Yay for Fall...and Christmas!

Our lovely fall weather has finally made it's way down to Houston. It has been ridiculously hot these past two months! I've been dying to pull out my sweaters, tights and boots. I'm just hoping hoping hoping that this cool weather sticks around for a while. I know that it is November 7...but in my book, that means it is time to pull out the Christmas "tubs", because it is CHRISTMAS TIME. (Oh and the tree is decorated and everything!) I get so excited this time of year. I have always loved EVERYTHING Christmas...the music, the decorations, the movies, etc. But one of the main reasons I love it so, is because of the time I get to spend with my family. I am very blessed to have the majority of my family in Texas. Every year we celebrate with each group...we have our Nana Christmas, Grandmother and Gramps Christmas, and Papa and Sarah Christmas. Spending time with my family is my absolute favorite thing to do in the world. I cannot wait for the celebrating to begin. Just a couple weeks away. Here are a few pictures I had on my computer from a few of my, many, precious memories of Christmas I have.

It doesn't get much better than this: Grandaddy reading the Cajun version of Twas the Night Before Christmas

But all in all, let us not forget the reason for this wonderful season. Now it may be a little too early to say this, but... Merry Christmas!

Lovin' the Texans!

As most of you know, Derek works for the Houston Texans. I've been pretty fortunate to do some really neat things thanks to his job. Lets just say there are a few perks that come along with it! The last home game, we were able to take part in the sideline experience. We had an amazing breakfast and then got to watch the Texans practice before the game. Those guys look so huge from our seats, but up close, they are massive! We had such a fun time!

Sideline Experience

My fave: Andre Johnson

Jacobie Jones

Coach Kubiak

Kevin Walter

Matt Turk

GO TEXANS!!!!

Happy Halloween!

I just cannot believe it is Halloween! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then CHRISTMAS! This is one of my favorite times of year. AND my first time to have a Halloween party. My friend Kortney's birthday was about a week ago, so we made it a Halloween/Birthday party. I have the best time going to different blogs for party planning inspiration and ideas. Something I just love...white pumpkins! The past two years I've had white pumpkins in my yard. I found these pictures of some painted pumpkins and decided I could do it.

My painted pumpkins

The table

I am not too crazy about the huge blow up Halloween yard decor (no offense if that's your "thing"). I copied these little ghosts from a house in my mom's neighborhood. I simply used felt, ribbon, a dowl rod and a styrofoam circle. Super easy and super cute!

Here is the kitchen table. I went a little overboard with the tulle. It just felt so Halloweeny to me! I just loved this Halloween garland! So cute and easy easy! All you need is ribbon and/or fabric. I just may have to make one for Christmas!

Here is mine Close up

I needed a little something for the entry way and saw this precious idea...pumpkin lanterns! I simply bought the glass containers from Hobby Lobby, used Modge Podge (in matte) to "glue" the tissue paper on. Then I added the tulle bows at the end. Don't forget to add the lights!

I hung bats from the ceiling in the entry way as well. I just found a template I liked, copied it onto black cardstock and hung them with ribbon from the ceiling. (Lovely how you can see the tape!)

I love banners! I just think they are so fun. I found a font I liked on the computer. Traced the letters onto different types of black and white scrapbook paper and hung with ribbon. Oh, AND I added two little bats on both ends.

Coming up with a Halloween costume is always hard for me. I'm 28 years old. Dressing up as a sexy anything just isn't my cup of tea. Alli and I thought it'd be funny to dress as ourselves circa 1992(ish). Let me just say that my sister and I always had matching OR coordinating outfits, and ALWAYS had big, beautiful bows. The bigger the better! Alli had to wear and eye patch and corrective shoes. Unfortunately, we didn't come up with an eye patch, but she was able to find some shoes that resembled the ones she had to wear when she was little. Here is the finished product:

Alli and Ashlee circa 1992

My besties

Cruella Deville My Jessy Marie

Kim and Justin Bieber (with Khloe's wig)

Jaime Lou

Alli, Kortney, Cruella and me

Katie and Phil

One of my favorite Baylor Bears

Katie and I

Kim and Khloe

The birthday girl: Kortney Kardashian

Me and my Lumberjack

I hope you all have a Happy Halloween!