My Kind of Town!

Christmas Break has been fabulous! Actually, more than fabulous. My sleeping (come on this elf hosted one or was it five parties?), celebrating, eating (this has to stop), and playing with my dear family and friends has left me little time to blog. Not true - Mother not having Internet is the issue. So, I flew to Chicago to access the world wide web. Not true - a New Years Trip to the Windy City (aka CHICAGO) was Mother's Christmas Surprise.

I will upload the pictures of her finding out just as soon as I get back to normal blogging schedule (january 3)! For now rest assured I am having a glorious time saying goodbye to 2008 (a good year though) with my Chicago family. Yesterday was spent downtown at the Walnut Room at the original Marshall Field's (okay, Macy's), looking at store windows, celebrating Aunt Bette's birthday, eating Garrett popcorn, and treasuring each moment with Mother in her 'Kind of Town.

Del Frisco's...Fort Worth style!

Tonight we enjoyed the best steak in all the land at Del Frisco's in Ft. Worth, Texas. My cousin Tom led Mother and I here years ago and we've been coming back ever since. If you are ever near a Del Frisco's - go. Don't walk, run to one. The steak, the wine, the garlic mashed potatoes, the mac n' cheese (with garlic and jalapeno), the hot bread...it makes me want to go back and eat my arm.

It was such a treat for the four of us to go for a nice dinner in the midst of the holiday season. I hope so much this time next year we'll have our gift from China for my sister and DB...and I wouldn't mind Mr. Wonderful being with us to enjoy the dinner as well!

Mr. Wonderful, where are you? I hope you are having as much fun as I am and your heart is being prepared as is mine. I'm enjoying this singlehood era...and know that the day will come when it will end in His perfect time.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Doesn't this look like a card? Well, it could be!

I know this baby's mama (very well).

This has been a year of babies and I couldn't be happier for each of my dear friends who have become parents this year. It is an honor to celebrate along with these parents the coming of God's miracle to their arms. 2009 is already looking to be another baby year - God is so good!

To Olivia, Charlotte, William, Ainsley, Duncan, Max V., Max C., and Isaac may you relish in the arms of your parents knowing they already received the BEST Christmas gift ever - you!

It is these children that represent the most precious gift we celebrate tonight. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

The Guest Arrived (and the fun just doesn't stop)

After completing one semester of Law School at Notre Dame and flying since 3 am (Monday), Blake arrived 4:15 pm (Monday) to The Weymouth! Blake was originally supposed to arrive Sunday evening...only funny I still had not wrapped his gift. And, I thought I could hang up my snowman scissors for another year. Not so fast. Is a good elf really ever done?

Once Blake landed it was off to see his peeps! First a stop with Nick and Nanette (and their angels). Naturally their littlest angel pointed out to Aunt Kate, "you are not with the right guy." I think little one is used to Neighbor popping over with Aunt Kate. Hopefully when the "right guy" walks in the door with me, littlest angel will know it's THE one. Can't a girl dream?

From there it was off to a Campus Corner craving of Blake's...La Luna! Many Blake Buddies gathered to welcome him back to his homeland...Sooner Country. I had to cut out early and head to my Norman evening stops...my monogrammer and MY Wal-Mart. I loved that the Wal-Mart associate Vernon wished me a Merry Christmas rather than Happy Holidays. God Bless you Vernon...and all you hard working retail folks. Working in higher education we typically get a wonderful break this time of year to enjoy with our families...I am so grateful for this luxury this time of year.

Blakers was so tired last night, but all of us were so happy to see our buddy!

All my house friends were sleeping when I headed to work (for the last time in 2008) with a few New Years packages/cards/work bag in hand. This magical Sonic beverage (vanilla cherry diet coke) will keep me going until we shut this place down this afternoon! I can't believe I won't be back in my office until January 5, 2009! .

After shutting down the office, I picked up Blake and we went to wish Becky and her boys a very Merry Christmas! Becky was my Panhellenic Adviser (way back when) - little did we know we'd become dear, dear friends made sister like.

After I made a run to the Wilsons Holiday Fun (love work friends made to be real friends), Blake and I headed to a Fourth Annual event (for the first time) to share a spirit or two! A night I thought would last until 9:30 pm....lasted until 1 am! I think the hit of the whole night was my Christmas Conversation Confetti cards - thanks to Becky B! Enjoy the slide show of our spiriting!

Not Me Monday III

Back by popular demand is Not Me Monday. Click on the orange "Not Me Monday" sticker on the right sidebar to see the creator of Not Me Monday - who is hands down hysterical. But before you do that you can read what I did not do this past week of KateLife.

• I did not host five official Christmas gatherings at The Weymouth over 17 days.
• A string of 100 lights did not go out on my 900 light tree. I did not almost swear, almost tear up, and then did not slap myself to remember this is not a problem...this is a reminder if you are going to decorate on the 10th of November this is what you get.
• I did not have a hard time giving some of the wrapped presents to Mother to take to Bedford. I didn’t save a few back so I could stare at my pretty packages. I won't see these in two days.
• I did not stay in my pajamas from Friday night until Sunday morning. That did not include going to breakfast (at a house) and taking a bath only to get back in them.
• I did not have my mother meet me at happy hour when she arrived into town. I didn't have a chair saved for her, a glass of Merlot ordered, and people lined up to meet Flo. I didn't.
• While interviewing a student assistant last week I didn’t show her my blog. The student didn't like it one bit and didn't promise to become an avid reader and commenter. The student did not get the job.
• I have not forgotten how long these contacts have been in. My four year old glasses didn't break a month ago. My doctor's office didn't tell me they don't make those frames anymore and I would have to pick another frame. She didn't remember that picking out frames is a BIG deal. As in I would have to bring in 10s of people to help me. She just doesn't understand.
• I didn't send an addendum of my Christmas List to my Santa and an Elf that look a lot like my birth mother and sister. A 32 year old would never be out shopping and see more things she wanted (not needed!) and decide it was okay to send an addendum. Of course, not.
• I do not have The Weymouth guest room all ready for the guest that still has not arrived.
• I do not have the kitchen table set (like we are a model home) for the house guest that still has not arrived.

What did you NOT do this past week?

Diet Coke Bookend Sunday...

I have a few unhealthy habits. One of them centers around a 12 oz. silver can that looks like the one pictured here. To start my day with a back of the throat burning cold Diet Coke is a beautiful thing. The best is when the can has little baby ice crystals in it...A-mazing. I usually don't have diet coke in the house, since this will only feed my morning addiction. However with all the parties at The Weymouth...what can I say? What a perfect way to start my Sunday, December 21. Well, perfect would be Mr. Wonderful delivering one in the morning but we'll continue to wait for "Miracles on Weymouth Way."

I slowly got ready (which is such a treat when you have to be up and at'em every morning of your working life) for Church with an icy diet coke in hand...which made preparing for the 19 degree weather bearable.

Enjoyed Mass in a crowded sanctuary. I have to wonder if those that take a break from Church during Ordinary Time and then pop up for Lent and Advent what do they do on their Sunday mornings? What makes folks attend Mass during Lent and Advent compared to all the other Sundays of the year? I don't like being out of town and missing a Sunday in my pew on the right, near the back. Nevertheless, I'm glad all these souls find their way to Church on a bitter cold morning to prepare for the most wonderful birthday party!

I set the table for The Weymouth's next visitor to enjoy breakfast - but his Northwest Airlines sleigh won't get in until tomorrow. (sniff, sniff)

I gathered each project, thank you note, piece of mail, and remaining gift to the dining room table to conquer. This is SO Mother to spread out her projects. I can't handle piles nor stacks...so trust me this table won't be covered for long.

I wrapped Mother's Christmas surprise. I did the package in different paper than my annual paper since it is from my sister, brother-in-law, and me...plus, Mother loves when her package is different (imagine that?!). I love this ribbon which came from Van's Ribbon Outlet thanks to Lynn and Dennis for getting me into this magical ribbon loving kingdom in South Bend this summer. This black and white ribbon is in my ribbon safe.

This lovely day comes to an end with one more icy Diet Coke...alongside a tree sugar cookie. Can we say beautiful?

Happy Sunday to everyone. You know I used to loathe Sundays. They can be hard in singlehood when the world seems to be enjoying family dinners and couples going to movies together. Funny, now I adore them...I kick them off with me and Jesus and a day of what I want to do...Amen to a day bookended by diet coke and filled with good reads for my soul.

Saturday Smiles

Easy to smile on the last shopping Saturday before Christmas (my shopping is done!) when you get to experience...

1) A traditional holiday breakfast... (less than a mile from you home and you are dressed perfectly in your Old Navy Santa PJs from 2000) 2) A place setting ...especially designed for you..lady dancing that I am.
3) Braid Bread...for some an elementary school fundraiser...for others a treat for knowing elementary school aged people. The cream cheese is hands down a perfect gift to your mouth.
4) Sharing the morning with three little people...(and their huge hearted parents) who always fill your bucket up.

5) A Christmas Concert ... (on demand) by two angles dressed in new Auntie Clause nightgowns. The boy angel was way too consumed with his power ranger to perform (note smile in picture for measure of power ranger happiness).

6) A four hour nap...watching FaLaaaa Lifetime movies.

7) Lunch at The Weymouth ...with Mother and Andy on Christmas dishes complete with red chargers (I LOVE chargers.)

8)Hugging Mother... knowing I'll see her on Christmas Eve made the goodbye okay! It was so hard not to tell her about her surprise...but I know Christmas morning will be here in just a few more days.

Off to stay warm...with a smile on my face!

Can you play with me?

My Friday with Flo started off meeting one of my favorite first graders, Miss Grace, for lunch. Did anyone come visit you for lunch when you were grade school? Well, they did me...and I STILL remember the joy. Uncle Bill, my Grandpa and Grandma Brady, Dad (always brought McDonald's), and Mother. It is a simple joy that my life allows me to share in these moments with my "nieces and nephews."

While watching Miss Grace eat her McDonald's Happy Meal, and her classmates chow down on their coveted lunches, a little voice said"Can you play with us?" From the mouth of babes to my scheduled ear...loved it! Of course Mother and I headed out for a few minutes of recess to watch monkey bar champions, balance bean ballerinas. and sensational sliders. I work hard, but I play even harder. Playing with Grace and her buddies will be a treasured memory.

From there it was off to the University Student Affairs Christmas Party to enjoy movie food in the Union Theatre only complete with a viewing of Polar Express. Mother was adultsat by Kodi from our team, as I darted from the President's Office and turning in grades to University College. From there it was the Box Outlet (does one ever enough boxes this time of year?) and to the grocery store for more poppy seeds (two of my favorite recipes this year include poppy seeds). I need to share these with you all...they are the best of my borrowed treats from when I get to play (and eat) with others.

Half past six o'clock brought the HSC team and their loved ones to The Weymouth. As I told Mother, "Why am I running around and preparing so hard - when these people know me best?" They play with me everyday - on good days, bad days and all in between. I am so very blessed (in every way) and when it comes to our team players at the office...so so fortunate. I seriously can't think of better people to play with each day...they bring their A- game to the office, they play so nicely with one another and people from other teams, and most days play whatever game (i.e - task) I've cooked up! God bless these terrific team players. Enjoy some pics from the team celebration!

It was a grand day of play!

Flo to Norman!

Since 2003, Mother has taken her sleigh up to Norman for a few days of what she calls "Christmas in Norman!"

Her time in Norman is usually spent going to an event or three...and my favorite activity - her walking around my house and pointing out everything she has given me (think snowmans)...and if she finds something she likes (and doesn't have the same) she will say, "Kate, you don't need this!"



Mother arrived just in time to meet Neighbor and me at the Norman NEXT event - a gathering of younger professionals. It was easy for Mother to find us since we were in the space formally known as the Harolds Outlet....Mother and I shared a moment of silence for ALL our shopping moments in that space. Seeing Harolds close is a sad thing for this shopper girl. Back on post topic...

Flo is in Norman...and I couldn't be more excited to share the next few days with my Mother.

Are you with me?

My Dad's birthday was July 6, 1938.
July is the 7th month of the year.
7 . 6 . 1938

My birthday is August 30, 1976.
August is the 8th month of the year.
8 . 30 . 1976

The month and day of my birth is Dad's birth year.
Dad's month and day of his birth is my birth year.

Are you with me?
The number 38 has followed me since Dad died in 1994.

• The first office I worked in at OU was Room 308.
• My Sprint calling card's (from college days - prior to cell phones) last four digits are 7638. I keep that account because of those numbers - not kidding. I have a home phone, cell phone, a work phone, a blackberry, a fax number - but I keep a calling card. Insane.
• My OU ID (randomly assigned) is XXX XX 8388
• The class section I taught this year (randomly assigned) was Section 38.

There are days when the number 38 is everywhere I turn, look, and see. I take it as a little "I see you!" from Dad's cloud. For example on Sunday:

• Looked at my phone at 11:38
• Car tag in front of me: OHG – 738
• After coupon, purchase at Michael’s: $3.38
• 20 oz. Diet Coke at Wal-Mart: $1.38 (they get you in line when you wait)
• Panera receipt “you saved” amount: $8.38
• I glanced at a return address label with the zip code: 30008

Are you with me? Or do you think this is a coincidence?

In my Little Blue Book: Advent and Christmas Seasons 2008-2009 (thank you Ann Jacobson and her delivery gal: Kari), I read God's response to Jeremiah, "Have no fear before them, because I am with you." (Jer 1:4-8)

More from the Advent book: "...we are sons and daughters of God. We have been placed by God in his time, in history, in these circumstances, to do God's work. And we don't have to do it alone. I will be with you. God is with me. Now."

So for this 32 year old living a blessed life (but missing her Dad ever so much at his favorite time of year), I'll take any 38s I can get...as I know Dad IS with me as is my heavenly father. I don't do it alone.

Both of my fathers are with me.

ps Dear Santa, While special, I don't think I should be 38 (wait six more years?) to meet prince charming - come on man of my dreams. Lets settle for March 8.

Tuesday Teachings

I learned a few things today (I do most days) . This by no means was one of those trying days that you sit back and think "what was I to learn from this today?" Far from it. It was one of those simple days. A simple day filled with smiles, good moments, and little bits of "ah-ha" and naturally I wanted to share with you all.

Don't Underestimate Gateway 38...it was 16 weeks ago we came together on a Tuesday morning in Burton Hall. 27 freshmen, 1 teaching assistant, me, and Clarke (that crazy boss of mine). Week after week I've been reminded just how special these students are. I have treasured my time with these young people, but most of all being part of their OU journey. I have many wishes for each of them. Hands down I hope they never ever underestimate what possibilities exist for them at OU. After today's final, half of the class went to the Union to enjoy breakfast together.

If you are going to mail packages be careful to not use oversized boxes. My task list today included hitting the post office to mail boxes to Walnut Creek, CA; Chicago, IL; and South Bend, IN. Well, my peeps after I got off the floor from writing out my check I think she'll be considering smaller sized boxes (i.e. gifts) next year. However, I love what I've purchased everyone and hope they do as well.

Would UPS have been cheaper? Would Fed Ex? I feel as if I should have done more research. I'm letting it go...I'm letting it go. I'm not telling myself I could have adopted another angel if I had shipped these other ways. As in getting on a plane, dropping them off, and getting back on the plane.

I love being a southern lady! I attended a ladies' Holiday Brunch at such a beautiful home in Norman today (one of those that overlook a golf course). I love the fact that this luncheon is a seasonal tradition for many Norman dames. I like that it's a time to simply sit - only multitasking is to eat and talk. This is a state for me (eating and talking) not an action.

Time to sit and enjoy the souls gathered. My friend, Becky, and I sat on the couch and daydreamed. We both agreed maybe the reason Mr. Right is taking ever so long to arrive on his white horse is because he is working so hard to give me a life that allows me to be a lady who lunches. Or, maybe I'll grow up to host these types of parties in thirty years. We giggled away with the realization we'd both be our mothers' ages (in thirty years) and her boys (Reed and Riley) will be turning 40...and their wives could be in attendance.

Black front doors are best. (the outside of the lovely home I went to for lunch) In January, I must paint my front door black. Mother's door is black. I always look at houses with black doors...and as I left today's holiday lunch - again, a beautiful black door! The Weymouth needs a black door...I think it will make that POP kind of look.

Friends are angels on earth. Today celebrates the birth of Nanette - my dear, dear friend who I cherish! Full of passion, spunk, and love for all things good...I adore Nan and can't thank her enough for being there for me today, yesterday and always. This picture was taken by one of her little ones (thus, we are sitting on the floor) . One of my favorite things about Nan (aside from her a-mazing faith)...whenever I call she sounds so excited I called. Day, night, rain or shine...Nan always communicates my call is just the thing she wants to be doing. Nan, I am so glad you were born.

Cane's bread and their secret sauce is the best - hands down. Neighbor fetched dinner from Cane's this chilly evening. As we watched NBC's Biggest Looser and heard their stories, I tried to not use too much sauce. What is in that magic?

Random: a few of you have asked what I am doing for Flo...well, you will have to check back in on 12/26.

Decorated Homes and Hearts!

This is my first year to be a blogger and to be on a home tour, a blog tour that is! Today you can visit so many homes by clicking on the BooMama Tour of Homes sticker (on the left) and visit lots of homes that have "linked" up!

At mass on Sunday, Deacon Byron spoke on the beauty of our hearts being decorated by Christ. I couldn't help but think how decorated by heart is by so many of His gifts and blessings - and His way to always direct me where these boots walk. As we decorate and enjoy our homes this season to await the celebration of Christ's birth, I pray that your heart is decorated with hope, peace, and joy as you pass each car who cuts you off, as you pass the Salvation Army Bell ringer, and thank any store worker who must be exhasuted.

Welcome to The Weymouth...










If you turn immediately to your right upon entering, you are in the formal dining room. I promise you the walls are not as yellow as they look in these pictures nor do they match the dining room chairs. My table (thank you cousin Elizabeth for passing it down) can seat 10 comfortably and 13 with a little squeezing!

Two groupings in the living room...those wing back chairs are from cousin Christy (and Bob) way back when..and I still have them with me!

When you walk in the front door (and look straight ahead) this cabinet, from Mother, and my mirror, from Cousin Elizabeth, is the focal point - and it is my favorite - someday I'd love to afford my house to look like this in every corner. The table (aka: door cabinet) came from Thomasville (I could live in Thomasville) and has great storage.

While shopping with Aunt Mary Kay, Mother found this for me and can you believe she hesitated giving it to me? Mother gave this to me for my first Christmas in The Weymouth, and it is by far my favorite piece in the house.

I pass by this cabinet the most (as it is on the way to my room) and each time I pass it I lift up a prayer of thanks...thanks for the child that gives us life. This Christmas I have found myself stopping and enjoying moments more than ever. Maybe it's the 32 candles I blew out this year that helped me realize what really matters, what should really be your focus, and what makes you happy...it is His most precious gift.

We skipped the tree (we'll come back to it)!

From the living room you can enter the informal dining room - which is home to much of my blogging/ e-mailing at night. This table came from JCP (fabulous deal last August) and the chairs from The Gantts' friends!


When I stand in the kitchen (which is my location at most parties), this is my favorite spot in the house to stand - and look thru this cut out over the sink! That candy cane box came from Mom during my first Christmas with a place of my own....from Apple Annie's in Bedford, Texas...can't beat the after-Christmas sales.



I don't like clutter thus I have to master "Kitchen groupings" to enjoy all these little things that find a home at The Weymouth.

Of course, the Happy Everything plate just makes me smile as I load and unload the dishwasher with each passing party guest!



Who can pass up a snowman? I can't. Most of all my Mother can't - thus I have just a few. Mother taught me long ago to write on the bottom of the snowman (or anything for that matter) who they came from and the date! Some of these are from Brenda Gass (when I was a student worker), from Aunt Mary Kay and Uncle Mike, and the other 10 are from Mother.
For me your lights are your foundation for your tree. The more lights you have the happier you'll be! I grew up with multicolor lights and family ornaments - because of the gold walls I went with white lights - but I will return to multicolored one day! Wrapped packages make me giddy...I am OCD about matching under the tree and I love to sit and look at the tree lights reflect on the packages.

In my bedroom, I enjoy my night stand table with the angel from Aunt Liz I received so long ago in college..not to mention Grandma's tree dish Aunt Margie made sure I received. My bathroom windowsill is just a touch of Christmas for me...with my new wreath from Van's in South Bend, Indiana thanks to Blake, Lynn, and Dennis! Of course a little garland made my bedroom armorie happy.
As you leave my bedroom suite, you enjoy walking through the living room and get to glance one more time at those adorable pillows. I received the Hope one from my Anchormate after the 90th anniversary weekend and the beaded tree pillow, well I have to admit it found me for $10 in TJ Maxx!










My two musts for Christmas decorating: garland and Christmas balls. Over every doorway I hang garland (1/2 off at Hobby Lobby) and anything that sits still long enough I fill it with Christmas balls. I've been doing this for years...but I'm real thankful stores have now decided to sell Christmas balls by the tens of dozen, FINALLY.

Merry Christmas blog world!

May you and your family enjoy the truest decorations of Christmas - your faith, family, and freinds. For me it wouldn't be Christmas without them nor would I have any physical decorations (or furntiture) since it is because of my family and freinds I have "my fines things about me." (quote from our favorite family movie, The Quiet Man).