Basketball x 2

Once Christmas was over it was time to start basketball season. This was Campbell's first year to play basketball so we decided to put her in the Upwards program with one of her best friends. It was definitely the right decision because she loved it and their coach was perfect for her.

 I was so proud of the way Campbell hustled and always did her best. This is huge for someone who is known to complain when the parking space at Target is too far from the door. LOL!

 Kaylee also played with her friends in the AYBA league which is definitely a lot more competitive. This was her second year to play on a team with Dr. Steadman and her Dad as coaches. I always say it makes me feel better to have a doctor as a coach just in case. Well we actually needed his services this year when Kaylee came down with a rebound along with two girls on top of her. Luckily, she only walked away with a mild concussion. Those are the moments I do not enjoy as a Mom. Kaylee loves to play though and is hoping to be on the 7th grade team next year.

Over all it was a great season for both girls. They had a good time, learned a lot, and both say they want to play again next year.

Snow Days

 We were lucky enough to have another day of snow before spring arrived. My girls and I have a deep love for winter and look forward to a day or two off every year to just have fun in the snow and enjoy slowing down life for a little bit.

 Unfortunately, the snow was too dry to build a big snowman/woman or even have a good snowball fight but that did not keep us from trying.

 Kaylee making a snow angel!

 The ice and snow made the slide a lot of fun.

 Even Oliver got in on the action for a little bit, he does not love winter as much as the rest of us though.

 Even Dad came home a little early to play in the snow with his favorite girls.

 Our sad little snow girl...maybe next year we will get more and it will be better to pack with.

All in all we had a wonderful time playing in the snow, with family movie time, snuggling up on the couch, making snow ice cream, drinking hot chocolate, and just being together. I think all these reasons are why I love winter so much. You just cannot put a value on the memories we will all have of from the days Mr. Winter decides to bless us with a white blanket of beauty and a little frozen time. Thank you Lord for winter and the blessing of family.

So this is Forty!

Well this is what 40 looks like! I spent my birthday with my family and parents going to dinner at Perini Steakhouse and getting some beautiful gifts. It was just what I wanted. Not a lot of fuss just a silent but fun entry into my forties. Of course, all of my precious friends spoiled me all week long with sweet cards, lovely gifts, lunches, coffee dates, and just their presence in my life. Lots of love and laughter included. I am one blessed girl!

Christmas Day

 Well it looks like the girls were good enough for Santa to stop by once again this year. 

 Here they are rounding the corner as quickly as possible to see what is waiting for them.

 Our annual pose with their stocking while waiting for all the paparazzi to get in place with their cameras.

 Campbell asked for American Girl stuff, Legos, LPS, WiiU games, and all things girly.

 Kaylee wanted clothes, Uggs, DS games, Legos, WiiU Infinity figures, anything Dr. Who, or Texas Rangers.

Here is our annual Christmas day photo. I cannot believe how much my girls grow up from year to year. I am so proud of the young ladies that they are becoming and the way that they love the Lord. We are truly thankful.

Family Christmas 2

 Once again this year we were lucky enough to have my parents along with my Aunt, Uncle, cousin, and their puppy Ruby join us for Christmas. I spent the time before they arrived putting the last few touches on our house to prepare for Christmas Eve dinner. This is one of my favorite times because we get to laugh and catch up on life. I think this is one of the things looking back that I remember most about this time of year at my Papaw and Nannie's home. Nannie always made every holiday around the dining room table special so I try to channel a little bit of her when hosting events at our home.

 We also managed to get all the presents under the tree and the girls decorated their Gingerbread Houses with Nana and Papa before the big day too.

 Our elf Pep even got in on the decorating in Uncle Don and Aunt Trudy's room since he decided to tepee the tree. 

 Here are Kaylee and Campbell trying to wait patiently to open their presents from our family.

 After a little opening of gifts and a lot of laughter we put the cookies out for Santa to arrive.

 Uncle Don, Ruby, Aunt Trudy, Duncan, Kaylee and Campbell

Nana, Papa, Kaylee and Campbell

We had such a wonderful time going to the movie, playing games, eating, laughing, looking at lights, and just enjoying being together. I pray one day when my girls are older and look back on the holidays they remember these things the most just like I do. 

Thank you again to my family for making the trip to Abilene but most of all for making this time of year so special and complete.

Our Family Pre-Christmas Tradition

 Well we made our usual trip to see Santa and the display of lights at the State School in town. The girls always look forward to this tradition. maybe not the sitting with Santa as much as the lights and presents though. My girls are getting too big.

 After a short chat and picture we went on to look at some other lights in the neighborhoods around town while singing along with some of our favorite Christmas tunes. I have to say that I look forward to this night all year myself.

 Here are the girls with one of their fun gifts which was a loom band kit. I am sure all my fellow bloggers of girls got at least one of these in their home after Christmas.

 Here is Kaylee with her favorite gift from us...I am sure this is no great shock to anyone who has been around her for more than 5 minutes. My sweet girl loves the Texas Rangers and knows way more than I could ever imagine. I love that she wants to be the first female General Manager one day. If anyone can do that then she can!

Here is my other sweet girl with her LPS from her sister. We have been in love with them for a while now around here. I am sure one day I will miss stepping on all these little pieces. They provide her with hours of fun which I cannot put a price on, even when it includes a hurt foot occasionally.

Another Christmas tradition has come and gone. I love our life and am so thankful for all the blessings the Lord has given us.

Christmas Happenings at School

The last few weeks of school were busy ones for my girls and us as parents as well. 

Kaylee had her last choir concert of the year and my parents were able to be here to enjoy it as well. There are a lot of talented singers in her class and I am always amazed at the beautiful music that comes out of their mouths. What a joy to be able to hear them!

 Next up was Campbell's Christmas Party at school. Instead of exchanging gifts they all make cards for each other and deliver them to all the students' decorated boxes. I love this idea and it is so fun to read the sweet notes.

 Campbell with Daddy! She begged him to come to the party which I thought was too funny. This girl loves her Dad.

Me and my baby girl! 

I cannot believe that we are already half way through her third grade year...time please slow down.

Our first Ice Day for the 2013 -2014 school year!

Well our first snow/ice day for the school year finally came! Can you tell that my girls were a little excited? I think the smile on my face was about that big as well. 

 While the girls were playing peacefully my sweet husband was using the time off work to put up our Christmas lights and put together a basketball goal. Yes, he is definitely a keeper. Of course, I was inside by the fire or baking some goodies. What is it about cold weather that makes me want to bake? 

 I did go outside to capture a few pictures of my girls getting along and giggling with joy over the fun they were having.

 They also decided to surprise Cary and I by putting a little "I love you" sign on the back of his truck. Then they called us over and held up another sign that said "mistletoe" and had us kiss while they showered us with some very cold sleet. I thought it was so sweet of them and I love that they know we love each other and them too.

My personal cupids!

 I am praying we have a few more of these unexpected days to just enjoy each other and take a timeout on life for a little while. I remember wanting a snow day when I was in school and as an adult I find that is still something that I look forward to only now it is to just be together not necessarily to play in the snow all day. Here's to a snowy 2014! (hopefully)