A Picture a Day: Week One

I'm a little late to the dance on this one but it sounds fun and I have more than enough pictures to play along. I'll start with last week--January 5-11, 2014. 

Sunday, January 5th

Jay and I spent the weekend in McKinney with some good friends--the Morrow's. They have an adorable baby girl, Emma and a pug and lab. We had a great time, went to bed by 10:00pm each night, and then got up on Sunday morning and drove home. When we got home I proceeded to take down all of my Christmas decor. I was sad to see it go but it gets prettier every year because each January I hit the Dillard's after Christmas  sale for more decorations for my tree. I didn't post a picture of my tree this year so I'll pick the last picture that I took of it on Sunday before it came down. It's not the best but it will have to do. I continue to be really happy with my choice to remove red from my Christmas. 

Monday, January 6th

Back to work and back to wearing high heels. I spent the evening with Jay watching tv and rocking my yoga toes. These things really work! They are rubber and you spread your toes out into each hole. They hold your toes in a way that realigns your feet after wearing heels or anything with a pointy or narrow toe. I'm a fan but of course Jay thinks they're goofy. 

Tuesday, January 7th

This was the day that poor Job was kicked out of family time. It seems harsh but the guy was out of control. Really. It all started with the elk antler dog chews that we bought at Cabelas when we were in McKinney. We bought two so that Job and Ally could each have one, but of course, they both wanted the same one. Ally typically wins these competitions and Job either finds a different toy or he just lays down...but not this time. That guy barked and whined and howled and ran around in circles and pleaded for the bone until we couldn't take it anymore. We tried to get him to take the other one. We tried to get Ally to take the other one. Neither would go for it so like the good dad that he is, Jay held the bone and they both chewed on it for a little while until Ally had had enough and recaptured it for herself. Job completely freaked out and I had to kick him out of the bedroom so we could watch our shows. Bless him. Have you ever heard of a dog being kicked out of family time?!

Wednesday, January 8th

I posted this one on my Instagram already but it truly was the highlight of my Wednesday. This was the first thing I saw when I walked into work on Wednesday morning. 

My thoughtful friend, Matt, made this lovely banner for me. "Wide load Wide load" Who needs enemies...

Thursday, January 9th

I took a screen shot of this on Thursday. It resonated with me on a personal and professional level. 

Friday, January 10th

These two loves went to bed without me on Friday night. Jay and I met at Las Brisas for dinner on Friday evening. He had been working in Plainview all day and the wind blew about 30-40 mph all day. It was a typical brownish-red WTX day. Poor Jay actually smelled just like dirt and was exhausted. He showered and then he and B hit the sack. 

Saturday, January 11th

Saturday was wild. We woke up early and Ally and Stella refused to go back to bed. I had some work that I needed to catch up on and Jay and I had a vet trip planned for the whole crew. My office is near the vet clinic so I told Jay that I would take B and get some work done and then we would meet him and the other two pups at the vet. Stell and I started our morning at Starbucks and B got a puppy-whip (whipped cream in a cup). She was overjoyed! I got a little work done while Stella whined and sniffed around. Then we went to the vet and they were running an hour behind and had a lobby of HUGE and vicious dogs. We decided to reschedule and went to the movies instead (sans the dogs). We saw Lone Survivor. It's was devastating but evoked pride. Mark Wahlberg was incredible and so was that guy from Friday Night Lights...? Oh yeah, back to my pic of the day...here she is:

Loved my week. 

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B-List Celebrity

If you thought I was shaken up about the Season 3 Homeland Finale, that was nothing compared to checking in for my first SW flight of 2014 only to find out that I didn't fly enough in 2013 to maintain A-List status. I'm upset. Incredibly so. 

Now I have to stand in the security line with all of the losers...uh, I mean people that just do not know how to travel. People that don't know to take off their shoes, or don't take things out of their pockets, remove their belts, pack the correct carry-on sized toiletries, the list goes on. To be honest...I loathe those people. Now, I have to worry about whether or not I'll have overhead bin space for my carry-on and I'll have to wait forever to get on and off the plane. Oh SW--how could you?!

This has rocked my world and that's pathetic...I'll get over it. :/

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These were a few of my favorite things!

I had titled a post very similarly after Christmas but then I spaced and went off track. I ended up talking about our Christmas adventures instead...which was better I suppose. I discovered a few new favorites this past Christmas. Most of them were gifts...well, they were all gifts-- even if just to myself. 

1. Hunter Wellies: My parents got me these in glossy red and I love them! I decided that it was time for either a new pair of Uggs (Jay is embarrassed of mine) or that I should go for some rain boots. I decided that I would spare the sheep and go for the rain boots. My dad, brother and husband got a pretty kick out of them because they couldn't imagine why I would need 'irrigation boots' but I explained that I was preparing for a rainy summer. Gotta have faith! And clearly they are missing how cute they are even it's not wet or rainy. I've only worn them once (no rain or snow) but they were comfortable and kept me warm. I hope to get a lot of use out them!

2. McKenzie Child's Enamel Canisters: I've loved these black and white checkered canisters for a long time but couldn't talk myself into the purchase because Richard gifted me a beautiful set that he had in his house. However, I mentioned them to Jay's mom this year in a 'wish list possibilities' and she got them for me!! Score! 

They look great against the subway tile and dark cabinets in our kitchen and are smaller than my others which gives me more counter space. Then Breezy and Emma (really Richard) got me the matching salt and pepper shakers when they were in NYC! Double score!

3. Lululemon Still Pant: Ok sure, so I bought these $98 lounge pants for myself because I'm a complete lush and lulu addict BUT they are worth every penny!! They are gloriously comfortable, durable and I can wear them around town while running errands. They have the option to have a high waist or you can roll the top for a lower fit. I choose the rolled fit and they lay really flat and smooth. 

If only I could have gotten those hip bones for Christmas too...

4. Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Perfume: I think that I've mentioned before that in obsessed with Jo Maline diffusers but I'm equally obsessed with their perfume. Every scent is unique, long lasting and high quality. Some of them are limited editions but this one came out last fall and I've wanted it for a while. My parents get the credit for this too! It's amazing, I highly recommend this scent and anything else JM that you stumble upon. 

5. Diamond Studs!! Last but certainly not least, Jay surprised me with a beauuuutiful pair of round cut diamond studs set in platinum. I'm a stud girl. It's really all that I wear but besides a pair of David Yurman studs that I got as a gift, I've never had a really nice set of studs. I don't have a picture of them but they really sparkle! Thanks dear!

Well that was fun...now I'll leave you with a picture of my sweetheart. 

Jay and I are taking all three pups to the vet tomorrow for shots and to schedule a teeth cleaning for B. Ally and Job both have new lumps that we need to have checked out...wish us luck! 

Hello 2014

Well we're one week into 2014 and I think it's going to work out just fine. I ended 2013 on a high note...or low note depending on your views. 

Jay and I attended a NYE party at caprock winery with a group of friends. It was beautiful!! We rented a party bus for transportation so that everyone could let loose...annnnnnd...we did just that. I may have not eaten all day and may have become incredibly and obnoxiously intoxicated but from what I can remember--I had fun. If this is any indication, my first meal of 2014 was What-a-burger. Can't beat that...or wait...yes you can. Anyways, I may just be trying to make myself feel better but we haven't done anything at all for the past two years so I figure that I just made up for a couple of lost NYEs. Oh and I'm telling myself that everyone was in the same shape I was in (that's not true though). 

Here are a few entertaining snapshots of the debacle. 

Those last two pictures should really explain everything. 

Jay sent these gorgeous flowers to work on the last day of 2013. I love a good 'for no reason at all' surprise. Sweet guy, I think I'll keep him!

We spent most of NY day in bed. We were both hurting pretty bad. Then I gained some strength and made it to Dillard's for their annual NYD sale. It was amazing and I got 4 new dresses and a skirt for a bargain!

This week is the first work week that has actually had 5 full days of work. I know this sounds cray but I'm so tired of these weird days off in the middle of the week due to Christmas and NY falling on Wednesdays. It's felt like Monday or Friday for weeks. Let's get back to work. No really...I'm serious. 

I love myself a good resolution and getting to start fresh. New Year's is like a big Monday for me although I'm trying to stop saying things like "I'll start Monday". Last year I was resolved to lose weight and that went pretty well--to date I've lost 30lbs. Yay me! I only made one real 'resolution' for 2014. I'm resolved to get up and read my "Jesus Calling" devotional every morning. I need to get into God's word and I need an injection every morning. I can tell that the time spent is already making a difference in my awareness of what comes out of my mouth (Life long problem). 

I also need to get myself back on the mean streets for my morning run. I bought these new kicks to entice myself but it's been so frigidly cold in the mornings that I have only braved it once so far. 

All other news is pretty boring around here. Oh except...Jay started a pool company here in Lubbock. Yep, he sure did. Custom Pools of Lubbock.  He's never built a pool but it's looking good because he already has a customer. He's confident that he can make it happen and I am too. I don't tend to say much about him on here or any other public forum but I'll splurge and say that he's genuinely pretty incredible. 

Here's the latest Owen picture and I don't have one of Will but I plan on seeing him this weekend so I'll fix that stat!

Hey adorable boy. 

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These are a few of my favorite things...Christmas 2013 Ed.

We had an amazing set of Christmases this year! Our first celebration kicked off on Saturday, December 21st with Jay's mom's side of the family. I hosted that one which lucky for me (and them) just means that I provide the home and everyone else does the cooking. We had 15-16 people and this side of the family always does fajitas for Christmas. We usually end up getting together at the end of the holidays and fajitas are amazing after all the rich holiday food. It was still great! I forgot to take pictures but did get this one of Jay and his 'lap dog'. 

That night after all the extended family left, we opened gifts with Jay's parents, brother (Matt) and Matt's girlfriend, Brittney. We had a great time! 

This was the aftermath. Jay asleep and surrounded by boxes and dogs! 

We followed that Christmas up with Christmas at my parents' house on Christmas Eve. This was my favorite Christmas ever thanks to my nephews--very popular and likable guys!! Owen and Will both celebrated their first Christmases this year!! Crazy year for The Swain Family but our hearts are so full of love for these little guys. I had to work on Christmas Eve so Jay and I drove to Brownfield for dinner after I got off work.  My mom cooked an incredible meal and we had a great time playing with Owen while Will slept the whole time (what a downer)! I did a little better with pictures on this one. 

He loves his Aunt Hill!

Uncle Jay is so funny!

Collage that I put on Instagram 

Ladies, ladies give me some space. 

Owen was a complete mess. His Aunt Hill may have gone overboard on the shopping and he had about 15 gifts too many. We opened 3 gifts that I got him and it was a mad house so all of his other stuff from my parents and Joel and Ashley waited for the next day. One thing is for sure--Christmas is more fun with babies!!

On Christmas Day we got up early and drove to Jay's grandfather's house in Crowell with Matt in tow for our last Christmas get-together for the season. Bill and Donna were supposed to meet us there from College Station but Donna got a terrible case of the flu and they couldn't make the trip. Once we got there we discovered that two of Jay's cousins (who were there) also had the flu. Not cool. The total flu count is up to 9 and I'm using positive thinking to stay well. That's what I'm telling myself anyways. Other than the flu, we had a great time with Jay's family. I only got one picture of Jay's grandad in Kenzley's tutu. Pretty cute! :)

I just re-realized that this post was called 'a few of my favorite things' and that I derailed by detailing our Christmas celebrations. Oops! I'll try and work that into my next post! 

Merry Christmas to all! Still counting my blessings! 

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Holy Homeland

It's taken me 4 days to come to grips with what happened on the Season 3 Finale of Homeland on Sunday night...and I am farrrrr from recovered. 

If you watch Homeland then read no further because I am about to spoil your life. Dramatic? No. 

Brody (after doing everything that was asked of him to be a marine again) is killed in Iran by public hanging while his baby mama (Carri, of course) watches behind a chain link fence. At first, I didn't  believe it. I kept hitting Jay and screaming "What are we going to do?! Someone help him!!" But since Jay is pretty level headed and objective and knew it wasn't our real life...he just sat idly by. Jay actually texted me on Monday and Tuesday and just said, "Brody is dead." Some life partner I've chosen....

Devstation nation (cue the titanic theme song).  I know, I know...it's my fault for falling in love with a disturbed terrorist but really, what choice did I have? America. You. Should. Be. Ashamed. 

Oh thank goodness! I just woke up and realized that Homeland is just a show on Showtime and this entire post has been jibberish (maybe I'll believe that one day...)!

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Let me tell ya 'bout my best friend!

It's no secret that I really really love my pug, Stella. That little pug girl turned 9 a couple of weeks ago and although a truely loving mom would have been on top of her game a little more...here are a few pictures to my favorite girl and a brief story about how we got our start. I got Stella in a trashy little town called Bangs (sorry Bangs residents) when I was twenty and it went something like this. I was "forbidden" (like that actual word was thrown around) to get an animal of any kind by my dad...so...I got online, found a pug puppy, got on the phone, talked to an old lady, got in the car, drove 4 hours to Bangs, went into a smelly house, picked the fattest puppy, found out that her bio pug mom's name was Hillary (totally meant to be), put my cash on the counter ($250), drove home, went to a new year's party, dropped my new puppy a few times, she had a couple of accidents, woke up the next morning, changed my ways and devoted myself to being a good pug mom. The only thing that I didn't really think through was what to do about the fact that I was living in a house that my parents built for me and that I had been 'forbidden' to have a pet...so I came up with master plan that basically revolved around hiding Stella from my parents anytime they came to Lubbock (2-3 times a week). Brilliant! This plan lasted approximately 17 days and then she was discovered. Yikes! Good news was that I bought a pretty cute puppy and not even a dad who had used the word forbidden could be upset. Everyone loved her and has ever since. Look at that face!

We spent a lot of time studying. 

Awesome teeth. 

Living in Denton. One of our many homes. We're on home #8! 

Sitting pretty. 

Tongue out as much as possible. 

Loves her weim sister, Ally. 

Latest family pictures. 

Together forever. 

We've done a lot in these past 9 years. We've moved 8 times, she's had 4 surgeries, I've graduated twice, married once, expanded our family to include a husband, Weimaraner and German short-hair pointer, found a job I love, and through it all she's been my constant. We've had really great times and few sad/scary times but she's been there every step of the way. Unbelievable how much I love that goofy pug. I know her like the back if my hand. 

Cheers to Stella! Here's to as many more great years as we can get!