31 Things about my husband...

My favorite pic of Michael the day P was born...

My husband turned 31 this past Sunday, so in honor of him, here are 31 random things you may not know about Michael Holmes.
1. He eats his cereal with chocolate milk
2. He does not like to let any foods on his plate touch and eats them one at a time. (My sister also does this)
3. He has had two back surgeries
4. He is an Eagle Scout (so is my Dad)
5. He was Mr. Texas High School 1995
6. He claims that the show Friends is not funny, but laughs every time
7. When he laughs really hard, he exhibits the 'high pitched girl laugh'
8. He makes the most hilarious face when fixing his hair
9. He loves to hunt anything you can legally hunt
10. He has been elk hunting twice, but has yet to conquer that beast.
11. He claims that one of his favorite meals is mashed potatoes and spaghetti, although in our four years of marriage, I have yet to see him eat this. You know I'm not going to fix that.
12. He is an excellent daddy and our daughter has him completely whipped
13. He is a good samaritan. You want him to pass you on the road when you have car trouble.
14. He is a great landscaper/yard man. Our yard looks great and he does it all himself.
15. He is excellent at researching things.
16. He could talk to any stranger and make them feel like they had been friends for 20 years.
17. His mouth makes a funny shape when he is lying.
18. He is an extremely hard worker and dedicated to his job.
19. He is creative
20. He is handy
21. He claims to not hear the alarm every day when it goes off with the exception of when it goes off at 4 am because he is going hunting. Then he is up after 1 beep.
22. He used to wake up to blaring hispanic radio - but that was going to lead to a divorce, so he switched to the beep.
23. Deep down, he is a good ole boy.
24. He loves anything that relates to the University of Texas Longhorns
25. He once told me that I could date Major Applewhite and it would be ok with him.
26. When he gets irritated with me, his ears move backward and it draws his hairline back. I think this is hilarious and mimick him everytime.
27. He is a techno-geek. Inspector gadget.
28. He is a self proclaimed brand junkie. (So is my brother)
29. He would rather stick himself in the eye with needles than paint a bedroom, kitchen, or hallway.
30. His 30th birthday party was an event that will live in infamy. Unfortunately.
31. He is the most wonderful husband and my best friend.

Happy Birthday Honey!

8 Random Facts about me...

I have been tagged by my sister to give 8 random facts about myself. Tiff and I were cracking up at the list I came up with for her, so now I have to write my own list. I warn you - many of you may not know how freaking wierd I really am...

Here are the rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (if you don’t have a blog, email me)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random things about James & Connie's first daughter

1. I have been pooped on by a bird (obviously not the same bird) on 7 different occasions (that I can remember) YEP SEVEN. 1. After a pep rally coming out of the gym in my cheerleading uniform 2. In the parking lot at church in Tyler 3. On the beach while on spring break in Galveston (this was a seagull - not pretty) 4. Riding in a jeep in college 5. At six flags with Shaye in high school (this time it was actually raining, so I thought the deposit was just a large raindrop, who knows how long it was there until Shaye said, "Um Sub, what is in your hair?") 6. At an intramural softball game of Michael's in Denton, 7. In the parking lot of the grocery store in Abilene. None of these occasions were there a large flock of birds - just a single poopin' bird that chose me, every time. You can see why I am nervous around those large flocks of birds...

2. When I stand for long periods of time, I rest my legs by proping up one leg on the inside of my other knee, sort of like a flamingo. My dad does it too. It is the most popular stance while washing dishes.

3. I have an incredible knack for remembering ridiculous information. My friend Beth who moved from Tyler in the 5th grade? Her address was 1409 Edgewood. I can also remember the motions to about every cheer I did in high school. It really does me no good other than to remember useless information. Garrett also has this feature.

4. I am very particular about most school supply items: paper, pens, crayolas, markers, (especially crayons). I really didn't like to share crayons in school because I really hated those kids who either wore out the point too fast or would rip off the wrapper for no reason. The crayons were ALWAYS in rainbow order.

5. I am a NEW YORK YANKEE baseball fan. I do love sports, most all sports, but I love baseball and the Yankees the most. There are Yankee players that are not my favorite, but I love love love the Yankees, Yankee stadium, Joe Toree, pinstripes, the city in general, I love it all. Michael and I were at Yankee stadium on August 4th, when A-Rod hit his 500th homerun. I get A LOT of grief about this from many, many people but I do not care. I love NYY.

6. I can pick up almost anything with my toes. Both feet are equal in their pick up abilities. I can also pinch the fire out of anything that comes between them. It is my secret self defense weapon.

7. I really, truly, from the depths of my soul HATE to be cold. I really cannot think of a more miserable way to die than to freeze to death. I had nightmares after watching Titanic and wathing Leo freeze in that freaking water. I can't stand it. I would 100% of the time rather be hot. Always. Simple fact.

8. I have never colored my hair. No highlights, no do it yourself, not for halloween, nothing. I did have a perm once in the 5th grade - it turned out like most perms did when you were in 5th grade. I really really wanted to be more blonde, or put some highlights in my hair in high school, but my mom said I would have to pay for it myself. This prevented me from doing it then. Then when I had $80 to spend on highlights, I guess I decided that no mater what, I just had boring brown hair, and that's all there was to it. This will change soon though as I keep finding gray hairs... blame it on childbirth.

Ok - so those of you who have now confirmed that I am a freakshow, don't say I didn't warn you. I am tagging....
Shara, Andrea, Hollee, Paige, Kendra, Laura, Melanie & Garrett (although Garrett hasn't updated his blog since April '06)

P pics as soon as my husband fixes the remote so I can connect to the server.

Summer Favorites

First we had some friends over from church for a cookout - and the kids had a blast. Here are P's friends, Hayden, Maddox, Camille & Olivia. They played together really well, and we all had a great time hanging out together...

Our favorite baby Shelby turned 1 on July 13 and Presley had a fabulous time at her party. We had so much fun watching this little girl eat some cake! P loves to play with Shelby... she gets as excited about things as P does.

Aunt Crystal & Uncle Chad went on a cruise, so cousin Cooper came to stay and play with P for a few days. Is this picture not priceless? Their senior videos are going to be one embarassing picture after another, but this one is really cute. They had so much fun together, chasing each other and copying each other. Their new names are Pete and Repeat.

Here are some pictures from the annual Smith Family Reuion at the lake. One is of our entire family, all 45 of us... and the other is my favorite picture - of P giving Grandpa a kiss.
That's all for now - thanks for checking in on the Holmes family. More updates to come - hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

On This Day...

Ten years ago, on this day, July 11th, 1997 - the angels rejoiced when my aunt Janice went to heaven. I can't believe it has been 10 years. It was the summer before my senior year at ACU. This picture of my mom, Janice, my Aunt Elaine & Uncle Buddy was taken the Christmas after she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone cancer). She went to be with my Mama Shirley a short four years later. When I think of her - I think of a strong, classy, talented, put together, faithful Christian woman who was the glue of our family. She could whip up a meal for 50 in 10 minutes with a can of pork and beans and some random condiments and tortillas, and do a flower arrangement while it was cooking. She was funny - and FABULOUS. There has not been a gathering of our family in 10 years, that her name has not come up. Just sitting here typing this - I am crying, knowing how much my mom, Buddy & and Aunt Elaine miss their sister, my Grandma & Grandpa miss their daughter, Kevin, Keith, & Kurt miss their mom, and the rest of us miss our Aunt Janice. Janice, we can't wait to see you again.
We miss you, and We Love you.

Whole Lotta Catch Up

Well - should we build an arc? Needless to say, it is a challenge to keep a 20 month old child entertained during the daily monsoon. So, when stuck inside...WE COLOR. All Day. COLOR. Markers, Watercolors, Crayons, Highlighters, Chalk, Pens, Pencils, Lip liner. You know - whatever works. When the weather does take a break, we lather on the OFF - head out in the wagon to brave the humidity and plagues of mosquitos. P loves to pick flowers - ALL of the flowers, root, dirt clump & all. We will leave no wildflower un-picked!



Last Friday, my husband sent my sweet sister in law and me to the Keith Urban concert. All I really have to say about that is Y U M. The longer he sang (and he sang for 2 straight hours) the cuter he got. By the time it was over, Crystal and I were totally infatuated with Keith. Needless to say, I bought a t-shirt and now only Keith Urban songs shuffle on my ipod. Delicious.



I mean, seriously. Singing, playing the piano, wierd blue light... does that get any better? That's about it on the Holmes' front, hope everyone is staying dry, had a great 4th and that we will soon see the sun again.

Hook 'Em Horns

Well for father's day - I decided to dress P up in her Longhorn cheerleader outfit (thanks Favorite Aunt Elaine) and take a few pictures of her to frame for Michael. It only took me 137 pictures before I finally got one where she was standing still, eyes open, smiling, and looking at the camera. It's really not that easy to catch an 18 month old "Miss Independent" in a cute pose while chasing her around the yard - making sure she doesn't get run over - or eat some sort of berry - or step in dog doo. Anyway - I think Michael liked the pictures - hope you all had a happy Father's Day - and are having a great summer.

COUSIN MADDOX IS HERE!

Presley has a new cousin! Maddox Caeden Hogue was born on Friday, May 18th at 12:32 pm. He surprised everyone by arriving 3 weeks early. He weighed 5 lbs 7 oz and was 18" long. Mom and baby are doing fine and actually both got to come home today. Check out this adorable baby at:

www.tiffandcaisson.blogspot.com.

In the world of Presley Shea, you can tell she has a mind of her own. These pics are of her going shopping (notice the arm in the air to keep the purse on her shoulder), the first time I let her lick the spatula after a batch of brownies, and then the breakfast that included a green crayon. Why do kids like to eat crayons? They don't even smell good. I could understand those smelly markers, or maybe chalk - but crayons involve paper and a wax smell that I just don't understand. Anyway - she ate about half of it before I figured it out.

Hope you are all doing well - go check out baby Maddox!

Presley at 18 months

Well - Presley is now 18 months and ALL OVER THE PLACE! She constantly on the move - into everything - running everywhere - talking to everybody - and SO much fun! We have been to see a very pregnant Aunt Tiff in South Carolina, experienced her first tornado, and made new friends. She love love loves to talk on the phone (as you can see). She also love love loves her Mama C, and I think this last picture is her impersonation of that cartoon Fat Albert. Remember the kid that always had the hat over his eyes? We hope you are all enjoing the rain - cheer for the Mavs - and have a great week!

Cry Babies!

Well - some of you may know that Michael and I went to Whistler to go skiing about a month ago. We were childless - and my sweet sister in law shared P duty with my mom. P and Cooper are about 3 1/2 weeks apart - and cannot be any more opposite. Cooper is laid back, generally chilled, the loudest noise he makes can't be heard in the next room. Well, those of you that know P know that she is quite the opposite. Well, Crystal decided to brave the mall to have Valentine pictures of them made together. How hilarious is this? She said they cried the entire time. I love them! The best is the expression on their face - in the one holding the flowers. Presley looks like, "Why am I holding this?" and Cooper is "I don't want to give Presley flowers." Anyway - three cheers to Crystal for tackling this feat - and for some great pics! I can already see them in their senior slide show.

Yea for Spring!

Yea for Spring! Just to recap... P just turned 17 months and all of the sudden - she is EVERYWHERE! Running, climbing, jumping, making little disasters everywhere. She loves my blackberry - and evidently text messages all of her friends. (One of her favorites is Jarod Cox). She is also a little bit of a flirt. This, I assure you, is a trait from her father. She flirted with the man at Subway - enough to ensure she would receive one of their enormous chocolate chip cookies. You can see the results of that for yourself. She also LOVES to Dance! Dance! Dance! However, she is very particular about her dance music - it is only (I do mean ONLY) Dierks Bently... "Every mile a memory". (Country song for you rockers out there) It is quite appropriate, every little minute of her life is a precious memory - but this girl goes NUTS when the song comes on. I will try and post a video when Garrett is in town to do it for me. HILARIOUS. I hope you are all enjoing the weather outside... YEA for spring!

THANKS HANKS!

Our dear friends Wayne & Kristin invited us to celebrate Kristin's 30th birthday in Whistler. WOW! What a vacation. The HankOkruhliHolmes had a blast in Canada. This is all of us atop Whistler mountain - next to the icon that will mark the 2010 Olympics that will be held in Vancouver. For those of you who are expert skiers - Whistler is for you. For those of you who ski every 2 or 3 years - pray to the dear Lord before you head down the mountain. At one point, Meredith and I debated about whether we would continue down the mountain o'death - or sidestep 20 yards back up to go down the easier, greener route. Luckily - everyone escaped injury including Michael who had never been to a snowy mountain before. He did awesome. He learned to snowboard and kept up with all of us for all 3 days. It was an incredible vacation - and we are so grateful to the Hanks for including us in this memorable event. So... truly,
THANKS HANKS!

Dad was in charge of breakfast.

Well, sorry we have not posted for a while - I have literally been in one airport or another for the last 8 weeks. One last trip this week and I am home for a while. P has been on the move - walking/running everywhere. Here is a pic of P with Aunt Mere at the Fort Worth Stock Show - and then one morning after Dad fixed her breakfast. Strawberry jelly is GOOD! I hope you are all doing well - will post more P pics later.

We're Back

Well, after another crazy Christmas holiday - and an unusually busy January, we are back to blogging. Well - I guess just posting updated pictures of P. She is FINALLY walking (15 months) and so much fun. Her personality is really starting to come out - and for the most part it is precious. I know those in the nursery on Sunday would disagree - but everyone has their days right? She will carry on a conversation with you for as long as you feel like talking - and it really doesn't matter if you understand or not - she will tell you about it! She is definitely her own little person - and I love it. These pictures are entitled:
#1 - P with Pudding
#2 - P without Pudding and
#3 - (for those who love "Clue")
Ms. P with the Cheese in the Refridgerator

Have a great week!

Goodbye Fall - Hello Winter

Goodbye Fall. I took Presley out to the park to play in the leaves before the "winter blast". At first she just sat there kind of like "why am I sitting here?" Then she was playing and crawling all over the place. I think I used half a bottle of Shout on her pants. I cannot believe how much she changes everyday and I absolutely love watching her learn something new. I hope you all had a great holiday and are getting in the Christmas spirit - It is only 25 days away!

Happy Birthday Cooper & Grandpa!

This weekend marked the celebration of 3 very special birthdays... Cousin Cooper turned 1 on the same day that favorite cousin Kayla turned 23, and Grandpa will be 87 on the 27th - which also happens to be Aunt Paige's 31st birthday. Presley has had a busy November, she went to see the Rockette's with Mama C & Papa and absolutely loved it. She had a whole week of Daddy/Daughter time while I was in San Jose. She has been to Tyler and today to see Grandma & Grandpa. Along with turning one - she has found her personality - (as if the one she had before wasn't enough). Sorry it has taken so long for me to post - but I had to let the legacy of "The King" live just a little longer than normal. Happy Turkey Day everyone!

uh, thank you. thank you very much

Tonight at the church's fall festival - there were many pretty princesses and super heroes, precious lady bugs and bumble bees. There was only one Elvis/Presley. Yep, I dressed my daughter up as a male rock star. Complete with the gold sequins and cape. She was a pretty good sport about the hair dye and eyeliner sideburns, but I think she drew the line with the fat sunglasses - those didn't make the outfit. I am sure she will hate me for this one day - but for today - it was a blast. Have a Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday to our baby... Presley Shea Holmes was born October 21, 2005 at 8:38 am. I cannot believe it has been one whole year. If you are a parent - you know what I mean. If you are not a parent (yet) - get ready for the greatest joy you will ever know. Presley had a blast at her birthday and we were so amazed and humbled to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family on her special day. It is quite overwhelming to see so many people who love your child. So - Happy Birthday Presley - and thanks and praise to God for blessing us with this incredible gift.

Longhorn Baby

Sorry I have not updated the blog in a while. Presley and I both were sick - I have been crazy busy with work - trip to Austin for a football game, ACU homecoming next weekend - and so life goes on. Presley was so sassy in her boots and Longhorn attire - I just had to share. Sorry Sooner fans - this is a Longhorn Baby! (She is also a big fan of the ACU Wildcats!) Have a great week - Hook 'Em Horns & Go Cats!

The Princess and some Peas

This is a story about a self proclaimed Princess and the lunch with some peas. Presley doesn't like peas - so I disguise them with the gravy from her mashed potatoes, sauce from the ravioli, etc. Somehow she manages to find them in her mouth and spit them out. These pictures seem to say: 1. WHAT DID YOU JUST PUT IN MY MOUTH? 2. I told you I don't do peas. 3. YOU DID IT AGAIN! SICK! GAG! (Spit out). 4. I have a question, what is it that you don't understand about this, woman?
Enjoy your mealtimes with your families this weekend - eat some greens for Presley.