Top 25 of 2009

I made Parties Extra top 25.

Well, my Sip and See did.

And, honestly can't blame that talented Helen Wallace...it was my best party for my best girl.

What was your top moment or two of 2009?

When I return back to my main computer, I think I will do a top 25 in pictures of my 2009.

Sorry for the TEN day blogging break...I have some high points to keep your taste buds sparked.

1) Not sure where Dec 21 - 23 went...yes I do. I was finishing up being the Elf ...far from any shelf that is.

2) Dec 24...6:30 am three hour drive, a baptism, a brunch, a V fix, three grocery stores, and a Winter Wonderland Christmas Eve in the real Bedford Falls....sans the Falls. Are you tired yet? The marathon was half way over.

3) Dec 25...serving as Mother's Elf...which is soo far from any rest time on a shelf, I can't even explain. No other elves have ever survived this role. No other elves would apply.

4) Dec 26...opening gifts with the new family...I was too busy hogging V to ever think about blogging. Pictures will come. Promise.

5) The 27th found me lunching and mani/pedi-ing the afternoon away. I left my camera at a pretty house on the 27th....I feel naked. Which is not cute I tell you.

6) Come the 28th...."Return Monday"....8 stores later Mother was pleased and I could see the bottom of my trunk. And, blogging was not possible.

7) Turn the page to the 29th...Lunch with loved ones since 1990 and dinner with a friend I met 10 years ago...and after a FOUR hour dinner I think we MIGHT be caught back up. Miss that TGF so much.

8) 30th...I'm back.

Taste buds....hold please. Will return. Happy 30th.

Speaking of 30th days of the year...I've been 33 for FOUR months. I'm 33 and a third. Aging.... hold please.

PS...after reading this to Mother she asked why I didn't talk about the pretty table, the lovely gifts, or how nice it is to be home....it goes without saying peeps that I'm right where I belong and love it at my real home with Mother.

Let my paper rip...

While I say I LOVE to look at my wrapped packages, I adore giving them to those that will open with excitement, squeal when their eyes meet my purchased wonder, and immediately pose for a picture with the newest asset in their world.

Miss G loved her new G tote...as did Miss A. (Thank you Sam Moon Santa - Ft. Worth branch)

Miss A entered into a repetitive state of song that went like this....

"I love my bag. I love my bag. I love my bag."

Does this giving (chapped, paper cut from wrapping) hands, shopping heart good.

Love this kid. Always have. Always will.

Side note...a middle son did love his gift as well. However, posing for a picture with his Lego's activity would have interrupted the work of the master, and even Aunt Kate wouldn't ask that.

Round two of gift opening from Aunt Flo....Christmas Nightgowns!

I tell you kids who pose and get into the moment for Aunts Kate/Flo,

profit from their "play along" attitudes. Can I say we love THE moment?

Watching them race to put on their new night ware, made me think of those Christmas mornings that allowed me to change my Christmas Day outfit, cause of THE must have, must wear gift. Spoiled special little memories.

What is even better before all this opening of surprises began, we talked about their day at Church. From angels to songs (enter in Miss A singing three songs) and what this time of year is truly about. I asked Miss G, what is an angel as she explained she had been one earlier that day in a play. Horrified that I didn't know what an angel was (she knows I was kidding as only Aunt Kate can), Miss G shared, "They are all around us. They do good. They watch over us and keep us safe. Like right now, one might be right here. Hug it." Freeze that moment.

Done. I was ready to let that precious perfectly wrapped red n' white Hobby Lobby proud, lined back for easy wrapping pleasure, with the tulle on top paper rip.....let her rip!

The Finale...

Finally. The Finale arrived.

The Finale of our Christmas parties was

by far the best of all parties.

Let me set the scene for you.

With e-vites sent out six days previous, and knowing

Saturday was the last shopping Saturday

before the big day...you just never know.

But a party at The Weymouth can not be missed...

and it was the MOST fun. If I say so myself.

Let me set the scene:

35+ people. Wine. Sweets. Dips. Treats. Beautiful Weather.

One Mother from Texas. One friend turned bartender.

Candles. Dancing. Forever Friends. Priceless

#5...Office Night In

Friday night found me hosting the FIFTH Weymouth gathering this beautiful Christmas season!

Our entire office team/family and their guest of choice came over for dinner, treats, and merriment. It was so nice to be at home with the people I spend so much time with...but this time with wine!

Some folks gathered around the dining room table!

This is exactly why I wanted TWO eating areas and one living room in this house at this phase in my life. I love entertaining and having folks for dinner.

Forgive me for the tables not being set to the T...I started to not feel well at this point in the week. However, the parties must go on...so they did!

Sweet Amanda and Carlos (aka: Lucy's Mommy and Daddy) at the kitchen table!
Creative Claire and Terrific Teresa

Rad Rocky and Stellar Stephen

Victorious Victoria and Jolly Jill

We ended the night with my annual "ornament presentations." Since I became the Executive Director (2004), I give an ornament to each member of the team representative of their year, personality, special trait, or most recent achievement. Some are as lovely as Holy Family in honor of a new baby joining a family or funny at a fat cat on a chair for one of my treasured team members investing (big time) in a funny, beloved cat. I wish I could give them all so much more, plus raises, and lots of days off...but hopefully this ornament will carry them over until I win the lottery or invent the next Snuggie.

LEAD

On Thursday, my sweet class of 18 freshmen presented me and Clarke (co-teacher and Boss) with these adorable wooden, banana pudding colored letters. Each one signed with their words of thankful joy for the past semester. Such a keepsake.

The title of our class: Lead Your Way @ OU..get it?!?...LEAD...they did! Leadership can be taught...and that we did.

We talked, discussed, argued, and laughed our way thru the syllabus...knowing that leadership is influence (for good or bad - depending on the leader that is), your biggest asset as a leader is your attitude, and you are only as ever good as the team you lead to their own successes. Plus a spectrum of thoughts from who's who in Norman, Wal-Mart, books, and a slew of others!

I never expect anything from a class or a group of student leaders that I work with...but I will say when they give something it makes my heart do a cartwheel of smiles. Just a little something to remember these special souls by...but nothing will ever equal the impression they've made on my heart!

Visitors, Angels, Birthdays...oh my!

Do you all remember what it was like to have a visitor come to see you at school?

Better yet, a visitor bring you lunch?

And one step better...a McDonalds Happy Meal for lunch?

I do too. And, I loved it.

With my grandparents and uncles/aunts all living far away...it was a BIG deal when they came into town, which always included bringing me lunch at good ole' Bedford Heights Elementary!

I love being THE Aunt Kate that can do the same for some very special (not to mention very cute) little people.

with two very special Mavericks...
one kind, loving, considerate 2nd grader...
and her smart little bro were so happy for Aunt Kate to bring chicken finger happy meals with chocolate milk and french fries (of course) and LOTS of ketchup! I was in for lunch and out with the "computer check-in" all within a fast 23 minutes. I was dizzy.


I brought lunch last year and promised to eat lunch this semester. I must say seeing their smiles and getting those special hugs is worth a million dollars to me.
My favorite part occurred when I introduced myself as Kate to another kiddo at the table, and the "toothless wonder princess" said, "That is MY Aunt Kate!' Yes, I am and proud to be.


After running into four stores (JCP, Ross, TJMaxx, Hobby Lobby) and getting gas (which has to be the most disgusting thing ever)...it was off to soak my throat in the age old remedy (for sore throats) of Chili's Enchilada Soup. While checking my list twice, I made a few phone calls, secured a glass of Iced Tea for the road...but not before I glanced at the bill.

To be reminded of my angel. Always. 8.30.

Right there. Always. My Dad. Just a hug from above.

I explain these numbers here.

After three more stores (Tuesday Morning, Home Depot, Christmas Expressions) and one pharmacy...off to celebrate one very special lady!

These three little people worked sooo hard on a sign for their Mama's big day!

And, one handsome husband worked soooo hard on dinner for his bride!

Precious friends made family!

My best buddy these days when it comes to pictures...Anna!

Even with a casted-up arm, she loves to take pictures and be in pictures.

A also LOVES to take pictures...this one wasn't too bad for a mere three year old going on 25!

I know little A won't always want to sit on my lap and spend the night taking pictures and giggling with me...but thankfully I'll have these memories when she is upstairs texting!

From daylight to moonlight, my day was filled with one VERY special family and I couldn't be more grateful for their forever friendship and for the birth of Nan who has shared her beautiful family with me from day one of our 13+ year friendship! Happy Birthday Nan!

Office Night Out!

One of the results from working at a University is becoming part of the "University Family." For me it is much more than just a statement or a feel good commercial line...it is a reality. Since my family lives 180+ miles from me, my OU family is my family.

On Monday night, the OU Division of Student Affairs Directors (and spouses) went to dinner at Legends in Norman. Two reasons I love Legends....salad bar and mushroom crepes. But I didn't get to eat either. Set menu. Two new things I love about Legends... whipped garlic mashed potatoes and Rum Cake with ice cream.

Honestly, I adore the people I work with, for, and beside...such dear, dear peeps.

Kristen and Casey
Nan, Nick, Laura and Clarke (our crazzzzy boss)
Norris, Diane, Amy, Lee & Cordell

The Annis and Weaver Duos

Susan, Abe & Andrea

The Doctors Barker & Dr. Wayne

Dr. Wayne & Me taking a party pic!

Mrs. Wayne and The Ringers

Brynn and Me
Clarke (our crazzzzy boss) and KP! Such fun times and dear people! Working in higher education allows for all of us to truly enjoy the holidays with our families and I loooovvve it. I can't imagine "working" over the holidays. I never have. With so many people out of work in our world, it reminds me even more than ever to be grateful and even the "10%" of my job that gets old to GET OVER it. FAST. Here's to wishing everyone a happy work life.

Holiday Home Tour II

Welcome to the Tour of Homes!
I did a home tour last year, and loved seeing so many holiday homes! Simply click on a tour of homes box and let the games begin!

Welcome to The Weymouth!

This is my third Christmas in my home and my first time to have a shiny black front door...which I love! As you walk into The Weymouth...
...a close up view of the living room!
The first item you really see upon entering is my door cabinet (from Mother) and beautiful gold mirror (from Cousin Elizabeth)...truly two of my treasures in the house!
My FAVORITE grouping (I am a huge grouper when decorating) is this one!
To have the sweetest picture of the world...my Mother kissing her granddaughter (my niece) upon their first meeting at the airport...
next to the true family that connects us all...just does this mighty heart good.
Go big or go home!?! This mantel remains a work in progress.
It needs lights...and maybe gold balls worked in....maybe 2010 I'll have this just right. You'll have to come back to check it out!
I love Christmas balls. Gold. Red. Shiny. Bright. Glittery.
I put them everywhere and anywhere. My tree is full of some childhood ornaments, ones from my travels, and lots from others.
I love wrapped packages...I wrap super early so I can just look at them. It's the simple things or a sickness.

This is my favorite view this time of year.

This is where my desk sits, I mean kitchen table where I manage all most evenings.

I love to look at the words CHRIST centered in my wreath and the home that I'm so blessed to enjoy.

I arrange garland in anything that sits still.

and over every door way!

A corner in the kitchen...love my new cake plate from Mother...though it will probably never have a cake on it....still super cute.

Of course my Happy Everything Plate that never misses a holiday or celebration!

Kitchen groupings are fun to arrange with collectibles over the years.

I love snowmen!

I pretty much clear most "every day decor" and replace with all things red and green.

I also go up high...to the kitchen fir-down.

Toss up some trees and some Christmas plates...poof...Christmas magic.

Dining Room Cabinet also needs Christmas sprinkles.

One of my newest decorations, PEACE from my dear friend Becky!

Living Room bookcases

That tree sequin pillow was $10 bucks (from none other than TJ Maxx)...

I bought it LONG before I had this white couch.

I just knew I would want that pillow on a white couch. Thus, began my search for a white couch.

Why I bought a $$$ couch to go with a $10 pillow...I'll never know!

HOPE...it is what keeps me going!

Plus, I'm a Delta Gamma and it is our word!

I even like to place garland in the guest room....and over the bathroom windows!

As well as over armories in bedrooms!

This is my bedroom nightstand...

this is the last light I turn off each night as I

thank God for this life that brings me a hopeful future!

Merry Christmas bloggers! May you remember the gift of Christ not just in this Advent season, but all through the year! Happy 2010 blog world! Thanks for touring!