Hand Written

Is letter writing gone for good? Will my children even know HOW to write with a pen and paper? It seems that everything has turned into phone, text or email these days. It's a bit sad. Do you still write a hand written thank you note? I try to, but will say the family Christmas and birthday gifts have taken a slide in years past. I know, I know, that's terrible, and I need to be better. Especially if I expect the tot to write thank yous. It's just proper. That's a term from my brother, no doubt. Proper. He loves to live in Dallas proper and dreams of a proper leather club chair for his living room. He's all about proper. But I digress.

When the Chief and I (really just the Chief, but I direct traffic very well) moved a dressing table to storage we found a love letter tucked at the bottom of a drawer. The postage is dated January 31, 1969 and the stamp cost was merely 6 cents. It was written by a young man living and going to school in Austin. It never indicates the University of Texas, but I almost assume as much. Not sure why, but makes the story seem right to me. He wrote about his classes from the fall and the grades he received. He went onto to tell this lovely lady that he had dodged the draft at least for one more semester and avoided Vietnam. He seemed to have true affection for this girl living in Arlington, Texas. And I wonder what ever happened. Did they eventually marry? Did they have children? They would be just about my parents age. The letter was so neat to read. It's like finding a fossil. They just aren't around much anymore.

Can you imagine life without the ease and convenience of a cell phone? No option to just pick up the phone or shoot an email? This young woman probably checked her mailbox religiously hoping to find a love letter. And the butterflies she must have experienced when there was one in there...from HIM. Another time, another place.

The Chief has written some lovely notes inside cards and such, but I don't think I can ever recall receiving a proper love letter in the mail. And for things like our anniversary and my birthday, I do kind of expect a little lovie, sappiness in a card. I mean, for a couple of times a year I think that's okay to ask. But man, oh man, how neat it would be to open your mailbox and find a lovely little love note?

32 weeks...8-ish more to go!

This morning I had my 32 week appointment with Dr. Speight. We chatted about Mexico and fine resorts in which to stay. I'm sure her double physician salary can afford more than my single banker income, but it was fun to chat nonetheless. Have I mentioned how much I adore her? I really do.

Looks like Julia (pronounced Jool-ya) is back on track. She was measuring two weeks ahead of schedule at my last appointment, but has evened herself out. As long as she is healthy I have no complaints, but truly, I was hoping she would relax a little and not show up too early. I'm a planner. I have plans. September 19 and after is what's on my calendar. I've chatted with God about this, and we've agreed I need to relax and let her debut when the time is right, but did give God the P.S. that I'd really be thrilled if it were sometime during the week of the 20th. We'll see.

No pictures today. Sorry.
Happy Hump Day!

Birthday Party!

This weekend we went to one of my favorite little people's birthday parties. Mason Hayward turned 1 on July 20. I still can't believe how quickly this year has gone. Seems not long ago his momma stood pregnant just like me. It was role reversal.

Heather had her house decorated to pure perfection! Every detail for a little man's party was there. She did a nostalgic bbq all adorned with sunflowers, lollipops, old fashion soda pop, popcorn and cracker jacks. The metallic windmills in sand buckets were the perfect touch.

There were lots of kiddos present, but don't be confused that this was a party all for tots. Beer and wine were readily flowing and the party continued on well after bedtimes. It was an event for little people and big people alike!

Happy 1st Birthday Mason Bug! Your party was perfect, and you looked top-notch in that linen button-up! I hope you have a blast playing with all that loot!

What did everyone else do this weekend? Aside from partying we did a lot on the house project front. A LOT. We're about to wrap it up and close this chapter. Thankfully.
Happy Monday!

"We. Like. To. Party. We like, we like to PARTY."

Can you sing that with me? Point being, I LOVE to throw parties. I love to worry and stress and hustle and make lists all in preparation of a good party. Our tiny, little house has seen a lot of great parties over the last 5 years. Everything from OU/Texas parties to birthday parties to Christmas parties and just a good old happy hour party. We've done it all. We've done up a graduation party for a friend and a wedding reception after-party, as well as a whole lotta showers (babies and weddings, that is). We've even had a crawfish boil in the pouring, monsoon rain. And a many a holiday have been celebrated in this house. I'd throw a party every weekend if the Chief would allow. Unfortunately, my entertainment budget is nil, so parties are out the window at the moment.

Yesterday was the Chief's birthday. The double 3. I wanted to throw him a big party. BIG. Like, give me several thousands of dollars, and I would have made a damn good time. But, we're into things like cribs these days, so the big party was nixed. And to be clear, I don't typically get to spend thousands on a party. That's a total pipe dream.

Instead, I surprised Clint with family and a couple of friends for dinner. It was casual and nothing fancy. These guys were there...big Brian and little Brian.


We were home by 8:30 pm. It's starting to make me itch how old we are. 8:30 pm, really?
We did have some cakeballs though. You tried them yet? They're delicious, and I accidentally ordered too many so looks like I have some extra cake balls to enjoy! Opps.

If you live in Dallas you must try Tart's cakeballs. Red Velvet and double chocolate. Check.

Disclaimer, this next part is sap. Pure sap. I don't typically speak in such a way, but today calls for it.

To the chief, I love you and I hope you had a wonderful birthday even though it wasn't full of luxe and grandeur. You are a wonderful man and will be the best dad in the world to Julia.
In conclusion, I've made a little top 10 list of things that I love about you.

1. The way you dance in the morning
2. The need to have your back scratched when you wake up

3. Your love for this baby on the way (and your look of utter surprise when you feel her move)
4. Your ability to do really hard math in your head
5. The way you take care of the bills
6. The meticulous way you tie your tie

7. Your time systems on a road-trip
8. Your love for espresso. Really good espresso.
9. Your ignorance to music (my favorite is when you think someone like New Order sings a song by The Cure)
10. And finally, your passion to travel, see and do



Of course these aren't all of the things I love about you. And all of these go with the fact that you love and take care of me and for that I'm forever grateful.

Love you, bestie!

Little Sunburn...Lotta Fun

This past week the Chief and I took a little trip. Some call it a babymoon, but that word kinda freaks me out. Although, while on this "trip" I did often think about this being our last trip before becoming a family of 3. Last trip before I'm a mom. Last trip before I have the constant worry for another being.



As we drove to San Antonio Clint and I reminisced on our very first trip together. It, also, was to San Antonio. In a totally corny fashion we went to Sea World and stayed on the Riverwalk. We had a blast. I was sunburned as all hell and Clint had never seen such redness in his life. From then on he's been Mr. Protective about me burning. He's worse than your mother when you're 10 at Wet n' Wild. And yes, it's still Wet n' Wild.


The trip was for one purpose. RELAXATION. From what I understand it all gets hectic from here. And truthfully, it's been hectic since about March. We needed a break from strollers, carriers, cribs, house projects, what SUV to buy, what diaper bag to purchase, automatic gates installed and all the preparation and thought that has gone into the idea of this little one joining us. It was the last little taste of footloose and fancy-free.

We were able to do just what we wanted: RELAX.

We checked ourselves into the Westin La Cantera on Wednesday and did nothing but eat, drink, laugh, lay by the pool and enjoy the sunshine for 4 days. Our trips in the past have been wonderful, and I cherish every. single. one., but none of them have been sans a long flight with no agenda but to totally chill and have fun. There were no museums, no cathedrals, no trains, no boats, no 15 kilometer walks around a city, no getting up early, no tours and no plans. It was a welcomed change of pace.









There was just a small hiccup in the relaxation mode with a smidge of work. The Chief's scorecard came out and he had to check that all his deals were posted and do a little number crunching to see where he stood after the first six-month mark. Then it was back to the fun.


We spent Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning alone and did a lot of "this time next year" and "this time last year" talks. We dreamed about little Jules being in the pool next year and how different life will be. It was great. But Friday afternoon came some fun!



My cousin, Brooke, and her husband, Mark, met us for the weekend. Brooke is Julia's Godmother and out of 13 grandchildren, my closest cousin. We have played together as kids, vacationed with each other, dominated kickball tournaments with our uncles and dads, visited each other in college, drank a billion beers together and have been bridesmaids in each other's weddings. Now for the next chapter...our kids.

Brooke and I can be apart for an entire year and when Thanksgiving hits it's like nothing has changed. We laugh so hard it hurts and have the exact same sense of humor. I guess family are often times broken from the same mould. Brooke and I are exactly that, from the same mould.

Friday night we stopped by kiddie zone to snag a smores on the way to dinner. Pregnant ladies like smores.

Then Brooke and Mark took us to Fralo's for dinner. It has the best pizza and atmosphere. Live music, BYOB and Goat Cheese pizza...what could be better?!






Saturday we did a little something different and had breakfast. Apparently that's the hotspot for the kiddies before they leave for Fiesta Texas. Worked out well for us because Clint really needed his picture taken with Bugs Bunny.


Then it was onto our usual routine of sitting by the pool ALL DAY. There were Blue Hawaiians, lots of beer, some O'Douls, Daiquiris with Rum on the side (Chief took it upon himself to ensure nothing went to waste) and an afternoon of laughing. It felt so good. So GOOD.




Saturday night we went to Boudro's for dinner on the riverwalk. Brooke and Mark had their rehearsal dinner catered by Boudro's, but Clint and I had never been to the restaurant. Delicious! We were sunburned, it was hot, but we managed to eat some excellent food and enjoy the evening.






Yep, there's my double chin. I've worked hard to get it and it looks like it's stayin.




Mark is a dentist. He's very serious about oral hygiene and A&M sports. I'm guessing he's giving Clint a stern talking to about one or the other. Or could have been a debate between ordering a Bourbon and a Texas Tea. We'll probably never know.

Sunday was a run by HomeGoods to ensure I wasn't missing anything and then a final stop at Chuy's to get Chuy-fied. Brooke and I scoped out all the fabulous finds at HomeGoods, while Clint was a magnet to all the cheesiest, biggest wastes of money.



I was sad to see the week end, but have some wonderful memories of our last hoorah before the bebe arrives. I love my family, and moreso, I love that they're excited to be apart of Julia's life. I'm certain a proper introduction will take place in Victoria, Texas over Thanksgiving. Jules will have never seen anything like it.

Meet Bryer...and the Chief's Family!

This weekend the Chief and I went to Amarillo to meet the newest member of our family, Bryer Hoyt! He was born on Friday evening, July 9 at 7:33 pm weighing 8 lbs 2 oz. He's the youngest of 3 brothers, and I think his new nickname should be bruiser. He's going to be tough and jumping into pillow fights as soon as he gets home will soon be the fun he learns!

Bryer Hoyt Parker

Perfection!

The meeting of the little brother!

There's the mom and dad, Kendra and Michael. They produce great looking kiddos! Congratulations Kendra and Michael...you've given our family such joy with these 3 great kiddos! I can't wait to see these brothers grow.

Meet the Big Brothers! Brady and Brock are the big brothers of this household and absolutely adore the little man on the scene. It was precious to see. They couldn't wait to get back to the hospital to be with Bryer....or their mom. What a neat relationship moms have with their sons.

Meet Brady. Biggest Brother. What a sweetie pie. Brady is a rule follower, a fabulous soccer player and the best big brother out there. He loves little Bryer and wants to hold him and be with him all the time.

Brock, Brocksty, Brock-lee, middle brother...
Brock is hilarious! He mooned the parking lot from the hospital the other night. He's a riot. Always looking for some fun and so sweet all the time in between. He's the helper around the house. Yesterday he said we needed to take his mom and dad their pillows so they could sleep better in the hospital. Heart of gold!

Meet Eddie or Pops, my father-in-law. He is as sweet as he looks in this picture. Every morning he offers a cup of coffee as soon as your feet hit the floor. He's a giver and a doer. He loves his family and especially his grandkids. He can't wait for little Julia to get here. He's already started the "my girls" routine talking about me and the princess. It's so sad she won't be loved!

Here's the momma hen, Grammie. Grammie is as good as the get. She's not pushy, she's not in your business, she just loves. She cares for and loves every little chick in this family. She always takes her turn last and just soaks up all the family time she can. All the grandsons think Pops is the greatest thing since sliced bread. She's holding out the Jules will snuggle and cuddle and sit on her lap. We're giving her some one-on-one time in the fall after Julia arrives. We hope this gives her a little headstart!

Here's my brother-in-law, Rich, Richie, Richard or Roodle. He's Clint's little brother and is the baby of the family. He's in college at the University of New Mexico and we're so proud of him! He studies hard and finds time to keep his body all toned up. Very impressive. He doesn't have the aggressive personality of Clint AT ALL. He's very relaxed, very chill, very kind hearted and takes his time DOING EVERYTHING. It drives Mr. Antsy Pants Crazy!

The little man! What is more sweet than a newborn? Bryer has a little puppy squeal that is so cute.

The Chief was attempting to watch the World Cup. His glasses were in the car. Apparently the Stevie Wonder look works well.

Yikes, so small!

They say I'm up next...hope I'm ready!

I hope your weekend was as heart filling as ours. Have a great week!