Renovation Update #2

Our front landscape border was finally completed last night!  The hot weather and the rain (believe it or not) delayed the installation the last few weekends.  It really makes the front yard look alittle cleaner and more organized (which I love).  All we have to do now is add some dirt and plant a few flowers around the tree and in between some of the existing bushes. 

Before

After

Shay's Wedding

This past weekend Shane and I went up to Reno to see my little cousin, Shay, get married.  The weather up in Reno was a nice change from the heat of Texas.  It was in the low 60's in the morning, mid 90's in the afternoon and then a nice mid 70's in the evening.  We tried to spend as much time outside as we could just so we could enjoy the cooler temperatures.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner so we got to spend some time with all of my cousins.  They have all grown up so quickly!

 Tara (14) and Brooke (16)

Me and Shay

The wedding was Saturday night at this country club just south of Reno.  The view was beautiful!

Dusek Family 

Shay and Morgan



It's hard to believe Shay is married.  We spent alot of time together growing up so I always remember him as this little boy that I babysit during the summer while our moms went to work.  I am so proud of the man he has become and know he is going to be a great husband, and father one day.

Christmas 1987



Renovation Update

Project #2 was completed yesterday with the installation of our new shower door.  There was not anything wrong with our other shower door, but we tried to replace this small piece that had worn down and they apparently did not make it anymore (or after several attempts at various stores and online we could not locate the part).  After some discussion and deciding that we absolutely despised the brass color, we decided to replace the entire door.  We felt it was a change we eventually wanted to make so we might as well pull the trigger.  Shane called a few places and got some quotes before settling on a company out of Frisco. 

All in all, we love the new door!  It is alittle taller than the other shower door and the opening to the door is flipped so we can easily get to our towels hanging on the hook.  Slowly we will start to change out all of the fixtures and bathroom accessories over the next few months to match the brushed nickel finish.

                 Old Door                                                                   New Door

One year and counting!

It's hard to believe, but just one year ago today, Shane and I were signing the papers for our new home.  Despite the obstacles and challenges we faced with purchasing this house, it was all worth the two moves, living out of boxes for 4 months and the constant fear that we would be without a place to call "home".  We can't thank my parents enough for allowing us to "crash" in their house during our limbo.  If we didn't have a place to stay, I'm not sure what we would have done.  I know Aspen appreciated having a pool during the hot summer months last year (I think he wishes we were staying there again this summer!)

Since it's been a year, we felt it was time to do a few home improvement projects that are not necessary but something we wanted to do since it will be our home for many, many, many years to come.  :)

First we had to replace the roof.  Note: this was not something we wanted to do, but needed to do because of the many rain/hail storms during the spring.  Apparently the roofs in our neighborhood were not of the highest quality when the homes were built 10 years ago so the last few months we have seen over a dozen homes getting a new roof.

Next we replaced the front and back doors.  Prior to moving in, we learned that both doors had been kicked in by the prior owners because they forgot their keys on several occasions.  This left the door jams in bad condition and required alot of pushing and pulling to get them open and locked/unlocked.  We also decided to add a storm door to the front to help with insulation and storm damage since our patio is so shallow.

This next week we are getting a new shower door in the master bath and shutters put on the back door.  We are also getting paver stones along the flower beds in our front and back yard.  After that we are going to replace all of the door knobs throughout the house with brushed nickel (they are currently brass) and then look into replacing all of the bathroom fixtures with brushed nickel.

I hope to have updated pictures of our "renovation" progress to show everyone once all projects are completed.  Until then, here's a shot of the house we had to go through hell to get and couldn't be happier! 

I have to point out that our yard looks ten times better than this photo (even though it doesn't look that bad).  The house sat empty without much yard maintenance for 9 months so it was in desperate need of some TLC.  Shane has spent numerous hours pulling weeds and crab grass since the spring.  It does take alittle longer to mow than Cemetery Hill but Shane seems to enjoy the yard work.  He definitely has the green thumb in this relationship!

Little Blessings

I'm an aunt again!  Well, sort of.  My dearest friend, Nikki, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last night.  Her name is Rylee Ann and she weighed 6 lbs, 7 oz.  They live in Miami so I can't wait until the day I get to meet little Rylee!

While I am on the subject, I have to make note of two other little blessings.

Ty Daniel

Ellen was blessed with little Ty (or Ty Ty as I like to call him) on January 9, 2008.  I only get to see him once or twice a year but each time I am around him he is the sweetest and most well behaved little boy.  At first he is shy but just give him 10 minutes and he really starts to open up. 

Ty Daniel (3 years old)

Emma Jane
Courtney was blessed with baby Emma on November 2, 2010.  I get to see Emma atleast once a month and she is one of the happiest and most beautiful babies.  I look forward to each time I get to spend time with her and her momma.

Emma Jane (9 months old)

I am so happy for each of my friends and love to see how their familes have grown over the years!  I met each of these girls over 13 years ago while playing soccer at Texas A&M.  I look forward to watching our friendship and their children grow in the years to come (as well as attending some of their children's own soccer games)!  I am so blessed that they are in my life and that I get to be a part of their children's lives.  They are all (and going to be) the most amazing moms!  I love you girls!!

Hot, Hot Hot!

I'm ready for winter aleady! 

Temperature in my car on July 18



Barbados

Shane and I just spent a few days in Barbados last week to celebrate our 5 year anniversary.  We stayed at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion (big thanks to my brother for getting us a family discount).  After flying out on Monday, we only had 3 days to relax so we made sure to make the most of it.  We spent a majority of our time on the beach and in the water at the hotel.  The only time we left the hotel was to go on a 4 hour private tour of the north eastern coast of Barbados.  It rained alot while we were there (more than normal for this time of year according to the locals) but it didn't interfere with our beach time too much.

It was nice to get away, read a few books, catch up on sleep and relax.  Our next adventure takes us to Reno in August for my little cousin, Shay's, wedding.

Our hotel

View from our balcony

At North Point