If there’s one thing you know about our family, it’s that we absolutely love spending quality time together. Whether it’s chasing sunsets, heading out to the lake, exploring fields of bluebonnets, or soaking in the beauty of sunflowers—anything that gets us outdoors is our kind of thing. We’ve always found such joy in nature, and it’s become a treasured part of our family’s rhythm.
It feels like we've been waiting for this night for what feels like an eternity! We've all read the book and been eagerly counting down the days to the release of the movie. So when we finally found an evening that worked for all of us, we couldn't wait to make it happen. We got our tickets, marked the date on our calendars, and started the countdown!
Happy Wednesday, friends!! Has it really been almost a year since I've blogged? I would ask where the time has gone, but I know the answer. We have a 14-year-old (gasp) with a very busy social and sports calendar. He keeps us busy and on the go. But...I wouldn't have it any other way. Watching Mason grow into the person he is today has been such a gift. I am completely undone by the love of God and that He saw fit for us to be Mason's parents. It will always be the greatest joy of my life. I am living the life that I dreamed about for so many years and that will never be lost on me. To say that I am proud of Mason is an understatement. He's kind, respectful, and just an all-around great kid! Anyhow, more about Mason later...believe me, there's plenty to come.
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| From our summer cruise to the Bahamas! |
Mason will be playing in two hockey leagues this fall. He will be playing for the high school JV team and the Stars house league. Today he had his first combine for the Stars House League. This is a time where they do drills and showcase their skills and then coaches place them on a team (based on individual level).
Today we attended our nephew's birthday party at Boulder Adventure Park in Grand Prairie. This is a new attraction that offers a jumping pad, ice skating, exploration play area, bumper cars, an arcade, archery, adventure climbing nets, blaster ball, tubing slides, rock climbing, ropes course, a freefall experience, mining, and more!
Mason is still going strong with his weekly private hockey lessons! He really respects this coach and gets so much out of each lesson. Coach Larson is awesome with the kiddos and really knows how to work with them. We are grateful for a coach who pours into our kid!
Tonight we had our high school hockey preseason kick-off/signing event! It kind of made everything feel more real! Our boy will be playing on the JV hockey team as a freshman. We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments over the last year. He's worked really hard and definitely has earned his spot on this team. We are looking forward to a great season!
If you know anything about me, you'll know that I love hummingbirds. They are my favorite! I love how something so tiny can be so mighty. You hear them flapping their wings before you actually see them. I could sit outside and watch them for hours. I put out feeders near my back porch and we also have a bush that they absolutely love. I always hide and try to get pictures. I'm rarely successful because they are so quick.
Well, we caught this on our security camera the other day...
On March 9th, 2024, I had one of those soul-filling, life-changing kind of nights... the kind you tuck into your heart forever.
It’s officially “take the top off the Jeep Wrangler” season... and we are 100% here for it!!
This past weekend we wrapped up Mason’s very first season of league hockey with an end-of-the-season party...and y’all, it was such a fun and memorable time. We celebrated at the Cidercade in Arlington, TX, and I think it’s safe to say the kids had an absolute blast. With all the retro arcade games, pinball machines, and good energy, it was the perfect spot to let them run wild and just enjoy being kids after a season of hard work and dedication on the ice.
We had to wake up really early for a hockey game… like, before the sun even thought about rising. Oh sweet spring league...you sure know how to keep us on our toes!
While we were finishing up getting ready, Mason grabbed his stick and headed out to the goal in the driveway. He wanted to take a few shots before we hit the road. I stood there watching him, coffee in one hand, heart bursting with pride in the other... and I’m so glad I thought to grab my phone and snap a few pictures.
Maybe I am that crazy chicken lady!!
And honestly? I'm totally okay with it.
I’ve never been someone who loves celebrating my own birthday. In fact, even writing that sentence makes me cringe a little. There’s just something about being the center of attention that doesn’t sit naturally with me—whether it’s a big party, people singing loudly in a restaurant, or the moment when all eyes are on you. Nope. Not for me.
But over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate the way others love to celebrate—even when it’s me they’re celebrating. I may not throw a big bash or post a birthday countdown, but I’m genuinely thankful for the people in my life who show up, who make me feel loved, and who find joy in making the day special in their own way.
Kicking Off 2024 with Our First Dallas Stars Game of the Year!
Yesterday we officially kicked off our 2024 sports calendar with our first Dallas Stars game of the year—and what a night it was! There’s just something about walking into the American Airlines Center, hearing the buzz of the crowd, seeing the sea of green jerseys, and knowing you’re about to experience something electric. Stars games never disappoint, and last night was no exception.
A Little Piece of Paris in Texas: Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX
If you ever find yourself road-tripping through northeast Texas, there’s a quirky and charming stop you absolutely shouldn’t miss: Texas’s very own Eiffel Tower. That’s right—located in the heart of Paris, Texas, this fun landmark is a playful nod to the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and it adds a unique touch of European flair to small-town Texas.
Broken Bow, Day 5: Celebrating Nate’s Birthday in the Best Way
Day five of our Broken Bow trip was extra special—it was Nate’s birthday! Celebrating him in a place that means so much to our family made the day feel even more meaningful. Over the years, Nate has spent quite a few birthdays here in Broken Bow, and each one has carried its own kind of magic. This year was no different—just another memory to add to the growing list of unforgettable birthdays in the mountains.
At the beginning of the year, I set out with one big, personal goal: to read the entire Bible in chronological order. It felt ambitious, maybe even a little overwhelming, but something in me knew it was time to dig deeper—not just into Scripture, but into my relationship with God. And now, here I am at the end of the year… and I did it. I read the whole Bible from start to finish. And it has been life-changing.
River Wandering, Goodbyes, and Night Fishing
By day four of our Broken Bow trip, we had fully settled into that sweet mountain rhythm—the kind where time slows down, your soul exhales, and the only thing on the agenda is to enjoy the moment. It was another day spent at Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that’s more than just a park to us—it’s a piece of our family’s story, full of comfort, history, and the kind of beauty you never get tired of.
Broken Bow, Day 3: Fishing, Hiking, and Train Rides Through the Pines
Day three of our Broken Bow getaway was one for the books—full of fresh air, familiar trails, and the kind of simple fun that fills your heart more than any screen ever could. We spent the day exploring Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that holds decades of memories for our family. From fishing in the clear waters to hiking along the riverbanks and capping the evening with a scenic train ride, it was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation
Broken Bow, Day 2: Celebrating Carson’s Birthday—Mountain Style!
Day two of our Broken Bow getaway was extra special because it was Carson’s birthday! There’s something uniquely fun about celebrating a birthday while tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by family, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. From the moment we woke up, the day was all about making Carson feel loved and celebrated—and I think we did a pretty great job!
Back to Broken Bow: A Place That Feels Like Home
There are places in life that leave their mark—not because of anything extravagant, but because of the memories made there. For me, Broken Bow and Beaver’s Bend State Park is one of those places. Nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, it’s more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place woven into the fabric of my life and our family's story.
Christmas at the Halls is always a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and joyful chaos—in the best way possible. As our family has grown, so has the celebration. With every new face around the tree, there’s more magic in the air… and let’s be honest, more wrapping paper covering the floor. But that’s what makes it so special. It’s not just about the gifts or the decorations—it’s about the people, the moments, and the memories that get made right in the middle of the mess.
Christmas morning in our home is something I look forward to all year. While the season brings with it a flurry of festive events, bustling shopping trips, and the joy of reconnecting with friends and extended family, there’s something incredibly special about the quiet simplicity of Christmas morning with just the three of us—Nate, Mason, and me.
After our beautiful candlelight service at church—a night already full of peace, worship, and warmth—we weren’t quite ready to let the Christmas Eve magic fade. So once we got home, we traded our church clothes for cozy PJs,grabbed some hot chocolate and a few snacks for the road, and piled into the car for one of my favorite Christmas traditions: looking at lights. There’s just something about driving around in the quiet of the night, car filled with soft music, sipping cocoa, and being surrounded by twinkling lights that feels like pure joy. It’s simple, but it’s everything...
There are certain traditions that anchor the holiday season for me, and our church’s Candlelight Christmas Eve service is without a doubt one of my very favorites. There’s just something so peaceful, so powerful, and so full of wonder about gathering together in worship on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment that cuts through the noise of the season and centers your heart on what truly matters.
Every year, our church puts so much thought, care, and love into creating a moving experience for Christmas Eve—and this year was no exception. From the moment we walked in the doors, you could feel the warmth and anticipation. The sanctuary glowed with soft lights and the atmosphere was filled with joy.
A Quiet, Cozy Christmas Eve...
Christmas Eve usually comes with a whirlwind of activity—getting dressed up, packing the car, rushing to gatherings, and trying to fit it all in. But this year? This year was beautifully different. For the first time in what feels like forever, we had nowhere to be on Christmas Eve day. No schedule. No obligations. Just a quiet day at home, and honestly—it was exactly what our hearts needed.
Christmas with family—honestly, is there anything better? It’s hands-down my favorite time of year. There’s just something so special about coming together, slowing down, and soaking in those moments with the people you love most. The lights, the food, the laughter—it all just feels like home.
This year felt a little different, though. A little more tender. A little more precious....
There are some traditions that just make the holiday season feel complete, and for our family, Christmas cookies at Nana’s is one of those moments I look forward to every single year. It’s the sweetest tradition—both literally and figuratively—and one that brings so much joy, laughter, and togetherness in the days leading up to Christmas.
Saturday was our 2nd annual Friendsmas, and honestly—it was nothing short of amazing. We decided to spice things up (literally!) this year with a fiesta theme to go along with the delicious tamales we had made the night before. It was the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festive chaos in the best way possible.
After spending a fun-filled day with the family soaking up all the Christmas magic, we wrapped things up in the best way possible—gathering at a friend’s house to make tamales for our upcoming Christmas celebration!
Every year since Mason was a baby, I’ve made it a point to take a Friday off in December to spend a special day with him and Nate. It’s one of those traditions that started small, but has grown into something we all look forward to year after year. Life gets busy, especially around the holidays, but carving out this one day—just for festive fun and quality time—has become one of my absolute favorite things we do as a family.
Over the years, we’ve made so many sweet memories on these special Fridays. We’ve visited the Gaylord ICE exhibit (which was so cool—literally!), picked out our tree at a Christmas tree farm, visited Santa at Bass Pro Shop, explored Christmas-themed restaurants, and more. We usually sprinkle in some Christmas shopping at the mall, enjoy a festive meal somewhere, and always, always end the night with hot chocolate and a drive around town to look at Christmas lights. There’s something so magical about those quiet drives, sipping something warm, with holiday music playing in the background.
One of the things I look forward to every year is Nate’s company’s Christmas shutdown. It’s such a gift—several days off (paid!) to relax, recharge, and soak in the holiday season. Some years it’s a full two weeks, other times it’s a little more or a little less, but no matter how long it is, we cherish every bit of it. It feels like a deep breath at the end of a busy year, giving us time to be fully present as a family and make the most of the holidays.
And before the official break even begins, there's a little tradition that kicks things off in the best way: a big gathering at Fat Daddy’s on the last workday of the year. It’s become the way to start the season with laughter, music, and the kind of laid-back celebration that sets the tone for the days to come. Friends from Nate’s work—and their wives —come together to unwind, catch up, and welcome the Christmas break with open arms (and probably a drink or two).
There’s something so simple yet magical about this photo—a cheerful little Santa mug sitting in front of the Christmas tree, lights twinkling in the background, everything soft and glowing. It might not be a big, elaborate moment, but it perfectly captures what I love most about this season: the coziness, the warmth, and the little pockets of joy tucked into everyday life.
This year, one of our amazing Jeep Girl Mafia advisors kicked off a brand-new tradition that I hope sticks around for many holidays to come—a group trip to the movies to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! As soon as I heard the plan, I knew I had to be there. That movie is one of my all-time Christmas favorites, and the thought of seeing it on the big screen with my Jeep girlfriends sounded like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
And then it was time for the main event—the absolute star of the weekend: riding the Polar Express! No matter how many times we’ve done it, it never loses its wonder. If I had to choose just one word to describe the Polar Express experience, it would be pure MAGIC.
Saturday is always the biggest, most exciting day of our Polar Express weekend—and it all kicks off with one of our favorite stops: the Grinch’s Lair!
This past weekend was our annual Polar Express Weekend, and it was every bit as magical as always! This tradition is one of my very favorite parts of the Christmas season. It’s one of those weekends where we slow down, soak in the holiday spirit, and make memories together as a family.
Every year, Mason’s Nana gives each of the grandkids a special Christmas ornament that represents something meaningful from their year. It’s become a treasured family tradition—one that adds an extra layer of joy and sentimentality to the holiday season.
Yesterday, I got to be part of one of the sweetest, most heartwarming afternoons I’ve had in a long time. Nate’s grandma—whom we all lovingly call NeNaw—had a special outing with her assisted living community, and I was so honored to tag along.
After spending the afternoon surrounded by laughter, sweets, and the sweet women in my family at our annual Christmas baking party, I slipped out a bit early—but for a very special reason. I didn’t want to miss Mason’s hockey game.
This past Saturday was one of those days that fills your heart to the brim—our 9th annual family Christmas baking party. It’s a tradition that has become one of my absolute favorite days of the entire year. I count down to it every year, knowing it’ll be a night full of laughter, memories, and all the joy the holiday season brings.
For this week's Waxahachie Wednesday, I’m excited to spotlight the cutest little café tucked right in the heart of downtown Waxahachie, Texas—Celebrity Diner and Bakery. If you’re ever strolling around the charming town square, this cozy gem is an absolute must-visit.
Thanksgiving at the Halls was such a sweet and special time. There’s nothing quite like gathering with family—sharing stories, laughter, and of course, a table full of incredible food. Every dish was made with love, and let me tell you, we all left with full hearts and full plates!
This week we started adding some Christmas cheer around the house, and I can’t even begin to explain how happy it makes me. Just a few twinkling lights, a wreath here, a festive pillow there—and suddenly everything feels a little more magical.
We had our very first annual Friendsgiving this year—and it was everything we hoped for and more. What started as a simple idea turned into a night full of warmth, laughter, and love. This incredible group of friends has become like family to us, and we're so grateful for the bond we've built together.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I am incredibly proud to serve as the Vice President of one of the largest all-female Jeep clubs in the world! We started right here in the DFW area, and it’s been amazing to watch how quickly our club has grown to include members from all across the country, reaching all 50 states. What began as a small, local community of passionate Jeep owners has turned into a nationwide sisterhood of strong, adventurous women who share a love for off-roading, exploring, and supporting each other every step of the way.
After our visit with NeNaw, we headed out to Frisco for Mason’s hockey game, and it was such an exciting experience! We were all looking forward to the game, especially since it was taking place at the same rink where the Dallas Stars practice. The atmosphere at the rink was electric, and it was a bit surreal to think about the professional players who train in that very space. It was a special feeling, knowing that Mason was getting the chance to skate on the same ice where some of his favorites play.
When the Texas Rangers won the World Series, it wasn’t just a victory for the team — it was a special moment for our family, especially for Nathan and his grandmother, our beloved NeNaw.
When we first heard the exciting news that the Texas Rangers were going to have a World Series Parade, we immediately knew we had to be there! Opportunities like this don’t come around every day, and we didn’t want to miss the chance to be a part of such a historic moment. Without hesitation, I requested the day off from work, and we quickly made plans for the parade.
The Texas Rangers Are World Freakin’ Champions!
Hi, I’m Crystal — daughter of the One True King, wife to my high school sweetheart Nathan, and Mama to our 15-year-old son, Mason. I’m a proud hockey mom, homeschooling adventurer, wannabe homesteader, and Texas girl through and through.Around here, I share our life...the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. From chasing dreams and thrift store deals to traveling this beautiful state (and beyond), to finding Jesus in everyday moments... this is our story. Welcome to Hall Around Texas!! I’m so glad you’re here!