Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A promise is a promise...

And I promise to write more, but today is not the day. I have laundry, dishes, and errands to run. So please have patience and I promise there will be something for you to read about very very soon!

Thanks for the patience!
-Elizabeth

Sunday, May 31, 2009

52 Years


Tomorrow will be my Grandparents (on my Dad's side) wedding anniversary. On June 1, 1957 my grandparents promised to love, care, and stand by each other every day for the rest of their lives. Now as a married woman, I can only see the love and patience they both have to have been married this long. The stories I have heard from my grandmother have just blown my mind at the thought that this woman could take care of her husband and child, work in a very intense job, and still sneak away time for herself. For those 52 years they have stayed together, I have only known them for 19, and I do have to say I have learned a lot on what can help make a marriage grow and stay strong.
I remember my grandmother waking up at 4:30 in the morning to excercise, but she always had breakfast for my grandfather when he would wake up in the morning. She had time to clean the house and kitchen after breakfast, but then would have enough time to make lunch for him when she knew he would start to get hungry. And even after lunch she would have time to water her plants, and take care of errands, maybe even have time to have afternoon coffee to herself and would still have dinner waiting for him. Like I said, her house is always clean, I mean ALWAYS. I don't think I've ever seen a dead plant or a spec of dust in her presence. This is also the same woman I've heard stories of while she worked across seas with a gun to her head, or surviving an earthquake. She's also the same woman who has no nonsense. I heard one story where she found out my father had bought a motorocycle and she flew back to San Antonio to sell it, because no son of hers would own a vehicle on two wheels.
I remember my grandfather having such a stubborn personality he would never have a problem telling her what he thought, but would still retreat from the conversation when he knew he had been beat. I've heard stories of how he has protected her in moments of need, especially after her mother died after one of their first dates. He keeps her on her toes and will always make her feel needed. They've had trying times and wonderful times, but still they have stayed married. Even when they would live on different parts of the globe, they still made it work and continue to make it work. Watching my grandparents through all these years, as long as you have love for yourself and the other, then you can work anything out. I know in marriage there can be times where it's a little too much, but if I have learned anything in my year and a half of being married, it's that as long as I have what my grandparents have, then David and I will be just fine.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Brother Time


I know that this blog is out of order according to the time line that my brother came in on Thursday, but my excuse for that is that I have Linux and Windows, and unfortunately not all of my pictures are on the same account. So now being on Linux I can share some pictures and memories my brother and I shared while him being in Austin!
I was so excited with Michael coming into town, I woke up a little earlier than usual and headed to the store. I wanted to make sure I had everything that could make him happy so whenever he would think of me or Austin he would smile. So really I tried to bribe him with enjoyable treats. I loaded up on Vitamin Water, extra homade popcorn, freshly squeezed Lemonade, and Limeade, and a freezer full of all the frozen food I could throw in the oven to make his tummy happy. I will have to admit that even though my brother is of the rightful age of 18, I can still see him as my little brother when he was 5.
So Thursday I picked him up from the airport with his flight delayed an hour and a half, but sure enough when i finally saw him, me jumping up and down, and giving him hugs and kisses somewhat scared off the other passengers of his plane. But sure enough I picked him up, and took him to the best BBQ in Austin, Vic's BBQ! Which followed a day of relaxing until night fell. I had a photoshoot to do Thursday night, but from what I understand my husabnd and Michael went to a friends for more BBQ. (Which is something we love to do in Texas). Friday consisted of going to Mt.Bonell and eating Whataburger to an amazing Hillcountry view on the Lake and then chasing around peacocks at Mayfield Park. We drove around downtown to show him what 6th st. looks like in the middle of the day, and found ourselves relaxing at a pool til it turned dark. We got dressed and enjoyed some bowling until it was time for bed, and enjoyed our Saturday with just relaxing and hanging out. I've loved every minute I had with my brother, and it just goes to show, even in you live in a town like Las Vegas you can still have a blast in Texas!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Old and New




Sorry I haven't updated in a while, but there was of course a great reason for it. My brother came in town from Vegas!! We had such a great time all weekend, and I will blog about him in the next one since I'm on Windows, and don't have the pictures to go with the story. But what I do have it truly amazing! While I was dropping my brother off in San Antonio, I notice a big red box on my parents counter with paper and junk resting on top. Of course being me, I immediately move the papers aside and open it. It really felt like coming across a buried treasure. I open this box to find film slides. Nothing but film slides! All different in years, and some souvenirs. Here are some to look at, and I hope you enjoy them!

This is my Dad growing up .


This is my Grandfather.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

I spoke too soon...





Ella is an amazing little one. David and I love her so much. But more and more every night, Ella finds it necessary to cry as long as she can until someone wakes up to play with her or maybe let her sleep in our bed. I've started to learn more about her personality. There are little things that she does that makes me worry what kind of pet she is going to be.
Like for example, shes already running the household by crying the loudest I've ever heard a dog cry to get what she want. When shes really mad, she will do her 'business'
right next to the potty pad, but not on top. This little 4 and a half pound ball of fluff with chase around Copland and Johnny when in the backyard, already getting her hearding skills out! She's so persistant about getting what she wants, but it's so hard since she's so cute! All she has to do is shake her little but or look up at you with those big blue eyes and I melt. My brother is coming in town today, so I've decided to start up training on Monday, since I want to be able to set out a time schedule Ella and I can stick to for puppy training time. If anyone has any great websites, please let me know, new ideas are always much appreciated!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

World! I'd Like you to meet Ella!



So as some of you might know, David and I just recently added a new member to our family. Everyone, meet Ella Fitzgerald Balentine. We drove 2 hours east of Austin to some little town to go meet a litter of pups. And sure enough when Ella was brought out, my heart skipped a beat, and I knew she was it. So we took her home and now she is ours!
David and I have been discussing for a while about adding another member to the family. Most always the conversation ended up in no, that is wasnt our time. And on Sunday (Mother's Day) we went to Jims and ate some lunch while njoying conversation. I have no idea how we began talking about it, but this time the conversation was different. We discussed about how we have the finances to take on another pet, and we definitly have the love and patience. The only sacrifice that we werent sure about was our time. With our two boys its easy to go out of town, and stay our certain times. But with a puppy all those things need to be considered. And i was sure before we got her, and even more sure now shes here, I have all the time in the world for her.
Here are some pictures of Ella, and I hope you enjoy. I do have to warn you that looking at these, will not even do Ella justice. I swear if you see her in person, your heart will melt.

Graduations


David and I went down to San Antonio last weekend for a very special event! Saturday was the day that my mom graduated! I don't think I could ever be more proud of her than I was on Saturday. I remember when she said she was going to go back to school, and for those years I remember her taking night classes, working her butt off every semester available, while still going to work, taking care of her family, and her self. And she finally did it! Now for nest semester she is going to go to A&M in San Antonio and get the rest of her bachelors. I'm so proud of you Mom! Ans I love you more than you know!