UB and Cousin Justine Visit

My Uncle David or UB (Uncle Brat, it's a family joke) and cousin Justine stopped in Frisco on their way to San Francisco. I know this makes little sense, but my uncle is driving my cousin (technically my cousin-in-law) out to California to join her hubby, my cousin David. David accepted a BIG promotion with Subaru and moved out there in August and Justine just finished LPN school. They are stopping in Phoenix next to visit my UB's mom and then its on to sunny California. I can't wait to see what this adventure holds for my cousin and his wife. Here's a few pics from their visit.

Baylor Proud

Ella: 18 Months

Oh my "big" girl! Where has the time gone? Our little peanut (weighing it at a whopping 21 lbs) is an active, talking, climbing, funny little lady. She says the cutest things and her sweet voice melts my heart. We've also started those famous "terrible two's" with full-on temper tantrums when Little Miss does not get her way. They are quite epic at times. We both have to try so hard not to laugh at her. She's developed a new love for grapes and her favorite words are "Uh-Oh". We love you sweet pea!

Merry Moments

Just a few of my favorites from the day! Next up I'll post some information about the menu :)

Merry Christmas!

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

'Twas the Night before Christmas

We made it!
Christmas Eve mass- CHECK!
Gifts wrapped- CHECK!
Children snug in their beds sleeping soundly- CHECK!
Glass of wine for Mrs. Claus- CHECK!

I can't wait to see their little faces tomorrow morning!

Christmas Eve at AFD

Jon's on shift so we stopped by for a visit after mass. I just love this picutre!

Wrap! Cook! Shop! Eat! Decorate! Rush! Rush! Rush!

So I know the Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and family, but between the wraping, buying, eating, cooking, decorating and everything else involved in making the day as perfect as a Norman Rockwell painting I seem to lose site of that. I mostly feel a rush of anxiety. Why do I focus so much on perfection? My kids are 1 and 4 and most days I know they would never notice if something was out of place on Christmas morning. Is it mom guilt? Is it trying to live up to the unrealistic expections of perfection I see on TV and in magazines? Next year my goals is to be wrapped and done by December 1. I know it's lofty, but maybe if I achieve it I will actually get to enjoy the true meaning of the season.

Cookie Time

We've been busy with the Mimi baking lots of cookies. This is the first batch....gingerbread cut-out cookies. The kids had a great time decorating them. 

Happy Birthday to Mimi

A Toddler's Mind

A toddler's mind is a beautiful and complicated thing.....this is a hilarious depiction of how they think! This starts about 16 months and goes through about age 5. Ella is currently ruled by Elmo, goldfish and she is obsessed with her belly-button. Jack is also ruled by goldfish, phone call interuption ganglia and his endless repetition stem.

Baylor Proud: RG3 Wins Baylor's First Heisman

Sic 'em Bears! Robert Griffin III made all of us associated with Baylor University so proud on Saturday night when he won the school's first Heisman. He's an amazing player, student and person. This is such an outstanding achievement for him and the university! Here's a breakdown of the vote:

Heisman Trophy Voting

Robert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night by a wide margin:

Player	1st-place votes	Total points
Robert Griffin III	405	1,687
Andrew Luck	247	1,407
Trent Richardson	138	978
Montee Ball	22	348
Tyrann Mathieu	34	327
Matt Barkley	11	153
Case Keenum	10	123
Kellen Moore	6	90

Flashback Friday: 1985

Where do I start? This is my 6th birthday, February of 1985 and I was so excited to get my first tape recorder. It's quite the upgrade from the record player I'd gotten the year before. What is going on with my hair? I'm rockin' another plaid skirt-  courtesy of my Gram. Speaking of Gram, don't you love her decor? There'a a yellow couch, green loveseat and rust-orange chair that sit in this very room- too bad they aren't in the picture. I also love my mom's blush overload. Gotta love the 80's!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Well she's up and she's beautiful! Jon, Jack and I had a nice time decorating the tree. I have such found memories of decorating the tree when I was little. I hope Jack and Ella grow to love it and pass it along to their own children someday. I am looking forward to sipping a glass or two of wine while chatting with the fireman or any other guest this season in the lovely glow of this tree. 

Jedi Training

Jack recieved a light saber for his birthday and has since been obsessed with Star Wars and becoming a Jedi. He frequently roams the house with this light saber searching for Darth Vader. We've introduced him to the Star Wars movies (what is the word for a six-part series??) and now he can't wait to be old enough for training. Jon is just loving this time with him. I can't wait for Ella to take interest in something like this!

One other funny thing...with the introduction of Star Wars came the realization of where our cat, Yoda, got his name. Jack asked me the other day "Does Yoda use the Force?" I love this kid!

'Tis the Season

Well we are 19 days out from Christmas and I feel like one hot mess! The tree isn't up, the cards aren't finished, there's plenty of shopping looming and I still haven't decided on my menu for Christmas dinner. 

The tree is being shipped to us this week and I hope to have it decorated this weekend. After tossing our old one last year it seemed like such a daunting task to find the perfect replacement. I finally did, but it was online only. Oh well, at least there's free shipping.

I love picking the perfect picture for our Christmas card...I just haven't found it yet and it's stressing me out! With rain all last weekend there was no opportunity to take pictures! This weekend it is make or break. I thought when we took the kids to see Santa there would be the option of using that picture, but Ella had no love for Santa this year and Jack wouldn't smile. Oy vey!

I am about 50% finished with our shopping and right on budget. On the bright side, I know what I am getting for everyone....now if I can just find the time to actually get into a store and shop.

As for Christmas dinner....right now I am thinking of tackling a beef tenderloin. I hope to go through my recipe book and pull together the menu this weekend.

'Tis the season to be......jolly, right?

Flashback Friday: 2007

One of Jack Ryan's first pictures.....it seems like a lifetime ago. It's so cliche but they grow so fast. Love, love, love him!