1.31.2010

I can't believe it has been so long since I have updated! I am going to make a concerted effort to continue updating as I know I will want to look back at this special time before we welcome our little girl...

Baby Elle is expected to make her debut at the beginning of April! That's a little more than 60 days from now. Check out Cory's progress on her nursery below.






So long, office
So long, popcorn ceiling
So long, ugly closet
Hello, nursery!

5.26.2009

Our First Anniversary

We celebrated our one year anniversary with a trip to Washington, D.C. Cory had a some business in Philadelphia for the first two days, so I flew in to Dulles early to hang out with my wonderful AAIA friends. We ate, drank, and were merry!

It was very cool to see how much Bethesda has changed since I moved back to Texas. There were new restaurants and boutiques and, needless to say, I was a little sad we had to come home. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade living so close to family for anything. But, it is fun to think about what life would be like if Cory had moved to Maryland instead. But, as I sit here typing in our lovely home (that is four times the size of my MD apartment) I am reminded that everything happens for a reason, no matter how cliche that sounds.

Back to our trip...The first few days were about relaxing with old friends and checking out all of the restaurants and shopping in Bethesda. The last two days were a whirlwind. We visited our favorite Smithsonian museums and galleries and some we hadn't been to before, including the the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. The latter of which was completely awesome, for me. I think it my obsession with true crime baffles Cory. But, who isn't intrigued by Jeffrey Dahmer? I'll tell you. Cory. He was a good sport though!

I firmly believe that the best vacations revolve entirely around really amazing food. My favorite meal was at the landmark restaurant Ben's Chili Bowl. If you go to D.C., you must visit Ben's! I'm a hot dog kind of girl, and these were THE best. A close second is Marx Cafe in Mount Pleasant... excellent for tapas and vino. I'm salivating.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from our adventures in the District.

On the Mall
The White House
America's Most Wanted set
Key Bridge

2.04.2009

25 Random Things About Me!

Until I get creative enough to really blog again...

1. I make lists every single day. One of the most satisfying things to me is marking items off of said lists. In fact, sometimes I list things I've already accomplished just so that I can immediately mark them off.

2. I find it very difficult to focus, relax or work if (a) there are dirty dishes in the sink (b) the bathrooms need to be cleaned or (c) if there is laundry to be done.

3. In college I would often do all of my laundry, fold it, display it on my bed and then leave it there to admire for a few days. Once sleeping on the couch got old, I'd put away the laundry.

4. I love Neiman Marcus, but a trip to CVS or Walgreens is ALMOST equally satisfying - something about grabbing the latest InStyle, a pack of twizzlers, a new eye lash curler and pointy Q-tips all at the same place really excites me!

5. I refuse to leave the house without sunscreen on my face.

6. I am a TV junkie. Working from home is very difficult sometimes.

7. I firmly believe that everything J.J. Abrams touches turns to gold.

8. I am obsessed with Felicity and I secretly hope J.J. Abrams will make Felicity the Movie! (See no.7)

9. I want Cory to take me to Lego Land and The Harry Potter theme park.

10. My mom and I go to Golightly's Antique Gallery at least once a week and it never gets old.

11. If cupcakes were healthy, I'd eat one with every meal.

12. I miss my Maryland friends desperately and can't wait to visit them this spring!

13. I consider my handbag purchases investments.

14. I collect stationery.

15. I have an affinity for snail-mail.

16. I am afraid of WebMD.

17. I love to read about true crime. I've read everything about Scott Peterson, OJ Simpson and Dahmer.

18. I am fascinated by mass transportation and hope to experience it again soon.

19. I am notorious for giving gifts as soon as I buy them and having to purchase another for the actual celebration/special occasion.

20. I live less than 10 miles from my parents, inlaws and two sets of grandparents! And, I love it!

21. I've been told that Cory and I look alike by quite a few people. I think it's just the glasses. :)

22. I believe in having too many little black dresses and pajamas. (Also, I wish it were socially acceptable to wear pjs out in public. Not that that has stopped me.)

23. My maternal grandma is a twin and my sisters-in-law are twins! It would be fun to have twins.

24. I love when my hair is styled, but I HATE doing my hair. This I am trying to overcome.

25. I love playing with stickers, rolled up tape, labels and any other one-sided sticky thing. I have done this since I was very, very small. My mom used to find little rolled up pieces of tape on the floor and is probably really happy that my addicition no longer messes up her vacuum cleaner. Once, for Christmas, I requested a scotch tape multipack from Sam's and Santa came through! No one knows what is wrong with me.

I think I definitely saved the best/strangest for last.

12.07.2008

My Antique Christmas

I have been meaning to post about my first Christmas as a married lady and, sadly, I am just now getting around to it. I should probably just wait a few more months and post about my second Christmas as a married lady, but I am too proud of my vintage-y tree and my mother-in-law deserves some accolades for her amazing sense of style and creativity. If you don't already know, I have the most precious MIL and, because of her, our first tree was awesome! I am not into the whole red and green look so decorating for Christmas had me stumped. So, I just started pulling some of my favorite antiques off of shelves and out of boxes and ta-da!


My mom's black patent baby shoes


Silhouette cutting of my G-daddy

Silhouette cutting of my G-mama



Our stockings handmade by Cory's mom!


10.29.2008

I'm a Pitiful Blogger

My apologies to the readers of this blog (all three of you) for not keeping you more updated. October has been the second busiest month for us this year. It seems every week Cory and I are rushing all over the metroplex after work. I shouldn't complain though because we've been fortunate enough to attend some exceptional parties...

This is the tenth year that the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR) have partnered to raise money for both Aids research and the DMA's contemporary art collection. Cory and I attended three receptions leading up to this year's annual auction and all of them were equally fabulous. two x two for AIDS and ART is a fantastic venture and being a part of the festivities was very exciting...

Wednesday, October 15
Opening reception at the DMA

Tuesday, October 21
Preview Party at The Rachofsky House

Wednesday, October 22
amfAR Reception at The Goss-Michael Foundation

Last night my dear friend, Judy, had all the girls from work over to her house for Spa Night! It was very relaxing and so much fun! Tonight Cory and I are very excited to review two potential IMAX films for the Omni Theatre-Animalopolis and Wild Ocean! I'll let you know if they're any good. It's sure to be an entertaining evening. Then, Thursday night the whole family is going to the Keller Central vs. Grapevine football game to support Carly Ann (our Varsity Charger Cheerleader Captain) and Austin (our Varisty Mustang Freshman)! It's a house divided, and should make for a very intense night of football! Finally, to finish October off we will be attending the Baxter's Annual Halloween Party - I'm sure Rylee will be a hit in her Policeman costume!

Pictures of the weekend to come...

9.13.2008

Welcome Baby Caiden!


Canyon and Tonya's baby finally arrived on Wednesday evening. And, he is quite the little cutie. I can't wait to meet him and see all his red hair!

Congratulations Canyon and Tonya!

8.19.2008

Happy Early Birthday to Emily!

Cory purchased a new pair of glasses right before the wedding and I have been crazy-jealous of them for four months now...until Tuesday night. I am the proud owner of new Chanel frames. I love love love the orange on the sides! Big thanks to Norm for the early birthday present!