An Answered Prayer

As most of you know, last Thursday was a big day for Travis and I. His company was having a layoff that day and we had to wait for the outcome. It was such a nerve-racking week for the both of us...more so for him. We knew about a month ago that there would be a layoff but we didn't want to think it would happen. The day finally came and he was safe!!!! Travis told me when they got to work, his supervisor pulled several of them into his office and told them that they still had a job! WHAT A RELIEF!!! When hecalled to tell me the news, I couldn't stop screaming and I was beaming from ear to ear and completely speechless. It was such a relief for both of us and it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of our shoulders. He is such a hard worker and I am so proud of him and all that he has done for the company, I knew he didn't deserve to be laid off. We were pretty confident, but there was still that little bit that kept tugging at us to be prepared if it went the other way. We turned to our faith and knew we had to leave it in God's hands.

Thank you to all of our friends and family who supported and prayed for us during this difficult and stressful time. I especially want to thank all of my friends at work. You guys were such a huge support for me while I was dealing with my job which at times can be stressful. Thanks for keeping me upbeat and positive. To my mom, thank you so much for listening to me cry countless nights on the phone because I was so scared of what could happen. You and dad were such great supporters for the both us. We love you!

Pig Roast 2009

A couple of weeks ago, Travis and I and a couple friend of ours, Meagan and Matt, went down to Louisiana for the Pig Roast. We had such a great time. We drove down there on Thursday night and got in early Friday morning. The guys had to get up shortly after to for the Pig run. It is an all day affair. They go and get the pig and then on the way back, they stop at several bars and eat lunch. They make it back HOURS later! They go straight to the scout hut where the pig roast is being held and get ready for guys night. While they were doing that all day, my mom had made so many delicious dishes that I was craving to eat. Family came over and we ate and drank and then that night went out for some amazing seafood. The guys finally made it back home around 1:30am on Saturday. I'll put it this way....they weren't hurting! :)

On Saturday, it is family day at the Pig Roast. Of course, there is more delicious food and that's when they get the pig ready to eat. I'm not big on eating the pig as you will see in the pictures why. They have a lot of things for the kids to do and the adults visit, eat, and drink some more. It's a good time for everyone! Saturday night, is adult's only night. They get a band to play and there's more food and drinks going around...imagine that! My friend Ashley ended up surprising us at the pig roast. I had no idea she was coming. It was such a great surprise! By the end of the night, we were all exhausted. We finally got home around 3am on Sunday and then woke up for the 8 hour drive back to Dallas! Needless to say, it wasn't a fun trip home. Next year, we are definitley flying to the Pig Roast! Here are a few pictures from that weekend...

Do you see why I won't eat the pig??

Crawfish boil

Hey Y'all! Last weekend Travis and I went to a crawfish boil with some friends that I work with. We had a great time and the crawfish were SOOO good! We always have a great time when we hang out with this group of friends and it makes it ten times easier when all of our husbands get along! We are very fortunate to have such a great circle of friends!

For Travis and I not having family here, we realize how much our friends mean to us. We know we could call on them at anytime if we needed to. Our friends are what surround us here in Texas and each day we realize that this is where we need to be at this point in our lives.

The girls....Meagan, Sara, Jamie, Tracy, me, Carol, Ashala, and Alaina

We missed you Adriane and Marisa!

Carol, Tracy, and me

DuMonde XXX

This past weekend, Travis and I traveled down to Louisiana for Mardi Gras. One of the greatest things about Louisiana and my culture. My dad was a duke in DuMonde, which is the local Mardi Gras ball in LaPlace. He told my sister and I in December at Christmas time. I was so excited and couldn't wait for this weekend to come. I knew how much fun it was when I was a Maid in 2000. My dad had a wonderful maid which made it even better. We used to swim together at Riverlands and her dad was the Captain of the ball when I was a maid. This year the theme was The Roman Empire. My dad was Duke Leonidas. I thought I would never see my dad in a dress :) It was a great night. This was Travis' first Mardi Gras and what a way to experience it. He had so much fun and is already ready for next year's Mardi Gras!!!! After the ball ended, we went to my dad's good friend and also a duke, Mr. R.J. for a breakfast. I was so tired from traveling and not sleeping, that I had to leave early and get some rest because I knew Saturday was going to be another busy day.

On Saturday, we went to a parade in Reserve called Towapasa. WOW!!! It was fun and interesting! It's a parade where anything goes! That night, we went to Metairie so Travis can see more parades. It didn't take him long to figure out what you had to do when the floats past. He had himself a blast! You would never know it was his first Mardi Gras. That Sunday, was the LaPlace Parade that my dad and the rest of the court would ride in. We decided to stay so we can see him on the float. My dad was having so much fun! Once it was over, I began to dread the thought of having to say good-bye to my family. Even though we had an 8 hour drive ahead of us and it was after 2 in the afternoon, Travis knew I wanted to see my dad before I left so we decided to stay unti he arrived at my grandparent's house (they are on the parade route). Once my dad arrived, we visisted for a little while but then had to say good-bye knowing that we would be back in a month for Pig Roast. Travis and I had such a good weekend and it was more memories that we were able to share together. We are anxiously waiting Mardi Gras 2010!!!

My dad and his Maid, Meagan....Leonidas

Our Family

Dad and his girls

Mardi Gras Party

This past weekend, Travis and I had a Mardi Gras party with some girls from work and their husbands. We had so much fun! It's amazing how our husbands have bonded so quickly each time we hang out. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of friends that surround us. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and I even ordered a King Cake for everyone to taste. I couldn't wait to eat a piece myself. It's one of the best things about Mardi Gras other than your usual order of Popeye's Chicken for the parades.
I owe a big thank you to my mom who picked up all kind of Mardi Gras stuff so we can wear it for the party! It was a hit! Thanks mom! I can't wait till we have everyone over again for more good times!

The girls

Tracy and I

Travis and I

The girls ready for Mardi Gras

Travis and Brad sporting the Mardi Gras gear

Brrrrrrr....

When I moved to Texas 3 1/2 years ago, I never thought I would have to worry about snow and ice. Well....I was wrong!!! The school district that I work in decided to dismiss all students today at 12:30 due to freezing rain and potential ice. I must say, it was nice to come home a little early today. As I was driving through our neighborhood, I could already see icicles forming on some of the houses.

I decided to take a nap today and try to get warm. Little did I know that I wouldn't be able to sleep on my pillow! I guess Cooper was cold and decided he needed to get warm because he crawled right under the covers and put his head on my pillow. When I saw him in the bed, he just gave me a look that said "what did I do wrong?" I couldn't help but laugh. So, I just slept on Travis' side and we both took a nap. He is one spoiled dog! Here are some pictures of Cooper nestled up in our bed. Do you think he has it rough?!?!?!

Lazy Weekend

Reigha sharing her snacks with Cooper

Cooper was so worried we were going to leave without him

Trying to stay warm

What a great watch dog!

Hey Everybody! This weekend has been pretty lazy for us. Travis had to work nights on Friday and Saturday. It's never fun when he has to work but it pays off in the long run. At least we can spend some time during the day together. I try and stay up until he comes home but I always end up falling asleep.

Last weekend, we went down to his parents to see everyone. We had a blast. His parents took us to Rock Springs where they have 45 acres. I love it out there. It's so peaceful but not a lot to do. On our way home from Rock Springs, we took the scenic route through Leakey. I have never seen that part of the Hill Country and I fell in love it. It was absolutely beautiful. It was a great chance for Travis and I to spend some time with his mom and Tommy. While we were there, we stayed with his sister Brittany and her husband, Jerry. They were in the process of remodeling their bathroom which was looking really good. I can't wait to see the finished product! It was also a chance for us to spend time with our niece Reigha. She's growing up so fast and she's already walking! She's so much fun to watch and see her personality. Cooper was so good with her and she was very generous with her food which made Cooper very happy :)

Next weekend we are throwing a Mardi Gras Party which I'm really excited about. It's going to be good to show everyone a little bit about my culture. I am ordering a King Cake as well so everyone can taste how delicious they are!! I can't wait to have some myself!

This year, we have the chance to go down for Mardi Gras because my dad is a duke in DuMonde. I am so excited for him and I know he will have a blast! He has a great maid too. I know how much fun I had when I was in it. This will be Travis' first time to experience Mardi Gras and I couldn't think of a better way to experience it than by going to the ball and the parades that weekend. I'm excited that I get to go home again and see my family! It will be a great weekend!

I hope everyone is doing well wherever they are and enjoying 2009 so far! I'm anxious to see what this year brings us! Love y'all!