So ironically I'm writing about our first snow day on yet another snow day... Today actually marks my 3rd snow day this week... when does this EVER happen in Texas. This morning I checked and there are 757 schools closed in the Dallas area! most of which have been closed since Tuesday... wow.
Back to this post, this was back in January and we were all off work and got to play a little bit. Although, I didn't play much, due to the issue that my wardrobe does not include snow gear. This did not stop the kids, Adam and Jeff. They started by building a HUGE snow man (i don't think I got a picture with them next to it, but it was taller than Jeff!) and then paused for a little snowball fight, followed by some snow angels,
and then finally their pride and Joy.... the igloo! Adam actually formed each brick using a shoe box, then Anthony and Ava would bring the "bricks" to Uncle Jeff and he assembled the structure... impressive.
Paul staying warm inside
Looks like they're already planning to repeat this today, pictures to follow!
The week between Christmas and New Years Jeff and I headed out to Tyler to visit with his family. Adam and Jodi and the kids were also there. It was so nice to just enjoy each other's company with nothing to worry about but love, laughs, and good food! Jeff's parents so generously gave me my first DSLR camera! and ... I'm in LOVE!! I'm still learning how to take pictures with all the different settings, but so excited to learn more.
Ava being a diva under the tree
Baby Paul on the way to the Fire Station
Ava excited to go see Mr. Brandon at the Fire Station
So looks like I'm in the habit of once a month blog posts! It's just been a busy time of year, spending time with my sweet husband between both of us working, running errands, spending time with family, I have to admit - busy hasn't been sooo bad :) I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We're headed out to the inlaws this week so I will try to post again soon!!
Peace and Blessings this holiday season!
The Todds
Our first tree :)
Baby Paul fast asleep during Christmas mass
Opening his first gift from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Krista
Ok, so I started this post 2 weeks ago... and at that point it has been about a month since I updated anything... lets just say... Where does the time go!? Seriously, time is flying by!! Its nearly December, which means 2011 is just around the corner! I just wanted to type a quick update on whats been going on these past few weeks... First my brother got married!!! I have a beautiful new sister, Sarah - their wedding was beautiful, in down town Fort Worth.. Fun times :)
<--Isn't my brother so handsome??
The Fam ... Jeff, me, Sarah, James, Mom, Dad
Next big event was our sweet nephew and Godson, Paul Joseph Todd was born on November 4, 9 lbs 1 oz! Jeff and I are the Godparents and look forward to his baptism of December 11 :)
He is ABSOLUTELY precious!! Clearly what has been taking up most of our time... Adam and Jodi only live 5 min away, so of course we are over there visiting our sweet little guy as much as possible! Not to mention the other sweet little Todds that run around that household :)
And I suppose the next event would be Thanksgiving! I'm sad because I totally dropped the ball on documenting our first Thanksgiving as a married couple... but I did get a precious picture of all the older kiddos that were scattering the house the past few days.. and can I just say... I LOVE the holidays, and I LOVE my family!!! Its amazing how perspectives change and the holidays begin to have a deeper and deeper meaning. I'm so grateful to be able to spend this time with both of our families - since my parents are only 20 min away we also got to go there - and to be starting new traditions with me and Jeff :)
And as we enter into this time of Advent, to celebrate the greatest birthday of them all, I hope each of you get to enjoy every breath, and every tradition, every new beginning, and most of all - every second with your loved ones! And remember every season is a season for Thanksgiving
So this weekend I got to use our stone loaf pan not once, but twice!!! First round was due to some ripening bananas, so naturally I had to make some banana bread :) I wanted to share the recipe cause it was so yummy - and no I'm not bragging - the empty loaf pan I brought home from brunch this morning says it all, hehe
I used my moms recipe and just added a dash a vanilla for the fun of it!
1/2 C. butter (1 log)
1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 eggs
2 ripe bananas
1 1/3 C. flour
1 C. sugar
1 tsp. backing soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. wheat germ (optional)
and a dash a vanilla - really I have no idea how much I put in.. a tablespoon or 2??
Combine the first 4 ingredients - all the wet ones - and combine the dry in a separate bowl. Mix together and pour into a greased loaf pan. Cook at 350 degrees for 50-60 min... mine was done after 35 so be sure to check it!! and ENJOY!!! :)
NEXXXXTTTTT....
So after coming home with the empty loaf pan from Sunday brunch I decided that we should have something for the week that we could have for breakfast or dessert or whatever excuse for a yummy snack! So Jeff and I were throwing out ideas of what to make... pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins? Spice cake? Carrot cake?? there seemed to be a trend... they all have that wonderful spice scent that just screams FALL!! Well the final verdict was carrot cake - but in our lovely stone loaf pan. I'm not going to share the recipe yet because we actually haven't even tasted it yet - its cooling and I just iced it - our ratings will be in soon!!
Happy baking! and even more importantly, HAPPY FALL!!
If you don't know, Jeff is a HUGE Rangers fan! He loves baseball in general, but nothing beats a Texas Rangers game for this man.. We were able to go to a few games this season between wedding planning and post wedding events. The Rangers had a great season! Jeff just bought his "postseason" hat last week at the game with his brother!! Lets go Rangers!
On our way to the game - sat in the Genghis Grill suite that night!
Guys night - Jeff and Adam went to the game - row 6, great seats!
...to many more fun night at the ball park - take care and be blessed!
So it has been a while since I last posted, but life has been busy, busy - in a good way!! Well first off... WE'RE MARRIED !!! on August 14 I married my best friend :) we had so much fun at our wedding, it was so beautiful, and to be surrounded by all of our friends and family was so special! After the wedding Jeff and I left for Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a week in paradise. For the most part we relaxed and enjoyed wandering around the resort, we did go snorkeling and had an amazing sky massage! We definitely enjoyed ourselves but at the same time we were excited to get back and set all of our new things up and finish moving all of my stuff into the apartment. Here are a few pictures from the honeymoon...
releasing baby sea turtles
I will upload pictures from the wedding when we get them back from our photographer! until then, take care and be blessed!!
So ironically I'm writing about our first snow day on yet another snow day... Today actually marks my 3rd snow day this week... when does this EVER happen in Texas. This morning I checked and there are 757 schools closed in the Dallas area! most of which have been closed since Tuesday... wow.
First my brother got married!!! I have a beautiful new sister, Sarah - their wedding was beautiful, in down town Fort Worth.. Fun times :) 
1/2 C. butter (1 log).JPG)
So after coming home with the empty loaf pan from Sunday brunch I decided that we should have something for the week that we could have for breakfast or dessert or whatever excuse for a yummy snack! So Jeff and I were throwing out ideas of what to make... pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins? Spice cake? Carrot cake?? there seemed to be a trend... they all have that wonderful spice scent that just screams FALL!! Well the final verdict was carrot cake - but in our lovely stone loaf pan. I'm not going to share the recipe yet because we actually haven't even tasted it yet - its cooling and I just iced it - our ratings will be in soon!!
.JPG)
