Sorry I am still posting on the holidays but I have been trying to catch up! Plus there was no way I was passing by posting on our fabulous Christmas/ New Year's trip to Texas. This was Jason's first REAL trip to Texas. He had been a few times before for only a couple of days [and loved it] but this was his initiation. First, Dad and Carol gifted Jason some boots for Christmas. But of course, every man has to choose boots for himself. So we all drove out to Justin, Texas to get him the real deal. 

As you can see there were just a few to choose from!

O what joy.

Male bonding. My dad is an ostrich man. Jason was still undecided at this point.

square toe? round toe? techno crepe? kangaroo? elephant? calf? lizard? ostrich?

 We also got to spend a few days of quality time with my niece Addyson and my nephew, Lawson. They are a handful but lots of fun. We had some great times with them!

I had to take a picture with George Strait. I love it. This is my niece Addy.

This might be my favorite picture ever taken. Two of my favorite men. [Both wearing boots might I add]

 We played games with the family and just got to relax. Jason loves Texas and our time here made us even more excited to move to Austin. We can't wait for all the good Tex-Mex, barbeque, Texas sunsets & thunderstorms and annual boot shopping.

Addy and I got matching pajamas!

We baked cookies. How cute is Lawson in his little Woody tee?

Aunt Kasee may or may not have overloaded the bathtub with bubbles. They didn't seem to mind though!

adorable

cute cute cute

Jay and I got Dad an MRE, meal ready to eat, like they have in the army. Beef stew. He made everybody try it. Let's just say I hope we never have to live off of those things!

Jay got me a photography book so Jason had to be my model. pretty good looking model if I do say so myself! Jay got us the best gifts! We definitely had an amazing Christmas this year (all 3!)

Such a handsome model.

again

our neighbors backyard. there is a different kind of beauty in Texas. you learn to appreciate it.

practicing

We went to the annual New Year's Party with all of D & C's friends. fun fun.

There is quite a story here if you ever want to hear it :)

Happy New  Year! Thanks for a fabulous vacation! Love you family!

 

Idaho for Christmas

Well I am severely behind in my blogging and the longer I wait the more things happen and the harder it is to post so I better get crackin'!

Here is a little recap of our wonderful Christmas trip to Idaho, my first with the Thomas family, might I add.

We had a great time with our nieces:

We enjoyed this, even if Carly did not. poor thing.

Jason and I put this kitchen together for Carly. it was sooo fun. all 200 pieces. ha.

loving the ponytail

how cute is she?

Uncle Jason with Baby Shay. precious.

Playing games with shmarly

don't those eyes make you melt? we were pretty good friends :)

she loves the scriptures.

all dressed up for church! shoe socks too! sooo cute!

I guess we did a few other things than stare and play with those cuties:

Decorated the tree.

Carly helped

This ornament is from when Jason was on his mission. tres cute.

Sat around looking pretty [3 generations, cool, right?]

Made homemade Christmas gifts..and talked to that handsome missionary (right corner) on the phone!

Made cute headbands and hair do dads with the ladies

got new cute pajamas

read the Polar Express & the Christmas story from Luke

enjoyed all the family around us.

Finally, we had Christmas!

Santa, Jason and Karen & Jedd brought me fun and pretty kitchen things!

Jason got a belt for his belt buckles.

Karen also handmade & handpainted each child a birthday clown. Remember the clown references every birthday? Well now we have the birthday clown so Jason cannot complain anymore! Thanks Karen :)

I guess all the present opening and fun wore the boys out. cute.

We had a wonderful time with the family! It was such a good trip and so fun for me to learn all the Thomas traditions!

We did manage to get one family shot (sans Brady of course):

What a bunch! Merry Christmas!

The Spirit of Christ

We just wanted to wish all our friends and family a Merry Christmas!
We hope wherever you are that you have had a wonderful day and enjoyed this holiday season!

May we remember today what this day is truly about: the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He made all that we have and all that we are possible.

This video says it better than I do, that at this time of year we only need drop one syllable and remember the Spirit of Christ.

It may seem a little late to think about this but I know that we can keep this spirit and this light with us throughout the year.




We are so grateful for all that Jason and I have in our little family and the many Christmases ahead of us.
Now bring us some figgy pudding.....

'Tis the Season

Last Sunday we decorated for Christmas but I just haven't had time to post about it yet!

 Our little tree! Decorated with many of my favorite childhood ornaments:

When I was growing up, every year my grandma would send me an ornament. My great aunts would send me some too. They sent me 5 or 6 really cool Barbie ornaments:

 Jason and I got this rolling pin ornament this year for me in honor of me starting my foodblog. [and it's cute]

When Jason's parents were first married, they were too poor to buy a star for their tree. They had just eaten a pie so they made a start out of the pie tin. Jason and I have recreated this foil star since 1. we like the story and 2. we are poor too. haha. [Interesting fact: that pie tin star still graces the top of the Thomas family tree]

 A few other Christmas things including my childhood stocking :)

 Our advent calendar we got last year.

 Trees!

 My mom got me this cute santa hat candy dish. Love it.

Nothing says Christmas like mint M&M's!

Holiday dish towels are a must!

Hope your holiday decorating and Christmas shopping is going well! I am gearing up for my handmade/homemade/vintage Christmas gifts this year! I will share some of them later!

Check out my grandma's recipe for pecan pie here.