Merry Christmas!

Remember a while back when I told you that I'd been distracted by some other potentially exciting news?  That was a true story and not just an excuse I was feeding you all to ebb the hate mail.  You know, with all the readers I have it was getting overwhelming.** 

As of today, November 30th, Ryan and I are homeowners.  Those of you who have taken note of my fondness (read: unhealthy obsession) for HGTV probably realize that this is absolutely the greatest Christmas present in my life.  Unless I someday have a child on Christmas... and even then it might still be close.  (JK future child!  Also, eat your vegetables).

the Hulk of Home Ownership

We first visited the house on October 24th, we fell in love, we made an offer on October 26th and by October 28th we had reached an agreement.  Then came some incredibly stressful weeks figuring out insurance, finances, color coordination schemes (obviously this is a top priority), where Ryan can put his fictional jaeger machine (we have different priorities), etc.  Somehow we managed not to physically injure one another throughout the process... Future Martins: 1, Universe: 0.  Which brings us to today- November 30th, the day we became homeowners.  I won't go into sap mode on you guys, but I'm not going to lie- I'm pretty excited.

Because I'm sure you all are curious, and because I want to remember what it looks like in case Ryan destroys it during the 7 months before the wedding that he is the only tenant, here is our new abode:

Casa de Martin

Entry way

Formal Living Room

Dining Room

Family/Living Room

Kitchen

Kitchen, Part Two

Backyard

Backyard + Back of the house

We (we = me) plan to have a big housewarming sometime post-wedding.  Until then if you drop by you will likely find Ryan by himself, scantily clad, eating chili out of a can on a lawn chair.  So I recommend holding off on that for a while. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who helped make this happen- that includes our wonderful friends who kept me sane, our terrific family who provided insight and help, our fantastic realtors and most especially my future hubby - who, to put it simply, put up with me.  :c)

** extreme sarcasm font

Dear Mama(s)

Did I just bust out a Tupac reference? YEAH I did.  I've been compiling some mama-related news/pictures and today in particular seems to be a mama-centric day, so here we go...

1.  MY Mama
Today is my dear Mother's birthday.  She's 18 again.  Difficult to believe, isn't it?  I know that everyone thinks they have the best Mom in the world, and that really is very cute.  However, I actually do.  Why, you ask?  Where do I even begin?  She is a lady who let my sister's friends start calling her Caddy in highschool (during the Mean Girls days)... and she just rolled with it.  Rolled with it so well that I don't think anyone, save my Grandfather, remembers her real name anymore (it's Kathe, btw).  She is also a lady that spent countless hours arguing with our bank the other day for me because they messed up my statements, I need them and I didn't have the time to do it.  She is a lady that sends us home with leftovers every single time I leave the house.  She is a lady who let my sister pants her while putting the Thanksgiving turkey in the oven a few years ago (granted she didn't have much choice- who wants to sacrifice 22 lbs of bird to swat my sister).  Nonetheless- stellar.  She is a lady who remembers my friends names (yes, all of you).  She is a lady who offered to call and wake me up before every single test in college (those of you familiar with my ability to wake up understand this).  I could go on for hours, but it can be best summed up by saying that she is THE lady who keeps my entire family running.  Not a one of us would be who we are without her and I can't thank her enough.  Happy Birthday Mamacita! 

My pretty Mom

2. Mama Melanie
Today our beautiful friend Melanie gave birth to a 7 lb, 3 oz chick magnet, Mr. Jake Thomas.  As you all know, I have been anxiously awaiting his arrival for quuuuuuite some time now.  I'm so happy that he's finally here and that he and his adorable madre are safe and sound.  Can't wait to officially meet him!  Congrats to Jonathan & Melanie.  The bundle of joy:

Baby Jake

3.  Mama Sara
A few weeks ago, on November 7th, specifically, I attended a shower for Sara and sweet little Savanna.  I was kiiiind of holding off on posting about it in hopes that she would post some pictures I could hijack borrow.   I was a tad frazzled and forgot to charge my camera battery beforehand.  Friend: fail.  The shower was hosted by 3 of Sara's fantastic friends and was absolutely flawless.  I learned a lot of things about childbirth that encouraged me to never attempt the endeavour myself.  In a related story, I'm now accepting applications for future surrogates.  I had such a great time and am so very excited to meet Miss Savanna.  Because I failed at doing this myself and because she's too cute not to be documented, here is Mrs. Lee:

Baby Savanna

4.  Mama Tiffy
I am fortunate enough to get to see Tiffany, Ryan E and Kylie Pie about 2 or 3 Sundays a month.  I have been stockpiling pictures of Miss K for a little while now and I figured this is a very appropriate post to share them in because Miss K happens to have a pretty incredible mama herself.  I love this little munchkin oh-so-very-much.

Haaaaaaappy Halloween

This face is priceless

So precious.

Ryan trying to teach Kylie to roll over.  And Kylie looking at him like he's lost his mind.  Get used to it, darlin'.

"Get out of my face, yo."

Proving Kylie rolling over > Ryan rolling over

I bet her Aunt is AWESOME.

Melissa + Blake = Melake... ohhh, and a wedding

This past weekend, my dear friend Melissa got engaged to the love of her life, Blake.  I was priviledged enough to get to take part in the festivities.  On July 23rd Blake gchatted me and told me that I shouldn't get excited but that he was going to propose to Melissa.  Why do I remember the exact day that happened?  Because I was sitting under the dryer at the hair salon.  Dear Boys of the World, if you are going to tell a female that one of her closest friends is getting engaged, make sure that she is not in a location where an excited movement in her seat will send her head right into a heating device.  So, obviously -1 for me because I got WAY excited.  We discussed plans, rings, etc and Blake told me he'd keep me updated. 

Over the next few months Blake would periodically check in.  He would give encouraging updates, such as "I picked the ring.  What do you think of this?"

Not that there is anything wrong with the aforementioned gem- I just don't quiiiiiiite think it was what Melissa had in mind.  And after this year's football season, I dont think Mack Brown himself would even be an advocate.  I digress...

In late October Blake told me that the ring was being made as we spoke and that he planned to pop the question when Melissa's family from Pennsylvania was in town for their annual UT game.  This past Sunday, November 14th, Blake made Melissa the happiest girl in the world by proposing in front of the tower.  Blake did such a fantastic job planning the whole thing and pulling it off without a hitch.  Not to mention the ring: GOR.GEOUS.  That always helps to ensure a yes.

Ryan and I drove up to Austin for the day and got to share in the celebration by meeting up with the happy couple, their families and friends at Blake's parents' home.  On the way we stopped at Ryan's new favorite hang out: Hruskas.  Melissa and Blake, I found SEVERAL potential registry items.  Just saying.

All in all, it was an incredible day and my heart is overflowing with excitement for the Future Covingtons.  Thank you both so very much for letting me share in your joy and this moment.  CONGRATULATIONS!

Mr. & Mrs. Covington

Melissa hugging Aunt Sue.  It's difficult to say whether Aunt Sue realized that Melissa was engaged at this point despite my mysteriously arriving with bridal magazines in tow.  Love this lady!

Melissa & her proud Papa

Mr. Poorman giving a heart-wrenching toast.

Melissa, Blake, Mrs. Covington's parents and Mrs. Covington

Blake's Grandparents, Melissa & Blake

Telling the story.

Looking at the pictures.

Flashing the bling.

And who wouldn't be?  So pretty.

The spread.

Bubbly

Mopes & I

Blake, Melissa, Destiny Smiles & Ryan

Happy Friday

You know that you are not an adult when your lunch consists of this:

Thank YOU Lunchable for reminding me that "frown is a four letter word."  Happy Friday, kids.

Nuptial News: Installment Five

Okay, so last month I said I didn't get much done.  This month I REALLY didn't get much done.  I blame that on the following:  (1) being in Canada for 1 out of the 4 weeks in this month, (2) quarter and (3) some other potentially exciting life events that I will fill you in on at a later date.  Assuming things work out.  This is going to be very subpar, but in the interest of continuing to remain accountable, here we go...

Things Accomplished:

• Starting a registry* at Crate and Barrel
• Starting a registry* at Bed, Bath and Beyond
• Starting a registry* at Target
• Meeting with a DJ (we're making progress here people)
  

Things in the Pipeline:

• Menu
• Still that darn DJ thing
• Decor/Flowers

Ryan's Contributions:

• Scanning me as an intended registry item
• Nothing says romance like receiving a conference call invitation from the love of your life. Behold:

Here's to a (fingers crossed) uber-productive November!

* if you have been thinking to yourself - man, Amy is SUCH a good friend and I really want to send her a present but I dont know what... fear no more friends, I have made some lists.  What can I say?  I'm a helper.

Brunch Season: The Triumphant Return

As you all may have gathered from my lack of posting as of late- I've been a little tied up.  Brunch season got pushed to the wayside because of all kinds of things like... going to Canada, celebrating the joining of lives and a week long bout of whooping cough (which the Dr referred to as an "upper respirtatory infection"... I stand by my baseless self diagnosis though).  Consequently, the weekend before this past one was the first in a while that some of our schedules lined up.  We decided to celebrate with a revival of brunch season.

This time we took our thirst for mimosas and adorable baby buddy to Farrago.  I've been to this establishment on several occassions and highly recommend it.  Aside from delicious crab cakes and excellent fruity to go candies (sometimes mints just dont sound good)- they offer bottomless mimosas in red wine glasses.  They take the "bottomless" portion of that statement very seriously too.  If you don't have a solid 3 hours to devote to a nap afterwards, this is not the place for your brunch bidness. 

As always, we had a fantastic time.  Thank you, anonymous waiter, for sharing way too much of your thoughts with the audience.  Thank you, Dena, for decking us all out in pink teenager bracelets.  Thank you all for your partcipation.  Smooches!

Noah and his beautiful mama

Dena & Jamie

New brunch friends.  Who hang out with Ryan Reynolds lookalikes.  No biggie.

Noah, Jenn, Shawna & I

Dena & Noah.  He's also shocked by the size of the mimosas.

Oh hey, we got engaged...

As you may recall from an earlier post... Ryan and I got engaged on February 27th.  You're probably wondering WTH inspired me to write a post with 8 month old news.  Recently we had the pleasure of having our dear (and overwhelmingly talented) friend Shawna take our engagement pictures. 

Engagement pictures are a funny concept to me because they come way after begging the girls' parents to let you marry their daughter the ring, the tears and the celebration- a fact that I should be thankful for given the fact that I don't do moviestar crying.  You know how a solitary tear will roll down some gorgeous actress' face miraculously missing her perfectly applied mascara and taking a left to miss her eyeliner and or blush/bronzer?  That's not me.  My tears bring friends.  And they don't take lefts.  They make a beeline for my eyeliner and mascara like kids to a moonwalk.  I suppose that explains why I'm an auditor and not an actress.

I guess the real purpose of engagement pictures is to announce your engagement to the world.  I think Facebook actually did that for us, but let's pretend for a moment that it didn't.  So this is me announcing we're engaged.  Go ahead and act shocked... and laugh at some of the pictures that made me laugh the hardest or smile the biggest.

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart Shawna for making us look presentable and for being one of the greatest friends and photographers a girl could ask for.  :c)  (For those of you not catching on to my subtle hinting via linking her name to her website... If you ever need some pictures taken... Or you need a new photographer website to add to your favs- check out Shawna.  Seriously).

Ryan said the most ridiculous things you've ever heard whenever Shawna told us to look at eachother.  Exhibit A.

I think we were about 1 for 200 with the piggyback photos.

Even from 3 feet behind him I realized that he was doing something inappropriate.

I am apologizing now... For some reason a lot of my favorite pictures are kissing ones.  Gross I know.

Ahhh... true love

I warned you.

Ryan making fun of engagement pictures.  In the middle of taking engagement pictures.

Ryan is good at engagement pictures.