Christmas 2010

The month of December flew by as it always does. We kept plenty busy with the usual routine and beyond; school parties, work parties and church parties. Kyle was extra busy at work. It was Christmas Eve day when he was finally able to come up for air--just in time to hit up The Houston Nutcracker Ballet, as is tradition for us now. Afterwards, and being rushed for time to get Christmas dinner and program on, we had the kids open their Christmas PJ's on the car ride home. I kind of liked that they were in their PJ's playing name-that-Christmas-tune all the way home. We typically have a fancy dinner on Christmas day. However, we figured we'd give ourselves one more day to eat leftovers as we were considering a spontaneous 13 hour drive "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house" the day after Christmas.

Christmas morning began early. True to his word Ty was the first to be vertical. After claiming he didn't look at anything as he came down the stairs and couldn't help but pass the tree, he asked permission to wake the girls. Which he did while I grabbed stockings from the tree room to be brought into our room because I've decided that stockings get overlooked when pitted against Christmas presents. Jaden finally got the guitar she's wanted but doesn't get to quit piano. And if Ty was happy to get sharks (football cleats) then Kyle was beyond thrilled to gift them. As far as a favorite gift goes for Reese, it's a toss up between Disney Princess polly pockets and plastic high heels. Christmas day continued as lazy and relaxing. Around 2:00 o'clock we had our chocolates and piano books in hand as we arrived at our local rest home. There we were quite surprised to be greeted by some of our elderly friends from the previous year (a rare occasion). Miss Grace is one that stands out as our favorite Southern Belle, always dolled up with plenty to say. Both Jaden and Ty played their best piano pieces--Ty having only one that Jaden taught him. And yes, his feet can now reach the floor. Kyle planned to play two songs but Reese fell asleep in his arms. And I'm in charge of taking pictures. Maybe next year I'll have taught myself a song or two but if it's between that and finishing Reese's stocking, I'll most likely show up empty handed again at the rest home.

Back home we ate our Christmas Eve leftovers then sent the kids to pack their bags for our potential trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house in the morning. The decision to go was made while they slept. Kyle's work playing the large part as well as weather (our SUV was born and raised in Texas which means it's a Yukon with 2WD). The weather let up and we had dry road there and back. We always have the best time in St. Louis. We love having Grandma and Grandpa to ourselves. It's hard to compete for their attention with 9 siblings, their spouses and 40 grand kids at family reunions. We take full advantage of our time spent with them while at their home. Some highlights include: sleeping in daily while mom made pancakes for the kids. Sledding in their backyard; a trip to incredible pizza; a visit to the magic house; facials with Elle; karaoke in the basement; kids falling asleep together in front of the electric fireplace in the basement. Grandma Rowe playing the piano and Matthew pleading with her to stop playing the piano . . . the list goes on.

Houston Nutcracker Ballet on Christmas Eve day.

Jade and Ty thrilled and seated in what was nearly the highest seat in the theater.

Jaden on piano at the care facility.

Miss Grace. We would be so lucky to visit her again next year.

Just before this picture Miss Grace told Ty that she was going to make it to every flag football game he has this next year.

Below: We are off to St. Louis to visit Mom, Bob, Elle, Matthew and sweet Grandma Rowe for one week.

Petite and precious Grandma Rowe.

Here are all the ladies working tirelessly to put together Ty's Harry Potter Legos and Jaden's 3D white house, something we all enjoy.

The standoff. If I recall correctly, Matthew wasn't thrilled about the idea of the kids watching a movie (as usual). In an effort to impede, he placed himself directly between the TV and kids repeating, "You're not going to watch a movie!" To which Reese and Ty responded, "Yes we are, Matthew!" And back and forth it went. All in good spirit. My kids leave from mom's with a little more backbone then they arrived with. And you can see the top of Grandma Rowe's head in this pic where I am just sure she's wondering who's in charge of these yayhoos!

Sledding in Grandma's backyard.

Incredible Pizza

Jaden and I visited Elle at her office. We were both treated to some pampering. Here's Jade before her facial . . .

and after.

A Thanksgiving unlike any other

We've enjoyed putting on Thanksgiving the past 3 years. More than that, we have loved the family and friends with whom we spent the holiday. This year when we learned that we'd be on our own for Thanksgiving, Kyle had a great idea. His idea was to finally hit up a University of Texas football game. The third longest rivalry is between UT and Texas A&M. Tradition has them playing on Thanksgiving day and we've been saying for some time that we'd attend a game.

We drove the three hours to San Antonio where we stayed in a nice resort. Our Thanksgiving meal before the big game was very different, for two reasons. The first is that it was all purchased and made in the same day. That was lovely. I typically spend, at least, a week before Thanksgiving mulling over new ideas, planning, purchasing the food and then preparing any dishes that I can days before the actual feast. Secondly, while I did my hair, Kyle put the meal together. I quite enjoy preparing the traditional meal. Alternatively, I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the tables being turned (even if it wasn't to the same degree).

The weather allowed us to swim the first day as it was in the mid 60's. It then changed drastically by dropping 30 degrees just before game time. Even Texas can get pretty cold with wind chill and humidity that bites. But we DID NOT sit. We stood the whole game. Mostly, because we couldn't have seen the game otherwise. The entire stadium was on their feet for the duration of the game. The kids were enthusiastic about the game and fared well despite the weather. Ty refused to rest his legs even when a view allowed him to watch on the jumbotron because he, "wanted to watch it live." Communicated through chattering teeth if I remember correctly. And if the above picture doesn't have "devoted fans" written all over it, then you should meet Reese. She practices her "hook 'em horns" religiously ever since that night in the stadium. Where, along with the rest of the Longhorn fans, she sang The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You, while waving her horns. It is daily that I find her sharpening her skills. And she couldn't be prouder. Needless to say, it was a memorable holiday for our family. One that we'll more than likely repeat.

Jaden with her staples: a cheese ball and root beer. The cheese ball is quite necessary for it to really feel like it's Thanksgiving. It was the only homemade dish, which is what allowed me to take my time doing this . . .

and this.

While Kyle did this.

And then it was time to put our game face on!

13.1

A bunch of crazy moms 30 minutes away from running the Galveston half. Crazier than that is when they trained at 4:30 Friday mornings so they'd be home in time to get school-age kids out the door.

This pic is sooo deceiving. The hardcore chicks on either side of me look like they've had better days. In contrast, I look like I've run the one mile fun run. If you only knew how that really went down. I don't have a desire to EVER do this again--minus that overwhelming feeling of I-HAVE-to-get-a-better time-than-that-next-time. But I did finish. And I owe a rather large THANK-YOU to Leslie--the veteran running friend of mine that I (easily) convinced to fly in from Arizona to run with me. The same friend that at mile 5 was told that she'd have to keep the conversation flowing as I was winded. Then at mile 7 to stop talking because at this point I would no longer be a good listener. After which, I think it was somewhere around 8 or 9 that I dropped a few paces behind and when she turned to check on me I told her to stay in front of me. And she did stay in front of me. Except for the couple of times that she came jogging back with a smile on her face to ask if I was really sure I wanted her 20 paces ahead? "Really, because it's kind of boring up there" she said. To that I vaguely remember replying, "Yeah, I know, just get back up there." Such a brat I am. Can I claim delirium?? I keep saying that the really good memories that stem from this race come in the form of good friends. You are the best, Leslie!

Loved my little fan club. They took a break from wading in waves to cheer us on at mile 8. Did I mention it was 70 degrees at start time? And, of course, they were there at the finish line too. Great pics, Kyle.

31

These pics are from last years birthday night out with girlfriends. I think I failed to post them a year ago with all the excitement and surprise of my sisters flying in. I do need to give a shout out to my friends for taking me out last year for the big 30! Fine dining with good company followed by some serious roller coaster riding at Kemah Boardwalk. It was way too thrilling for all of us if I remember correctly--minus Brenya who was the purse holder as she was expecting. And on a side note I recall getting my hair done this same day when my stylist found my first grey hair. How's that for turning 30!

I celebrated again this week with primarily the same lovely group at Lupe Tortillas. No pics. Thanks for taking me out and spoiling me.

To celebrate my 31st tonight, Kyle and I made it out to Killen's Steakhouse for a long overdue meal without interruption. Meant to take pictures. And, Kyle, I am writing this down in cyberspace only because I don't want to forget, but I loved your handwritten letter that had the look of a Baker Botts paycheck with envelope and all. Classic you. Aside from dining with Kyle and the kids serving me breakfast in bed my best birthday gift to myself came in the form of a clean house--one that I didn't clean. And because I wasn't busy cleaning I had time to post about it on Facebook: "$60 to clean parts of my house I couldn't get to this week--priceless. A first for me. Used birthday $ to treat myself with the thought of company arriving tonight and a half marathon on Saturday. Money well spent. My home smells of fabuloso and that's exactly how I feel."

Baby Scout

This picture speaks for itself. It also speaks for how the rest of us felt whenever we got our hands on baby Scout. She is so cute. We love the way she smells, looks, feels, and even burps. She is beautiful. And she is a perfect addition to Deborah and Vinnie's family. Reese and I loved waking up at Deborah's to a house full of cousins and fun. Doing laundry was pretty cool too, in that it made me appreciate how much less I have to do at my own house. Good luck staying on top of that one Deborah.

Reese was happy to stay with Grandma Patsy on the night we flew in while I attended a Timpview High School football game. I went to watch spunky Lexee cheer during the first half of the game and then perform at halftime. She was the most talented and coordinated dancer there, really she was--when she wanted to be. :) And correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Timpview one of the more privileged schools in the valley? Well, you certainly wouldn't have known it by the quality of their mascots getup! Pretty sure some local ladies must have whipped this costume up at an Enrichment where I'm also pretty sure that Napoleon Dynamite was a guest.

Gardner Village was a treat. Lots of very well made-up witches. Pretty sure my sisters were annoyed with all the stops I continued to make so that I could snap a pic or stops just to take in the crispy fall moment. Living in south Texas leaves me longing for fall weather. I can definitely do without long winters but there is nothing that I miss more than fall. From left to right: Davis, Lexee, Kylee, Mia and Reese.

When I arrived in Utah Deborah was ill with numerous things I will not mention. So we played it close to home mostly. She felt much better towards the end of my stay and wanted nothing more than to go out with her sisters minus 5 children. So we did. Sarah picked a fine restaurant in Salt Lake just down from the Capitol called Eva. It was delicious. Among many other dishes we had that night Deborah and I felt we must order ratatouille pizza in honor of our kids. It was good too.

Also on this night we were on the 10:00 o'clock news. But you probably didn't notice us in the background walking aimlessly around or jumping up and down behind the anchor man's desk. He did though. Hind sight I hope that no one noticed us. We probably looked like we were one of two things: intoxicated or really hard up for a night out with no children. Or maybe a little of both? Who knows. We had the best time.

A couple of views from my run. And, yes, I had time to take these shots while my lungs were catching a break. I couldn't pass it up. Utah is beautiful.

We loved seeing all of you.