Holiday Break - Down Time

This past week has been so nice. Brian has been off, so we have enjoy some extra family time.

We had a special visitor on Wednesday (I think...) My friend Jessica, from San Antonio dropped by for a visit. It was such a sweet time of fellowship. I wish she was closer so we could visit more often. She's such a encouragement to me. Jessica took the picture of Aspen & I, so I thought I'd post it.

The picture of Sandie & I is Brian's contribution to our family blog. :) He thought it was cute.... I really wasn't asleep, but had been trying to be... Thank you Mom & Dad Moreno for my new comfy outfit! I LOVE it!

Christmas - part 1

Ok...I've tried posting these pictures, semi in order...but, I had to do so in separate posts since I can't send some many at once from my phone.

Christmas day was extra special. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of everything, but, I have some. We woke up, and headed to church; just in time for my ladies ensemble run-through, and Brian's impromptu trumpet run-through. Technically, we didn't male it for all of my practice, but, at least to some. :) Church was extra special, and it was nice being all together since I canceled nursery for the day. Brian was sweet & came with Aspen & I to the cry room when she began to be fussy. He also went and retrieved her left Paci from our pew. He's so good!

After church we had a mini-Christmas with our adopted parents at church. They spoiled us far more than needed! (and we loved every bit of it!) :) lol Especially, my personalized "thirty-one" purse! Thank you!!! :D

Next, we were home to do our Christmas, just the 3 of us! Yay! Aspen enjoyed playing with the paper as we helped her open her gifts. Too precious! Brian gave me a new charm for my bracelet that has "Aspen" engraved on it. Too sweet! We enjoyed our little family time together...it was just too short. Aspen went down for a fast nap, while I made sweet potatoes & macaroni and cheese for my family's Christmas lunch. While I was cooking, Brian was packing to spend the night with the Moreno's. He takes great initiative like that! We were off "to McDonald's" ;) pretty quickly, and running late, as it seems I often am now days. We walked in & everything looked so pretty & smelled delicious! Isn't the tree & presents just beautiful! I think Mom & Dad did a great job! It was fun for us kids to bring our gifts for each other and watch the pile grow as this picture is. We ate a yummy meal that was such a feast! I didn't even try everything, and my plate was far more than full. We joked that we need to get Mom bigger plates... Aspen enjoyed the special Mac & cheese I had made, her first ever! (thank you Great Granny!) She liked it so much, she licked the plate...but, before we ate, she was so hungry, she tried eating her plate. :) After lunch, we fellowshipped, and then exchanged gifts. Aspen loved playing with the wrapping paper some more. I was so proud of her; she was SO tired yet, not fussy! She crawled over to the window & just looked out while we were opening gifts. It was TOO cute...there's a couple pictures of her looking out... Mom & Dad spoiled all of us, yet again. They blessed me with a bread machine, Brian with golf clubs, and Aspen with books & fun little toys. We exchange names in our family among the siblings, and I received a gift card & the cutest salt & pepper shakers. :) The family time we had all together was so sweet! Mama made coffee & baked Alaska for dessert, Mmmmmm! :) It was fun being together, and watching the little girls play with their new American Girl Dolls, and the clothes Mama made for the dolls.

Caleb & Becky were able to come & join us and we had "Christmas" all over again. Once the gifts were all opened, and thank you's exchanged...Daddy shared some thoughts he'd been pondering on. He said PawPaw would've come up with some way each gift we received could be profitable & glorify the Lord. So, a little choked up, Daddy continued on to share his thoughts for each of the gifts he & Mama had given to us. They gave me a bread machine/maker and reminded me that Christ is The Bread of Life. How Special! I'm excited to use my bread machine and think of that each time. And as I serve those who eat at my table, and enjoy the homemade bread, I can share with them the true Bread of Life! Thank you Daddy & Mama!!

I am so very blest...it's not the gifts this Christmas that mean so much, but the givers, and love that came with them. All the way down to the felt Christmas decorations a "little" boy from church made for us. :) It's a sacrifice to give...sacrifice of time, money, energy... And, it's an investment in my life. How grateful I am for that sacrifice & investment. I want to be so specific, but know that I'd leave someone vitally important out... So, if you somehow invested in my life, at any point of my life, whether years past or now, or me directly or by blessing my little family, I thank you! Thank you for loving me, and blessing me beyond words. I truly am grateful for you. May our Lord bless you as richly as I have been blest.

Christmas - 1 1/2

Christmas - Part 2

Christmas Eve

So, technically, it's Christmas day...but, considering the fact that I'm still up and my Christmas Eve plans aren't over yet, we're going to say it's Christmas Eve. I'm going to apologize in advance for how long winded this blog may be; it's late, I'm tired, there's alot spinning through my head, and I'm not able to go to bed yet, or do much else beside blog. So....here I am.

Today, a day looked forward to filled with all kinds of traditions. When Brian & I got married in '09, we started a little tradition of having Mom & Dad McDonald over for breakfast. It's been fun, and something looked forward to each year. There's a picture of our table before I finished setting it... And, then there's a picture of Aspen that Daddy took right before we ate. Breakfast was a fun sweet time. Memorable for sure, as I somehow knocked the entire Christmas tree over, in an attempt to get a present for Mom to take to her house for Christmas day. Thankfully, Brian caught the tree before it when crashing the the ground. Why it couldn't have been pulled over by the baby instead of me, I'll never know...but, we had a good laugh. And, Brian was reminded, once again, that, "everything always happens to me."

Our day did not unfold as we exactly desired, but, it was orchestrated by the Lord nonetheless, and we're thankful. Brian/Bear had that opportunity to go pick his brother Steve/Steev up from Katy right after Mom & Dad left. Steev is in town from CA for the week. This is his yearly trip, and we all look forward to fun family time all together. Aspen and I were busy running around doing last minute things...I should have made my Mac & cheese and Sweet Potato casserole, but put it off...(I was planning to be doing it now, but, the Lord planned otherwise.) Brian got home just in time for us to pack up and head to my Aunt Laura's house for The McDonald Christmas.

The McDonald Christmas is a extra special family time. We read the Bible story together, often have a share time, Gift exchange, and of course dinner & dessert. Not only were we celebrating our Savior's birth, but, we were always also celebrating my grandparents wedding anniversary. I think most of us in the McDonald Family semi dreaded today...the first official, tradition family time that neither Paw Paw or Grandma would be there. It wasn't fun getting to Aunt Laura's & not seeing PawPaw's car. Or, seeing him when you walk in the house.... It was hard. I didn't like it, not one bit. Daddy stood in PawPaw's stead & read the Christmas story from Luke 2. Aunt Laura, Aunt Cindy & Daddy gave each of us a Christmas envelope with money "from PawPaw" as he always did for us. This year it contained a poem instead of a hand signed Christmas Card. I haven't been able to read all my poem yet, as I was busy with Aspen, but each time I read a little I "bout lost it..." Ok, enough sad...moving on! We had to slip out early, but the food smelled delicious and the desserts looked incredible! We skyped my cousins who are out of the country, and it was extra fun to see my cousins who live in Alaska now! :D

We packed up, and headed to Galveston (in the rain) for the Moreno Christmas Eve party. Brian's family celebrates on the Eve instead of the actual day... Mom Moreno over did herself again. The food was yummy! Monster had smoked (I think) a turkey & sausage. There was rice & beans of course! And, homemade tamales. Mom and her siblings made 22 dozen tamales. We were there on Thursday when she cooked and deboned the hogs heads for them. :D We wanted to go help her like we did last year, but just couldn't. Anyway.... The party was fun, a little late in starting... Nearly everyone wanted to meet Aspen as I typically only get to see these family & friends on Christmas Eve or major events. Aspen was a trooper, but knocked out early around 8... Around 10:15 Mom began passing out gifts to everyone. It was fun sitting, watching the faces as the sisters exchanged gifts with each other, and then gave each of the nieces & nephews a little something. Even me!!! An In-law! :) I married into the best family, and not just because of the gifts! :) Aspen was showered with gifts!!! I was amazed. I think she only received 2 that don't require batteries. :D Lots of fun toys that Mommy really likes. They're all educational! Score!!! Yay!!!! :) Bear & I received snuggly, cozy blankets, pj's, dress shirts & ties, a beautiful Christmas platter, and something I think I'm forgetting. The main gift was just the love we all share, and being together. I'm just amazed by the huge blessing of family in my life. As a daughter-in-law, I don't expect to be treated the same as a daughter or "true family member", but the Moreno's have taken me in as their own, and I'm so honored. I am so very thankful for Mom & Dad Moreno in my life, and the love & family they give to me. (along with the rest of the Moreno clan! :))

Sadly, as soon as gifts were exchange we has to slip out. Bear & I wee disappointed because the best, most memorable family time, conversations, etc typically take place after the gift exchange. But, "we have to do what we have to do", and that "do" meant driving back to Clear Lake so Brian could play his trumpet for a Midnight Mass so our HOA bill coming up wouldn't hurt as bad, which is due next month. The original plan was for Aspen & I to be dropped off at home, but time didn't allow that. I drove from Galveston, Brian buzzed on his trumpet mouth piece trying to warm up his chops & Aspen either slept or played. Lol I was hoping to be able to enjoy hearing Brian play, but, that was short lived once The Brooks & I were seated... Lol She wanted to play & talk...forget sleep. We tried hanging out in the foyer, but, that didn't work. Thus, I drove around the neighborhood for at least 20 minutes, hoping it's put Aspen to sleep. Thankfully, it finally worked. That brings me to the present... Sitting, in the parking lot of a Catholic church, waiting for my husband to finish so we can go home & get some sleep before another fun day tomorrow, or later. It's now, 1:09 a.m. I think this mass goes until 1:30.... My phone is at 27%, and rain drops are falling from the tree branches above me. Are you bored yet? :p

I'm so tired, but, amidst that, I'm grateful. Grateful for my Lord, who made a WAY through a manger so I could be cleansed by His blood, the blood of THE Lamb. I've been amazed this season by the Lamb of Glory, and all the little but major detail of His birth, in Bethlehem... I'd share it all, but, I should save it.

Merry Christmas to all! And to all, Good Night! :) stay tuned for my Christmas blog! :)

McDonald Girl's Day - Christmas 2011

Mom McDonald started a tradition a few years ago that we daughters just love. Mom saves, prays and plans throughout the year, then blesses us girls in a special way. We go to lunch, then somewhere to go shopping - typically window shopping, and just enjoying the Christmas decorations & spirit. There's usually a theme which weaves through the entire day that Mom comes up with. This year, the theme was Gingerbread Men. We met at Santa Barbara Italian Cafe in Alvin, for lunch. It was SO yummy!!!! Mama and I shared the Mediterranean Salad & Chicken Parmagiana! (sp) We also enjoyed a yummy spread of appetizers!

At lunch, Mama shared a short devotion on have the Lord's eyes, ears, mouth, & feet...and the applicable quality was Discernment. She read "The Gingerbread Man" story for the little girls, then turned it around and reminded us all that we are to not be like the gingerbread man, but discern things from the eyes of the Lord... It was very well done, and convicting. :) I'm sure Mama would share her notes if you ask...it'd probably make far more sense than me try to explain it.

Mama gave us gingerbread ornaments, cookie cutter, hot mat, and cake tester to remind us of the devotion and special time together as ladies. The cookie cutter reminds us we are to allow the Lord to shape us. The hot mat & tester helps us persevere when we're bring refined by our Heavenly Father, and to trust that He's in control.

I wish I had pictures from lunch!! But, I failed to take them! :( Becky wasn't feeling well, and couldn't go on our shopping adventure to The Strand in Galveston. We were very sad she had to go home.

At the Strand, we enjoyed walking, talking & just being together. It was a very sweet time. We ended our shopping time at La King's which is a ice cream shoppe/ candy store. Mmmm! It's historic, and super cute. The girls enjoyed licking giant lollipops, and us adults sipped our holiday beverages. Let's see...Mom had, :) a gingerbread latte, Rebekah had :/ um...I think a mocha something or other... :) I had a very, very yummy Amaretto Almond Frappe. (def a new favorite of mine!) Aspen very badly wanted to lick her cousins "colored sticks" but, they were always just a bit out of her reach, as well as mommy's straw. :) Next year.... :)

While we sipped our desserts, Aspen discovered a chair her size. She LOVES pushing it all over the little area that we were sitting in.

Thank you Mama for such a special time together! The day was so sweet, and I can't wait for next year!

Our 2nd Anniversary

Can you believe we've been married two years already! It's crazy! We are sl blest.....!

Yesterday was such a special day! The Lord orchestrated everything so perfectly for us. Aspen slept in, this letting us sleep in too! Then, Brian made yummy Breakfast Burritos for us. There's a place in Galveston Mom & Dad Moreno buy what we call, Bronco Burritos from, so our burritos were jumbo size & just as (if not better!) than those. Mmmmmm! We had a lazy morning for the most part; then a sweet friend offered to keep Aspen so we could get out and do something fun together. So, Naomy & the boys came and played with "little miss" while Brian & I went to the driving(golf) range. Golfing is something Brian absolutely LOVES (!!!!) and I've been trying to figure it out so we'll have something else to do together. (yep! I have my own clubs - which are purple. I have pink & purple balls, and thanks to *Scrub, I have pink tees. :D) I've never used anything but the clubs since Brian's never taken me to anything but the range...lol...After yesterday though, he says I'm ready for a easy course. Yay! Lol We'll see...that could be very scary. :)

After the range, there were some things to be taken care of around the house...then it was time for our date night! :) We dropped "Baby Brooks" off at my parents, and went to our sentiment Italian restaurant for dinner. Zio's. It was delicious! I found a new dish I really like, and we enjoyed being together. I gave Brian the photobook I created for him of our Second Year. Next, we headed to The Galleria to go ice skating!!! Something I love to do, and haven't done in a couple years at least. We had a blast. Brian hadn't been since he was 8! I was so proud of him and how well he did. It meant a lot to me that he'd get out there and do that for me...something he really wasn't too keen on, but did it anyway. After skating we walked around the mall...going into just a handful of stores. My favorite was Payless (lol!) as I tried on quite the variety of shoes just to be silly. Brian probably enjoyed the Apple store more.... We left the mall and headed over to The Container Store. That was fun, and we saw lots of really cool organizing ideas. Next, Starbucks!!! :) Where we enjoyed a grande Peppermint Hot Chocolate (that was watery lol) and a slice of lemon pound cake, both of which we shared. Brian "dr-ed up" the cocoa with cinnamon & vanilla... It was nice to sit and just be together. We had fun observing the people around us, and wondering what their lives must be like... Afterwards, it was time to head back to get our sweet little girl.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Anniversary so special! Special thanks to our sweet friends & family who unexpectedly blest us so we could have such a special time! The Lord has blest us beyond measure, and we're so thankful for each other, and each of you!

While we were out & about, Aspen was having adventures of her own at Granny & Paw Paw's! These adventures included, but were certainly not limited to, going through Granny's "tupperware" cabinet, and bassoon carolers. :D

The pictures aren't the best, but they're pictures non the less. :)

Cookies!!

Cookies! Cookies everywhere!

That's how I felt on Monday. I made many dozen Christmas cookies for our gift to Brian Staff at work. I had fun making my Almond Spritz Cookies, just wish I'd had some help, and could've enjoyed it a little more. I only had naptime to do it all the baking, boxing, ribbon tying, feeding & bathing the baby, showering & getting myself ready, then rushing down to TC to make it in time for Brian's Christmas concert. (which, btw, was wonderful!) The Lord helped me so much, and everything pulled together beautifully...and I only over baked 1 cookie sheet that was only 1/2 full. :D And, those cookies were still edible! Yay! Lol...

I didn't get pictures of the yummy cinnamon rolls I made on Wednesday for church friends.... The Lord really worked those out too. I have one more batch to make and then I'll be through. There's more Christmas baking I really want to do, but, we'll see if I get to do it... I certainly hope I can! My favorites are candy cane cookies, magic bars, chewy bars & my Moms little moon shaped cookies! Mmmmmm!

Celebration!

On Saturday, we did something extra special that I have (very literally!) looked forward to for a whole year. :) We were able to attend First Baptist Houston's Christmas Production. Our great friend, more like Brother, is in the Orchestra (along with lots of other really good friends and even some in the choir- too many to name, I'm afraid I'd leave someone out!). Anyway, as our Christmas gift, Ruben bought us tickets to the Saturday afternoon performance; and, of course he got the best seats in the house because, "that's how he rolls." :-p We were able to go last year, and I enjoyed it SO SO much I couldn't wait for this year to come. It finally did, and I was disappointed to discover that a Brian had to work the day we had tickets for. So, Mom Moreno stepped up, and went with me. My parents were also able to go, and were sweet and allowed us to even ride with them!

The production was incredible, as I remembered. Some things weren't as impressive as last year, but some were even better. I'm already looking forward to next year. I'd buy tickets now for it if they were on sale. :) I love how they tell the story of Jesus; His lowly birth, and His life. I also love how the reference back to the Old Testament and the prophecy of Christ. Really makes one ponder on the Greatness of God, and how everything was so perfectly planned by Him. My absolute favorite part though, is when the Wise Men walk in. :) It's so majestic! They add incredible touches to help you imagine just what an honor those men bestowed upon my King. The whole production is so well planned, and performed. It had me laughing and nearly in tears as, once again, I was remind of Our Greatest Gift, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The funniest part...they had live animals, anything from sheep & goats to an elephant walking through the building. The actors were pretending to be walking through the streets of Bethlehem I believe, and goats & sheep were being led across the stage...one of the goats was nearly off stage, but decided it didn't want to walk any more; I could see how the actor was gently pulling it along, the goats legs locked...then the goat just sat down, and at that point really was gently drug off stage...I was probably one of the few that noticed, but it was so funny! You probably had to be there to appreciate it..... :)

A extra special thing...we got to see Amanda S. while we were there! I was SO thrilled to see her; she did an incredible job in the choir too!

Thank you Ruben for such a special outing! Best Christmas present for sure!

Walking, again...

So, we haven't gone walking since before our trip to Nashville. We decided we'd get out this week and "just do it!" :) ...it just happened to be on the coldest day we've had to far. It was about 45 degrees and that was in the middle of the day. I bundled up Aspen, and she was just too cute. She LOVE walking again. She giggled, smiled, talked and kicked her feet the whole time. The next day, we walked again, but, Brian and I switched cars. I didn't think of it later, but Aspen's stroller, blanket, hat, mittens, and blanket were all in my van. So...Granny helped us out. Lol That day it was too funny to not snap a picture! :D

"Thank you Nanny for my mittens & hat! They're perfect just for me!" -Aspen

It's Christmas Time!!!

I couldn't get a great picture of Aspen earlier this evening, so, ya'll get to see all of them. :) She was so precious in her little peppermint dress.... Thank you God for my little blessing!

Tonight my Mom invited me to the Ladies Christmas Celebration at her church. The Pastor's Wife, Mrs. Tina hosted it in their home. It was such a sweet time visiting & seeing friends I don't get to see often...not to mention yummy food, esp dessert!!! Mrs. Becky Gonzalez shared a devotion with us all. She did a beautiful job, and it was so very clear how the Lord brought it all together for her. I was busy occupying "little miss", but a dear young lady helped me entertain her... During that time, I was able to listing intermittently to Mrs. Becky. She did a "visual" to go along with her share time. She decorated a Christmas tree, and had a Spiritual, mostly Scriptural backing for each point. It was all wonderful!, but the one that stood out to me the most, of that I grasped, was about the ornaments/gifts. Evidently, people used to hang gifts on the Christmas tree, just as we hang ornaments now. We were reminded to night, that our GREATEST gift was hung on a tree for us- for me- for you! Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, THE gift of all time...He gave His life for you, so you may live in Him! How humbling, and exciting that is! He gave his life, the greatest treasure He could give for us!! So, as you decorate your Christmas tree, or admire those pretty ornaments, or even walk through the store & see ornaments, remember, those are/can be a picture of THE gift, Christ Himself. Just as Christ crucifixion & death was very pretty (perse), His resurrection was glorious, His body whole & beautiful/alive. No longer marred, bruised, beaten & dead. In the same manor, the ornaments on your tree are pretty, probably shiny or glittery... And, some of you, your tree itself is alive, just as Christ is today. :)

(our tree, on the other hand..as a dear friend pointed out..yes, is artificial; plastic & aluminum. Lol But, it all still applies. :) and, for my sweet friend, ;) I've never had a "real" Christmas tree for a single Christmas I can remember...my brothers were allergic to them, and then my sweet Mother-in-love gave us her old one. :D)

"Cousin" Dogs (lol)

Joshua & Rebekah needed someone to keep their dogs from Thursday-Saturday, so we were the lucky ones! Aspen has enjoyed watching, talking to, and playing with the extra puppies. Sandie isn't too thrilled about them...Tinkerbell growls at her anytime she steps into the kitchen. Lol It was funny, I looked out the kitchen window & all 3 dogs were sitting on Aspen's slide platform. Sandie hasn't ever tried climbing it or anything, so it was extra funny seeing the dogs on it...they just sat there, like something would get them if they got down. Lol The puppies over came their fear & roam the backyard now. Lol

Tinkerbell is the one wearing the sweater, and she's Annabel's chihuahua. Princess is the long-haired Chihuahua, and is Alyssa's...and also my favorite. :) Ann is the beagle, and is Joshua's. Lol!! I find it quite comical how each dog is somewhat of a reflection of their owner... Tinkerbell is feisty like Annabel! Princess, shy & playfully cute like Alyssa...and Ann, well, she's a beagle for sure, and very "whatever" like Josh. :D

On Thursday night Brian wanted to play with the dogs, so we let them out if their crates...then Aspen was fussing so I went & picked her up out of her crib...we sat down on the couch, and the dogs surprisingly joined us... Lol Aspen wasn't too sure about it, but ended up enjoying it. :) Sandie stayed on top of my shoulders...it was pretty funny...certainly our "chicken" dog.

Christmas Tree Experience

Can you believe it's Christmas time?! Our household LOVES this special season...it's extra special for us as we have LOTS to celebrate. We kicked it off early this year, right after Thanksgiving, by setting up our Christmas tree. It was fun putting all the branches in the right spot, fluffing each one, and having our little one crawling all around, trying to each the little needles that where on the carpet. Brian wanted to watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" & "Charlie Brown's Christmas" while we worked, so we did. Aspen was asleep by the time we actually got to decorating the tree...and then we were super busy this week, so, it wasn't until a couple nights later she really saw & recognized the pretty tree with the lights & everything. Hope you enjoy the video!

(I was trying to record it on our video camera too, and had issues, as you'll hear... Lol oh well...sorry it's not the best, I was focusing more on my "real" camera.)

Aspen at the Nursery

I was in the church nursery at some point on Sunday, I can't remember now...it all runs together for me. I looked over, and saw Aspen had decided she wanted to be on the shelf like the toys. Too Precious! She did it again on Wednesday night, but I didn't get a picture that time...