine!

Crazy Weekend!

I cannot believe I've found time to blog today. How come the weekend always goes by so fast? How unfair. If only I didn't have to go to work on Mondays...

Saturday morning we headed to La Grange to celebrate Seth's Granny's 80th birthday.

God help all of you if I make it to 80.

Granny may be 80 but she's still sharp as a tack! She already informed us that she doesn't need a big party for 90. Because living 90 years isn't a big deal or anything. We had a fun time visiting with the Anderles' and their extended family. (All the while cheering on the USA Olympic teams, of course)

Granny and her yummy birthday cake

All the grandkids
(Seth, Chase, Matt, Justin, Jackie, Me, Granny, Kristin)

Now I need you to brace yourself for this next picture. As we got together to take group pictures Granny had a simple request.

G: Hey, let's take one and pretend we're drunk!
M: Oh.....ok? That is a neat idea...
G: Yeah we always used to take pictures like this. Sometimes we would change clothes too.
M: Alright. Well let's keep our clothes but let's go ahead and pretend.
Kristin: But Granny I've never been drunk.
G: That's silly. But go ahead and just lay your head on my shoulder or something. That's what drunk people do.
M(to herself): I don't think my Nanny has ever asked us to take drunk pictures!!

Our best drunk impression?

We also had another celebration this weekend! On Friday (08-08-08!) Chloe VanLoh was welcomed into the world at a whoppin' 8 lbs, 12 oz. Her mama is amazing because you know, having a baby is no big deal and she really didn't have time to recover because she needed to get home and start running errands.

Kidding, Cara :)

But a couple of us went to visit her at the hospital today right before they got to go home. Chloe is so precious and has a beautiful head of hair! I predict lots of bows in her future. And it kinda gave me an idea of what my future babies might look like?? I can imagine our babies will definitely have dark hair because of Seth! But who knows. They just might end up looking breathtakingly gorgeous like their mama.

Sheila, Kim, Chloe, Me, and proud aunt Erika (Kim - congrats! You're awake this time!)

Whaddya think? Could I be a mom? She loves me already...we're already holding hands!

Cara and baby. Both healthy, happy, and ready to go home!

As if this weekend couldn't get any MORE exciting...I received a call from my dad on Saturday morning saying that Emily's boyfriend Kyle had called from Washington and asked for his permission to...........ask her to marry him!

When I asked him what he told him, he said, "Mary, I told him the same thing I told Seth. You can have her, but you can't give her back."

Aw, how...sweet...?

What? My little sisters don't get married. She is still 21 and little and in college. Oh my gosh. Time flies. Things have truly changed since we were all in our ugly bear Christmas sweaters.

Emily & Kyle

She was in Washington to visit him before school started back up again and you know, he did the typical boring proposal...picnic, waterfalls, whatever, right? :) You're too sweet, Kyle! And we can't wait to have you in our family!

Ok, I am having too hard of a time keeping up with the women's gymnastics sitting here at the computer. But I have to first take care of my loyal listeners before I cheer on my country, right?

I'm a Regular!

Today is truly an achievement in my life.

I've always coveted those people who are restaurant regulars. You know the type. They waltz on in, get to sit at any table they want, the server just has to ask "the usual?", and off they go.

I mean, can you get much COOLER than THAT?!

Being a "regular" is on my list of the Top 100 Things to Do Before I Die. Perhaps I should publish that list one day. You'll have to give me some time to think of the other 99. Well, 98. One is also to write a novel.

Moving on.

So I walk into Starbucks this morning (mind you, I only go probably once or twice a week, so this story is quite impressive) and the barista (ok, maybe that's on my list too) says, "Hey girl! Tall, nonfat, caramel macchiato, right?"

AGH! I almost shrieked!

So of course I responded, "Yup! the USUAL!!!"

Talk about best day ever.

Dance Dance Revolution

What we've all been waiting for, kids. Part one of the finale is TONIGHT! 7pm. Don't you dare forget to tune in.

As much as I don't want to, I've got my bets on Katee. I'd love to see Joshua win though. I told Seth we're staying up as late as it takes to watch this show tonight so we can catch tomorrow's results show in real time (minus commercials, of course).

Real time. Gosh, that makes me miss 24. Who's ready for Kiefer in January?!

p.s. Anyone recall the mention of a dance-off several episodes ago? I am so ready for that one. If only I could pop and lock...(does that make me sound hip?)

p.p.s. And guess who is going to see the TOP 10 dancers for the SECOND year in a row at Reliant in October?! No, not your 12 yr old sister. Me!!!

Free Radical Scavenger!

So have I mentioned my recent fatigue? I kid you not, I am tired all.the.time. And not just yawning tired. More like...fall asleep in the middle of you talking to me tired. Or fall asleep in mid-sentence tired.

I have not changed my sleeping, eating, exercising habits in the last couple of months and cannot figure it out. I've tried vitamins, more sleep, more caffeine...it doesn't matter. I can fall asleep on anyone's command.

As you've probably realized, this has become a bit of a problem, seeing as I have a job (at work AND home apparently). Seth came across an advertisement on weather.com and sent it to me as a joke.

Well, if there's one thing I am, it's a sucker. Big time.

I start reading about Lance Armstrong's latest product promotion: FRS.

I mean geez. If he can use this and win the Tour de France SEVEN times, surely I can try a sample to just stay awake during my normal life, right??? And yes, they were giving away free samples and yes, I signed up for one. I'm desparate here people.

This is what really caught my eye...

Well, shoot. I can't find it now but it was something on the website about needing to stay awake at work! And I thought..."yes! perfect - that's me!"

First person to go through the website and find it wins $2.

Anyway, I know this might seem silly, however it seems to have some other benefits too. According to Lance, "FRS contains quercetin, a natural, powerful antioxident found in blueberries, apples, and cocoa that helps extend your body's natural adrenaline and energy - with 7 essential vitamins. One can is a day's serving of enhanced mental focus, increased performance, and the energy to keep you going!"

If this doesn't cure me folks, I don't know WHAT will. Quercetin has claimed to be the SECRET WEAPON in the battle against fatigue.

We shall see.

I will be receiving my free sample shortly...and until then...

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

Snow Day!

That's what it seems like at least! I've never heard of a "hurricane day" so we'll stick with snow for blogging purposes.

Good ol' Tropical Storm Edouard. I know this is wrong, but I am almost slightly thankful for his presence.

I don't want anyone to get hurt, for goodness sake, but I completely appreciate Anadarko shutting it's doors today in order to keep all its employees safe. Loving the big man today!

The plan was to sleep in...enjoy some coffee over a good book and perhaps peruse the Today Show. Take a nap...watch a movie.

It's 6:40am and I've already been up almost 2 hours. Of COURSE this would happen to me!!!

It was just one of those nights I couldn't really sleep. And if you know me, that never happens! I am usually out for the count. Maybe I was worried about the storm. Maybe I was consumed with the fact that I didn't yet know if I would be working today or not. Whatever it was, I didn't sleep. So here I am blogging like a crazy person (before the TS overtakes the town and we lose power).

I stopped by Kroger on the way home yesterday for some normal grocery shopping. We just needed more milk, eggs, yogurt, etc etc. What a nuthouse!!!!!! It reminded me of the Hurricane Rita days in Aggieland. They were almost completely out of bread, milk, bananas (thanks a LOT), chips, crackers, water, ice, and anything else that could possibly keep your family adequately nourished during a hurricane. Oh brother.

And did I mention they were completely out of gas?? It is just fascinating to see how everyone acts in the face of an impending natural disaster. Even though I don't think this will do much (ok...any) damage to The Woodlands area, everyone has just become so cautious since Katrina and Rita. Which is good. It's just almost surreal. I've never truly experienced being in the wake of something terrible like a hurricane or tornado and I can't imagine losing everything because of it. I guess I just always trust God will watch over us??

I hope I don't have to eat my words later today. So for now...be careful if you live in the South Texas area...and enjoy your day off!

River Trip 2008

Of course summer would not be complete without a tubing trip down the Guadalupe River!! I'm sad we don't get to go more often because my summers as a young buck in San Antonio were filled with floating trips out to the river. I guess you always take advantage of certain things and don't miss them until you leave. Although I'm not sure what sorts of attractions I take advantage of in Houston, but that's besides the point.

We met up with the Bayles' and the Ksionda's at the Waterwheel Resort in New Braunfels on Friday night. We spent some time in the lukewarm hot tub before old age kicked in (Ben is almost 27 or something really old like that) and we had to go to bed.

We floated the "horseshoe" of the river several times...so much fun! And let me just tell you how many people brought their DOGS to go floating (in their own personal tube of course).

LOTS!

Oh Maggie and Tucker would've had a blast. Not really but I'd like to think they'd enjoy it. In reality both would be either 1) barking 2) flailing around trying to get away from the water or 3) harassing other tubers.

Oh well, one can dream, right?

We had dinner at the Gristmill on Saturday night in Gruene - perfect dinner after a great day in the sun!! Sadly I didn't get too many pictures. Too worried about dropping the digital camera in the river, so you'll just have to take what you get.

Seth, me, and Paula. Gosh, he smiled so pretty.
Anderles
Paula & Ben...gazing at each other lovingly

Ben, Jeremy, & Stacey

On Sunday morning we visited Seth's Uncle Mark at St. David's hospital in Austin. He suffered from a stroke last week, which was really scary for everyone. He lost feeling on the right side of the body and at first the doctor's said he might never be able to use his right side again. But, praise God he was moved to rehab yesterday! He was able to move his arm and was regaining some feeling in his leg while we were there. They think he just had a weak blood vessel in his brain that finally decided to burst so could almost guarantee this wouldn't happen again. God moves in mysterious ways, right??

All in all, that was our weekend. We can't wait to float again next year - hopefully more than once! Otherwise we'll have to settle for the (rumored) gator-infested man-made lake in Spring Trails. Or just go to Hawaii again. I'm almost positive Seth will go for that.

The Twilight Zone...

I'll admit it. I'm hooked.

Cathy first recommended this book to me several months ago. I asked for a quick description, saw that the cover was pink-less, heard the word vampire and immediately wrote it off. Oh, and did I mention it's an extremely popular YOUNG ADULT read?

Those of you who know me understand that I'm FAR from a young adult. Seeing as I'm about to hit the quarter-century mark in October. Never mind the fact that I read the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series my senior year in college. I was studying for the CPA exam and therefore made crazy, rash decisions.

Anyway.

I finally suckered down and bought the book when Target had it on sale. And I really got this because it's been rumored the Twilight series is going to be the next Harry Potter (the first movie comes out Dec 12th!)

And I LOOOOVE Harry Potter. Clearly, I am not going to miss out on the next big thing.

200 pages into this first book...l-o-v-e it! I mean, let me type out what's on the back cover. Who wouldn't want to read this?!

"About three things I was absolutely positive.

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how dominant that part might be - that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."

AGH! Awesome, right??! My eyes got real big when I read this and I shouted "Yes!"

(Not really, but in my head)

Drama, drama, drama.

I'll keep you updated on my progress through the series. Obviously I plan on finishing all four by December 12th.

And Cathy...I'm sorry I ever doubted your literary recommendation.

Priceless

2 Kool 4 Skool

Our best attempt at "graduation" pictures!

On the next edition of "What Not to Wear"...