I miss this.

I miss this.
I do.
I don't think I took enough advantage while we were there to really just sit and enjoy God's amazing creations.
Anyone have a few bucks I could borrow to go back???

Along Came a Spider

The other day, Ryker and I were returning from a walk when I saw something glinting in the morning light beside our fence."Oh," I thought, "a beautiful spider web!"

THEN I LOOKED CLOSER!
A beautiful spider web holding a spider big enough to strangle ME AND RYKER in just a few short seconds. So, I casually high-tailed it back inside and called Joe to let him know I had a job for him later. He's thinking, oh, silly Leanna...she's afraid of a bug.

Most of you know I am not the biggest fan of bugs, but I usually do not go running for the hills when I see them later. He should have known something bigger was afoot, or perhaps, atalon!

My knight came home. We armed ourselves with our trusty weapons. He a can of wasp spray and a shovel. Me my camera and my dog! This sucker was huge! He was at least 5 inches all the way around, with a long thin body, half black, half orange legs and pointy talons. He was the stuff of nightmares!
Joe then threw down his gauntlet and let the beast have it. His spray was mightier than the web, and we finished him off with the shovel...beacuse I WAS NOT taking any chances with this one!
...later while reading my Country Living it had an article about gardening and had a feature of some spider that was harmless and usually showed up in gardens. It looks ever so much like our beast. But you know, I feel better knowing he is not hanging around our house any more!

ICK!

DOUBLE ICK!

AND GOOD RIDDANCE!

Labor Day Vaca - The Countdown is ON!

Can I say that we are super excited for our Labor Day Vaca? Can I say that we are pumped to get a little bit of rest and relaxation! Yes I CAN!

The countdown is on! In a few days we will be winging our way to the North Carolina Shores to Bald Head Island.I am super excited about this because the O'Briens seem to be experts on NC, as that is where my mother-in-law and her family hail from. I have only heard about the wonders of this state, so I am excited to be included in all of this, so that one day I will have stories to make other people feel like they have missed out in life! =)
So Bald Head Island, you ask? Yeppers. It is one of the last islands of the Outerbanks Islands (OBX to those natives). It is not assessable by cars, you have to take a ferry over - then you are left with your feet, a bike or a golf cart to get you around this little place! AWESOME!

So send me your summer beach read recommendations, your addresses for post cards and your well wishes! Because we are blowing this popsicle stand!

Because some times you just need a good story...

I've seen dogs do some pretty crazy things, showing they're sometimes more in tune with us than we think they are. And here's one more to prove the point...
Lost and Found Dog Saves Life of Boy with Down Syndrome - Paw Nation

Shared via AddThis

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Colvin!

That's right, they did it! They tied the knot.
On Saturday, August 8, 2009, my sissy married her sweetheart!

We had an oh-so-busy weekend of funness including bachelorette party, rehersal dinner, wedding and TEN MILLION errands in between. There were tons of laughs, lots of smiles, a few, but happy tears, many well wishes and most of all love!

What a wonderful gift God has given us with marriage, to not only join closer to the one we love, but to join families and friends too! So here's to the new Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Colvin!

We love you guys!

Wedding Week!

It's wedding week here in the Pate Household!

That's right, this Saturday Jennifer and Jamie are gonna get hitched!

We are all very excited that the massive amounts of wedding planning, errands, tears and traumas will all pay off!

Let's see, need to drop off cake plates, pick up programs (hopefully printed correctly), fix dress, figure out when the 'rentals are coming, pick up friends from the airport, finish planning girly fun night, enjoy girly fun night, mani/pedis (budget willing), rehersal, rehersal dinner, hair, makeup, WEDDING!

See, simple. Photos coming soon to a blog near you!

Trip to the Golden Triangle

So last weekend, we went down to Nederland for my friend Dina's baby shower. She and her hubby are expecting their first kiddo this September.

Miss Kylee Trinity-Danell was celebrated in style on Sunday by her family and friends. Here are a few pics from the day.


Joe and I had a fun time too going down there (minus the bad motorcycle incident) and just hanging out! We met my parents in Houston, went down a stretch of I-10 I haven't been in forever and was given the warning of "look out for hogs on your way in." Ahhh, nothing says "home" like a warning for some perty redneck stuff... We ate at La Suprema and I was happy. We also made a trek to Beaumont and hit up the mall because I left our nice clothes sitting on the couch (you try getting everything ready and corralling your dog at the same time!)

Anywhoo, it was a fun trip had by all! Thanks Bordelons and Adams for hosting us! We really enjoyed our non-air matress! =)

Public Service Announcement

PSA

PLEASE WEAR HELMETS WHEN RIDING A MOTOR CYCLE OR BICYCLE!

On our trek to the Golden Triangle this weekend, Joe and I got to be involved in something we would have preferred never to have been involved in. We stopped and aided in an accident we witnessed.

While making our way through Huntsville, I noted three bikers joined us on the highway, mainly because they had cup holders! How awesome is that.

Some time right after we passed the MASSIVE Sam Houston statue on 45, Joe said something to the effect of OH NO! I looked up and saw people flying either way across the highway in front of us and immediately grabbed the phone and dialed 911 as Joe pulled to the shoulder.

Two bikers went down and somehow made it to the side of the road without getting run over.

There was a board in the road that someone had dropped. The first biker, their dad, was unable to miss it and it flung up behind him hitting his two boys, the other bikers. Both lost control of their bikes and slid across the pavement IN FRONT OF US as we are all traveling 70mph!

One was pretty banged up and one was majorly banged up, all were shaken up, including the SEVERAL people who stopped. If they had NOT had helmets on, I think I would be telling you a different tale, but they did and we were able to quickly get them assistance.

So PLEASE, PLEASE tell your friends and family to wear a helmet when they ride. It really can and will save their lives.

Everyone Needs a Little WT...

Ha!

Well, maybe you don't need it, but it does seem to creep in every once in a while.

We had a fantastic weekend! My parents rode into town for 4th festivities and more wedding activities.

Thursday we took Jennifer's bridal pics, and what a marathon that was with hair and makeup, flowers and photos. I was one tuckered kiddo, and it wasn't even about me. I chalk it up to ME being the one running around getting, positioning, snapping and so on. I was a bit bummed with my own photos I took. Jenni's photographer is fast and has a super huge lens. I am not and I do not. Enough said. Oh well...practice, practice, practice.

Friday was an excellent day spent with the hubster and the pupster. We just had fun, and got things done around the house. THEN it was time for Kaboom Town in Addison! I LOVE IT!

Usually, we set up shop in Joe's parents' office overlooking the Addison Airport, but this year, they changed office locations to the side of the building, so no more straight shot. Instead, we set up camp in the back of our pickup. Chips, dip, sandwiches, cake, brownies, beer, cokes, trash, blankets, purses, chairs, dog, family --- ALL IN THE BACK OF OUR TRUCK at some point in time. See where the WT comes in??? Oh, but it was fun.

And as we were eagerly anticipating the start of the show, staring at our watches, commenting, "Yep, it's 9:30, they should be about to start..." SPLOOOOUUUSSHHHHH!!!!

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

The office sprinklers set off, dousing everyone down the edge of the parking area. Food gets wet, people get wet, chairs get wet, dog gets wet, guitar and music get wet. Do you see a theme here? Sadly, our camp got separated with half in the back of the truck and half further into the empty, weedy field. Oh, but the fireworks were great and we did have a fun time.

The 4th we did in style with a pool party and grilling topped off with the city fireworks viewed from our neighborhood sidewalk.

Man, I love this holiday! Freedom is precious and fireworks are awesome!

Patience and Understanding

These are two things I'm usually good at but I have encountered the one person who tries both of these for both me and for Ryker.

You may have heard me speak of her before. I shall call her Boxer Lady. She does not like us.

Way back when, when we first got Ryker, he was accompanying me to the car and caught a wiff of Boxer Lady and Boxer Dog. (she has a boxer, an 80+ lb male boxer). Ryker sprinted after them a little ways down from our house on the sidewalk. From the time I made it from the door to the dogs, they were growling and snapping. She then proceded to lambast me up oneside and down the other. Neat.

Anywhoo, since then, Joe and I have tried saying hi and waving to Boxer Lady and Boxer Dog when we see them. We get nothing in return. PERHAPS a look of disgust, but usually just a head down and move to the other side of the street.

Joe and I went garage sale hopping last Saturday and hit one up directly behind our house a bit. We left Ryker in the car and he started barking. Joe went to check on him only to report that Boxer Lady and Boxer Dog were walking by. He also noted that Boxer Lady stopped and looked like she was going to say something to Joe, but shook her head and kept walking.

THEN today, Ryker and I were saying goodbye to Joe as he left for the day. I usually wave from the poarch and Ryker eats leaves (don't ask me, I have no clue). But today, he caught a wiff and Joe did not warn us from his vantage point of the street. You guessed it. Boxer Lady and Boxer Dog.

Ryker started sprinting and whining. Joe and I both called. He stopped and started coming back where I grabbed his collar and said good dog as we went back to the house. (Please note, that Ryker DID listen and didn't leave our property! Go Ryk!) Meantime Boxer Lady has the look of fear in her eyes and is jerking up on 80 lb Boxer Dog's leash (also note that Ryk is 40 lbs and a head shorter). UGHHH!

This is the only dog Ryker has ever shown aggression towards and I believe it is because they tussled, the boxer is a bigger dog, he's protecting me and his territory AND most of all, they've never been introduced properly.

This lady grates at me. She makes me mad and sad. And the only conversations I've had with her is when she's yelling at me or accusing me. I try to be nice, I try to smile. But I think I am over it. AND if we're such the spawns of satan that we seem to be, why does she keep walking by our house??

It is silly I know. But I pray about it and just hope that God shows me what he'll have me do. In the meantime, I hope I just don't have to see her. Boo.

Go watch it!

You need to.
You really do.

This was such a fun movie. Joe and I went on a little date the other week after getting to meet our new friend Baby Jacob.

I am a super fan of Pixar (although our relationship was a little diminished by Wall-E).
UP focuses on Carl, a crotchety old man being forced from his home by urban sprawl, but decides to take matters into his own hands and goes UP! During the first half of the movie, we learn Carl's back story and understand why he is the way he is. But the rest of the movie is a hilarious, touching and imaginative adventure story. The cast of characters also includes the endearing wilderness scout Russell, crazy Kevin and lovable Dug.

Action, adventure, family, friends and REALLY funny circumstances makes for a great movie to be enjoyed by all. Go see it! You'll be glad you did!

The Back Yard - Agains...

Just an update on the goings-on of our backyard. You may remember the images a while back of the strange concrete objects. Well, Joe put them to good use constructing our deck while I was gone with the sister to her shower in our home town.

After a few days, we're almost finished. And when the boards are all laid out, we'll stain it and be good to go.

Our handy-dandy site supervisor surveying Joe's work...he says it's good to go.

Only a few more boards left, then we can party! Ryker's just happy he has another perch!
We also moved around a rose bush that we were sure was about to kick the bucket, but as you can see, our little yellow rose of Texas did us proud! Way to go little one!

Wasn't this a cool picture. The light was just so beautiful this morning and I figured out how to get the sun flare when I wanted it!

Happy Day to You!

Lucky 200!

Can you believe it? I've made it to my 200th post. And sadly not much to say.

Except, Sew Mama Sew...excellent giveaway. I actually won something...a few something. Crazy! There are some amazingly creative people out there who are wonderful enough to share their craftiness and their passion with the world. It's a good thing. Handmade things with love are the best -- especially when they are cute to boot! Thank you to all the talented crafters who participated!

Also, my mom told me the other day that one of our faithful neighborhood cats has been having a hard go of it lately. He's about 12 yrs or so, and life may just be catching up to him. So in honor of Wilbur the Wondercat, I thought I would share a few of these with you:

Ryker's New Trick

Ok, I'm thinking this might have to be Ryker's new trick.

Get a load of this little guy. Made me laugh...


Next up, burning the fat by belly dancing with your dog! ummm...nah.

The Weiners!

Ok, so for those of you who took a gander at the below photos and took a guess, the correct answer is a deck to be located behind our back bedroom.

Emily, Lydia and Teresa guessed correctly.

However no one told me the function of the little guys in the photo...so I guess that means I won? The function of the blocks is to be screwed into to hold the metal pieces for the deck to be held in place. (Or supports...)

Noo.... Since I told Lydia what we were planning, that does kinda exempt her, but I'm sure I figure out something for her. But Emily and Teresa, I will ponder your prizes and get back with you soon!

Thanks for playing, and for you lurkers out there, STOP lurking...I know you were guessing too!

I Spy Something New...

I spy a new project forming...

I spy something fun a-coming...

I spy a contest forming...

If you can tell me the function of what is pictured here and what project it pertains to, you might just find yourself a winner of a little prize. One entry per person strictly enforced by the little red dog, and ends on Wednesday!

Busy Times

Between birthday celebrations, graduations, wedding planning, moving and life...life has been busy.

Here's a few photos and notes to get you up to date!

Jennifer's first wedding shower in Jamie's hometown of Springhill, LA.The sisters turned 30! We were able to surprise both Jennifer and Sarah with their own shin-digs!Jamie graduated!!! We are so proud of you Jamie! Way to go!
Our plants are growing! We have actual BLUE Blueberries.
We now also have a lime bush! (it's starting with flowers like the blueberry bush)
Our hydrangeas are beautiful...
Joe has gone into the gardening business!
Congrats Holly and Jim on your new house!
The pool and hot tube a much appreciated bonus!(whew! that was a lot of stuff. I'm tired just from the uploading! =)

50 Things

Because I can, here you go...

1. What color is your toothbrush? Light blue and white - yahoo for electric tooth brushes
2. Who made you smile today? My puppy when he curled up next to me on the bed.
3. What were you doing at 8am this morning? Reading
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Still reading! =)
5. What is your favorite candy bar? Hmmm...3 Musketeers
6. Have you ever been to a strip club? um, no, and not planning on it.
7. What is the last thing you said aloud? "Wanna go outside?"
8. What is your favorite ice cream? Marble Slab Sweet Cream
9. What was the last thing you had to drink? Milk
10. Do you like your wallet? Yep, love it. It's fossil and makes me smile.
11. What was the last thing you ate? A chocolate chip cookie, not the breakfast of champions.
12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Sadly, no.
13. The last sporting event you watched? I tried not to watch basketball last night. How did the Rockets do?
14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Caramel corn! LOVE IT!
15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? My mother-in-law.
16. Ever go camping? Yes. I love it! Esp. with my air mattress.
17. Do you take vitamins daily? I'm trying to
18. Do you go to church every Sunday? Every Sunday that we can
19. Do you have a tan? No. I'm pale. But since we now have a pool in the family, I plan on working on that.
20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? Totally pizza, although I won't refuse some good Chinese.
21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? Yes, but I only like skinny straws. McDonalds and Wendy's are too fat.
22. What did your last text message say? "Need any help?"
23. What are you doing tomorrow? Who knows. That's tomorrow.
25. Look to your left, what do you see? My pupster, curled up by the door.
26. What color is your watch? Silver and brown leather.
27. What do you think of when you hear Australia? adventure and cute animals
28. ??
29. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Both
30. What is your favorite number? 8
31. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone? Jennifer
32. Any plans today? Laundry, read, take the pupster for a walk and have a fun evening with my hubby.
33. How many states have you lived in? Just Texas, are there really others worthy?
34. Biggest annoyance right now? Stupid Stupid Laundry. We've discussed this.
35. Last song listened to? Yellow Submarine played by Joe
36.Can you say the alphabet backwards? if I think about it and go really, really slowly!
37. Do you have a maid service clean your house? that would be a no. Anyone volunteering?
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Old Navy flip flops or my All Stars!
39. Are you jealous of anyone? Seems it creeps in there more than I wish.
40. Is anyone jealous of you? I wouldn't know.
41. Do you love anyone? Yes! and very much.
42. Do any of your friends have children? Many of them. Seems it's inevitable.
43. What do you usually do during the day? Take care of the house, read, sometimes go to school or other jobs.
44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? No.
45. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.
46. What color is your car? Black or white. We like to keep it even around here!
47. Do you like cats? Yes, and I miss having one. Stupid allergies of other people.
48. Are you thinking about someone right now? sure, now that you mention it.
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yeppers. I like the really fast, smooth roller coasters. No wooden ones for me, thank you.
50. How did you get your worst scar? I guess I don't have any bad ones. Worst one lately was a mystery scratch that showed up after we went White Water Rafting last year, and it's still here.

Pure Evil

Pure Evil = Laundry, Laundry = Pure Evil

I have a love/hate relationship with laundry. Mostly just the hate part. I mean, I like having clean clothes, but can't I really just go by more?

It is NEVER done. It did not feel this bad when I was younger. Was it because I was single? Was it because my mommy used to do it for me. Definitely, the last is true, but that hasn't been the case for quite some time.

I have piles of it. Clean piles. Dirty piles. Piles to be ironed. Piles to be folded. Ugh. It gets me down man! It makes my knees hurt from standing and ironing. It makes me tired. Double ugh.

Anywhoo...just had to vent, because I'm taking a break, from, yep, you guessed it, LAUNDRY.

Blah.

On another note. It is Thursday. Thursday evenings are happy times. Every other Thursday we have small group with several couples from church. I am so happy we made the commitment for this as I am enjoying learning more and more about our new friends.

Also, Joe is starting work softball. He was supposed to start tonight, but church group got moved. So we'll start next week...we're the on/off reliever. I am happy to be headed back to the ball fields for what I hope to be much shorter, less nerve-wracking games! One thing I know, Joe will not be pitching... =)