31

Yes, this is my newest ensemble from the Buckle. So fun!

I had the best birthday! Greg took me shopping! He hasn't taken me shopping for clothes since before we got married. I already knew I wanted a new pair of jeans from the Buckle, so that is where we headed. I had heard from the great vine, "if you want a good pair of jeans that will last you a long time and are extremely cute go to the Buckle." I have never shopped in that store before probably because it looks like it is more a store for teenagers. I was totally wrong. I asked the sales associate if she could help me find a pair of jeans and two hours later I not only found a new pair of jeans, but a whole new ensemble, a cute sweater and a new best friend (the sales associate- Racquel). Racquel has the greatest taste in clothes and is studying to be a fashion designer, so she hooked me up. It was so much fun! I felt like a Rockstar. She made my birthday very special. Greg loved watching me come out of the dressing room 100 times to see a smile on my face with an adorable outfit on. Fun fun! After we finished shopping we went to Red Lobster to have a delicious birthday dinner and dessert. The next day we celebrated with cheesecake as a family. Carlee has a new favorite dessert. She's a girl after my own heart.

One of the greatest things happened this birthday, God gave our church family the opportunity to bless one of our friends with a lot of money to cover their mortgage and Christmas presents for their family. Well, I had the special privilege of delivering it to their house the day after my birthday. It was a huge surprise to them and they could not have been anymore thankful for the gift. They were both in tears and humbled by it. Here is the icing on the cake, they want to start coming to our homegroup and get more involved in the church. Yeah God!

This was one of the most memorable birthdays ever. I'm so glad God replaced my heart of selfishness (stone) with a heart of selflessness (flesh). In years past, birthdays seemed hard because I expected too much and thought the world revolved around my special day. This birthday was different and this Christmas will be too because I have finally realized in my heart the true meaning of Christ's coming... "he came to serve and not to be served." I pray the same for you and your famiy this Christmas too.

Women's Christmas Dinner

If you ever wondered if I get out of the house to have fun. The answer is... YES! I thoroughly enjoy my time with my friends or my time alone. I need it for sure and come back refreshed and thankful to have women in my life who bless me. I feel like time spent with my friends, is time spent with God. It's the beauty of relationship! I loved getting all girly with my hair, make-up and clothes too. It's just fun being a girl. I love these moments!

Christmas Dance

Carlee preformed for us this week at dance. They danced to a sweet little Veggie Tale song. Carlee got to dance with one of her favorite dogs. Little did I know, they were dancing to a song about baby Jesus. I guess we should have followed the instructions we were given and brought a baby. lol... Carlee had fun and danced her best. She tends to get excited when in front of the camera and it is displayed through her dance. She is improving for sure this year and it is obvious in the her movements. She's become so graceful. We're so proud of her!

Decorating the Tree

Getting started with the small round "ball" ornaments (Zachary would say). You can tell Zachary is a little excited.After Daddy finished putting the lights on, Carlee got a chance to touch the star.

This tree is probably one of the best we have gotten. We found it at the Houston Garden Center. I think we will probably go there every year, because our kids loved running around in between the Christmas trees and they had a great selection.

Zachary got a turn to touch the star also

Zachary loved his air plane ornament Carlee loved her ballet slipper ornament she got from her Grammy and Pawpaw last year.

I love this precious gift we received last year from our friends. She is beautiful!

These reindeer are so adorable with their long stick legs. Thanks Aunt Gracie for a great gift!

Zachary put the heart in the pocket for the countdown to Christmas

We love these fun family moments. I wish I had the whole thing on video. Just to see and hear the expressions from Carlee and Zachary were priceless. Carlee thought every ornament was her favorite and literally said that every time I unwrapped a new one to put on the tree. Zachary smiled with eyes lit up like it was the best, most exciting thing he has ever done. Greg and I let the kids help a lot this year which seemed to be easier from years past. They were a little more careful, but still need some help to get them on the sturdy branches. Every ornament went on the tree, not one was left in the box. Most of the ornaments were clumped together. Only one ornament broke, fortunately it was not a favorite. Now if we can only keep the kids from touching the tree all month. Carlee woke up before every one this morning and was in the living room touching and moving ornaments around. Looks like we will need to enforce the rules a little more.

Who stole the m&m's from the santa plate?

Not me, couldn't be.... then who?

Zachary says, "Noah did." (he has no clue who Santa is) lol

"Hot Chocolate... not hot"

Carlee enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows yesterday during Zachary's nap. She told me she wanted hot chocolate, not hot. Maybe that means chocolate milk... haha. She loved every bit of it as seen in the pictures. She wore some chocolate on her face to prove it. Nothing like a cup of hot chocoalte on a cold snowy day.

SNOW... kind of

You can see the tiny snowflakes on Zachary's pullover. He's trying to catch some in his mouth.
Zachary licking the snowflakes off Carlee's hat. They're so funny!

Carlee trying to catch some on her tongue too.

It snowed yesterday here in the Woodlands, Texas which is a record for this time of year. Last year it snowed a little too. This never happens in Houston. It normally only snows every four years. God must have heard Carlee's prayers to have snow for Christmas. The snow did not stick to the ground, but in other parts of Houston it did. Maybe one year it will stick and we can build a little snowman. I'm so thankful we got to enjoy the snow coming down throughout the day. Everytime I looked out the window, I could not believe my eyes. It was a beautiful day!