Sisters from another mother

One of the unique (and awesome) things about my husband's family is the traditional generational lines are a little blurry. Two of my favorite people happen to be my sister-in-law and her oldest daughter. I think of both of them as my sisters, since one is 11 years older and the other is 10 years younger. 

Both of these lovely ladies have had a HUGE impact on my life. I would not be living the good life in Texas without them. They are an inspiration to me to live happier, love more, and laugh often. Plus they have mad cooking and baking skills. Mad skills. It really is futile to try and fight the deliciousness these ladies produce. 

I love you guys and am so grateful we get to hang out in Texas together!!

Today

I am thankful for job interviews. Prayers and happy thoughts for my hubby today. 

Bigger Than Myself

I've been thinking about the whole concept of family. How it's evolved and enlarged through the years. I realized this past summer that my family is large and vast and extensive and that a lot of my friends are now a part of my family. With cousins and in-law marriages, I think my kids are now related to half of the Inland Empire. 

One of the reasons we moved to Texas was to diversify the gene pool for our grand kids. 

That being said, I am proud of my extensive family and grateful to be connected to so many strong, amazing people. 

Fall Comes Softly

November usually blows in a real change of weather. Although we don't experience real Fall, it's nice to feel a cold breeze on my face. I've come to realize that Fall comes softly to south Texas.

Texas Sky

Because no matter how big my problems appear to be, I can look outside my window and see a sky that is much bigger. 

Pay It Forward

Yesterday was a huge day of blessings and tender mercies. And in the middle of receiving, I was given an opportunity to give back. Even in the midst of life's darkest storms, we can still reach out to others as they are weathering theirs. In the process of lifting others, our own storms will calm. 

Hallothanksmas

This is the most wonderful time of the year! You can usually start hearing Christmas carols in our house around mid-September, I bring out the cinnamon-scented candles and hot chocolate, and shopping takes a little (or a lot) longer than normal. So much to look at. 

I love that I can walk down one aisle and be engulfed in warm orange, brown, and all things pumpkin, then turn the corner and be engulfed in a peppermint forest of reds and greens (or silvers, purples, or blues - whatever the latest color trend is - *gag*). Bring it on! I'm grateful for the seasonal holiday mashup.

Happy Hallothanksmas!