Christmas 2008

Greetings one and all! I hope I find you all filled with enough joy, chocolate, and turkey to last you the rest of the year. Considering I haven't gone to "THE" bathroom (to be explained in a moment) in five days, you can say I'll survive until the New Year. I can just hear my mother saying with a gasp, "Katy! It always goes back to that doesn't it?" Mom, it's been a big part of my thought process the past 24 hours, so yes, yes it does.

Christmas in Texas was fantastic. The weather made me question why I ever left. I think I wore a coat twice. But that's not important - though it will be tomorrow when it's in the teens here in Chicago. What's important is that my family succumbed to the stomach flu. We were taken down one at a time, or in some cases, three at a time.

Archer was sick the weekend before Christmas, then Chris was down for the count on Tuesday. Erin escaped to the parent's house hoping to save her children. All was fine and dandy until after our annual trip to The Tuttle home for Christmas Eve dinner. We all ate like champs, caught up on each other's lives, and exchanged gifts. Before I hopped in the car for the 1/4 mile drive home, I began to feel a little...off. Yep, two hours later it was me and my toilet hugging it out. I'll spare you the details.

Weak and fragile I descended the stairs Christmas morning to the news that both my Mom and brother, Andrew, were also sick. We were quarantined and Patrick, Alicia, and Liam were told to stay away, very far far away. I don't think I saw my Mom until the afternoon. We pretended it wasn't Christmas and held off until the next day. I took about four naps in between watching a documentary of the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl seasons. (made me cry it was so good) Was it worth it to lose a couple of pounds of "holiday weight"? I can't believe I'm saying this, but no. Absolutely not worth it at all. I've been stock-piling ever since (hence my aforementioned problem).

Friday morning we woke up like every Christmas we've celebrated and gathered as a family to open presents. It felt just like Christmas should feel. Plus we had enough energy to open gifts.

I feel incredibly blessed to have been with my family and to share in the Christmas spirit...and other things.

I want to say thank you to my dad and Erin who were champion caretakers of us miserable three. Gingerale and Motrin - you were my best friends.

I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Labor Day Weekend

I never posted pictures of my trip home for Labor Day weekend. Here are a few from the fabulous trip home. It was mostly me chasing babies around. I loved it.

Hello! I'm Home!

Oh dear me! It has been a long while since I've blogged. I'm sorry I've abandoned you! As you'll soon read, I've been one busy girl.

After I was cast in a play last week, I began to mourn the fact that my summer was practically over. Rehearsals almost every night and shows every weekend in September don't leave much time for me to bask in the glory of the sun. I also had not been home since March and began feeling anxious about not being able to go until mid-October. I've been homesick for Texas for two months and was sad to miss out on my family, friends, the lakehouse and the warm sun. I came home from work Thursday evening and told my roommates how I was feeling and said, "I mean, I wish I had planned to go home this weekend. It's the only one where I don't have anything." They looked at me and said, "Katy, you know your dad. He'd bring you home in a heartbeat." Oh yeah!

Immediately I ran to my room and called my parents who were on their way to see the Jersey Boys. We gave dad tickets for Father's Day. Such perfect timing! They were giddy and I booked my flight and flew home three hours later. I was jumping up and down with excitement. I felt a little out of control and like I hadn't thought it through totally. But at that point, I didn't care. Plus I love a little spontenaeity. Drewby had the honor of picking me up at midnight. That's one of the reasons my parents are thrilled to have had a kid late in life. He's young enough to be awake at midnight on a Thursday night.

The house smelled like home and my room was like an emotional hug. We left first thing Friday morning for the Lakehouse. This place is a gift from God and a refuge for the weary. Erin and Archer drove out to play with us. I was basically Andrew and his girlfriend's third wheel. I didn't care! They needed me anyways so we could wakeboard behind the jetski. We cliff jumped, wakeboarded, swam, boated around Possum Kingdom, played night time tennis, and laughed the whole time! My favorite memory of the weekend was tubing behind the jetski with Erin. As Andrew later said, "I mean, Erin's fun. And of course Katy's fun. But we've got to figure out how to get her to move back here because when they get together, they are hilarious!" We were screaming and laughing and struggled to stay on top of the tube. Sweet Drew had more mercy on us than I had on he and Jordy. We polished the night off with a little night time game of Chicken Fights in the pool. I haven't done that since High School. Erin and I made a strong team.

I also got to see Beckles! This was a huge blessing because she is about to give birth any day now and I had not seen her since March. She looks fantastic and her home and heart are ready to welcome their baby girl. I cannot wait to meet her! Pray for a healthy delivery, healthy baby and peace and endurance for her.

Sometimes I wish I could live back in Dallas. Sunday night proved that Patrick and I would indeed be one fierce doubles tennis team. My backhand and his...everything else...FIERCE! I'm so freakin' competitive.

All these words to say, thanks mom and dad for bringing me home. I needed it and it did wonders for the soul. I can't wait to come back!

Wedding Pics

Here's the link for more pictures from the wedding weekend.

Pictures from the wedding:


Here's a pic of a few of the cousin's at a wedding shower on Saturday morning:


Notice my chest is pretty much normal in this picture:


Now below you'll see the tragic response my skin had to the sun. I swear Chicago warmed up 10 degrees once I got off the plane from the radiating heat from my chest.


Me and the happy couple - Jeff & Alyse


I love this picture! Liam's cracking everyone up, as always.


They are watching uncle Bob sing. You can't tell that I'm totally tearing up. It was wonderfully sweet.


And then we party a little. Here I am tearing up the dance floor with dad.


Now what are the chances that I'd take two different pics with two different nephews and both would be crying and reaching for their moms. Well, it happened.

Sunny Delight

Jeff and Alyse's wedding in Austin was more fun than I could have ever imagined. (more pictures to be posted later) It was a perfect night for an outdoor wedding and an outdoor reception. I made it my goal to spend as much time outdoors as possible. If I was in a car, the sunroof was open. If I was eating at Chick-fil-a, I was eating outdoors. If I took a shower, I took it indoors, but made sure I looked out the window at the blue sky. I was obsessed.

After an early morning family shower for Alyse, Jessie and I headed to the pool at my parent's hotel. We still had on our dresses but hoped to catch a few passing rays while we had the time. Twenty minutes later I felt like I had absorbed a little sun and decided to go inside so I wouldn't get burned. There was no color yet, so I thought I was playing it safe. Five minutes later I looked in the elevator mirror to see if there was any color. Nothing. Ten minutes later I look in the bathroom mirror. FIRE ENGINE RED! Seriously, my chest was blazing. I should have known better and worn sunscreen on my pastey winter skin.

I looked dashing in my black and white dress accessorized with a red chest. Seriously, it was just the chest. Not the arms, neck or face. I tried to cover it up with my long locks, but the redness kept peeking through.

Riddle me this: why do strangers find it perfectly okay to point out to you that you're scorching red? I go to the bar to get a glass of wine. "Hi there, I'd like a glass of pinot noir please." "(GASP) YOU'RE SOOOOO BURNED!" "Yes, I am, thank you for letting me know. I never would have noticed or FELT MY SKIN STINGING LIKE CRAZY!" Really, I couldn't go five feet without a comment. Two days later and the skin is still blazing. So here I go again...

Lesson learned: Wear sunscreen at all times...and turtlenecks.

Until Next Week

Here are a few updates from my life:

1. Fabulous fun wedding in Austin this weekend. I'm leaving tonight, but more on that later.

2. I had TWO fantastic On Camera classes these past two weeks. I performed two dramatic scenes: one from A League of Their Own (thank God she cast me in Gina Davis' role and not Rosie O'Donnell's. Had it been the opposite I would have wired my mouth shut) and another from some random movie about Richard Speck called Moment of Rage. I got kudos for both! It felt unbelievably amazing to feel like you nailed both scenes. I wish I could post the scenes online, but I most likely will never see them again. boo.

3. Last night's show with The Senate had a scene that we labeled "Supermarket Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle." It was so utterly random (like the rest of the show) and I loved it. I was in love with a man who thought he was a Ninja Turtle. It was beautiful really.

I should be thrilled that I'm not flying American tonight. I should also be thrilled that I'm not flying out of O'Hare. It is a rainy mess in Chicago and my hope that I'll fly out on time...or even tonight...is dwindling. Why so negative, Katy? I don't know, maybe it's because the periodical hit today.

The GOOD news is that I'm flying to Austin for my cousin, Alyse's wedding. I love family weddings because my family is so fun to be around. Our love for each other is equivolent to the thought of standing on a beach and holding hands around a campfire singing Kumbiah.

I'll also be spending time with Katherine and Jennie from college and Kellsey from high school. I CAN'T wait!

Pictorial

Finally! Photos from my birthday week (which is still continuing...hence the elastic waist pants) and from Easter (hence the elastic waist pants). Click here to view them all!

Back by Popular Demand

This Easter weekend consisted of three B's: babies, bunnies, and a butt-load of candy. I've been delinquent in posting these past couple of weeks. I can't promise its going to get any better this week. Things are crazy y'all! I am doing a staged reading on Monday and have rehearsals galore until then. Stay strong friends! Stay strong.

Until then, enjoy these two pics from my trip. One is from my flight to Dallas from Chicago. The other is of the ever-smiling Archer.

Homeward Bound

I'm leaving in a few to catch a plane to Dallas to celebrate Easter with my family! I'll get to snuggle with Erin, Archer and Connor tonight. Life is good! And it will be much warmer in the Lonestar State.

Texas Snow

Check out the snow in Texas!

DWTS Season 6

Most of you are familiar with the short-lived Dancing with the Stars addiction I had a couple of years ago. I realized after months of professional psychiatric evaluation that my addiction was mostly founded upon my love for all things Texas, aka. Emmitt Smith. Love him! (spoken with a sing-songy voice)

Well now there's a new pack of "Stars" ready to dance their way back into the spotlight. You can read the new list here. I'll just point out a couple of my favorites:

1. Kristi Yamaguchi: I wanted to be her! Did I ever mention I used to be an ice skater? Probably. I saw her once at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA. We were at the women's volleyball championship and she was sitting a few rows in front of me. She was gorgeous! And so tiny! Hated her. Kidding! I love you Kristi. Come over here and let me give you a hug!

2. Steve Guttenberg: What little girl didn't fall in love with the movie Three Men and a Baby? Police Academy defined "comedy" back in the 80's. He was the man. How come in the 80's, leading men looked like Steve Guttenberg and Michael Keaton? Now they have to look like Brad Pitt or Eric Bana. I mean, I'm not complaining. Somehow we all loved the geeky, funny guy. I still do. Sorry Brad Pitt. You're good to look at but can you make me laugh? You can? Well....whatever, you ruined my point.

and....I don't think I really am excited about any of the other dancers. Plus I refuse to get into the show. I have enough to think about with LOST (seriously, how amazing was Thursday's show?) and Project Runway.

Surprise Wedding

No it's not my surprise wedding. That indeed would have been a surprise.

Today one of my closest and dearest friends from growing up got married! Courtney and her now husband, Jeferson, decided a week ago to forget the big wedding and just get on with life! So at a Texas Courthouse, Courtney & Jeferson and 35 of their closest friends and family gathered together to watch them say their "I Do's." I was so happy to be able to be home for the event. It was also fun to see friends I hadn't seen in a while.

Here are some pics from the blessed event. She looked beautiful and he is just adorable.

Back On the Air

Sorry for the lack of updates recently. You know how I get when I'm home with my family. This week at home has consisted of babies, babies and more babies. Liam constantly makes me laugh with his giggles and smiles. Connor has me running around like crazy chasing after him. And Archer has given me some of the best smiles a two month old can give. Seriously, he has the cutest little dimple just to the left of his smile. I wish I could capture it on my camera but I'm too busy staring at him in awe. He's grown so much these past two months. He's only a couple of pounds lighter than Liam. Wonders never cease.

Andrew and I had a date night the other night. Mi Cocina and Once made for a fun night. Then all of us, except the McCroskeys, headed to the lake for a couple of nights. I shot skeet and actually hit a couple this time. We played tennis and I sweated while only wearing pants and a t-shirt. I love Texas winters. We watched movies and worked on an insanely difficult puzzle. Drewby brought his cute girlfriend to the lake. So we were no longer the odd-man out together. I had to hold the torch on my own. Good times.

All in all it has been a fantastic week. I won't bore you with any more details other than I got a big fat big new t.v. for Christmas. Now I can watch Planet Earth on HD-TV.

Enjoy some of the pictures from this past week. Have a safe and wonderful New Years!

Merry Christmas

A Christmas classic starring my family:

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My First Visit with Archer

I am having major withdrawals now that I'm home. I couldn't stop staring at Archer's sweet little face and those tiny little lips! His dark long hair is amazing. We're thinking it will probably fall out and blonde little curls will come in its place, but you never know.

Erin is doing great. She is an amazing mother. Mom is staying at her place for a week helping her out. I helped out for two nights by sleeping on the couch and making occasional comments without opening my eyes. I don't know how she does it. I was so tired sleeping on the couch that the thought of waking up made me want to puke. Being a mother isn't for wimps.

Pole Position

Saturday I went to the Nascar Busche series race at the Texas Motor Speedway. I'm a fan. I loved it! Patrick answered all 1,425 of my questions with incredible patience and now I can speak the lingo.

I was looking at the huge pole by the track and noticing the positions of the drivers - their position on the pole - their pole position. I looked at Patrick and said "POLE POSITION! Oh my gosh! I'm 31 years old and have just realized for the first time that the arcade game pole position referred to 'POLE POSITION!' Seriously, my world was just rocked." I shock myself sometimes.

3-0!

My game time party was a huge success last night! What I mean is that the COWBOYS WON! It was a huge victory as well. I mostly celebrated with Texans last night and a couple of people who could have cared less about football (aka. What's the Heisman Trophy?). That win was HUGE! I felt sorry for the Bears because I do love them, but I have to cheer for my hometown team!

I heart Wade Phillips.


My dad and I IM'd each other throughout the game last night. Here's a sneak peek at our conversation:


Me: Romosexuals unite!

Me: Uh oh (Romo threw and interception)

Dad: Yippeekaiyeah (we got it back)

Dad: Oh sh-- (something bad happened. I can't remember. Oh wait! The blocked field goal attempt)

Me: Dammit to hell! (Grandma's favorite)

Dad: Jerkasses (Grandma's second favorite)

Me: Romo! Help us!

Me: Penalties! (could there have been anymore? I submit that there could not!)

Dad: Yankee devils!

Me: Aw Yeah! (probably scored)

Me: Eastern Illinois (dad and Romo share this place)

Dad: Cradle of Football!

Dad: Viva los vaqueras!

Dad: Any tears yet from the bear fans?

Me: They went to bed.

Dad: This game takes my mind off of Notre Dame and Arkansas

Me: We needed something

Me: This gets better and better (27-10 Cowboys)

Dad: Friggin Great! (34-10 Final)



Amen.

Here are more pictures from my weekend home. You can see Andrew in his big bad football uniform. He's #66. I just love Texas High School Football. Friday Night Lights is for real y'all!

The Final Word from Me Today

I'm homeward bound! I'm heading home to the promised land for the first time in five months. That's a long time for me!

Hello gorgeous sunsets, shrub trees and Chic-Fil-A! And let's not forget my family.

Amarillo by Mornin'

Last night I went to see George Strait with my friend Alyson. George = awesome. He is the definition of classy and he's a gentleman through and through. Wearing his 10 gallon hat, starched Wranglers and cowboy boots he made us ladies swoon. Did you know that he has 54 #1 hits? He sang about 30 of them last night. Alyson got the best seats. He stood directly in front of us and I could have thrown a penny and hit him. Not that I actually did throw a penny. I just wanted to give you a visual. Have you visualized?

George is "Pure Country" and an ideal Texan. He sang a bazillion songs about Texas and flashed pictures of the various Texas landscapes. It made me homesick. Good thing I'm flying home to Dallas tonight!

I've had a few conversations with people who despise country music. And by despise I mean they would rather go down a slide of razor blades and land in a pool of rubbing alcohol than listen to country music. That just makes me sad. It's more like it's a pride thing with them. Country is beneath them. I actually had someone tell me that they disagree with everything that country music stands for: the south, conservatives, Christian beliefs, the prevelence of Jesus just to name a few. It's an uninformed opinion. If they just don't like the twang, that's fine. But knocking the people, that's a whole other story. I know that country music can bring out a few interesting folks who do not represent the best in people. But why classify all fans as being judgmental and small minded? Country music also represents family, national pride and a way of life. And who doesn't enjoy songs about divorce, truck driving, drunkenness, mama killed papa, rodeos and sexy tractor driving men?