January 2010

Wedding planning is in FULL swing now, so I can hardly remember this week much less the past month.

At some point this month, Uncle Cary and I got to babysit our favorite boy in the world. We had lots of fun playing on the new couches, taking off our socks and wanting them back on, going on a walk, etc. But most importantly, Uncle Cary was tired at the end of the day! He learned how much energy is required with little kids. Below are some pictures of our fun day.

We also spent one night this month at my parents' house and enjoyed steaks and wine. We went to church the next day and attended our first class of premarital counseling! We were given several great books to read (which we actually have read some) and will go back soon to hear about how we did on our survey. Cary is just sure it will tell us to call it quits now. ;-)

The following weekend wasn't so great, as we lost our beloved Charley. I know he's in a better place now though, so it helps me get through those tough days.

Sunday of that weekend we had an event at Briscoe Manor, where we will be getting married. All brides that had a wedding date booked there, were invited (along with 3 guests) to their preferred vendor event. My parents, Cary, and I met many photographers, florists, and DJs. We even got to try the food which was absolutely wonderful.

So now the wedding plans are in full swing and appointments to meet and confirm details are in place. Here we go!

Hopefully in February I'll be better about taking pictures. I'm sure I will though; we have lots coming up: my birthday, Magen's visit, bridesmaid dress shopping, etc.

Charley

Very sad weekend. Mom's blog says it much better than I can.
http://lindajos.blogspot.com/

We miss you Charley and love you very much. I'll see you in Heaven. I know you'll be waiting for me at the pearly gates just like you always did at home.

December 2009

I swear I get on here and check all of your blogs, but I haven't found time to update my own. So, here is December 2009 for us. It was a busy one.

Snow~ We had A LOT of snow out here in Katy. I have more pictures of it with my students, but I'm not posting their pictures on here. We had a fun time playing and of course trying to eat it! Some of us just stood there and laughed- I guess out of pure shock about how hard it was snowing! We had early release that day due to the weather, and when I got home around 2:00 our house looked like this. It stayed on the ground through the night and several roofs in the neighborhood had it the next day depending on how the sun hit.

30th birthdays~ The next day we celebrated Christine's and her twin sister's 30th birthday! Christine is my former roommate, and I hate that I don't get to see her daily anymore. Dang boys- she went and got married and now me. She and I would have been perfectly happy to live with each other in that apartment forever! (We hate packing and moving.) Everyone went to dinner, watched the Big 12 game (NE was robbed by that never failing win-it-in-the-end texas team), and then went out for a bit.

Welcome to the 30 Club twins!
Weddings~ December 12th was the Hood-Baker wedding! Alison is a long time dear friend of mine, and Jason is Cary's former roommate. They are the ones I hold responsible for me and Cary meeting! We were both a part of the wedding party and were honored to be included. I didn't have my camera on me, but luckily Ryan (another long time dear friend) was there- he ALWAYS has a camera!

Wish Lists~ Every time you asked Cary this year what he wanted for Christmas he replied, "Drums." Well, that ain't happening! One day while in Best Buy, we walked by one of the Rock Band games or whatever it was. Cary played the drums for about 2 seconds and then lost interest. I knew he would! He says it's because he wants real drums. Too bad. But here is a picture to prove I at least let him play for second.

Family Get-Together~ Jessi, my future sister-in-law, had the great idea of having Cary's extended family and our immediate families get together for a brunch. Unfortunately, all the pictures were taken on other's cameras. We had a great time together, and it was so sweet of Jessi and her mom to open their home and invite us all in.

Christmas~ We spent Christmas Eve in Kingwood with my family. Dad is missing from a lot of pictures because he had to stay after the service we attended to usher. Below is Charley jumping with excitement over the peanut butter bone I got him. Why do we encourage this behavior?

Me and Cary

Mom and the boys

Papa, Bobby, and me

Christmas Day we drove to College Station to celebrate with Cary's family. Below the cutest lil' boy in the world (Cary's nephew) is enjoying animal crackers with Nan.

All of our stockings. Claire made them all! I love that Jessi and I have doggies on ours! Cary has deer and his brother has ducks. Richard (dad) has camo, Claire (mom) has birds, and Jamison has doggies too. Very appropriate for each!

Cary's parents made him this wonderful "box." He has been wanting something to put wood and charcoal in out by the grill. It is sealed and everything so it will be safe from wind, rain, etc. Now we can keep it out on the porch and don't have to drag stuff from the garage though the house every time we grill (which is often). They did a great job!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Cary from his parents!

New Years Eve~ We spent New Years Eve with some friends at Smith & Wollensky's. Great food, drinks, and desserts! Below are pictures of the night. For some reason I don't have pictures of Nick and Kristi! Oops.

They sat us in the wine cellar so we had our own private room surrounded by wine. If you know this group, you know nothing could have made us happier!

The recently married Mr. and Mrs. Baker

The soon to be married

Happy New Year everyone! 2010 is going to be a big year for us. Several people have already pointed out to me that it's our wedding year! I can't believe it. My "bride gene" should be kicking in soon and more wedding plans will be taken care of.

2010- it's gonna be a good year!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so blessed and my future in-laws had everyone at their house in College Station before the t.u. game. My family and Jessi's parents were all invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Cooks. Even though our Aggies lost, they played hard, and we all enjoyed our time together.

Some of the girls in the kitchen

The Cooks and the Burtons

Enjoying the beautiful back yard and porch

My parents

Bobby, Kacee, Cary, me, Dad, and Mom before heading out to "beat the hell outta t.u."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The last few weeks....

I've been bad about blogging; sorry. There is no rest for the bride-to-be.

The last few weekends have been busy with family and friend time, a friend's wedding shower, Aggie football games (even though it's been ugly), and enjoying time outside.

A few weeks back, we went with John (Cary's brother) and Jessi to take Jamison to Dewberry Farm. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed yummy food.

Jamison LOVED the goats! Uncle Cary said he's getting J a gate for Christmas. It was fun to watch J scream and shake the gate back and forth!

Fun on the slide with Mommy!

Aren't I cute?

Uncle Cary and almost officially Aunt Debbie

The Cook boys hanging out at our house

I have also been out wedding dress hunting, I mean shopping. Wow, what an experience! There are so many dresses out there.

Mom and my old roomie, Christine, went with me last Tuesday to several bridal salons. I took Tuesday off from work and tried on lots of dresses. None were that great, but at least we found what looks best on me.

This past Saturday while Mom was out of town, Christine, Jessi, and I went to one more bridal salon. I have found two dresses that could be "the one!" Mom will return from Silver Bella today, and Thursday we will go and show her the dress. I'm hoping the dress selection will help me get the ball rolling on other decisions. Everyone tells me that the dress dictates everything else.

Oh! And not only do I get to be Aunt Debbie to sweet Jamison, but he has a SISTER on the way! Jessi is due in April with a baby girl. Now I will have a nephew AND a niece! Once I finally decide on bride's maid dresses and colors, we'll have to find Baby Girl a tiny dress to match! She'll be 3 months old at the wedding.

We're Engaged!

This weekend Cary and I went to Gruene, Texas in the Hill Country. Cary had never been, so we planned a weekend get away. The weather was perfect. Friday night as we were relaxing on our room balcony and enjoying wine, Cary got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I of course said, "YES!"

After calling our families and sharing the exciting news, we went into Gruene and enjoyed dinner together. Below are just a few pictures from the most amazing and perfect weekend ever.

The view from our balcony at the Gruene River Inn.

Us down by the river where we stayed.

The front of Gruene River Inn

Baby Love

"Aunt Debbie" finally got to go see my best friend's little girl, Emerson Kate. She is adorable and is so good! I got there on Saturday and tried my best to help out Magen and Mike, the sleepy parents. Emerson is so cute and makes the funniest noises while she is sleeping. Some times she sounds like a little goat- it sounds like the beginning of a cry, but nope, just being a goat!

The Schott family
We were all on our way out to Emerson's first party- Sunday afternoon one of Magen's coworkers had a house warming party. Emerson did wonderful, of course, being passed around and being adored. The day before she was great while we watched the A&M game at Plucker's.

Aunt Deb had to leave Monday, but Magen promises to try and send me pictures as often as possible. Isn't Emerson cute? I dressed her today while Mommy got showered/dressed.

Oh! And happy two year anniversary today Magen and Mike. Your love has created a beautiful little girl!