{Superbowl Party // 2023}

 Some of our friends hosted a Superbowl party at their house! Most of our friend group was able to come. We all brought a dish and hung out for the majority of the day. It's always a great time when we all get together. 

 

{Stars vs Lightning // Game #4}

Nate and I were sitting on the couch on Saturday afternoon and one of us mentioned going to the Stars game! It was kid appreciation day and we really wanted Mason to be able to attend for all the activities! With less than an hour until the game, we secured some tickets and were on our way!!  

{Stars vs The Ducks // Game #3}

Some of our dear friends got tickets to the Stars vs Ducks game and offered us three of their extra tickets! We quickly (and gratefully obliged).  This would be our first game since we went back on December 8th.  Our December and January were jam-packed or we would have gone to more games during that time. Anyhow, we were so excited and we couldn't wait to get there!! 

{Ice Ice Baby // 2023}

We finally got an ice day!! I mean...days...this is Texas after all! Nate is part of the de-ice crew at work which means that he goes in before it gets bad and then sleeps over at work (working around the clock) until it's all cleared up. This storm was nothing like the Great Snowpocalpse of 2021!!! Mason and I hunkered down at home for a few days while Nate was gone.  I only got the Jeep out once for pictures and then we stayed nice and toasty inside! 

{This thing is Legendary // FWSSR 2023}

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo ~ This thing is Legendary!! This year we planned a trip to the stock show with our friend group. Most of them have never been (two families are from California)! So, we made that happen and we had so much fun. 

{Jeep Girl Mafia // Ellis County Meet}

We had a Jeep meet planned at a local burger place but wouldn't you know it, the weather turned horrific! We were supposed to have the patio of the restaurant reserved for the club, but it was cold, windy, and rainy. We still had the meet and didn't expect many to show. Much to our surprise, we had a good turnout! We forgot to get pictures before everyone left!! So, this is only some of the girls that were there! 

{Framily Day}

One of my favorite things ever is doing life with our framily!  This friend group and our bond is one that I will cherish for always! We got together on a Sunday to grill, spend some time in the country, and do some target shooting! These days are so good for my soul! 

{Micro-Wrestling with the friend group}

Micro-Wrestling... 

I have to admit,  I was apprehensive at first. Something seemed so wrong about this to me! But then we went and had a blast! This is their job and their job is to entertain. So once that got through to me, it was a legit fun time! 

{JANUARY GOALS // 2023}

For the last two months, I have shared some goals here on the blog. I think I will keep this up in the new year.  Here's a look at both what I accomplished/didn't as well as new goals for the month of January. 

{Bridgeport Off-Road Park with Jeep Girl Mafia}

Wheeling is so good for the soul! The Jeep club where I am a Vice President for put on a 101/102 off-road class. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the 102 part of the event! Which, was held at Bridgeport OHV! It was a day full of wheeling and hanging out with friends.  We had too much fun! 

{Broken Bow Trip // December 2022 // Day 6}

On Saturday our trip had come to an end and it was time to pack up and go home! It's always hard leaving Broken Bow and we always leave a part of our hearts when we do! Until next time Broken Bow, you were so good to us! 

Hall Family - December 2022

{Broken Bow Trip // December 2022 // Day 5}

 Friday was Nate's birthday!! We spent a lot of the day fishing and around Beaver's Bend State Park.  Then we ordered in our favorite pizza from Grateful Head Pizza . It's a must when in the area. We spent the evening hanging out in the cabin. 

{Broken Bow Trip // December 2022 // Day 4}

On Thursday, we had a slow and lazy morning around the cabin. Then we each kind of did our own thing for a while. Nate, Mason, and I went into town to ride some go-karts, check out a few shops, do some fishing, and visit the absolute cutest candy shop! 

{Broken Bow Trip // December 2022 // Day 3}

On Wednesday of our trip, we spent some time at Beaver's Bend State Park! We hiked, fished, played basketball, played on the playground, and rode the train. It was such a good, wholesome day with the family.

{Broken Bow Trip // December 2022 // Days 1 & 2}

Before going to the cabin Nate, Mason, and I took a stroll through Beaver's Bend State Park! This place is nostalgic and holds so many core memories for us! We wanted to see how much it had changed since we'd last been there! 

{Firehouse Gastro Pub}

Nate saw that our high school coach's son's band was playing at a restaurant in Grand Prairie and so we made plans to go! Firehouse Gastro Pub is owned by some of our family friends and we had been wanting to check it out for the longest! This gave us the perfect excuse to do so. We invited the Garzas to come along with us!

{2022 A YEAR IN REVIEW}

Time is such a weird thing. On one hand, 2022 flew by in such a flash but on the other hand, it felt like a long year with all that we did! 

{CURRENTLY // JANUARY 2023}

Linking up with Jennifer for her "currently" series. For January, we are sharing what we are currently loving, resolving, organizing, anticipating, and eating.

{CHRISTMAS AT NANA & PAWPAWS // 2022}

After a sweet morning at home, we got ready and drove around the block to Nate's parent's house to celebrate Christmas over there. It's the 11 of us plus Nate's aunt and grandmother. 

 

{CHRISTMAS TREE CAMPOUT // 2022}

Mason and I had our annual Christmas tree campout after our cookie decorating night at Nana and Pawpaw's house. We started this tradition when he was just a little tot and it's one of my favorites. 

{HE LOOKS LIKE A PINK NIGHTMARE // 2022}

The Christmas Story 24-hour marathon is a tradition for us when we celebrate Christmas at Nate's parent's house. We've all grown to love the movie and love the tradition of watching the movie on repeat on Christmas Day. Last year I ordered Mason the bunny suit from the movie but he decided last minute to not wear it. It still fit this year and he wore it to Nate's parents for a little while! 

{CHRISTMAS MORNING AT HOME // 2022}

I love spending the holidays with our families, but there is something so sweet and sacred about those Christmas mornings at home with just the three of us. I look forward to those quiet moments each year! It's such a joy to see Christmas morning through the eyes of your child, no matter how old they get. Mason is twelve and the magic around here is still in full force. This mama is soaking it all in! 

{CHRISTMAS EVE AT MIMI AND PAPAS // 2022}

For as long as I can remember, we have always done Christmas on Christmas Eve with my parents. Even when we were younger, we got to open most of our gifts on Christmas Eve, and then of course Santa came on Christmas morning. This year was no different! After the candlelight Christmas Eve service, we went back to our house to get our things. Then we went to my parent's house to gather with my family. 

{CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE // 2022}

Christmas Eve candlelight service is one of my favorites of the entire year. Our church prepares such a special service for Christmas Eve. It's truly a gift and a blessing to get to attend. This year, my parents joined us and it made my heart so happy. I wish we would have thought to get a picture together. 

{COOKIE DECORATING AT NANA AND PAWPAWS // 2022}

We left town on the 26th for a week of camping (in a cabin) so I have lots to catch up on here. Going back to the 23rd, we went to Nate's parent's house for a night of cookie decorating and preparing the saran wrap ball. We've started to make this a tradition and I love it! Everyone was able to attend and we had the best time!

{Broken Bow Trip // December 2022 // The Cabin}

We spent a week in the Kiamichi Mountains in the dreamiest cabin!! The whole Hall family was able to come on this trip and it was such a delight.  This cabin was perfect and had everything we needed for our stay! I'll let the photos do the talking. (link to this cabin below)

{Board and Brush // 2022}

For our work Christmas gathering this year, we chose to go to Board and Brush again. This was our fourth consecutive year having our party here. I personally love it because it's a fun time and you get to bring home a piece that you'll actually use! I love any chance to work on some crafts. 

 

{Christmas Home Tour // 2022}

I've been meaning to take and share these photos for a while! I recently shared our home's exterior decorated for Christmas, so today I am sharing some of my favorite spots inside of our home. If I am being honest, my heart is getting sad knowing that this is all about to come down soon! I love this season so much! Does anyone else feel like their home looks so bare after the holidays? I sure will miss these twinkling lights. 

{DRIVING AROUND LOOKING AT LIGHTS // 2022}

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to drive around and look at lights. After we visited Santa's Country Christmas, we dropped off my in-laws at home and then drove around some nearby neighborhoods' Christmas lights. Then we drove to see our downtown area all light up! I love where we live so much! 

{SANTA'S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS // 2022}

We tried out a new Christmas light drive-through this year. Nate's mom had seen it on Facebook and it looked so neat. And, it was! It was a "Country" Christmas type of place so there were animals galore, along with lights and buildings with Christmas exhibits. It was so pretty and I loved the variety it offered. 

{Friends Christmas Gathering // 2022}

 I mentioned in my post about Nate's work party that we had a pretty close-knit group of friends. It's been so beautiful to see these friendships form and deepen over the last year. We are really like one big family just doing life together. All of the guys work together and the wives have become the best of friends. And as a bonus, all of our kids get along so well and are friends. We had a "Friendsmas" and it was one of my favorite nights with some of my favorite people.

{GAYLORD ICE // POLAR EXPRESS // GRAPEVINE // BASS PRO // 2022}

For the last several years, I have taken off on a Friday in December so that we could go to the Gaylord Ice exhibit and tool around Grapevine. I know I say this about all of our Christmas traditions, but this is one of my favorites. This year's ICE theme was the Polar Express. Nate and I agreed that it was one of the best ones yet! 

{Nate's Annual Work Christmas Gathering // 2022}

Every year Nate's work friends gather for a Christmas celebration. There's really nothing Christmas-y about it except for the fact that it's always in the evening after their Christmas luncheon at work! However, it's such a good time just hanging out with all of his work friends. For the last two years, we've gone to Fat Daddy's. It's a great location for this crew! 

{8th Annual Family Baking Party // 2-22}

I've shared on here before but every year all the ladies on my mom's side of the family gather for a baking party.  While it is a baking party, it really is so much more. We bake treats, play games, eat some delicious food, drink some festive drinks, do a white elephant gift exchange, and so much more. My aunt chooses a theme each year and then that's what all the decorations/games/gifts are based off of.

 

{Unmet Expectations // Church}

I recently shared this on Facebook but wanted to have it here on my blog also. I know that I may need to see this reminder again one day.

{Stars Game #2}

Nate came home from work a couple Thursdays ago and asked Mason and me if we'd like to go to the Stars game! That was an immediate "yes" from Mase and me. We love the Stars game and will take any opportunity we can to go watch them!! 

{The Polar Express // 2022}

The Polar Express looked a little different for us this year. Mason opted to not ride, which meant that Nate and I wouldn't be riding either. Ty & Michelle opted out as well. It made my heart sad even though I knew this time was coming. Mason's getting older and these days are fleeting. However, there was a last-minute change in plans and I was able to go on the Polar Express.  PawPaw gave me his tickets because Nana wanted me to come and take pictures. 

{The Grinch's Lair // 2022}

No trip to Palestine is complete without visiting the Grinch's Lair!! Ever since I captured this photo of Mason and the Grinch, they've had a pretty great bond! Over the years we have gotten to know the owners and love to see them each Christmas season! Mason even got to play a part in the Grinch's Lair one year! 

{Palestine 2022 // Camping & Around town}

We have been traveling to Palestine, TX since 2015 for a weekend full of Christmas fun! We camp (in the camper), shop the antique stores, have lunch at the same restaurant, visit the Grinch, and ride the Polar Express! Each year brings new memories and fun. It's one of my favorite weekends of the year.

  

{Go Stars!! // Mason's first hockey game}

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Dallas Stars game with our group of friends (guys from Nate's work + their spouses) and we had so much fun! There were 20-something of us, taking up three rows in section 330! 

 

{Elf on the Shelf // How we do it + Planning}

Let me preface this by saying that Mason is still a believer. I'm holding on as long as I can and will do everything in my power to be a magic maker for him! With that being said, I've shared on the blog before about how we do the Elf on the Shelf around here. Our elves are used to encourage good behavior, help bring extra magic to the season, teach random acts of kindness, etc.,  all while pointing Mason back to Jesus and the reason for the season.  Sure, our elves may get a little silly at times but they are not here to make messes and bring mischief. They are used as a tool to spread light and love throughout the Christmas season. 

{Christmas Magic // Max, Millie, & Cubbie // 2022}

They're back...

{Branson, MO Trip - Part 3 // Around Town & Celebrity Car Museum // 2022}

On Saturday, we decided to head to the shops downtown in Branson. I wanted to see a specific area I had seen in pictures. I later realized that we weren't even in the right spot. That's okay, we still enjoyed our time/day.

{Branson, MO Trip - Part 2 // Silver Dollar City // 2022}

Next up on our Branson trip was Silver Dollar City!! We've read that no trip to Branson (during Christmas time) was complete without a stop to Silver Dollar City! And after seeing so many photos, I knew they had to be right. Over 6.5 million Christmas lights? Yes, please!! We loaded up in our vehicles and headed to SDC, which was just a few miles away. As we are approaching we see signs that say "all parking lots full - come back after 6:30 pm," Excuse me? What???? We had just purchased almost $300 in tickets for the park for that specific day...

 

{Branson, MO Trip - Part 1 // Road Trip & Bass Pro // 2022}

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit Branson at Christmas time. I've always seen pictures of how beautiful everything looks around this time of year and it looked like a place I needed to experience. Christmas is so special to my heart and my favorite time of year. So, this year we made that happen!! 

{December 2022 // Goals)

 Last month I shared some goals on the blog for probably the first time. Well, the first time in a long time. I think I might keep this up! Here's a look at both what I accomplished/didn't as well as new goals for the month of December. 

{Thanksgiving // 2022}

We had a lovely Thanksgiving this year. We celebrated the holiday at Nate's parent's house with his entire family, aunt, and Grandmother. It was a sweet day filled with precious moments. I didn't get to see my parents & siblings this year and while that made me a bit sad, I knew they were exactly where they needed to be. My dad was in Tennessee celebrating Thanksgiving with his dad. I know that filled his heart to the brim and so my heart was happy for them. We weren't able to travel to Tennessee this year due to work. I had to work Mon-Wednesday and then had to work 3-4 hours on Thanksgiving morning. My heart was there in spirit! 

Nenaw & her boys

{EXTERIOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & CHRISTMAS PORCH //2022}

 Christmas lights just make my heart so happy! I love pulling up to the house in the evening and seeing it all lit up! This year we opted to buy new Christmas lights for the exterior of the house.  I think we have been using the same set of lights since we bought the house (in 2007).  It was time! While I love looking at all lights, I love all white for our home. Nate was so kind to get them up before Thanksgiving so that I could enjoy them longer!! 

 

{Currently // December 2022}

Linking up with Jennifer for the "currently" series. For December, we are sharing what we are currently loving, gifting, wrapping, hoping, and attending. 

{ADVENT // 2022}

Advent to the Christian family is a time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ. It reminds us to set aside some time during the busyness of the season and to reflect on the miracle that is Jesus. He is the reason for the season. 

If I am being honest, we do many different types of Advent calendars around here.  There's something special about counting down to Christmas in different ways that make my heart so incredibly happy! Of course,  the most important is a scripture calendar. We do several of those along with a Lego Advent, candy advent, and sometimes a book advent. Here's a look at our Advent calendars for 2022 and how we do the Advent season.