Christmas Day 2010

Who doesn't love Christmas morning?! Family, sleeping in, opening gifts, eating Santa's left over cookies, tree lit, music playing, staying in PJs until noon... just to name a few of the things at the Williams home. Oh, and let's not forget the annual "tree photo" with my brother. :)

Dylan likes to put every present on while opening them, as opposed to stacking his gifts in a pile. Which would explain the basketball shorts and Ugg slippers.

Dad had fun with the 3D glasses - mom buys new ones every year.

Dylan opened every present with a hunting knife this year.

The annual "tree picture"

This year's Christmas was a success, like always. We started the day at home and ended with a big gathering with Cliff's family at the "Mac Shack" (the McCallister home).

The hostess with the mostess!

The big meal - yes, that would be 4 long tables and every chair in the building.

After an evening of eating way too much tenderloin and pie, and opening "white elephant" gifts, we met up with old high school friends for a Christmas party...complete with Seasonal cocktails, games, and of course...a self-timed group photo.

The Tyler Rushing Band

I have always been somewhat of a music junkie. No, I may not be able to tell you who sings what song and what year it was recorded...but I'd like to think that my wide range of taste and my ability to learn songs easily can place me in the category of a "junkie". So when a close family member can pick up a guitar and start playing some of my favorite country songs, I tend to get a little excited.

My cousin, Tyler, has been playing in front of live audiences for the past two years. It was not until recently that he started opening for some noteworthy names like HoneyBrowne, Charlie Robinson, Turnpike Troubadours, and Creedence Clearwater Revisted. I never would have guessed in my wildest dreams that Tyler would become a performer. He has always been quiet and reserved. But when he hops up on stage with his band (The Tyler Rushing Band), he becomes this whole new person...its like he immediately inherits this "alias" or something.

This past summer, he entered a "battle of the bands" competition at the annual Falls Fest weekend here in Wichita Falls and WON. His prize? Opening for Creedence Clearwater Revisited, which includes some of the original CCR members. This concert really increased awareness of the band around the Wichita Falls area.

I could not be more proud of him, especially when he is getting the crowd involved, telling funny stories, and singing his songs at the top of his lungs. It always makes me happy when he asks me to join him on stage for some Old Crow Medicine Show, Pearl Jam, and CCR. I would hope that at some point in the future we can learn more than just our token three songs. (I planned on posting a video of us singing together, but because my days get shorter and shorter with work and work outs, it might be a ways down the road from now.)

The Tyler Rushing Band consists of Tyler Rushing (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Landon Studer (lead guitar), Kane Eavenson (bass, vocals, and banjo), Matt Rose (drums), and Josh Scarbrough (harmonica).

If you or anyone you know needs a band for an event (even if it's just a private party), give Tyler and the boys a call. Tell 'em I sent ya!

Listen to the Tyler Rushing Band here: http://www.reverbnation.com/thetylerrushingband

"Like" the Tyler Rushing Band on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tyler-Rushing-Band/128069730559278?sk=info

To book the TRB, call: (940) 867-3367

Shotzi's Show

I LOVE visiting my brother at school. When I lived in Dallas, I had so much fun driving down to see him and meet his friends. It had been a while since I had seen Dylan, so when I found out that the Tyler Rushing Band had a show in College Station, I jumped on board and decided to make the trip. I drove down with my aunt and Brittany, so the long drive wasn't too agonizing.

Tyler's show was in the Skyy Bar at Schotzi's on the main strip, North Gate. The venue was open to 18 and up, which helped the door numbers. I joined in for a few songs and had a blast dancing with Dylan's cross country team members. Brittany and I were also able to recruit some people from the downstairs bar to come up and support the Tyler Rushing Band, as well as buy a few koozies! The turnout was great and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

I can't forget the most memorable part about the trip: the flat tire. On our way home, the back right tire was completely annihilated! Brittany was able to get the spare down, while I called a worker from a nearby gas station ("Shaggy") to help us out with the rest. I personally think Brit should just become a mechanic...doesn't she look like a natural?!

Man's Best Friend(s)

Those of you who are dog owners/lovers, will appreciate this...and those of you who are not, well...you might have a hard time understanding this post.

My family has always had a dog around. I got my first Golden Retriever, Casey, in first grade. She created so many memories for our family. I thought she was unstoppable. When she passed away during my sophomore year of college I just knew mom would NOT allow us to get another dog (you have to understand that Casey was not exactly mom's favorite), but after almost a year, my parents agreed upon the fact that the house was just too lonely without a furry friend running around.

Insert Kaymen. Kaymen is nothing like Casey. He has a mind of his own and it is safe to say that he has doggy ADHD. My dad, brother, and I immediately started seeing a change in mom's feelings towards K9 friends. It was almost ridiculous to see how much she babied Kaymen. Well, about a year went by and mom came up with an unheard of idea in our house..."let's get a friend for Kaymen to play with, he's probably so lonely when we're at work"...at this time, I could have sworn pigs could fly.

Insert Solomon. Solomon came to us right before Christmas last year. He was raised in a shed and was needing a better environment. After talking to his old owners, we found out that Solomon was actually Kaymen's litter mate/brother!

These two boys have been inseparable since day one. They sleep together, they run together, they dig to China in the backyard together. I have never seen two dogs get along the way Kaymen and "Solly" do.

Three years ago, if you would have told me we'd have two "fur people" in the Williams house, I probably would have called you crazy...but now, I could not imagine our house without these two gentlemen! :)

This post is in memory of Casey "Gorman" Williams

11/10/93 - 10/10/07

T-Giving in T-Town

For as long as I can remember, we have always spent Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family. Each year, we rotate locations. The Williams/Mitchell clan spreads from Texas to Kansas (yes, and that one state in between). We have family in Topeka and Hutchinson, Kansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This year, we had Thanksgiving in Tulsa at my dad's brother's home. I think I can vouch for the rest of the family when I say that Tulsa is always the best place to go. You see, my uncle is an AMAZING chef! Any time Uncle Kent is in charge of a meal it A) is on time, and B) will cause your taste buds to say "give me more!"

It all starts with the day before Thanksgiving. We have a tradition of eating chili and finger foods. Uncle Kent, however, never fails to go above and beyond by making Williams White Chili. Mmm mmm good!

Of course, Thanksgiving Day is something to look forward to no matter where you spend it...because let's be honest, there is no other day of the year that you can legally stuff yourself until you fall into a food coma. (And if you're one of the crazies that DOES NOT do this, then how dare you.) It would take a lot of effort to describe to you the spread that Uncle Kent laid out for us this year, but I will say this...we actually, as a family, told Kent that we would pay him to "cater" Thanksgiving every year. :) The verdict is still out on whether or not he will take us up on the offer, but I know we are all keeping our fingers crossed!

Introducing Mr & Mrs Zak Thompson!

Another wedding post! But this wedding was especially my favorite, seeing as how my best friend was marrying the man of her dreams and I had the honor of standing by her side...like, RIGHT next to her side. I have blogged about her bachelorette party and bridal shower, but now it is with great pleasure that I spill the beans about the most important day of her life...her wedding day.

I have known Alli Ford since childhood Sunday school, but it wasn't until high school that we became good friends. During our sophomore year of college, Alli decided to transfer to Oklahoma State, where she lived just half a mile away from me. I was beyond stoked to have her so close. We were always accountable to one another over the course of our college experience. Fun times, yes, there were many...too many. It would take me at least an entire week to talk about all of the memorable stories I have with this beautiful woman. We have come to know each other so well. It's an understanding that goes beyond words. Alli is like a sister to me. I know everything about her. So when I met Zak Thompson, I just knew there was something special about him.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this couple is how Zak and Alli met. You just don't come across very many couples who were introduced through a company who sells knives...but thanks to Vector Marketing and Cutco Cutlery, this love came about. I spent that summer in Stillwater constantly visiting them at work and sharing Cherry Coke Zeros on the regular. Although they didn't express their love immediately, I just knew they would make a great pair because of their complimentary life styles and personalities.

Before Zak even told me he was going to propose, all the signs were clear to me that he was The One...the special looks, the way Alli lit up when they were together...everything just fell in place. I know that Zak and Alli have the foundation for a wonderful marriage: not just lovers, but lifelong friends as well.

The Thompson wedding weekend took place in Oklahoma City/Edmond, Oklahoma. The beautiful rehearsal dinner was hosted by family friends and the weather was perfect for an outdoor celebration. The Saturday ceremony took place at May Avenue United Methodist Church. I have never been to a wedding in such a cute and quaint little chapel. It was the perfect setting for the amount of guests. After the ceremony, the couple was surprised with a Mercedes Benz to drive around the block...a great photo opportunity, especially with everyone throwing rose petals! Guests then drove a few blocks away to The Centre, where the dinner and dancing took place. Actually, to just say dinner and dancing would be an understatement...because honestly, it was a PARTY! The DJs worked the crowd so well. In fact, we got to see Zak's mom break it down on the dance floor! Needless to say, we ALL danced the night away!

My Amazing Parents

My mom and dad went on a week-long trip to Tucson, Arizona this past summer. It was their first time away from work and kids since their anniversary cruise in 2007. They stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Tucson, where they were treated like royalty the entire time. (I still think it's a miracle they actually decided to come back home!) While my parents were gone, Dylan and I were in charge of the house. This did not just include getting the mail and feeding the dogs, but also doing laundry, mowing, watering, and making sure the place didn't burn down. Even though I had spent years away from my parents at college and in Dallas, it occurred to me that even when they are gone, I still depend on them.

After seeing their smiling faces when they arrived back home, I thought about how much I admire my parents' relationship and the guidance they have given me and Dylan.

Reasons I admire my parents...

• Always ready and willing to chat
• Dinner leftovers
• Availablity (at most times)
• They now know how to text
• Strict, but not legalistic
• Their involvement in the church
• Hard workers
• How well they balance each other
• Encouragement (and lectures when we need it)
• Their wide variety of friends
• The fact that mom loves dogs now
• Always active and competitive
• The example they have set for me and Dylan