Allergies. Shmallergies.

For those of you that do not have any allergies -- I envy you. My allergies are making me miserable! I'm afraid I developed a sinus infection so I scheduled a doctor's appointment for tomorrow morning. Hopefully I'll get some antibiotics to knock this thing out.

We had another eventful weekend. I returned home from Washington D.C. on Friday night about 9:30pm. Preston and Sloane came by for a few hours since they were out celebrating her birthday. On Saturday, Brent and I ran some errands, packed our bags and got on the road to Oklahoma to celebrate his grandmother's 80th birthday. We literally got to the TX/OK border and Brent's SUV downshifted to 2nd gear... not the greatest feeling when you're cruising on I-35 at 75 mph and then suddenly drop down to 4o mph at 3000 rpm. The only solution was to tow the truck back to Dallas so... we rode along in the tow truck with our 75 year old driver. He was actually quite interesting and I enjoyed hearing of his days working on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and serving in the Army while living in Alaska. I digress. We drove my car to OK on Sunday and ate lunch with Brent's family. It was a really nice visit. JAC and Isabel are growing too fast!! All of the pictures will be posted to our SmugMug page soon.

The Kids
Lulu, Elvis and JT are still adjusting to the house. Lulu is moping around crying because I was out of town last week for work and then gone most of the weekend. I spent some quality time with her tonight and she's feeling better. :) Brent took JT to the vet today because we noticed he's experiencing hair-loss on his back. Turns out, he's under a lot of stress with the new house and it doesn't help that he is spending more time outdoors. Once we get the dog door installed, both of the dogs will be able to come and go through the garage and yard. Elvis is looking pretty slim these days. We boarded the dogs last week while the back patio was built and apparently, he didn't eat much while away. I'm not worried though, because he's making up for it now that he's home. :)

House Update
The backsplash in the kitchen is coming along nicely. I'm really pleased with the tile we selected. Tomorrow they will add the grout. Here are a few pictures... the top one is the left side of the kitchen and the bottom pic shows the hole where the cooktop will be placed (you can click on the pictures for a larger view).


Also, a backsplash was added to the master bath vanities. It's the same riverstone used on the border of the floor and shower wall.


More pictures of the house will be posted soon when I'm not so wiped out... hopefully I'll be back at 100% in no time.

Hugs and good night!
kk and db

Hurricane Ike

It breaks my heart to see the devastation in Galveston. My family has vacationed there long since I was even born. Please keep those affected by Ike in your thoughts and prayers.

One of my sorority sisters lives in Houston (The Heights area) and also happens to be a great photographer. She took these pictures of her neighborhood after Ike hit and posted them to her website. Some of the photos have comments below them...

http://www.casadecamera.com/IKE/

It's always something

Let me start from the beginning... Yesterday morning (Monday) around 6am, I knocked a pillow off our bed which then hit my cup of water on my nightstand which then fell into my purse. All of it. Thankfully, my camera did not get soaked, but everything else did. I emptied it out, laid everything out to dry and hung my purse in the tub to allow the liner to dry (I'm sure the construction crew already thought I was a bit crazy, but when they saw my purse in the tub, their thoughts were confirmed). When I left for the office, I grabbed my wallet, car keys and lip gloss and threw them in another handbag.

Fast track to the middle of the afternoon when I get a call from Brent. He says, "I'm leaving for Oklahoma City, but wanted to let you know that the sprinkler guys are here repairing some lines. Since they do not have a key to the house, they plan to leave the garage doors open. Do you plan on staying late at the office today because I'm concerned with leaving the garage doors open all evening?" Of course, I reply, "I have no plans of working late. I'll get there at a decent time and close the garage doors."

Fast track to after 7:00pm when I finally leave the office. Not exactly leaving early, but it was still daylight. I get on the highway and think, "hmm... I really need to hit up Ikea and now is my only chance because I'm traveling Wednesday - Friday for work and we'll be out of town this weekend visiting Brent's family." So I jump on the toll road and close down Ikea at 9pm. I arrive home around 9:40pm, tired and hungry for dinner. The only problem is that I can't get in the house. Apparently, the last worker to leave locked the doorknob, instead of the our deadbolt. Well... I only have a key to the deadbolt because of the aforementioned water-in-purse situation, that key was tossed next to all the papers laid out to dry on our bedroom floor.

A light bulb goes off, "the garage doors!" I walk around to the back of the house and much to my dismay, the doors are closed. I checked every single window I could reach and let me tell you, those are some nicely secured windows -- nobody is getting through those babies. I finally breakdown and call Brent... I was hoping I could figure a way into the house and fail to mention the fact I was ever locked out since Brent thought I would be home in the evening, but I was desperate and totally busted. :) To cut this story short, Brent called our friend, Ryun Guthrie who lives a few short miles away. Ryun and his dad, who was visiting from out of town, came to my rescue. They too tried the windows, but eventually had to bust open the front door. It was quite comical... we looked like the most inexperienced burglars ever trying to break into the house. And poor Lulu... she was in the house following us from window-to-window wondering what the heck was going on. She finally gave up and began crying at the front door wanting us to come in already. ha :)

My life is never dull. I remember when I was younger and my older siblings would complain of boredom, my mom would say, "How can you be bored? There are so many things you could do. I don't ever remember being bored as a kid." I don't recall feeling bored in my childhood, but how I long for that feeling now or at least a slower pace than what I'm experiencing at this stage in life.... and we don't even have kids! eek! ;)

That sums up my Monday evening.... tonight I have some errands to run and need to pack for my trip to Alexandria, VA. I fly out at 5:30am tomorrow (you know I didn't schedule that flight!) and return late Friday night. It's going to be a long 3 days...

House news
When I left this morning, they were preparing to pour the concrete for our back patio, prepping the kitchen cabinets to be stained, replacing the breakfast room window with french doors and tiling the backsplash on our master bathroom vanities. Hopefully they'll keep up the pace and the house will be somewhat ready for our annual TX/OU party (or as Brent refers it, "OU/TX party").

hugs!
kk and db

Knock. Knock. Anyone there?

It's been so long since I've posted anything that I wonder if anyone will read this post. Guess we'll find out...

So my close friend, Jenn, moved to Tokyo last Wednesday.... it was a sad week. It's not often you meet girlfriends in your adult life that you connect with on all levels. The only comfort is knowing that they'll return to the U.S. in two or three years. This is an exciting time for her and her husband John (he left for Tokyo a few weeks ago) and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I mean, how many people do you know can say they lived in Japan?? I can't wait to hear of their adventures and look forward to visiting their new home in Tokyo. (By the way, Jenn and John are blogging at: http://anamericangirlintokyo.blogspot.com/) Hugs and best of luck to Jenn and John!

I have a lot of catching up to do, but first, the important stuff. :) I am entering Elvis into a Halloween costume contest and I need suggestions for his costume – sssshhh! Don’t tell Brent! :) The contest will be held at Doctors Healthcare Center Dallas Senior Source, where I volunteer through Junior League, and the residents of the facility will vote. I have a few ideas, but I’d love to hear yours!

We’ve been really busy the past two months… vacationed at the beach; moved to our new house; stayed in a hotel for a week; hosted a going-away party for friends; discovered Texas highways have enormous pot holes; drove a rental car for a week; celebrated Brent’s 35th birthday; spent a weekend at the lake with friends; attended a couple of kids' birthday parties… I think that sums it up.

The Beach

Claire’s first visit to the beach was a big hit. She loved the water and I enjoyed spending the week with her.




Moving Day
Leaving our first home together was bitter-sweet. We were sad to go, but excited about the new house.













Hyatt Place
Because our master bathroom was not quite finished, we had to move from our old house into a hotel. Talk about feeling unsettled! All of our belongings were at the new house and we were living out of suitcases in a hotel for a week.

Sayanora Jenn & John
The night of our big moving day, we helped host a going away party for Jenn and John before they left for Tokyo. I’ll admit it was probably not the best timing for us to host a party, but it turned out great and our friends were appreciative. Here's a picture of me and Jenn and also the hosts: Angie, myself and Stacy.











Pot hole on I-35
So the day we were to check out of the hotel and spend our first night in the new house, I had a little accident on the interstate... blew out both tires and cracked the rims on the passenger side of the car thanks to a huge pothole.












As a result, I had to drive a rental car for a week. Don’t be jealous! Ha. I’m so glad to have my car again… nothing makes you appreciate horse power like driving an economy class rental car.










The Birthday Boy
We celebrated Brent's 35th birthday. He's lucky to have landed such a young wife. haha :)



Break at the Lake
We spent a weekend at the lake with friends and celebrated Brent's birthday again, but with cake and candles this time! :) Sloane even baked him an apple pie that was delicious!







Hatcher’s 1st Birthday
Sloane and Preston's youngest turned one. He loved his cupcake with blue icing! Can you tell? :)







Evan & Owen
One of my friends from high school had twin boys and they are precious. They're now 12 weeks old. I cannot imagine having twins... just holding them at the same time was overwhelming!






In other news... the house is still under construction. The kitchen is the key focus for now and the cabinets are looking great. I'm really happy we went with the maple. It's very challenging to answer some of their organizational questions considering I'm a novice cook, but I guess I'll learn from this one and make changes if needed on our next kitchen remodel (yeah right!). Brent doesn't offer much unless asked because he said the kitchen is all mine to decide... I hope that doesn't mean he expects me to put it to a lot of use! :) These photos were taken on Friday, August 29th.

The wall between the living room and kitchen was finally completed. There is a recessed area for the television and the cut-outs will hold the surround sound speakers.

hugs,
kk and db

It's official

Happy 4th of July!

It's official... according to the State of Texas and Social Security Administration, my last name is now Spivey. It only took me nearly 6 months to change it, but I figure Brent's a keeper so why not. ha. ;) It feels good to have it done.

Last night we went to dinner at Cuba Libre for Brian's birthday. It was good company and good food. Afterward, everyone went to a bar across the street, but Brent and I opted to come home. My allergies have been awful and I had a terrible headache. Since we got home at a decent time, I uploaded more pictures to the house gallery! I'm still in the process of adding some, but you can check them out. The newly added pictures start on page 11 if you want to skip ahead. Click here

Enjoy the fireworks tonight!
hugs,
kk and db

hey stranger

i can't believe i haven't posted anything in nearly a month! we have been crazy busy. sorry i haven't kept you in the loop!

since my last post we...

• Went to San Antonio for Claire's 1st birthday party. It was so much fun! Click here for pictures -- there are a ton!
• Traveled for work. Me to California and Brent to Oklahoma.
  
• Stayed with some friends at their lake house in Greenville. We got some much needed sun and hung out with the kiddos -- Cooper, Davis and Hatcher! Such cuties!
  
• Celebrated a lot of birthdays!
  
• Keann's 1st birthday party, daughter of Ryun and Kendra Guthrie, was on June 28th. She was not a fan of the birthday cake because it got her hands dirty. :) Brent and I got them a 1-year membership to the Dallas World Aquarium and they loved it. If you haven't been there yet, you should definitely check it out.
  
• That night we went to the Gingerman to celebrate Kristen's last year in the 20s! (Hope you enjoyed the celebration Kristen!) She had a great turn out.
  
• The next day we drove to Oklahoma for Isabel's third birthday. We can't believe she's three already!! Where did the time go? She got a fun hot rod -- a princess-themed Pontiac Solstice -- and absolutely loved it. While driving it outside in the cul-de-sac, she suddenly stopped and said, "I'm at Sonic." It was really funny.
  
• Saw the movie, Wall-e. It had a great story line and the animation is incredible. However, I I laughed more at Kung-Fu Panda -- Jack Black is the greatest. :) I recommend seeing both of them.
  

You should see the house!!! Pictures will be posted tonight!

Party for Wild Animals

What? It's only Tuesday? Looks like I'm slacking on updating the blog... This whole house remodel project is Wearing. Me. Out. and I'm not even the one doing the actual work. Pathetic? I don't know... I'm just tired of having to make so many darn decisions. I know, I know... I shouldn't complain. Yes, we are blessed to be able to remodel a home and it's great and yadda, yadda, yadda, but come on people, you have to admit it's exhausting. I'd love to pack a bag and catch a flight to a beach where some cabana boys could bring me lots and lots of frozen fruity drinks. Maybe Brent and I will take a relaxing trip once we get moved into this house. I'll keep my fingers crossed, but I won't hold my breath... this house is turning into a money pit. Or maybe I'll take a girls trip -- anyone interested?

You know, just when you feel like "whew, glad that decision is over with" another item quickly appears on the "to-do" list that the builder wanted an answer to yesterday. It would be oh-so-helpful if the builder could give us a list of priorities so I know where to focus my attention and not waste my spare time looking for moving announcements when I need to find faucets for our master bathroom and decide on the stain for our kitchen cabinets. Priority, I know, is not placed on the moving announcements but I find that they function as a great distraction. I'm absolutely in love with some Kate Spade cards, but if I even begin to mention the price to Brent, I'm sure I'll receive the "do you know how much tile we could buy with that amount of money?" He's already dropped that line a time or two... the first time was when we saw a woman wearing a dress that one of the American Idol contestants wore on TV and I asked him to buy it for me because it's on sale. The second time was when I mentioned I need a new handbag.. no such luck... yet.

All this remodel stuff and "house discussions" with Brent are taking their toll on my waist line. Ugh... I feel gross which means I'm way overdue for some boot camp. I should of signed up last session, but I talked myself out of it. The next four-week session starts on Monday, June 16th. Say a prayer that I'm able to drag myself out of bed next Monday morning at 4:30 AM and survive the experience. I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't done much exercising in, hmm, now that I think about it, I'm way too embarrassed to say how long. I leave for California for work on Tuesday, June 17th, so hopefully I won't use that as an excuse to miss the work out.




I'm BEYOND excited about this coming weekend!!!! My niece, Claire, turns one on Friday and her birthday party is on Saturday afternoon! I originally planned to fly down there on Thursday in order to maximize all the time I can with her and Lacey, BUT our builder needs to meet with us on Friday about some tile, so... I can't fly out until Friday evening. I'm so disappointed. I haven't been to San Antonio in way too long and I'm missing my sister and her little chunky monkey. Speaking of, did I mention Claire's birthday party is a monkey theme? Here's the invitation... how cute is that?!? It says, "Our Little Monkey is turning one! Bring your wild animal and join us for some fun... Come celebrate Miss Claire Olivia" :) so precious. Can't wait to post pictures from the party!




Also this weekend, we'll be celebrating Vanessa's birthday on Saturday night! Wahoo! Shoot... I just realized I haven't gotten her a gift. Let me add that to my ever growing to do list...

I'll try to post updated pictures of the house this week. We close on the sale of our house on Thursday, June 18th!

hugs,
kk and db