Texas Our Texas

A couple of week ends ago we went to Austin to see my brothers (Brig and Burke), my sister in law Kelly, my 2 nephews Caden and Tabor, and our wonderful friend Stacey. We had so much fun visiting with everyone. Jared and I got a much cherished night out courtesy of sweet Stacey watching our kids. We also went to the Capitol building. It was awesome. I am the daughter of a self described political junkie so of course we took the holiday tour. I know this is nerdy but I could listen to tour guides talk forever. I just love to take in all of the details and little unknown stories behind the scenes of historic happenings.
I thought this picture of my nephew Caden was so cool

Carson likes Caden just a little bit

I love this one.

Carson with his Auntie Kelly

And his Uncle Brig


Kate went to sit down by her cousin Caden. I thought that was so sweet.

Jared racing Caden through the long halls in the basement

Carson with Stacey. He almost jumped out of her arms!

We've been telling Kate that since she is almost 2 it is time for her to start helping out with Carson

Carson loved his tour of the capitol and learned many things

Kate getting a lift from Uncle Brig and Auntie Kelly


My wonderful nephew Caden

I couldn't get enough of the details of the building as you're about to see.

The Senate Chamber





Door Hinge


The lights spell out Texas. Only in Texas!

May All Your Christmases Be White

A white Christmas. Carson's first Christmas. Christmas seen through our sweet babies' eyes. And most importantly the remembrance of our wonderful Jesus. What more could our little family ask for?

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Holiday Cheer

Tonight our little family went to visit some folks at the Meadowlakes Retirement Center. We passed out cookies and visited with the wonderful people that live there. I was unsure how Kate and Carson would react. Shy? Reserved? Scared? I shouldn't have worried. They smiled, laughed, waved, and Kate even told one inquisitive lady that she was going to be "Two!!" My brothers in law gave Kate a shopping cart for an early Christmas present and we put it to good use tonight. Kate was a pleased as punch to fill up her shopping cart with cookies and stroll around the dining room and reception area. She said, "Hi!" and "Thank you" and mostly smiled and waved. Carson gave out his wonderful grins and the ladies oohed and ahhed over him. He was definitely a charmer tonight. He even kept reaching for one of the ladies to hold him. What a sweet boy. Here are some pictures from the night.

This is the little Christmas dress I made for Kate. I added the monogrammed "K" on the front. I loved making it for her and I loved how she looked in it. I will never forget how she couldn't stop looking at herself in the mirror wearing it.


Carson, enjoying a little snack before our excursion

In the truck I gave her a box of candy canes to hold. She thought they were the neatest thing!


I love these 2 photos. Sheer happiness in being able to wheel that cart across the parking lot. She really knew she was on an important mission


Walking into the lobby. Full of cookies and ready to go!

The first exchange. At first I would give her the cookies and she would say "Thank you!" and put them back in her basket. I showed her how to give them away and she caught on pretty quick.

Carson loved charming all of the ladies

Her basket is empty. What a satisfied look!

Carson loved this lady's necklace and she loved holding him

Sweet Kate. Making sure everyone has received their cookies

Carson found a leftover bag of cookies. He was ready to tear into them!

Saying Good Bye

Bing Crosby Would Be Proud

Here's a look inside of our little family holiday season. Merry Christmas!!!






I love these wreaths in our windows. I wanted some more wreaths in our upper windows, but I am thinking I will have to wait until next year!


I made these luminerias out of a mason jar, some glass beads, a candle and some gold ribbon. Very easy to make and they look so pretty lining our driveway and yard at night.



I had these ornaments made for Robin and Dad. I kind of wish I had made some for our tree!

I had this ornament made last year. It's a keeper!

It is possible that I will lament every year that the tree in this picture is not the real deal. But there has to be somthing said for the fact that you can set it up in 2 minutes and there are no messy pine needles to deal with. Hmmmm.... maybe that's what I don't like about it.

Party Girl

This morning before Kate went to her Christmas Party at Mother's Day out I snapped this picture of her. More accurately? I chased her around the living room to get this picture of her. Her favorite game lately is to laugh and run away from me when I try to take her picture. Now I know what the paparazzi feels like!

And her other favorite game. This one's called, "How fast can I get this barrette out of my hair."


When you're almost two it is totally acceptable to have reindeer antlers on your head at the end of a Christmas Party.