How Did You Spend Your New Year's in the Decade of 2000?

2000 - Ushered in Y2K at a party at my parent's house and then went with friends to downtown Dallas where we watched the lighting of something we once thought was important but now I can't remember.

2001 - Probably some miserable singles party for church. Beck? Was this that horrible year? I try to put it out of my memory because it was THAT BAD! Church + Singles = Nightmare NYE.

2002 - Was this the year Dallas iced over and Becky, Erin, Andrew, Chris and I went sledding behind our parents' golf cart? That was one of the best New Year's Eve parties EVER! I still want to see the video of Becky flying off the sled.

2003 - Second worst New Year's Eve nights ever. It started off great with Becky, Greg, and Becky's semi-boyfriend, Barrett (whom we dubbed "Barry"). We ate dinner and Greg went to meet some other friends. Then we hung out with Barrett and Becky began to realize that he was old because he didn't know about the Goo-Goo Dolls. We were back in bed around 11:30 pm and asleep. Ugh, that was painful.

2004 - I had just moved to Chicago this year. Patrick and I had friends over to my parent's house to watch movies outdoors on a big screen. Fire place was roaring along with the heaters and it was so much fun.

2005 - Probably one of my best memories. Becky, Russ, Wendy, Kristen, Patrick and I headed over to a house where Hattie was house-sitting. We cooked a huge dinner and sat outside talking, eating and laughing until the wee hours of the morning. Then we had one huge slumber party and a massive breakfast in the morning.

2006 - We tried to create the magic this year but it just couldn't live up to the hype.

2007 - I flew back to Chicago, ate dinner with the roommates and we went and saw Blood Diamond. We are so exciting.

2008 - I was in Dallas and Becky was pregnant. She, Russ, and I went to a delicious Italian restaurant in Lakewood and then sat with all the old people to watch a movie at Mockingbird Station. Was it Charlie Wilson's War? I loved it!

2009 - An exciting night of dinner and Scrabble. Janell, Kate, Alyson and I kept it low-key (aka. lame). I do remember dominating the Scrabble game. I knew then that 2009 would be a good year.

2010 - Party at our place! Should be a fun night.

So long 2009! What will the next 10 years hold?

Gluttony

Dear Lord, forgive me for the gluttony that took place this past week (she says as she shoves another handful of Swedish Fish in her mouth). My diet consisted of chocolate-covered nuts and Milk Duds. Ugh, I feel sick just thinking about it. I felt sick about it yesterday but it didn't stop me from eating even more today. Everyday I say "Tomorrow!" Well, I think I need to mean it. I have no plans tomorrow night so I think I'll go to the store and prepare for a week of detox, headaches from lack of sugar, and my digestive system straightening itself out. Wow, this sounds a lot like rehab.

Bittersweets

These are HILARIOUS! I wish I had seen them before today because they would have been perfect to bring in for an office full of ladies.*

*Thanks Stokes Kith & Kin!

Bath Time

Happy New Year! 2009 already. Wasn't Y2K just last year? I rung in the New Year with a very exciting time involving sweat pants, scrabble, Sex and the City reruns, pizza and a few friends. It was perfect!

Looks like my nephews had a wilder night than me. Looks like I could learn a few things from this crazy lads. Check out how perfectly every"thing" is hidden. Nice camera work mom.

Let's re-imagine a conversation going on in the bath:

Liam (far right): "Yeah, we're just getting things ready. We're waiting on the ladies. This is some lovely tea!"

Archer (middle): "Where is the keg? It should be here by now!"

Connor (far left): "Oh man! Hey, look. Guys! My aim is so perfect. I can fill this cup."

Liam: "Such childish games."

Archer: "Seriously dude, put that away."

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!

Christmas Wish List

The economy has gone crazy and you're not sure what to ask for for Christmas. Should we just abandon the tradition of giving gifts this Christmas all together? Nay! It does a soul good to give and receive gifts - no matter how big or small. Here are a few ideas if you're busy racking your brain:

1. Snow-dwellers will love a pair of these Hunter Originals! Keep your toes dry this winter.















2. I'm looking at getting one of these to back up my precious photos and music. Any thoughts on the Apple Time Capsule?

3. Board Games. Some love them, some hate them. But don't come between an Orender and their scrabble board! I was crushed when Facebook no longer had Scrabulous. CRUSHED!

4. Rings are the rage! Cocktail and statement rings are everywhere. Here are a few from Anthropologie.

5. Speaking of Anthropologie, pretty much sign me up for any of these outfits. Dad, are you listening?

6. Pucker up! I LOVE my new evening lip color. It makes a statement and isn't for the bashful. But with the right attitude, anyone can pull it off. I use Laura Mercier's Lip Stain in Scarlet.

7. For the fashionista, click here for more ideas.

8. I need a new tea kettle. The old one was left behind by an old roommate.

9. Give your feet a gift - Tory Burch flats.

10. I hear all men love this fragrance. Is that true?

11. My friend, Christy, makes these personalized necklaces. I gave my mom one last year and she loves it.

12. Give the unexpected. Threadless t-shirts can be very personal and fun.

What are you giving people for Christmas?

Happy Halloween from Texas

Sadly I wasn't home to see the boys in action. Here are a few pictures of what I missed.

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.

Smiling with Santa

I spent Saturday with my wonderful Aunt, Anna Mae, who we call Auntie. She said she had a little surprise for me. She remembered me blogging about me never having a smiling picture with Santa Claus. Well, she found one! Check it out!






















I may be smiling but I have my hands ready to sock him one if he even looks in my direction. Thanks Auntie! Seriously, how cute are we? Don't you just want to scoop up my little sister and have a tea party with her?

The picture has the original laminated covering on it. There's a bright yellow sticker on the back that says "Prestonwood Town Center" on it. That mall is now bulldozed and became an office park. I took ice skating lessons there and they had the best corny-dog stand. That's right, I say CornY-Dog instead of Corn-Dog.


I also was just thinking the other day about the shirt I was wearing in this picture. It had silver thread woven through it. I loved that shirt.

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:

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Christmas in Lakeview

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. We obviously love it in our apartment.

















I mean, just look, I'm hugging a tree!
















We recently celebrated our roommate Christmas. Janell cooked us up a fantabulous dinner (served, of course, on my Christmas plates!). Here's how the night played out:

Janell: "You two are just such fabulous roommates. I want to wish you both a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! Cheers!"






Me: "I know exactly what you mean Janell. We have been so blessed. I have so many deep thoughts in my head. Can't you tell just by looking at my face? I'm about to say something really profound. Get out your pen and paper y'all. You're going to want to write this down."

Jessie: "Deep schmeep! Let's keep it light and fun! It's Christmas! I just got my hair done so I no longer have roots! Let's open our presents and God bless us everyone!"





Katy: "I need a nap first. I ate too much. When are we having dessert? I smell chocolate."




(feet shuffling into the living room)


Katy: "Janell! Anthropologie?! You are like a mind reader!"












Janell: "And I'm looking HAWT in my new necklace. Horseshoes are for luck girls. Watch out world, 2008 is going to RAWK!"











Jessie: "And I am really hip you guys. Not only do I have really hip platinum blonde hair and a cool cut, but now I have hip makeup and an ipod alarm clock to go with it. I'll give you guys makeovers after Christmas. I could do so much with your look."





From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tots

My dad sent these photos from his phone to remind me of yet three (four if you count my sister...and she counts!) more reasons it will be good to be home for the holidays. I can't wait to hold them all...on my lap...all at once (especially you Erin!). It could be like trying to manage a three-ringed circus.

Christmas Countdown

The snow turned this city upside down yesterday and it was fantastic! It was perfect for putting me in the Christmas spirit. Quiet snowfall, Christmas lights, dinner party with friends and Christmas music combine for a perfect holiday night.















Here's a little peek at our apartment decorated for Christmas. See the red bows? I made them! I did crafts!

I even have these adorable dish towels with embroidered Christmas trees, ornaments and Rudolph. Can someone please tell me why all dishtowels are terrible for drying dishes? Has anyone found the perfect dishtowel?

Here's the perfect winter meal I served, perhaps imperfectly, last night. Baked Macaroni and Cheese with roasted asparagus, wine and chocolate chip cookies hot out of the oven. It was even better served on my Christmas plates. I finally got to use them!

Another question: Why do recipes insist on using terms like "temper the egg" while explaining how to make something? I'm as uneducated as they come when it involves cooking. I kept my laptop in the kitchen to help me with terms that left me stumped.

The kid in me also came out on Saturday night. We braved the snow after dinner to play laser tag at a friend's birthday party. I'm usually a stellar player but found my score ranging around -725. I still claim that my gun wasn't working properly! Then Fernando and I found an open field of snow and pumped up by a U2 song, we sprinted across it, threw a few snowballs. A few moments later we realized it's FREEZING! But how often do you get to do something like that? You've got to embrace it while you can.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend of Holiday parties, chocolate and being with friends.

Fa La La La La...La La...La...La

This post is in honor of my sister, Erin, who would kick a cute puppy as long as she never had to hear Bruce Springstein's Santa Claus is Coming to Town ever again. It makes the Top 12 List of the worst Christmas songs ever. Justice served!

Click here to read the rest (thanks to Pop Candy). Is your favorite song on the list?

We're a Johnny Mathis Christmas Album family. I know others have Christmas Albums that bring back family memories. Anyone here a Tender Tennesse Christmas fan? Amy Grant? Anyone? I love that song. It brings me back. Mariah Carey's Christmas Album takes me back to my sophomore year of college and living with Elizabeth Lewis. All I Want for Christmas is You just doesn't get old. It had a nice revival a few years ago in the movie Love Actually. I can't help but watch that movie and want to run out and tell everyone I love them.

Christmas Delights

'Tis the season for really cheesy Christmas movies on Liftime and ABC Family. Most of the movies have something to do with Santa being ill or missing and unable to fulfill his duties, so his wayward child takes over and learns a life lesson which inevitably makes them a better person. Can I get a side of hot cocoa with that?

Last night Janell and I sat upon the couch next to the lit Christmas tree and proceeded to watch Mario Lopez and Melissa Joan Hart in Holiday in Handcuffs. Oh yes we did watch it! I'll be honest, I forced Janell to watch it with me. It was predictably cute. And predictably, Mario Lopez had a scene in which he happened to be without a shirt. Merry Christmas to me! A.C. Slater is in fine form. Dancing with the Stars treated you right! A note to the readers: I did NOT shed a tear.

Days of Christmas

I can't believe one of my very own flesh and blood actually sat upon Santa's lap and smiled. We have a history of sitting on his lap and crying. I have proof! There's a beauty of a photo with Patrick bawling while sitting on Santa's lap. Send it to me Patrick!

Liam is doing nothing more than being Liam. He smiles and giggles non-stop.

Here's a happy picture Patrick found of us with a Santa doll. If he'd been real, we would have been crying.