On The Road Again...

I'm back in Greeley, Colorado for work again this week- only this time winter is upon us! I've been smart about my travel plans, and have intentionally tried to avoid the snow. Call me silly, but I've never driven in snow before, much less country dirt roads through winter wheat fields in the snow. I've never even had to scrape my windshield before... and these are not firsts I'm looking forward to.

Aunt Leslie and Uncle Scott saved my butt today- literally. They bought me my first pair of Long Johns for Christmas this year, and they were perfect today. As the sun set over the Rocky Mountains, the temperature dropped dramatically. I don't know if I'll ever get used to the cold weather, but one thing is for sure. Views like this will never get old.

It was absolutely inspiring to spend the day at the foothills of the mountains. It took my breath away every time I looked up. I lived in Colorado Springs the summer after I graduated high school as part of a scholarship from LSU. I got my geology credits I needed for my degree, and got to travel to the Grand Canyon, Black Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, the Grand Tetons... the list goes on and on. That summer, I was amazed by the beauty of nature. And being up here again reminds me of all the small, insignificant gifts we have been given to treasure on this Earth. I'm looking forward to the first weekend I can spend up here in the mountains.

When life gets crazy and it seems like there is too much going on, sometimes the best thing for the soul is to head out to the middle of nowhere where you can't get cell phone service, do your job, and enjoy your view.

I think I may actually be sad when it's time to head back to Dallas this week.

Santa's Best Suprise Ever

Sometimes, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. This weekend was definitely one of those times. On Christmas, I found out that Santa Claus had the best surprise ever in store for me- he was sending my Sissy to Dallas for the weekend! Abby and I have both had an incredibly busy fall. She was president of our sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and spent her weekends tailgating for LSU football games, both home and away. Don't worry- football is my priority too! It has just been a little unusual to see more of Stephen and G Baby this year. Needless to say, the time with Abby was WAY overdue, and I couldn't wait to pick her up at the airport.

She arrived at Love a little after 8am on Friday morning, only they lost her luggage! We were slightly bummed at first, until we found out it would be arriving on the next flight from New Orleans. And since we picked up the luggage ourselves rather than making them deliver it, she got a $50 credit for her next trip to Dallas (which just happens to be THIS WEEKEND!)

Of the 34 hours Abby was in town this weekend, we spent 17 of them running errands and scratching things off the wedding to do list. And most importantly- Babs opened up her very own Macy's card! This is absolutely a Rite of Passage for the women in my family, and I couldn't help but take pictures of such a special event. I know our Granny was smiling down on us as we wheeled and dealed the weekend away. We got jewelry for the bridesmaids, shoes for my wedding dress, outfits for the bridal luncheon and rehearsal dinner, jewelry, etc. We even got steals on a few dresses for the honeymoon, and the Spode Christmas China I'm starting to collect.

The quality time with my sista-face was wonderful. I loved every minute with her and am so thankful for our time together. It was the perfect way to recharge my batteries at the end of a crazy month.

So Santa Claus- if you subscribe to my blog- thank you for sending my Sissy to me. It was the best Christmas surprise ever, and I can't say thankful enough. I promise to be especially nice this year!

Bitty Babies

We have a family tradition on the Reynolds side of the family- Bitty Babies. I actually missed out on the tradition because I was a little too old, but Abby and all my younger girl cousins got in on it. They were all given their Bitty Baby when they were younger, and over the years, they've collected different outfits for their dolls. The American Girl Company makes numerous outfits- they even have matching outfits for kids and their baby dolls. So for Christmas, everyone gets a new outfit. And for their birthdays, they get a new outfit. Get the picture? So now that they are older, they have these beautiful baby doll collections, and even though they may be too old to play with dolls... they know that one day they will have a daughter to share their Bitty Baby with.

Addison and Reece are the flower girls in our wedding, and we wanted to do something nice for them that they would have for years to come. After some thought, I knew what I wanted to do. Bitty Babies for the Court family too! So Layne and I have decided that this is something we would like to do for all of our nieces over the years... and look forward to having more little princesses for us to spoil.

Can you see my wrapping paper this year? It's classic! Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer wrapping paper. It reminded me of my uncle, and I couldn't resist. I even had the stuffed animals to match it for the girls to play with. Addie became slightly attached to Rudolph, and he took a trip back to Prosper last night with the girls.

The girls loved their babies, and the accessories that came with it too. The dolls each have their own blanket, just like Reece and Addie do. And they have a few outfits... play clothes, a dress, and nighties too. They've got a baby bottle, and a bitty bear stuffed animal for the doll.

So here is Aunt Mitzi and Uncle Layne on Christmas 2008 with our favorite nieces. I can't wait to meet all the rest of them that God is going to bless us with one day- no rush though. For now, we're quite entertained by these two!
Aren't the mini's so cute?!?
So instead of getting their big present for the wedding at the wedding, they got their baby dolls now. And at the rehearsal dinner, Layne and I have picked out their first outfit for their Bitty Baby.... a pretty "princess" dress for their baby dolls to wear the same day Reece and Addie are going to wear their pretty dresses.
This is going to be fun.

You Did Good Mom

The book and blankets were a hit Mom. I thought you might enjoy seeing Reece and Addison carrying them around. They didn't let go of them all night!

You are Special Today

When we were kids, my Mom had a red "You Are Special Today" plate, just like the one you see above. It isn't the same plate, but my own. My mom gave it to me when I turned 21, and tonight was the first time we've used it in the new house. Sabrina's boyfriend, Scott, received a big promotion this week. (Congratulations Scott!) So to celebrate, he got to use the Special Plate today. It was nice to continue a childhood tradition with the Courts. I look forward to using the plate in our family for years to come.

Do you see the napkins we used at the table tonight? They are blue, like our dining room, and they have C's embroidered onto them. They gave me a set of 24 with different types of lettering as a shower gift. I love them, and they're going to be nice to have when we are entertaining friends and family.

And... we also used our new place settings and trivets for dinner tonight, amongst many other recent gifts we have received. Layne wants to list them all right... I said no. I comprised- Layne's wants to give a shout out for our electric knife. He really enjoyed it when cutting the ham tonight.

Christmas Dinner

We hosted Christmas Eve for the Courts tonight. Mad props to my sweetheart for his hard work. We had a delicious ham, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, squash casserole, rolls... and Layne even made Aunt Mindy's spinach casserole for me so I wouldn't have to miss out!

Christine and Chad came over with the girls in the early afternoon. Scott dropped Sabrina off at the bridal salon to meet Mrs. Carmen and I as we were picking up my wedding dress. The veil was wrong, so I'm going to have to head back over there, but we have the dress. It's beautiful. I feel like a princess in it, and can seriously see Layne walking into the house one day to find me laying on the couch watching football in my wedding dress. No lie.

Christine helped Layne in the kitchen, and Chad was Old Faithful with the dishes.

Like all meals with the Court family- we left the table full and fulfilled. The food was delicious- God Bless the many chefs!

Pieces From Home

It's Christmas Eve, and I'm in Dallas. It's the first time I'm not going home for the Holidays. And I have to admit, I've been a little sad about it. But today, as I was cleaning the house, I noticed all the small pieces of home that have made there way here to Dallas with me.

Our Christmas Tree is filled with ornaments from our childhood- given as gifts filled with personal memories.


I've got my Granny angel and framed picture of Maw Maw and Paw Paw Santa Claus. I've even got the snow covered Jackson Square from last week.

My "See ya at Christmas" Santa Claus, and my decorations passed on from Mom.

So it wasn't as hard as I thought it would, to be without the family on Christmas. Pieces of them are all around me. And the memories of our yesterdays makes me excited about the future tomorrows.
I know. Sappy. But so perfect for Christmas.

6 Months and Counting!

Layne and I aren't the only ones who have big things coming up in the next few months... as of December 13th, Abby and Doody are less than 6 months away from their own wedding date. Wohoo! As Abby's Matron of Honor, and with Layne being an usher, we've got a lot coming up in the next few months! Bachelor party in Chicago, Bachelorette Party in Big D... showers in New Orleans, and a few other surprises up my sleeve are sure to make 2009 a blast.

We are so happy and excited for you, Abby and Doody, and we're counting down the days until it's your turn too! Time's going to fly by, and we can't wait to stand by your side on your special day!

(For those of you who don't know- Doody's real name is Dustin. He's been best friends with my brother Stephen since Middle School, and has been in our lives for as long as we remember. The nickname Doody has just stuck.)

Happy Birthday to Our Boys!

Last night, we celebrated Adam and Layne's birthdays with Cowboy game watching party. The game was ugly- but the party was a good time. Layne turned 29 on Tuesday, December 16th. Today is the big day Adam is turning 3-0! Special thanks to Bethany for everything you did to make the night so much fun!

Like G-Baby said, when I was teasing Layne about his old age, "30 is the new 20." I think the cake says it all!

3rd Annual Holiday Panty Party

With Christmas every years comes one of my favorite new traditions since I've moved to Dallas- my holiday Panty Party! Good food (thanks to some Maywald recipes), good drinks, great company, and a panty white elephant exchange game makes for a good time!

I had about 25 girlfriends over- co-workers, sorority sisters that live in Dallas now, my sister-in-laws, new friends through the LSU alumni association, girlfriends I've met through Layne, co-workers wives... it was a great group of girls and I loved catching up with everyone. Our newest Christmas tree ornament was a big hit. See the big orange sold tag? We're too proud of our first real tree to take it off!

Did you know that panties come in all colors, shapes, and sizes?

The first ever pair of Granny panties even made an appearance!

I owe a shout out to my brother Stephen, Layne, and friend Melissa who really helped me pull everything together. With Christmas and the wedding coming up so soon, things have been hectic, and their help is greatly appreciated!

I Have Got To Stop Talking So Much Sh*T

It's 4 feet wide and 3 feet long. I absolutely love. I even felt like I was compromising and being fair when I let AnM be the school on the top. You'll see this flag for years to come at our house!

And in the spirit of fairness, I want to acknowledge and give props to Texas AnM for their 72-61 victory that a much tougher fight than the score conveys. AnM was 22 out of 30 at the line, which ended up being the difference in the ball game.

This morning, while Layne and I were sitting at the table going through paperwork and working on the wedding, I told him he was missing out on the opportunity to taunt me and give me a little hell about yesterdays loss. His response was humbling. He said the knowledge that I had purposely checked the game score, because I wanted LSU to win, so that I could tease him, and my shear disappointment when I couldn't, was enough for him.

I have got to stop talking so much sh*t.

Random Ramblings

I've neglected my blog. On the positive side, we finally ordered a new digital camera since ours broke, and it should be getting her any day now. I always like to blog when I have pictures.

The week flew by. I was in bed from Wednesday on with bronchitis and a rhinucitis infection. On Friday, Gregor, Doody, Brian and David Armstrong got into town. This was the weekend of Layne's bachelor party. I spent last night in Prosper with Christine, Sabrina, Reece and Addie baking Christmas Cookies. Gregory is here until Tuesday.

Layne turns the big 2-9 this Tuesday, which is also Matthew Poche's birthday.

I'm hosting my third annual Holiday Panty Party on Wednesday. So far, it looks like we'll have 28 girls here this year. Good thing we're in a house that can hold everybody!

Christmas cards... done.

I got fitted for my wedding dress on Saturday. Shoes are perfect. Only minor alterations needed. It fits beautifully. I desperately need a little bit of a tan though. Anyone ever spray on before?

Hitting the sack early tonight. Must sleep before Monday.

No! Why did I have to think about Monday?!?

My Bad...

I have ignored my blog. Over Thanksgiving, I just ignored computers. Now I'm back to Dallas, and just ignoring the blog. So here is a brief update for what I have to update you on in the next few days (translation:once the weekend gets here):

Couples Shower in Dallas
Nanny's Birthday Dinner
Layne's Shower at the Sports Bar
My Bridal Shower
Nanny's 70s Disco Party
Tacky Sweater Party Bus
Christmas at 5027 Forest Bend

Wow. I better to get work soon. Hope everyone is having a great week. Much Love!

Thanksgiving

I have alot to be thankful for in life, and although this is somewhat of a generic post, I thought it would only be fitting to spend some time talking about the many blessings I have in my life. So in no specific order...

I am thankful for Layne. I am thankful for all the joy that he has brought into my life, and for the laughter that never seems to end. I am thankful for his support and encouragement, his patience and understanding. He is my soul mate, and is the greatest gift God has given to me.

I am thankful for my family and friends. I have an amazing support group in my life of people who know me, who I can be honest with, who are always there, and whose love is unconditional. I am SO thankful to have them in my life. They are a unique group of relationships... family by blood, family by choice, childhood friendships, adult friendships... I am blessed to have you all in my life. I don't know where I would be without you, and will never be able to express my gratitude for everything you have done.

I am thankful for my job. However crazy that may sound, I am. I love what I do, even on the days where it gets the best of me. I am thankful my career is in an industry that has stability right now, and that I work for a company that has no job security concerns.

I am thankful that I finally have a home in Dallas. Although I've lived here for 2.5 years, it wasn't until I moved into the house that I finally found my home here. With Granny's furniture, some hand me down decorations, and a lot of hard work for the renovations, the house I live in is more than a house, its my home. It feels like me, and their are pieces of my roots all around me. It's perfect.

I am thankful Stephen lives in Dallas. I don't think I need to elaborate much since this is something I've touched on before, but I am thankful Stephen is with me. He is protective of me, he calls me out on my BS, and he is my only person from home I have with me in Dallas. I also love watching him and Layne become good friends.

I am thankful for college football, even when LSU does have a 4 L season. It's a passion, and I'm lucky to have the sport for entertainment. I'll be even more thankful when they move to a playoff system.

I am thankful for the gift of life. Losing people I love has reminded me of what I truly have to be thankful for... every breathe, every day. I'm thankful for the sunrises and sunsets, the birds and squirrels I watch in the backyard, the old couple that walks down the block everyday at the same time I'm driving to work. I'm thankful for the little things that make me and my life experiences unique.

Everyday, I think about how lucky I am, and have to remind myself that it isn't about luck. I am incredibly blessed with amazing people in my life, who have filled my days with love, laughter, and fun. If you're reading this blog, you're one of them. Thank you for everything you have added to who I am and the life I lead. I am truly thankful for your presence in my life, and will be thinking about you all over the Holiday weekend while I'm with family and friends back home. Happy Turkey Day!

Salvation Army Angel Tree

I work for a GREAT company. Yeah, we're all stressed out. We have considerable amount of responsibility for someone our age. "Our age" averages out at 27 right now. There are pros and cons at any office environment, but yesterday we got to focus on one of the many pros. One of our community activities we participate in is the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. Last year, we donated money. As a perk, the company gave every employee an extra day of vacation to use in the first quarter of the year. This year, we did it a little differently. Every employee donates what they can. It's secret. Only the manager knows who gives what, so there is no need to feel awkward about it. Then, the West Rockies Region started the afternoon off at Abeulo's. I'm not a fan of Mexican, but I really did have a good time with everyone. Then it was off to Target to shop for our Angel. I was given $100 to shop for Antwone, a 1 yr old boy who needed shoes and wanted educational toys. It was an interesting experience, and really reminded me of how fortunate I am. I may want things, but I need for nothing. I enjoyed shopping for my buddy... and was most excited about the baller tennis shoes and the harmonica I got for the little man. Yes- they now make harmonicas for the +18 months age group so kids learn to play music at a young age. AWESOME. We finished shopping for our 12 Angels, and then off it was to Blue Goose for Happy Hour. Not only did we have fun, but it felt good to give back. The company lost money giving us the afternoon off to do this, but I know we all gained something from it. My Mom adopts a family with her group of friends every year, and I think it's an awesome idea. So thanks to Merit for the reminder of the real reason behind the Holiday Season... and the afternoon off!

Amira and I- One of the accountants I work with and an annual attendee of the Panty Party

Nic, Nic, and Me... Two of the other engineers in the West Rockies Region

The People I Spend ALL Day With- The West Rockies Region

My Bachelorette Party

I am spoiled. Since we were in town for McQ's wedding, my sister put together the most amazing bachelorette party. I couldn't have dreamed of something more perfect for me. As the facebook invite said, "If you love the Tigers, and you love Mitzi too, come celebrate at the tailgate, before she says I Do!"

Layne even got a little Aggie representation of his own. Never mind that we start it with Geaux rather than Gig 'Em. It's what we call compromise. And the theme of the bachelorette party, which I had never even thought of before, was 55 days until Gameday! That's right, the most important kick off of my life is on January 10th, 2009, and we spent all day celebrating the good times to come.... by having a good time. I love a good Louisiana Saturday Night!

My Dad and the Lovely Brides to Be... less than 7 months now for Abby and Doody!

And for those of you who haven't had the pleasure (and yes, I mean pleasure) of experiencing LSU, I thought I would show you a picture of my second house of worship... Tiger Stadium... also known as Death Valley. It was COLD on Saturday, and the crowd wasn't as strong as usual for the rescheduled game, but the Tiger fans who did show up showed up in style.

We made a special trip to the liquor store, just to purchase a round of jager bombs. What started off as a small group wanting to get tanked turned into a large group doubling the trouble. For those of you who don't know this about me, I've been waking up on Saturday mornings in the Fall for the past 7/8 years and starting off my day with the statement, "It's gameday, bitches!" Amy (I think it was Aimes) gave a wonderful toast, ending in "55 days till Gameday, Bitches!" (how appropriate) and there went an entire bottle of Jager. Like that. Even Dad got in on the action.

I loved having Abby and Amy with me throughout the day. They are so different, yet so similar at the same time. Personality wise, you'd think they were the sisters. Until you party with Amy. And then you realize that there really isn't anyone quite like her. She's in a class of her own. Layne of course, is the center of our attention here. He hangs with the crew like a champ. Some outsiders would be overwhelmed walking into such a large family that knows each other so well. Not Layne. He fits right in. For the sake of his career, I've decided to withhold the pictures of his 30+ second keg stand. What can I say? My man is a man who can party like an 19 year old.

Like I said, we missed Stephen all weekend long. And we didn't take this picture to rub it in that he wasn't there. We just wanted to let you know that amidst all the drunken debauchery... you were on our minds. It just isn't the same when we aren't all together.

Another great shot of my personal Mecca...

We lucked out and were able to all sit together at the game. It was BRUTALLY cold. And we played terrible. We didn't see the comeback. By the time LSU started to fight for the W, we were nice and warm inside Bogie's, enjoying Ladies Free drinks until 10pm. As you can see below, we were in the mood to share, and loaded up the table with beverages for the first part of the evening.

I had a great time. A wonderful time. I was in heaven just being around my people. Everytime I turned around, I was surrounded by people who I know and love, who know me and love me. It's a great feeling to have, and something that I dearly miss being in Dallas. That's okay though... wedding season is officially here. And this was the perfect kickoff to the next two months. Again- thanks to everyone who made this possible. You made me feel so special. Thank you for the time and the effort, and for going out of your way to make this happen!