Monday, January 18, 2010

the holidays. part 2.




Here's The Sequel. As promised. Once again, we had a blast over the holidays and made memories that we will never forget. Here are just a couple of highlights from The Dallas Christmas...
  • We've declared this "The Year of Yes" right, Lindsay & Jared?
  • Austin LOVED playing with his second cousins. The proof? Yelling "This is SOOO fun!" while running down the hall.
  • Mexican food, mexican food, and MORE mexican food. Luke is still on overload!
  • I asked Luke if he would listen to Beth Moore with me on our way up to The Big D. He said "Sure!" and then told me I would have to listen to his music too since relationships are all about give and take. We didn't listen to Beth.
  • SNOW! That's right. It snowed on us when we drove into Dallas. It didn't stick since the ground wasn't cold enough. In other words, it was my favorite kind of snow.
  • Using the iPhone to take the tour of Dallas, therefore, bypassing the horrendous Cottonbowl traffic. It was touch and go at times but we made it. And that's all that matters.

Like I said, we had a blast! Can't wait 'til Christmas/New Years 2010 :)

Friday, January 15, 2010

the perfect rainy day activity

Well, now that I think about it, I could probably think of other activities that are perfect for rainy days but this one's pretty good too.


Now. Before I go any further I feel like I should address the fact that I promised the sequel to part 1 of our holidays. All I can say is...I'm sorry. I'm sorry that the thought of uploading all those pictures to One True Media is more than I can committ to at this moment. Sorry that you won't be able to enjoy the rest of the fun vicariously. And I'm sorry that I got your hopes up only to leave you disappointed.


I have nothing to say for myself. And that's saying something! ;)


But don't worry. I wanted to share another list of blogs I really enjoy reading. Some give me fun ideas to try. Others are just inspiring. And some are very encouraging. So make yourself a nice, steaming cup of coffee {or tea. I don't discriminate}, pull up a chair, and make me feel better by blogstalking these people like I do. :) You know you want to so don't fight that feeling.














Enjoy your rainy Friday, friends!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

the holidays. part 1.

Ok. Due to the large volume of pictures I took over the holidays, I've decided to share them with you via A Slide Show. It has taken me a ridiculous amount of time to get this all set up. No, really. A ridiculous amount. So, with that in mind, I've decided to give you the highlights {in bullet form...get excited} of our holiday festivities with the Bauerlein side instead of using large amounts of words to describe every moment. Besides, they say a picture is worth a thousand words and I need to save as many words as possible for my conversations with Sir Talks Alot.
Now. Without further ado, I give you The Highlights followed by a RIVETING slide show. {If you want captions, you'll have to visit my facebook profile. Apparently, you have to upgrade to "premium" with One True Media if you want to actually tell a story with your pictures. No thank you. I'm all about free...well, in this case anyway.}
  • Austin and I decorated the tree. It looked great, and I'm convinced that's because all of the candy canes were grouped thisclose together on one side of the tree.
  • Besides the close knit group of candy canes, my favorite part of decorating the tree with Austin was showing him Daddy's ornaments and his First Christmas ornaments. Later he would proudly tell all of our visitors that, "this is me!" or "this is Daddy!" when pointing to said ornaments.
  • We all got to experience Austin's first Christmas program. I dressed him in his cutest red sweater, dropped him off at his class, and waited excitedly to see him ham it up with all of his friends. I should know by now that things rarely go as planned... He cried. I sat with his class. And it was like none of it ever happend afterwards.
  • Austin got to help Gigi, Claire, and me do some Christmas baking. He loved every minute. So we bought him some play food for Christmas. Here's hoping our little chef will be making dinner SOON! ;)
  • Christmas Eve brought lots of exciting events and gifts. The sisters were thrilled to recieve Snuggies from our Granny. Austin, however, was NOT thrilled to see his Mommy wearing it. He cried for 10 minutes and not even the new Hot Wheels could save the day. That didn't stop us from seizing the moment and taking multiple Classy with a "K" pictures!
  • Austin decided he wanted the zebra striped snuggie to be his.
  • He asks to wear it every time he sees the pictures. Or opens the blanket drawer. Or just feels the need for a snuggle.
  • Luke and I made cookies with Austin for Santa. We chose sugar cookies with M&Ms, and by we, I mean me. I learned alot about Santa that night. For example, sometimes he prefers his cookies sans the M&Ms, and Dr. Pepper is his drink of choice for the big night. Can't wait for Austin to tell all his friends he leaves a big glass of Dr. Pepper out for Santa on Christmas Eve...
  • The Keiffers started a new Christmas morning tradition...a visit to our local IHOP for some pancakes and hot chocolate. And oh yeah, some Dr. Pepper too. You know, for "Santa."
  • Christmas was at our house. We ate. ALOT. I think I'm still full.
  • We all celebrated my mom's 54th birthday. Good times were had by all, but how can you not when funny girls like Claire and Britt are present. We loved making the night special for the Birthday Girl! :)




After celebrating Christmas "Bauerlein style" my little family headed up to Dallas to celebrate with the other Keiffers. I'll post pictures of that next. We loved every minute we got to spend with our families and continue to feel blessed beyond measure where they are concerned! Hope your holidays were merry too!! :)

Monday, January 4, 2010

happy new year

Well. I've let too much time pass between posts. The problem is that if I wait too long, I forget all the events I want to record in cyberspace. You know, so as never to forget them. I have much to fill you in on, but I just finished posting pictures on facebook. Sadly, I don't have the wherewithall to wait any longer for pictures to upload on here. My deepest apologies.


But until my next post, know that we had a great Christmas and New Years. Once again we are in awe of God's blessings and humbled that He would give us such amazing families! We are so excited to see what 2010 holds for us, and know that God is already all over it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. So we are thankful in advance and can't wait to share it all with you. I will leave you with this:


Psalm 65:11

"You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake."

Thursday, December 10, 2009

thanksgiving highlights

Here is a little picture recap of our Thanksgiving. We spent the week in Colorado. Some of us went mountain bowling and by that I mean skiing. Others stayed home due to some ankle problems caused by running in order to be in shape for skiing.

That's several hours of my time I'll never get back, but I'm not bitter.

We had an absolute BLAST! The outlet mall a mile from our condo may or may not have had something to do with it. Ok, that was really just an added bonus. We always have fun when we get to spend time with Luke's side of the family. Best. In-laws. Ever!! We love them and here's the proof:

These 2 won the ugly sweater contest.




Like my friend Andrea said: Scarred. For. Life. And yes this is a woman's sweater from Goodwill. Consider this picture my Christmas gift to you. You're welcome.

I guess Austin didn't get the memo that we were taking a picture. Oh well. I still love him more than words can say...even in this horrendous sweater.


The boys before our sleigh ride.

The whole family. So fun and SO cold!!


Love my little family!


My boys. They never fail to make me laugh.



Such a good picture of these 2!



The 3 amigos. :)



This picture makes me thankful for 2 things: hot chocolate before sleigh rides in FREEZING weather and a brother that makes us laugh even when we can't feel our lips. :)



Absolutely LOVE her. This picture is already framed in my kitchen.



The fam on the gondola ride. I accidently downloaded the wrong one of the 3 of us, which means I'm gonna hear about this later from Luke. Ooops, sorry!



Sweet boy just taking it all in



Our gondola partners


Before the sleigh ride. Austin had a RIDICULOUS amount of layers on. We call that Paranoid Mom around here.



Singing to us at the dinner table. This is how the song went: "Grammy! Grammy! Grammy! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" etcetera and so on and so forth. All I have to say is due to his amazing talent for songwriting, Luke and I have decided that he is our retirement plan. Oh, I kid...sort of.

One of the many reasons I love her. Yes, she's sitting in Austin's carseat.

Grammy and her number one fan. :)


View from the gondola. Please excuse the scratches.


On the plane and super excited about "Codorado" as Austin calls it.



See? He was pumped!!



Despite the fact that my camera totally failed me at this moment, I still love this picture of my boys. There is no one else I would rather travel with than these two.


This is the kind of view we enjoyed all week.

There you have it. The highlights of our week in the mountains. If you're thinking it looks amazing then you would be correct. We can't wait to go back. :)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

picture post

Well. I have no excuses for myself other than it's been a CRAZY few weeks. I know it's bad when my husband asks me,

When are you ever going to update your blog?!

Because it's not like we don't live together, and he doesn't automatically know what's going on in my life and our house. But oh how I love that he enjoys reading what I write and cares enough to check in on a regular basis.

I do have so much to share, but until my house doesn't look like a hurricane blew through it, I feel like I should focus on a couple of other things before giving you the lowdown on the madness that was November. Until then, here are some Austin pics for your viewing pleasure. Rest assurred, despite all the craziness, he remains the light of our lives and favorite subject for any and every photo shoot at our house.


Chillin'


Just finished a week of Pops & Grammy Camp. Please ignore the very industrial background of this picture. The Temple IHOP didn't exactly provide a plethora of picturesque settings for us.


Modeling his Colorado hat and "thumbs." That's right, gloves are now referred to as "thumbs" in this house. Love. It.


Mowing the yard.


Potato sack race at the pumpkin patch.


Losing steam and his sack


My favorites!


Mommy and Haha :)


LOVE this face. It's so Austin.


Trying to pick up the pumpkin.


He loved the animals!


Our little pumpkin :)

More pictures and stories to come soon! Hope you're enjoying the Christmas season and experiencing the joy that knowing Jesus brings this time of year.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

a poem and some thoughts

Happy Tuesday! This post will be kind of short and sweet seeing as how I have too much to do and not enough time to do it. We leave for Colorado on Saturday morning and I feel like I'm already running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.


You're welcome for that mental picture.


But don't you agree that every once and alot you feel that same way? Don't lie to yourself. Or to me. It happens because we're human and sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking we can do it all. As much as I would like to call myself Super Woman, I have to be honest with myself and admit that I'm not, and I would never be able to fit in that ridiculous outfit anyway. {But in my wildest dreams I do and I look amaaazing. Because everyone should look good in their dreams.}


So here I sit posting on my blog when I should be vaccuming, straightening, and gathering things to pack. It's just that I read this poem on a blog I visit from time to time and it touched my heart. So of course I had to share it with you.


Because I like you that much!


I wish I knew who wrote it, but The Blog didn't say. So here's to Anonymous. Thank you for your moving words and touching insight.



Once upon a special day in Heaven up above , the tiniest souls sat at God's feet, surrounded by His love. ‘The time is coming, very soon’, God said, ‘Do not be scared. Your family awaits your arrival, now let us get prepared’.


And so God looked upon these souls, in mute consideration. He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.


The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be. They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family.


‘How would you like to change the world?’ God asked each soul in fun. The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.


‘I'm going to make the world laugh’, one soul said with a smile, ‘for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial’.‘Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well’. The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.


‘And I'll remind the world to sing’, a sweet little soul told the Lord. ‘I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord’.‘You’ll have the gift of music then, a voice, lovely and strong. Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song’.


‘I will show compassion’, the next little soul raised her hand. ‘Some people only need a friend, someone to understand’.‘Compassion is a good thing’, God said with much delight. ‘To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right’.


And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams. And God explained that life, it is, much harder than it seems.


And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun, Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one.


‘Come sit with me my little child’, God said with just a sigh. ‘Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why? Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife, but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life.'


And some may only know you through a simple photograph, they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh. Some may only know you through the words they read each day, but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray’.


The tiniest soul raised her head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand. ‘Father, I am ready for the life that you have planned. And I will do the best I can without a word or deed. For you Lord, are the planter, and I will be your seed’.


She could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen her face, they were praying for her safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.


‘What talent do I leave with Lord? What gift do you impart?’


‘All that you will need’, God said, ‘I've placed within your heart’. And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that she would be, and whispered as he watched her go...'You'll teach them . . . to love me'.



It seems like I've read alot of blogs lately about babies or small children who have passed away long before many of us think they should have. It breaks my heart and makes me so very thankful for a son who is happy and healthy! But it has also opened my eyes to just how powerful our God is. He can use the tiniest person to change many hearts and lives. It makes me feel extremely honored and humbled that I have the privilege of being called His child. I am so undeserving!


Now before I tell you this next thought, you should know that I do not like to think about death and dying. In fact, I try to avoid it at all costs because the thought of living in this world without just one of those I love is almost too much for me. However, the other day I was thinking about the verse that says,


"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7


And here's what God told me in that rare moment of Life & Death Contemplating. We are put on this earth for a purpose. {Duh.} But as soon as that purpose is fulfilled and we "finish the race" our Heavenly Father wastes NO TIME in taking us Home. Do you want to know what I believe? Ok, I'll tell you. Here's hoping it rocks your world like it did mine.


I believe that God really does wait for our arrival to Heaven with great anticipation. I think He longs for the day that He can physically embrace us and welcome us Home. {And I fully expect a big hug from him because quite frankly I will have waited a long time for it.} I know He thinks about us in great detail as He prepares our very own mansion. I'm willing to bet that He counts the days until we are with Him in paradise much like I did when Austin was in Dallas. He knows this life is not easy and that this world is not our home. I think that is one of the reasons He doesn't leave us here a minute longer than necessary. Y'all. I am just so thankful for that because I feel like I'm going to be a much bigger fan of Heaven than Earth.


I'm not gonna lie. I needed to be reminded of just how much He loves me. In fact, I told Him so just the other day and He came through in a big way. I really needed to know that no matter what I do or don't do, no matter who likes me or who doesn't, and no matter how wretched I am, He made me "fearfully and wonderfully." He loves me {and you} for who I am and who I'm going to be. At the end of the day, He is the only one who can love me perfectly because He is perfection itself. And I am just so thankful for that!


Have a great day!!

{Austin pics and update coming soon!!}