Ryan and Sandra's Annual Christmas Party

The fun began with an unusually long and unusually occurring "sleep in morning." By noon, we had gathered ourselves and were on the road cruising away on IH 35 to be met, in just a few short hours, by our friends, Ryan and Sandra and their brood of kitties (Abby dog was at doggie day-care). Ryan and Sandra met us with smiling faces at the door- we caught up over a lovely 2002 Stag's Leap and admired their harvest of tomatoes... masses of them from their garden!

Then- it was Wii time. I have to say- I have never been one to take much interest in video games, aside from some childhood fun with Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and Excite Bike- from Nintendo 1- yes, the one and only original! However, video games have come quite a long way in the past 15 years, and the Wii- is SUPER FUN! Neil and I battled at tennis, golf, bowling, fishing, and shooting before Rock Band sucked us in like kids on Christmas morning. Before we were completely hooked- Sandra put us to work moving stemware and lighting candles. This year's theme was BIG and SPARKLY (thank you, Shannon)! The stage was set with perfect Christmas Cheer and Elegance when guests began to arrive. Chef Juan conjured a delectable feast of hors d'oeuvres- fruits, cheeses, chocolates, bruschettas, sea food fondue, bacon wrapped chicken and shrimp... there is a term for these but I can't remember :) Ryan and Sandra broke into their coveted collection of wines for several Napa wines to make the season ever brighter.

We wrapped up the night with a late night encore of Rock Band and were right back at it in the morning. Neil was on the drums, Ryan on guitar and Sandra and I took turns singing song after song after song! I did score 100% top performer too! The weekend will definitely be added to our greatest hits! Thank you Ryan and Sandra!

News from the friends we hadn't seen in a while...
Kelly and Chris are starting a Guns N' Roses cover band (and their new bassist looks exactly like Slash - whoa) Now THEY are the REAL Rock Band!
Andy and Shannon and planning to travel this year- what's on the list? Germany, California, and Texas for starters.
Jennifer and Jason - were married in Vegas and just returned from their honeymoon in Vail, Co. Congratulations!

Love the Holidays

Although I love the summer time- full of lake time, pools, bbq's and sunshine, I have to say- the holidays are equally, if not a more enjoyable time of year.

Neil and I continued our tradition of decorating our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It was a great day- we had a full Turkey Day feast at my parents' house, then rolled our selves home for a nap. I worked on an embroidery project while Neil enjoyed his other love- football.

Finally we went to pick out a fresh tree and take it home to decorate. Zach was in town and joined us- we had a ball- between holiday drinks, snacks, doggie pajamas and Christmas music- we covered the tree in over 2600 lights! More than last year!

Now that the holiday season is in full swing- we are juggling the Christmas parties, charity events- Toys for Tots and Any Baby Can, and shopping- to keep the season bright.

Holiday Heartwarmers-

My mother picked out her mother-of-the-bride dress- I hope I am as beautiful as she is- both inside and out- when I stand in her shoes one day.

Brent, Ana and baby Alexander will welcome a baby BOY at the end of April! Alexander has brought so much joy to his family- we can't wait to meet our new nephew in just a few months. Congratulations!

I am Thankful...

I am thankful for my family and friends because they somehow teach me, support me and love me unconditionally.
I am thankful for my fiance, Neil, because he truly amazes me more and more everyday I get to love him.
I am thankful for my mom and future mother-in-law, Barbara and Sallie, because they are my role models and I couldn't ask for better.
I am thankful for my dogs, Little and Maisie, because they magically make sadness and anxiety disappear.
I am thankful for my house because it is becoming our home.
I am thankful for my colleagues because they inspire me and challenge me to become a better professional.
I am thankful to live in a country where anything is possible and no dream is too small or too big to come true.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Psalm 118:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Pro-Care Spine Center in San Antonio is OPEN!

Hat's off to everyone at the clinic (and their supportive families) for all the hard that went into the training, building and opening of the Pro-Care Spine Center San Antonio location. It was a learning process from start to finish and we are so proud to say the clinic is open for business.

B and N are truly an amazing team in my book- I continue to be impressed and inspired as I see how many lives are helped by them and the incredible Pro-Care Spine Center team.

To live in pain is no way to live at all- and I am glad we have so many ways to help people improve their heath without the use of drugs and medications.

Just a few of the ways my life has been improved by the Pro-Care Spine Center...

1. My back doesn't hurt anymore...

2. I can snowboard with no fear!

3. I eat a healthy breakfast every morning thanks to Standard Process vitamin shakes!

4. I am leaner and meaner thanks to Standard Process vitamins and supplements
5. I am preventing possible future health complications for me and my family thanks to my specific nutrition program

6. I have a solution for friends and family who are suffering with health problems...

7. Most Important Reason! ---NEIL!!!

Above are a few shots of the new San Antonio location the day before we opened for business...

It was all hands on deck to get equipment in place, cabinets hung, and floors swept. A and I were the super-shopping duo, while the guys handled the handi-work and wiring at the clinic. A kept everyone smiling with his incredibly cheerful disposition and contagious laugh. He is the poster child for a perfect baby!

Congratulations to everyone!

Washington D.C. and the Cowboys vs. Redskins Game

What a cool trip! N and I surprised K for his birthday... not our great idea- his wonderful wife, E, set the whole thing up. We toured around the D.C. area, spending some at the Arlington Cemetery, Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, and the White House, of course. The weather was perfectly FALL- cool to cold with a shower here and there... very unlike our Texas Fall weather... (it's 80 degrees F today :).

I remember hearing my mom wish to return to Virginia to see her tall trees and experience her 4 seasons... I can understand now why she loved living there... it is truly beautiful, and full of life and energy.

The Cowboys game was AWESOME! We won! Although it was bitterly cold, we were prepared with hand-warmers and adult beverages to keep us warm and happy!

I loved learning more about the dynamics of our government and world through first hand experience. I visited as a child, but this time was more meaningful. As adults, we understand how much we are invested in the world around us. I think all high school seniors should visit D.C. at the end of their senior year... for a multitude of reasons... but I'll save that for another post :)

Thank you to K, E and Lexie for hosting us! You are welcome at our house anytime!

Baby Glow

I've heard about the "glow" a girl gets when she's pregnant... but here she is in person- Holly is glowing! She's now six months pregnant with her and Mike's first baby girl. Holly, Mike and the new baby have been in our prayers since the Hurricane Ike paid a visit to their neighborhood and home town, Galveston, TX. Ike wiped out their wedding, their house and their yard, but not their spirit. The house is back in order and the nursery is coming along nicely. Good job Holly and Mike!

Texas Tech is #2!

What a GREAT game- AGAIN! Texas Tech is the real deal this year! We celebrated with Matt, wings, drinks, and one VERY happy N!

From ESPN:

No scoreboard watching necessary for Texas Tech.
Less than 24 hours after the Red Raiders gave the national championship race a makeover by defeating then-No. 1 Texas, they received more good news when the BCS standings were released Sunday.
Texas Tech was in second place, behind Alabama and just ahead of third-place Penn State.
If the undefeated Red Raiders of the Big 12 and undefeated Crimson Tide of the Southeastern Conference win out, they will likely meet in the BCS national championship game in Miami on Jan. 8.

Now if only the Cowboys can pull one out this weekend!