The Main Event Gala

First let me say excuse me for the lack of posting lately. It was quite a busy week getting ready for the big grand opening of The Main Event. On Saturday Todd and Mark invited about 200 people to come and see the showroom they have worked so hard on. We had such a good turnout. A little over 100 people showed up. There was food, drinks and a jazz band. The showroom looked amazing thanks to Rod's wonderful flowers. My parents drove up for the evening and we were so thankful they could make it. I could not have been more proud of my hubby that night. It is amazing that almost exactly a year ago Mark was at our house saying, "Hey Todd, I think there is some money to be made in the rental business." It's history from that statement on. It is amazing how they have transformed the old Lewis Furniture building into a spectacular showroom!! I am so excited about this business adventure and I know Todd and Mark will do very well. Everyone was quite impressed with the showroom. Todd even talked about doing galas once a quarter. How fun would that be; just to get people together and enjoy visiting and listening to good music and eating good food thanks to Stevens Catering. Can I just say one word....YUMMO!! I promise pictures to come soon. My camera died that night so I am waiting for my mom and Sarah to email me some pictures. You won't believe how awesome everything looked. Thanks to everyone who came and showed their support for this business. The Main Event is officially open, so stop on by and see what EVERYONE is talking about. You won't regret it.

The jazz band was great!

Showroom Decor

Todd and Malee

Rod did an AMAZING job on the flowers.

The Christmas table. This was my favorite : )

Entrance to the Chapel

Yes, they have a Chapel in their showroom. The store fronts and more of the showroom.

Josh, Sarah and Will....so glad they could make it.

Me, Daddy, and Bonny, this is where I spent most of the night; right next to the caramel fountain. It was delicious.

Happy Birthday Kim Sulee

Happy Birthday Kimmie!! My bffe who lives in Los Angeles, Ca its her birthday today. She is the big 24!! Gosh she's so young. I just wanted to write a little blog about her on her birthday. We first met about 2 1/2 years ago at work. We both worked on the Stepdown unit at Memorial. We weren't friends immediately because as we all know I am a little shy when it comes to meeting new people. Well, it didn't take long for us to hit it off especially after I found out she loved to shop. That was all I needed to hear to become the best of friends. I love a girl that can shop as much as me. I am so sad that she lives so far away now. We were pretty much inseparable at work and hung out all the time and talked all the time even when we weren't at work. Yes, we are that close. Sometimes she may come off as being a little rude, but can't we all at times. I mean people either love her or hate her, and personally I LOVE THE GIRL!!! She truly has a heart of gold and is definately the best nurse ever. She truly cares about her patients and will do anything to brighten their day. She is the strongest person I know and I am so proud of her for going after what she truly wants. She has been the best friend to me. She is there for me anytime of the night and is always up for shopping, or just hanging out watching one of our many favorite shows. I also miss that we cannot share clothes anymore. I loved having double the options of clothes and shoes. We became blog stalkers together and then we both started our own. You can read her blog here. She is blogging about her crazy world in L.A. while being a traveling nurse. Let me just tell you, beware when you read it, she leaves nothing out and is having the time of her life. She is one crazy gal, but I love her so. This blog is for you Kimmie....now hurry up and come back to Lufkin. Its just not the same without you!!! : ( Work is not the same without my Kim, I have nobody to gossip with. Happy Birthday Kim, hope its a good one : )

Yes that is a float wrapped around their waist.....Crazy girls

Happy Birthday My Dear Husband

Happy Birthday Todd! Today, 29 years ago the love of my life was brought into this world. I thank the good Lord above every day for bringing this wonderful man into my life. I could not ask for a better husband, friend, and partner for life. He is the most loving, sweet, caring, and nurturing man I know. I am so blessed that he chose me has his wife. I never thought in a million years I would meet my husband in Victoria's Secret only working 1 day a week for 1 month. That shows how God truly wanted us to meet and he knew what he was doing. I could not ask for anyone better. He is my soulmate and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. God has been so good to us these past 5 years we have been together. I can only wish for many many happy and wonderful memories together. Can I just say that I am one lucky gal!! Thank you also Mike and Sharon for raising such a wonderful man. Todd is such a blessing in my life. Happy Birthday!! I love you more and more everyday.

This morning I got up early and cooked his favorite breakfast: eggs over easy, bacon, and toast. We actually had time to sit and visit this morning over breakfast and then he opened his gifts. What a great way to start the day. This evening I am going to take him out to dinner, his choice and then tomorrow we are going to celebrate again with his parents.

New Haircut

I have been debating whether to grow out my hair or cut it short. I had a hair appointment today and still could not decide. Once I got there Sharon (my hairdresser) said lets cut it off, it always looks so cute short. So, we found a couple of pictures and Waalah.....I have short hair again. I think it will be so much easier to fix and it already feels healthier. Todd loves it too, which I was pretty sure he would. He always tells me not to grow out my hair because it never has a style when its long. Well, I definately have a style now, its a little victoria beckhamish...... I figured also its just hair and my hair grows so fast anyways, what the heck, chop it off. Let me know what you think?

Todd's High School Reunion

This past weekend was Todd's 10 year reunion. They had several festivities throughout the weekend but we only made it to one. We went to The Lodge on Saturday night for dinner and dancing. Todd was dreading it the whole way there, but once he got there he had a good time. Callie and I visited while Mark and Todd worked the room. I made friends with all of his girl friends from school. They were all so sweet and I felt like I had known them forever. Funny part of the night is I found out I am not the only blog stalker out there. There are several other blog stalkers as well. This makes me feel so much better! : ) Eventually we got Mark out on the dance floor to show off his mad dancing skills ; ) I think we all had a good time and Todd did say he enjoyed catching up with everyone. I believe good times were had by all!!

Callie and I

Mark and Todd

My favorite partner in crime....

Aren't our shoes AWESOME!! (Me and Kristin)

Our group we hung out with most of the night, so much fun!!And the dancing begins.......

Mark breaking it down

Todd getting cracked up by Tiffanie

The Fantastic Four

Missing Dog

On Tuesday night Bentley went missing. I let him outside and then brought him back inside after a few minutes and then he was sitting at the door begging to go back outside so I let him. He was out there for about 10 minutes before I went back out there to get him and he was gone. Yes....GONE!! I couldn't find him anywhere. Since the hurricane we have had a hole in our fence from the tree that fell down and he has been getting in the neighbors yard. I figured thats where he was, but he usually comes back when I call him. This time he was not coming back and I couldn't hear him rustling around in the leaves. I finally heard him barking at the other neighbor so I knew he was back there. I kept calling his name and shaking his treat jar and nothing........ Todd was like don't worry about it, he will come back, but what he didn't understand is that Bentley is not the smartest dog. I walked around the whole house with the flashlight and nothing. I even got in the car and drove around the street. I was so worried about him. He was gone for about 45 minutes. The longest 45 minutes ever!! While I was at the front door crying, praying he would come back, here he comes up to the back door. I never knew how attached I really was. Bentley is our kid and a part of our family and if anything ever happened to him I don't know what I would do. Does anyone else feel this way about their dog?? I was so upset while he was missing, I never thought I was that attached, apparently I thought wrong!!

October = Busy Month for The Stracener Family

Fall has officially begun and I can't believe it's already October. I am ready for the fall weather though. It is still in the 80's here during the day and is starting to get a little cooler at night. Can I just tell you how much I love this season. Things I love about fall:
1. Boots (any color, any kind)
2. Leaves changing
3. Cool crisp weather
4. Halloween
5. Todd's Birthday
6. Christmas is coming soon
7. Pumpkin spice everything (candles, coffee, dessert)
8. My new fall decorations
9. Thanksgiving(my favorite holiday)
10. Long sleeve shirts, sweaters, scarves etc

Well, October is a busy month for us. Last weekend Caroline turned 1 and we attended her birthday party. She was all dolled up and was so cute eating her cake. We love spending time with Mark, Callie and Caroline and watching her grow up. This weekend is Todd's 10 year high school reunion. Yes you heard me right, he has been out of school for 10 years already. Friday we are headed to dinner with our good friend Kristin and then off to the reunion Saturday which is being held at The Lodge downtown. Next Thursday is Todd's birthday and so we will be celebrating all weekend. My baby is growing up....haha. October 25th is finally the Grand Opening Gala for The Main Event (Todd and Marks business). I am so excited for them and can't wait. The showroom looks great and everything is just falling into place. Then, the next weekend is Halloween and Todd and I will be participating in a Haunted House downtown. He is going to be a scary dentist and I will be his patient. Should be fun, so come on out and bring the kiddies.

As you can see we will be very busy this month. I promise to blog about all our adventures. I am looking forward to this weekend to hanging out with Kristin. I think I am more looking forward to Todd's class reunion than he is. Wierd huh? It's just because I always love a good reason to get dressed up, eat a good meal and hang out with fun people. Well folks thats all for now. Hope everyone is having a good week.

Wednesday Night Tradition

I love Wednesday nights!! Want to know why?? Its Casa Morales night with Mark, Callie and Caroline. Todd has choir practice on Wed. nights so it is hard for me to try to get home and cook something before he has to leave, so we always go to Morales. Now Mark and Callie and their daughter Caroline join us. We started our own tradition : ) Its not only good real mexican food, it is also cheap. Those are just of a few reasons why we love Morales. We know all the people that work there and they expect us to be there on Wed night sitting in our usual spot right by the window. Callie and I look forward to getting together and catching up on our latest television shows. We both love gossip girl and 90210 and Todd and Mark catch up on their latest business adventure. We always have a good time cutting up, laughing and hanging out!! Last night Caroline kept wanting her sippy cup but everytime Callie would give it to her she would just start sprinkling her nursery water everywhere, it became a came for her. She was getting so cracked up and we were laughing as well. Todd said she was already becoming a minister and baptizing herself. She would spray herself and then just crack up laughing and do it again and again. She is also getting so close to walking. Caroline and I walked around the whole restaurant, she did not want to sit down. I got my exercise in last night that's for sure. She will be turning 1 on Friday and Todd and I are looking forward to her birthday party. I know she is going to be so cute and maybe walking on her own by then. Lets keep our fingers crossed.