Our Trip to Taos

On Thursday 7 of us, which included Bo's parents and brothers, departed for Taos, NM. We rented a 12-passenger van (thank heavens!) and made the 13 hour trek to the beautiful snow-capped mountains. We skied, went tubing, saw an Indian....I mean Native American...dance, shopped on the town square, played at the park, had a snowball fight, saw the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and best of all......everyone came back injury-free! We stayed at the Alpine Village Suites, which was located at the base of the mountain and just a 2-minute walk from the ski lifts. The weather was just perfect; really cold at night, but quite pleasant during the day. I only skied a little bit on the 1st day and then did some sight-seeing the next. Bo, Steven, and Boonie had a blast ripping down the mountain, trying out some moguls, and playing in the terrain park. Landon enjoyed the snow, but didn't care for the cold weather (of course, neither did his momma). We taught him how to have a snowball fight. And when we went into town, he really enjoyed the Native American dancing display. In fact, he did a little of his own dancing in front of a coffee shop, not realizing the customers inside were enjoying his performance. Landon and I even went tubing one night. As we were waiting in line, Bo and I kept telling him that we were about to go on the slide, in hopes that his head would be filled with calm, yet exciting, thoughts about the slides at home. Landon and I got our tubes, and we sat him down in his. He even sat on his favorite little pillow, but you only saw this tiny head and 2 over-sized mittens poking out of the tube. He remained calm until I sat in my tube and we were positioned to slide down the mountain. They tied our tubes together and let us go! Landon never cried, but had a look a shear panic on his face. When we came to a stop, I asked him if he wanted to do it again, and he said, "don't want to!!!" The trip was fantastic, but I'm thankful to be back in the great state of Texas where we should hit 80 degrees this week!

31 Birthday Candles

Well, this gal turned 31 on Thursday, and let me tell you, 31 candles are enough to warm cold hands, light up an entire room, and keep Bo's firefighting skills on hand! It was a fabulous birthday. Bo, Landon, and I went golfing Friday afternoon. We were supposed to play 9 holes, but the wind was outrageous. Landon literally couldn't walk straight. We settled for the driving range and still had a wonderful time. Bo took a golf class in college and is naturally good, as he is with most sports. I've never had any lessons, only those given by my infinitely patient husband. I get the ball where it needs to go; I just need to work on putting. Bo is now giving lessons to our son, and quite frankly, it's the most adorable thing ever! He makes contact after about 8 swings. Good heavens, Tiger didn't even get started until he was 3!
Sunday, we had a family picnic at a park in Frisco. Again, the winds were howling (as you can tell in the pictures), but other than that, it was a nice day. My brother-in-law, Daniel, asked me what it was like on the other side of 30 (smarty-pants!). Well, let's see.....I got a Woodwick candle, a book, and a crochet starter set (among other things). Although these items aren't on most 30-somethings' wish lists, they were on mine. I think I'll knit my brother-in-law a lovely lilac and pastel blue sweater just for asking me that question! And, while I'm thinking about it, I'll knit my husband a fancy little vest to wear on the motorcycle....I'll even add a special touch with my "bedazzler"! He kindly reminded me that he's now 2 years younger than me until November. He really shouldn't toss around such ugly words since a milestone birthday awaits him this year!

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

"The Christmas Song" is my all-time favorite Christmas song....preferably Nat King Cole's version. It embodies warmth, coziness, and an undeniable Christmas spirit. Yuletide carols being sung by the choir - I can remember strolling from house to house with my friends singing our favorite Christmas melodies. Homeowners happily opened their doors and smiled from ear-to-ear as the youth of their neighborhood serenaded them. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight - I can also remember as a young girl curling up in my bed, promising myself that I wouldn't fall asleep so I would know when Santa had arrived and to see if reindeer really know how to fly. Inevitably, my eyelids couldn't hold their own against a long day of excitement and anticipation, and finally closed for a long winter's nap. There was nothing better than waking up on Christmas morning and running to the Christmas tree to see the treasures Santa had left. My tiny tot's eyes were aglow as he climbed down the stairs to find that Santa had brought him a John Deere tractor. I love Christmas, as do all kids from one to ninety-two. A local radio station started streaming Christmas music online on October 30, then started playing the Christmas tunes on the radio in late November. I've honestly been listening to Christmas music since October 30. I know it's crazy. There's just something about those songs; the old ones, not the Madonna version of Santa Baby. "The Christmas Song" was composed in 1946. Listen to it (and others from that time), really listen to it. It just seems like things were so much simpler then and people were more caring and sincere. I truly worry about our world, what it has become, and what the future holds. I brought another life into this world and will do my very best to teach him values and morals and to stand up for what's right. I want him to be happy, always. I pray that this world has enough good in it to overcome the challenges. I really do love Christmas and there's nothing better than spending an entire day with family. I have countless blessings as the year 2008 comes to a close, and anxiously await all the new treasures 2009 will bring. Although it's been said many times, many ways....a very Merry Christmas to you. And a Happy New Year, too!

Ice and 2 Birthday Candles

Thanks to my fabulous in-laws, Bo and I had date night on Saturday. We went to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord Texan Resort. They keep it a chilly 9 degrees and give everyone parkas to wear. I'm a real wimp when it comes to cold weather, but I must say those parkas did the trick. I don't think I complained once! The ice sculptures were beautiful and you really have an appreciation for those artists. I'd say the only downfall of our evening was the fact that the national cheerleading championships were being held while we were there. My, my, how cheerleaders have changed. There was a time when cheerleading was like a sport and it took athleticism to compete. Although I was a soccer girl, I still had an appreciation for some of the cheerleaders. Now, apparently, it's more like "hoochies in training." There were little 7 year-olds running around in tiny skirts, tops that covered nothing more than a sports bra, their bellies proudly displayed, and talking on their $300 iPhones! Not to mention the bright-colored glitter make-up and heavy black eyeliner that camouflaged their sweet little innocent eyes. I know this will offend some folks, but it's my blog and I can say what I want! Lord help me if Bo and I have a daughter who decides she wants to be a cheerleader!
My parents were gracious enough to let us have Landon's birthday party at their house on Sunday. It was just a small family thing; I figured we've got one more year of a simple party and then we'll have to do the Chuck E. Cheese or bounce house thing. Landon got lots of great presents. I think he was a little overwhelmed with all of the gift bags and packages and the fact that he could rip open ALL of them. He was so serious, carefully inspecting each toy, card, or book. We had a wonderful time, are so thankful for the last 2 years, and are thrilled to see what the next year brings! Loads and loads of hugs and kisses to our 2-year old son, Landon Cole.