Washing in a Winter Wonderland

1st load is in. Merry Christmas to us! Good thing we didn't get each other presents this year. The old front loader went kaput the week before Christmas (lasted 8 years). It would have literally cost us more to repair the old one than to purchase the brand new, much bigger model. As a bonus, we got the matching dryer and will offer up the old one on Craig's List to partially offset the cost. So, they're not the cherry red ones that I covet, but I just couldn't convince myself to spend an extra grand just for the pretty color. In the loving, supporting way that Porter has, he has found red polka dot decals to apply to the sides of these to appease me.

Bruce and Kelly

Porter and I didn't exchange gifts this year. Instead we treated ourselves to a date night out with friends which included dinner at Gumbo's followed by the Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis Christmas show at the Paramount Theater. They are our Austin favorites, and always deliver the goods. Their opening act this year was The Band of Heathens. We knew of the band, but had never heard them in person. Quite a treat! They have some powerful good singers, and are on our list to go see again in the New Year. It was a lovely evening. Our tickets came with an opportunity to meet Bruce and Kelly after the show. We felt a bit cheesey waiting around for our photo op, but we did so nonetheless. They are a sweet and genuine couple. And Oh My Lord, he is TALL.

Apparently, great minds think alike, because less than a week later, Bill and Paula went to their holiday show in Temple! They too had a photo opportunity and found Bruce and Kelly equally as gracious. Plans have been tossed about to all see the show together next year!

5th Grade Mom Party

I hosted our annual Mom's Party this year. All of the moms of 5th graders were invited. Someone in Madden's class has hosted the party every year since Kindergarten. This year, our kids' last year at Doss Elementary, was a little sentimental. This was the group at the end of the night - some fun ladies! We took donations and raised over $300 which was donated to Austin Pets Alive, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and some families in need at our own school.

It All Happened in the Country

The girls participated in our church musical a few weeks ago. Madden played Uncle Yuletide, the starring role. So Proud! Callie and her buddy Lettie did a great job on their duet as well. (So sorry about the sideways video - can't figure out how to rotate it!)

Wilson Family Christmas

Martin Family Christmas

Holiday Bunko

What an amazing group of women - we've been together for over 15 years!

The Bugay Family Christmas

Santa Claus came to town!

What was he thinking???

"MISCHIEF MANAGED."