Happy Christmas and Merry New Year!

They say that the way you spend your New Years day sets the tone for the rest of the year.  I would say that we are going to have a pretty spectacular 2013. 

Before we get there, back up with me to the week of Christmas.

Clay, Addison, and I spent 3 days in Comanche.  Addison and I enjoyed the Comanche City Park while Clay enjoyed some time in the deer blind. 

We started a new family tradition by letting the kids decorate sugar cookies for Santa.  While we were in college, Doris would always send the best sugar cookies perfectly iced to us on the holidays.  It was these cookies that I was channeling when I was baking and icing. I’m afraid that I will need a cookie intervention before next year, but any imperfections were hidden by Addison and Ethan’s decorations! 

After opening presents Christmas eve morning, we headed home to Lubbock where the Meltons were waiting for us.  My mom and dad and Melody and Jeff had arrived the night before.  How exciting it was to be greeted at the door by them! After settling in, we put on our Christmas finery to go to the 6:30 Christmas Eve service at our church.  We were so proud of ourselves arriving early at the church at 6:05, only to learn that the service started at 6:00.  Despite our tardiness, we were happy to sit together at the front of the church.  It was a beautiful night of musical praise and reflection.  We left with the fresh reminder that Jesus is our light and we are his conduits, shining into world. 

Christmas morning Addison woke up bright and early.  When she walked into the living room to seethe stockings lined by the chimney with her American Girl Bitty Baby from Santa her only response was “Whoa!”  The Bitty Baby box couldn’t get opened fast enough! 

 

We had a wonderful WHITE Christmas!  Addison is one blessed little girl!

Honey stayed with us through the week of Christmas and then joined as we took a road trip to Llano for the second annual New Years Grandkid Palooza (note:  add Roozie or Palooza to any word and it instantly becomes more fun…just ask my Aunt Patty)!  Mom joined my Aunt P and Uncle Ray and Addison joined cousins Luke and Corbin for a party (note:  call anything a party and again, more fun).  We are relatively certain that anything goes with Ray, P, and Honey in charge and most certain that everyone had a wonderful time!

Luke, Addison and Corbin - to infinity and beyond!

Party in bed!

Addison in the nativity 2011 and 2012



Fish face at Cabella's

Meanwhile, Clay and I met up with the Erwin Family Nation in Fredericksburg for Walt Wilkins' annual birthday concert at the Auslander.  We were happy to get the brand new Mystiqueros CD, Wild Cat Pie, while we were there and now have it on constant spin. 

 

After 2 days in Fredericksburg we were ready to be reunited with our girl.  We said goodbye to our family in Llano and took off to Gruene. For the past 3 years, we have spent a quiet New Years Eve, enjoying dinner as a family of 3 at the Gristmill, followed by fudge from the Gruene General Store, and staying at the charming Gruene Mansion Inn.  We wake up refreshed in the new year ready for what has become our favorite show of the year – the Gruene Hall Hair of the DogConcert…12 hours of non-stop music with 4 hours from the Mystiqueros.  Addison is definitely her daddy’s girl and rocked out almost the entire show.  She loved watching the band, dancing to the music, and entertaining everyone…she even joined the band (well kind of) when Tina gave her a hand shaker to play. 

 

We woke up on the second ready for our trek home to start the new year. Addison was such a trooper on our 900+ mile trip.

2012 was a year full of many blessings and adventures. Cheers to what's ahead in 2013!

Amen and pass the butter,
Marcy

Want, Need, Wear, and Read

This Christmas I found myself with my hands a little full and wanting to enjoy the spirit of the season.  I’ve always been more of a quality of quantity person, and I hope to raise Addison to have the same attitude.  So, this year, more than ever, I was committed to a simple holiday.

This year, my sister-in-law Jen and I began a new gift giving philosophy.  And it goes like this:  something they WANT, something they NEED, something to WEAR, something to READ.  Our hope was to keep the focus on the season and not the number of presents under the tree. 

Between Honey and Poppa, Aunt Meddy and Uncle Heffrey, Pops, Mary, and Megan, and Uncle Zack and Aunt Jen, there were plenty of presents under the tree.  To be honest, I don’t know that Addison will ever notice the philosophy, but I know that Clay and I will – for the better!

 

Dear Santa

We were constantly on the road throughout November.  It seemed like we were all a little road weary, including Addison.  The first weekend of December was the first time all 3 of us had been home together in several weeks.  We had planned our usual Sunday – wake up by the Addison alarm and head to church; however, our alarm must have been pretty tired (or sensed that we needed the extra sleep).  When she finally woke up, we instead decided on a lazy morning and (sorry Mom and Pastor Craig) skipped church. 

After an amazing brunch (because of both the food and the child’s behavior) at Manna, we thought it would be a good time to run by and see Santa.  We got there right when Santa arrived.  After a short line, we approached Santa, and Addison was not impressed.  So, in an effort to move along the growing line and save my girl from the ever terrifying Santa, I stepped in to join her for a picture.  I’m not sure what Addison wished for (but am pretty sure she asked for an American Girl)

 

Ever since Addison was born, my mom, sister and I have been excited for our trip to the American Girl store.  Growing up, I still remember when Melody and I got our dolls – Samantha for Melody, Kirsten for me.  We were recently at our parents’ house and got down our dolls.  Addison LOVES dolls and drug Kirsten around so much that her arm came off…not to worry, the American Girl Store has a hospital! 

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we went to the American Girl Store!  We were in little girl heaven!  Lots of light, bright color, happy faces everywhere.  We snacked at the bistro where we dined with a borrowed American Girl doll and we selected Addison’s first American Girl – a Bitty Baby!  Hopefully Santa will come through! 

 

We discovered that there is nothing like a gigantic toy store to bring out the kid in you.  We oohed and ahhed over all the dolls as much (or even more) than Addison did!  Although Addison won’t remember her first trip to the American Girl Store, I know that my sister, mom and I will, and next year after Thanksgiving we will enjoy it again!