What a Difference a Year Can Make

Last year around this time we were settling in to our new home making sure everything was situated just perfectly. Since then, we have torn what used to be the "guest" side of our home apart in order to prepare for the birth of our daughter. I had no idea that a person so small would impact our home so greatly prior to her arrival; I cannot imagine what her presence will impact following her arrival. Monty and I (along with help from my mom and sister) are enjoying putting her room together to attain a different sort of look than we have ever known, but will be blessed to enjoy. I will post pictures once the room is complete which I am hoping is by next weekend.

I am right around 26/27 weeks pregnant (we are waiting for an updated arrival date) and could not feel better. I love my active little girl already so much! I don't think I could have ever accurately imagined how special it feels to know that a tiny little life is beginning in my stomach. I treasure every movement and look forward to the next active moments now that she has really developed a "personality" and a "schedule". I now understand why some women love being pregnant and experiencing all of this wonder. I am sure I will less than enthused as she continues to grow and movements become more uncomfortable, but for now they are the highlights of my day.

Our Christmas was delightful filled with time for each of our families which is fantastic. We love that we are so close to our parents and that sharing the holidays is done with such ease compared to our previous voyages from San Antonio. I was shocked at how generous the new grandparents were, but I must admit I am not surprised. I really believe they are equally as excited as Monty and I are for her arrival. We had a ton of snow for this part of Texas with 60 mph winds which created a "blizzard" for this part of the world. We hope each of you had a joyous holiday with your families and that you will be blessed in 2010.

Rodeo - Mineral Wells Fashion

I know it has been forever since our last post, and I promise I will put pictures of our completed home up here some day, but that will have to wait a bit longer. Since tax season is mainly behind us (not-for-profit and Texas franchise are due Friday) we have had a bit more time to spend doing a few things in our area. Last Tuesday, my friend Heather won our firm's box seats at the Palo Pinto County Rodeo and invited us to share the 'box' with her and her husband. Naturally I welcomed the invitation because let's be honest, the food at those events can't be beat and the rodeo in a 'box' seat had to be entertaining! Unlike 'box' seats at other venues, we learned upon our arrival that 'box' seats meant folding chairs on the first two rows of the arena. In other words, not the bleachers. It turned out, these seats were really great, but a bit scary at times. During the bronc and bull rides, we got dirt all over us (I prefer to say dirt and not think of other things that I am sure were mixed with it) and got to see the animals/cowboys up close as our seats were right next to the chutes. We had a great time and got to share in Dax's first rodeo experience (Heather and Adam's 9 month old son). Following the Wednesday rodeo, I headed to San Antonio on Thursday to meet up with my friend Kelli for a great time of wedding dress shopping followed by a wonderful dinner at Pappasito's. During the weekend, I was also able to enjoy some quality time and shopping with my mom, grandmother and sister. It was so much fun and it made my return to work today all the more difficult. I miss San Antonio and all of our old friends, but life in Mineral Wells is pretty great! The last picture is from trip Monty and I took in April; I had to put my biggest catch on to share. Monty is so proud :)