F@v0riTe ThInGS P@rtY!!!

So. Much. Fun.

Last night I hosted a Favorite Things Party with my MOPS group.  It was a success and I’ll definitely be doing another one sometime.  When you get a group of about 20 women together you just never know what’s going to go down…but it couldn’t have been more perfect!

I’m so lucky to have met Becca in our group.  She was huge part in pulling it all together and brainstorming.  She’s a breath of fresh air in chaos and someone who appreciates my humor and antics.  Gotta hold on to this gem! 

Everyone brought either an appetizer or dessert and I made a delicious punch (recipe courtesy of my friend Kelly)!  The punch was a huge hit, so here’s the recipe:

1-     2 L of Sprite

1 can of frozen OJ

1- 46oz. can of Pineapple Juice

Top it off with some orange or rainbow sherbert

Dump it all in together and enjoy!  Yep, that easy!  J

Everyone brought 3 of the same favorite thing.  Then before we started, everyone wrote their name on three slips of paper.  Those names went in a bowl, shuffled and then passed around.  Everyone grabbed three names who their favorite things would go out to AFTER they shared it in front of the group.  So, everyone came with 3 favorite things of their own and went home with 3 new favorite things.  We set a price limit of no more than $10-15 per item. 

It was great to get to know everyone a little better by hearing a little about themselves and why they selected their favorite thing.  Then we all waited in anticipation to see who got each magnificent gift after they shared. 

Everything was wonderful!  I’ll try to break down what was gifted:

*Peace of Mind Sensory Therapy- On the Spot Relief by Origins.  Origins Store

*Pack it Folder by Eagle Creek.  The Container Store

*Meal Planner/ Grocery List by Organizher. Target

*Starbucks Gift Card. Enough said

*Glitzbandz- headband that stays in place! Glitzbandz.com

*OPI nail polish and lip gloss.  Sephora, Ulta, etc.

* No lines thong by HankyPanky.  Nordstrom Rack

*Magnetic List Note Pad by Scotch. Target We all admitted we add things to our list just to have the gratification of crossing them off.  We had a good chuckle!  J

*Anit-bac soap & gel by Bath and Body Works

* Holiday Socks found everywhere!

*Incredible pair of scissors sold in a multipack at Costco.  Lots of oohs and ahhs!

* Cranberry Crave Shine Essential Lip Gloss by Maybelline.  Target

*Great clear nail polish- to use for just about everything but nails!  Target

*Alamo Drafthouse tickets and Food voucher- San Antonio locations

*Tazo Passion Iced Tea with a fabulous travel cup- HEB

* OPI Nail Polish minis.  Sephora, Ulta, etc

*Reusable, tote able, rolled up bags. EnviroSacs

* Essential Oils by doTerra.  Doterra.com

*Barnes and Noble gift card. Great place to escape, have a coffee and read a magazine!

* Tooth Whitening Pen. Walgreens

* Peony Burt’s Bees chapstick.  Walgreens

* LED snow globe ornament. Tuesday Morning

* Rock- a- holic Dry Shampoo.  HEB, Ulta, Target Essential for a MOPS mom!

So there you have it! The list of fabulous favorite things!  I feel so blessed to have landed in such a great MOPS group!  They are the real deal!  Great fellowship, experiences and joy. 

xoxoxo

Deck the Halls

We just love this time of year around here!  We typically pull out the totes upon totes of Christmas decorations out the day after Thanksgiving.  This year was a little different in that we didn't have nearly as many totes to pull out.  We went through a major de-cluttering and donation spree (64 boxes and construction garbage bags)!  I knew the workers at my local Goodwill and I think they would draw straws every time the minivan pulled up knowing it was chucked full of awesomeness. 

Kay really enjoyed setting up the nativity set this year.  I just absolutely love my nativity set.  My mom has given a little bit of it to me throughout the years and I truly cherish it.  If our house ever burnt down, I'd be grabbing this set over baby pictures.  Truth.  Don't judge me. 

I at one point expressed I liked snowmen and well I was inundated with snowmen then for the next few years.  Crazy.  I'm actually really loving polar bears out at Christmas, but they are hard to find.  Although, thinking about it, I should really look down the road at Sea World.  hmmm...
Tonight we are going to a Kim Hill Christmas Concert- super excited about that! And next week I'm hosting a "Favorite Things" Party for my MOPS group, Oprah style.  Of course, we won't be buying one for everyone, but instead bringing three of our favorite thing and sharing with the ladies.  I'll post about it with some pictures next week.  I'm still torn between a couple of different things, one would take some time the other is an easy thing to pick up.  Keep posted. 

Oh, there's another exciting thing that may be happening, but you'll have to wait and see along with us!  :) 

Tis' the Season

Howdy!

Lots of people have been asking me lately (5 in the past week!) how we “do” Christmas at our house and how/if Santa plays any role.  Tis’ the season!  It really made me reflect on our whys.  So here’s my spin on it all.  Not to say that it is all the right answer, but for my family, it is what we believe is right for us. 

So, when it comes to the big jolly guy, yes he is part of our traditions.  No, he is NOT the focus of Christmas in our house.  Santa is a figure that helps others see the true meaning of Christmas.  He is giving, he is joyful, he is full of love, he helps others, he spreads cheer and most importantly in our house, he loves and knows Jesus.  Because he loves and knows Jesus, he shows grace.

 To me it’s important to give our kids that sense of excitement, joy, boundless imagination and amusement that comes with the idea of Santa. There’s enough in this world that makes them grow up way too fast.  I love the childhood they’ve experienced and I’m determined to continue to give them one that is full of fun, jovial and imaginative experiences.

 As Jesus received three precious gifts at His birth, Santa also brings three gifts to my girls in celebration if Jesus’ birth.  Even at 6, Kay doesn’t question the number of gifts under the tree.  They understand the reason and significance.  Santa is just a part of the celebration of our Savior’s birth in delivering gifts to celebrate Jesus’ love for us.  One day they may ask and question the reality of Santa (I hope no time in the near future!!!) and that’s ok.  It’s life.  At that time, I’ll turn it on them to investigate. When they are ready have a conversation about the fictional character Santa, it will be one that includes information about where the idea of Santa came from in our history.

 I love the excitement and wonder that happens in our house this time of year.  The girls LOVE “acting like Santa” and doing good deeds for others, dropping coins in Salvation Army buckets, buying for Angel Tree children and wrapping their gifts, random acts of kindness, handing out “happy bags” to homeless people, etc.  These kinds of things are what they believe Santa does with a heart like Jesus.  I can live with that. 

We read an amazing Advent book written by Jack and Kathy Stockman.  It has a piece of the Christmas story each day and each day the girls get to open a new door.  We start from the beginning of the book each day and within a few days they start reciting the book with us as we read.  Gives me goose bumps thinking about it!  I just love it! 

And our elf, “Lizard” (name courtesy of Ashland this year) comes around and he is more of just a fun little dude that pops up in funny places.  Nothing more. It’s fun and it gives us a reason to act like kids ourselves and come up with creative ways to hide him or to set him up in a comical way.  When he makes a mess, we practice showing grace and clean up after him without anger or frustration. :)

So there’s our take. I realize not everyone is on this band wagon and that is a- okay with me.  I respect, and expect, that and I ask that you respect our views too :)  

Week full of fun

This past week we have had Greg's mom and sister in town which lead to more touristy outings!  We love going out and exploring this great state and especially the area where we live. This city is always lively and full of new experiences.  Sunday we headed downtown and went back in history at the Alamo.  So much history packed in a small building!  And the surrounding grounds are absolutely breath-taking.  I'm looking forward to some day taking the time to watch the IMAX movie that goes along with the ALAMO.  There is so much explained and detail revealed that makes walking through those very same walls so much more. After the Alamo, we strolled down to the Riverwalk to have dinner and take a ride down the river to take in all the views and history of the buildings along the Riverwalk.  

Kaylen standing at the same podium LBJ used at the "Texas White House"

Monday we headed up to the German town of Fredricksburg and had a traditional German lunch.  After we filled ourselves with great food and traditions, we cruised over to President LBJ's Ranch.  It is a National Historical Park and for very good reason!!!  It is coined as the Texas White House as he spent much of his presidential term at the ranch.  He said that he felt confident and at home there and he would bring the big wigs there, on his turf, to make things happen.  The house has been remodeled to the original decor from the years of his term in office.  Lady Bird still lived there and it was considered her permanent address up until her death in 2007.  While they did remodel EVERYTHING back to the 60's, Lady Bird had told the planners before she died that if they put shag carpeting back in the house that she promised she would haunt them.  I love the sense of humor that they appeared to have had. 

Jet used by LBJ to travel from DC to his ranch- "Air Force One-half"

Tuesday Kaylen had her first cheer performance at school.  It was absolutely adorable.  She did great!  We are finding that she is really starting to blossom with confidence! 

The girls are back in school now and Greg is back at work, but it has been a great visit and makes me anxious to see my family at Christmas time even more!!!

Four months is entirely too long!!!

Yes, we still exist.  No, we did not die in the summer heat or get bit by a big, nasty rattle snake.  Nope.  We weren't killed by Shamu or any of his friends nor plunged to our demise in the beautiful Riverwalk.  None of that.  Just living in the chaos that comes with moving to the other side of the country. 
How to best catch you up to speed?  I think I'll break it down by month.  Buckle for safety, here we go~

June:

1. On our way down here Ash contracted a nasty virus in her throat which led to multiple doctor visits before the right diagnosis and meds were prescribed.  :( 

2.  We found our new home on the second day in town!  Went through all the inspections and crazy loan process with the help of our AMAZING Realtors.  They truly were incredible to work with and so friendly and knowledgeable! 

3.  The four of us slept in one room.  Our friends graciously opened their home to us for the weeks in between arriving in town and closing on our house.  I'm sure they were as happy as us that we found the house quickly and they closed within weeks!  They also have two children (who are amazing!) so the girls transitioned pretty flawlessly. 

4.  Found that the San Antonio area is very efficient when it comes to roadways and I love it!!

5.  First friends booked a trip down to see us which was so awesome to look forward to!

July:

1.  Closed on our new home before 4th of July but had to wait until the weekend after to have the movers move us in.

2.  Enjoyed going to a small town parade and fireworks on the 4th!!! This is a tradition that Greg and I love to do and I'm so glad that we were able to continue it with the girls this year!

3.  We found that lizards coming into the house were about as common as house flies.  Crazy at first, but sadly now I'm used to it. 
4.  We went to Sea World at least a dozen times.  Never gets old.  It's only like 10 minutes down the road which is AMAZING!!! Especially, on hot days to go chill out at Aquatica Water park.  Love, Love, Love!!
5.  Our first guest came and we were able to do a bunch of touristy things like the Riverwalk boat ride, caverns, downtown, Sea World, North Star, etc.  So great to have friendly faces from home here! 
6.  Ash tried her hand at beauty school on her own head.  Not so great.  She now has bangs.  ugh.
7.  OUR TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!  Luckily, our friends who came down saved the day and extended their trip and switched their plane tickets so Greg and I could go out for dinner and a night on the town.  Other plans fell through, so we are going to make our eleventh anniversary a "ten year re-do"! :)
8.  Kay turned SIX!!!  Hard to believe!  What a great little lady!

August:

1.  Another great friend came down for a visit for a couple of weeks and we got to do more touristy things in between some everyday chaos.
2.  Registered Kay for FIRST GRADE!  Crazy.  I was blown away that there was no registration or textbook fee.  None.  Ever.
3.  Kay got glasses.  Love them on her and she gets compliments on them all the time. 
4.  Lots of time at Sea World :) 
5.  Picked up a dresser out of a garbage pile and made it into our entertainment console.  Love it!
5.  Kay started first grade.  Loves her teacher and is making friends!  She is doing really well in all areas which exciting for her as she is a bit of an overachiever already.  

September:
1.  Greg started the month out with crazy hours at work.  One week he had put in 82 hours.  Absolutely insane.  Praise God he is salary with overtime pay as acquired. 
2.  Labor Day weekend !  Caught up with some new friends and relaxed then spent Monday at Sea World! 
3.  Kay joined the cheer team at her school.  It has been great for her coordination and memorization skills.  I think she is doing quite well as a first grader!
4.  Ash started preschool and apparently keeps her teachers laughing for three hours straight.  So that makes one overachiever and one class clown.  Awesome.
5. The girls participated in a cheer camp held at the high school.  They loved it.  They learned cheers in the morning with a short dance and then preformed on the field that night with the high school cheer team.  What a hoot!
6.  After several weeks and episodes of Kay being very sick and having severe stomach pains, she had an upper GI scope done.  Her esophagus is quite inflamed and it appears her gut function is not up to speed.  So, they took a few specimens that are being tested for a variety of things and she is on a routine of three medications as well as avoiding dairy for now.  :(  Looking forward to the answers soon!

7.  We ended the month going up to Dallas to check out the state fair.  They say it is the largest state fair in the country and I believe it!!! It was awesome and so much fun with the girls!

October:

1. Celebrated my 24th birthday, again.  Great day!  Greg took the day off and took me to a cafe he's been wanting to try out.  They had delicious coffee!!!  oh my!  Then we went up to a huge outlet shopping center in San Marcos, which we have been to a couple of times, but it was so nice to go during the week.  Then we picked up Kay from school, took her to cheer then out to dinner at the Tower of the Americas.  It has a revolving restaurant at the top with breath taking views of the city.  The girls were mind blown by it! 

2. We are enjoying the mid 80's with an incredible breeze.  So nice to be able to still wear shorts and sandals!

3.  In the mornings it has been in the 70's.  The locals are layering like it is in the 30's.  I'm going to just have to get used to this.  And I apologize to the little boy I laughed at (inside my car) who was wearing a winter hat the other morning.  But really people...that is just not needed when it is 70 degrees out. 

If you made it this far, congrats and thank you for sticking it out with me!!

You spin me right round baby....

The final days are here at good ol' 1201.  Crazy.  Packers are moving at lightning speed!  It all seems surreal.  I'm grateful that Greg's company is giving us this luxury of packers and movers. We've done it the hard way before and I'll tell you- this is the way to go!  Especially across the country!
Yesterday I woke up with lots of anxiety and stress.  To the point I had to cancel plans with a couple people because I was feeling quite ill from it all.  Not what I wanted.  Mid-afternoon one of the student's mom planned a "I'll talk to you later" party and planned lots of yummy food.  I knew I had to pull myself together to make it there.  I rested some more, did a few things around the house and just gave my stress and what-not up to God.  I knew I wasn't going to rid of it on my own.  I did come around and had a good second half to my day. 
I'm so so grateful to anyone who has ever just popped in to see how I was doing, messaged me, calls, brought me a coffee, babysat, planned "talk to you later" parties, even in these final hectic days.  Those things are what keep me going.  This has been a very lonely process and I've learned a lot about myself and the people around me.  I'm not one to ask for help and luckily there are people I'm surrounded by that know me well enough to just step in. 
My hours are counting down fast here.  Bittersweet.  While I'm so excited and gitty about being with Greg again and anxious to see what God has in store for us at our new place, I can't help but feel tore up inside about leaving the friends we've made here.  I have made some incredible lifelong friends that I cherish.  They have left a huge footprint on my heart.  From experience, I know too, that I'll meet new people and build new relationships.  It's always hard.  Every move.  And this time, we can't get in the car and make visits to old neighborhoods.  However, I do know this.  Anytime we are up visiting, we will be coming back to LZ.  This place is filled with so many memories and wonderful people! My cup, it over flows.

#tearfest2012

#tearfest2012, goodbye party, celebration, cookout, Mary's last small group...whatever you want to call it, it happened and it was everything and more than I could imagine!  I was weepy just getting ready to head over to the usual meeting place just knowing this would be the last time I'd get to spend with this group, in this setting.  You see, this group has changed and molded me for the past few years.  They are so much more than they ever give themselves to be and so much more to me than I will ever be able to express.  This group of students will undoubtedly be global changers.  They are "a generation stepping up to take their place" in an amazing way.  Like most other leaders, I wanted to jump in to help them.  I learned quickly that they were the ones helping me.  They stretch me, humble me, confide in me, make me vulnerable and make me excited to take huge leaps as they have been incredible cheerleaders along this crazy journey.  I LOVE THEM ALL.  Period. 

Watching the incredible video that was made for me!

The fellow leaders are just as amazing.  They give so much of their time and selflessly give up time with their own families because they believe in these students.  They believe that these students are strong enough and bright enough to get friends and their whole community to rise up.  Unless you've experienced a Wednesday night with these incredible leaders and see their passion, you can't possible comprehend what I've witnessed.  They have left a huge imprint on my heart.  And they have raised the bar.
So to everyone who made me feel so loved, thank you.  To everyone who had a part in the incredible video, bravo!  To everyone who has challenged me to go further and to completely surrender, I thank God EVERY day for bringing you into my life.  You have changed me forever. 

Here is a link to the video.  I believe the intro to it was "This is the part of the night where you decide not to move and to stay here"  xoxoxo  So many laughs and tears all packed into one video- you guys rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAnit_lsYmU&feature=share