Tis the Season

Every year Christmas seems to sneak up on me. I end up frantically running around at the last minute to finish shopping. I put out my decorations so late its almost pointless. I quickly lose sight of the meaning of Christmas because I become so wrapped up in the stress of the unnecessary. This year I vowed to be different. 

Lillian is at such a fun and precious age, which makes Christmas so much more fun and meaningful.  Jon and I have really tried to focus on spending time as a family celebrating this special holiday.  We went and picked out our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving (in the rain might I add).  We had a lot of fun decorating it and even more fun watching Lillian help.  She would get so excited after hanging each ornament on the tree.  The first weekend in December we took a trip to Dallas for the Gift of Christmas at Prestonwood church.  It is always so entertaining and really gets you into the Christmas spirit.  The following week Jon and I ran in a Christmas 5k downtown.  The streets were decorated and lit for Christmas.  There were carolers along the course singing.  It was so much fun! About a week later we drove to Jefferson, TX one evening and rode a Christmas train.  It was not as exciting as I had hoped for, but Lillian really enjoyed it. After the train ride Lillian rode a carousel for the first time and loved it! (She keeps calling it a Ferris wheel) The following weekend we drive to Dallas again and spent time with Jon's side of the family. We went to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord, where Lillian kept wanting to lick all the ice. We really enjoyed spending quality time with family we don't see often.  Somewhere in between all that we found time to put up Christmas lights on our house, Lillian had a birthday party for Jesus at school, and I sent out Christmas cards.  Lillian visited with Santa one afternoon and was so excited. She told him she wanted a pink helmet and a pink bike, some blue toys, and a banjo.  We still plan on baking cookies for Santa and a birthday cake for Jesus. 

Although I still have presents to buy and wrap, food to prepare, and a messy house, we have surely enjoyed celebrating Christmas. 

I hope to instill the importance of Christmas and Christ's birth in Lillian.  I hope she never loses sight of the real meaning of Christmas and always believes in the magic as well. 

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.  Psalm 126:3

Happy 4th!!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday today!!  We started Lillian's first Independence Day off by taking a walk in the park.  The weather, mostly the temperature, was perfect this morning, so we took advantage of it.

After our walk we stopped at Rhino for some coffee and breakfast.  Then I came home and made some treats to take to my aunt's house for the family get together.   I dipped some strawberries in chocolate to make them more patriotic.  I also made individual red, white, and blue fruit pizzas.  I was proud of my themed treats! :)  

We had a wonderful day spending time with family celebrating the 4th of July.  

Thankful today and always to live in our free country and to those that defend our country to keep it this way!  Happy 4th of July!

Happy 1st Father's Day!

I have to brag on my husband for a minute...
He is the best daddy to our sweet baby girl.  I always knew he would be a good dad, but he has exceeded my expectations.  He is the one who has the opportunity to stay at home with her, because he has a job that allows him to be at home majority of the time.  He does such a wonderful job of taking care of Lillian!  She is smitten by her daddy and is definitely a daddy's girl.  Unfortunately he was not able to spend his first father's day with us because he was out of town for work.
Thank you, Jon, for being a great husband and now a wonderful daddy!

Happy 1st Father's Day!!

Memorial Day Weekend

This past 4 day weekend was great! It started off Friday when I got to sleep in because I was off work! I spent the day with my sweet baby and then Jon, Lillian, and I joined my in- laws for dinner. After dinner Jon and I took Lillian to Rhino Coffee Shop and listened to a bluegrass band called Foley's Van. My sister came in town late that night so we all slept in on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon we did a little shopping and then ate lunch on the patio at Oyster Bar. Saturday night we attempted to hang out at the Mudbug Madness festival but it didn't last long. Lillian was not a happy camper as soon as she heard the super loud music and was bombarded by unfamiliar faces. About 15 minutes after we were there a huge black cloud covered the sky and we saw lightening in the distance. That was our cue to leave. Maybe next year we will have better success. Sunday we all got up and went to Rhino for breakfast before our trip to the park. Candace, Jon, and Brady ran while Lillian and I walked. It was crazy hot out because the humidity was so bad. Sunday evening Jon made dinner and his parents came over. It was a nice relaxing evening. Monday, Memorial Day, was uneventful and so nice. I am thankful for all of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to keep this country free. This weekend was full of family time, and I am so thankful for that too! I'm glad my sister was able to come visit!

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Mother's Day today has a whole new meaning now that I am a mother myself.  I am so thankful that God chose me to be Lillian's mommy.  I love her more than I ever thought possible!  She has brought so much joy to my life.  I now have a better understanding of the sacrifices a mother has to make for her children and the love that is felt.  I pray that God guides me in the direction I need to best raise Lillian in this world we live in today.

(Photo courtesy of Nikki Melder)

Train a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6