Two Days and Christmas thoughts...

I finally have two days off in a row! Yesterday we headed to Dallas for the day to celebrate Ricardo's sister and mom's birthdays that are both this week. Yummy lunch at Cheddars followed by one of my favs, Strawberry Shortcake! DOUBLE YUM!

Today I plan on getting some things done around the house. Maybe getting some Christmas stuff out and making a trip to the fabric and craft store to get a start on a couple of Christmas gifts that I plan on making.

I love being crafty and when you are on a budget, handmade is the way to go. Plus, it's such a personalized gift it adds that extra special touch. {hopefully, if they turn out ok}

Is anyone else making some homemade gifts for Christmas this year?? If you have any wonderful ideas I'd love to hear about them. Maybe it will inspire me to create something else?

Baby Rose's Shower pics

I forgot my camera the day of Katy's shower so I stole these from her blog! Thanks Katy!!

Lauren, Me, Katy {baby rose} and Angela

A little peak into the shower...

weekend plans...

This weekend I am excited to say that we have nothing planned!:) Today after work I'll come home, fix dinner, maybe we'll watch a movie and hangout! My favorite thing to do!

I'm sure we will get the house ready to start putting up our Christmas decorations, go to church, maybe a little run {since we do have the 8 mile trot coming up! eek!} and catch up on our DVR.

Ahhh...a weekend with my hubs is good for the soul!

Thankful for: ditto above:)

Countdown to Christmas...

Last night was Countdown to Christmas at Heights. It's always so fun to see women from the church that I don't get to see on a regular basis. Some that I have grown up with in the youth group, others that I've only known for a few years and it's always wonderful to spend time with the women in our family.


We don't usually shop too much. We "window" shop and get ideas for possible gifts and even decorating ideas. One stop we always make is at The Bulgarian Child booth where children from Bulgaria have made nativities. They continue to add pieces to the set, which started off as Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. I wasn't able to get the wise men and camel this year, but hope I can add them next year. The set is one of my favorites and there is such a special love behind them.

The original pieces. I now have a Shepherd too.

The dinner was wonderful and from one of my all time favs, Cafe Max!!! yummmmm!! If you are in the Richardson area, try it for lunch! You won't regret it!!

The Speaker was Rita Marrow who was absolutely hilarious. She has a special character she plays call Martha Marie. Some of you may have heard her before. She encouraged us to slow it down and remember that Jesus is why we celebrate this season. We are free because of what he gave us! It's wonderful to get a little reminder before the craziness of the holidays begin. I try to remind myself constantly that it's not about the gifts I give or receive. It's not about how we will divide up time with all of our families, which at times can get a little stressful and emotional. It's not about me. It's about celebrating the birth of Christ!

What a wonderful way to kick off the Holidays!

Thankful For: the time I got to spend with my family yesterday! Chatting with friends at church :)

Happy Friday!!

Thursday's Thoughts...

~ Tonight mom, mimi, sister-in-law and mother-in-law are going to the annual Countdown to Christmas at our home church in Dallas. We have been going for about 5 years now. It's so fun to see Christmas decorations, vendors set up and hear a wonderful speaker. Great way to kick off the holiday season!

~I've been making my own PSL thanks to Katy's wonderful hostess gift!! Tastes just like Starbucks!!! Thank you Katy!!

~I really need to get back on my "diet" and work on counting again.

~Yes, my co-worker and I listened to Christmas music on Tuesday. It was greatness!

~This weekend we don't have any big plans! I'm so looking forward to getting my house back in order, reading, going to church and taking it easy.

~mom leaves tomorrow for her Cruise out of Barcelona, Spain. You think I can fit in her suitcase???

~ I found a site you can swap novels or CDs on called paperbackswap.com Seems like a pretty neat concept, I might give it a try! Anyone ever done this??

~I have got to get back on my vitamins. I'm always so tired and have no energy! UGHH!

~ I wish it would stay lighter a little longer than the time I'm at work! It feels like it's 9:00 when I get home.

~21 days until Thanksgiving....CRAZY~


Thankful For: my day off! It's nice to have a day away from work. And tonight, to spend time with the girls in our family!

Whirlwind...

This weekend was crazy busy, but so much fun. A few of the highlights:

Saturday morning we headed out to Trinity Park in Ft. Worth for a 5k run with the Brock's. It was a beautiful day and perfect running weather. We finished ( I actually had to walk for about a minute due to a cramp) in just about 36 minutes. That's actually pretty fast for my little legs and my bad knees. I know that's slow to some, but I was proud!

Sunday morning we headed to Dallas. I dropped the hubs off at his parent's house, then headed over to the Wallace's to get ready for Katy's baby shower! It was so wonderful to see Katy pregnant for the first time (and only time before the little Rose Bud is born). She was beautiful, so happy and had the momma glow! I even got to feel baby kick! I have never felt anything like that before, it was so surreal! After all the guests left we got to have some QT with Katy and catch up a little on life. Oh how we miss you, Katy!! The time was so short, but I know everyone enjoyed seeing you and your sweet belly! You and Kristian are going to make incredible parents and I can't wait to meet that precious boy! **pictures to come, I didn't have my camera on me!!

I know I keep saying this, but I just can't believe November is here. It's the start of my favorite time of year. I think I'll list something on every post that I'm thankful for on that day! Cheese ball, maybe?! But its nice to appreciate the little blessings in life! :)

Thankful For: so thankful for the sun we've had instead of the rain! It's been beautiful lately! Thank you, Jesus!!!

what did I hear?!?!

STARBUCKS IS BRINGING OUT THE GINGERBREAD TODAY!!! YAY!!!

I can't believe November is here. We had a really busy/fun weekend that I will update on later! It is NaBloPoMo so I should spread it out! I'm 3 days late but I'll try from here on out to say a little something every day:)

Happy Tuesday!

BOO....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Off to do our 5k Kidney Awareness run!! Have a SPOOKtacular day!!!

Thursday's Thoughts...

~ We have a reallly busy weekend consisting of a 5k, working an event, baby shower and possible trip to Mexia to see two relatives in the hospital.

~ It's raining again. Just glad the weather following is nice and cool.

~Had a wonderful Tuesday night with Lauren, Angela and Abi planning baby Rose's shower, eating a yummy dinner and having wonderful conversation!

~ It was one year ago yesterday that one of our friends passed away. Bittersweet day as we miss him but know he is with the Lord. We were able to reminisce with The Bass', who also happen to be Ross' family.

~ I can't believe November is just a few days away. This year has flown!

~Next week is Countdown to Christmas, which has become a yearly tradition for mom, grandma, MIL, SIL and myself! Yummy dinner, great speaker and lots of things Christmasy!! :)

~I'm going a shade or two darker for fall/winter. I bought a box so we will see how it looks...(insert nervous look)

~I have a lot to do around the house that I have neglected this week. MUST CLEAN!!

~my great aunt turns 100 tomorrow! (she's also one of the ones in the hospital) What a milestone!!

~ I get to have some of mom's cake this weekend!! YESSSSSSSSS!!

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!

dog park...

Yesterday was such a nice, cool day that we decided to go spend sometime at a local dog park. We loaded all three pups into the car and hit the park for two hours of doggy fun. Tiger tends to be the dog that would rather sit by any person before making new dog friends. He even manages to pull himself up on benches or picnic tables and sits by whoever will let him!

We originally started taking them to the dog park so that we could socialize Daisy a little more. She loves people, but dogs are another story! She has gotten so much better that now she lets other dogs come up to her and never barks. She's learned to be nice to everyone! We still keep her on a leash and will until we feel pretty confident that she won't do a surprise attack on a dog. YIKES!

Chloe is our social butterfly and loooooved making new puppy friends! Towards the end my dad brought up his dog and socializing him went better than we thought. He didn't like Chloe at first, but seemed to become friends after about 15 minutes of nipping and barking. They chased and played and by three o'clock, all were tired.
On the way home we got to see a little airshow that is done about 15 miles from our house. Goo Blue Angels! They flew right above our house!!