Gift Idea

Just in case you were wondering what to get me for Christmas this year, I thought I'd give you a hint...

I would be thrilled to pieces if a Vernon Kilns Green Transferware Vintage TEXAS State Souvenir plate showed up on my doorstep. I have one for each state we've lived in (I'm hoping to keep my collection to a minimum!). I let one of these slip by on an Ebay auction this past August so the hunt is on. Texans are proud and like their state stuff so I think I'm going to have a tough time finding one here. Let me know if you spot one in your area.

Holiday Help!

You can thank Haley for this post. However, I will admit that it got a little out of hand...

I was perfectly happy just putting out a few red candles for the Holiday Season and being done with it. My family balked at the idea - not taking into consideration that I had just unpacked our entire house and was not looking forward to unpacking Christmas decorations-- just to put them away again in a few short weeks (I know, I'm a whiner!). Well, you can see who won out. But, I'm seriously lacking in some areas and that's where you come in. I need your ideas!!!

I decided to put little picture frames on the tree (some still need pictures in them!) I got these at Kohls a few years ago. They always carry them this time of year. I'm thinking I need to add more to the tree. I'll let the girls put up a few ornaments to help fill in areas too. Do you see the picture hanging on the wall to the right of the tree? My friend Ann would gift wrap this with a bow and hang it back up. I may do this too since it's so visible. Thanks for the tip Ann!


Here's a close-up of one of the small frames. It's a pic. of Ashley on a merry-go-round.

This is where I need big time help. My mantel gets lost with the height and mirror above it. I still have room behind the stocking holders (about 8") What should I do here?
I was thinking bows on my horn collection, but you know I'm not too fussy. Do you think red berries would help them look a little more festive? Or perhaps hang them from a long ribbon? Maybe, I should come up with some more and sort-of make a collage?

I think I rather like how the holiday reading basket turned out. In the past, I've just stacked the books near the fireplace and they would always end up scattered everywhere. The basket is filled with winter themed books and Christmas stories that the girls love to snuggle up with and read. The bow is a fringed scarf that I lovvvve.

I've got my Christmas Countdown socks hung up on the stair railing. Don't ask me if they're filled with anything... I'm so bad at this, but they're cute to look at!

I couldn't resist putting these up. In case you can't tell, they are reindeer snow globes. The girls made these at a party we recently went to . The face and nose part is their footprint and the antlers are their handprints. Too clever!

I found this silverware mitt at Target. The girls will be able to set the table fast and easy with these.
I'll just sit back and eat all these MnM's waiting to hear all your great ideas to help spruce up the place. Don't take too long-- company's a comin' this weekend!

Crazy Days!

Thought I'd just post some pics since I'm so far behind in updating y'all!

Gracie in a school musical. She was so excited and the best rose in the bunch!
A little Halloween preparation underway. Is this how everyone else carves their pumpkins?
Well, 3 out of 4 potential smiles isn't so bad.
Cowgirls, Indians, a Firefighter and Bride - - oh my! Fun was had by all.
The house is coming together. Most of the pictures are hung. We are looking forward to our 3rd set of guests arriving for a long weekend visit. Not bad considering we've only been in the house for 3 1/2 weeks! Must be my awesome cooking - ha ha! I'm off to find a place to cut my hair. I haven't had it cut since June! (Self inflicted cuts don't count). Wish me well.

It's a done deal!

We've signed the papers. The house is ours. We'll get the keys on Sunday and hopefully the moving truck will show up on Monday to start setting up beds. Let me know if we can make one up for you!

Rubel Farms

Last night, I learned that Michael Clarke Rubel died. Most of you will not know who this man is or what he did. For some of you, a visual immediately pops in your head and hopefully some fond memories as well.

If you grew up in Glendora, Ca as I did or in a nearby town you most likely have seen Michael's (the only adult that I can ever remember addressing by their first name as a child) life work.
Over a number of years, Michael and a slew of helpers built Rubel Castle where an orange packing plant once operated. It wasn't grand or opulent, but it was certainly the most castle-like place I had ever had the privilege of roaming around in when I was kid. This place held such fascination for me. It was completely odd, magical and intriguing all at the same time.

It was also a commune of sorts as it was home to artists of all kinds and people who were devoted to the cause of seeing this place built. The news brought back a lot of memories of my friend Sue who introduced me to Michael and his world. Her mom later went on to marry him and undoubtedly brought much joy to him and others at the castle. I am saddened for their loss, but thankful for the opportunity to have been able to step inside a different world that captivated my imagination.
You can see a short clip here.

Goodbye Sweet Home

As I write this, Scott is back in Delaware handling all the many details on the house. The packers have started boxing up all our belongings. In a couple of days it will be completely empty. It's hard for me to even think about it. There are so many things we have loved about this house, but most of all it's the dear friends and neighbors who really made it feel like home. It's up to the relo company to finalize the deal. They need to come through for us by Friday in order for us to close on the house in TX.

A Glimpse Into Our Future?

We got a knock on our door yesterday which rarely (if ever) happens. I looked out the peep hole and couldn't see anyone so I opened the door (ya, I know). There stood a little boy who he said just wanted to introduce himself. It went something like this. "Hi, my name is Nicholas and um... I go to the same school with Elie... and um... I um, well... I like her." Long pause on my part... How does one respond to something like this? I was caught completely off guard. After all, I was hoping for the UPS man not a bold 4th grade boy with a crush. I simply said "Oh" and asked if he came to see Elie. He said no and went on to tell me he wasn't in the same class (he's in Ms. Parker's class) and what apartment he lives in. Is this typical these days? I would have loved to see Scott open the door on this one. Can you imagine???

It was just as well that Elie didn't come to the door. She was in her room crying because she had over-heard me talking to our realtor. It looks like our offer is going to go through on a home. It's the fourth offer we've made on a house so it would be really nice if this was the one. I'm not sending out change of address cards yet... there are far too many details that need to be worked out first. The relocation company that we've been dealing with is trying their hardest to see that we are not relocated (at least not smoothly anyway). Even though the home is only a couple of blocks from our current location, the girls will have to change schools. Something they have prayed hard would not happen. Here are some pics. I'll keep you all posted on the final outcome. Thank you for your prayers that all will work out despite the obstacles.

Soul Food

We had the opportunity to see Calling Levi this past weekend in Arlington (about 1 hr south westish from us and 10 minutes from the Pages). God is sooo good to bring people into your lives just when you need them. It was so amazing just seeing them here and then having the opportunity to worship with them. Priceless. For those of you who aren't familiar with Calling Levi you need to check them out here. They have incredible vocals and a burning desire to share Jesus's love. We love their Glimpse of You CD. We are looking forward to seeing them again in January. Want to join us?

Eggs, Bread and Autographs

What do you get when you go grocery shopping? The girls came home from Albertsons with the Cowboy Cheerleader's autographs (by the way, Rodger, we got one for you too! And they're looking forward to seeing you at "The" game next month).
Elie won a football shaped cake that we ate for dessert. Ashely wondered why we even bothered with all the hoopla when daddy cheers for the Redskins. Clearly she felt like she was somehow betraying his team. However, Gracie announced on the car ride home that she might want to be a cheerleader when she grows up. Oh boy!

Skipping on Sunshine

I just had to take this picture of Isabel's carefree little world. When was the last time something made you so happy you just had to skip? Sometimes I skip with Isabel because she makes me happy, but most of the time I keep the skipping hidden in my heart. Skip today and make someone wonder what it is bursting forth in your life...

BIG things I've noticed

- The sky is really BIG here!
- Contrary to what everyone thinks, not all girls have BIG hair orBIG bxxbs here (but there is a lot of skinny blonde walking around).
- No suprise. Football is a really BIG deal here. People live and breathe it! The city of Southlake, Tx is over the top football.
- They may not be sporting "Texas" across their t-shirts (like the Delawareans (?) wear "Delaware"), but their homes scream Texas pride. They love decorating with these really BIG metal Texas stars. They also have a thing for leather couches and chairs.- Bling studded belts and purses also seem to be a BIG deal here. Are they popular where you are too? You know I'll be getting me a belt just as soon as I can find my waist! Sam Moon looks like a fun place to find these BIG deals.

Toe Woes

Yep! I broke a toe... Yesterday, I was skirting around the dog with the big conehead and caught the couch. (Ouch!) With a little limp it got me out of making dinner last night and we went out to Braums (sort of like a Friendly's, but with grocery items). I don't think it's going to slow me down too much. I was able to navigate around Target just fine after dropping the girls off at school today!

RAGWEED

Several people warned me that if I didn't currently suffer from allergies that I soon would living in Texas. Secretly, I like to think that I have some kind of super human powers against alergens. My dear Scott suffers terribly and is miserable during allergy season. We've lived in some of the worst states for allergies and so far I think I've been able to deflect all pollen floating my way. What I wasn't prepared for was this...
It turns out Dakota is highly allergic to Ragweed! I thought something must have bitten her on her left cheek. We noticed an infected area the size of a quarter on Monday night. Tuesday it doubled in size and she wouldn't leave it alone (too gross to show you). So I took her to the vet yesterday (afraid she was dying - of course!). Apparently, this is quite common here in Texas and the vet sees it all the time. It's called a "hot spot" and I'm now more informed than I wish to be. I have to administer twice daily antibiotics, steroids and a liquid type band aid to help with the healing. Poor girl had to have her cheek shaved! I'll probably have to routinely give her benadryl and if that doesn't help the vet will refer us to a dermatologist - - for dogs!!! Ha! Who knew? I just hope I can avoid having to wear "the collar" if I develop allergies.

Giddy Up

When our realtor isn't busy showing us houses, she's busy showing her horse, Lorenzo.

We Love School!!!

Anderson Elementary just got bigger! Elie, Gracie and Ashely attended their first day of public school on Friday. Despite some first day jitters they were all excited to go to school. Isabel, not sure how her day would go without any sisters around, announced that I could be her sister when we got back home! Boy was it ever a quiet day! The school encourages parents to attend the morning song, pledge of allegiance and pledge to Texas and finally announcements before kids are dismissed to their classes. They also like parents to join their kids for lunch! Imagine that. I spent all day every day with them at home doing school and now I can spend all day with them at public school! I think I might be too busy being a "sister" to Isabel at home for awhile before becoming a daily fixture in the public school system.

Cha Cha Changin'

The scenery was constantly changing as we drove through Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (who knew it was so big?), Tennessee, Arkansas and finally Texas. It went from tall cliffs and mountains to complete flatness from Tenn to Ark. Much of the drive was a blur as I was on automatic pilot after the first few hours. (About 23 hours total!) This was my view of the trip. Keeping a close tail on big blue!

The girls did great and kept themselves occupied the whole way with their cool travel bags (Thanks Ann!)
They even made some new friends. Isabel with Joshua (the Pitchford's LCB) at a stopover in Texarkana.
The girls with the Clark kids, Jessie and Matt (at our apartment in Plano).
We are grateful for a safe trip and realize this is the first of many changes to come our way. One of the biggest changes for the girls happened today, but I'll post more about that later.

5 Days and Counting...

In 5 days we'll be moving to our new digs. To see more click here and then check out the photo gallery. It looks like it's going to be a real hardship. We'll be here for a month or so until the details on our house are sorted out and we find a new place. I don't think the girls will be in a big hurry to leave though.

Bike to the Bay

I should be training for this upcoming 150 mile ride to benefit those with MS... Marlene (on the left) talked me into this last year and the deal was that we would participate in it together every year. We even blinged (?) out our jerseys with sequins and gems for the event (part of the training program ya know). It gave us a huge advantage over the more experienced riders as we were able to temporarily blind them with the brilliant light reflecting off our shirts and gain a couple of feet on them. The major accomplishment (besides raising funds) was crossing the finish line. We did it! This year I won't be riding with my friend or the crazy Cyc-O Team, but Marlene is going for it!!! If you supported me last year, please consider supporting Marlene this year. It's for a great cause and I think we all probably know someone who suffers from MS. Click here. It's tax deductible!

Who's Your Super Hero?

These are mine!

A Cereus Party!

The two years that we have lived next to my most amazing neighbor Adrienne, she has hosted a Cereus Party. (And yes, I know how to spell serious!) You can't plan this event in advance. It's completely up to mother nature, but when it happens... oh, boy! The most amazing event takes place. This gangly, unruly (truly, ugly plant) produces the most magnificent bloom you will ever have the opportunity to see. It gives off the most intoxicating, heady frangrance too. (Can you tell I'm into this?) The catch? It only happens once! By morning the bloom is spent. The party starts around 8 pm and lasts until midnight. During this time you actually see this flower bloom. In it's full glory it's about 8" across. Truly amazing! The best part? I have been entrusted with a cutting that I will carefully transport on our move to Texas. You will always be thought of Adrienne when we gather around our own plant to watch the miracle unfold. Anybody up for a Cereus Party?

It's not Goodbye... It's Happy Birthday!

Leave it up to these incredibly talented girlfriends to throw me a suprise Birthday Party instead of a Goodbye Party. Let me tell you they were all geared up for the Big Blowout Bash and had a list of friends and neighbors a yard long, but I couldn't do it. Saying 'goodbye' is hard enough and there's just not enough tissues in the world. You get me girls. I love you so much! It was a festive evening, even if we were in denial. Yes, tissues were still very much needed, but scrumptious cupcakes from here definelty helped! sniff! I will miss you so much!

Birthday Bloggin

How cool is this? Another year older (and wiser?) I hope this helps "y'all" keep track of what were up to as we head back west on a new family adventure. Maybe you'll even be inspired to start one yourself! I'd love to read it!