Random Rodriguez Ramblings

I Just Couldn't Wait...

2011-01-21T09:58:00.006-06:00

So, my birthday isn't until Sunday but I was CRAVING cake last night and decided I just couldn't wait. So, I busted out my new KitchenAid Mixer Christmas gift and made a cake. When I started using my new mixer (wow, what a difference, love it) I decided this can't be any ordinary cake, oh no this is going to be my Weekend Birthday Cake! I even put a Happy Birthday sign in it and all. I took the cake to my husband and said "cake is done!" His response after looking at the cake and me, "you made it a birthday cake....for you?" Me, "yep I sure did, HAPPY WEEKEND BIRTHDAY TO ME!" He looked at me light I might have lost my mind but it didn't stop him from having a slice of this delicious cake! Yea, I love celebrating birthdays, especially when they are mine! =)

Butter chocolate cake, with buttercream frosting in the middle, topped with a vanilla glaze and chopped up semi sweet chocolate pieces sprinkled on top. UH TO THE MAZING!

I'MMM BACKKKK!

2011-01-20T16:11:00.007-06:00

So after a 6 month hiatus, I decided to rejoin the blog world! YEAH ME!

Today was the first day I looked at my blog in FORVER and what do you know, Shabby background told me at the end of the month they were changing so I had to get a new background. I guess it was what you call perfect timing! So, since I had to change my blog up, why not change it all, right? Right!

So new name, no more "The Rodriguez's." I decided there are just too many Rodriguez's in the world to call us (me) that. To go with the "R" theme, what 2 better words express me than RANDOM & RAMBLING? It's actually what I do best. =) I am definitely the girl who can talk for hours (something my husband loves, let me tell ya) and loves to try new random things out. Like recently my very best friend, Libby and I went to a National Funeral Museum. Everyone kept saying that was weird, morbid and random of us but can I tell you, WE HAD A BLAST! So, new name "Random Rodriguez Ramblings!"

Then I felt so bad, I didn't have a picture with my daughter, Bella, up in the top area, so that had to change as well. Now she is officially in! The thing that makes me sad is that is the best family photo we have of all of us. We have great photos of 1 dog, 1 parent and 2 parents, 1 dog but it is quite a challenge to get 2 parents and 2 dogs in the same photo all while looking the same direction. I guess it is time we got new family photos for someone else to take the photo.

Lastly, new colors for my blog. I am not feeling the bright colors at the moment. Maybe it is because it 22 degrees outside I can't imagine the bright colors because of how cold it is.

See even Bella thinks it is too cold outside!

Well, that is all for now but I will be back sooner than later with plenty of updates. This weekend is actually my 27th birthday and I have a lot of fun random things planned for it. =)

Dreamgirls

2010-07-21T14:54:00.009-05:00

Last week I experienced my very first professional musical which was Dreamgirls.

The cast did an AMAZING job. I am a huge fan of the movie and I own the cd, so naturally, I sang every song and danced in my chair with the music. I love movie musicals but stage musicals are in a league of their own. My favorite character was James "Thunder" Early played by Chester Gregory . He was GREAT, every line and dance was delivered perfectly. I really saw him as Jimmy Early who has "soul." If you ever get the chance to see this musical I highly recommend it. Here is a snippet of the production.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vHdJmcwEm8

Next musical, SHREK!!

Polar Bear Smooches

2010-07-15T16:35:00.008-05:00

One of my good friends/co-worker went to Alaska two weeks ago and had a wonderful trip seeing all the beautiful sites that Alaska has to offer. On her way back she bought me these amazing chocolates called, Polar Bear Smooches. They are like peppermint patties but 10x's better! This is what they look like:

Doesn't this just sound amazing: "Polar Bear Smooches are a delightful concoction of crunchy peppermint mixed with creamy white chocolate and then drenched in mouth watering semi-sweet chocolate." Yummy right? I found out I can order them online and I am SOOOO excited because they are THAT good! Plus, look at the box, isn't is just the cutest?

"Double Rainbow, WHAT DOES IT MEAN???" =)

2010-07-14T08:57:00.004-05:00

So I came across this you tube video yesterday and I just about died watching it. I am not sure what really made me laugh so hard but once I started laughing I couldn't stop. Some people have crazy reactions to things....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

Our New Daughter!

2010-07-13T16:27:00.006-05:00

So July 5th Nick and I brought home this beautiful Boxer named Bella, full name Isabella. She is a great addition to the family and our other child Cooper seems to like having a play friend.

Just picked her up!

Bella meeting her brother, Cooper!

Nick with our two children.

I have a boy and a girl!!!

Such a daddy's girl! Look at that smile!

Cooper now has a new shadow, Bella!

Sitting pretty on her first family walk.

Nick picked that as a prize? REALLY?

2010-06-30T09:16:00.017-05:00

So, my husband won a contest with his company this weekend and he is getting to pick a prize from a list of options. The contest item they were promoting was a environment friendly option so the prizes had to be environment friendly. Nick was the only winner out of the whole Texas North Region, I am very proud of him!

Here are were the options he could choose from:
-$200 Gift card to Home Depot
-A kindle (electronic book holder)

-Solar backpack or solar briefcase

-Something else that was just random.

I would have went with the $200 gift card because that is free money! My husband picks the Solar backpack! WHAT? Nick is not the outdoor type kind of guy. I mean we camp because I want to camp, not to much on his side. I do not even think he sees the sun on a regular basis so I know this backpack isn't gong to see it. The whole reason he got it was because "it's cool" and for when we go to the lake or camping he can charge his stuff. I guarantee that backpack will be used once and then placed in the closest and be considered lost for awhile.

I mean look at this thing. Do you really see yourself carrying this around if you are not the outdoorsy type?

Although, I also guarantee I am going to want to be charging my phone when we do go camping, so at the end of the day I can't say too much. =)

Ashley's Bridal Shower

2010-06-29T10:06:00.007-05:00

This weekend I was able to catch up with some of my favorite Chi-o's at Ashley's Bridal Shower! It was beautiful shower. The bride to be looked gorgeous, the food was outstanding and the atmosphere was delightful. The soon to be bride is in the pink dress on the left. She is going to be a gorgeous bride!

Part of my favorite thing about showers are all the tasty finger foods! Everything was delicious.

Wesley, one of the bridesmaids, mother made all sweet treats! I was addicting to these petit fours, they tasted just like mini wedding cakes!

Personality Quirk of Mine

2010-06-28T12:29:00.008-05:00

Sometimes, I do things without even thinking about it. I mean it's not that I am intentionally rude by any means but I am kind of the girl who reacts then thinks about the situation. Needless to say, that little personality quirk of mine has got me into some hot water a couple of times.

This weekend a group of us went to Babe's to go eat some fried chicken for our friend's 37th birthday. We had a great time and after that we went to Nick and my's favorite bar, Lochrann's, to listen to the band and enjoy a drink or two. Well, Nick and I left out table for a moment to go dance (we left items on the table) and when we were coming back to our table I saw this man grab my chair. Well, as I was walking back, he just placed the chair at his table and then took his hand off of it; I approached his table and gave him a "hello this was my chair" look and I picked it up and took it back with me to our table. Nick turned around to check where I was (because I wasn't holding his hand anymore, I broke free to save my chair) and I was coming back with MY chair and a smile.

Our conversion about the chair:

Nick: Brandy, did you just take his chair?
Me: No...well...yes BUT I only took this chair because it was MY chair and he stole it first.

Nick: (Takes a sip of his beer while just looking at me)

Me: (All while smiling and laughing) What?, he waited for me to get up to steal my chair. That was rude of him.

Nick: Yes, you are right he shouldn't have taken your chair. (Now smiling)

Me: Honey I think they are giving me a bad look.

Nick: I am sure they are.

Me: Oh well, I didn't mean to be rude, I just wanted my chair.

Nick: (Just smiles at me) It's ok Brandy.

I know sometimes my reaction is a little too fast on things and I do end up thinking about it right after I do it but I have gotten a lot better at it. Although, there have been times that this trait has helped out so I guess it is like a double edged sword. Nick might not always appreciate my quirk but he loves me through it. This picture was taken right after I got my chair back!

My Age is Changing My Style

2010-06-25T12:30:00.017-05:00

What I have come to notice more so these last couple of months is that I am not 15, 19 or heck even 21 anymore. I am a 26 1/2 year old woman. I am a huge fan of jeans and t-shirts with flop flips still to this day, I do not think that will ever change. But now for some reason I am starting to feel I need a change. Now, I am not saying I do not know how to dress because I think I do, I just want to come off more lady like and less Forever 21.

Clothes that I normally would love, I am like "over it" and clothes that I used to think were for more country club ladies I am really being drawn too. I was in Dillard's and Macy's 2 weeks ago looking for a swimsuit and I came across the "WOMAN'S" section and there were all these beautiful daytime dresses. Normally, yes I still shop in the juniors section because I was afraid of buying jeans that go to my belly button and embroider birds on my shirts. I had the worst impression of older ladies clothes but my blinders are finally being removed and I think I truly love the women's section.

The style I am thinking I want to change to is mix between, Charlotte in Sex & the City and Addison Montgomery in Private Practice. Now my only problem is I do not have either of their wealth to buy these beautiful clothes and secondly, I am pretty frugal and the women's section is not cheap either. But to give an idea of the look I am now wanting is this....

These women are barely showing any skin but still look sexy....there is that age of mine showing again. But at the end of the day that is the look I want...sexy, classy and sophisticated!

Dessert for Dessert

2010-06-24T14:45:00.008-05:00

My friend, Brittney, introduced me to this FABULOUS protein shake that I drink for breakfast and have for dessert at night time as well. This mix is called DESSERT and boy is it delicious! I have tried 3 of the flavors currently and love them all! Vanilla Pudding, Chocolate Fudge and Fresh Cinnamon Roll. With the Vanilla I put in fresh fruit and I use that as my morning shake. I use mine with water instead of milk to lower the calories but if you add ice and fresh fruit you can't tell the difference with consistency. With the chocolate fudge I add peanut butter and a banana with the mix as well and it really is a treat. I have had all 3 mixes as well with just ice cold water and they are still really good. I highly recommend this protein dessert! I feel a lot more healthy when I drink this rather than going to Dairy Queen, Starbucks or McDonald's. Here is some more information and reviews of the product. http://www.supplements101.com/Lean_Dessert_Protein_p/bsnleandessert.htm

Gossiping or Networking

2010-06-24T11:39:00.005-05:00

Everyday, I talk to someone on the phone at home and then my husband calls me a "gossip." I usually say "honey, I am just finding out about how ___ day went, jeez" Well, now I have a new saying to tell, which I am really excited to use.

Nick is all about networking these days, so maybe he will understand this line a little more. =)

{Bi~on~ic}

2010-06-24T08:40:00.009-05:00

So my newest obsession is the new Christina Aguilera CD, Bionic. For some crazy reason it did not get rave reviews but I LOVE it. Although, I LOVE her voice, talent, her visions, her female empowerment attitude, pretty much she is my favorite singer.

The beginning of the CD, about the first 8 songs, starts out very beat driven and electronic sounding. I think she hit it dead on what she was trying to establish with the futuristic tone of this CD. From this section I am addicted to "Prima Donna" and "WooHoo." The next 5 or so songs are just ripped completely raw and have light instrumentals in the background and her voice is just so emotionally tied to the songs that she doesn't need the background music to make the song. I have listened to "I Am", "You Lost Me" and " All I Need" over 500 times and I can not get enough of these songs. I know when I do have children I will be singing "All I Need" to them and right now it just makes me think of all my friends who are moms and all the experiences that they are getting enjoy. It is amazing what she can do with her voice and all the different tones she can sing. The last part of the CD picks up with her "female empowerment tone" which is one of the reasons I respect her more than other female artist who are out there because she is a STRONG female and doesn't apologize for it. The songs are a little self absorbed but I again I can't help but love them. "Vanity" and "My Girls" I could put on replay for hours. The overall CD does have a lot of sexual content on it but I think she is a grown woman and she can't keep singing about bubble gum.

Now the only thing that sucks, is that she probably won't be coming out with a new CD for another 3-4 years because she likes to take time off between Cd's. Hopefully, she will only take a 2 year hiatus this time!

KATY B!

2010-06-23T16:43:00.006-05:00

When I was going to San Antonio I was fortunate enough to get to hang out for a short time with my friend Katy B in Austin! She is such a sweetheart. Katy and I go back to freshmen year at college when we meet. We became sisters of the same sorority, Chi-Omega. We had some pretty fun times in college but when you grow up and get in the real world sometimes it is just plain hard to fit all that fun into a schedule. Last time I saw Katy we had sushi for girls night, so it had been a while.

Since I was in Katy's hood she introduced me to Mozart's, which has FABULOUS coffee and chocolate empandas! We talked and caught up and shared our newest life experiences and how much things have changed. It was a great time that I truly will forever remember. We even did a quick meet up at Hula Hut, which was just a very interesting to say the least. She always has some fun random moments up her sleeve, that are worthy of some pretty big laughs in the end! I love when I can laugh with people and just pick up where we left off! Her heart and smile just shines love and those are the kind of people I need and want to keep in my life.

I am Used to All the Attention

2010-06-23T16:01:00.004-05:00

I got Cooper the cutest shirt! Like momma like baby, we are used to the attention. HAHA Just kidding. I seriously cuddle him and spoil him rotten like he is a human. Nick and I spoil Cooper so much I think he even believes he is a human. We just love him bunches!

My Baby Brother Graduates!

2010-06-23T15:45:00.008-05:00

My baby brother who is only 17 ( I am getting old) has just graduated high school! I am so very proud of him! That week I drove to San Antonio and watched him walk across the stage. It really did make me super happy inside for him. He is turning into such a young man. It is amazing how time flys! I wish I had more time to stay down there but we were at deadline at work which means no vacations days aloud.

The graduation was kind of like going to a "little Wayne Concert" my older brother Joe said. We had to pay $5 for parking! Seriously? Then they even had food concession stands. I mean when I graduated we graduated at University of Houston and I don't remember having to pay for parking and definitely don't remember nachos being served. How time changes things.

Doesn't he looks so cute in his cap and gown!

All the kids at the house before we left. Youngest to oldest. Barbara (baby sister), Jordon (baby brother), Me and Joe (older brother)

Me and Jay on his big day!

All the family! Left to right- Joe, Lisa (stepmom), Jay, Dad, Me, Barbara

For his congrats dinner we went to Big Lou's! It has been on the travel channel for largest pizza in Texas. It is a whopping 42" round. It takes 2 plates to hold one slice. Surprisingly the pizza was delish!
Look at how big it is!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

2010-06-23T14:06:00.005-05:00

I just finished the The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. For all you Twilighter's out there, you know who this girl is that I am talking about.

It was a nice quick (150 pages=1 day) easy read to a little bit more on the dark side of Twilight and how some "newbies" are created. Plus, it gives more of a background on Victoria and her evil making ways while introducing you more in depth to a important character that didn't have a chance in Eclipse, Bree Tanner. I enjoyed it but now I wish there was more short novellas on some other characters. I do hope Stephanie Meyers comes out with one for "Renesmee Cullen" who happens to be Bella and Edwards child. I would love to know more about her and where to ends up heading in life with her imprinted wolf friend/boyfriend Jacob!

My Best Friend Brittney Gets Married!

2010-06-23T13:41:00.006-05:00

So, my best friend Brittney got married May 29th to her best friend, now husband, Jonathan. This was such a fun road to travel with her during her wedding process/events. I have been waiting for the photos from the photographer to put on here but she is still waiting for them herself.

Brittney has become one my very best friends in the short time I have known her. She happens to have one of the most amazing hearts that I have ever encountered. Brittney is lady that you can count on to be there for you, be honest with you and really be someone who makes it known her friendships are important to her. Plus, she watches all the same trash reality shows as I do, so I always have a friend to talk to about what is going on in the world! ha! At the end of the day, I am truly blessed to have someone like her in my life that I can call a best friend!

Her wedding was gorgeous and classy, just like her. The wedding was held at this adorable chapel in downtown Frisco and her reception was held at the Grand Hotel in Downtown McKinney. Everything was spectacular and absolutely beautiful.

I wish I had more photos of that day but she was one busy lady!

3 Year Anniversary

2010-06-23T13:31:00.006-05:00

So I am behind a little on my blogging...oh by a couple of months. I just got tired of doing pretty much anything on a computer for a while but I am back!

Back track to May 5. Nick and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary and it was just amazing.

I surprised Nick with an Italian dinner on the Little Elm Beach. We walked around and enjoyed the beautiful weather and just talked.
The weather was still gorgeous that weekend so Nick surprised me and rented a boat on Lake Lewisville for a few hours and we just relaxed on the water, swam and looked at some amazing houses that we hope to own one day. =)
Then, we came back home showered and he took me to an awesome dinner at Del Frisco's. We both have been wanting to eat here and we just loved it. I had the Stone Crab Claws and they were delish! The steak that Nick got was like butter, sooo good!

After that Nick and I went to our favorite little bar near our house, Lochrann's, that we frequent because of the awesome service we get from Adam and because the have kick butt bands! Nick and I just danced the night away to the oldies music the band was playing. I am HUGE fan of oldies music because that is what my mom and I listened to while growing up. Nick tolerates it for me but this was the first time he put on his dancing shoes to it and we did cut up the rug!

Every anniversary just seems to get better and better and I can not wait to see how much more fun and special they get as time passes us.

Valentine's Weekend Celebration

2010-02-17T17:30:00.006-06:00

I have to say I had an amazing Valentine's Day this year. Nick came home Friday night from being gone for a full week for work. That was just a present in itself for me! He actually could have stayed in Houston this weekend because he would be right back there on Monday but he came home. So Friday night when he came home we went to our favorite Italian restaurant by our house, Palio's. So delicious. Then it was what we do best for the rest of the night, blockbuster movies!

Saturday morning I went shopping and he ran some errands then we both got home and ready for dinner. This time we went to Ruth Chris Steakhouse. The food was just out of this world but Nick and I both agreed that something else about it makes it not one of our top picks. You could just say we didn't have "that feeling" about it but I am sure many other people do.

After that we went to studio movie grill, where we had reserved sitting to the movie....VALENTINE'S DAY! Since, we had just ate we used our meal tickets for some nice adult beverages. We both loved the movie. Tons of eye candy for both of us.

Me: Oh honey, McDreamy, McSteamy and Jacob are both in this movie! (HUGE smile on my face!)

Nick: So is Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel. (while smiling and nodding his head up and down)

Then we just laughed and returned to the screen for our FAVORITE people shots!

To end the night off, we went dancing at NYLO hotel in Plano. Needless to say the perfect end to an amazing night.

Oh and to make it even better, Nick didn't leave Sunday afternoon like planned for Houston yet again. He stayed home with me and woke up Monday at 4:30 in the morning to traveled down there for his meeting. I truly have the world's best husband!

Snowy Days

2010-02-17T17:09:00.007-06:00

Well, it happened...we beat the highest record of snow in Dallas EVER! We received a whole 12 inches of snow this past weekend. Can I say it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Waking up in the morning and opening your window blinds to a gorgeous white wonderland is just breath taking. Now, I understand why Nick wants to move us to Colorado so bad, for scenery's like that. We still have to talk about that though because taking how pretty the snow is, I do NOT do cold well.

Cooper LOVED the snow. Him loving the snow was kind of a surprise to me because he really doesn't have that much fur on his under belly side. 12 inches of snow on him starts touching areas that I think you wouldn't want snow touching but he didn't seem to mind all that much.

Here are just some of the pictures taken from that day, unfortunately Nick was out of town for the whole event.

I think the snow reminded him of his favorite treat, ice cubes!

Someone was wanting to be chased.

The boy can RUN!

Me and my baby! He rather play in the snow that pose with me.

How do I Feel About Valentine's Day?

2010-02-12T14:04:00.002-06:00

Valentine’s Day is here! So Happy Valentine’s day to all!! I love this holiday not for the gifts, chocolates, flowers, and teddy bears but for the meaning what is behind it, love. You don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate this holiday and I think a lot of people feel that you do. Honestly I have always had a valentine since I was 14 so I don’t know how it is not to have a valentine. But I don’t only celebrate it with the person I am/was seeing but with family and friends included. We have mother’s day, father’s day, president’s day, and secretary’s day, why not have a day that you just show appreciation for the fact you have loving people in your life? I mean it is love that majority of this world wants and is seeking to find. Why are so many Internet sites popping up to hook people up…. because people want to be loved. Feeling loved is one the most important feelings to feel, even if it just by your family or friends. There are a lot of people in this world who feel they don’t have anyone, and I mean anyone, to turn to that loves them enough just to listen and care. I couldn’t imagine that feeling and I think no one should. So guys don’t bellyache it is a pointless holiday which was added to the calendar just to make you spend money and DEFINITELY don’t say that to your girl. And like wise for girls! If you think this holiday is about money then you are wrong. Yes, I did buy a gift for my man, but because I wanted to not because I felt I had to. I thought it was something he could use and would like and I bought it. I enjoy buying for him, and I buy for him a lot even if it isn’t a holiday. That is MY personality though. Though I could have just made him a card and he would have been more than happy with that. He doesn’t expect a lot of monetary stuff from me, just that I love him and have his best interest always at heart. If you have friends that you love tell them, if you have parents that you love tell them, if you have a significant other in your life tell them how much they mean to you. Look at this day they way you look at people you love, with consideration and affection, not with negativity. And if you know someone is having a hard time with this day due to a loss of some kind or loneliness and you don’t know them that well, give them a hug or sit down a listen. The smallest gestures to people really can change someone’s mood and outlook.

If people were as affectionate to the rest of the world, as they are with their loved one, imagine what kind of beautiful world we could have.

My 26th Birthday Celebration in Shreveport

2010-01-26T08:34:00.012-06:00

SO, I have to say I had an AMAZING birthday this year. The day started out with me taking that Friday off from work and dropping Cooper off at PetsHotel for the weekend. Then I headed to The Red Door Spa for a Desert Hot Stone Massage and a Warm Cream Pedicure. I ran some errands and then headed home to wait for my hubby.

I have to say my husband was a HUGE trooper this weekend. The previous two days he was in Austin for work and left there at 2 and then got to Dallas around 5. Once he got home he really quickly repacked another suitcase and then drove us to Shreveport. I was ready to drive us there because I knew he was tired but he wouldn't let me. I thought that was a really nice gesture of him.

The first night in Shreveport was a pretty plain Jane night because we just laid in our hotel room and slept due to exhaustion. The next morning we woke up bright and early and headed to the Louisiana River Walk and just enjoyed the morning with each other. We then headed to one of my old school favorite restaurants, Joe's Crabshack! In high school I used to go to Joe's 3 or 4 times a week (no lie) because I worked on the Kemah Boardwalk and we got 50% off on our meal ticket at any of the restaurants. After that we went to O' Brian's Pub and had a few beers and talked with some people that were there. Then, we headed to the Sci-Port which as AWESOME! It is like a huge science play ground. Nick and I had a ball there and we were definitely acting like little kids with all the things you can do. We even waited in line patiently behind some of the 6 year old kids. After this we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

For dinner Nick took me to the #1 restaurant on tripadvisor, which was The Village Grill. They only had like 14 tables in the place so you had to have reservations. It had a rat pack feeling in there which was neat. Also, something different, there was no paper menu. The waiter would describe each appetizer, soup, salad, dinner and dessert in FULL detail. Nick and I actually enjoyed it because of the different experience of and the food was just outstanding!

After that we went to gamble at the Eldorado Casino and then danced at the Allure Lounge. After that we headed to the ROCKIN RODEO! That was a definitely the most interesting and fun part of the night. Nick and I danced and I personally think we made a lot of other couples jealous with our hip dance moves. Nick is really starting to have a lot more fun on the dance floor and I LOVE IT! It was the perfect ending to a great birthday weekend.

Sparkle Shoes, Sparkle Purse, Sparkle Me

2010-01-20T17:39:00.006-06:00

LOOKY LOOKY! I bought myself some new flashy shoes to wear on my birthday at the casino's in Shreveport. The instant I saw theses shoes I just had to have them because they are just so fun to look at. I am so excited to break them in this Saturday in Shreveport with gambling, dancing and whatever other fun my husband and I find to do. Usually, I do not buy fun shoes because I don't see them as an investment. I have to admit I am the frugal (cheap) one in my marriage and fun shoes that I wear with one outfit just seems like a waste of money to me. So despite my tight wad personality I just had to have these amazing, sparkling shoes so I did what most girls would do the moment they saw the shoes they wanted, I invested.

Nick was a little surprised by my sparkly shoes but he liked them. My husband kind of has a little metro-ness about himself, which I appreciate cause he has style. I have the husband who is fashionable but doesn't have to be gay...awesome! I think I am throwing him for a loop though because he thinks my style is changing, which leads for him having a harder time shopping for me. At Christmas I was wanting this Coach purse so bad and he was surprised because I usually go for more classic, everyday look for my purses. Turns out I have a wonderful husband and he got me the AMAZING sparkly bag I wanted!

Come to find out I went to the Coach store the other day and my bag has completely sold out! It was a limited edition purse and I didn't even know. Unfortunately, so was the other bag I was wanting but at least I got one of them! I got the fun, sparkly bag compared to the classic style bag. Can't wait to accessorize and sparkle on my birthday with all my new items!

1 Year Today!

2010-01-17T16:06:00.008-06:00

We have officially had Cooper for one year today! Time flies because it seems like yesterday he was just a puppy chewing our carpet. He has definitely given us a glimpse at what being parents to a REAL baby could be like. When we first got him I thought I was going to take him back because he was a nipper and barked all the time and ate a couple of pair of my favorite shoes. Also, he ate Nick's suit pants, Maui Jim sunglasses, his blue tooth and like 15 of his toothbrushes! Because of him we will have to replace the carpet in the living room because he ate it and the backdoor wood frame because he ate that too. Needless to say, he has done a lot of bad things in his puppy stage but he didn't know better and it was our responsibility to train him. The only thing he really chews on now are HIS toys and Nick's toothbrushes. He has some weird obsession with Nick's toothbrushes, which makes Nick mad but we guess Cooper just likes to have fresh breath? Who knows with him.

Through all the stuff Cooper has eaten he has still managed to work his way into our heart since the day we got him. He has the best personality ever or at least we think so. He loves to play rough and wrestle with you and have you chase him. "Chase" has to be his all time favorite game and boy can he run. He also thinks he is a human which we think is the funniest thing ever. He uses pillows to prop his head up, checks him self out in mirrors, loves to have the covers on him, and he loves watching TV. Cooper with as hyper as he can be is also the world's sweetest dog. He LOVES to cuddle with us, and give us kisses. He knows when one of us is sad because he comes right next to you, sits down, looks at you and gives you a kiss and just sits there until your mood changes. We might be richer monetary wise not having him but he has definitely enriched our lives more than money could afford. Getting him that day from the SPCA was one of the best decisions Nick and I have ever made because we saved his life and he completed ours.

Nick kept saying how cool and strong this dog looked and I kept saying he looks like he wants to eat me.

Then I held him and I just started loving him that very moment.

We brought him home to become a Rodriguez.

Our most recent family photo, he has grown so much!

Nick got a PROMOTION!

2010-01-10T22:51:00.008-06:00

So good news, Nick got a promotion with Frito-Lay. He is now the Dollar Channel Key Account Manager for The Texas region! He will be helping grow all of these stores business with there Frito Lay products.

There are going to be a lot of easier changes around the Rodriguez's household because of this! With his previous positions he got calls at ALL hours of the day, especially at 2 and 3 in the morning when his guys were stocking the stores. Now, he doesn't have any sales route drivers that report to him directly, he just helps them out with selling product into their stores. So, no more early phone calls, no more going to work at 2 am in the morning! I am a pretty sound sleeper but those calls could put me in a pretty foul mood real quick when they would wake me up. Also, with this position he works NORMAL hours. I have to say my husband worked harder than anyone I knew because he used to go to work anywhere from 3 to 5 in the morning and get off anywhere from 5 to 8 at night. We never got to take vacation time around the holidays because that is when people buy the most chips and he had to be ready to help his guys out, well now we can take vacation pretty much whenever we want. The only downside for me is that he will be traveling 1 to 2 nights a week, every week with the new job. I love having my husband home, so that is going to be hard for me but I have already planned to fill it with girlfriend time or family time. I am thinking about getting my Girls Night Dinner Cooking group started. More on that later...

Also, Nick got a company car! He is driving around the sporty Toyota Prius while helping mother nature out. If anyone knows my punkin, well you know as great as a free car is I think he felt his manhood drop a couple of points because of it. He is used to fast, sporty cars or loaded out big bodies. The Toyota Prius is neither of these but I keep telling him a free car is nothing to complain about.

He looks oh so hot driving around in it! =)

For his promotion, I surprised him with a nice dinner at Kenny's Wood Fire Grill in Addison. If you haven't been, you need to go. My co-workers are the Addison guru's and they would always talk about how amazing this place was and they weren't lying! The ribs and the Ahi Tun were the best either one of us have ever had! And the customer service was just awesome.

Family Photos By Michelle

2010-01-10T22:19:00.005-06:00

Our friend Michelle was sweet enough to take some new family photos of us. Michelle did a great job with the photos.

The first photo below is my favorite photo of Cooper.

Merry Christmas from The Rodriguez's

2009-12-23T09:21:00.004-06:00

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

2nd Annual Dallas Christmas Chi-O Lunch

2009-12-22T14:42:00.004-06:00

This past Sunday we had our 2nd Annual Dallas Chi-O Christmas Lunch get together. I have to admit I just love the girls in my pledge class. We can go weeks or months without talking and pick back up where we all left off. We had our get together at Gloria's in Addison. Same place that it was held last year when only Michelle and I were able to make it cause everyone got sick. I always have a great time catching up with people especially these girls. This year Lana, Amy, Stephanie, Allie and Michelle were able to make it.

Next, year we are thinking about going old school and throwing ourselves a Symphony Ball party with a limo. I hope we get the chance to do it!

Christmas Parties Galore!

2009-12-22T13:57:00.007-06:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas time are all of the holiday parties! I had 5 Christmas parties this year to attend and I went to all of them. I had a great time hanging with co-workers, friends and family. Here are just a few pictures of all the fun.

First Christmas Party was with my work. They took us to eat at Fogo De Chao! If you have never been there, you need to. It was just an amazing time. Our bosses treat us very well!

My boo, Tania! She keeps me balanced.

The ladies at our office.
Next, Christmas party was later that night was with my mom's work. Her office took us all out to Rick's Chophouse in McKinney. I had a lot of amazing food that day! She has a very fun group of ladies that she works with and they kept me fully entertained.

Eric, my mom and me

Third Christmas Party was Frito Lay's Awards Banquet. Nick said it wasn't a Christmas party but I ask you, if there are Christmas trees, bulbs, lights and raffles (presents) how is it not a Christmas party? He is just trying to be politically correct and that isn't something I am very often, I just say it how it is. =)

See one of the 2 Christmas tree's behind us...Christmas party!

My favorite ladies to see at all of the Frito Lay events or even outside of Frito lay events.
Me, Rebecca and Sandy

Joey and Rebecca being very excited because Joey won the DSL of the year award! Nick won this award last year and I think it is awesome that Joey won it this year.

Not only did they win that award but Rebecca won a flat screen TV! I was trying so hard to get that item and she got it on her first try. Lucky duck!

Fourth Christmas party was at Michelle and Clay's apartment. I got to experience what flip cup was all about because I initially had no clue. When that flip cup game was going on it was seriously like TX/OU weekend, so loud! I never realized 8 guys can make so much noise!

I just love these ladies! Stacy, Me, Stephanie, Michelle and Amy

The last Christmas party was at my co-workers/friends house, Tania and Amanda. Can you believe I didn't take one picture? So unlike me! I had a great time there getting to hang out with all of them.

I had a blast at each Christmas party I went to and I am so glad I get to surround myself around the amazing people in my life.

December has arrived!

2009-12-01T23:38:00.006-06:00

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR! Finally Christmas season has arrived. I have had all of our Christmas decorations out since Monday last week but I didn't have the tree decorated. It was up with lights but that was it. My parents were nice of enough to give up a lot of their old tree ornaments when Nick and I first got together and every year we would add new bulbs to the tree, well I wanted something completely new. I waited till hobby Lobby was having their Christmas sale, and I was gonna go where the wind blew me. Well, as soon as I walked into the store I saw they decorated a tree with the decorations that you use to make garland pieces with and BAM the wind blew me straight to that aisle. I bought TONS of fillers and everything was 50% off so I saved a bunch of cash. Here is our new grown up, fancy may I add, Christmas tree.

I just LOVE IT!

Also, we got new stockings this year and even Cooper got one just like his momma and daddy.

I love having a home that feels like Christmas!

Oh and punkin has presents under the tree already! I am on top of my game this year! He thinks he has guessed 2 out of 4 but I think his wrong.

I love making my gifts pretty with ribbons and all, it's my thing!

10 Reasons to be Thankful!

2009-11-25T20:24:00.003-06:00

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I feel I have a whole world of reasons to be thankful and happy with my life.

1. My faith that keeps be positive and always keeps me looking at the bright side of life.

2. My amazing husband who loves me and supports me unconditionally, he is my amazing love.

3. My terrific mother and father who constantly teach me the important values in life. I couldn't have asked for better teachers.

4. My husband's family, they are wonderful, down to earth people who I get to enjoy spending holidays and get-togethers with. They are not my in-laws but true family members.

5. Cooper who teaches me not everything will go the way I want it to but love will still be around the chewed corner.

6. Friends, the people who are truly there because they want to be there with you, not because they have to be. I have a small group of amazing friends who I am blessed to have.

7. A job, because a lot of people currently do not have one and are really having a hard time making ends meet.

8. Living in an amazing country, where I get to choose where and what I want out of life.

9. Life's simple necessities that people in other countries few as luxuries.

10. My health, I feel for the most part of life I have been blessed with very few health obstacles. Silly as it might sound but every time I watch a medical show, my eyes open wider to all the issues that other people around the world can face.

I hope everyone can find reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving for.

HAPPY EARLY THANKSGIVING!

New Moon...FINALLY

2009-11-21T11:24:00.008-06:00

I have been waiting MONTHS for New Moon to come. I have read the series twice now since Twilight the movie has came out. What can I say, I just love the series.

Nick and I went to go see New Moon last night on opening night. As Nick best explained it, going to see New Moon was kind of like going to a Jonas Brother concert, nothing but teenage girls or families. When girls got in line they screamed out of excitement, then when they were about to let us into the theater they screamed, then when they got into the theater they screamed, then when they found their seats they screamed, then when previews started they screamed, then when a preview with Robert Pattinson came on they screamed, then when the movie started it persisted to now screaming and clapping. Of course when Jacob took of his shirt they screamed and I at least totally understood that reaction, Mr. Taylor Lautner worked hard for that 30lbs of muscle so he deserved his attention. Now when Edward took off his shirt I was expecting screams but it was dead silence, maybe because it was the peak of the movie or because teenage girls don't find pale, skinny guys as attractive.

The movie was way better than Twilight was. Twilight actually wasn't a good movie but I still like it enough to watch it all the time at home. New Moon had no where to go but up after following Twilight. It was a slower paced movie because the book itself was a slower paced book and movie follows the book very well. The book wasn't about happy times and love, it was about heartache and being in pain. It hasn't gotten rave reviews from the critics but if you didn't read the book you have no idea about what the second book represented. I personally loved the movie and I appreciate it when movies follow the books and major parts aren't cut out. Everything in this movie was better: the acting, the make up, the graphics, and the storyline. I enjoyed it and can't wait to see it again and buy it on DVD!

Cooper's Photo Shoot

2009-11-17T21:26:00.007-06:00

Well, I haven't taken any recent pictures of Cooper lately so while I had some time before we left for Ft. Worth on Saturday I decided to take a couple. I just love my little spoiled baby.

I have my eye on the prize...

I caught it!

I told you I would catch it mom...aren't you proud of me!

I love playing catch, it puts me in a great mood.

But it also makes me tired and lazy...

I am just gonna lay her till I fall asleep.

I get comfortable and cross my paws.

Dreaming away...

Two Trips to Ft. Worth In 2 Days

2009-11-17T20:59:00.013-06:00

Well this past weekend, we were all about NEW and FT. WORTH! Nick and I usually don't go to Ft. Worth just because certain roads to get there can be rather annoying and congested with traffic but this weekend we had plenty of good reasons to go.

Reason One. We bought a new car!!! We are now the proud owners of a BMW 335i coupe. Yes, a coupe, no baby car seats going in this ride anytime soon. That actually happened to be Nick's mom and my mom's first thought...."Where's the baby gonna sit?" Our answer...."what baby?...oh you mean Cooper, well he can ride in the back perfectly fine but he prefers in the front seat in momma's lap!" Although, we don't plan on any babies anytime soon, we are talking about giving Cooper a furry brother or sister, hopefully soon!

Isn't she pretty =)

Reason Two. Baby EMERSON! Yes, we might not be having kids but my friends sure are! My best friend Allie had her beautiful baby girl almost 3 weeks ago and I finally got to see her! She is a beauty and I am just in love with her. Allie let me hold her the whole time we were down there and she just slept in my arms. She has to be the most peaceful baby I have ever seen. Seriously she didn't fuss once, now I hope I have that kind of luck with my babies! I really didn't want to leave her but Allie had family coming over.

Reason Three. After hanging with the Sonsini's, Nick and I went to the Ft. Worth Zoo since we were in the area. So maybe I am a zoo snob but I didn't get what all the hype was about. I mean we had a good time but I was expecting more. I have been to the Bronx Zoo in New York and that zoo is AMAZING. Takes 2 days to see everything while we saw everything here in two hours. On the bright side, Nick and I did something new, the weather was amazing and we saw some animals do some pretty cool tricks.

The rhino kept pushing the ball around. He was my favorite this trip to the zoo.

All in all we had a great weekend in Ft. Worth!

Our First Pumpkin Patch Visit

2009-10-21T21:20:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday after watching the TX/OU game at home, I had surprised Nick with a visit to the Pumpkin Patch in Frisco. I had never been to a pumpkin patch because we always got our pumpkins at Randall's or Kroger growing up, so I was VERY excited to see what is was all about. I enjoyed seeing all the pumpkins nicely spaced out because it gave me a better view to find the one I wanted. It was a beautiful day for being outside and just enjoying life's little moments that we get blessed with.

Nick took it upon himself to be the expert pumpkin picker!

We found my pumpkin!!

If anyone knows Nick and I pretty well, they know my nick name for him is PUNKIN! He gets teased a little bit for it but I actually think he likes. This past week at work, his coworkers decided to fully decorate his office with pumpkins and saying they think I would say to him. He got a good laugh about it. The reason I gave him that nickname was because he reminds me of pumpkins. He has a large head (I mean that in a nice way) and beautiful big lips that remind me of the creases that run vertically down the pumpkins. I think pumpkins are beautiful and unique, just like him.

Cinnabon's New Sensation!!!

2009-10-13T09:49:00.011-05:00

Today at work, I was going to the fridge to get a bottle of water and I noticed someone in the office dropped off a box of bars for us to try. I got super excited when I saw that it said CINNABON on it. I love love LOVE Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls!

I remember having my first Cinnabon roll in Houston at Baybrook mall. It was then after that first cinnabon roll that is became tradition for my mom and me to share one every time we went to the mall. Not only did we share one but I always begged my mom to watch them make the rolls. Roll the dough, slather it with butter, slather it will cinnamon paste, roll the dough up into a log, cut the dough, put the dough in the tin, bake, then put mounds of frosting on the cinnabons! Such a great process!!

Well, looks like kellogg's and Cinnabon put their heads together and created an AWESOME bar. INTRODUCING CINNABON BARS!! They are absolutly AMAZING. They taste exactly like the famous sticky buns served at the mall but with no mess. They aren't very big but they are great for a sweet treat! Also great news, ONLY 150 CALORIES! You have to try them if you love Cinnabon!

Bridesmaids Screech!

2009-10-12T10:38:00.010-05:00

On Friday, I was able to go to see Dustin Diamond a.k.a. Screech perform some comedy. It started with my friend Britney getting free tickets to the comedy club. Unfortunately, Nick couldn't go because he had been working a lot this week and just wanted to relax. So I headed down to Britney's house to meet her and the rest of the group. To get off the subject for a quick moment, I officially got my card from Britt asking me to be a bridesmaid! I was so honored with the sweet words in the card. Britt has become such an important person in my life. Her friendship has meant so much to be these last couple of years. She has been there for me in some really bad times and celebrated some amazing moments with me also. I am so happy to be apart of her and Jonathan's special day! That night I got to get a little closer with some of the bridesmaids, who I think are some pretty fun girls!

Now back to the show! We got there, order our first drink out of the 2 drink minimum and waited for about 5 minutes for things to get started. The first guy did some comedy for about 5 minutes and he was ok. I was hoping it would only get better after him. Then Nate the Snake came on stage and he was HILARIUS! I mean I was laughing so hard, I was crying trying to catch my breath. I hadn't been to a comedy show before that I laughed that hard for that long. I give my props to him cause he was good! Finally, the headliner, SCREECH! Throughout the whole day I was wondering if he was going to be amazing or just a big ole train wreck. Turns out not a train wreck at all. He wasn't that funny for the first 10 minutes but after that he was just a barrel of laughs! Most male comedians don't talk about the female nature as in periods and who-ha problems but he did. If you looked around the audience the males were laughing to themselves trying to figure out some of things he was talking about and then if you looked at the ladies we were all bent over trying to catch our breath, pointing at each other laughing. Guess you had to be a female to TRULY understand.

At the end of the show we got to take pictures with Screech and then headed to a club next door to talk about the show and catch up. Great Friday night!

Britney Spears

2009-10-12T10:04:00.023-05:00

So I have been way behind on blogging and I am going to do my best to catch up starting with, Ms. Spears. A couple of weeks ago a couple of my friends and I went to the Britney Spears concert. This was the best SHOW that I have been to. I capitalized show because we all know the girl doesn't sing live. I first saw Britney when I was a Sophomore in high school because I had won radio tickets to her show, Baby Hit Me One More Time. From the past to present as a performer she has really matured and came into her own.

When we first arrived to the American Airlines Center, we were heading up to out seats (the nose bleed corner section) and then the usher lady told us, "your section has been closed you have to go home." I am pretty gullible and I was like , " DO WHAT?" Obviously, everyone in my group got the "joke" except for me. Our section was really closed and they had to move us. I was like, "are our seats going to be comparable?" I couldn't have imagined moving even higher to the top. We were first row on section 300, so I was like crap we are going to be section 300 row Z. Turns out we went to the ticket people and we got GREAT seats. We were now Platinum seats, center section 211 and no one behind us but a wall! We could stand and not worry about anyone getting mad at us. These seats were just the beginning to having an amazing time!

The show was just a total WOW factor. She had a great opener, Jordin Sparks. (She was the reason I finally voted on American Idol!) Then the pre circus, with the people spinning things on their heads and bodies, the lady jumping with no legs and the balance beam jump, kept me totally entertained.

Then the show starts with Britney coming down from the ceiling. Talk about some screaming fans!

Throughout the whole show we pretty much stood and danced and sang along. Even Ashlie and I paid tribute to Ms. Spears and took off our heels at the last half of the concert and went barefoot.

As expected the show had to end. I had an amazing time with some wonderful friends and some great performers, what a great girls night!

¡Perdóneme! ("excuse me" for the non spanish speakers)

2009-08-05T08:21:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, Nick and I received some advertising coupons in the mail. Most of you all know I work for Valpak so I do look through all the competitors coupons just to see what is out there. One of the advertisements happened to be a stand alone piece (like Bed, Bath and Beyond 20% coupon) for Peter Piper's Pizza. I instantly noticed the logo and think "they REALLY have good pizza" and this made me get super excited. I then went to look out how good the offers were and right there I got a little aggravated. The advertisement piece , front AND back was ALL in Spanish! Yes, I have taken a couple of years of Spanish so I get the basic words and phrases. Yes, my husband and I are Hispanic (Me-Puerto Rican, Nick- Mexican.) Yes, I married a man with the last name Rodriguez. All these items are true, but for a TOTAL Spanish coupon is just a little ridiculous if you ask me.

I tried to think of reason's why would they ever send me a strait Spanish coupon? Nick and I grew up with English being our primary language and not really having a secondary language. I know the demographics of our neighborhood which is a primarily Caucasian area. Nick and I check the "other" box when filling out forms. (I hate that they expect me to claim just 1/4 of who I am, I am a whole person dangit, I should be able to pick as many boxes as I want.) So I am pretty positive that we were picked out by our last name, which aggravates me a little. When I worked at Countrywide, when different people needed a Spanish speaker they would buzz me because of my last name and say, "Hey, I have this Spanish speaker, do you have time to talk to them?" My answer, "I married a man with the last name Rodriguez, I do not know enough Spanish to talk about home loans with them."

Well, after my aggravation wore off (3 minutes), I tried to read the offers again and then got happy. Lucky for them I know some Spanish from high school and college and I recognized "Free Pizza! with no purchase needed." So I will be using the coupon but I am considering calling the advertisement company and letting them know they should use English/Spanish ads to get better use of their advertisement money. Would you call?

Nick, me and the Dom

2009-07-28T22:55:00.004-05:00

Nick and I received an awesome bottle of champagne for one of our wedding gifts from my friend Larry. Larry and I meet as freshmen in high school and he got Nick and I a Bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 1998 which was the year Larry and I meet. I thought it was a very special gift so Nick and I decided to wait a year and open it on our first year anniversary, well we had so much wine that night we decided not to open it and drink it on our second year anniversary. Well, being in Grapevine, wine country, we ran into the same problem. So, we decided so drink the bottle when something big happened for us. Well, our furniture arrived on Saturday and for us to buy our own furniture was a HUGE thing. So we FINALLY opened that bottle. Can I saw we enjoyed every drop of that bottle while watching a movie in our newly decorated living room! We LOVED the Dom!

Cupcake Overload

2009-07-28T22:31:00.005-05:00

Most people that know me know that I have a deep LOVE of cupcakes! I mean how can you not just love cupcakes? They are your own personal cake that you don't have to share! Well, I found another kind of cupcake to fall in love with....CUPCAKE WINE! It doesn't taste like cupcakes at all but the brand name of the wine is called Cupcake. I discovered it when I was at one of my favorite places, Market Street Grocery Store, to buy Nick's boss a bottle of wine to congratulate them on their new house that is down the street from us. I was walking and I saw a tall stand with a board that said "CUPCAKE," and of course I went to straight to the stand and realized that is was wine they were talking about. The stand was almost empty so I grabbed a red wine, Merlot, thinking that hey it must be good since there is hardly any left. I asked the wine person if it was good and he said they have a hard time keeping it in stock, so that intrigued me even more to buy it. I am not a huge red wine drinker because I get a headache every time but to my surprise I never got a headache off of this wine. So, after work today I went back to Market Street for another bottle because it was so DELICIOUS! Well, when I went today they had restocked with more kinds of Cupcake wine. Lately I can't decided between one thing from another so I just bought 2 other kinds and one Merlot! The Cabernet Sauvignon is just as tasty as the Merlot, hopefully so will be the Riesling!

Shaved Away

2009-07-21T14:10:00.005-05:00

So for the whole time I have known my husband he has had a goatee. I actually love his facial hair so it has never bothered me. I did ask him one time if he would shave it off but he refused to because he thought it made him look too young. Well, since he is interviewing for a higher up position tomorrow at Frito he thought it was a good thing to get rid of for the time being. Human resources seems to like the more clean cut on men. I have to say I am LOVING the look of his new smooth baby face. He surprised me and sent me a picture this morning; he was suppose to do it tonight with me present. I guess he got excited....

I can't want to see him tonight to see how it feels and looks in person. HE IS JUST SO HANDSOME!!

FINALLY NEW FURNITURE!

2009-07-15T16:15:00.015-05:00

So, when Nick and I got back Sunday afternoon we decided to enjoy the day out since we couldn't pick Cooper back up from his doggie hotel until 5:30. We had a nice brunch at my favorite place, The Original Pancake House, then headed across the street to all the furniture stores on 121 near Stonebriar Mall.

We now realize our style is no where near "modern" taste as we thought it was. I kind of feel modern furniture if for the shorter person because it is SO low to the ground. I didn't think my butt was ever going to get close to the sofa chair but after some knee cracking I finally sat down and then felt like a 9 month pregnant person struggle to get out of the chair.

We stumbled across Ashley furniture and did we strike gold! Nick and I fell in love with so much there that we were there past closing.... for an hour. Beverly was our sales

lady and she is AWESOME, so sweet and didn't pester us but just really a GREAT sales person. Well, we found out our new style is Old World meets Transitional! I just love one of our new piece, our coffee table. The coffee table is the Old World part of us. The end table we got matches this. We also got a sofa and love seat and a media center chest. These pieces are not part of a set because I was trying not to get to matchy matchy. I felt like a kid in a candy store with looking at all this furniture.

Now for our transitional phase is our new dining room table. I am in LOVE with it. What brought on our shopping spree to decorate our house... well, Nick and I just wanted something new. We have been together for 5 years with the same mixy matchy furniture which didn't go together. We just got tired of not having a homey feeling in our house that reflected our styles. Now, I can say with the biggest smile on my face that our furniture now matches us and our house.

So, with the new arrive of furniture means the current stuff has got to go. We are looking to sell, 1 coffee table, 2 end tables, 1 food serving chest, dining table and 2 couches. Pictures posted below. Email me at brandyrodriguez5@gmail.com if you are interested or call if you know the number. (pass along incase you know anyone that might be interested)

40th Birthday Bash for Brad at The Cliff's Resort

2009-07-14T22:40:00.006-05:00

So this past weekend, Nick and I went to The Cliff's Resort at Possum kingdom Lake to celebrate his brother Brad's 40th birthday! What a wild time we had. I say it everytime, I JUST LOVE THE FAMILY I MARRIED INTO! They are just such a great group of warm people who know how to let loose! We had 2 boats that day because we had a group of 26 people celebrating this milestone in his life. Here are just some pictures form this weekend.

The birthday boy, Brad!

The HUNGRY fish! We only saw them at the dock but all of them had their mouths open. It was kind of cute.
Nick and his brother Mikey. I just love them 2! This had made Nick and I decide we NEED a boat. We live too close to a lake not to have one!

Besides doesn't he look dashing as a captain! =)
MY GIRLS! My sister in-laws, Melissa and Angie!
Oh just a section of the people in the noodle ring. Majority of the family is in this picture.
BROTHERS! Bryan, Nick, Mikey and Brad!
Nick and me leaving paradise. The humdity made my picture foggy. =(

Family+friends+lake+drinks+cookouts= An AMAZINGLY good time!

Men of the House

2009-07-10T16:02:00.003-05:00

Nick takes the title of "man of the house" 99% of the time. Although, now Cooper is trying to take a litte bit more of that percentage from his daddy. This morning Nick had to leave for work at 4:30am and Cooper was willing and ready to take his spot in the bed. As Nick was getting ready to head out of the house he noticed just how much Cooper was going for some more of that percentage. Cooper is just like a human when sleeping, head on the pillow and body under the blanket. Nick had to take a picture of it on his phone and send it to me this morning. I didn't even know he had taken a picture or even more that he left this morning. Obviously, I am a very sound sleeper.

A July 4th Engagement

2009-07-06T22:24:00.005-05:00

Well, let me go back in time... Last year for July 4th Nick, Rebecca, Joey and me all went down to Sneaky Pete's to enjoy the day. We invited Nick and Joey's friend, Jimmy to come hang out with us. We were having a grand time last year when Jimmy noticed this lady sitting at a table across from us. Well, Rebecca and I talked and Rebecca goes to the lady and ask her to come sit with us and to bring her friend. The lady, Sandra, and her friend were super a nice and fun to hang out with. Needless to say her and Jimmy got along great.

Rebecca and I last year (the match makers).

Sandra and Jimmy hitting it off July 4th 2008.

Now for the present July 4th 2009 activities. This year Jimmy asked us to come recreate the whole event of last year's July 4th. Why you may ask? Well, Jimmy planned on proposing to Sandra exactly one year from last year. Jimmy wanted his two little match makers and their spouses to be there because we were the cause of their happiness! Go Becca! Go Brandy! Who would have thought that little introduction would lead to love?!! Well Jimmy didn't wait to propose at Sneaky Pete's like promised cause he was too nervous to do it in front of a crowd but it was great cause we got to celebrate together!

The whole group celebrating..

Jimmy and Sandra

Fun ring picture

The match maker and love birds.

Nick and Me

Appreciate your a/c unit

2009-06-30T18:41:00.009-05:00

So this past Thursday Nick and I had a small issue happen with our house. We were going in and out the back door to play with Cooper and thought we let some heat in the house, which would be the reason for the temperature to rise. At 11 at night when we realized the house was getting even hotter we turned on the a/c unit and we heard the fan turn on. Fan moving and rotating means cool air, right? WRONG! We learned at 2 in the morning that a running fan means nothing! So I turn of the a/c unit off thinking we froze the bad boy out. So the rest of the night was about 84 degrees in our house. It's very uncomfortable to sleep a solid night when you are just burning hot. That morning Nick and I got ready for work in our sauna of a house.

Friday morning I sent an email request to American Home Shield and the soonest they said they could come out was Monday. Monday simply wasn't going to work. Friday and Saturday were predicted to be over 100 degrees outside. So, this time I called American Home Shield(always better to call) and the fake person asked a question, "is this a matter of life or death?" Well, after taking 2 seconds to think about it, I said "yes." I mean we could have gotten heat stroke, it was hot. I finally got a live person on and I told her our situation and she said looked through their list of a/c people and she said she could have someone out on Saturday. It wasn't Friday but Saturday seemed a lot better than Monday. So I took that time frame. Well, on the way home after work on Friday Nick calls me and tells me his car window won't roll up. It was about 104 degrees outside and he was thinking his house was hot, now his car has to be too. He took it to the dealership and they gave him a rental to fix the window jam.

Instead of driving home right away, Nick and I went to go eat at Razzoo's for dinner. There was no way am I cooking in a hot house. After dinner we went home and boy was it HOT! I was trying to be a big girl about it but man it wasn't happening. I am from Houston, I should be able to take the heat. Something about me though, I hate to sweat indoors and that is what I was doing and whole lot of it. Then the fact that I had a creamy based sauce for dinner was making me sick with all the heat. Cooper was smart, he laid on the tile floor to cool down. I later joined him. After all my complaining Nick agreed with me to go bunker up at my mom's. She had the a/c on full blast for us.

The a/c guy came Saturday morning as promised and fixed our unit. I have to say I really appreciate have a central air unit now more than ever.

How did people get their licenses?

2009-06-25T21:28:00.006-05:00

Today, I was driving to go see one of my clients in South Dallas for work. On my way there I get to travel the lovely road of 35. If you know me, there are two roads I avoid all together, 35 & 75. Those 2 roads are the main reason I use the Dallas tollway and George Bush tollway. I am admit it, I pay for less drivers to be around me. I am by no means afraid of driving I just don't like other peoples driving ability or lack there of. It just happens to be every time Nick and I travel these two roads together, we wonder how did all these people get their licenses because they are horrible drivers. Half the problems I have with people on these highways is that they do not know how to merge correctly. I honestly can't believe it is that hard an idea to grasp but obviously I am wrong.

So the first time the problem happened I was merging onto 635. The great driver in front of me decides to slow down before entering the highway. HELLO? You don't slow down entering the highway, you speed up. The other drivers are going at least 65mph so why in the world are we going only 20mph? Needless to say I almost got hit by the guy from behind me, why...oh yeah because he knew too that you don't slow down. Then it happened again getting on to my beloved 35. Then, the drivers on the 35 have fascination for cutting people off and driving super close. I go 5 over the speed limit so I know there is no reason to be trying to kiss my car from behind. Now, if I was lets say 10 under the speed limit in the fast lane, go ahead and cuss me out all you want, I at least get that. So needless this was continuation of bad driving to my appt and back to the office.

I say all the time, I think about being a driver's ed instructor later on in life just so I could honestly fail people if they can't drive. I don't mean that in a mean way, but I think driving is a huge responsibility and it is taken too lightly. Seeing accidents day in and day out because people are being careless on the road just bothers me. I got my car totaled 3 years ago because a guy going to fast rear-ended me. I was completely stopped because of the person in front of me didn't know how to merge and made a complete stop. Then the guy who who hit me had the nerve to say "Normally, I can miss things like things." I couldn't stop thinking of the word "normally." He would have got the big red failed stamp if I could ever give one!

My 2nd Husband Came to Visit

2009-06-24T00:15:00.009-05:00

Well an inside joke of ours happens to be with Nick's friend, Jason. Nick used to have Jason protect me when he go to the bar to get a drink or to the restroom (like a 5'9" girl can't protect herself?...hmm.) Eventually we just started calling Jason my fill in husband, now officially he is husband number 2. Jason has been such a great friend to Nick over past 5 years, he is kind of like family now. Well, Jason and his girlfriend came in town this past weekend to hang out and visit.

Going to Bone Daddy's is tradition for us to go every time Jason comes in.

This time we all went to NYLO for just a relaxing chill night.

Something interesting always happens when Jason is with us. Like this lady for instance, she was wanting to take a sexy picture and then like clock work Jason hopped in. Turns out the guy (husband?) didn't take the picture well and she wanted to recreate that picture for us to take. Here is the 2nd take.

The group of the the night!

FATHER'S DAY 09

2009-06-23T23:48:00.019-05:00

Father's Day was just great this year. We went to church in the morning and then headed to go eat. We went to one of my favorite places that I used to beg to go to as a child, Pappadeux. I just love their seafood, so yummy! I was so glad to celebrate father's day with him. He has just one of the best hearts a person could have. We had so much seafood that day I wanted to be taken out in a wheel chair. We had oysters, shrimp cocktail, soft shell crab, catfish, fried shrimp, and fried crawfish. We topped everything off with some strawberry cheesecake. Oh how I love celebrating the special people in my life.

Brandy Runs on Dunkin'

2009-06-19T09:14:00.011-05:00

Naturally, I am a night owl, so I have a hard time going to bed after 9 o'clock cause my body and brain really wake up at night time! Wednesday night my body just wasn't tired, so I stayed up till 1 in the morning. Then, I got up at 6:40am for work. Thursday night, I wasn't tired at all but I had to force myself to go to bed around 2:20ish. Tonight we are having a house guest and Nick and I were up picking up the house after we finished watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey and then Runaway Jury. My TV shows come first before many house activities, especially cleaning. I know I could have DVR'ed it but I REALLY wanted to see it right then (I am all about instant gratification.)

Well, these past two days because of my dread of early mornings and lack of sleep I have been having to drink coffee to stay awake. I am not big coffee drinker cause I know it isn't good for my body or teeth (yellow teeth anyone? YUCK!) So for these past two days I have been running on Dunkin Donuts just to stay awake throughout the morning until my brain kicks in. Today's breakfast, coffee with a big bagel and cream cheese. TONS of energy there! All I can say is thanks goodness for Friday and Dunkin Donuts!

Rockin Nephews

2009-06-15T22:56:00.004-05:00

My nephews are just the coolest little boys that I know and I think the absolute world of them. Justyce and Ethan are super smart and such happy boys.

Justyce just smiles and has the best happy laugh that I have ever heard. Plus, how can you not love those squishy chipmunk cheeks?!

Ethan is just awesome. He knows when he is starting to get tired(fussy), so he puts himself to bed. Plus, he is a huge hugger and I love my hugs and kisses!

Devilishly Cute

2009-06-15T22:44:00.003-05:00

I just love this picture because he looks so cute but has a look like he is about to do something sneaky. He might be a devil child at times but I love him to death.

Nasty to Nice

2009-05-26T22:45:00.004-05:00

Last week when I came home and checked the mail I discovered a hand written note in our mailbox. Well, I got excited at first then to find out it was not a nice letter by any means. Needless to say, it was very harsh note about my wonderful boy Cooper. The note consisted of saying things like we didn't take care of our dog correctly, that he didn't have shade and that he barked all day, also that they might call animal control on us. The very last comment said, this is not the ghetto! On top of that the goober didn't even sign the letter! I called Nick IMMEDIATELY because I was so upset but thank goodness he knows how to calm me down!

After sitting on the porch for a second thinking, I realized my neighbors have no idea what kind of GREAT parents we are to our dog! My dog has shade, water, food, chew toys and sleeps in the same bed with mommy and daddy! Then I started thinking, I don't know if my neighbors have seen me dress on a daily basis or even mentioned to have a conversation with Nick or I but the only thing ghetto about me is my attitude when provoked! So, after thinking I too my ghetto self to all my surrounding neighbors and confronted each one of them asking if my dog bothered them in a very classy way. I showed no ghetto-ness other than I will not allow people to say false/mean statements to or about my family. All of our neighbors were appalled by the letter and apologized for the jerks except for one house. They said the only time Cooper barks is when there dog is out and they play through the fence with each other and other than that they never hear him. Only ONE neighbor didn't seem to nice about the situation and they were the people Nick and I thought it was in the first place but of course they denied it. (Also, we had 3 other houses say they think it was that ONE PARTICULAR house without me even asking.) I came home after my approaching all our surrounding neighbors and felt better about the situation and that hardly anyone even notices our dog on a daily basis and that they were all dog owners themselves.

Although on the positive side, the note did accomplish a great thing by introducing us to our neighbors. Yesterday night, as Nick and I were working on our flower bed the mother of the household next door came to us because her daughter told her what happened to us and came to say her apologizes for the event we had to deal with. She was SUPER nice and then their whole family came over to talk about our gardening and to give us tips. We might be playing some rock band with sometime soon! Our lesson learned: when negative things happen, keep your head up high and look for the positive because it is right around the corner!

Mom's 39th Birthday =)

2009-05-21T22:47:00.007-05:00

So this past week my mom turned 39 (this is her 3rd 39th birthday if I am correct.) I just love my mom to pieces and fortunately so does my husband! So we took her out to for a birthday Sunday brunch to Bread Winners. It was Nick and my's first time to go there and the food was sooo good! I mean the plates are STACKED with food, just so delicious!

My mother and me

Nick and my mom

Us cruising in her car with the top down!

After Bread Winners we headed to RA Sushi to get some drinks and relax on the patio in the gorgeous weather.

Nick and me

We just had such a wonderful time celebrating my my mom's 39th birthday! I look forward to hopefully next year she will turn 40 or just do 39 for the 4th time. Well see!

Cooper does Marble Slab

2009-05-21T22:40:00.006-05:00

So this past Sunday Cooper got to try a new treat, ice cream. Nick wasn't totally on board with him having any of it but I am kinda of convincing. =) Since Cooper had been such good boy he deserved the rest of my ice cream cone from Marble Slab. He LOVED it and couldn't get enough.

Amazing Love, Anniversary Celebration Part 3

2009-05-18T22:07:00.006-05:00

Well, our anniversary celebrating has finally ended. My anniversary present to Nick was a very mini vacation, like 1 day mini but a day and night in a different area of not having to do anything but relax sure feels like a vacation to me! This was the closest thing to a vacation since our last real vacation in September. For our anniversary I had planned a private sailboat ride but thanks to good ole mother nature that got cancelled. My backup plan was a winery tour in Grapevine at the Delany Winery. Then, we headed to downtown Grapevine for lunch and wine tastings. After that we checked into the Gaylord Texan and walked around and got ready for the Melting Pot Dinner. To end the night off Nick and I danced and had some drinks at the Glass Cactus!

In two years of marriage I have learned a lot about marriage, my spouse and even more about myself. I knew getting into a marriage that not everyday will be a fairytale or perfect. I think a lot of people get married thinking,"everyday is just going to be amazing." Call me negative Nancy if you like but I just don't believe EVERY single day of marriage is amazing. Sometimes marriage is just regular/routine or heck it could be just a really bad day for the both of you. Life happens and life sure is heck isn't perfect, so why should a marriage be? (Yes, I am a honest and realist...scary combination) Although, what I have come to learn and really come to appreciate, instead of having a perfect marriage, I much prefer to have an amazing love. To me, love, is the biggest positive feeling one can have and give to another person. Love or the knowing of someone loving you through the good and the bad is a love that is hard to find. Luckily, I believe in my heart that I have found that amazing love. If I am having a horrible day or just emotional for only God knows why, I can count on my husband to be there for me. To me, an amazing love, is still loving me when I myself am not being or feeling amazing and vice versa. 2 years later Nick and I still love each other through the good times and the bad because of our amazing love for one another. <3

Pictures from Nick and I celebrating our 2 year anniversary of amazing love.

Our tour at The Delany Winery

At D'Vine Wine.

D'Vine wine had the best dessert wine.

Chillin in Grapevine with Bronze man.

Hmm..? Yeah, I dunno....I let him believe that is his roots..=)

Melted cheese....=)

A little bit of land, air and sea.

Smore's chocolate dessert...AMAZING!

On the elevator.

Taking a break at the Glass Cactus.

We just had an amazing and relaxing time celebrating our anniversary.

A different kind of Cinco de Mayo celebration

2009-05-07T21:59:00.010-05:00

So on our Cinco de Mayo anniversary day most people were out celebrating with Mexican food, margarita's and beers. Although, Nick and I did something different this year, instead we enjoyed a nice dinner at Sbarro. Yep, that's right...the best pizza chain at the mall! Seriously, this has to be one of my all time favorite pizza places! It's the closest to New York style pizza, which is my favorite!

Yes, Nick and I were aware we looked like fatties at our small table with our pizza covering it all but we were starving and one slice is just never enough! We were at the mall getting my new anniversary present...the Sprint Instinct phone! My phone was old school and ghetto and Nick for sure noticed that! I have been upgraded! I have such a good punkin, gotta love him!

2nd Year Anniversary Celebration Part 1

2009-05-03T22:44:00.011-05:00

So on Tuesday, May 5 (Cinco De Mayo) will be our 2 year anniversary. This past Saturday Nick took me a really nice restaurant for dinner to celebrate, Bob's Steakhouse & Chop in the Shops of Legacy. I had been wanting to eat there after hearing so many rave reviews of their food being oh- so-delicioso. After eating there, I have no other choice but to agree with the critics. The food is simply AMAZING. We started off with the calamari and they had the biggest O's and body parts that we have EVER been served, so tender! Then I had the surf and turf (Filet Mignon and lobster tail) and WOW, just simply WOW! Then Nick took me to NYLO to finish the night with some drinks and dancing. We had a WONDERFUL first (more celebrating to come later in the week) celebration of our 2nd anniversary. I have one of the greatest men out there and I am so happy to call him my husband!

Driving to dinner through some pretty crappy weather but I am still all smiles!

Just got done eating out wonderful dinner at Bob's!

I was in love with the futuristic chair. Took me a while to get my balance in it though =)

Nick and me at NYLO.

Music in the Making.

2009-04-19T22:58:00.007-05:00

So 2 years ago for Valentine's Day I got Nick and recording box that attaches to the computer to record his lyrics and guitar songs. Well, he finally started using it this past Christmas and since then he has been hooked. I think he now is in the process of trying to build himself a home recording studio. It seems every couple of weeks he comes home with a new present that he claims I got him....hmmm, I guess I can take credit for it. The newest present that "I" got him, happened to be today which was a microphone w/ stand and wind cover thingy. So needless to say we have been playing with the the whole shabang for a couple of hours. Pretty fun actually. I have to say my husband is pretty talented.

Just some of the photos from our jam session.

Haha...yeah me trying to sing.

The actually singer between the two of us...my hubby!

There is just something so sexy about watching his hands on the guitar...could it be the ring on his finger? YOU BETCHA!! =)

Music to come later....

Hong Kong Market Place

2009-04-19T22:07:00.003-05:00

So Tania and I went on our 2nd annual trip to Hong Kong Market! Can I just say how much I LOVE this place! Every time I go I am like a kid in a candy store, totally amazed with everything! There is just so much to look at and half the stuff I am looking at, I don't know what it is. I stare trying to figure out what the writing means but that doesn't help. Then, I just give in and ask Tania.

Well here is what I am came back with...

Tons of yummy stuff!!!

Nick is now doing all the wondering on what I brought into the house with labels he can't read.

My Winner Comes Back Home!!

2009-04-17T12:07:00.020-05:00

So in December 2008, Nick won an AMAZING award from Frito-Lay. He won the DSL (District Sales Leader) of the year! I was SO proud of him because he worked his butt off for the whole 2008 year to get it. At times I would get jealous of Frito because my husband was gone more than I liked BUT it was SO worth it. Also to mention on that note not only did Nick win but so did Dick(his dad) and Mikey(his brother). Dick ALSO won DSL of the year for his district and Mikey won ROOKIE of the Year! Needless to say Frito is in their blood, Rodriguez/Glidewell family is taking over, SO WATCH OUT!

The nice part of this win was Nick was sent on a trip to Hollywood, Florida for 5 days to meet all the TOP HIGH level people along with the other winners of the district. Going to this Frito event is a HUGE deal and you have to be invited! So he has been gone a week and I am so glad he got the opportunity to go but I am ready to have my husband back! I just got a text that he got on a earlier flight so I couldn't be any happier at this very moment.

Here are some pictures form the night he was a rockstar!

This was the dinner portion right before they started the awards cermony!

And the Award goes to NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ!!

(Has anyone the heard the song Lollipop byLil' Wayne...."Girl, like Doritos, that's (na-cho cheese)" We sang these lyrics all night when he got this particular award)

Us at the end of the night with nothing but VERY large Smiles!

Stunnin Like my Daddy!

2009-04-14T20:07:00.006-05:00

My surprise for Nick when he came home...our dog getting some Dallas STYLE! Loved Nick's reaction....

Isn't Cooper the cutest! He be stunnin like his daddy!

Easter baskets at 25?

2009-04-13T22:27:00.004-05:00

Yes, Nick and I did receive Easter baskets this year, as all previous years. I just love that my mom is stuck in tradition and makes us one each year! Nick and I do look forward to these baskets cause she stocks them with the GOOD chocolate, none of that 99 cents stuff! I do believe Nick and I will still be getting baskets in our 30's and even if we give her grandchildren the baskets won't stop (we hope they won't at least). Although, there was no Easter egg hunt this year and that is a FIRST. Stupid weather!

Mmmmm...MUDBUGS!!

2009-04-13T22:05:00.005-05:00

I just LOVE mudbugs! I had some really good sized crawfish on Thursday at Nate's in Addison and since then I have been CRAVING them!! I asked Nick to take me to Razzoo's on Friday but he wanted to just chill at home. So Saturday for lunch, he said we can go eat Razzoo's!! I was so excited for crawfish and beer. Mmm.....! How can you not like these?? So delicious!

Well it turns out my husband is not a fan of the whole mess that crawfish create. He said this is one of the times he doesn't think I look too cute. I disagree! I mean seriously...I don't think I look THAT bad. Hmm....it's just a little a seasoning on the fingers, nothing a rag can't handle!

Well, my mom agrees with Nick, needless to say. She came to Razzoo's to meet up with us and partake in a nice cold beverage and didn't want to sit next to her own daughter. Oh well, I am just glad that my mom and my husband get along so well, even if they do share the same WRONG idea about mudbugs!

P.S. Nate's in Addison had MUCH bigger crawfish than Razzoo's.

Chicken & Cookies

2009-04-08T00:05:00.005-05:00

So today all I really wanted to do was cook and bake, I got my new Rachel Ray magazine and saw some meals/recipes that looked stellar! So far Nick says we are two for two for this month's issue! I couldn't wait to get home and make fresh cookies and my new meal, one pan chicken dinner! Here is how they turned out!

One Pan Chicken Dinner (yes I used a throw away, didn't feel scrubbing a pan tonight.)

Sugar cookies half dipped in milk chocolate with sprinkles

Mattito's for Date night!

2009-04-07T23:23:00.007-05:00

So this past Saturday Nick and I went out to eat to dinner and just had a good ole date night. We live more North than most people do so that fact that The Frisco Market Center (Main St. and Tollway) is FINALLY getting more developed is very exciting. Usually we have to head to The Shops of Legacy in Plano or Addison for fun but that is starting to change. We remember moving to Frisco/Little Elm and NOTHING was around so we are welcoming the change.

This Saturday we ate at Mattito's Tex-Mex. This has to be one of my new favorite places to go. When the warm weather FINALLY kicks in I am sure Nick and I will be using their BRIGHTLY covered lighted patio to cool off at.

You have to order the appetizer not on the menu...Thanks to the awesome people I work with they gave me this secret. The BEST appetizer EVER! Queso, Guacamole and taco meat all in one! As Rachel ray would say...YUM-O!

Dog # 2 in the future......?

2009-04-02T22:46:00.007-05:00

Well...today I found the most adorable dog that I wanted to adopt from the SPCA of McKinney. Meet James, (name change would be in affect.)

I just feel HEAD OVER HEELS with his picture! SO PRECIOUS. Most people know I LOVE dogs. Huge passion of mine and I would own 100 dogs if I could manage that many. Well, Ni

ck and I have been talking about getting ANOTHER dog (I want 3 dogs total before I have my first baby) and when I found James my heart was glowing! Well, Nick didn't realize I meant ASAP for a little dog that I can put in sweaters and call Bently! Well, needless to say, Nick thought it was a bad idea ( I see where he is coming, the truth hurts.) So to soak my sorrows after I had Dairy Queen at work I came home and made Brownie cookie bars. Yes, I have ate WAY more pieces than needed but oh well, who's counting calories anyways...NOT ME!

Before ...

After...

Nick doesn't know yet but I have every intention on taking a surprise trip to the SPCA on Sunday. A girl has gotta try...right? =) This could mean more baking on Sunday...we will see!

A New Year's Resolution!

2009-03-30T21:53:00.009-05:00

So this past Sunday I did something I haven't done in years, I went to church.

Starting to go to church was one of my New Year's Resolution this year. I might not have started until March but I went! Just because I didn't go to church doesn't mean I didn't believe in Jesus Christ. I haven't went to church in so long because honestly I never had a church that caught my attention throughout the whole sermon. Usually 20 minutes into the service I get lost and I start to battle my head falling to the side. This was NOT the case.

My mom has been wanting me to go with her to check out this church for awhile now. Since it is down the street from my house I gave in FINALLY. I managed to make the 11am service at Celebration Convenant Church. Well, needless to say I wish I would have gave in earlier. This church just AMAZED me. As soon as the AWESOME and I do mean AWESOME band, yes BAND, not choir, came on the stage I immediately felt just lifted up. The songs and the ENERGY (which I feel most churches lack) was just off the charts. I started to read the words on the big screen and I just was fighting back tears. I felt so many emotions during the first 10 minutes I sweating because I was trying not to get into ugly cry mode.

The pastors, Keith & Sheila Craft, were just amazing to listen too. They really grasped me and just woke me up. They spoke the bible but in a 2009 kind of way. I felt like I was relating to what they were saying and ACTUALLY understanding the meaning. It was GREAT! Their words and energy level just shouted their faith at the top of their lungs. During the beginning of the service, Pastor Keith even asked people to "Tweet" that they were at c hurch. You can twitter with Pastor Keith, just search for "keithcraft." Talk about being in with technology! They also have their services online as well. www.celebrationcovenant.com

This is a day I hold very special to me because it was an experience my mother and I had together that was SO rewarding. Now, I plan on becoming a regular...who would have thought! Good thing they have 11am services cause anything earlier than that might be a problem. =)

After church my parents, Nick and I went to Christina's for a nice lunch and just talked. Sunday was such a rewarding day!

The gym and us meet

2009-03-10T22:01:00.002-05:00

Well, summer is around the corner and our scale says we are NOT in shape we used to be in. We have indulged in the holidays goodies and last summers cuisine but now it is time to get back in shape. Nick and I officially started working out together today and man was it rough. (Well, at least for me) I am not the "work-out at the gym type." I actually hate the gym and always have. I grew up with a mother who LOVED the gym and sometimes she went twice a day, you think that would rub off on me at some point but no, it never did.

Today I burned 370 calories and I am actually proud of myself. Except that the 370 calories burned only cancels out one of the three chocolate chip cookies I had before going to the gym. Oh well at least I went. Hopefully, Nick has enough motivation to keep going to the gym because that might just be the only way I end up going. I am determined to turn that jiggly jello into a rock hard body.

First Tooth Lost

2009-03-10T21:35:00.003-05:00

So, I thought I hurt my dog earlier today. When Nick and I got home Cooper was softly biting my hand cause he is teething. I don't get too upset about it because I know he is learning. Well, when he was biting my hand he accidentally applied more pressure than needed so I pulled my hand out and then Nick and I heard this crack sound. Well, that crack sound we heard was Cooper loosing his first tooth. At first I thought I broke it because I pulled my hand out too fast and it came out with my hand. When I saw a little blood on his white spot on his mouth I thought I for sure hurt him. Well, google made me feel much better because it said that this is the time puppies are start loosing their teeth. So now I know if I hear or see any more broken teeth that it is natural. Here is his first tooth to give to the doggy tooth fairy!!

NAP TIME!

2009-03-09T20:26:00.008-05:00

Nick and I are HUGE believers in nap time on weekends when we have nothing to do. On those free weekends which seem to happen rarely, we take enjoyment on laying on the couch doing nothing but channel surfing and ordering pizza. This happens to be my favorite time spent with my husband because it just pure quality time for us. Well, Cooper finally is understanding lazy weekends!

I just loved taking pictures of the two of them together.

TWILIGHT ALERT

2009-03-01T13:18:00.004-06:00

So I guess I am behind on my 2nd favorite series EVER, Twilight! This Friday we had a couples night at Main Event since the one near our house FINALLY opened. I was talking with Amy about books that we were reading and during the exchange of books, go figure Twilight came up! I was baffled to figure out that there was a 5th book on the Internet! Stephanie Meyer started writing a book based of the first book but in Edward's view instead of Bella's. Someone had a leaked the beginning of the manuscript! I have to say I was sadden that someone would leak the book before it was even done being written. This is a clear inconsideration not only for the author but for the public who wants more. At first, I wasn't going to read it but the temptation was too great not to read it. So last night after dinner with some girlfriends, I immediately came home and started reading. Well, I finished this online book this morning and now I am completely wanting the rest of the book. Hopefully, Stephanie will change her mind and finish the book. Here is the website you can find the book on http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/midnightsun_partial_draft4.pdf

Warm Weather Welcomed!

2009-02-25T20:53:00.003-06:00

FINALLY, warm weather is returning to the DFW! I had the hardest time concentrating at work today because I just wanted to be outside in the beautiful sunshine! I kept thinking I haven't been to a beach since our honeymoon, which is almost 2 years!!! (Time is sneaking up on us) Missing the clear blue water, sand between my toes and pretty umbrella drinks in my hand, I came home and went back in time and watched video clips and looked at pictures from our honeymoon. The clip is of a band that I looked forward to seeing everyday on the beach because they sang awesome Jamaican/Bob Marley songs. They rocked our socks off!

Jen Lancaster, My New Addiction

2009-02-24T20:34:00.007-06:00

Recently, I have taken up reading as a hobby. The me 3 years ago would have thought reading a book was some sort of punishment but lately I feel compelled to read. After my addiction with the Twilight series was over I was patiently trying to find something that could compare. Well, one bored night in Target I stumbled across the book section and I saw this title that captured me, "Bitter is the New Black." The front cover read, "Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal Self-Centered Smartass, or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office" and after these words I decided to open the book. I was laughing out loud for the first 2 pages and I thought, "wow, this could be a good book." Well, I right because I don't think I ever laughed out loud so much while reading a book. Nick would give the "are you ok look" and the "why are you laughing so hard when it is quite look. " This book is a memoir of Jen Lancaster's life and she has some GREAT stories. She is a smartass to the extreme and unapologetic for the INTENTIONAL word vomit she spits out and I LOVED it. She says the things a lot of us think but would never say out loud for the world to hear.

Yesterday, I started her 2nd book, "Bright Lights, Big Ass" and again I feel I am definitely going to get my laughs out of this book too. Check them out!!!

3 Food Loves!

2009-02-23T23:19:00.017-06:00

I am officially addicted to 3 new places in the Dallas area. If you know me well, my main food groups consist of bacon, ice cream and cupcakes. If I am having a bad day bring me just one of these three and I perk right back up. Well, this Saturday Nick and I FINALLY had breakfast at this place I have been wanting to go to for about 2 years which is called, The Original Pancake House. They are located at 121 and the Dallas tollway (under the University of Phoenix school.) This place whoops up on Denny's or IHOP (my old fav.) Seriously, the the pancakes were amazing, so light a fluffy and buttery! They know what TRUE bacon is....they didn't serve me any of that thinly sliced Hormel stuff, this was good ole' southern THICK pieces of bacon. The omelet Nick got was HUGE took up 3/4 of his plate and he didn't finish it..which is a first. The places was a packed house at 12:30 on a Saturday, that has to say something for how amazing it was.

The second place that has caught my heart was iheartyogurt.

I was having a girls day with my friend Brittney in her neck of the woods which is Royal and Preston'ish area and we were wanting something sweet before our pedicures. She immediately yells "iheartyogurt", at first I thought she was just acting special and I was like "okay Britt, that's good." She then goes, "no, that is the places name, do you like frozen

yogurt?" I say "but of course." She then whips her Honda around and in seconds we are in there parking lot. This places is like heaven and sooo guilt free. For 4 ounces you only eat 80 calories...NOT BAD! My normal experience is that healthy ice cream/yogurt is no bueno, but this place is AMAZING. It is a self serve yogurt bar and they have awesome toppings, from fresh fruit to fruity pebbles! My creation...Tahitian vanilla yogurt, chocolate pebbles, m&m's and chocolate chips.

Lastly, is my new cupcake place! It is called, "The Cupcakery" and is located at the Tollway and Lebanon Rd. I go to this place at least twice a month on my way to my monthly facial. They are just simply the best. Now, if you aren't into frosting then this isn't you place for you because they don't skimp on it. I can't help it but usually I buy 4 cupcakes at once for myself and usually I will have ate them all on the way to the facial and on the way home. I try very hard to save one for the next day but rarely does it happen. My best friend Libby knows my LOVE of cupcakes from the Cupcakery and now she jokes if she can't get a hold of me is because I am lost in cupcake land.

Cooper's First Walk

2009-02-16T23:45:00.008-06:00

Well today we will officially have had Cooper for 1 month. And this Sunday we took him on his first walk around the neighborhood. I am sure you are thinking "you have had him a month and haven't took him on a walk? Bad parents! " But, since Cooper has had kennel cough and a parasite tummy bug since the first week we got him we wanted to make sure not to try to infect other dogs in the neighborhood. We were just trying to be responsible. We tried to walk him on a leash in the backyard to get use to the leash but he wasn't having that. Cooper would just do alligator rolls until we took the leash off.

Nick and I were VERY surprised how well Sunday

went. He was so curious about everything but he didn't break away from the path to often, so that was great. He ran when wither one of us ran, stopped at the stop signs with us, he didn't chase cars, people or other pets. Although, we did see tons of tiny dogs being walked and he really wanted to play with them but I think he needs some bigger friends first to throw him around a little. I have seen Cooper go at his stuffed animals and they last 5 minutes so who knows how long a miniature toy poodle will last.

After about a mile of walking we finally made it back home to the house and our dog passed out for 2 hours! I have to say it was nice to have a break from always watching him. We wore our poor baby out! I am glad Nick was happy the walk was over because I was talking pictures like a maniac! As I keep telling Nick, people take a million and one pictures of their babies, my baby is just furrier than the rest. =)

Valetine's at Coast

2009-02-16T23:16:00.003-06:00

So this Valentine's Day Nick and I went to this AMAZING new restaurant, Coast Global Seafood, in the 2nd part of the Shops of Legacy. This area has to be one of my favorite places to go on the regular just because they have SO many options of things to do. You can catch a movie, get Starbucks, ice cream, cupcakes, listen to live music, have drinks and of course eat. Well, first what got me was this BEAUTIFUL fountain which is actually smaller remake of the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas. GORGEOUS! I was throughly impressed with the decor as soon as I walked in. Amazing fish light fixtures that looked elegant which I never imagined fish looking elegant from a ceiling but it works.

We had made reservations since of course it was Valentine's day and who wants to wait in a line? We were seated right away and then upon seating us they hostess gave us a card and a box of chocolates. I got dessert and a comp. card for next time before one of the waiters even had time to put the napkin in my lap. Talk about being on top of your game! The waitress we had was Jacquis and talk about knowing her stuff, this girl blew us away with the knowledge behind the menu, the wines, new locations, just everything. ...I am convinced she should teach a waiter class.

Next, on to the food. Talk about delish! The best calamari Nick and I have ever had and we have had a lot. It was not rubbery which it can be in a lot of places if fried to long. It was battered slightly so you can really get the texture and true taste. Next, was the main course and I had skate wing. I had no idea what it was but how she described it sounded like a party in my mouth and oh boy was it! It is in the family of the (sting?) ray I believe. It was truly a different kind of fish but so worth going off the beaten road. Dessert again amazing.

This place helped make our Valentine's night something to remember. We will for sure be repeat customers again and again!

Turning the Great Age of 25!

2009-01-22T23:45:00.001-06:00

So in 1 hour and 1 minute I will be officially 25! And can I say I CAN'T WAIT!! 24 was just so blah to me and I felt like everything was passing me by. I felt like I didn't know what to do with my life and how to get everything accomplished that I wanted. You get out of college saying you want to do all this stuff and POW you figured out its nothing that you want at all...or at least I felt that way.

I was told that most people will have a year in their life that just stops you in your tracks and really makes you think about your life and everything and everyone involved in it. Sometimes this point comes early or sometimes later in life....well, I think 24 was my year. Let me say I am blessed to have my husband in my life cause he has been my rock through this rocky year for me. I felt a lot of friendships slowly melt away but a lot of friendships grew in ways that were just amazing. They say that half of your friends in high school won't be your friends in college...true. Then that half of your college friends won't be your friends past college...kind of true, but the people you meet later in life can have amazing impacts in who you are. I have to say I meet this girl at my first job out of college who at first I thought was from California with the way she spoke and I was curious about her. Well, needless to say she has become such an important person for me in my life. I trust her opinions and the truth she speaks even when I might wrong. I have a handful of friends who I can count on if I ever need anything and that has helped me just keep believing that I will find the right road for me.

The right road...well... I think I am on it now. I have a lot of plans for myself this year that I am truly excited for. My New Year's resolution was to be more selfish and focus on me. It might sound rude but it isn't meant in a bad way. Sometimes you have to fight for yourself and what you want and who you won't let get in your way. Soo...needless to say...HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY to me!!! For this year will be the greatest of all.