cCc: 2013

Enjoying The Cool Fall Weather

Although not quite cool enough to truly be the traditional "fall" season like most other states, I sure have loved the tidbits of cooler weather we have been getting here lately in the great state of Texas! The gorgeous weather has allowed us to get out each day for some fresh air. We have been enjoying endless walks, family time at the pumpkin patch, hunting at the ranch, watching some good ole' Aggie Football, Wrig's First Halloween as a cave man, and playing soccer to name a few activities. It sure has gotten me in the holiday spirit. I am one of "those" people. I just LOVE the holidays. Although I have to admit that Easter is my favorite holiday, I can't help but get caught up in decorating for fall and shortly after Thanksgiving (traditionally the day after) putting up the Christmas lights.

On the family front ... my brother and his family had an exciting move to Monterey, California from Trenton, New Jersey where they were for the past 4 years. Below is a picture of their precious family. Congratulations on the move y'all. We love you very much and are happy for this new chapter in your lives! We can't wait to come visit.

Here are a few pictures of our October

Wrigley's First Halloween - Cave Man

Trouble Maker

Pumpkin Patch

Enjoying Time in Lampasas

Wrigley's Game Day Jersey - Go Aggies!

Happy Days

September has been good to us ... hangin' with family (visits to Lampasas and Dallas), successful dove hunts for some good eating (hunted with my new Remington 20 gauge compliments of Chad), a few rounds of golf (swung my new clubs also compliments of my darling husband), wetting a line (took Wrigley on his first fishing trip, although unsuccessful we had a blast), bike rides (took Wrigley on his first bike ride, he giggled most of the way and didn't mind the bumps), watching some good ole' Aggie football (in my new Aggie jersey), celebrated an amazing anniversary with Chad (proud owners of a heifer), and we went to Mumford and Sons with the McWhorter's and Moseley's (this was Wrigley's 3rd concert). Boy oh boy, have we been busy!

This month has been a good reminder of how blessed we are and how much we have to be grateful for. We are surrounded with loving family and friends, Wrigley always finds a way to share the joy in his heart through his smile and laugh, we are blessed with love in our marriage, we have our health, we have a roof over our heads, we are well fed, we have been given opportunities, we've prayed, we've laughed, we've loved, we've shared our faith with those around us ... and the list goes on ...

Lord, I thank you for the many gifts you have blessed us with. I also thank you for giving us the graces we need to live out our lives by faith and works. We ask that you continue to help us serve You in all that we do as we offer all that we are and all that we have up to you.

Enjoy some September pics below and by clicking HERE

Unmerited Love

A little exerpt from a daily inspirational book ...

"Do not worry about tomorrow. This is simple, straightforward teaching, but My followers rarely make it through even one day without breaking this command. It's good that you recognize your inability to live according to the instruction. Your ongoing struggle protects you from self-righteous striving; trying to be good enough to deserve My Love. Nonetheless, I do want to help you with your tendency to worry.

Because your mind is in a fallen condition, it will sometimes wander across the timeline into tomorrow's trouble. However, early intervention can minimize damage. As soon as you realize you're worrying about tomorrow, take action; Simply leave those thoughts where they are (in the unreality of the future), and come quickly back to the present. Since the future has such a strong pull on your mind, it's helpful to direct your thoughts to something that appeals to you in the present - an interesting activity, beautiful weather, or a family member. At times when nothing about your present day seems appealing, My Presence lovingly awaits your attention. I am always near, so turning your thoughts to Me is an excellent option at all times. Come into My joyous Presence, and I will delight you with unmerited Love."

Barbados and then some ....

It's been a very challenging summer thus far but VERY fulfilling at the same time. I'll explain but before I do, take a moment to read this blog I came across .... http://www.humblehandmaid.com/2013/07/encouragement-for-mass-with-small.html. Here is where the "challenging" part of my first sentence comes into play. My sister, Kristina, is like the woman with 9 children. While I am incredibly blessed to have such a great role model, I am equally miffed by her amazing parenting skills. Inevitably I find myself saying "if only." She has it together no doubt! I know the Lord is rewarding her for her faithfulness and love. Of course I must also credit our upbringing with such wonderful and loving parents. Nobody ever said parenting would be easy but I sure as heck wasn't prepared for all the challenges it brings. Just when you think you have it all figured out, BAM, something changes. It's a lesson in patience. I was discussing hobbies recently with a friend of mine (painting in particular) and we came to this conclusion ... parenting is like painting. The seed of your next art work lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece. These imperfections are guides to matters you need to reconsider or develop further. So if I might get ON my soap box .... let's paint our way into heaven chosing to learn from the good AND the bad. So long as we strive to serve the Lord in all that we do, we will recieve his mercy and grace. All we have to do is try! It's ok to make mistakes. So,while I continue to head daunting challenges (mainly in the patience department) may I be reminded of the Lord's love each day and may I just have the strength (emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually) to keep trying. Today I am grateful for Wrigley's geniuine and contagious smile that fills my heart with joy and for a loving husband who is our provider and protector. For more pictures of Wrigley's contagious smile click HERE.

Spoiled at grandmas with endless popsicles

Alright, moving on .... rewarding ourselves for being the outstanding parents we are (wink, wink) we took a well deserved vacation to Barbados, sans our number one fan Monkey Man Wrig who hung back with grandma and cousins in Dallas. When our feet weren't being kicked up in a beach chair, we endulged in many a rum drinks, golfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and ziplining to name a few activities. We dove right into the colorful and lively Bajan culture and embraced all that the island had to offer. From riding the local bus, walking to mass, seeing monkeys swing freely in the trees, and listening to the sound of the waves crashing on shore among many other memories, it was epic relaxation! I am grateful for the beautiful weather we had and for the comraderie shared with my best friend, my husband while in Barbados. For more vacation pictures click HERE.

Kayaking in Barbados

Aerial Trek Zipline

Grandpa Rolling smiling down on us with a rainbow

A few other noteworthy summer ventures ... Elise's Baptism & Craft Family Reunion

Cousins

Craft Family Reunion

Chicago

Chicago! Check it off our bucket list. This trip was truly a dream come true and I have my husband to thank for making it all possible. I adored being with my two favorite men, Chad and Wrig, as we soaked in all of the Windy City. As you can see from the pictures below, Wrig (mommy and daddy) couldn't stop smiling from the weekend full of laughter and fun. From the amazing views, navagating the "el," walking the streets, great food, to catching the game ball at Wrigley Field, the "awesomeness" never stopped. Click the link for more CHICAGO pics

Check out our view of the Chicago River from our hotel room

Wrigley's Game Ball

Can you believe we're here!

Our blessed family

May

Did I just miss the month of May? Surely it didn't fly by without a post ... oh wait, it did. I must be having too much fun enjoying family time! Congrats to Tim, Emily, Hannah, and Caleb for welcoming their beautiful blessing, Elise Nicole. This month contained a Frio River Trip with the Watsons, a Cory Morrow concert at Firehouse Saloon, a family outing to Sam Houston Race Track to get in the Kentucky Derby mood, and a lovely first Mother's Day among many other memorable events. Check out pictures from May by clicking HERE