Christmas in Texas

We made it a tradition last year to visit downtown Grapevine in December, for this is the Christmas Capital of Texas.  The kids love seeing the lights and dancing to the music.  I especially enjoyed hearing these words loudly sung on Main Street:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

Come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

This made me laugh...the boys were so concerned...who killed Santa?

 The boys made homemade playdough and were so proud.

Somehow we always hit the neighbor jackpot!  In Temple some of our best friends lived 2 doors down.  We also scored with a neighbor who worked for Oakley and provided us with free sunglasses.  And then there was Linda, who babysat Marley whenever I needed.  Well, Grapevine has not disappointed. Our cul-d-sac here has been just as awesome.  We had Christmas with the next door neighbors.  They are so sweet to our kids...and our kids prefer them over the neighbor kids.  

The kids on Christmas (23rd) morning.  We celebrated early as a family since we would be in Arkansas on Christmas day.

And then onto the Heminway's for more Christmas fun.

Praise God for a reason to celebrate!!!

December...party party party

The boys did great singing at our Church Christmas program.  They're so cute and both get a little stage fright.  

We had several play dates with friends.  Since the boys are so close in age, Shepherd's friends quickly become Owen's friends as well.  Owen has started wearing a Faith uniform every day to be just like Shepherd.

We had several parties at Shcpherd's school.

 I love how Marley captures all the attention of the 4th graders.  They were going around the table saying "Marley say Madison"..."Marley say Alexis".

 Then on to a party at Chuck E. Cheese.  Again...Marley hangs out with the big girls.

 And then on to jumpzone.  party party party.

Shepherd's class Christmas party.  I'm one of the class room mom's so I get to help plan and execute his class parties.  I love watching him in class and interact with his friends.  

 We went to several light shows and journeyed to Bethlehem.  I just love this time of year and the excitement of the birth of our King.

Thanksgiving 2011

We had a fun time hanging out at the Hemingway's for Thanksgiving this year.  Lots of food, fun and playing.  Indy (the dog) always keeps the kids entertained. 

Then later on Thursday night we had a special treat---our good friends from medical school came to visit.  We really haven't hung out much since life in Little Rock, unless you count me "helping" deliver Amanda's twins last Christmas.  Okay, so maybe I didn't really help, but it was my first time to ever watch a c-section. They have 5 kiddos...so it was a fun full house.  The kids played so good together, it almost made me want 8 kids---almost.  Look at all those cuties.

Nate and Rusty had the smoker going all day making ribs and pulled pork for the HOGS vs. LSU game.  We had a party...and it was a really fun one the first half of the game.

Owen and Lucy...

Marley loved pushing Lucy around.  It made me laugh.

We have so many things to be thankful for.  Good friends are at the top of that list.  Thanks, Geidls, for coming all this way.  We loved having you here.  

We had so much fun doing our little family photo shoot.  Aunt Laura has gotten quite good with the camera.  Everyone was pretty cooperative, only Marley didn't want to smile, which is very unusual for her.  When I look at these pictures I'm overwhelmed with a gratitude to God, these aren't just cute faces...these are answered prayers...a sign of God's goodness and provision.  His goodness to us isn't dependent on His provision of these 3 healthy kids...He was good before they came and would continue to be even if they never were.  But I'm sure thankful that He decided his best for us would be Shepherd, Owen and Marley Grace.  My heart swells.  

And...not only are they adorably cute...they're hilarious too.  There is no lacking of personality in our household.  Lots of laughter and tears around here.  Lots of chasing, pillow fights (Marley's latest favorite), cuddling (Owen said to me last night "let's just cuddle mommy"), kisses ("I make it better, I kiss it"--Marley), crafting, cooking, and telling stories (ask me about Georgie and Porgie sometime).  

Capturing just a glimpse of time, we're not perfect, but it's fun to have a few pictures that make us seem put together!  I'm in love and never want to forget this stage with 3 little ones.  

I'd be amiss if I didn't mention Nate and his strengths as a dad and husband.  He's had some really late nights  early mornings of working until 4am delivering babies.  I didn't hear him complain or notice any slacking off in the helping with the kids/house/cooking.  He just gets home and jumps in.  He has a lot on his shoulders with work, upcoming Oral Boards, being discipled by our pastor, leading our small group, managing his fantasy football stuff, watching his teams, etc. etc.  He just does it...with JOY.  I am blessed.  

Our little redhead, an unexpected blessing during an incredibly hard time.  This boy is sweet.

This little girl loves her daddy.  She's our first kid to request daddy over mommy most of the time.  And I don't mind one bit!!

And Owen Conley, he's our rough one!  He loves to run, throw, hit, kick and go go go!!!  He makes us laugh and even though his quiet when you first meet him, he'll probably be pretty quick to start showing off, especially if it makes you laugh.

Outtakes

Happy Thanksgiving...from our fun family of five!

You're Invited!!!

• Holiday Trunk Show
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  Host: 14 talented and creative vendors
  When: Thursday, November 17 from 6-9pm  (drop in) 
  Where: Home of Kelly Strzinek1401 Clark Springs DriveKeller, TX
  http://holidaytrunkshow.blogspot.com/
  http://marlaink.blogspot.com/
  
  

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