The Girls at Christmas

I sure love my sisters and I LOVE my baby girl! We all look so different, but yet we are all bonded as sisters. A wonderful thing. They came over Christmas morning to celebrate. We are all growing up so fast! The twins turn 16 New Year's Eve!

Btw, don't you just love my pajamas? My sister gave me those because she didn't like them. They were a gift from her boyfriend's parents last Christmas. Ha. Did I just share that on my blog? Ah ha!

Caitlin and Reagan

I love all the trash behind Reagan!

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

Some Houston Highlights

We are having a great time in Houston. I am planning on tomorrow being a day of "rest" for us. Don't want to overload our trip with doing a lot of things and not really having a vacation...if you know what I mean.

We went to the Galleria today and had a great time. Will post more on that later (with some pictures), but for now I can at least say that Jason was OVERWHELMED just a bit. :)

Here are some pictures from our journey here.

This is in Schulenberg, Texas (half-way point to Houston). Great Pecans!

Remember my story about Reagan & the cookies? Well, here is the proof!

Jackson took this picture. :) My brother is on the far left with his SUPER SWEET wife Melissa and that is my sister, Savannah in the middle with her boyfriend Carlos. Love those kids!

This is one of the first times Jackson has spent significant time with my brother. My brother, who is also a drummer really bonded with Jack. It made my heart glad.

Sweater Twins! Melissa and I actually showed up in the same sweater! Ha.

More highlights -

*Jackson was given $15 for Christmas from my grandma and he bought a super soft Cars blanket. He loves it, but I love it more.

*I splurged at Charming Charlie's at the Galleria. I am obsessed with that place!

*Got to have dinner with a great old friend. Yay for meatloaf, Guitar Hero and old friends.

Bummer highlight -

*My kids are sleeping horribly and now Jason and I have started taking turns at who gets to sleep in the room that has no kids in it. Bummer!

Stay tuned for more!

Visting Houston

Our family drove to Houston today to spend some time with my Dad and see the rest of my family. We have been here for 4 hours and already have been shopping and had a delicious dinner at Red Lobster. I am feeling spoiled, but actually enjoying this rare occasion. It will be nice to have a few days by away.

Highlights from our 3 hour drive here...

*Listening to our favorite driving songs that Jason put his Ipod. Kenny Chesney, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel (I know!), The Beatles, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Kari Jobe, Coblie Calliat...and much more.

*Reagan found a bag of cookies that I packed for an "emergency" and was into cookie number 3 before I noticed. Chocolate everywhere! Thank goodness for wipes.

*Jackson asking every 25 minutes, "Daddy are you SURE this is the right way to Papa's house?"

*My sweet driving skills. I scared Jason out of his mind, but I had fun! Ha.

Christmas - Part 1

There is a lot to post about for Christmas 2009. It is definitely a memorable one. Some ups and some downs, but overall one that truly has left me thanking God for all the he has done.

Here is our Christmas (in pictures) with Jason's parents. I love them so much. Way more than I could have ever expected to love them. I am so lucky to have such fantastic, supportive and Godly in-laws.

(P.S. These are all pics that my MIL took. I didn't get any while we were over there.)

This picture just simply makes me laugh. Abby and her Winnie The Pooh.

Jason's parents surprised him with tickets to see John Mayer in Austin! I knew about this the wholetime and was SOOO excited to see him open this. Of course, I am also thrilled that I get to go with him. He he.

Miss Girly Girl Reagan in her new ballerina skirt.

This gift made me cry. A lot. Breanna recently took our family photos....in a bed and in the freezing cold weather. I had the bright idea to do a family portrait in our pj's, but I wanted to do them outside. Breanna and I decided that a bed out in "nature" would be awesome. I wasn't expecting this at all and had not even been able to purchase pictures yet. Wow.

My family means so much to me and this picture will forever be one of the best gifts ever!

Reagan and Abby. Sweet cousins.

Jackson and Carson both received musical instruments. Jackson the drums and Carson the guitar. They decided to trade (for only a short time, I'm sure) and put on a rock concert. I LOVE this picture!!!

Daddy and Rae. Stuffed from the great food and tired from the long (but great) day!

A New Start

First, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I have so much to post, but that will come later.

I recently was walking through a tough time. My life gets busy and when that happens everything else seems hectic. On top of that we had Christmas and we all know the stresses that (unfortunately) come with that.

Thankfully, God has sent me wonderful friends who walk with me and pray for me. I am so thankful for these precious ladies in my life. I can still be me around them and not ever have to feel like I have to be perfect or even act like it. I can just be...Natalie. Not Jackson and Reagan's mom, a pastor's wife, a worship leader...just me.

One of those dear gals sent me this scripture the other day and felt like it was something the Lord wanted me to hold onto. Ironically, Jason has been reading the same scripture and I believe this is something that God wants Jason and I to hear from him for 2010. For us individually, our marriage, our family and our ministry.

Excited to see what 2010 holds for us.

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD's Favor

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

² to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

Another Change

I have grown tired of wordpress. I find it boring. I don't know why, but I do. I promise not to change after this! I hope you will follow me for the new year. I have a feeling it's going to be an exciting one.

I love you all.

Blessings,

Natalie