Holidays

I am so excited about this upcoming Christmas Season! All of the Owen family (plus Zac) and all of the Marx family will be in Dallas this Christmas! I love my family and my in-laws, so I am really looking forward to spending time with them all!! We will be hosting Christmas Eve at our house this year....

Here is a random selection of past Christmases...

Time To Catch Up!

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted on my blog!! Lets see, this fall has gone by so quickly! I finished our kitchen remodeling project, and I LOVE how it turned out:

Projects

So, I have been wanting to get new kitchen knobs for a while--to start updating it. I know it will be a while before we do the counters and backsplash, so I wanted to do a little something. Instead of buying like 35 knobs (yeah-our kitchen has way too many!) I decided to try painting them...here was my tester:

So, I repainted all of them. I used a "hammered finish" spray paint, and I am really pleased with the look!

Now I just need to figure out what I want to do about the green tile backsplash. Any suggstions?

Next project to do...

I am going to do a little sewing/crafting this holiday weekend, since I have a bit of time. I saw these cute candle/trinket holders at anthropologie the other weekend:

I think they should be pretty easy to make. Although, I am not sure where to put them! I am thinking of doing something similar to put on the backyard deck...I want to spruce it up a bit....now I am on the lookout for little glass jars/votive holders.

Brandon's newest hobby/pastime is fishing and hunting. If anyone ever wants a hunting partner, please call Brandon!!

Here are a few recent pics of his catches.

Brandon shot a dove. He dressed it (is that the proper terminology?!) and grilled the breast meat, wrapped in bacon. It was actually really tasty! Granted, one dove offered enough meat for 2 little appitizer sized bites. However, I am pleased to know that I actually liked it! Plus, I know Brandon enjoys eating what he has caught/hunted.

Projects

So I realized I never posted the finished bedding/paint job in my craft room...so here it is!

First Week of School

Well I survived the back-to-school week! I am really loving my job. Its still a little surreal that I am in the position that I am--mostly because I am finding that for the most part, my job comes pretty naturally for me. I suppose thats a sign that God really has placed me where he wants me. This is a pic of me on the first day of school...(too bad you can't see my cute hotpink shoes in this pic!)

The staff is full of steller teachers who are good at their craft. They seem to respect me in my position, which is a relief (plus, they are fun to visit with)I have a wonderful principal/mentor to learn from--she is great at her job! Plus, I really enjoy getting to know her on a personal level. I look forward to working at Donald for many years to come :)
I was a little tired by Friday, so thankfully I was able to sleep in this morning.

Brandon made coffee this morning using the beans from our favorite coffee shop in college: Common Grounds. (Thanks to Ashley) I wish we had a cute coffee shop like it here in Flower Mound. I love Starbucks coffee and all, but they are pretty much the only coffee shop in the metroplex.

New Job!!!!

As of Monday, July 26th, I am back at work full-time as the new Assistant Principal at Donald Elementary--which happens to be 2 miles from our house! I will have the opportunity to work with a fabulous principal--I can already tell I will learn so much from her. I will admit that I am a bit nervous, but only because of the "unknown" involved in a new job. I know I was successful as a teacher, and I feel confident that I will do a good job as an AP, but I also know there will be a learning curve my first few years.....however, I definitely feel that God's perfect timing brought me to this specific job, so I am excited to see what is in store this next year!
Here are a few pics of my new office:

4th of July

Went to Lone Star Park with my siblings to celebrate 4th of July! Watched the races, brought a picnic, and watched some great fireworks.

The only downside....it took FOREVER to get out of the parking lot after the fireworks. Seriously, it was as if the crowd had never been to preschool, where you learn to take turns. Instead, nearly every driver was inching forward as soon as any movement occured with traffic, so much so that it was a gridlock nighmare. Very annoying! Oh well--next year we will rethink our parking lot choice....

Caden :)

We had a great time getting to visit with Jeremy, Jess and Caden over 4th of July weekend! Caden turned 1 year old--can't believe how fast he is growing up! He is one of the happiest, smiling, cute babies that I have ever met! Hes got a cute little personality that is sure to develop into a fun-loving, sweet little boy. Yes-I am bragging- but I have the best little nephew! (and another niece or nephew due in March!)

Brandon got Caden a Green Bay Packers football...of course!

I always enjoy spending time with Jess-shes a wonderful sister-in-law!

I love the fact that even if we weren't now in the same family, I would still want to be friends with her! I feel very blessed :)

Caden wanted me to have some of his bday cake icing....on my face apparently.....

The family (just need Ashley, David, and Josh here!)

Summer Vacation

We were able to go to Playa del Carmen for a very relaxing, week-long vacation with some great friends!! Although Tropical Storm Alex blew in Thurs. night of the trip, we still had a great time hanging out on the beach, laying by the pool, eating, and chillin! The normal routine while at the resort: eat, drink, visit, lay on beach, sleep, repeat.

It was REALLY windy the night we tried to take pictures down at the beach...and raining the other nights....

Brandon, Stacey, John & Chrishtan before a nice, 7 course meal at "Chef's Plate"

side note: I did learn while on this vacation that I do NOT enjoy snorkling.....especially in choppy, open water without a boat nearby!

other side note: While on vacation, I got a call from HR with MY NEW JOB OFFER!!!!!!