Candlelight Christmas

The evening after our trip to Grapevine, our church had a ladies Candlelight Christmas. It was really awesome as different ladies decorated the tables and each had its own unique theme. Our group was all from Mom2Mom and it was nice to chat over dessert while our kiddos were otherwise occupied.

Aren't we cute?

My friend, Sharla (above in the pink shirt) decorated our table and, as you can see, she's quite talented.

We definitely had the brightest and blingiest (is that even a word?) table there so you know I absolutely LOVED it! Sharla even had these cute jars filled with candy for us to take home as sourvenirs.
This was such a special night and I appreciated Sharla asking me sit at her table so much. Having been involved with a similar project at our last church, I also greatly appreciate all of the hard work I know she put into making it awesome.

On another note, you know that thing I've been asking you to pray for? Well, I just found out my prayer has still not been answered and, quite frankly, I'm really in a bad place right now. I'm angry and, to be honest, I'm mostly angry at God. And myself for believing something that obviously wasn't to be.

I'm bitter, negative and just don't know which way to turn right now. So, if you happen to think about it, I promise you won't waste a prayer on my mental state. Or on Tay's arm since it's also still not straight. We're starting PT in the New Year and I hope it will work. Nothing seems to be going our way right now.

I know "everything happens for a reason" and "He only says 'no' when there's something better around the corner." But, you know what? I'm tired of saying those things. And I'm tired of hearing them. And I'm also going to stop typing now because my bitterness is raging at the moment.

So, if I don't get back on the ol' blog in the next couple of days, please know we wish you each a very Happy New Year. May 2010 be much, much better than 2009.

ICE! - A Belated Photo Essay

Gaylord Texan Photo Ops

While I did promise to share ICE photos today (yesterday actually), I had forgotten about all of the awesome pics we took in the atrium on our way over to the main attraction. Since these were in my camera before the ICE photos (and because I am Type A on steroids), I'm sharing them first.

I know, it's hard to believe someone's that structured. But, have no fear, it doesn't translate to every facet of my life. For instance, you should see my house right now. You'd be amazed.

And. Not. In. A. Good. Way.

But I digress.

Moving on to more Christmas cheer, I present on of the largest Christmas trees I've ever had the opportunity to behold. And some mighty large soldiers as well.

This face cracks me up to no end. Why? Because most of the expressions I get from this ray of sunshine on a daily basis are more goofy than serious. For some reason, though, when I pull the camera out she goes formal on me. This time, though, I caught her.

Maybe her blood sugar was low?

There's a train exhibit behind her but, no surprise here, she was much more interested in the water feature...
...and then the koi pond...
Now if that doesn't scream Texas, I have no idea what you're looking for, my friend!

How funny is that?
She made me join in on the fun as well and, seriously, who am I to turn a snooty shoulder on a giant reindeer topiary?
That, my friends, concludes our tour of the Gaylord atrium. Next year I want to go back at night because there are thousands of lights that obviously aren't visible during the day. Talk about stating the obvious. I am on a roll here today, friends.

Anyway, I've just spent a wonderful Christmas Sunday with my parents and my girl, who sang in church this morning. We then celebrated Nana's birthday at Don Carlos and came back to our house for cake and presents.

Miss Taylor is now celebrating Christmas with her dad and won't be back until later this evening. Did I mention that Dave's at work? So, yes, Mama is alone. And now I'm going to go play musical haircolors (it's what I do when all of the housework is caught up - it's an illness, really).

Merry Christmas to all!

Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

After our trip aboard the North Pole Express on Saturday, we headed over to Bass Pro Shops. I didn't realize they go all out for Christmas but my man was quick to point out multiple attractions within the ol' Shop that he just knew Miss Taylor would love. 

Surprised? No, not really. :-)

Before we went inside, the big two had to check out the water feature. They're both suckers for anything having to do with water and/or fish.
Only at Bass Pro Shops will you see a tree decorated like this. Isn't it awesome?

This is what happens when you accidentally change the setting on your camera to what is obviously not the right one. Your child moves and they look like a flash :-).
So, Dave, I thought we came here because Taylor would love it. Why are you holding the toy gun, sweetheart?

That's my girl!


I was just amazed that they had camo and wildlife themed china so I had to take a picture. 
The Santa my child would not visit. She's sure counting on him to bring her a Wii, though. We have apparently reached the age where sitting on Santa's lap in front of other people is "embarrassing."


Oh, goodie, another toy gun with which to take target practice. Mama is sooooo proud. (She's an excellent shot, by the way. Did. Not. Get. That. From. Me.)


Oh, how I love her!
On the merry go round

What Dave would like Santa to bring him for Christmas. I hear the odds are not good. Apparently someone's been a bit naughty :-)

She stopped to make a reindeer out of a candy cane. I remember making these when I was her age so you can be sure Mama had a bit of a moment.


We also toured the gun shop and perused the knife cases. Taylor was ready to put her skills to the test in the shooting arcade but their change machine was out of order. I suppose that really didn't make Dave sad because now it means he has an excuse to take her back!

Our next stop was the Gaylord where they have the ICE exhibit. It's two million pounds of ice carved to depict How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It was amazing and I promise to put those pics up tomorrow. 

On another note, thank you so much for praying for my baby girl's arm. This week has been one filled with tears but it's because we're breaking through the last of the scar tissue. The wonderful breakthrough is that I can now get her arm completely straight. 

Now we just need to get her to the point where she can straighten it out completely all by herself. Thank you, Jesus! And thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

We did make a rather big decision this morning and I'm not quite sure if it was the right one but I do know that God has been with us throughout the decision making process. I am at peace and will just be waiting to see if the results are what we've been hoping. I know this is really vague but just know that we are clinging to this verse with all we have:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

And we trust the He is in control. All the time.