Bloggy Brain Mush

I haven't really felt like blogging and I don't know why.

I am hoping to start up again REALLY soon.

I can't figure out how to jump back in.

I can't decide if I want to keep things light?

I am having a tough season right now.

But do I really want to broadcast it?

Can I write about the day to day stuff and still be real?

Hoping to be back soon.

From Our Family To Yours

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you peace, love and joy this year!

Blessings and Love,

Chris, Kelli, and Caroline

Did You H-E-A-R?

SANTA'S COMING!

I'm Still Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Snow still makes me giddy.  I think if I ever lived somewhere that got snow every year, I would giggle and watch as if I had never seen it before.  It is kind of magical and so beautiful!  Texas snow predictions make me skeptical but this year, the weather people did not disappoint! 

We got quite the afternoon snow.  I sat on the couch sipped hot chocolate and listened to Christmas music while the flurries fell!  Caroline was sleeping for most of it (she was insanely tired and cranky) but when she did wake up we ran out to play!  She had fun at first, but as soon as her fingers got cold, she wanted inside!

 The backyard at the beginning...

 When the snow was coming down!  Kicking myself for not taking a picture of the front of our house!

 

 Snow kissed flowers.... which are all dead now.  WHY didn't I cover them!

 

 She liked to "throw snow" it reminded her of "throw rocks" from the farm!

 

 

 "WEEEE"

 

Daddy and C-Nan

 

A rare picture of mommy and Caroline

 

 SNOW!

I loved every second of the snow and would be lying if I didn't tell you that every day since, I have prayed for a little more! :)

Turkey Dinner

Holidays are always a WHIRLWIND for us.  Chris and I try and see all three families because we don't want to miss out with anyone.  We are slowly learning this may not be as easy as Caroline gets bigger, but we had a great time for Thanksgiving making the trip.

Our first stop was to see Chris' grandma in South Texas.  Unfortunately Chris' dad was sick and so we didn't get to visit with him.  Caroline missed seeing her Granddad!  To say that Caroline had fun that night would be an UNDERSTATEMENT.  She ran ALL over her Great Cookie's house and had a blast "walking" in her high heels.  I am KICKING myself for not getting out the camera that night.  Early in the morning, Cookie fixed us a fabulous breakfast complete with chocolate sheet cake, since we were going to miss it at lunch!

We loaded up the car and headed to the farm.  Every other Thanksgiving, 50-70 of Chris' extended-extended family all get together.  I am still learning names and how everyone is connected and related!  This home is where Chris' grandma, Bern was born and raised, and how wonderful that it is still in the family!!  When Chris was a kid they started measuring all the cousins on the door frame.  Last time we forgot to start Caroline's marks, but this year she was officially measured!

After we stuffed our faces, Caroline played and played and played.  She was obsessed with throwing rocks in the water, the sand pit, and the swing.  Chris was beside himself that she loved all the outdoor activities!  His wife is more of a "city" girl! :)

 

During nap time we drove back home and had more turkey with my family!  I looked through all the pictures and KNEW this was going to be my new favorite.  These two people are the loves of my life!

During Caroline's nap time, we headed back home to have Thanksgiving with my family.  We ate our hearts out, played games, watched the UT vs. A&M game, and had lots of laughs!

 Megan and her sweet roommate Angela, from Alaska!

 

 My cousin Olivia was home from her first year of college.  She was REALLY excited about non dorm food.  Unfortunately Thanksgiving dinner put her in a little bit of a coma! :)

It was a very busy but wonderful holiday!  The rest of the weekend, Chris and I decorated for Christmas!  It was a ton of fun and we have been enjoying the fruits of our labor this month!!!

"Gingerbread" Houses

Growing up, there was one thing we always did during the holidays and that was decorate "gingerbread" houses.  I have WONDERFUL memories of watching my Gaga and mom assemble the graham cracker houses.  Through the years we have shared the tradition with friends, kids I baby sat for and even turned it into a group competition!  My brother and sister's friends would come to over and compete in extravagant village decorating party.  It was always a ton of fun!

Today I got to pass on the tradition to my own daughter and some of her play group friends.  Lots of friends were busy but we had so much fun with the ones who joined us!  And one even texted while she is in LABOR to find out if we were having fun and asked if I would post some pictures.  How could I deny a sweet friend's request at such a time!

Two Years Ago

 

My sister and the college kids

Ready to smash his house

 

Ready to decorate

 

  

MMMM Good

 

 

Hard at work

 

 

This might be my first 52 pictures

  

Yummy Chocolate!!!

  

Beautiful Houses

Thankful For My Marriage

Today Chris and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary much like we did 4 years ago, surrounded by our loving and caring families. When we were planning our wedding, we knew it would fall on Thanksgiving every few years. And we were definitely ok with that because what better day to celebrate your marriage then one full of thankfulness!

I am thankful for MANY MANY things but this year, I am most thankful for my marriage.

I love you Chris and there is no one else I would want to walk this life on earth with!