Texas Lou

Archive for the ‘Seasons’ Category

Happy Tuesday friends!  It feels like I’m always in a hurry these days, but here’s a quick list of gratitude to keep me mindful!

1. I’m thankful for a healthy heart, strong legs, and a nice day that allowed Ben and I to run the Charlottesville Ten Miler on Saturday.  We each got personal records for the distance and ran the whole time despite a lack of training due to cold weather, snow, illnesses, and overwhelming parenting duties!
   

   Ben and I at the finish line!

2. I’m thankful to my mother-in-law for everything she does for us.  She got up early on her day off and watched the boys so Ben and I could run the race Saturday.  She rocks!
3. I’m thankful for my 3 men!  The other day I was thinking that it finally feels like I have a family!  I’ve been missing this feeling since I went away to college and I finally feel complete again.
   

   Visiting Daddy at work on Friday!

4. I’m thankful for warm weather and sunny skies!  My 3 men and I have been going on lots of walks outside now that spring is upon us!  I hope to instill a love of the outdoors in my children so we’re getting out as much as possible!
5. I’m grateful for spring and summer!  There are so many fun things planned in the next few months, I can hardly contain myself!

Happy day friends!

Hi friends,

I’m super busy but here’s a quick list of gratitude:

1. I’m thankful neither of my boys caught either of the stomach bugs I’ve had in the last month.
2. I’m thankful for the health of my family and myself.  There have been a few deaths among my circles recently and it makes me realize how grateful I am that we are doing well right now.
3. I’m grateful for spring and warm weather!  We have had a few warm days in the past week, including one with a temperature of 82 degrees!  I’ve been able to get out for walks and runs the past 3 days!  It was a long winter but I think warm weather is here to stay a while!
4. I’m thankful that my Morgie got a clean bill of health from the pediatric urologist at his post-op follow-up visit on Monday.
5. I’m thankful for our physical therapist and the great strides she’s helped my boys make over the past few months.

Happy day!

Hi All!  Here’s a long-overdue Thankful post.  Today, I’m thankful for the following:

1. I’m thankful my boys haven’t caught the stomach bug that Ben and I had last week.
2. I’m thankful that both of my boys are sleeping in their cribs, in their own room, through the night now!
3. I’m grateful for my little family.  Last night, Ben and I just sat on the floor in amazement, laughing at our adorable little boys!
4. I’m thankful for spring time…it’s been a long, cold winter, but it’s March and we’re almost there!
5. I’m thankful for books.  One of my favorite things to do is to read to my little guys and I’m grateful for our little library of books that we have to choose from!

Happy day friends!

Thankful Monday was a bust but how about Thankful Tuesday!

I’m thankful for the following this lovely autumn day:

1. I’m thankful for our double jogging stroller that I bought used for $50 when I was pregnant.  If it weren’t for this awesome invention, I’d pretty much be getting no exercise or vitamin D via outdoor time.  Last weekend, Ben and I took the boys for a walk in the stroller on the Saunders-Monticello Trail and they seemed to enjoy a nice change in scenery from our regular neighborhood walks.
2. I’m thankful for our new Honda Odyssey that has given us much more room to travel together as a family and allows us to take the above-mentioned stroller to other locations besides our house!  I can’t wait to drive it to Texas!
3. I’m thankful for my husband and his willingness to buy the typical mommy vehicle instead of buying something that the young, cool guy in him wanted.  Ben has NEVER had a new car and I’m sure when his got totaled he was thinking, this is my chance to buy something new and fun.  But I convinced him that we needed a bigger vehicle and now he is driving the 3-year old Subaru Forester while I drive the fancy new van.
4. I’m thankful for my part-time schedule and an employer that allows it.  I work 30 hours a week – 24 hours at work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and the other 6 hours from home when the boys are sleeping during nap time or at night.  Because of this, I am still able to spend the majority of my time with my buddies which is the most important thing to me!
5. I’m thankful for coffee!  It really does make it easier to get up at 5 AM with only 4 hours of sleep behind me!

Happy day friends!

Good morning!  I’m thankful for another new week and fresh start!

Here’s what I’m thankful for this week:

1. I’m thankful for a positive diagnosis from the doctor on Friday.  Although my situation hasn’t gotten better in a week, it hasn’t gotten worse either, and for now, the medication I am taking seems to be preventing further causes of preterm labor and my babies and I have made it to 30 weeks as of today.  Just 6 more weeks until their lungs are fully developed and hopefully I can make it 8 weeks to an ideal delivery time.  I’m thankful for my doctor, Dr. T, and his expertise and the medication they have prescribed me.
2. I’m thankful for a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  Friday evening, we dined at Beer Run with my mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law for dinner before heading to see my niece in her elementary school’s production of 101 Dalmatians.  Afterward, we celebrated my niece’s birthday with chocolate cake and ice cream and my nieces and sister-in-law gave us two beautifully hand-made blankets and a handmade soft block for the babies.  Then Saturday morning, I cheered on Ben, Sarah, and lots of friends and fellow runners at the VIA 5K.  It was a beautiful day for a race and even though I would have preferred to be running or walking, I was glad to be there to support everyone running and walking for such an amazing cause and organization.  Plus I got to run into so many awesome people!  Afterward,  Ben and I attended my niece’s soccer game and got to spend more amazing time outdoors.  Then Sunday, we attended the visitation for one of my best friends, Crystal’s, mother.  Although it was due to sad circumstances, it was nice to see our good friends and run into some old familiar faces.  I’m so grateful for all of these people that make my life so full!
3. I’m thankful that I got to spend so much quality time with my mom last weekend and early last week.  She left Tuesday afternoon after we had lunch at Timberwood Grill.  I enjoyed her being here so much and she did so much for us as well including cooking us a roast dinner, helping me grocery shop, and cleaning our stove.  For anyone who knows my mom well, you’ll know that cleaning the stove is HUGE for her since my mom is not a fan of cleaning anything.
4. I’m thankful for Ben.  He has been so helpful lately with driving me places and doing things for me that I’m not able to do because of my pregnancy.  Most importantly, he has been the most calm, confident, and collective expectant father I’ve ever met which has really helped calm my nerves and anxiety about being a new mom to twins.  I love him and am so thankful he’ll be the daddy to my babies.
5. Lastly, I’m thankful for simple things that most people take for granted, like going to the bathroom.  Pregnancy combined with my medication has done a number on my intestines so I’ll just say without getting too detailed that any day I can feel like a fraction of my old self if a good day.

Have a beautiful spring day!

Good afternoon and happy Thankful Monday!

Today I am thankful for the following:

1. I’m thankful for a wonderful visit from my mom that isn’t over yet!  My mom flew into Charlottesville on Thursday afternoon and after picking her up, we met Sarah and her mom for lunch at the new Zinburger where we enjoyed some delicious burgers (and I got a bananas foster shake for the babies).  After that, we spent a quiet night at home with Ben.  Friday morning, I made mom breakfast in bed and then we ventured out so I could  show her some of the University of Virginia grounds and then we went to the Downtown Mall and had lunch at a local diner, the Nook.  We then met Ben at the hospital for our most recent ultrasound and then followed up with dinner at Ben’s parents’ house with his parents and sister and nieces who were in town from Ohio.  Saturday, we went to the opening Farmer’s Market of the season where we tried some delicious food and bumped into lots of friends.  Afterward, we got dressed up for my amazing baby shower where we celebrated with awesome people, crafts, food, games, and gifts!  Mom’s visit would not be complete without a trip to one of our favorite places so Sunday, we continued our weekend by having brunch and the best blood mary’s in town (virgin for me) at Beer Run followed by shopping for the babies.  Then we came home and had a delicious roast and veggies that mom had made us in the crock pot.  She’s still here until tomorrow so we have some more fun times ahead of us.  I love my mom and love when she comes to visit!
2. I’m thankful for getting more done to prepare for the babies’ arrival.  Last week, I got some more gifts and hand-me-down items from generous friends and family.  I also got my TDAP shot and think I found the babies’ pediatrician.  In addition, I found a dress for my baby shower that I actually liked (I thought I was going to have to wear maternity jeans after searching for a maternity dress unsuccessfully at both Old Navy and Target).  I also had my glucose screening and passed which means I don’t have gestational diabetes…HOORAY!  In addition, Ben and I attended our first child birth and baby basics class last Wednesday which was exciting and informative!  Things are all starting to come together!
3. I’m thankful my babies are still safe and growing.  Although the doctor says there is now a higher chance I may deliver early, both my Tex and my Virg are doing well.  Tex is head down (YAY) and weighed an estimated 2 pounds and 13 ounces on Friday.  Virg is still transverse near my ribs and weighed an estimated 3 pounds and 2 ounces.  Both had strong normal heartbeats and are growing at the same rate.  Even though the doctor had some not so good news about me, I am very thankful I do not (yet) have to go on bed rest and also so thankful that my babies are healthy and have made it this far.  If they were to be born now, they’d most likely be ok after lots of time spent in the NICU (but I pray this doesn’t happen).
4. I’m thankful for beautiful warmer weather we had all weekend while my mom was in town.  It was so nice to do things outdoors with her and walk around on the Downtown Mall.  It’s also been nice to show her some of our plants and springtime blooms since the only other time she’s been to our new house was when everything was dormant and wintery at Christmas time.
5. Lastly, I’m thankful for an AMAZING baby shower on Saturday!  I’m grateful for my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and good friend Crystal who all worked so hard to make the day so special for me.  I’m also so grateful that so many wonderful friends and family attended to help me celebrate my babies.  I’m thankful my mom could visit for the occasion, and I’m so thankful for all of the generous gifts from my friends and family.  Ben, Tex, Virg, and I are also so lucky and blessed to have all of these wonderful people in our lives.  I leave you with some lovely photos (courtesy of Sarah) from the shower:

Virginia Mom, Me, and Texas Mom

Sarah, Crystal, and I with the lovely paintings that the very talented Crystal made for us!

My sister-from-another-mister and I

Some of the adorable and creative onesies that my shower guests made for Tex and Virg!

Good morning and happy Thankful Monday!

Today, I am thankful for the following:

1. I’m thankful for making it to 27 weeks (today) and so far keeping myself and my babies healthy with no known complications.  If I can just make it 10 more weeks!
2. I’m thankful for having savings that allowed me to pay my car off early so that I won’t have that $660 monthly bill hanging over my head after the babies are born.  I got the title to my Subaru in the mail yesterday!
3. I’m grateful for all of the wonderful gifts we have received so far for our babies including but not limited to a temporal thermometer (I tried it out yesterday on myself), baby bath towels, a diaper bag, and a humidifier for the nursery.  My friends and family are so wonderful and generous!
4. I’m thankful for a great boss, coworkers, and company who have been very supportive throughout my pregnancy.
5. I’m thankful for warmer weather.  Although we are supposed to get more snow tomorrow, I’m so grateful for the few 60 and 70’s days (particularly on the weekends) that have given us a break from the cold.  I know long-lasting warm weather is just around the corner and I will be able to wear my flip-flops again!

Have a great day!

Good morning and welcome to my Monday morning Thankful Monday post!

I feel like everyone is especially thankful this week because Thanksgiving is on Thursday.  Here’s my thankful list for today:’

1. I am thankful for my husband Ben.  He made me french toast for breakfast yesterday, and even though he has this week off of work and didn’t have to get up early, he got up at 6:30 AM and offered to make me breakfast before work.  He made me french toast again (DELICIOUS) and it’s the first time in a long time I can remember eating my breakfast at home and not taking it with me to work!  He is also coming to meet me for lunch today since he has the day off!  I love him and I’m so lucky to have him!
2. I’m thankful for having a working heater and for modern heating systems.  It was 17 degree this morning when I left the house and yesterday the high was only 35 degrees.  I am definitely not a fan of winter and cold weather so to be able to stay nice and warm inside is something I appreciate greatly!
3. I’m thankful for a healthier mind, body, and outlook on life this year.  This time last year, I was very depressed and anxious.  I knew I was going to have to spend the holidays (both Thanksgiving, my birthday, AND Christmas) without my family for the first time ever and I wasn’t adjusting well to having to leave my old job and everyone that I loved working with as well as my wedding being over.  Thanks to a great deal of hard work, research, soul searching, and mindfulness techniques that I learned (including these Thankful Monday blog posts), I am learning how to be happy and find happiness from within.  I still have a long way to go and recognize that this is a lifetime process that I can’t just stop once I think I’ve mastered it.  I’m just so happy to be in a much better place than I was a year ago.
4. I’m thankful for wonderful friends who brighten up my life.  Tuesday, I enjoyed girls night with two good friends and their lovely daughters.  It’s always fun to see their babies growing up and to catch up with them.  Then Friday, I had frozen yogurt (YUM) with Sarah, Meghan, and Meghan’s cut little baby at Bloop, followed by dinner with lots of friends at Miller’s to bid farewell to my awesome friend Wilson before she moves to the west coast.  Then I got my Bodo’s fix (I hadn’t had Bodo’s in way tooo long) while visiting with Ian, Sarah, and Cris.  My life is full of wonderful friends!
5. Lastly, I’m thankful for a family to spend the holidays with.  I know that alot of people don’t have anyone close to them to spend Thanksgiving with or can’t afford to travel home to be with the ones they love, so I am thankful that I married a man whose family loves me and lives nearby.  I always remember a man that I worked with at VGT named Charles.  Every year, he and his wife would invite everyone in the company (there were at least 250 of us) to his home for Thanksgiving dinner.  Alot of people at VGT relocated for the job so I think this gesture was especially generous because so many people were living far from their families.  Sadly, Charles died not too long ago, but I will always remember his generosity, especially around Thanksgiving time.

Happy Thanksgiving and have a wonderful week!

I love dark beers, particularly porters and stouts, however in the summer, its usually just too damn hot to imbibe in them.  If I happen to catch myself out on a relatively cool summer night or come across a rare dark brew that I have been dying to try, I’ll drink it, but I usually stick to lighter beers when the weather’s hot.

I’m not a huge fan of winter as I’ve written before, mostly because I loathe the dark, short days and can’t stand the cold weather.  However, one great thing the cold weather ushers in is my taste for darker beers which also seem to be more widely available in the winter months.

One of my favorite breweries, Terrapin Beer Company, out of Athens, Georgia was recently featured in an episode of one of my favorite shows, The Walking Dead (also filmed in Georgia) and makes one of my favorite dark beers, the seasonal Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout.  My guess is that Moo-Hoo takes its name from the chocolaty milk beverage called Yoo-hoo due to its smooth, creamy texture and chocolate flavor that comes from the use of cocoa nibs, cocoa shells, and lactose in the brewing process.  In my opinion, Moo-Hoo is a thousand times better than Yoo-hoo ever was, but I am a bit biased seeing as I’ve become quite the beer snob.

Terrapin makes some really amazing beers including Pumpkin Fest, Hopsecutioner IPA, and a number of rare Side Project beers like the Liquid Bliss I wrote about last year.  In addition, they have some of the most creative and entertaining artwork bringing their labels alive!

Terrapin Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout

I recently picked up a 4 pack of Moo-Hoo at the weekly free beer tasting we go to at Market Street Wine Shop.  I’m really looking forward to enjoying this thick, dark beer now that the days are getting colder.  If you are a fan of beer in just the tiniest amount, I highly recommend checking this brew out while its in season!

Good morning and happy Thankful Monday!

Today, I am thankful for the following:

1. I am thankful for a wonderful week with friends!  Tuesday, I met some of the VGT girls at Brixx for dinner and catching up.  Thursday, I made this crock-pot chicken taco soup recipe and we had all of Ben’s family over for a fun family dinner.  Friday night, Sarah, Amy, and I had a lovely girls night just chatting and relaxing.  Then, Saturday night, I went to Carolyn’s Halloween party where I laughed all night long at the outrageous costumes everyone had!  It was a week filled with lots of the people I love.
2. I am thankful for my cats.  They have been catching mice left and right.  I’m guessing we’ve been seeing more mice because it’s been getting colder and they are looking for a warm place to spend the winter.  I’m thankful my cats are taking care of them before I have to deal with them.  And I’m also very thankful for Ben since he is the one who takes care of disposing of the dead mice the cats have caught.
3. I am thankful for free movies and date nights.  Wednesday, Ben and I got tickets to a free advanced screening of the move About Time which was really good and we prefaced the movie with dinner at a new Thai restaurant, Bangkok ’99 that had really great food and wonderful service.  I love date nights with my husband, especially when they involve free movies!
4. I’m grateful for a restful weekend.  I took two naps and spent a ton of time bundled up on the couch watching American Horror Story, my current Netflix obsession.  It was the perfect activity for a cold fall weekend.
5. Lastly, I’m excited for something very special that I can’t reveal on the blog yet as its a surprise.  But I can say that it makes me very happy and I count my blessings for it every day!

Have a great week!