It's Almost Here!

So here's the deal, I have been going to an annual "Bitch Party" for a few years now even though it has been in existance for about 30 years. It's all women, who pretty much let loose over a long weekend. I can't tell you everything that goes on there because "What happens in the Barn, Stays in the barn". That's right, a barn! Basically, a caravan of campers drive in and set up on a very large piece of land (I can't tell you where cuz it is a secret, you have to be invited to know the exact location) And then we gather in the barn for meals and hanging out. There are many performances that happen down there in which we plan for all year. That is where these pictures come into play. I along with 2 of my cohorts will be performing one of our acts in these original designs by none other than, well, "me". I came up with the idea after visiting New Zealand and going to the WOW museum that focuses on wearable art, where they have many bra's that are very unusual to say the least. Anywho, we will be having an entire runway show in the barn this year where each female has decorated a bra in a different theme. It should be good because I've heard some women need a power cord to light theirs up. I will try and post some pictures after the weekend.

Easter 09

Today we had JoJo and Grandad over for Easter lunch. Steak, Pork Chops, Deviled Eggs, Salad, Garlic Bread, Potatoes, mmmmm good! Robbie even made a couple of his cream cheese pies. Yes, Robbie not me.

I can't believe I actually painted the laundry room when I got home from work. I'm usually not worth a quarter by the time I get home. Now it's off to bed to watch a little TV.

Spring Break is Over

It's back to work tomorrow morning after a week off from work. I feel like I got a lot accomplished except for rest. My parents came in town and Robbie and my dad got a new light hung in our kitchen and new light switches installed throughout the house. Robbie, Dad, Blake and Grandad went to deer camp for a couple days and did some fishing, four wheeling cooking out and campfires while I stayed back and got Blake's room painted. Then Dijea and I had a garage sale in which I made $218, not bad for getting rid of a lot of junk. My house is cleaned and organized and I was finally able to find a new comforter, well actually a quilt for the guest room which finishes off the room and looks great. The only bad part of the week was when we went to do laundry last night and the dryer didn't work, so we were off to purchase a new set of front loaders for the house. They can't deliver them until Wednesday, so I hope the laundry doesn't pile up too bad. I bought the set in a stainless steel color which should update the laundry room quite a bit. I'm going to try to paint the laundry room before they arrive since I can move the other set out and have a couple days to get it done. I was going to do it today but instead fell asleep for a much needed nap that lasted a few hours.

Passing Strangers

So, a group of us went to hear an old band play at an Irish pub in Frisco. Passing Strangers could be the best cover band of all time. It was great to hear some old favorites from our glory days.

Friday Night Happy Hour

Here is a picture of Mandy, Dori and I at our High School Happy Hour Friday Night. It was great to see everybody and catch up.

A Quick Note

It's been way to long since I last blogged, I've been addicted to facebook. I will try to get back on track soon. Christmas was great with all the family and it seemed I had more time off around the holiday this year. New Years came and went without much action, and now we are half way through Jan. These last 2 weekends I have been keeping some friends 2 boys, one is Blakes best friend from school. I will say it's a lot different than just having one kid in the house and Blake no longer wants any siblings. I guess that part is good because I'm not having any more and I rather him be just as ok with that as I am. Work seems to be very busy these days, never enough time to get all my work done, very few people moving into the retirement home right now and it seems more and more are moving to Assisted Living or passing away. I've got big obstacles to overcome with that and hope that the economy picks up soon so people can sell thier homes and move in.

New Finds

I had so much fun using up my gift cards I got from work. I'm going with a whole Vintage thing with my dishes, nothing really matches, they are all just colorful and fun. I think I started this idea when I visited New Zealand and getting to know Lizzy, she loves color and picked out some art that suited her perfectly. Now I am on a mission to find my true style and guess what...I'm eclectic, I like things from all eras but with clean lines. When I see something I love, I'm just going to get it and make it work in my house. Who knows what my place is going to look like a year from now, but right now I'm picking out a lot of Black & Green. (By the way, I Love, Love, Love the store Anthropoligie)

All Time Favorite!

I took 17 residents on a Whataburger Run after work tonight. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have to get my fill of this at least once a week, so what better than to take my friends at Preston Place.

A Little something for ME!

So I was out doing a little Xmas shopping today, and found this lovely little art deco vase for myself. This is like my favorite color right now, I'm just loving lime. I could have just passed it by, I mean what do I need this for right, but I knew I would kick myself later. So, I splurged a whole $8 at Tuesday Morning for it, but hey "I'm worth it".

Thanksgiving

I made my special Deviled Eggs again this year as shown in the picture. We joined Robbie's folks at their house along with Pam and Steve, 7 of us all together. It was sad not having Grandmother Bounds there to do the annual prayer this year, but Kathy did a good job of it. Even though I didn't get to be with my side of the family this year, you were in my thoughts and I can't wait to see them at Christmas.

Tree Trimming

I spent most of the day putting up the Xmas tree, along with 3, yes 3 trips to Target. Not even 3 different Targets, 3 trips to the same Target. Why do you ask, more ornaments and ribbon for the tree. It's the prettiest tree I've had yet, but to really appreciate it you have to see it in person. Here is just a pic of one of my favorite ornaments on my tree.

Well, the boys went to the dear lease this weekend and I had a little me time, so when I woke up this morning I decided to go get my favorite bacon & egg tacos at Taco Cabana and then drive to downtown Plano. The streets were still asleep and I had the place to myself. It's such a charming little place. Your almost feel as though your far away in some quaint little place off the beaten path. It was very enjoyable.

Ghastley Gourmet Dining

Tonight was our Ghastley Gourmet Dining at work and I had to share my favorite centerpiece with you all (Each table was unique). When you touched the rats paw it started wiggling and squeeling, but the best part was the droppings the rat left behind. (it was really a cut up tootsie roll...pretty clever! If you would like to see pictures of what we served check out stehlesphotos.blogspot.com, it wasn't quite as gross.

Just Plain Cool!

Last weekend we were on our way to San Antonio for my moms Surprise Party, and we had to stop for a bathroom break, and stumbled across this guy riding his motorcycle. I had to take a picture, I thought the crate was pretty cool tied on his bike with but even more was the fact that the dog never tried to jump out of it when his owner went inside the store, then as he was fixing to leave he put the cutest little sunglasses on the dog to protect his eyes while they were on their ride. I think I would like to be that dog!

2nd Grade School Portrait

Chisolm Trail

We started out this morning riding our bikes to Jo Jo and Grandads, its about 1 1/2 miles from our house. Then we rode a couple blocks from their house to get on the Chisolm Trail Bike Route. Plano has some wonderful trails to ride bikes on. I'm guessing we rode about 3 1/2 miles there, then it was back to Jo Jo and grandads for a cold Coke and then back home. All in all we probablly rode around 7 miles today. Not bad huh?

Saturday Night Out

I always put pictures in my post but Saturday I didn't take any, its a shame too because I had so much fun and saw a great skyline at night in Downtown Dallas. That's right me in downtown Dallas on a Saturday night and on Main St. none the less. Blake spent the night at JoJo's and Robbie and I picked up our friend Rob and headed down to City Tavern to hear one of his friends band play. They were awesome, had a real Austin city vibe to them. Erika and her husband Tom also met us down there. I got home around 1:30a.m which may not sound like a big deal, but, for me it is because I hardly ever go out anymore. I even did a little dancing that night, and those who know me know I love doing that!

Look, no training wheels!

I now have a riding buddy! We finally took off Blake's training wheels and off he went. I was actually surprised at how fast he got the hang of it. The picture you see was in a parking lot, it was easier for him to ride there than on the sidewalk. He can't wait to go again tomorrow and he couldn't wait to call his grandma when he was finished to tell her the good news.

Golf Lessons

Our morning started with golf lessons. We got there a little early so dad could give Blake a few pointers, but just as we thought Blake does not listen to him as well as to someone else, same thing happened in baseball. Luckily, our friend Rob was there to get him focused. He worked with him a little before the jr. golf camp started. Blake had a great time and I think this could be something we can do together as a family. As you can see below, I also did some practicing. I did pretty good. I actually think I hit it better than some of those hackers on driving range. I am paying for it now, at first my lower back was just sore but now that it's evening my shoulder is pretty sore. I guess I just need a little conditioning.