Familial Update

Anna is getting better and will hopefully be released from the hospital tomorrow. She is suffering from a host of very serious infections, and has been ill for quite some time (as in years) but we are hopeful for some answers soon and maybe permanent recovery (is that even a real phrase? I'm not familiar ...).

As sadly ironic as it is, my other sister is suffering greatly right now as well, and has been, though you might not know as we chronically challenged individuals are very good at disguising things. She is undergoing serious testing and is so far baffling her doctors. Please pray/think of her well-being as well.

My entire family is like one ongoing episode of House, only with no commercial interruption. If you would like to sponsor our show, we currently have a few slots available during prime time.

Prayers Please

My little sis' is in the hospital, she is very sick. For anyone who may have stopped by today, I ask for your prayers for her. And if prayer is not your thing, please send her your warm thoughts and healing wishes. Thank you.

Michael's Parents Visit the Texans

Yee-haw! Michael's parents came out to visit us last week. They are our first official house guests (besides my sis) and were the first to test out the new pool. From what I hear, "Chez Matthew" hotel, spa and resort gets two thumbs up!


So it's true, the Matthews survived their week-long stay in, gulp, Texas, and you know what? They didn't hate it! Sure, it's not California (we are very aware of that, thank you very much), but I think where we live now is nicer than they expected (and certainly has less tumbleweeds, cactus, hay farms and cowboys, y'all).

They arrived last Tuesday and we hung 'round the new pad here for a few days. We had lots of sun, but also lots of wind. Perfect weather for lounging, but not so much actual swimming. Although we all took a dip here and there. And watched Bear swim in his brand new pool.

Thursday night, my grandmother (mom's mom) arrived to spend some time with my parents. We had a Texas BBQ here in her honor. They took a trip to the Ladybird Wildflower Center in Austin; you can see their pics at my parents' gallery.

Friday, we took the 'rents down to the big city of Austin. We walked around some downtown parks, exposed them to Central Market, then had dinner at our favorite beachy restaurant - the Hula Hut. Turns out Friday night is quite the party scene out there, so of course, we fit right in!

On Saturday, we drove northwest to Uncle Jaime and Aunt Debbie (Mike's sister)'s house in Gatesville. We got to see cousins Sarah and Charity, Alexis (now 4 months old!) and Charity's boyfriend Robert.

More Texas BBQ, and of course good times with Tio y Tia. Baby Alexis is doing great, and just as cute as ever.

On Sunday, we got to video chat with Shawna and Baby Ayden back home in Cali. This was the first time Jaime & Debbie got to see the little sweetie - and I think Grammy & Grandpa (Colleen & Mike) were ecstatic to see him as well, as withdrawal symptoms had long overtaken them since their arrival!

Well, the week drew to a close on Monday as we drove through more hill country, and along Lake Travis back to Austin. We stopped for a bite to eat at The Oasis, which sits 400 feet above the lake. We didn't take any pictures though, shame on us.

Anyway, there is a quick update on our California visitors. We were so honored to have Michael's parents come and stay with us. Our home is all broken in now and we're getting the entertaining business down, so we are ready for YOU to come and visit whenever you like! See all y'all real soon!

Photos are at the gallery.

6 days and counting

Just can't get enough of our new nephew. He is the most adorable thing ever. Eating, pooping and peeing like a champ! (Just like his dad.)

Ayden Raymond Smith

So there is a very wonderful reason we are not at our new house right now. Michael's sister Shawna delivered the first baby in our immediate family - Ayden Raymond Smith.

He is (of course!) just gorgeous and perfect. He was born March 4 at 4:58 am. He is 8 pounds 10 oz, and 22 inches long. (Ouch!)

We've set Shane and Shawna up with their own gallery (by set up I mean forced on them). You can view all their pictures here.

Welcome to the world Ayden. We love you!!

Get a Move On

I am that girl. She who makes promises then doesn’t deliver. I dislike that girl. What’s even worse than me not blogging the way I should is the fact that MichaelandSharon.com was actually down for 5 whole days. So, an apology to my three readers (up 50 percent!) if you were checking for updates on the move. But needless to say, we were busy moving, and not busy blogging. Plus, our website is actually hosted from our house, so when the server was in transit and disconnected, so was the site.

But anyway, we are all moved in to the new house! By moved in, I mean our stuff is physically moved out of the Del Valle (ghetto) house and into the new (beautiful) Elgin house. Just don’t ask me to find anything in the 3100 square foot expanse of space that makes our voices echo. We almost need Garmin Electra to get us around. So far, the only things I’m sure of are where our computers are, the coffee grinder and maker, my ice packs and meds, and Bear’s toys. Finding everything else is of little significance at the moment (in fact as I write this, we are 1600 miles away from all that unpacking ... more on that in a bit!).

This week of moving and all the little details that go with it will certainly go down in the old memory book hall of fame. Our lovely friend Bob came out for a week to join in all the fun that moving entails. Fully appreciating our best friend’s strength and military-worthy work ethic, we may have over-estimated our joint abilities just a bit too much. Looking back now, I realize with regret and muscles so sore I can barely squat to pee, we should have hired help. “Two Guys and a Truck” is a catchy slogan for a local moving company, but it is really not reasonable and I don’t recommend trying it.

Michael and Bob (with major assistance from my mama and minor assistance from my dad and me and our retarded backs) moved all of our belongings, and some of my parents’. Earlier in the week they moved well over 4,000 pounds of slate tile, hung blinds in all 28 windows, and picked up my gargantuan new washer and dryer, among other chores.

Part of our belongings Michael and Bob moved by themselves included my upright piano (approx weight: 479 pounds) and our 36” TV while inside the entertainment center (total weight approx 502 back-breaking pounds). Are you impressed with them yet or what? This includes going up and down the steep 10 foot ramp into the truck.

I was fully prepared to offer my piano a beautifully moving eulogy as I imagined laying her to rest after she shattered all over the driveway. But she emerged in all her lacquered glory, unscathed and ready to play (after a good tune-up, anyway).

You may have seen those “forearm forklifts” in the pictures (the bright orange straps they are wearing around their wrists). Those proved to be worth every cent of the $24.95 plus shipping and handling we spent on them. So I would recommend those for you the next time you move, but of course you will need more than one set as you will not have just Two Guys and a Truck.

-- Gallery Photos of the Move Here --

Goddaughter

Baby Alexis - our beautiful goddaughter. We got to babysit on Sunday, what a treat!


I just love being her "fairy godmother"!

An End to the Strike

So my body has been on writer's strike pretty much since we got back from Maui. I apologize for the lack of posts, but seriously, I was being threatened on my way to cross the picket line, and was barely able to get those last few posts and pictures up there - what with all the boos and hissing.

Ok, I guess I'm just saying I haven't felt up to posting, and I hope you will forgive me.

Especially since it was my big birthday! I had planned to just let it pass by unnoticed, partly because I'm in denial about hitting 3 decades, but also 'cause I'm just not that into my birthday. Nevertheless, friends and family appeared from all over, and I had a wonderful week and felt very blessed.

I'll explain how the week went. I got something in the mail just about every day. A card from the grandparents (thanks for the $$!). My candy bouquet from the girls. A card signed by many friends back home. A lollipop bouquet from Jess & Paul. A real bouquet from Michael & Bear. Then it was actually my birthday. We worked all day then Michael took me out for Sushi (the best in Austin!). By this point I had heard rumors of a video, but didn't know what to expect.


Then on Friday, I learned that it was U2 who had filmed me a wonderful video, in 3-D no less! What a kind gesture from my favorite band. We joined a few hundred others at the IMAX to enjoy it (I highly recommend you go see this show!).

On Saturday, we went out with my family here to celebrate at dinner. Mom and Dad gave me some $ (thank you!) and a few cool items you can check out when you come to visit. Anna got me a one-hour massage (I'm always talking about wanting massages, I just love it!).

So after dinner, we came back to our humble abode for some birthday cake. That's when I finally got to watch The Video. Nothing could have prepared me for seeing all those sweet faces on my tv screen. I just can't even tell you how much I appreciated all the work that went into that. Especially from Jess for coordinating everyone, and Michael who edited it all together in the midst of a very busy week full of deadlines!

Thank you again!

The last event of the evening was Michael lugging in his gift for me. It was .... (drum roll) .... a MASSAGE TABLE. Like the kind you lay on when you get a massage. With the toilet-bowl-shaped headrest and everything. Only Michael would think of an idea like this! I'm always begging him to rub my back because I constantly have knots and muscle spasms from my unique brand of retardedness, and he's always willing to help a girl out, but it's uncomfortable for him to kneel by the bed or couch, and he doesn't really know what he's doing.

So he decided if we had a real place to do it, he would learn some techniques, and this would be his gift. Can you believe that? I just LOVE MY MAN.

So last week we ordered a video on Netflix called "Massage Your Mate". Don't worry, nothing even remotely questionable about this video except for the high-tops, leg warmers, jazz music, and 80s hair. But he's learned a lot already, and I've already had a half dozen massages.

My birthday week didn't end after that. I still got another gift (massage-related!) from Jess & Paul in the mail, and a unique set of gifts that only crazy cousin Sarah could give (thanks for everything!).

Ok, so this post should catch you up on all the news about my birthday week. Now we once again return you to your regularly scheduled blogs.

Wow, what can I say?

Seriously, what can I say? There are many people out there who deserve such a wonderful keepsake as this (see the video Michael posted below), but I wouldn't consider myself to be one of them in a million years! What a huge surprise and honor. I managed to see over 40 of the people I love for my birthday, without having to travel from my living room. THANK YOU to everyone who took part! You are all so special to me and I will treasure this for a lifetime. I love you all.

... in order of appearance (in case you're curious, and and in case you watched all 20 minutes :)

• Grandma & Grandpa Rau - Michael's (and my) beloved Grandparents
• Jim Black - Our good friend for many years
• Paul Bernstein - My brother-in-law
• Patty Spears - My good friend from high school
• Scott Mehren - Our friend from One Life (and our tax guy :)
• Shawna Smith - Michael's (very pregnant) sister
• Paul - Again, sheesh, can't get away from this guy
• Maddy & Gabby Mehren (Scott & Jill's beautiful girls); Jordan Bowman (adorable son of Eric & Lisa Bowman) in the background
• Mom & Dad Matthew (My adopted parents)
• Stephanie and Bryce - Nick Ikeda's son
• Summer Ward - My good friend from high school
• Wally Beck - From One Life
  
• Aunt Stacey & doggie Jodi - Michael's mom's sister
  
• Jenee Watts - My good friend from grade school!!
• Anna Barber - My beautiful sis
• Duncan Elledge - Musically gifted one-of-a-kind friend from One Life
• Jamie Owens - Michael's cousin (and Logan's mommy)
• Jess Bernstein - My other beautiful 'sis who had a major role in orchestrating all of this!
• Jerimy (and stuffed friend) - Our great friend from high school that we visit in LA often
  
• One Life Worship Team - Paul, Jess, Duncan, Nick, Scott, Eric, Gabby & Maddy, Jill, and Roy (I think?)
  
• Mom & Dad Barber - How much more adorable could they be? Only loving parents can brag on their kids like this. I love you two so much!
  
• Whitney Bingham - My good friend from high school
• Logan Chase (my nephew); Grandma & Grandpa; and a beautiful singing voice belonging to my mom-in-love
  
• Anna - cheerleader :)
• Paul - again ...
• Becky & Vicky - One Life
• Stephanie & Bryce - One Life
• Chrissy Udoffia & Cade - My good friend from high school and her third-born (soon to be not-the-youngest anymore!)
  
• Mona Bass - From One Life
• Nick Ikeda - From One Life band
  
• Walt Dobrowski - One Life (and Hissites.com)
• Jenee with Kylee and Talyor - Her beautiful girls!
• Troy Dean, Eric Bowman & Michael Bass - Pastor and Friends at One Life
• Make-out session (!) - Close your eyes, parents
  
• Bob Sherwood - Best friend of Michael (and me) since 1991
• Eric Maddox - My great friend for many years
  
• Shawn Sutton - Another great friend for many years
  
• Michael - Love of my life - thank you for putting this all together for me
  
• Bear - My favorite doggie and second love of my life

I've watched it three times already, but I hope I didn't miss anyone!

Thanks again, my friends.

This One Goes Out to the One I Love

Way back in July, I started thinking about what Michael might like for his 30th birthday. Anyone who knows us well would know that we typically don't buy gifts for each other. Somewhere around the 5th or 6th year of our relationship we decided it just brought unjustifiable stress, and was somewhat a waste of money to buy gifts "just because". So we sometimes treat ourselves to things we want (like a cruise, or guitar hero) as a way to commemorate a holiday or milestone.

But I felt like this was a monumental occasion, and I wanted to recognize it somehow. (Also, since I threw my (small) big sister a big shindig two years ago, I felt I had some minor expectations to live up to :)

I decided what Michael might like most is to see his Paul, since he gets lonely way out here without any guy friends around. So I got Michael Paul for his birthday. This gift meant Jess got to come along too, so I may have had some selfish motives. But this gift also meant that Jess and Paul got to come and see us in Austin, and celebrate both Michael's birthday and an early Christmas. So it was a win, win, win.

Last Thursday night (3 days before the actual big day) I told him my parents had a coupon for one of our favorite places and wanted to meet for dinner. When we arrived at the table, he saw the balloons and gifts, and was surprised. (Especially at the princess theme). Then a shaggy haired person came up and offered him a beer. That was when PB&J made their big appearance.

Watch the video (very grainy, so sorry!):



The rest of the night was filled with laughter and joy. It was really a memorable evening. View all the pictures here.

A big happy 30th birthday to the love of my life, Michael. You are my pride and joy, and seeing your happiness made me feel like it was my birthday.

I love you!

Something's in the Water!

And I'm not talking about this (blechh!).

It appears we've reached that season in life where it seems like everyone we know is having babies! So I have a few announcements to make of my own ... regarding other people, of course ... just to keep y'all up to date, and because everybody loves baby pictures!!

You've already met Logan Chase (above), Michael's cousin Jamie's baby boy who was born last Spring. There are new pictures of him at the gallery. He is the very lucky first grandbaby on the Matthew side.


My cousin Luke (or Lucas by his wife, Kelly) had the first grandbaby on the Jolly/Barber side this summer. Ethan Michael was born August 4. (On the left with Mom Kelly).


Now, more news. Michael's cousin Sarah, who lives here in Austin, and her husband Michael, are expecting their first baby January 5th. They've chosen the name Alexis Micaela, and the baby shower is next Saturday. (If you are so inclined, might I point out she is registered at Target ;)

My friend, Stacey, is also expecting in early January. They are having a boy, whose name is tbd. ("To be determined", they are not actually naming him TBD, I think they are leaning toward Rocco.) She is registered at Babies 'r' Us. ;O) She lives in Colombia, but will be home to visit after the baby is born.

Finally, last but not least, Michael's sister Shawna and her husband Shane are expecting a baby boy! This came as such a surprise - and a bag of mixed emotions - for us. We are sooooo happy for them, but sooooo sad that we live so far away now. When we got the news, it took some time for us to come to terms with this part of our move here, that we would miss out on so much with our family. We hope to experience as much as possible, and be terrific long-distance-uncle-and-auntie. Shawna is due March 10, and we plan to get out there asap when she goes into labor, and stay for as long as possible after that. I really can't wait!!! More pictures of their "It's a Boy" celebration at the gallery along with Logan.


So, you ask (well everyone else always asks), when are we having babies of our own? Easy answer: well, it's obviously terribly trendy these days, so we'll just wait 'til we can bring it back into style, you know, like skinny jeans. I'm totally just kidding. We will have babies simply as soon as we can. No word on when that will be. And for now we are drinking store-bought water.

The Parish Room - Elliott Yamin and The Last Goodnight

Anna and I went downtown Saturday night to see Elliott Yamin from American Idol play. Don't you dare laugh at us for buying tickets, you would too and you know it. He was our favorite from that season. Just a genuine guy with genuine talent you couldn't help but adore.

It turned out to be the most fun we've had in a long time! The opening acts were incredible, including The Last Goodnight, an up-and-coming band from Connecticut who are known for their song "Pictures of You." They were so talented! Especially their keyboard player, who we agreed was the best we've probably ever seen. And of course, it takes a lot to impress us. After the show, the band was kind of hanging around so we got to meet them and take photos like giddy little fans. Hope they make it big one day!

This is Anna with the piano player. He was very sweet.

We didn't get up close and personal to Elliott. Unfortunately, I guess he's too big of a star now to mingle after the show. Although it was a small venue, which was cool.

I took a picture with "Sway" who was from the same season on AI as Elliott, and was singing backup in his band. What a cutie-patooty. Elliott's set was amazing, his vocals were impeccable, and the band rocked! It was so much fun. Check out more pics at the gallery.

Last but not least, here's a short video clip from Elliott. I'll post some more to YouTube shortly.

Claimjumper Happy Hour - Thursday Night

Anyone and everyone who is available, let's meet at Claimjumper Thursday night for old time's sake. Michael and I will be there by 6:30. Call for details. 512-965-3481.

Hope to see you there ;)

Local Family Has Too Much Fun In One Day

Permanent Smiles Give Way to Delirious Exhaustion

Yesterday we finally made it over to McKinney Falls State Park, which is just 6.5 miles from our current abode. We were more than pleasantly surprised at the scenery, to say the least! The water was tantalizing, the current swift and refreshing. We picnicked under the tall oaks along one of the hiking trails, just yards from the creek which feeds the falls. The majority of our afternoon was spent floating and swimming around the base of the falls, with - yes - permanent smiles in place.


Of course, the day wouldn't have been complete without famous Elgin Sausages on the charcoal bbq. Or, a leisurely float down the stream. Really couldn't ask for a better day.

View the pics at the gallery!

Waiting in vain ...

... but at least not in the rain.

Last night we met my parents, Anna & Rick down by the South Congress Bridge to view one of Austin's most famous attractions - BATS! You may remember last year Michael and I came here during our first visit, and the bats performed beautifully.

Unfortunately, they suffered a bit of stage fright this time around, and failed to appear before we all decided to leave, long after sunset. So we'll try again some time soon. But still, I think the story of the bats migrating here is so interesting. Read more about it here.

This time of year is supposed to be perfect for viewing this eco-extravaganza as the mother bats have given birth to their young, who are now ready to join the nightly excursions.

That the bats have chosen Austin as the perfect location to start their families reminds me of this other remarkable species I know of. The Barberious Matthewsian et soon Bernsteinicus, orginally native to California, recently migrated to Austin for the same reason - it just seems to be a beautiful place to raise their young.

Two guys, a golden dog, and a black guitar

... three chords and the truth

Because you're never too old to stop, rock and roll

In honor of Parent's Day 2007, we inducted my mom and dad into the Matthew House Guitar Hero Hall of Fame.

This was the culmination of a wonderfully Lazy Sunday spent meandering through the Texas Hill Country, and dinner at the world-famous (ok, maybe only Austin-famous) Salt Lick BBQ Restaurant. As usual for this town, a 3-piece band began to play some old-time jazz and blues under the big shady oaks as the sun began its own lazy descent into the western sky. Families gathered around the outdoor picnic tables with their kids, their friends, and their ice chests full of beer. This was our first time dining in a "dry county". In other words, all patrons: Bring Your Own Booze. Can't argue with that!

Whirlwind of a Weekend

We had a bbq with Paul's friends Peter and Katie and their adorable 1-year old daughter Sidney on Saturday night. What a great family! Paul made us his famous bbq bacon pepperjack guacamole burgers on the Weber grill - fabulous!!


Sunday we got to play at church! It's been 6 months since we were part of the band, but it felt as if no time had gone by at all. It was really wonderful to be back. After napping Sunday afternoon we had dinner with some church friends that night in Lincoln. Ben and Yulia have a new baby too - Sophia. Scott and Jill came too with their adorable girls Maddie and Gabby.

In case you haven't noticed, it's been baby after baby after baby after adorable kids and more adorable kids all week long. Is the universe trying to tell us something?

Yesterday we had lunch at Mikuni (hooray, haven't found any good sushi in Austin yet!) with Shaun Sutton and his girlfriend Jessica, and saw the Transformers movie. It was AWESOME!!! Can't wait to see it again. Ran a few last minute errands, then treated ourselves to Round Table for dinner. If there are two things we miss the most they are Round Table and In-N-Out.

Today we are back at Jess and Paul's and headed out to the river. We fly out tomorrow morning.

For all the latest pics, check out the gallery.

California Dreamin'

We've been having a great time so far in California - aside from sweating bullets the size of small puppies. Lots of family last week, now it's time for some more friends, food and fun. And maybe some free time?

We spent the night with Michael's grandparents on Tuesday night, and got to meet the first great grandbaby the next morning. After a meeting with one of our best clients, it was back up to Jess & Paul's awesome place in Grass Valley on Weds. Got to see my oldest and bestest girlfriends Thursday night (They're not old, they're young and beautiful. We just go waaaaay back!)

Friday night met with some more friends at Crush 29. Tonight it's a bbq and another campfire.

Because of all the storms and power outages in Texas right now, our site will be down periodically - so sorry for the inconvenience! But bear with us, I'm keeping my commitments.

Be sure to keep your eye on the gallery for new pics.

Rivercats Game

As American as apple pie, oversized SUV's and chubby chidren.