GenOn

A few Sunday's ago, I awoke to see the following press release:

ATLANTA, GA and HOUSTON, TX – April 11, 2010 – Mirant Corporation (NYSE: MIR) and RRI Energy, Inc. (NYSE: RRI) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to create GenOn Energy, which will be one of the largest independent power producers in the United States, with approximately 24,700 megawatts (MW) of electric generating capacity and a pro forma market capitalization of $3.1 billion. The transaction is structured as an all-stock, tax-free merger.

I knew that RRI had not been doing well financially, and that some kind of transaction was likely in their future but was surprised to hear the news nonetheless.  As I feel fairly confident that my job will not be effected as the two companies have decided to keep GenOn's headquarters in Houston, I know there will be alot of changes and many people's jobs will be in jeapordy.  The company has not given us too much information yet as they are still working out the details of how they will integrate the companies, but they have said that each individual should know about their job within 60 days of the announcement.  Most likely this will mean more work for our reporting group with extra filings and figuring out how to bring the two companies together once the transaction is complete.  I am looking forward to the learning opportunity and seeing what lies ahead for the new company.  In the meantime, they have instructed us to continue "business as usual."

Easter 2010

Jason and I decided to spend Easter weekend in Harlingen, and I am so glad we did.  It was the first time we had been to the Valley since Christmas.  Jason and I left Thursday night after work and stayed in Harlingen until Sunday afternoon.  We had a weekend packed full of fun.  We woke up early Friday morning and headed down to Laguna Vista to play the South Padre Island golf course.  Both my parents, Cale, and Jason played and I cheered them on and took pictures.  After golf, we had a late lunch at Pirate's Landing in Port Isabel before heading over to the beach for the afternoon.  I was really hoping for some sun, but it was a fairly overcast afternoon.  The boys enjoyed throwing the football and playing washers on the beach while my mom and I enjoyed reading and chatting in our chairs.  The day was perfect until we got back to Harlingen Friday night and realized that Jason's Iphone had been stolen at some point while at the beach.  :(  He had a good attitude about it though and didn't let it ruin our day.

Cale and Mom on the golf course

Cale and Dad strikin a pose

Jason sinks his put!!

Entertaining ourselves while waiting for a table at Pirate's Landing

On Saturday morning, Jason and my dad got up early again and went to play another golf course in Harlingen.  My mom and I hung out at the house and then headed to the AT&T store to buy Jason a new phone.  We met the boys at Pepe's for a yummy lunch (We just can't got to Harlingen without eating at Pepe's...yummm).  Saturday afternoon, we had the family over to our house to celebrate Easter.  We had BBQ chicken, several sides, and of course tons of dessert.  I must have eaten 10 of Grandma's famous Easter cookies and who knows how much of my dad's famous homemade vanilla ice cream.  :(  The kids all hunted Easter eggs after dinner and got to play Grandma's Easter game.  For years, she has put numbers in the eggs and then you get to draw out of basket full of bills for money.  Unfortunately for Jason and I, once you are married you no longer get to participate.  We tried to convince everyone we were separated for the weekend, but they didn't buy it.  haha  All the kids (including Cale) made out very well with their Easter money.

Dad making homemade ice cream for Saturday night

Cooper with his Easter basket.  It didn't take the kids long to get the hang of the egg hunting.

Tyler showing off a few of his eggs

I was nominated as the holder of the basket full of money.  Coop was a pro at drawing the bills.  I swear he pulled a $20 almost every time.  I think Travis and Sarah had talked strategy with him before they came over...haha

Cale...excited that he still gets to participate in the Easter egg hunt

Mom and Dad....aren't they cute!

Sunday morning, we woke up and headed to church to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  We enjoyed a great Easter service and then, unfortunately, had to make the drive back to Houston.  I was so excited to get to celebrate Easter with my family.  Thanks mom and dad for making the weekend so special.  I cherish all of the memories of holidays and all the time I get to spend with my family.  It is always bittersweet to have to go back home.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend!!

Baby Shower

My boss at work is expecting her first baby at the end of May.  She is very excited about welcoming a little boy to her family.  Our group at work had a shower for her at the end of March to celebrate her new addition.  We had sandwiches and dessert, and she got a lot of really cute gifts.  Several of my co-workers and I went together and bought Kim a little red wagon and filled it with all kinds of goodies.  I was in charge of shopping and putting everything together.  I just can't believe how tiny and cute all of the baby stuff is.    Here are a few pics from the shower....

The wagon filled with TONS of baby stuff from clothes to books to medicine kits to bathtubs, etc.  I thought it turned out really cute and Kim seemed really excited about it.

She received a beautiful Noah's Ark embroidered baby blanket.

Picture of the entire financial reporting group.

San Diego

The last weekend in March, I went to visit Kelsey and Callie in San Diego.  Charlie was gone for pre-deployment training so we just had a girl's weekend.  The trip this year was a little different than the last one with Callie here but just as enjoyable.  We replaced kayaking with playing with blocks and the zoo with reading books and Disneyland with taking walks in the stroller.  We had a great weekend together just hanging out and catching up.  We went out to eat, cooked at home, and sat around and reminisced about our past.   Callie is doing so many new things since I saw her at Christmas and is a champ at melting your heart.  She has to be just the most precious thing I have ever seen.  Callie is such a happy baby.  She has recently learned to walk around the house while holding on to your fingers.  She would crawl over to Kelsey or I and just grab our hands and would be on her way.  Kelsey even tried hiding her hands from her one afternoon, and Callie sat waiting patiently until Kelsey reached for something later and she grabbed on and took off walking.  She definitely knows how to get what she wants.  I am so excited that she and Kelsey will be moving to Texas soon so I can see them more often.  Kelsey is the closest thing to a sister that I have, and I have hated them living so far away.  Thanks Kels for such a great weekend.

Callie is about to turn 1 so we had an early b-day celebration while I was there.

She loved the tissue paper

Callie excited about her new spring dress

Just checkin' to see if it is her size.  :)

Callie is now feeding herself.  She always grabs the biggest bites and stuffs them in her mouth.  She points at her tray and grunts when she wants more food.  I laughed all weekend watching her eat.  She can put away some serious food for a baby.

Don't you just love her....I definitely do!

I already miss you Callie (and Kels!).  Hurry back to Texas!!

Rodeo....Round 2

Melissa got some great rodeo tickets from work and invited me to join her for a girl's night to see Eli Young Band.  Brittany and Monica joined us, and we had a really great time watching the rodeo and listening to the concert.  Nothing beats a night out with the girl's every now and then.

Monica, Me, Melissa, and Brittany

Eli Young put on a great show.  He was running around the arena and sang to various people in the audience.  He did a great job of getting everyone involved.

Britt and Melissa

Me and Monica