Scenes from Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas spent with those we love most, and I couldn't be more thankful for that. We did a tour of Tarrant County on Christmas Eve, but it was worth it to see both of our families and worship at our own church. (Hurst to Aledo to Hurst to Fort Worth to Colleyville. Whew).We spent Christmas day in one place (Colleyville at my parent's) which was perfect. I hope you and yours had a very merry Christmas too.

These photos were all taken Christmas Eve.

8 Years and Counting

I've droned on and on about my inner circle plenty on this blog, but it's because they are such a big part of my life and I am so.thankful. for them. All six of them. We got together over the weekend for our EIGHTH annual girl's weekend: Christmas edition and it was such a good time. We started this little tradition when six out of seven of us were still in college, facebook had just come to Baylor and flip phones were cool. The "weekend" used to be a day trip to Salado to enjoy their Christmas stroll, eat like VIPs at the Mansion (no longer in business) and browse through their cute little shops. A few years, some grown up jobs and a few weddings later our day morphed into a weekend that rotates. We were in San Antonio last year, Grapevine the year before and this year we stayed at the new Dumas casa in Allen. Plans are already in the works for 2013 when our little tradition turns ten. We're going big. The party planning committee is currently scouting locations. Suggestions welcome.

Here's a snapshot of our weekend. You can imagine there was a lot of laughing, storytelling, reminiscing and EATING ;) We're pretty good at all of the aforementioned.

we were asked to be on a tourism video for the city of frisco. so randomly funny.

Slice Up the Fruitcake



Don't you just hear this song when you read that? Ok, maybe it's just me. I heard that song on 94.9 the other day and for some reason I was so tickled by it. Who knows why, but I knew I wanted it for a little sign in my kitchen. Never mind that this in no way matches anything in my kitchen, or the rest of my house for that matter. It sure looks cute in an old black picture frame though. I love re-purposing. Not sure if I'll keep it, but for now it makes me smile. Feel free to download it if it makes you smile too.

Another thing that's bringing a smile to my face today: It's the annual Inner Circle Christmas weekend and I can't wait! Woohoo!

Last Minute Christmas Idea

Anyone looking for a last minute Christmas gift idea for me? This would look awfully nice in my office. Framed of course.

P.S. Did anyone see RG3's acceptance speech last Saturday night? I skipped a wedding reception to watch it live, and I bawled cried like a baby as our beloved quarterback so eloquently accepted such a prestigious award. It's been a rough couple of decades for the tried and true Baylor football fans, but it was all worth it for this fan last Saturday. Sic 'em Griff!

Festive

I think I inherited the festive decorating gene from my mother. I put something (most of the time a lot of things) out for nearly every "holiday." I don't, however, go to near the lengths that my mom does. (31 Christmas trees anyone)? I do enjoy feeling festive, though, especially at Christmas. This is my fifth Christmas in my house and the first that I don't have a scheduled dinner party or event to host. It's kind of sad and kind of nice. I have a few friends coming over here and there, but nothing big. Because of that I didn't feel quite the pressure to put everything Christmas I've ever owned out, instead, just my favorites. Speaking of favorites, here's a little peak at my favorite room in the house: my sun room. I kept it simple. Those sprigs are fresh and smell delicious and the pine cones are from our camping trip to Arkansas last year. The sun room tree (yup, I've got two) is decorated with only vintage ornaments, most of them from my parent's first tree. L-O-V-E. Glad tidings friends!

Knick Knack Hunting

best corny dogs ever. mmm.

December is such a crazy busy time of the year. It's the best kind of busy though, right? In spite of the overloaded schedules and commitments my aunt and I carve out a day each year to go "knick knack hunting" (as Justin calls it). Read: day trip to Canton. We've been doing this for a few years now and it's definitely something I look forward to. My aunt and I have always been close and we enjoy the little mini getaway. This year we both spent a little too much money, but we got some great deals and I marked a few things off of my Christmas shopping list! We also splurged on some fried goodness. Totally worth it.

little piece of heaven on a stick

fried "taters"

 Now to hit the gym...

Happy Birthday Nat!

My best friend from Baylor, Natalie, turned the big 3-0 on Monday. (I'm sure she loves me broadcasting that, but she owns it and makes 30 look pretty fantastic). Not that I'm in any hurry to see for myself. I choose to hold at 29 thank you. Anyway, six out of seven inner circle friends + significant others met for lunch and then surprised Nat with a birthday tailgate before the Baylor/tech game at Cowboys Stadium. You can thank us for the lovely winter cold front that blew in just in time. We had a great time celebrating Nat and watching our Bears stretch their winning streak to four. A great birthday present in my opinion.

We hope your day was special Nat, as you are so special to all of us. Thank you for entering into this scary new decade first and showing us that it's not that bad. We're right behind you! I'm thankful everyday that you so "coincidentally" bumped into me in the Barfield Drawing Room bathroom on that summer day in 2000. I love you, friend!