PuRe LoVE & JoY!

Christmas was so fun this year because of these 4 little people...they are at a very fun age!
From 5 years old to 2 years old :)

I feel so very blessed...being an Aunt is so much fun!

They fill Nonnie's heart FULL of love! I just hope they always see their Nonnie has cool, the day they don't will break my heart.

My cup runnth over...

Lost Pines Getaway

Yesterday, AB and I headed to Bastrop to spend the night HERE for our anniversary.

We left around 10:30 yesterday morning and headed north. Every year we try to plan somethin for our anniversary, even if it's a night out to a fancy restaurant. AB is always so good about making me feel special on our anniversary or birthday. I was so excited to get away and just spend time with "us!"

Since we have moved, it has been hard to spend with just "us" and with our work schedules it seems we normally see each other more in passing. So it was so nice to go & spend time with each other.

View from our room...

Yesterday afternoon, we took a walk around the resort, had a few cocktails, and just spent time with each other. For dinner, we ate at the Firewheel Cafe where there was a buffet with bbq, mac 'n cheese, salad, baked beans, all kinds of cheese, and a dessert buffet.

Yes, a dessert buffet! I was in heaven!

AB was rather embarrassed by me snapping photos of the buffet so I had to hurry & snap the photos. ha! There was even a chocolate fountain!
There was even a childrens buffet which I thought was adorable.


Lost Pines is actually very family orientated. There were lots of kiddos around & dogs! Pet friendly as well...Reno & Coco would have loved it!

Everything was so nice. I felt like I was at a 5 star resort - which it kind of was I guess. It was tucked away off the main road & it was so serene.

Then the next morning, I got up - had room service and got ready for my 60 minute massage at their world class spa.

Django Spa

Ohhh, my husband sure knows how to spoil me! Talk about an amazing mini-vacay!

After my massage, I took a short little nap & then it was time to hit the road. I was not ready to leave! But I guess you have to come back to reality sooner or later...

The lady at the spa was telling me that lots of celebrities come to Lost Pines. Apparently they just got done filming a movie there with Jack Black & Shirley MacLaine.

I had such a wonderful time...and I can't wait to go back. I'm thinking a girls trip would be fabulous at this place. They have a huge pool with a lazy river that I think would be great for summer. I have more photos of my phone that I'll upload for another post.

On our way home, we took a mini detour to Lockhart for some bbq! We stopped at Black's BBQ and had some of the most delicious bbq I've ever eaten.

After dinner/delicious buffet...for some reason it looks like I've been crying. & which by the way, I ate WAY too much!!

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

I am looking forward to many, many more!

3 Years of Bliss

Three years ago today I married the man God chose for me.

December 29th 2007 could have not gone any better.

It was all my little heart could desire and want.
Thanks to our amazing parents!

From the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of the day I would get married. I dreamed of the man that I would marry. Little did I know God was planning something bigger & better than I could have ever dreamed.

Allen B. is my rock. He is the glue that holds me together. He is the one who will always pick up the pieces after they fall. He is the one that God knew I would need to make it in this cold, dark place.

In our third year of marriage, we faced things that were difficult but yet only made our relationship only grow and thrive.

I cannot imagine my life with him.

He loves to love me, loves to make me laugh and smile, and lives solely to make me happy.

I am so very blessed that God chose Allen B. for me!

I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend the rest of my life with.

Happy Anniversary my Love!!!


& the video I made last year...

Our Christmas card 2010

This year I designed our Christmas card and ended up sending out 2 different ones. I just could not decide which one I liked best.

I hope you all had a Merry CHRISTMAS!

May your heart be filled with the love, joy, & peace that only a King can bring!

Blessing to you & your family in the new year!

What we've been up too...

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

I have been off work since Friday, the 17th and we have been going non-stop since.

Saturday, the 18th we headed north to the Frio to spend several days with some of our closet friends. We had no internet, cable, or cell phone service. It was so nice to just get away & relax! We hiked, ate, played games, and watched movies.

More on that later...

Tuesday, we headed to San Antonio for a day of shopping. We still had some Christmas shopping to do so we spent the day shopping and made it home late that evening. Wednesday, I spent all day getting the rest of Christmas bought and then the wrapping began!

My sewing room looked like a bomb went off...after wrapping I closed the door & have yet to open it. Looks like I'll have some major cleaning to do before too long.

Thursday we spent the day around the house wrapping more presents, doing some last minute sewing, laundry & packing to head to Houston.

Thursday night we had Christmas with AB's family & early Friday morning we went to his grandmother's for a family photo then headed out to Houston to spend Christmas with my family.

We had a WONDERFUL time!

I know this time of year can be extremely difficult but I hope this Christmas you were able to see what Christmas is really about - a baby born to save the souls of man.

Prayers for Tucker

Please pray for a sweet baby boy, waiting for his forever family way across the world.



And lift up Lauren & her sweet husband while they wait to bring their son home!

You can read more about it on Lauren's blog - Living By Faith.

Please excuse my mess...

...of a blog!

So in my attempt to redo/redesign my blog, I ended up creating more of a mess than anything! I managed to undo all the hard work I had previously done, ugh! I really wanted to shed a few tears, throw a wall-out (is that even the right word?) fit, punch the computer, & well never blog again! Ha, it was just one of those things that sent me over the edge...but I am hoping to get it back to the way it was, actually even better than the way it was.

As soon as I get it fixed & get my Christmas design up, it will be time for a new one. Sigh!

I even had plans to make these cookies this weekend but well that didn't happen either. Guess there is always next weekend...

Thanksgiving 2010

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ours was filled with a ton of food, laughter, family, & fun. I love this time of year. This year we had Thanksgiving at my parents (which is what we normally do) and it was so nice to go home for a few days & just relax.

Turkey time

The Meador's know how to talk...

AB and I left on Wednesday and came home around noon on Saturday. Before we left that morning, I baked a buttermilk pie, a pecan pie, and a chocolate pie. They all turned out delicious! When we got to my parents, we ate & then opened my birthday presents from my parents. My mom got me this bag & she designed us a wedding book with all of our wedding photos. I just LOVED it! Can't wait to have a house & a coffee table to display it on.

Pioneer Woman's Pecan Pie - recipe to follow

My famous buttermilk pie

I was able to sleep in and enjoy just some much needed time away from school. But now it makes me so ready for Christmas break!! 5 days was just not long enough, more like a tease.

So school starts back tomorrow and we have only 3 weeks until Christmas break! Oh my! Which means Christmas is only 4 weeks away!

And while I am somewhat done Christmas shopping, I still have lots more to do. But as of now Christmas shopping is being put on hold...hopefully I'll be able to share why - very soon!

My cousin Lindsey & I modeling the knit hats I bought.

Before everyone arrived at my parents on Thanksgiving, I had my mom take a few photos of AB & I in hopes of maybe having a few for our Christmas card. I have been itching to get to Photoshoppin' & make up sample cards for my Etsy shop. But as of now there are just not enough hours in the day to get all the things done I'd like to get done.

Here are a few that we took.

Friday we went furniture shopping and I found lots of beautiful things. If only I had a blank check, ha! But we got a good idea of what we'd "like" to buy. And I finally got to have a Starbucks! Oh this country girl was so excited to be in the city! I really love the hustle & bustle of the city. Funny seeing how I live in a one-horse town. & Friday night I got to spend the evening & night with 2 very special people...Madyson & Maddox! They came over to spend the night & we had so much fun! Being an aunt is such a joy!

And oh my goodness...the BEST part of all!

The Aggies beat tu!!!!!! Oh what a stressful game but what a happy ending!!

I am soo proud of the Aggies...if they end up at the Alamo Bowl, my hubby says we'll be going. We shall see...

But now it is time to gear up for another week and get back into the swing of things...Christmas break will be here before I know it & I can't wait!

I'm lovin' these...

Modern Vintage Boutique

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Just maybe Santa will bring me on of these this Christmas...

Oh Good Heavens!

How does the time go by sooo quickly?

I felt like I posted but yet I realize it has been 20 days!

Well, today is my birthday...

I was somewhat dreading my birthday this year but surprisingly it has been wonderful.

I love birthdays!!

I mean not just my birthday...but birthdays in general! I think everyone should feel so incredibly special on their birthday. And today I most certainly do!!

Thanks to my amazing friends & family!

Here is what my mother posted today on Facebook...

"Good morning FB! This morning @ 9:46 in New Iberia, LA I gave birth to a sweet baby girl. She has been one of those blessing that you could never imagine but God chose us to have. We love you to the moon and back! Happy birthday Nancy!"

If that doesn't make a person feel loved, I don't know what will. I guess turning 28 isn't all that bad after all...

By the way I've gotten some pretty awesome birthday gifts so far but more than anything I'd LOVE an Aggie WIN tonight!!

Aggies don't let me down...BTHO Nebraska!!!

Star Struck!

So never before have I ever been "star-struck" until this Saturday.

Friday after school, we loaded up & headed to Houston for the weekend. Saturday my mom, mother-in-law, & I went to the Houston International Quilt Market. We only spent one day there but easily could have spent 2 or 3. It was HUGE! All three halls of the of George R. Brown Convention Center. We walked, and walked, and walked...

I saw some of the most awesome booths & some amazing fabrics! I even ordered 11 bolts of fabric. Wholesale fabric coming my way in December...talk about exciting!

Some of the highlights of the weekend:
1. Spending the weekend with 2 wonderful ladies
2. Meeting Amy Butler - yes, I got to meet Amy Butler!!!! She was so sweet!
3. Meeting Michael from Michael Miller Fabrics - yes, heaven!
4. Ordering wholesale fabric (oh my, like my own mini fabric store)
5. The Aggies beat Tech!
6. Seeing & saying "hi" to Ty Pennington

Here are some photos from my weekend.

Fabric covered bike

Ty Pennington's new line of home decor fabrics

Paper flower made with Amy Butler's fabrics

Amy Butler!!!

Girls Weekend

I am so excited!

Today I am headed to San Antonio to meet one of my best friends Shanna for a weekend of fun & relaxation. But the real reason we are going is because of THIS.

Yes, Women of Faith!



And yes, Natalie Grant! Amazing, beautiful, & talented.

There have been so many obstacles that have tried to take this weekend away from us (like me coming down with a bug yesterday & feeling terrible) but luckily today is a new day & new promises. I am feeling so much better and ready to hit the road...after I run a few errands.

I am so very excited & pray that the Lord will feed us exactly what we need to take that next step in our walk with Him.

I promise to come back with lots of pictures from our weekend!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

My Famous Chicken Spaghetti

If there is one thing I am often asked to cook, it is my chicken spaghetti. And not the kind that has ketchup or any kind of red sauce. I have learned that chicken spaghetti means different things to different people.

In my opinion, there is only one way to make chicken spaghetti. It requires lots of cheese, noodles, more cheese, and nothing short of creamy goodness.

Just be warned - it is no where near healthy but pretty heavenly! I tend to make a TON of it...yes, not 1 but 2 whole 9x13 pans of it. It freezes really well. But one 9x13 pan does not stay around here for more than a day or two.

Make this for your family this week, I promise they will love it!

(click on the image to make it bigger in a different window)

Also feel free to half the recipe if needed.

We love anything that is cheesy, creamy & well fattening. Ha!

Enjoy!

Football & Date Night

Nothing scream Fall like football!

Friday, AB & I went to a high school football game. The Sinton Pirates took on the Rockport Fulton Pirates. We have not been to a high school football game in well probably close to 10 years. We cheered on AB's ol' alma mater & I got to see some of my kids outside of school, which was fun! Sinton has a fairly good football team this year. But my goodness the kids look so small/young) I guess that means we are getting old! We ended up winning the game fairly easily.

We sat with his aunt & uncle - on the 50 yard line. Allen's cousin is a cheerleader so we got to see her cheer as well. Friday night football is such a big part of Texas & a tradition I remember as a kid. My oldest brother, Casey played high school football & I always had so much fun going to the football games on Friday night. Can't wait for the day when I can take my kids to Friday Night Lights aka Friday night football.

Go Pirates!

Half-time

Then Saturday, after the Aggies lost - we needed a little pick us up! So we decided to get dressed & head out for a date night. It has been months since we've had a date night. Our last one was before moved in July. So it was so nice to get out & enjoy each other. It seems that since we've moved, all we do is go, go, go. The days and weeks just fly by! I will admit there are times when I miss our slow life together in San Antonio. And I thought I would never be able to say that.

Amazing how God is constantly reminding me of a time that I absolutely hated and then makes me realize it really was not as bad as it seemed. Lately he has is constantly reminding me of where I was and where I am now & wow! Saying he loves me is an under statement - but more on that later.

AB and I headed to downtown Corpus for some seafood. I really love seafood - ok good seafood. We ended up getting 2 awesome appetizers. Some amazing fried, seafood stuffed whole jalapenos & then oysters on the half shell.

We both ordered way too much food and stuffed ourselves silly! Afterward, we took a walk down the pier/jetty then took a drive down Shoreline Drive and looked at all the big, fancy houses.

It was a much needed date night and I am so thankful for date nights & the man God chose for me, Allen B.

Believing in the unseen...

AB & I are believing in the unseen...for His word tell us that we learn to trust and believe in Him through what we cannot see.

Faith is built on what is not seen but yet unseen.

Hope is planted in our hearts in order to hope for the unseen.

We know God has already laid out our plans and what is to come...our job is now to sit and wait in that hope, with faith & assurance.

We hope to share news soon about what we are believing in...until then we'll let God work out all the details while we wait upon Him.

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? -Romans 8:24

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. -Hebrews 11:1

Busy Day Peach Cobbler

Sunday I decided to make a peach cobbler. My MIL had a bags & bags of fresh sliced peaches in the freezer and so I thawed them out and started looking for a recipe. I knew cobblers were an easy fix but I had no idea how many different recipes there were. Mostly all of them called for the same ingredients all just done a bit differently.

I decided on a recipe out of my "Texas Braggin' Rights" cookbook. It is a teeny tiny cookbook with all award winning cook-off & festival recipes. I picked "Busy Day Peach Cobbler" - it won first place at the 1991 Parker County Peach Festival in Weatherford, TX.

And oh my sweetie pies...it turned out to be delicious! My father-in-law said if it were him he would never make any other kind of peach cobbler ever again.

So I thought I'd be kind & share with you all the recipe..it's easy & so good!

You can also find it here. Click on it to enlarge it.
Hope you all in enjoy!

Recipe Cards

So in all my fun this weekend playing with Photoshop, I decided to start transferring my recipes to recipe cards. Here is my first one...

You can also find it HERE...click on it to enlarge it & feel to print it if you like.

Happy Fall Y'all!!!

I love shoppin'...

Photo-shoppin' that is...digi scrappin' ain't all that bad.

I'm working on a new blog header...stay tuned!

& it kind of has something to do with this...

and I love FALL!

Hello Long Lost Friend

Well...hello.....

It has been way too long since I last blogged. A whole month! Where has the time gone? I apologize to all my faithful followers, the few that I do have.

School/work has been kicking my booty. And sewing has also kept me very busy! Honey B. is starting to take off...of course once I start working again. Isn't that how things always seem to work out? I can not believe October is almost here! October, November, & December are by far my most favorite months! Now that it is officially Fall, I wish the South Texas weather would reflect it.

In other news, we had lots and lots and lots of rain here over the last week or so. I am so over the rain at this point! We had lots of flooding and school was even canceled last Monday due to all the flooding. Rain day! I had all intentions of blogging that day but instead curled by in bed & watched movies instead :) haven't had one of those kind of days in forever it seems like. Here are a few pics from all the rain/flooding.

There's a field somewhere out there...
Below is the road that we live down
The other side of the road/intersection that we live on
Here is CR 1944, the road I take to get to work
Field on 1944
And thankfully we were done with harvest before all the rain/flooding started. The last 2 days the sun has been out & finally things are starting to dry out. Hopefully, the rain stays away and the cool weather comes to stay. Wishful thinking on my part but hey I can always hope.

I also got my Etsy shop back & running! Our website is also up & running! So things with Honey B. are going great...just wish I had more time to sew & play!

I promise to get better about keeping up with my blog...I really have missed it!!!