Steph and Dustin's Blog

Dustin is a CPA!

2008-08-23T15:13:00.001-05:00

After lots of studying and praying, Dustin is officially a CPA! We just found out he passed his fourth and final part! Just wanted to share the news!

Mercy Me Concert

2008-08-23T15:02:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Mercy Me/Natalie Grant concert in the Woodlands with some friends. It was great! Here are some pics.

New Shoes

2008-04-22T22:53:00.002-05:00

I don't know why, but lately I've been wanting to buy some new shoes. I found this awesome store at the mall that sells clothes that actually fit me and has some really stylish stuff. It's called White House Black Market. The bad news is that the merchandise is a little expensive (at least for me), so I always have to wait for a sale. But it's nice to find a store where I know I'll find something that fits properly. For all the talk about being tall and thin, only high end stores make clothes that fit properly! I wish stores would have a standard system for determining women's sizes. I don't even think I have a size because it's different at every store. Anyway, here are my new shoes!

I walked 26.2 miles in two days!

2008-04-16T22:36:00.005-05:00

Hey guys! This weekend I walked 26.2 miles to help fight breast cancer! Walkers in the Houston area raised 1.9 million dollars to research and fight this terrible disease. Every three minutes another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Thank you so much to all of you who donated. This was the first Avon Walk in Houston and so many people registered to walk (over 1200) that the city is guaranteed a walk again next year. This is an amazing achievement because each walker commmits to raising $1800. Dustin has already signed up to walk with me next year! Here are some pictures of this past weekend.

Avon Walk

2008-03-18T10:37:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure if anyone even reads this blog anymore, but if anyone does, please pass this message along!

Hey guys!
In less than a month, my sister Natalie and I will walk a total of 26 miles over two days to raise money for breast cancer research. It's all part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.We've been training and fundraising (I walked more than 9 miles on Saturday during a training walk!), but we still need your help! Each of us needs to raise $1800 in order to participate in the walk that we've been training for over the past several weeks.Please consider donating to this very worthy cause. Every little bit helps and all donations are tax deductible.Visit our walk Web sites for more information.

Steph's Avon Walk Page
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/Houston?px=3853962&pg=personal&fr_id=1420

Natalie's Avon Walk Page
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/Houston?px=3881082&pg=personal&fr_id=1420

P.S. To those of you who have already made a donation, thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I am so excited about this project, but I'm still a few hundred dollars short of my goal and Natalie is still short too, so we need all the help we can get!

Christmas Tree, NOT Holiday Tree!

2007-12-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

I love December and not because its cold. Its because I love Christmas and everything about it. But, most importantly, I love Christmas for what it really is supposed to be, a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I know that a Christmas tree is merely a decoration for us to enjoy, but who else thinks it is crazy to call it a "holiday" tree? It is part of Christmas tradition. In my opinion, this is just a minor example of how Christ is being taken out of everything Christmas (among other things). It has become so commercialized that it is not even recognized as the Christian celebration that it is supposed to be! Did you know that many retailers will no longer put up signs saying "Merry Christmas!"? I believe even LSU recently had an issue over calling the Christmas tree a holiday tree.

I firmly believe in respecting other people's beliefs, but why does it seem like people are not respecting the beliefs of Christians? If you don't want to celebrate Christmas, then don't. Or celebrate it with your Christian friends, but understand and respect why they celebrate it. Christmas has become so watered down, I rarely even hear true Christmas carols anymore. They're all about Santa Claus and reindeer. Those are fine and fun to sing, but what about Silent Night, Angels we have Heard on High and The First Noel?

Jesus is the reason for the season! Otherwise you are celebrating something different from Christmas!

P.S. Yes this is an old picture. I have not uploaded a picture of our new tree yet.

More Wedding Photos

2007-11-14T22:34:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!

Here are some more photos from my dad's wedding.

My dad is married!

2007-11-11T00:12:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! My dad is married! He married Faye Landry on Friday, November 9. The wedding was held at Vermilionville in Lafayette. Here are some pictures!

Dexter Duhon for Tax Assessor 2007 Vermilion Parish

2007-10-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! In just two weeks, voters in Vermilion Parish will elect a new Tax Assessor. My dad, Dexter Duhon, is running and needs your vote! Don't forget to vote: October 20th.

For more information on his campaign, visit his Web site: dexterduhon.com

Good bye, Biggio ... we'll miss you!

2007-09-30T20:26:00.000-05:00

Today, one of Houston's greatest baseball players played his final game at Minute Maid Park. Craig Biggio joined the team in 1987 and reached several milestones in the game before announcing in July that he would retire at the end of the season. He will be missed by all Astros fans.

Marvin Zindler Dies

2007-07-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

A sad day for the Houston community. Legendary consumer reporter Marvin Zindler passed away today, just two weeks shy of his 86th birthday. Zindler is an icon in Houston, known for flamboyant clothes, but also for helping residents in the community with his stories. He also gave a weekly rat and roach report about local restaurants that was always entertaining. He was diagonosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this month. To learn more about Marvin, visit Channel 13's Web site at www.ktrk.com

New Haircut!

2007-07-03T16:31:00.000-05:00

So I finally did it ... I chopped my hair off! I'll post more pics later but here are a couple a work colleague took of me this afternoon. Let me know what you think!

In Remembrance

2007-04-17T20:39:00.000-05:00

These are the stories that are the most important to do ... and yet, they are the hardest. May we always remember those who died at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007.

Breaux for Governor?

2007-04-10T18:07:00.000-05:00

So I was in Lafayette for Easter and being the newsperson that I am, decided to catch up on some Louisiana news. The most interesting thing I came across were several articles indicating that John Breaux wants to run for governor of Louisiana. Considering he was a Louisiana senator for several years, this shouldn't be a surprise. Except for the fact that he now lives in Maryland and cannot even vote in Louisiana! Now I don't vote by party lines, I vote based on each candidates credentials, beliefs and what they've done for the state in the past.

But this brings up a totally new issue. What do you guys think about this? Should Breaux be able to run? If so, why? Or why not?

Going to Abbeville

2007-03-23T19:44:00.000-05:00

Hey guys ... just checking in so Scott doesn't fuss at me for not updating my blog.

Anyway, I'm so excited about this weekend. I finally have a weekend off so Dustin and I can go to Abbeville to tell his cousin goodbye. Art and his wife Kelly are leaving for England right after Easter. They will be stationed there for three years. (Art is in the Air Force). I'm sorry to see them go, but I think it's amazing to get to spend some real time in another country. I want to go to Europe so much. I think the best way to learn about other cultures is to actually see them first hand. That's one of the things I love about living in Houston. This area is so diverse, I can learn so much here.

To keep you guys updated, we are still looking for a weekend producer, so I'm still working on the weekends. I'm praying we will find someone soon.

Andrea's Baby

2007-03-16T16:04:00.000-05:00

Andrea sent me some updated pictures of her little girl, Carly. Carly was born in December and I thought I'd share them with you guys. Hope you enjoy!

Going Away Party

2007-03-09T20:34:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, we said goodbye to a great CW photog. He's going to work for KHOU, Channel 11. Scott Stevens worked at the CW since the news department opened in 2000. He will be greatly missed, but we look forward to seeing his work on KHOU.

In this photo: CW staffers and friends!

Great News!

2007-01-22T21:09:00.000-06:00

My dad is getting married!
He recently proposed to his girlfriend, Faye Landry. No word on a date yet, but thought you guys would want to know :-)

Promotion

2007-01-17T23:11:00.000-06:00

So after a dreary, icy week, I have some good news to report! After nearly three years, I'm finally going to have weekends free! I found out today that I'm being promoted to the weekday producer position. So I'll produce the 9pm news Monday through Friday now :-)

2007

2007-01-01T18:25:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has a great 2007!

Snowman

2006-12-12T19:14:00.000-06:00

Remember when it snowed and we made this snowman for New Year's Eve?

Memories

2006-12-12T18:49:00.000-06:00

I'm going to copy Scott and post an old photo. Who remembers this?

These photos are for Scott ... courtesy of Dustin:

Abbeville Christmas Stroll

2006-12-10T11:30:00.000-06:00

Dustin and I were in Abbeville this past Thursday for the annual Christmas Stroll. Dozens of shops participate and you get to enjoy a "small town" Christmas. Each shop had small gifts or food and some even had hot chocolate, which was great because it was cold! Dustin's dad participated in the stroll and asked Dustin to provide the entertainment in front of his office. So Dustin played dozens of songs for people passing by. Best of all, my dad, his girlfriend Ms. Faye and Natalie got to join us. Natalie and I went to every store listed as a participant so we could try to win a gift basket, but we didn't win :-( We also got our faces painted! Anyway, here are some pictures.

Christmas Party

2006-12-10T11:03:00.000-06:00

Now that we have a camera again and I can post new pictures, here's one of me and Dustin at my station's Christmas party last weekend. Unfortunately, the party started while I was still at work, but it was still fun once we got there.

House Pictures

2006-12-09T09:35:00.000-06:00

The long-awaited pictures are finally here!

Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T18:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope yours is filled with love, laughter, family and friends. I am at work right now, but I'm not letting that get me down because I have so much to be thankful for, including this job. Thanks to all my family and friends who stand by me, make me laugh and give me their unconditional love. I love you guys and I'm coming home for Christmas! :-)

Church was awesome

2006-11-12T20:52:00.000-06:00

Church was awesome this morning. We're studying the book of Jonah and how people run away from God at different points in their lives, but how they can never outrun a loving God. I will go into it more later ... but the pastor said something that really stuck out to me and I wanted to share it with you guys. Tell me what you think:

"When we run from God, we run into the most dangerous places, our lives begin to unravel and those we love the most hurt the most."

New Camera

2006-11-07T13:52:00.000-06:00

Good news! Dustin and I bought a new camera last night ... so we'll finally start having new pictures to post. Stay tuned.

Election Day

2006-11-07T13:46:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to vote today! Polls are open until 7pm here in Houston.

Smallville

2006-11-02T19:19:00.000-06:00

So I just thought you guys would like to know that Dustin and I have joined the Smallville craze. In our search to find a show that we can watch together (we've watched Friends so many times, we need a break!), we decided to try out Smallville. We're still in Season One but are enjoying the show so far!

This is a new CW poster promoting Season Six, which airs on Thursday nights at 7pm Central. I love our new promos! Check out cwtv.com or khcw.com for more information on upcoming episodes.

Anyway, my question to you guys is ... what is your favorite episode from Season One and why?

My Sisters and Me

2006-10-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on getting new pictures of the house, but here are some pictures of my sisters and I from earlier this week. I spent a day in Lafayette and got to visit my sisters. That's the hard part of living in Houston. I love it here, but I miss everyone back home! So this is for them.

Smoking Ban Passes

2006-10-19T20:52:00.000-05:00

The Houston City Council voted yesterday to expand the current smoking ban ordinance. It will ban smoking in most restaurants and bars, but will allow smokers to light up on outdoor patios or in cigar bars. The new law goes into effect in Sept. 2007. What do you guys think? Does this infringe on smokers rights? Or does it protect the health of non-smokers? Personally, I am thrilled. Now I can enjoy my meals and listen to Dustin play his gigs without getting sick or smelling like smoke all night. If people want to smoke, they can go right ahead, but leave me out of it!

New House

2006-10-19T20:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted to the blog in awhile. Dustin and I have been busy moving into our new house! Yay! We're still unpacking boxes, but we do have some pictures that I will post as soon as we get our Internet connection at home back up and running. So stay tuned.

Jesus, Take the Wheel

2006-10-02T16:47:00.000-05:00

Aren't the words to this song amazing?
I think many of us can relate to the depth of this song. It has so many meanings and is just a beautiful song.

Jesus, Take The Wheel
Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy with the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way to fast
Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was sooo scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh, Jesus take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me

Hurricane Rita: One Year Later

2006-09-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we did a special piece at work remembering the one year anniversary of Hurricane Rita. Rita hit the Texas/Louisiana border on Sept. 24, 2005 ... less than a month after Hurricane Katrina devastated Mississippi and East Louisiana.
The storm's original path would have taken it straight for the Houston area. Dustin and I had moved here only a few months before and I remember packing to get ready to wait out the storm at the station, wondering if I'd have a home to return to after the storm passed.
At the last minute, the storm veered East and hit the less populated border. But it still caused massive damage and just like Katrina victims, many people who lost their jobs and homes because of Rita's destruction still don't have homes. Looking at aerial footage shot yesterday morning, you can still see blue roofs on some houses in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Cameron Parish and Lake Charles.
Unfortunately, because it did hit a less populated area of the Gulf Coast, many Rita victims feel like they've been forgotten. Working in the news media, I cover these types of anniversary events and honestly, there were not very many. There was a cattle drive in Cameron Parish and a few commemmorative masses, but that's about it.
One of the reasons Rita may not be remembered like Katrina is that there were very few deaths related to the storm. Thankfully, many people heeded the warnings of Katrina and got out. In fact, more people died or got ill evacuating than they did from the actual storm itself. It took some people more than 12 hours to get from Houston to Dallas during Rita evacuations (usually a five hour trip). More passed out from the heat, sitting in a stationary car, than anything else.
Anyway, the reason for this super long post is to make sure that we do not forget the victims of Hurricane Rita. Like the victims of Katrina, they are still suffering a year later and need our prayers so they can recover and rebuild their towns. Let's make sure they are not forgotten.

Goodbye WB, Hello CW

2006-09-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

It's time!
The WB officially signs off this Sunday ... leading the way for the new CW network.
This new network combines top WB and top UPN shows to create a whole new line-up.
It will feature popular shows such as Smallville, Gilmore Girls, America's Next Top Model and Everybody Hates Chris.
We've been working hard on this new network ... so make sure to watch! This week will feature a few season premieres and will air the finales for the other shows to make way for the premieres next week.
For more information ... check out our station's Web site ... www.khcw.com
Or visit the CW Web site at www.cwtv.com

Dustin's Music

2006-09-14T23:09:00.000-05:00

Dustin has been working hard on his music, writing new songs and playing a number of gigs downtown.
He's also updated his Web site with information and some songs.

Check it out : www.dustyduhon.com

First Blog

2006-09-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

After seeing many of our friends' blogs, Dustin and I have also decided to join the world of blogs. This is a picture of us from Christmas last year. Our camera has disappeared so we don't have any recent pictures, but we will get a new one soon.

Stay tuned to hear more from us!