Chainsaw and mini mill round 1

Trey and I have been dreaming up our dream home for years now. One idea we have loved was to use trees from our place to make decorative beams in the house. Over the last few months, we have researched and bought the right chainsaw, mill attachment, and protective gear. Trey got to go out today and test it all out. I did not think his first attempt would have gone so well. He turned a recently dead oak tree into this 6'3" beam in about 30 minutes. I guess I can say we have started building our home now. This is very exciting for us! Way to go husband!

Christmas 2008

Our camera broke not too long ago. And thanks to a huge car repair bill, there was no money to replace it before Christmas. So thanks to Trey's cousin Megan, we have a few Christmas pictures.

We had a great Christmas. We were with Trey's side of the family. We rented The Miller Retreat for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So there was tons of space to spread out, visit, and play. We used their large screen to play a family slideshow. And it was heavenly to have two microwaves, two ovens, and two dishwashers for all the cooking.

We had four 4 wheelers to play on. So fun, and a little too much at times. My husband led me down a very steep rocky path that I did not want to go on. I'm pretty sure I called him lots of not nice names on the way down. I have never been so dirty on Christmas in my life. Pictured, is Dean with Trey's Uncle Leland.

Jedi Dean in action.

Evan as Darth Vader.

Andie and my neice, Lydia worked very hard decorating sugar cookies for all who wanted some.

Owl Drug & such

Last weekend, I had a blast going shopping with special friends. We went to nearby towns in hopes of doing some serious Christmas shopping. For those of you close, we went to Brownwood, Santa Anna and Coleman. I was so excited for the whole day. One of the reasons I was so pumped was to go back to Owl Drug in Coleman. Great shopping and a burger/soda fountain in the back beside the pharmacy. Well, my friends and I missed out on this one last week. It closed at 2pm and we got there at 3. I was super bummed. I could feel my inner toddler wanting to stomp my feet and scream. Well, it was a rare day today that we did not have plans. So we decided this morning to head to Owl drug. I found eight more awesome Christmas presents while the kids enjoyed their root beer. I love that the store wrapped them so cute for me. It is such a great place. I would go time any one wants to go. You gotta go!

Notice the cars. That's what the kids food was served in.

Here is my neice, Cora Leigh. She is the one I fell in love with so quick. Evan took the picture using my phone, so that explains the blurriness.

And this is how my kiddos greeted Joley and her kids coming in from Ohio. My sister and brother-in-law are Texans through and through. They have all missed Texas so bad. It has been so nice nice to have Joley and the kids here. Alyn is flying in right now. Look forward to spending the day with him tomorrow. Bonus: He loves yellow cake. So I just finished making the moist yellow cake from Bakerella you see linked on my blog roll. It looked so good! (It's on the November archives.) So it was nice to justify my craving by saying I made it for my brother-in-law.

Frustrating

We had a frustrating discovery this week. My husband and I own a one acre lot. We put it up for sale several months ago. Our realtor had prepared us that it probably would take a long time to sell due to current real estate slow downs. So we have been patient, but got to wondering. So I call the realtors office this week. The secretary has not seen our realtor since she started working there in May, and her computer showed that our lot "expired in July". I'm thinking, "What?!" The more I asked questions, the more frustrating it got. So, for the last 5 months our lot has not been for sale. We would love for the lot to sale so we can begin building our home on our ranch. Now, I pray frequently for the lot to sell at the right time - whenever that is - just the right time. So, I don't know if this delay is a part of the timing I have prayed for or not. Cause it has probably been about 5 months that I wanted to switch realtors. We have not been able to get a hold of the man to hear his side. He has all our original paperwork which we need so we can list it again. I really like this guy, he's kinda related even, but he's got some splanin' to do.

By the way, if you need a one acre lot in a beautiful location in a great school district - have we got a deal for you!

Holidays and changing my mind

We are enjoying the holiday season at my house. We just got home from Thanksgiving in Albuquerque with my parents. My camera is not cooperating, so no pictures this time. But the trip went well. It is nice to be with family, treated to meal after meal, and big town shopping.

A special highlight for me was seeing my friend Celeste. It was too short of a visit, but so wonderful. I have known her since I was 10. She qualifies as one of those few people that "knows me". Even though she knew me so well she was always so great to shower me with praise even when I didn't deserve it. I used to think I had good self esteem, when I get to wondering what changed me - I realized it's cause I don't get daily fueled by Celeste anymore. She makes me laugh, inspires me, and strengthens my faith. Celeste is teaching at a classical academy. She is the one that got me looking into classical education for my kids. Celeste, It was so, so good to see you friend! Miss you.

Last night we put up our Christmas tree. I was excited how easy the process was. The money I put into buying red and green Christmas totes and ornament boxes last year was well worth it! I love indirect lighting vs turning on main lighting to light a room, and a Christmas tree makes a perfect indirect lighting source. Very cozy, even from our little corner tree. Yes, it's a corner tree. It fits in a corner - it's 25% of a regular tree. I have a very little house and that was my excuse for not putting up a tree in years past. But Monica got onto me for my excuse, and the corner tree came to be. Now, it's probably time I do something with the pumpkins on the front porch.

Today I got to go greet my sister-in-law at the airport. She and her kids came in from Ohio for the holidays. She has been missing her parents and Texas in a huge way! I was anxious to see her daughter, Cora Leigh for the first time. Boy oh boy did I ever fall in love fast! Such a beautiful sweet girl! I wanted to take her home and never let her go. My husband had just commented a few days ago that he needed to go get fixed before I had baby fever again. To which I thought, "whatever, I'm not changing my mind, we are done with three." Well, at this moment things have changed. My husband is in trouble! He should be panicking that he cancelled his appointment!

So glad to have Joley and the kids - come quick Alyn!