Did I Mention it SNOWED?!

Last week it SNOWED and stayed for about 24 hours. Unbelievable for Central Texas. Here my niece, Hannah, catches a few yummy flakes (photo by Crystal -nice job, Sissy!)
Don't it look like dessert, folks? It felt so normal probably because Crystal was here and we just imagined we were back "home" in Alaska. We put on "White Christmas" and had multiple cups of tea, Wilder later watched his favorite holiday movie, "The Polar Express," though I limited it to 2 viewings instead of perpetual play as he insisted during December.

Brian came home and the first thing he did was insist that Wilder join him for a play in the snow. He was SO excited! Here are the men constructing a snowman.

Some cuddly love on a cold day -Wilder just hopped out of hot bubble bath after his snow playtime with Papa. Awh, we had fun. Thanks, God, for the white "holiday!"

Things That Make You Say "Awwwwh"

A few months ago we stopped playing lullaby cds for Wilder and instead turned on the classical music station. Recently Brian told me that when he makes his early morning drives to Ft. Hood he'd been listening to the classical station, too, because it made him feel in some small way a little closer to Wilder. As he slept soundly in his crib embraced by the soothing tones on the radio, Papa could be with him in spirit while they shared the same music.

Just another little thing that makes you say "awwwwwh."

I certainly did. Sniff.

Sisters

Sisters, Sisters, there were never such devoted sisters.

I mean it! We love each other to bits and here's the proof.

I love you, Sissy. Thank you so much for coming to visit, for all your cooking, sharing, giving and love. You rock.

We Feel Pretty!

Oh so pretty! We had a fun, festive photo shoot this morning and I wanted to shared the best of the best with you!

Family Party in Houston

We got to have a quick visit in Houston with the Southern Camerons and what a party we had! I love getting to visit my grandparents and my aunt and her family, and this visit was particularly sweet having Crystal, Hannah and Aravis along -plus Waverley making her Houston debut. Before we headed to church that morning I snapped a few fun shots of Crystal, some of which are included here. Yes, we're continuing to have a lot of fun -and are eating delicious meals thanks to Crystal and her creative and flavorful cooking. I so wished we lived closer. I'm going to miss these ladies so much.

On the First Day...

Savannah turned 5, we had our first tea party of our visit, and the musical qualities of our group are astounding! Enjoy -we certainly are!

Visiting with My Beautiful Women

Thursday we sneaked in choice visiting time with some of the most important and beautiful women in my life. I am so blessed by these amazing ladies!

The Next 5 Years

Today we celebrate 5 years of marriage. 5 years together, 2 deployments, 2 children, 1 dog (okay, technically 2, but one remains,) and countless adventures, both together and separately.

This is a big year for us, 2010. Brian is preparing the exit the Army, his last physical day of work in early March and last official day at the end of April. Waverley was born. Both Brian and I are working towards self-employment. We will finally be civilians. A whole new chapter in our lives is unfolding as we embark on another great adventure as a couple and family.

These first five years have been anything but dull; I can only imagine what the next 5 years will bring! Whatever comes our way I am thankful that I have Brian to navigate and enjoy life with and I'd marry him all over again if I had the chance. I am so extremely blessed by him and love him more today than in the first chapter of our relationship.

Here's to the next 5 -no, 50- years, My Love. Happy Anniversary!

Mrs. Organization

Mrs. Organization is staying at our house. Well, she actually leaves today and I already miss her. But her visit could not be complete without spearheading a few organizational projects. For this I am eternally grateful! Mom turned our pantry into a place of peace, order and beauty. We like to bring chairs inside and sit, admiring the perfection of the organized space. *Sigh* It's beautiful.
Wilder, take notes. This is not Mommy's strong suite -actually, you could say it's my weakest point, along with math. But I hope to keep this new beautiful pantry as tidy as possible. Thank you, Mrs. Organization. I'm so glad you came to my house and we love you SOOOOOO much!!

A Week in Pictures

Here's a week's worth of good old fashioned family fun. And Wilder eating dog bones.

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Visiting with Grandmama

We are so, so, SOOOOOO enjoying having my mom here. She arrived just before Brian went back to work from paternity leave and she gets to be here until the 18th when my sister and two of her girls arrive from California for a week's visit. It's just wonderful having mom here!
These pictures are priceless to me, just as this time is. I know both mom and the rest of the family in Washington sacrificed a lot in parting with her for this length of time. I am so very grateful and treasure this time together and SO greatly appreciate all of mom's help.
Waverley Jane being held by her namesake (Jane Ellen.)
Some of the fun stuff we've been getting up to: NCIS marathons and rounds of Nertz. Playing cards with mom is classic family fun and you can usually find her busily battling Nertz solitare-style when she's not cooking, cleaning or playing with Wilder -which she's basically been doing constantly since she arrived. We have been treated to such great meals and a sparkling home -plus a well played with toddler :) Oh, Oh!! I even got my carpets cleaned!!! Something that's been on the wish list for ages and hasn't been done since we moved in 2 1/2 years ago. I'm a happy lady. (Mom didn't clean the carpets, but she helped make it happen! I couldn't have prepped without her.)
Waverley asleep, filled with the spirit. "Praise the Lord and pass the milk!"
Oh, I love these pictures!
Waverley doing her best hedgehog impression. Brian's given her that nickname -personally I think it's because of her fluffy hair.
Waverley and Wilder both have colds -poor snuffly babies- and we've been staying cozy inside with this drizzly weather. Brian and I (and Waverley) have a date tonight, participating in The Georgetown Swirl where we'll get to walk along the historic Georgetown Square and enjoy catering and wine tasting at 10 selected storefronts featuring some of the best wineries in Texas and local restaurants fare. Brian is running the Austin Marathon on Valentine's Day (yeah, not something I'D choose to do on the national day for chocolate lovers, but -boy howdy- am I proud of him!) And that, my friends, is the fun and excitement we've been up to!

Happy Valentine's Weekend! May your love be rekindled and your chocolate be plentiful!

Fun in the Mud

Are we having too much fun? Maybe. But the weather was mild at this moment and Wilder was hip deep, shall we say, in a good time. I like my dude covered in dirt, so I let him have at it.