Unexpected fun

So my sister and I went grocery shopping for Mom today in order to prepare for the next few days and it turned out to be quite an adventure. We are both sort of grocery shopping challenged so we never looked down the list to see if there was anything else we could get in the area where we were. This meant a lot of walking back and forth, even with us walking down EVERY aisle. We had several check-up calls with both Mom and Dad just to make sure we wouldn't screw anything up. Apparently, neither of us is real great at stacking things in a grocery cart because we both kind of prefer organized chaos, but with this particular epic of a grocery list this was not a good plan. Of course we ended up with 2 carts by the end of the trip, many many strange looks from other shoppers, even more muffled laughter from employees and co-shoppers, and several good laughs from both Val and I. I love how you can have fun doing the most mundane things.

Val - I bet the fish and meat market will recognize you whenever you go in that store again! I'm so glad I was with you to help start this relationship...hehehe

In the days after Christmas

Christmas was a full day thing for our family. Emma didn't feel well, Zeb had to work for a couple hours (YUCK), and it took us literally all day to open up the presents at odd times. I believe we finally finished the stockings at 9:00 pm. It was a weird Christmas, but everyone sort of went with the flow. Instead of having our "cookie day" this year, we made gingerbread houses a couple days before Christmas. (Of course we still ended up baking about 5 different batches of cookies because that's just how we roll...:) ) I forgot to post pictures of the houses so some will be included in this post.
I have still been having fun hanging out with friends, but I am enjoying the lazy days with my family playing games and watching television shows or movies we got for Christmas. There are times where I feel like I should be back in Austin, but there is so much more holding me here at this point. I am excited to see my godparents who are coming in town for New Years. The last time I saw them was in June and I always enjoy spending time with them. They might just be some of my favorite people in the world, so New Years will definitely be a time for celebration. The days are going by slowly, but I know time will begin to slip through my fingers the closer it comes to when I have to return to my adult life and job.

Iphone

I decided to buy a Christmas present for myself. I needed a new phone and this seemed like the way to go. It's so pretty!

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

This little girl is the light of my life. I don't really have a choice, she practically forces me to smile no matter what. She is like a personal cheerleader. I love you Emma.

A World of Ice

I have been back in Plano since Saturday and I realized how lucky I am to have the kind of family I do. Everyone gets along, truly enjoys spending time with one another, and shows support and love in any way we can. I am looking forward to the time spent with all of you during this break.

On Saturday as part of Jason's birthday celebration, the family went to this "ice world" at some resort in Grapevine. Everything in the exhibit was made out of ice and they have to give you parkas because it is only 9 degrees! At the end (if you choose), you can actually slide down a slide made of ice. My fingers were numb by the time we finished even with all the layers I was wearing, but it was worth it to see everything. I will add pictures once I put them on my computer so it will be easier to see what I'm talking about!

I know, I know

I know it has been a while since I have last updated. Thanksgiving break was fabulous. There was a lot of delicious food and even better company to go along with it. We went to the aquarium with Emma (hence the penguin picture) and I had a lot of hang-time with my favorite niece. I think she senses that her Aunt Steph is only home for a limited time so she clung to me a lot...no complaints here! :)
During Thanksgiving break I also got a chance to meet Tyler's family. There was a lot of people to meet all at once, but I felt very welcomed by all. I had a chance to spend this last weekend celebrating Christmas with the same crowd and it was a pleasure to be included. What a great bunch of people! **Thank you, Dad, for having such a big family because I don't think anything can overwhelm me now!
I have 3 school days left until the winter break. It is unbelievable. My kids are crazy and I cannot imagine trying to calm them down to get anything done. I am lucky if I get in one valid lesson a day. I am looking forward to Christmas more and more...only 10 more days! Tyler and I decorated a Christmas tree at his place and it is just more jolly with Christmas lights and a tree. Yep, I used the word jolly in a sentence. The holiday season is just so fun. Hope all of you are enjoying it!