Crystal Bridges and a Surprise Party!

The weekend flew by, as usual. I hope y'all had a great one! So Crystal Bridges Museum opened on November 11, 2011. It was a big event in Northwest Arkansas. Russell and I couldn't wait to take time to visit the museum. We finally got a chance to go on Saturday. It was fabulous!

 Soo cool!

 We were really excited about it.

 So beautiful. I have no words! It's so amazing to go!

 Here we are at "Eleven", the restaurant at the museum. I had a Caesar salad and Russell had beans and cornbread-a perfect Arkansas meal. Ha!

We took plenty more pictures, but I don't think I should put them on my blog because of copyright issues, so I didn't post. Y'all will just have to make a trip and see for yourself. The artwork is fabulous. We only saw maybe three galleries, but my favorite was Wonder World. It was awesome.

So February 1st is Russell's birthday. We love our friends up here and we are so happy to be back here, so I thought it would be the perfect time to throw hime a surprise birthday party! My sweet friend, Mandy, helped me with it too. He had absolutely NO clue! When we got to Mandy and Chad's house, he saw balloons in the window and he still didn't know they were for him. He said, "Somebody's having a party." Then we walked in and everyone said, "Surprise!"

 It was Razorback themed, of course!

 Here is the cake that Rick's Bakery made! They did a wonderful job.

 Russell and the cake!

 Some of our friends

We always have to get a picture taken!

I wish I had gotten more pictures, but we will always remember it!

We had a blast with everyone!!!

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Tale As Old As Time

Don't you just love Beauty and the Beast? I love most all Disney princesses. I may be a little bit of a Disney fanatic. Amy, Tony, Leighann, Russell and I all went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3-D. Leighann is only about two and a half years old but she loved the movie! Here we are after the flick!

 The music in this movie is awesome. It was so hard for me not to sing along. Ha!

Leighann loves Disney princesses so much! Can't you tell? We had a fun time together. She is a sweet princess herself. :)

On another note, sorry I haven't blogged in a little while. It seems like January is always a laid back month. Probably because it may be "Christmas recovery time." :) I'll hopefully blog more soon!

All glorious is the princess within; her gown is interwoven with gold. Psalm 45:13



Believe in 2012!

 So in November, I decided to take a plunge and begin Weight Watchers! I have lost over 6 pounds so far, so that is basically a pound lost per week. With Weight Watchers, they say it is healthier to lose weight slow, rather than fast. I am loving the program so far. I got through Thanksgiving and Christmas this past year and I told myself and I told Russell that if I can make it through those holidays, I could make it through anything when it comes to losing weight. I know in the past I have done "diets" before, and they just don't work for me. I really like this program and have faith that I can succeed. I BELIEVE I WILL succeed!

I thought I would share a few things that inspire me to keep reaching my goals (and resolution, if you will).

I just started reading this book:

 I finished the first chapter today and it is awesome! Does the author look familiar? She is Candace Cameron Bure, from Full House! She is an inspirational speaker as well as an actress, to top it off! This book gives motivation to stay healthy physically and spiritually. So awesome!

 Another thing I have been doing is staying hydrated and drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day. I find that if you use bottled water or a water bottle, it's easier to remember to drink your water!

Yep, you knew I would mention this, didn't you? Try to get your fruits and veggies in! I love those "Cuties" clementines. So good. I am also loving honeycrisp apples and bananas. I really like pickles and tomatoes as well.

Lastly, try to stay as active as you can! Russell and I have been working out on the Wii Fit Plus and it's so fun! Whatever it is, try to keep yourself active. This will also help you with your goal! :)

I have struggled with my weight for a long time. Even though I am fully aware that my weight does not define me in any way. But I know it does help with many other things healthwise, which is very important to me. I recently concluded in November, when I began WW, that I had no other choice. I HAD to do something. Yes, I do go out to eat some; yes, I do cook "The Pioneer Woman"recipes, BUT I count everything I eat. I track and enjoy, but don't overindulge. Here is a wonderful commercial Jennifer Hudson is in. I think it is so awesome. So if you are struggling with health or just want to try to eat better, I totally recommend this. My theme is BELIVE in 2012! I know we can do this together!!

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

2012! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, y'all! 2012 is here!

 Russell and I went to see this movie yesterday that was pretty figging for the day.

 We loved the movie, "New Year's Eve." It really was even better than I thought. I really liked it! After the matinee, we drove to Tulsa and enjoyed dinner at one of our favorites!

 It was so good!

 We really had a good time.

 The food was incredible. And we did not leave hungry, needless to say!

And for dessert? We had yummy snickerdoodle chocolate fondue. Soo good!

Needless to say, Russell and I had an eventful 2011 with job changes, move to North Arkansas and even more! Maybe this year will be a little less busy? Well, maybe not! Every year gets more busy, right?

I hope 2012 is going to be an awesome year for all of you!

Happy 2012!

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:5

2011 Recap!

Wow! I cannot believe 2011 has almost come to an end and 2012 will be here soon! Here's only highlights of this year. Time flies!

January 

 Russell and I anticipated for and watched the Razorbacks play in the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately, we lost, but we sure were excited about the game when it started. Ha!

February

 It snowed this month and we made a snowman. It's rare when you build a snowman in South Arkansas!

March

 We attended Camden's annual Daffodil Festival. Beautiful flowers!

April

 Watched the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on the 29th. It was fun!!

May

 Went to Central Arkansas to visit my sister and celebrate her birthday with her and friends!

June

 Attended Mama's wedding

July

 Enjoyed going to downtown El Dorado during Summer weekends!

August

 We received news that Russell got a new job in Northwest Arkansas. We then began to pack! Belle enjoyed "helping."

September

 We made the move with lots of help from family and friends to Rogers, AR!

October

 We loved the Fall season and also went to our first Bentonville Tigers Football game!

November

 Had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family

December

This month was chock full of things to do! But we loved celebrating the Christmas season all month long!

So that is 2011 in a tiny nutshell! I am looking forward to 2012 and pray the new year brings you many blessings!

Happy New Year!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christmas 2011

We had a busy but fun Christmas. Filled with lots of family, cooking, and love. We stayed with Russell's parents for the holiday. We got to South Arkansas on Friday night and started cooking for family right after we got there! We decided to make The Pioneer Woman's famous Cinnamon Rolls. It was so fun making them for our sweet family. Here are all six pans. We would have had seven but I don't think we rolled out the dough long enough! :)  

 So worth it to make! You need counter space, by the way!

 Russell and I also packaged them up and added a few Christmas touches to them. It made a great presentation. The credit for this idea is also from Ree Drummond, a.k.a. The Pioneer Woman! HA!

 I couldn't wait to give these to Aunt Nancy and Uncle Johnny.

 Nancy and I on Christmas Eve in front of her pretty tree.

 Christmas Day at The Price's!

 Here is Belle with some of the presents for the dogs, including a present for her!

 Ricky reading the Christmas Story

 Our breakfast. Breakfast Casserole and Cinnamon Rolls, of course!

 I was so excited to get these two collector's plates from Jackie and Ricky. I loved Princess Diana ever since I was a little girl. And this year, since the royal wedding, I have raved about Prince William and Catherine as well. I can't wait to display them in my curio cabinet!

 Russell and I in front of the tree

 We went to Kelly and Eric's house for Christmas Day dinner and to spend time together. Here is the table setting. Kelly always decorates beautifully!

 Logan and Lauren-the best nephew and niece EVER before our fabulous meal. We had beef tenderloin with prosciutto and horseradish sauce, twice baked potato casserole, brocolli and rice casserole, dressing, cranberry salad, homemade rolls, and TONS of other Christmas cookies and candies! We all pitched in for the meal and everything turned out absolutely perfectly!

 We had so much fun with our "Christmas crackers". Each one had a paper hat and a cute prize in them.

 Lauren and I showing off our hats.

 Pretty Christmas tree

 Kelly always wraps presents so pretty.

 I love family!

 Mama with Kelly and I

 Russell and I got Logan an "iHelicopter" for Christmas. You use your ipod touch or ipad to control the helicopter. Eric loved it just as much as Logan did. It entertained the whole family!

 Oh my word, my niece is growing up way too fast!

Monday we mostly rested but we still had one more Christmas to go.

 We had a great time with the Lawson's side!

 Ricky and Jackie always work so hard to make sure everything is perfect for Christmas!

 BJ, Katie and me and Russell

Russell and I wore our "ugly Christmas attire" again, just for fun. Hey, we gotta get our money's worth out of it, right?

BJ and Aubrey at the piano.

We got home yesterday afternoon so our schedule is pretty much back to normal. We did enjoy lots of time with family and friends though. I hope y'all had a wonderful and Merry Christmas! 2012 will be here before we know it! Time flies!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14