Christmas Update

Well, Christmas might have been 2 weeks ago.  But, I finally am sitting down to do a quick recap. 

We were very lucky this year to be able to spend a full week visiting family.  Thursday morning when Anthony got off work, we loaded up the car (think we might need a bigger car if we have a child, or another dog) and headed home.  We started off with my family.  And I was so excited.  We had a big surprise in store for Gran.  She had mentioned that she wanted a new chair for Christmas.  So, we took her to the furniture store when we were home at Thanksgiving to pick out her chair.  Well, while we were looking, she decided she might want a new couch, too.  Well, with some convincing, she decided to wait on the couch.  But, without her knowing, we went and ordered the couch and 2 chairs for her.  I couldn't wait to surprise her.  Anthony and I took her out to dinner and when we took her home, the new furniture and all of her family was there.  It was the best moment.  She was so surprised and so happy.  I didn't think to get a picture of the couch and chairs, but here are a couple from Christmas Eve.

Like I said before, I spent a lot of time with Gran while I was at home.  We made two trips to Walmart, I learned how to peel celery, and I helped her wrap a couple gifts.  Every year, on Christmas Eve night, we meet at Gran's house for dinner and gifts, and this year as no different.  It was, however, so much more special.  We realized just how lucky we are to have our Gran.  

Gran's Tree

My Gran and I

Anthony and I at Gran's

This year, all of the cousins drew names and bought a gift for each other.  This was the first year that we have done this.  My brother thought he would be funny and wrap my cousin's gift in multiple boxes, a whole roll of duck tape, and Saran wrap.  Well, someone leaked his "secret" and most everyone's gift included multiple boxes or duck tape. 

James opening his gift.

James's gift wrapping

My cousin Lane opening his gift from James

We spent the night at Mom and Dad's and woke up for gifts from Santa.  Santa was very good to us all this year!  Christmas Day, Mom's brother and his family come over to our house for lunch and gifts.  I have to say, this is my favorite holiday meal.  My mom was a Home Ec. teacher for 17 years, so she makes everything from scratch.  I hope someday to learn how to prepare this meal like she does.  We always have smoked turkey (she actually buys this from a man she works with, but it is amazing), broccoli rice casserole, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, homemade rolls and pecan pie.  She has a few other things, but these are my favorites!  I should have gotten a picture, but I couldn't wait to dig in!

Our family on Christmas Day

The day after Christmas, we met up with Anthony's family for lunch, gifts and visiting.  We are really excited because next year, there will be a new addition to this side of the family!  We are also hoping that next year we will live closer to home and can start a new tradition in our own place.

Rylie hopes so, too.  All of the Christmas excitement wore her out!







Celebrate Freedom

As is tradition, Anthony was working yesterday so we were not able to watch the fireworks together.  I had pretty much decided I would just stay home and watch the fireworks on TV.  But instead, I was invited to watch fireworks with Priscilla and her family.  Another couple and their two children came as well.  We had a great time!  The kids were so excited about the fireworks that they couldn't sit still or be quiet.  They were so cute.  This was my first time to use my camera at night and to take pictures of fireworks, so I played around with them quite a bit.  They aren't the best, but much better than any I've taken in the past.  And they need to be cropped.

This is Aften and Beau's daughter Charlotte.  She's just two months old and SO cute!  They forgot to bring her stroller, but Priscilla and I didn't mind holding her.



And this is Landon and Zoey. They are such sweet friends and are always excited to see each other!

And the fireworks.

I hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July!

Amazing

Thanksgiving vacation has been AMAZING.  We have been blessed to be able to spend time with almost all of our family (both sides) and with each other.  I've been so busy enjoying my family that I didn't get around to blogging all week, so I thought I'd do a quick recap.

I took off work Tuesday and we headed to my parents.  We got there around 2 and spend the day and evening just lounging around.

Wednesday was another day of mostly lounging.  During the day, my cousins and uncle came by.  It was great to see them.  That evening, my grandmother made lasagna and my cousins, uncles, and aunt came.  Since we missed Christmas last year, it's been almost two years since I've really been able to spend time with them all.

Thursday, we woke up and headed to spend the day with Anthony's family.  We had an AMAZING Thanksgiving, complete with my first completely from scratch cheesecake.  I was very proud of myself.  We headed home that evening and at midnight, we headed to Walmart.  Complete chaos!  Before going to bed, we got online and did some online shopping.  We were able to get almost all of the items we had wanted (that we'd seen in the ads) at the same price and with free shipping.  Some we were able to get even cheaper because of coupons.  And we will get cash back on all our purchases as a result of using ebates (message me if you want details).  Since we had gotten most of what we needed, we decided we would not be up shopping at 4am. 

Friday, we slept in a bit and then headed out to pick up a few things we wanted to get on Black Friday.  Because we waited, the crowds weren't bad at all.  Picked up some sheets for our king sized bed we hope to get this summer, as well as a few gifts.  We got home and I helped Mom put up her "Snowman only" tree.  And then, one of my brother's friends and his fiance stopped by.  He is a Marine and we rarely see him.  He will be getting married next weekend and we are so happy for them both.  It was great to get to visit with them both.

Saturday, we had to head back home.  I was really sad to have to leave.  It's so nice to be surrounded by family.

This Thanksgiving, I had so much to be thankful for.  I am thankful that Anthony returned safely (minus having his foot ran over) from Iraq.  I am thankful we were able to go home and see so much of our family, as we weren't able to do this last year.  I am thankful for the loving family that surrounds us.  I am thankful for all that God has provided us with this year. 

Thanksgiving Vacation

My Thanksgiving break has been absolutely wonderful.  Just what I needed to get me through until Christmas.

Wednesday-I got my hair highlighted and cut.  Then picked up a few last minute things for Thanksgiving.  My parents got into town around 5:30.  We went to eat at Outback and then came back to the house and started cooking for Thursday.

Thursday-Mom and I started cooking around 10 while Anthony and my dad slept in.  We had a wonderful meal.  I had every intention of taking pictures, but I completely forgot.  My mom brought a smoked turkey and pecan pie.  We made dressing, sweet potatoe casserole with pecans and brown sugar on top, brocolli rice casserole, and macaroni and cheese.  And to so that my husband would have a dessert to eat, chocolate swirl cheesecake.  It was a wonderful meal!  After the meal, we watched both the Cowboys and the Longhorns win!  It was such a great day with my family.  It sure makes me wish they weren't 4 hours away.

Friday-Mom and I got up at 5:30 and headed out to shop.  I didn't get anything big, but I did get my Christmas shopping almost finished and got a wonderful fuzzy blanket from Target.  We shopped until around 1 and then they headed home.  I went out and did a little more shopping, then took dinner to Anthony and the fire station, made one more run to WalMart and Target which resulted in me being very frustrated and disappointed, but I'll keep that story to myself.

Saturday and Sunday-I've cleaned up the house, wrapped presents, addressed and stuffed Christmas cards, done laundry, unloaded the dishwasher twice and got some wonderful relaxing in.

I'm sad that it had to end, but I'm excited about what is to come.  I only have 2 weeks and 4 days of school left before the next break.  I will get to do fun Christmas activities with my kiddos including a Christmas breakfast and Polar Express in our PJs.  I will get to give all my kids their gifts and watch their eyes light up as they open then.  I have a work Christmas party this week and another with my team in 2 weeks.  I will get to celebrate 2 of my teammate's birthdays.  I will get to drive around town and look at Christmas lights.  I will be having sinus surgery on the 18th and I'm super excited about the fact that hopefuly I will start feeling better after this.  I will get to spend 3 days at my parents and 3 days with my husband's family over Christmas break!  Anthony and I will be going to ICE at the Gaylord.  I will get to see my best friend who lives way too far away.  And we will go ice skating outside!  Wow...I knew had a lot to look forward to, but just now realilzed how much is going into the next month!  Wow...I can't wait!!!! 

And on top of all that excitement...they are forecasting the possibility of snow on Tuesday! 

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day with friends, family, food, and fireworks! Fireworks have always been my favorite part of the holiday. Growing up, we lived outside the city limits, so we always got to buy small fireworks and would set them off in our road. When I got a little older, my dad started helping with the city show so we would always go watch that sitting not far from the launch site. As I got older, I've missed firework time with the family, but I've made some new memories. I've watched the fireworks in the bay in San Diego and in Tampa Bay. Last year we lit our own fireworks with some old friends and neighbors. This year, I was determined to enjoy a firework show in my new home. But, unfortunately, Anthony is working today (since fires don't take a holiday, neither does Anthony).

I was very excited though when I saw that very small town nearby was having a firework show on the 3rd. We were going. I was determined to see fireworks, so plans were made. We started by cooking out with another couple at their house. After that, we headed out to see fireworks. As we got closer, there was tons of traffic. People were parked on both sides of the highway for a couple miles. Traffic was crawling. We parked next to another couple we knew and prepared for the show. It got dark. We waited and waited. I was a little worried I had drug everyone out to the middle of nowhere in tons of traffic for nothing, but boy was I wrong. It finally started at 10 and it was the most spectacular show I have seen (don't tell Dad). They set up the fireworks to music that played on the radio. The fireworks were constant, with no down time for reloading. they must have had 10 tubes for launching. I tried to capture some pictures, but they don't do them justice (especially with my lack of skills).

I look awful, I know. But I wanted a picture of the two of us.

This evening I'm heading up to the fire station for a family cookout with the fire station family. I'm looking forward to more grilled hamburgers and not having to cook! Hope you're enjoying yourself as much as I am. Happy 4th of July!

*Note: Turns out, I had the menu wrong. We were served steak, grilled corn, stuff jalapenos, beans and deserts. Those firefighters can cook!

Happy Father's Day!

Today is a day to celebrate dads and the things they do for us and the love they give us.

This is my daddy giving me away at our wedding. He joked that there were no returns, but I know he was sad to see me go. I was always a daddy's girl. But, that's not to say that our relationship always went smoothly. As I've grown older, my relationship with my dad has changed and matured. He's taught me a lot and has helped me to make some smart decisions throughout life. He's even taken in Anthony and loves Anthony as if he's his own son. He's a wonderful father and my life just wouldn't be the same if he wasn't my father. Although we've had our ups and dads, I will always love my daddy.

Dancing with my dad at our wedding was a ton of fun. We danced to Tim McGraw's my little girl. Neither of us could listen to the song without tearing up. We instead focused on our attempt at dancing and the attempts and not stepping on each others feet. Neither of us have any ability to dance. But it was the best dance I've had with my daddy.
And this is my wonderful grandfather, and one of my favorite wedding pictures. This was just after the wedding and I hadn't had the opportunity to see him yet so I went over to give him a hug. When this picture was taken he was telling me that his marriage lasted over 60 years and he hoped that we could outlast them. Grandma had just past away 3 months before the wedding so it was an especially touching moment.