it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Got home from school tonight and Adam had done our outside lights! In the freezing cold! All by himself! Don't they look great! We might add some around our pathway, too! I love the holidays!

family thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! We've had an awesome week, with much more free time than expected. I was supposed to work on Thanksgiving and the day after, but I got cancelled all but a few hours on Thanksgiving afternoon. Adam's entire family has been in town -- all three sisters with husbands, kids, and dogs in tow. Although I missed the big feast, word is that there were almost 40 people at my mother-in-law's house and she had the full spread. I did get to eat leftovers on Thursday night and then had a real Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday with my mom. Got to see an aunt and uncle from Dallas that I hadn't seen in years, enjoyed a steak dinner at my dad's, went house hunting with my sister-in-law, ate at Cheddar's with our friends, helped teach my nephew how to ride a bike, played about 100 rounds of peek-a-boo with my niece, watched my dog swim in the pond by our house when it was 50 degrees outside, got a new car!, bought a Christmas tree, watched a silly movie with my husband, slept in 'til 8:00 every morning, made some delicious fudge, brought a Thanksgiving dinner to some folks who don't have much of anything, played the rhyming game with nephews at Olive Garden, ran in beautiful weather, went to church, played at the park, and enjoyed every moment of my time off. It was an awesome week. I am truly truly thankful for friends and family this season. For an amazing, selfless, generous, husband who is my best friend and favorite person. For a home filled with people and dogs and food and laughter. For a relationship with my dad stronger than it's ever been before. For a mom who is following her heart and her dreams and who is happier than ever. For the opportunities to go to school, go to work, do what I love and learn more about that. For friends who feel more like family every day. For a God who loves me, and for the little things in life that remind me of that. Happy Thanksgiving.

This picture pretty much sums up my nephews and niece. I had tried all week to get a picture of all of them - together - with me! And we finally got one .... sort of. I love love love Abigail in the back, smiling for the camera! Isn't she precious!

The boys.

Abigail on my couch. :)

lately

I have about 2 blog readers. Ironically enough, one of them is my mom and she knows what's going on in my life anyhow, so she doesn't in any way need my blog posts as updates. But, as loving mothers do, she asks all the time why I have not updated my blog. :) The reason is simple ... there's not much to update! Most of my time these days is spent doing one of three things: studying, working, or sitting in class. Just right now, in fact, I am writing this blog when I should be playing an online lecture. I am sitting on our love seat, in my PJs, Daisy curled up at my side, with a bowl of cereal on one arm of the couch, my computer in my lap, and a binder on the pillow next to me. There are class notes spread out all over the living room. I've got my colored pens handy and I'm about to start taking notes on a pharmacology lecture from home. This is my life. And I am so thankful to be living it.

happy 50th birthday mom!

SURPRiSE, momma! We surprised my mom last night with a big party to celebrate her 50th birthday, which is on Monday. It was a great time, with great food and even greater people. Thanks to my wonderful friends who helped get everything together. We had such a blast cooking and decorating and scheming and laughing and just being girls! The guys had fun, too. The first thing Adam said this morning was, "we need to have another party!" I wasn't too great of a photographer last night but this was my favorite picture ...

People tell me all the time that we look alike. I've never really seen it before. But after looking at this picture, I could deny it no longer! This is crazy! :) And it's a great compliment, mom. You are so beautiful. Your spirit is so genuine, your heart so selfless. You are an amazing woman. You are my best friend. When I am fifty, I hope I am only half as amazing and beautiful and sincere and brave and kind as you are today. Happy Birthday.

ten for texas

Yesterday morning was the Ten for Texas -- a 10 mile run through The Woodlands. My Dad and I have been training for it together, and we finished! It was great weather and a fun event. My friend Meghann ran the race really fast. Here are a few pictures!

Can I just say how proud I am of my Dad! A few months ago he decided to shed a few pounds, so he got into the gym and started working out. Several weeks later I asked if he would run this race with me and, without hesitation, he said YES! And there was no looking back. He trained his butt off and finished strong! My Dad used to run all the time, but it's been years since he was consistent. This renewed love for the sport is great for his physical health and mental well-being... so, God willing, he will be strong and healthy to see his grandchildren grow up! No, there's no news of grandchildren, I'm just saying... I'm so proud of you, Dad!

Now we need to sign up for another race. Any suggestions?

vote for us!

Hey everyone --

Our friend Shauna, who happens to be an awesome photographer & artist, is holding a little competition. Please support her business by checking out her BLOG and becoming a fan of Shauna Maness Photography on Facebook. Several days ago, she held a "Wall Call" and took some pictures in "mini sessions" of some kids and some couples -- Adam and I entered the competition and we need your votes to win!

And as awesome as it would be for us to win a FREE SESSION and 50% off our pictures, it's not really about us, but about supporting our friend as she kicks off her killer photography business here in our area! She and her husband have recently moved back home after spending some time in Germany ... So visit her sight, become a fan on FB, and give her a warm Texas, Welcome Home!

She photographed our wedding four years ago, and her talent and business have done nothing but GROW since then. If you're looking for a photographer for your kids, a wedding, your family, or any important event -- Shauna is your girl. She's amazing! She is fun, super creative, authentic, easy to work with, and crazy talented!

About the competition -- there will be a winner from each category (kids, older kids, and couples) so vote vote vote vote on your favorite image from her selection. And while you're at it, check out some of her other work! You can vote via Facebook, after you become a fan of Shauna Maness Photography, or straight from her BLOG. Look for Wall Call information. Check it out every day for the next week for fun little surprises. Be prepared to be impressed -- did I mention she is super talented?! So pass it on, spread the word, and enjoy browsing!

http://shaunamaness.squarespace.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bryan-TX/Shauna-Maness-Photography/56040821855

Thanks everyone!

Jen

abby and the chocolate bar

This week, we welcomed our friend Abby, all the way from Pittsburgh, PA! She's a Texas girl at heart, and needed a few days to get back to her roots. Me, my mom, and Abby filled two days full of activities and then I had to go back to work, while Ab and my mom finished out her trip. Just wanted to post a few pictures. Here we are at The Chocolate Bar. :)

This is Abby and my mom -- Ab is modeling some of their merchandise.

Unfortunately, we never got anyone to take a pic of the three of us, so it's just that awkward two-at-a-time with the same scenery type of photography. Still, a great memory! This girl and I go way back!

And lastly, this is just me and my mom. She's the most wonderful female on the face of this planet. And I love her so much!