the Galleria

Oh.My.Gosh...have you been to the Galleria? THE Galleria? Of course you have, EVERYONE has. Until yesterday, I think I was the ONLY person on the face of planet Earth that had not been. My sister-in-law Alicia was in town for the weekend with her hubby, and girl, let me tell you - she is a shopper. She LOVES it. So, she invited the girls and I to meet her at the Galleria yesterday so we could visit. My girls, unlike me, are always down for some retail time. (there is obviously something wrong with me - I'm not a good shopper - I don't enjoy it) I do, however, enjoy spending time with my family, so off we go, directions printed so I don't get lost, down south....OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE. Could you feel it when I left? Was there a popping noise when the Yukon left the perimeter? I made it there no problem, parked underground, and there we were...shopping paradise. After trying to figure out the mall directory, I gave up, and told Alicia to come find us! She did and off we went. Justice was the first stop, of course. Then we ate at the Rainforest Cafe - the girls' choice. Right by the ice skating rink. Cassidy decided right off she really didn't want to skate. But they had this cool trampoline bungy jumpy thing, so that's what the girls decided to do. We waited awhile for that. Cassidy said she got over her fear of heights doing that. Okay, one down. Anything around there to help with fear of bumble bees? They have every store imaginable at that mall - it was crazy. Stores I've only heard about. I can tell Megan's going to be the little Designer Label hound...she was dying to go into the Juicy store - I said - you can just look thru the window - you really don't need to go in there. Seriously, if you want any kind of high fashion item - it's there! But, of course - you already knew that! I love watching Alicia shop - she touches everything in the store...we were in one store, and the sales guy kept coming over asking if she needed help - nope, she's just checking it all out. It's awesome. So, when we were all done and it was time to go, Cassidy said "the next time we need to go to the mall, we so need to come to this one - it's SO much better than ours!". Oh my gosh, what have I done?!

all because 2 people fell in love....

today is my and Jon's anniversary...14 years ago we got married at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. My gosh, look how young we look! I was a wreck - thank goodness I had gloves because I had broken out into hives the night before. There were so many details I worried and stressed over because I wanted it all to be "perfect". And, of course, it wasn't. The stupid wedding coordinator stood on my train length veil when I took my 1st step down the aisle and my veil popped off my head. And slid off my head the entire hour and a half mass. Not happy. But, I didn't break down into a bucket of tears during the wedding...Our priest gave the most wonderful homily on how I was light to the world, and Jon was salt of the earth, actually talked what I'm sure everyone felt like was forever about me and how I drove everyone crazy about this wedding, and that I lit up the room with my personality, and that the world was going to be a better place because Jon and I were salt and light and we were getting married. And you know what, I believe that's true...then and now...it has to be - look at what we've done...we've combined two families, and created these two amazing children that are so loving and giving. We are still together, which is isn't always the case these days. You know, there are days where we drive each other completely crazy, but when it comes down to it, we love each other more than anything else in the world. So, happy anniversary Jon...like I said, my life would suck without you. I look forward to happiness for the rest of our lives!

all the crazy things at my house

here are all the things that drive me crazy at my house...the only thing missing is my darling husband, but he was taking the picture...but I do love them all very much.

"The Water Trough, No Reservations Required"

Megan has been working on her western artwork this semester at school, and it was submitted to the CISD Western Art Show. She got a 1st place Blue Ribbon award for it. The picture she painted using oil pastels is from a photo Jon took on a deer hunt he went on near Ft. Stockton, TX. She has worked so hard on it, getting the details just right. Her art teacher, Mrs. Melton, has really worked with her, showing her different techniques, and has made a big impression on her. When Cassidy saw it, she said it looked like a real artist had painted it. Megan is extremely pleased with her work. Jon and I are beyond proud of her!

cute and crazy cousins

when I downloaded pics tonight, I found these darling pictures of the girls and Tyler, Jake and Hannah from when we were in BR. They always have such a good time playing with their cousins and Kriste and I love to compare notes on how much her kids are like mine sometimes.

the Merriest of Christmases

the girls said this was by far the best Christmas ever...and I agree. We watched The Nativity Story Christmas Eve - a beautiful movie. Had a great day with the girls on Christmas day - they loved all the goods Santa brought. We left home the day after and went to MS to spend a couple of days with Jon's family. All seven siblings were actually together this year. I can't remember the last time we had that happen...I don't think either of the boys have had leave at Christmas together before. So, fabulous. The whole family together. Also, crazy. But when you get seven siblings and their families together, what else would you get but a whole bunch of crazy fun! Then we headed to LA for some time with my family. Still fabulous and crazy, just on a smaller level, since it's just me and my sister and our families. But hey, we can still bring some crazy fun. Got to visit with my grandparents, awesome. Went and saw Sherlock Holmes with Ida, loved it. Spent the last day at Kriste and Randy's...three little cousins and my two girls = lots of noise. I'm happy to be back home, but I miss everyone. I wish everyone lived over here. Now, everyone will say it would be easier for me just to move back over there...but I like living over here. They would like it too. Anyway - pics to enjoy - probably too many! My fave is my daddy opening his snuggie!