Dreamhouse with a side of boots

After church today Mike put together the girls' big gift from my mom and dad: barbie dreamhouse!  3 stories...fully furnished...with working lights and accessories. Mk had a friend over for a playdate and the three of them played all afternoon with it!  I got for Christmas something I have been wanting since we moved to Texas 5.5 years ago: cowboy boots!  I got a gift card to Cavenders and my mom and I went and I picked them out.  After trying a couple brands on I settled on a pair of pointy toe chocolate brown Ariats with subtle white and blue embroidery....I LOVE them and they are super comfortable (which I wasnt expecting!)!  Oh and on an final note...I went 0-4 in my playoff predictions...I will not be making any predictions next week as I dont want to jinx the pats...boo

Home again home again jigity jig

Last night we enjoyed one last night in Austin with my sister and her family before heading home today.  Of course we had to play Catan...this time we let mk stay up and play...she did pretty good...for her first time...and for being 7!  Today we headed home.  As much fun as I have had this vacation, I am going to enjoy getting back into a normal routine!  Tonight we enjoyed yummy steak salads for dinner while watching the playoffs!  It was so lowkey and enjoyable!  Mike and I decided to see who could precdict the playoff winners.    As of this point I am 0-2 & he is 1-1 but we will see what tomorrow holds... either way it will be some good football!  Here are some pics...

Rain on my parade

Today we decided to go see the state capital.  When we decided to go today we did not check the weather.  It was so cold and as we came out of the restaurant that we had lunch at it started to rain....cold...wet...rain!  So Mike, my sister Kim, me, Mk, Bria, Haylie, Becca, and Lindsay all walked around in the rain till we got to the only (and farthest) entrance that was stroller friendly.  Once we got through security (again with 5 kids) we had a great time!  I LOVE interesting and beautiful architecture...esp historic architecture.  The state house did not disappoint...so beautiful!  We did about half the tour before the kids were all done.   It will be fun to go back in the spring or summrr in warmer weather and let the kids plsy on the lawn!  Enjoy some pics from our day including a great "awkward family photo"...I kept waiting to take it until the girls settled down, but it just kept getting worse so I took the pic to end it!

The big 3-ohhhhh

Yup...it's here...I am 30...to tell you the truth...I am actually enjoying this birthday!  No cosmic depression ....I didn't wake up with a face full of wrinkles...it has been a great day with my wonderful husband , my beautiful girls and my amazing little sister.  We started the day with breakfast at Dunkin Donuts...which is both nostalgic and a treat since we moved away from the land of dunkin!  Then a trip to HEB, followed by some cooking.   I made my own birthday dinner which may sound like a bummer to some but I LOVE to cook so I used the opportunity to make braciole and roasted asparagus.  I made tiramisu for my cake!  It was delicious!  While the girls were having quiet time my sister Kim took me for a main/pedi...so fun! After dinner MK rallied Bria and Haylie to sing a birthday song of love to me!  It was a great day with the people I love!  Here are some pics of my day and my gifts!

Everything is bigger in Texas

Today we went to Round Rock Donuts in yep...you guessed it...Round Rock, Texas.  It was featured on the show "Man vs food"  This place didn't disappoint!   Not only were the donuts delicious, but they are also preservative free and use all natural ingredients like farm fresh eggs.  Kinda like good for you donuts!  Yeah...I'm delusional...but still...better for you donut at least.  Mike and the girls loved hamming it up with the 2 lb.  Texas sized donut!  Enjoy the pics!

Mobile blogging and New Year's Resolutions

New Year...new goals....
I hate blogging from my phone but I am going to use my picture a day goal to help motivate me to do it!

What are your resolutions/goals for this year?
Here are mine:
1) read through the Bible this year but historically (I did this in 2011chronologically and loved it)
2) lose 60 pounds (in 2010 I lost 40 and have gained most of it back sadly...just admitting this to myself is a big step right now)
3) do some serious research on adoption and adoption agenclies and start an adoption fund
4) blog AT LEAST a picture a day this year
5) experiment with more recipes and create some of my own
Here are my first two pics...one is Miss Bria on our way to Austin sleeping in the car.  The other is my sweet little niece Lindsay!

Btw...still not sure about this birthday thing this year...

School's Back!

Last week marked the first day of school for Mary Kate.  First day as a Rotan Yellowhammer!  First day of 2nd Grade!  First school that she got to wear anything she wanted to, no uniforms!  Enjoy some pics!

Mk and Bria (wishing she could go to school) on the 1st day!

 

Posing in her "not uniform" school clothes

More posing!

My big girl!  Can't believe she is already a 2nd grader!

 Bria wanted to go to school too, so we at least took a picture!

Outside the cafeteria with her nametag getting ready to eat breakfast at school for the first time.  In Rotan, everyone gets free breakfast!

In case you couldn't read that name tag, at the bottom it says class of 2023!  2023!  I know it is not really that close, but putting a number, a date on it, makes it so much more real!