January

It's been forever since I last posted. The only explanation I can offer- we're hibernating! Literally, it is so so cold here that we are just trying to manage not freezing. January is already depressing enough, but the bitter cold is just too much to handle. After winding down after the holidays and sadly packing up all the Christmas decor, we were so very hopeful for the Cowboys. They really did great until Brett Favre got the better of us. That was a very sad day in our home. Since then, Brandon's been pretty busy with work and I've taken to reading by the fire most evenings. Other than that, all of our shows are back in full swing. That's the only redeeming quality about the month of January. Thank heavens for The Bachelor, 24, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Brothers & Sisters. Oh and Lost, which starts back this Tuesday!!! And now that we're adjusting to the schedule of all our wonderful shows, I am determined to be a better blogger. Until then, adios!!!

Tender Tennessee Christmas

We went to Nashville after Christmas to spend a few days with my family. We had a great time. We celebrated my Granny's 81st birthday, hung out with my cousins, saw Avatar which is amazing by the way, did some shopping, saw some good friends, and just hung out with the fam. It was a perfect few days. I always wish we could have just a few more days to see people, but we had a really good visit. I can't complain. Here are a few pictures I took...


With my sisters at the Opryland Hotel


The whole fam


My beautiful sisters


Some of the cousins


With my Uncle Allen and Aunt Nancy- we both have the same anniversary...they've just got a couple of years on us. 36 years and 2 years:)


Happy birthday Granny, love you so much!


My mother dearest


Brandon loves cutesy pictures like this...cheese!


Stylin the 3D glasses- miss yall already!

2 Years!

It's our anniversary!!! And it's hard to believe that 2 years have gone by since our wedding. I feel so blessed to have married such a wonderful guy. I could go on and on about the man I married, but I've already told him all those sweet mushy things. I thank God for putting him in my life. Here's what we were doing two years ago...








I love you Brandon!!!

Craddock Christmas

We had a wonderful white Christmas. I was sad not to be with my family this year, but we had a great time with Brandon's family. His parents, sister, and brother-in-law all came to Dallas to spend a few days at our house this year. So it turned into a really fun time with them, enjoying all the fun traditions and yummy food at our home. We were even sad to see them go! I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves...


You can tell we had a very cozy Christmas in Dallas with Brandon's family


Dennis and Judy (along with Jared, Kristi, Colt and Jake) came over for dinner on Christmas Eve-Eve


Kristi and Colt playing with some new toys


The boy den


He's my favorite.


Lookin out at the puppies


Jakey playing Brandon in Darts


Beginning preparations for Christmas Eve dinner


Yes- It started SNOWING on Christmas Eve!!!!


With Kim and Philip. Can you tell Bailey loves her cousin?


After cooking all day, my very first turkey was ready.
Thanks for all the help, Mom! It was yuuummy.


Carving the turkey


Setting the table


Philip taunting the doggies


It kept on snowing. And Bailey LOVED playing in the snow.


Baxter the Elf?


We drove around and looked at Christmas lights after dinner


Merry Christmas Eve!


Brandon's sweet parents- thanks for coming all the way to Dallas!


Kim and Bax in their matching onesies- so presh.


Santa baby


The first time Dallas has had a White Christmas since the 1930s. So pretty!!!


Christmas morning


Brandon's dad (our wonderful photographer)


Kim and Philip opening their goodies


Playing with their new Christmas toys

We have had a great few days with family and now get to go spend some time with my family in Nashville. I can't WAIT to see them!!! Merry Christmas to all, hope Santa was good to you!

Christmas Lights and Cowboys

I really just love this time of year. I love the cheesy Christmas songs. I love seeing family and buying presents for them. I love the yummy sweets. And I LOVE all the Christmas lights. Last weekend we drove through some neighborhoods to see all the lights. And our neighborhood actually did pretty well this holiday (unlike Halloween)- lots of the houses have lights and characters and all that good stuff. For the first time since we've lived here, it just feels like a shared experience in our neighborhood that everyone has their yards all decorated. I finally took a picture of our house all decked out. Brandon did a good job I think.



We've had a pretty good weekend. All I want to do every day is drink my hot cocoa snuggled up by the fire. It's the only thing that makes this cold weather all ok. I just wish the Christmas season could last into January adn February, maybe my two least favorite months.

Last night we had our church Christmas Party. It was a murder mystery- such a great idea. And guess what...I ended up being the murderer. Typical. But we had a great night with all our friends. And the best part of it was the Cowboys game. I never knew I would be such a fan, but after all the screaming and yelling last night, I think I proved my loyalty. We won the game that some thought was impossible, and Brandon has been downright giddy. We just knew we had to be loyal and not lose faith. And they did it- came through and proved that they still want to be in the running. Go Cowboys!!!

Happy Birthday Jessi!

Today is Jessi's birthday- another day when I wish so bad I could be home to be with my family. My sisters are my best friends in the world, and I feel so blessed that God gave me sisters who I know will always be a big part in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them to go through life with. Jessi and I get closer every year, despite the fact that we've been living in different states for five years now. She's got such a great heart for people. She's finishing school to be a nurse practitioner, and I'm so proud of her passion and determination. She has such a fun-loving spirit, and she always makes me laugh. Sorry I couldn't be there for your birthday, Jess. Luckily Christmas is only a week away, so you'll only have to wait a few days to see me:)


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVE YOU JESS!!!

Weekend Brunch

This past weekend we had a Christmas brunch at our house for the girls in our church class to come over and write cards to soldiers. Thanks to Melissa, I have some pictures of the day...


Yummy food

My favorite part, the yogurt parfaits




Lacey is QUITE the event planner:)


Writing cards





It's amazing to think of all the men overseas who are fighting who are serving our country even through Christmas, but hopefully our cards and goodies let them know that some Texas gals are thinking about them during the holidays. And we had a good time getting in the holiday spirit. Thanks girls for coming!