Happy birthday to my brother

So today is my brother's birthday and I just thought I would write a little blog about him. My brother is the coolest brother ever and we have such a great relationship. Not to give away his age, but Lloyd is 15 years (and a few months) older than me. So we were both kind of like only childs growing up. Despite the distance in our ages, we make up for it in closeness in our relationship. It's strange because from the time I can remember, we've always lived far away from each other, yet we still share that brother-sister bond that keeps us close. I thank the Lord everyday for that!

I am so proud of my brother and all his accomplishments. He is not only Lloyd he is the enfamous "LA Lloyd" host of LA Lloyd's Rock 30, a sydicated countdown of the best rock music today! He is also the Program Director at San Antonio's most sucessful radio station, KISS! http://www.kissrocks.com/ On top of all that, he is the proud father of the coolest two little girls in the world, Taylor and Ava!

So Lloyd, today (and everyday) I celebrate you and all the wonderful things you've achieved! Cheers to you and happy birthday!

Lub ya,

lil sis xx

My brother's visit to Europe

So today my brother is on his way back to the US. He has spent the last 12 days with me and Jamey here in Europe. We spent the first few days seeing the sites of London. The day he arrived, we went to a horserace in Windsor, had some traditional fish and chips, and didn't win one single race! Still, we had a fabulous time. On Tuesday, Lloyd got out and saw some of the sites in London, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, etc. That night, we had a lovely italian meal at a place called Stef's near Oxford Circus. Great fun! On Wednesday, Lloyd saw Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliment, all the sites! That night, we spent the evening in Chiswick (a bourough of London near to where we live) and had dinner at a great spanish tapas restuarant. We ended the evening by having a couple of pints in the local pub by our house. On Thursday, Lloyd met me for lunch and then he spent the afternoon in the British Museum of Art. This is actually something I've not done yet, but would love to go sometime.

For the weekend we traveled to Tenerife, Spain. This is actually in the Canary Islands, which is quite near to the coast of Africa. Ah, Tenerife, the weather was amazing, the food was excellent, the people were friendly, the beaches were gorgeous, we really had a fabulous time! We hiked around a volcano (no, it wasn't errupting), we sat by the pool, soaked up some sun on the beach. One of the best things was this kareoke bar called the "Memphis Bar". Yep, the theme of the whole restuarant was ELVIS!!! It was brilliant! Lloyd played tribute to Elvis by singing "Polk Salad Annie", I've not laughed that hard in a long time. He and I did a duet of the Grease classic "You're the one that I want". I sang Shania Twain and Britney Spears, Lloyd did a Garth Brooks solo. Oh, and we can't forget my Alabama number "Mountain Music". No one had ever heard the song sang there in that bar, but the whole audience were singing along with me by the end of the song. And they loved it when I started clogging (in my flip flops)! It was such a great night, such a great trip!

After we returned from Spain, my brother saw the Tower of London, Madame Tusauds Wax Museum (he even got a photo with Amy Winehouse)! Then last night, we ended his trip on a great note. We met in Leicester Square at one of my favorite spots, Ruby Blue, and had drinks and dinner. Then we saw the West End show, "Chicago". WOW, it was so so good! I would definitely see it again, brilliant ("and all that jazz")! Now, Lloyd is on his way back to NC for the weekend to see Mama and Daddy and to pick up the girls, then they are all heading back to Texas, back to reality. Taylor and Ava have been with my mom and dad, getting spoiled beyond repair! Luckily they have a week back at home to get back on schedule before school starts.

I guess summer is coming to an end soon, but Jamey and I have a few more things to look forward to before bringing in the Fall. Anyway, farewell to Lloyd. We had such a great time, and can't wait to do it again! Miss you already and love you always!

mama and daddy, the grandparents

My mom and dad are keeping my nieces, Taylor and Ava, for two weeks while my brother is here visiting me in London. It is amazing to talk to my mom and hear how much fun they are having with their grandchildren. It reminds me of when I was a kid and the fun times I used to have in the summertime at home with my mama and daddy. Ava is granddaddy's little girl, getting so spoiled I'm sure. And Taylor is quite the little helper to my mom. It's just the sweetest thing. I really feel proud of my parents and I can't wait to give them grandchildren too!

Beauty tips

• For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
• For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
• For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
• For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
• For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
• People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
• Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
• As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

~Audrey Hepburn (this was also read at her funeral)