Almost 33, and I've still got it!!!

Yes, that's me doing the best cheerleader jump I could muster up into my friend Amanda's pool yesterday during her annual 4th of July shindig. I have to say - I've still got some hops in my old age. Blake, Amanda and I apparently couldn't get enough of reliving our cheerleading days of yester-years - we had to do a couple group jumps to complete the day.

And what's a pool party without a cannonball...

After fun times at the Nalls, we came back home and hung out with our friends and neighbors while illegally lighting fireworks and listening to Michael Jackson tunes. We finally called it a night, or should I say 'morning,' around 2 a.m. I can't even lie - I'm tired. That's when age starts to catch up with you. Late nights and little kids who get up at the butt crack of dawn don't mix.

Back to the grind tomorrow. This should be a pretty mellow week - I'm hoping to hear back some positive news from a few auditions I've been on recently. This past Wednesday, I received some disappointing news for a role I'd auditioned for. I'd gotten a callback, and it was down to me and two other girls for the lead. Unfortunately, I wasn't cast. I didn't realize how bad I wanted the project until I didn't get it. It definitely took me a couple of days to recover from the news, and I'm still not completely over it. But there will be more roles, more auditions to come!

On an exciting sidenote, Ryan actually ended up shooting a series of commercials last week - for the NFL!!! The NFL was shooting the commercials at the new Cowboys stadium and they were looking for "football players." Ryan obviously fit the role so I sent him to the audition and he was cast. He spent two days shooting, and it actually looks like working on that commercial could potentially lead to more work. He may have another shoot lined up that will require him to travel to L.A. for a week. He shoots two commercials and he's going to be eligible for his SAG card. I've been in the business since I was a tot and I'm not. Go figure!

Hopefully more fun and exciting news to come!

More bumps... this time, with a name!

Poor Bryn. First she broke out in hives a couple weeks ago for no apparent reason. Now, the poor girl has hand, foot and mouth disease. Sounds worse than it is, but it's a viral infection that's highly contagious and can be easily transmitted. It's pretty harmless - it's not even treated with any sort of medication and should clear up this week. But that just goes to show you - IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING!!!!

Bryn is working on her signature catwalk!!!

Here's a quick clip of baby girl on the move. Her signature walk is looking more like the Frankenstein walk, but I'll be sure to teach her how to work a runway, or even a hallway...

Things are picking up!

Sometimes I think I'm the busiest non-busy person I know! Yesterday was a prime example. I had an audition for a web program, a mixer at a downtown law firm hosted by the Texas Minority Counsel Program (a.k.a. a networking event), a callback audition for a movie, and my first night of a 4-night acting camp. I didn't get home until almost 11 p.m. People often ask how I manage to get it all done - I usually say "with very little sleep."

On to some fun news - little mama is starting to take her first steps. She's doing the frankenstein walk. Bryn has taken 7 or 8 steps on her own, so we're thinking she'll be upright any day now. Video to come soon!

Will is back in school - he started FISD's extended school year program this week, so Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays he's in school for three hours a day. He gets so excited when he sees the school bus roll up!

And it's hot here in Texas - like, "it's too hot to go outside" hot here in Texas. We'll hit the 100s again today, just like yesterday. It's about 10 degrees warmer than it should be. Oh well. Better than snow, right?

Father's Day

I'm obsessed with taking photographs. I love taking pictures of Will and Bryn, of scenery, etc. In this day and age of digital photography, it's easy to take tons of pictures - and I do! A few weeks ago, I placed an online order for close to 500 prints! That includes any pics I've taken since January through May. Yes, photography is a bit of a hobby really.

I usually keep a compact camera in my purse just in case a photo op presents itself. I have two other cameras as well - one has an incredible zoom lens and I'd use it to take pictures of Ryan during his games. Unfortunately, it's not very fast. So, to make sure we catch our quick moving kids, we also have an SLR which is a must have for parents of little ones. It's my "go-to" camera whenever the kids are involved in one of my impromptu shoots.

Today, I was putting the prints I'd recently ordered in photo albums. I couldn't help pausing when I came upon certain pictures.



With it being father's day and all, I got a little emotional. You see, this is my twenty-third father's day without my dad. Dad died back in 1985 at the age of 43 from a massive heart attack. I was only 9. I think about him often, wondering how he's doing, if he's proud of me, if he's missing me as much as I miss him. But certain days - his birthday, father's day - are particularly difficult for me. I just can't help but to miss him and wish he was here.

Back to the photographs - seeing picture after picture of Ryan and the kids together made me smile. My kiddos will always have these pictures and they'll be able to remember so many special moments.

Of course, 20-30 years ago, there were no digital cameras - polaroids were the norm. Unfortunately, there just aren't that many pictures of me and my dad. That makes the few I have that much more important. I found this one today - I'm that cute cuddly baby mom is holding (and actually, as I look closer, I see a resemblance to Bryn).

Happy father's day dad. And a happy father's day to my mom, who had to fill the role of "dad" too as my sisters and I were growing up.

And to Ryan - happy father's day sweetheart. Here are some more of my favorites as a tribute to all you do!

Top 15!

After four weeks of preparing for the Mrs. Texas America pageant, I am happy to report that I placed in the top 15 out of 31 competitors. After a pretty solid semi-final performance, I was actually pretty hopeful that I'd make it into the top 5, but no luck. Maybe next year...

That's right - I said 'next year.' I thought this was going to be a one-time thing, but after getting great feedback from pageant organizers and judges, I just have to compete one more time now that I know the ropes and know what I need to do to step up my game and really compete. Now I have a whole year to prepare!!!

The experience really was a blast. And I've spent the last couple of days celebrating by eating anything and everything I want, including fried seafood platters and fast food. Of course, my stomach has been a mess - makes me appreciate how important eating good, natural food is. But I'm going to be careful - one of the fringe benefits of preparing for the pageant is finally being in awesome post-baby shape, and I've started wearing shorts and skirts for the first time in years!

Here are a couple of pictures from the pageant. The audience wasn't allowed to take pictures, but a friend was able to snap a few, and I got a couple backstage. Enjoy!

It's game day!!!!

After weeks of preparation, today is the day of the Mrs. Texas America pageant. I'm going to do my best to compete against 30 other women, some of whom have been preparing for this event for the last year! Surprisingly, I'm not really nervous yet, though I'm sure the adrenaline will kick in soon and my heart will start racing a bit.

But here's my plan - I'm just going to be me. Well, I'll be me with stage make-up, chicken cutlets (ladies, you know what those are), spanx, spray on pantyhose, and double-sided sticky tape. But underneath all the glitz and glamour, the plan is to just be myself and hope that the judges can appreciate what I have to offer.

I spent some time last night doing my final wardrobe check and I'm a bit nervous. After feeling a bit, um, well, let's just say lacking in the chest area, I've decided to add some padding. I spent some time manipulating and tweaking my bikini top to see how this is all going to work out. And my evening gown - while I love it to death, it's not fitting like I'd hoped. From the waist down, it fits PERFECTLY! But I think I should've spent more time considering the alterations done up top. Hopefully some sticky tape will keep everything in place. But this I know - when I'm out on that stage tonight, I'll be walking with the confidence that the dress fits perfectly, that my boobs look perfectly round and perky in my bikini top, and I'm going to sashay and work it!

We had the night off yesterday after rehearsals and Ryan came to the hotel. We had an awesome dinner with one of the other contestants, Alice Anderson, and her husband. I think Alice is going to do big things in this competition - she's stunning, incredibly poised, and super fun. I'm certain I've made a new friend. All of the women have been incredible, and I have no doubt I will keep in touch with many of them.

I have my interview in front of the judges this morning, then it's off to the theater for lunch, rehearsals, and final pageant preparations before the pageant begins at 5:30p.m. I'll try to post an update this evening, but if not, tomorrow for sure.

Wish me luck! It's time to bring my A game and do this!

This doesn't happen that often...

Today, I felt short. At 5'8" tall in flats with a 33" inseam, I rarely feel short. But there I was in a room full of lots of tall, beautiful women, and I felt short.

I made it to Southlake today (barely after getting cut off constantly by Texas drivers who were in a hurry to get nowhere because of the traffic) and checked into our pageant hotel. I had little time to get ready before heading downstairs for registration. It was fun meeting the other contestants. Of course, I was scoping out the competition, and let me tell you - I've got a fight on my hands for the crown. These women are smart, funny, beautiful, intelligent - lots of "total packages" in the room.

After a brief meeting, we had to change into our pageant bikinis for a photo shoot in front of the hotel. We were instant celebrities. I can't tell you how many people were out there with cameras taking pictures. A guy from London even asked to take a picture with the group! That was pretty funny!

Tomorrow is a long day of rehearsals! I'm going to decorate my People's Choice Award box that hit the sack! I need my beauty sleep!

The other princess in the house...

Sometimes I just can't stand her cuteness - it's just too much to handle! For smiles...

What an interesting night...

WOW - Texas weather. The fam and I were taking a dip in our community pool when the thunder starting rolling this evening. I figured we were okay as long as we didn't see any lightning. Well, within minutes the sky was ablaze! By the time we got home, the weatherman on the news was broadcasting about the fast moving storm in our area. Within minutes, we heard tornado sirens going off. So I did what every responsible person should do - I grabbed the video camera and headed outside!!!

A few minutes later, the winds picked up and the rain started. There's been damage reported throughout the damage area but we were spared. This was our first real tornado warning since being home and it was scary, and oddly exciting at the same time. I'm always in awe at mother nature's power!

Once things calmed down this evening, I was finally able to start packing up for my big pageant weekend - I think I'm going to need an entire suitcase just for shoes! We have to report to the hotel tomorrow evening. Friday is packed-full with rehearsals and such. I am really looking forward to this weekend. I'm sure it will be an amazing experience, and with any luck, I'll bring home that crown!!!

In the meantime, Will has officially started spring break. This week, he's attending vacation Bible school at our church - Prestonwood. Here he is all excited on the first day!

Brynie pie

My poor little princess...
Bryn woke up this morning with little red bumps all over her body. She appears to have a viral infection that has manifested itself in a rash. We were afraid it might be chicken pox but it looks like we're in the clear. Hopefully she clears up soon! For your entertainment, here's our smart girl enjoying some tasty baby food...

My next chapter...

I've been contemplating something for several weeks now. What do you think is scarier - sitting for a bar exam, or walking across a stage in front of 400-500 people in a white bikini? I haven't made up my mind yet - both tasks pose their own challenges. One thing's for sure - after June 13th, I'll know the answer.

Next month, I'll be representing the city of Frisco in the Mrs. Texas America pageant. I made the decision to compete about a month ago as I sat in a room full of beautiful contestants during a seminar for the pageant. These women from all over Texas were all stunning, smart, educated, and friendly. In order for me to compete, I knew I'd have to prepare, study, and practice. I knew right then that I'd found my next challenge. I've never competed in a pageant before, so this is a major challenge for me. And I like challenges - they keep me going and I love having a goal to work towards...

So back to the white bathing suit thing. Can you say "nightmare?" I've already been coached that I'm "curvy" and that if I sashay across the stage with my supermodel runway walk that I'm used to, I'm just going to attract more attention to my hips. Apparently my size 4 frame may pose an issue in the beauty pageant world. But you know - these curvy hips have birthed two children and for that, I'm tremendously proud. So please understand that there may be some hip action when I walk my walk on that stage.

One aspect of my participation in the pageant that I am extremely excited about is my platform - Autism Awareness. As you know, this is an issue near and dear to my heart. I think it's imperative we begin to spread the word about early intervention. Parents need to know the early developmental signs of autism and what to do if they notice them. I look forward to spreading that message!

Wish me luck - I've got less than three weeks to go before the big day!

Bryn's 1st year pics

We set out on an annual tradition today - 1st year pictures at the Picture People. Bryn was funny - she would not sit still. I'm surprised the photographer was able to capture anything - but she did! And as you can see, they're awesome!

There's one other pic I had blown up - Bryn has on a pink tutu and is playing with a football. It's sweet. But sorry - it's too big to scan!

Birthday party success!

Recipe for a wonderful 1st birthday party:

*Perfect 80 degree weather - check!
*Lots of friends and family - check!
*Yummy food and lots of treats - check!
*A bounce house and margarita machine - check!
*A beautiful, smiley, well-rested one-year-old in a smashing tutu ensemble - CHECK!

Bryn's party was a spectular success! We had such a wonderful time. Thanks to all of those who came out to help us celebrate! I don't think we shut things down until after 7 p.m.!!!!

Now I have to figure out how we're going to celebrate next year...

Happy birthday Brynie Pie!!!

I can't believe our baby girl is already a year old! Time sure does fly! We're having a huge shindig here at the house on Sunday that should be a blast. But that didn't keep Bryn from a little birthday treat!Bryn worked on her birthday today! We had a photo shoot for Hotslings (many of you new moms have certainly heard of them). Bryn had a rough start after not getting her morning nap. After a quick 30 minute catnap this afternoon, she perked up and did her supermodel thing. As soon as I get some of the pics, I'll be sure to post them.





Opening up a special gift from her grandma and grandpa - this little one is going to be spoiled! But I guess it's never to early to expose a young lady to that beautiful blue box!

I'm not that young anymore...

I'm tired. I spent the last couple of days jet-setting and I'm worn out. I remember back in the energizer bunny days when I could just keep going, and going, and going. Yeah, not so much anymore. But it is so worth it.

On Friday, I flew to Las Vegas to surprise my family for mother's day. My mom, granny, sister (and her boyfriend), my aunt and cousins made their annual mother's day trek to Vegas and they had no idea I'd planned to crash the par-tay. I pulled off the surprise and it was wonderful seeing them and spending fun times with them this weekend.

I experienced something new on this trip to Vegas - DOWNTOWN! We stayed at the Golden Nugget, and while it's no Bellagio or Venetian, it was a nice hotel. I was pleasantly surprised. I had a suite on the Gold floor - WOW. There was even a television in the mirror in the bathroom. The spa was lovely and the pool had a nice ambience. Next time we're booking in advance and reserving a cabana. I even managed to win a little money. All in all, it was an awesome trip!




I didn't get back last night until almost 11 p.m., and was up at the crack of dawn this morning to head to the airport for a day trip to Austin for my swearing in. What a neat day. It was so great to catch up with my study buddies - and it was fun looking around the room and seeing familiar faces from my bar review course. For many of these folks, it's their first time officially being called a lawyer. Of course, having been licensed in California years ago, I didn't get the rush that I'm certain my colleagues did. But I found myself getting a little emotional after we took our oath. I am just thrilled to have that chapter of my life closed. On to the next chapter...





Now that the emotional and physical highs and lows from the weekend are over, I'm getting ready to crash. I'm going to need my energy - Miss Bryn's birthday is Thursday and you know we're going all out!

I passed!!!!

It's official - I passed the Texas bar exam. My name is on the pass list! I don't know how I did it, and I really don't care, but this nightmare is over!!! Thank you all for your continued love and support!

Still waiting...

Any day now - bar results will be here. I'm still a nervous wreck, but keeping things in perspective. In the meantime, I'll just keep watching this video - it just makes me feel a little bit better! Try not to pay attention to the bad lighting...

I remember this feeling...

My stomach hurts. My chest keeps getting tight. I feel like I want to hyperventilate. I just might even cry.

These episodes are starting to happen more frequently these days. They happen in the quiet moments - when I'm driving in the car, dusting a dresser or taking a bath. You see, in these moments I have just enough time to remember that bar results are due next week. By next Friday (May 1st is the official due date, although exam results can be released early) I will know whether or not I can close one more chapter in the story of my life, or if I will have to abandon my family and life as I know it to prepare for another bar exam.

I remember this feeling and I knew it was coming - I experienced it while waiting for my California bar results way back in 2002. It's an awful feeling because you spend more time focusing on the chances of failing than you do passing. You start remembering all the mistakes you made on the test - it's hard to remember the things you actually did right.

I will keep you posted - please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I need them right now!

Smart Tips!

I've gotten some calls and emails recently about people thinking that they might've possibly maybe seen me on Fine Living Network. Y'all, it's true! I'm excited that the Smart Tips I shot several months ago while studying for the bar are running. Here's one of several "Mommy" smart tips I shot. Enjoy!