{GT field trip to Austin TX // February 18th 2020}

I'm still blogging February and trying to catch up here. Back on February 18th, Mason's gifted & talented class got to have a field trip to Austin, TX. Nathan and I were so fortunate to be able to take the day off of work and join him! I couldn't imagine him traveling to GT without us. I've never denied being a helicopter mom. Plus, it sounded like a really fun time.

{Sunday Funday with friends}

It's so nice to have friends that share all of the same interests as you! Those friends that you can just do life with! The Chiles family is also a 2-Jeep family and we love hanging out with them. One Sunday after church we met them in town and then hung out for the rest of the day. Surprisingly, we were all without kids as they were visiting with Grandparents.

{A very special birthday party // meeting Aaron Watson}

A few weekends ago we had the honor to attend a very special birthday party. It was for two precious twin girls; one of them battling a terminal rare form of brain cancer. One of our friends attends church with this sweet family and asked if some Jeepers would be willing to ride convoy style to the church in honor of this precious little girl. She loves Jeeps and our friend wanted to do something special for her.

{Valentine's Day 2020}

We had a pretty low-key Valentine's Day this year. I worked, Mason went to school, and Nate worked around the house during the day. We had to take the Jeep to Best Buy that morning to get a sound system put in (Happy Valentine's Day to me!!) so it was a waiting game all evening, waiting for it to be done.

[Hidden Falls Off-Road Park // 2/8/2020}

Back on February 8th, we went to Hidden Falls Off-Road Park in Marble Falls, TX for some wheeling! It was actually a date night/weekend because Mason opted to stay back with his Nana and Papa! We drove down on Friday night, checked into our hotel, went to dinner, and then back to the hotel to rest up for a full day of wheeling! We started the day off by joining in with a group called Jeep It. We had somewhere close to twenty Jeeps in the group!

{Currently // March 2020}

Happy Wednesday! I haven't had much time to blog lately but wanted to join in with Anne in Residence for the Currently series. I always enjoy this one so much. Today we are sharing what we are currently fixing, hearing, borrowing, feeling, recommending.

{This thing is legendary!! // FWSSR // 2020}

Family traditions are my jam! And the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is one of my favorite family traditions!! Every year 15-20+ of us get tickets together and it's an amazing time. This year we got to see the new Dickie's Arena and we were all so eager and anxious to do so!

{Lake Whitney with friends}

After the NBJC meet, we decided to go tool around Lake Whitney! Keri got a new Jeep recently and we wanted to take some pictures of them together. Yeah, Jeepers are a little weird I guess...

{No Boundaries Jeep Crew Texas Chapter Meet // January 2020}

On January 25th we went to our first Jeep event of the year! It was a customer appreciation at an off-road shop, but they also hosted the first meet-up for the NBJC Texas chapter. We convoyed with some of our friends to the event. It's always fun traveling in Jeep groups!!

{Del Rio, TX // January 2020}

Back in January, my birthday weekend to be exact, we headed down to Del Rio, TX for a very special occasion! Nate's best friend since they were little was taking Command at his AF base! It was such a blessing to be able to attend the ceremony and spend the weekend with this incredible family!

{Ruidoso, NM Vacation // Day 4}

On day four of our vacation, we decided to go shop in the downtown part of Ruidoso since we hadn't done that yet! They have some really neat shops. It's such a cute little mountain town.

{Ruidoso, NM Vacation // Day 3}

Thursday morning was our third day in Ruidoso. We gave Mason the option of either going to a mountain tubing place or going sledding at our kind of secret spot. He chose sledding at our spot! I honestly thought he would have chosen the tubing. But, we were so okay with going to that beautiful secluded spot to sled some more!

{RUIDOSO, NM VACATION // DAY 2}

In case you missed it, last week (I think) I posted about day 1 of our mountain/snow vacation. Today is all about day two of our trip to Ruidoso, NM.

We hoped to wake up to it snowing, but that wasn't the case. Before we left on the trip there were a couple chances of snow on Wednesday and Thursday. But by the time we got there the chances were more on the slim to none side. We were hoping the weather app was wrong!

We decided to spend the morning driving to Cloudcroft. It's one of our favorite little towns in the area...

{Ruidoso, NM Vacation // Day 1}

Try as I might, I am not sure if I will ever get caught up over here. Tis' is life.

After Christmas again this year we decided to go play in the snow and the mountains. We came thisclose to going to Colorado but were scared of getting snowed in/stuck there. So, we just went back to Ruidoso, NM! We know the area pretty well now, it's an easy drive, and we knew we could find snow there.

{The Arcade // December 2019}

One of these days I may be caught up on all things 2019, but today is not that day. I was doing really well at catching up, but then Mason contacted the Flu (type A) virus. So, we will try this again! Back in December after a family gathering, we decided to take Mason to this new place in town called The Arcade. We have heard so many cool things about it and wanted to check it out.

{Dallas Cowboy game // December 29th}

Our sister in law won 2 tickets to the Dallas Cowboy game on 12/29 and wasn't able to attend. She asked if Nathan and I wanted the tickets! I had never been to an NFL game and Nate had only been to a play-off game. Neither of us has watched a football game at the new stadium so we were excited! We went to church and then hung out with Mason a bit before the game. We only had 2 tickets so he went to the movies with his Nana while we were at the game. I was excited to have a little date with my man!

{Christmas Bucketlist 2019 //Update}

Grace upon grace upon grace upon grace! That's what I gently told myself throughout the Christmas season! There were so many circumstances beyond our control that kept us from many family traditions. If you know me, then you know traditions are my thing. So, when we have to skip one a little piece of my heart would break off. And that's when I'd have to remember to offer myself some grace! We still did a ton and even did some new things. And? We made so many beautiful memories throughout the season. Here's a look at all that we accomplished from our list.

{Christmas Day // 2019}

I was on a roll getting out all of the Christmas posts, but then the flu hit our household. Mason was diagnosed with Flu Type A. It's been both a physically and mentally and emotionally exhausting week! I hate to see my boy sick. Anyhow, backing up to Christmas Day. It was such a beautiful day!

{Christmas Eve // 2019}

Mason and I had our Christmas tree campout the night before, so we woke up next to the glow of the Christmas tree. That was such a wonderful way to wake-up on Christmas Eve. I checked my work emails and didn't have much to do, so we continued watching Home Alone 2 Lost in New York from our air mattress. We lazed around the house in our Christmas pajamas for the rest of the day watching Christmas movies. Work was extremely quiet, which was nice. I got to spend some quality time with my boy. Nate worked overtime and got off around 2:00.

{Christmas Eve Eve // Reindeer food // cookies for Santa // Christmas Tree campout}

Mason's last day of school was 12/20 which meant that I got to have my boy home with me on the days leading up to Christmas. I still worked, but I am so blessed to work from home full time. Work was extremely slow, as you can imagine, so we hung out in Christmas pajamas and did all things festive.

{Christmas dress-up week at school}

I've mentioned before that Mason wears uniforms to school daily so any time he gets a dress-up day it's more than welcomed! Give us a whole week of festive-themed dress-up days and we are HERE for it! Especially the last week before break!

{Mason got to play Max at the Grinch's Lair}

On December 10th the owner of the Grinch's Lair messaged me and asked if Mason would like to play the part of Max that upcoming Saturday! I already knew what Mason's answer would be, but I needed to talk it over with Nathan. I already had plans with my family for our annual baking party so that meant Nate would be flying solo with Mason. It's an almost two-hour drive there and back. I knew Nate wouldn't mind but wanted to discuss it with him first. Of course, he was on board and excited for Mason! So we asked Mason and he couldn't say yes quick enough! He was so happy!!

{Other festive stuff // lights at Deerfield, Campo Verde, family baking party, board and brush}

There is something about the Christmas season that just makes you want to pack in all things festive! And we did just that. While we didn't do near as much as we normally do this year, we still did so much. Our season kicked off with a camping trip to the Polar Express and the Grinch's Lair, then we joined our local Jeep club for the third year in the Christmas lighted parade, next we broke tradition a bit and bought a fake tree & decked our halls, we took Mason to breakfast with Santa, and yesterday I shared about our trip to the Gaylord Texan and Ice Exhibit. And I still have so much to share! After our Gaylord Texan and Ice adventure we were in the mood to keep the Christmas festiveness going on, so we drove to Plano to see the lights at Deerfield.

{Gaylord Texan / Ice Exhibit 2019}

Happy New Year! I know that Christmas feels like forever ago at this point, but I have so much to share about the season. I took an unintentional blog break to be intentional with the ones I love so dearly. 2019 was definitely a year of change {more on this later} for us, but through that, I learned to give myself some grace. While traditions are nice and good for my soul, it's okay to skip a year if needed. It's okay to break traditions for the sake of family first, and it's okay to make new traditions. Speaking of new, we did something new this season...we visited the Gaylord Texan and did the Ice exhibit. The last time we have done this was when I was about 4 months pregnant with Mason. Nathan and I wanted to have a special family night with Mason and thankfully he thought of the ICE exhibit! I'm so glad he did because we had the most incredible time.

{Currently // January 2020}

Man, it feels weird to type 2020 on this blog! I took the week after Christmas off of work to go on vacation with my boys. So all week long I've been typing/writing 2019 and then having to go back and correct that! Anyhow, linking up with Anne in Residence for "Currently". This month we are sharing what we are currently resolving, reading, cleaning, creating, and planning. 

{Happy Howl-idays // 2019}

You know I couldn't let this season pass without taking Christmas photos of my pups! Lexi is always pretty cooperative as she lives to please, but Diesel is so stubborn in his old age. ha! He will not look at the camera unless there is a treat directly in front of it. Hey, whatever works! Here are our 2019 Christmas pictures of Lexi and Diesel!

{Breakfast with Santa // 2019}

Saturday, December 7th was our annual breakfast with Santa at our local high school! Normally we hear about this event weeks before it happens, but this year we found out the Thursday before. Not sure what happened there! The event was from 8-11:00am on Saturday and we got there just before 10:00am.

{I "deerly" love Christmas // Christmas craft}

One day after school Mason and I decided to work on a craft I had bought from Hobby Lobby! I love hanging out with my boy and working on Christmas crafts. The pups decided to join us as well.

{Deckin' the Halls and Trimmin' the Tree // 2019}

Our traditions were mixed up something fierce this year! Normally we go to the Christmas tree farm and get a real tree there, but that didn't happen this year. It was the day after Thanksgiving (the day we normally go to the farm) and it was rainy with a chance of it being that way all weekend. I didn't want to have to wait until the 2nd weekend in December to get a Christmas tree! And, we wanted a very specific tree this year. We have been swooning over flocked trees for quite some time. The Christmas tree farm does offer some flocked ones, but again, rain. So I threw out the idea to Nate and Mase about getting a fake flocked tree and they both liked the idea of that. So, I suited up and ran to town on black Friday to find a Christmas tree...

{Waxahachie Christmas Parade // 2019}

I'm just a bit behind on this blog! We have been doing ALL the Christmas and having a blast this season! On December 2nd we joined our local Jeep club in the lighted Christmas parade. This was our 3rd year to join and it just gets better with each year. We had a complete blast!

{Currently // December 2019 edition}

I totally spaced on getting this post ready the day it went live, but better late than never. Right? I'm going with that. Joining in with Anne In Residence for a monthly "currently" series. This month we are sharing what we are currently wrapping, baking, lighting, sending and enjoying.

{Thanksgiving 2019}

I know, I know...things are a little backward on my blog! Christmas festivities before Thanksgiving...that's just how we roll! We have to fit it all in somehow. But, that doesn't mean we don't enjoy our Thanksgiving. We really do.

{ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS / 2019}

I've already shared about our camping in Palestine {here} and visiting the Grinch's Lair {here} so the only thing left to share about this trip is the Polar Express! This was the 5th time to ride the Polar Express in Palestine, TX {for most of our group, at least} and it never disappoints. It's the most magical and amazing evening and I can't get enough of it.

{The Grinch's Lair // Palestine 2019}

We all know that a trip to Palestine is not complete without a trip to the Grinch's Lair! I think this was our 4th visit to the lair, maybe the 5th. Whatever the number might be, it never ever disappoints. Mason looks forward to visiting his favorite Grinch each time we are in the area. It's so fun and festive and the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

{Camping in Palestine, TX // annual Polar Express & Grinch weekend}

This past weekend was our 5th annual trip to Palestine for all things festive and magical! It's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. Every time I try to explain this weekend the only word I can come up with is magical, and it truly is. From camping in a magical forest to visiting the Grinch's Lair, and then capping it off with a trip to the North Pole via the Polar Express, it really is a feel-good-get-in-the-spirit time! I'm forever grateful for this weekend with my people and for all of the special memories we have made in Palestine, TX.

{Christmas bucketlist // 2019}

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Making this list made my heart so giddy and oh so happy. I'm sharing today because this weekend kicks off our Christmas season with our annual Polar Express weekend! I love this weekend more than I could ever begin to express. It's so magical and just pulls at my mama Christmas lovin' heartstrings so fiercely! Anyhow, I know it's before Thanksgiving, but we have to schedule this weekend months in advance and this is what seems to work for everyone. So from here on out it's all things Christmas! You've been warned. Here is our 2019 Christmas bucketlist.

{Deckin' the halls // a home tour before the tree}

If you've been around this blog for any amount of time you know that we do the whole Christmas tree farm experience and get a real tree each year. It's a tradition and I am a sucker for a good tradition. Plus, I love to smell a fresh tree every time I walk into the house. And I love how unique each real tree is. I could go on and on. But I won't. You're welcome! ha. Anyhow, we do not get our tree until after Thanksgiving as that's when tree farms typically open for the Christmas season. We just couldn't wait that long to decorate this year! So, we started deckin' our halls a couple of weeks ago. Christmas decor just makes for such a cozy home. I have loved spending the evenings with my people by the glow of twinkle lights!! Anyhow, here's a very rough draft of our "deckin' the halls". I know once we get our tree I will rearrange and add some things.

{DIY Christmas Stocking Name Tags}

I recently met my friend Keri at Hobby Lobby to exchange a few items we are putting together for a giveaway {follow us here for more on that} and to do a little shopping. She mentioned she was looking for some wooden tags to make some DIY Christmas stocking name tags and I knew I had to copy her!! I have been swooning over Julie's name tags for quite some time and have been wanting to make some! So glad Keri reminded me! Is it just me or does anyone else draw a complete blank about all the projects they want to complete once they are actually at Hobby Lobby? Or maybe I get distracted because there is so much to look at! Anyhow, here are my DIY Christmas Stocking Name Tags...

{Frank Kent's DreamPark}

I mentioned in my train post that we scoped out a really awesome park that we wanted to go back to! Well, after lunch that day Nate and I took Mason to find that park! It was crazy packed, but so much fun. A friend told us they call it the Dr. Seuss park and that is such a great way to describe this park.

{FOREST PARK MINIATURE RAILROAD // FAMILY DAY}

Last Sunday Nate's mom planned a family day in Fort Worth. Nate, Mason and I went to the early church service and then met them at the gas station down the road afterward. We started the day off by riding the Forest Park Miniature Railroad. We have lived in the DFW all our lives and have never taken a ride on this train! It was so enjoyable, inexpensive, and lasted over 45 minutes.

{2019 Autumn bucket list // Update two}

Not too long ago I shared our first Autumn bucket list update and today I am back with another update! We are rockin' and rollin' on our list and having so much fun this fall. We are about 72% through our list. Here's a look at what we have done so far...

{Jeep Safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center with Texas Jeep Adventures}

This past Saturday we joined Texas Jeep Adventures for a Jeep safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center! We were so excited to have Nate's parents join us in our Jeep and we convoyed with another Jeep from our area! We all met at an Expo center not far from the animal park so that we could all convoy over together. If I had to guess I would say there were over 75 Jeeps in total for this event. It was so much fun!!!

{CURRENTLY // NOVEMBER EDITION}

Happy November!! I'm not quite sure where October went, but here we are. Joining Anne in Residence for another round of "Currently". This month we are sharing what we are currently picking, preparing, trying, feeling, following. I love this link-up and enjoy joining in each month. I hope you'll join us as well. 

{BAERTRAX/LONESTAR JEEP CLUB HALLOWEEN PARTY}

This past Friday Nathan and I celebrated 23 years of being together!! TWENTY THREE! And how did we celebrate? By going to a Halloween party that a local Jeep club put on along with a shop owner that is a friend of ours! Mason opted to stay with his Grandparents, so it was a date night for us. We missed him, but enjoyed our time together.

{HALLOWEEN 2019 // TRICK OR TREATING}

Are we over Halloween, trick or treating, and pumpkins? I know the minute we got home from trick or treating I was ready to ditch the pumpkins and bring out the Christmas stuff! Maybe because it was in the 30's here and that's more like winter for Texas and not very fall like! We skipped right from summer to winter! Anyhow, we decided to go Trick or Treating in our town this year and we had a good time! We started early around 5:45ish, but it worked out pretty great for us.

{Mason's got jokes // pumpkin joke 2019}

I shared this on Instagram, but wanted to put it here on the blog so that I can look back on this years to come! This is our family scrapbook after all.

{Pumpkin Patching at Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm // 2019}

Last Sunday we were able to finally carve out some time to go to the Pumpkin Patch. October was jam packed and a billion degrees. Who wants to visit the pumpkin patch when it's 96 degrees outside? That just doesn't feel right to me. Anyhow, we had declared Saturday, October 26th as our "pumpkin patch day". It was going to be a glorious high of only 64 degrees and just perfect. Only it rained and rained on the Thursday and Friday before so they closed the patch for Saturday. Womp. Womp. We already had plans for Sunday as we were celebrating my Grandma's birthday party at my aunt's house. Monday would have been her 74th birthday and we wanted to celebrate her. We were able to get together with my family for a few hours and then head to the pumpkin patch for a few hours.

{Happy HOWL-oween // 2019}

Taking pictures of my pups gives me such joy! They are just too cute and mostly go along with my crazy antics. I say mostly because Diesel hates the camera and will totally look the opposite direction with his nose in the air! I have to bribe that one with treats. Anyhow, here are our 2019 HOWL-oween pictures of the pups!!

{Fall Festival at church}

This past Saturday was our fall festival at church! We decided to go to the 5:00 service before the festival. It was a special night because Nate's mom joined us for service and then the carnival. My parents, sister, and nephew met us at the carnival. Worship and the message were both amazing as always! We got out around 5:55 and then walked out into the parking lot where the carnival was. The carnival started at 6, but it was already so crowded. Our church puts this carnival (complete with carnival rides) on for the whole community for free. The only thing that costs is the food! There were several food trucks there and everything smelled amazing!!

{Annual Hocus Pocus Movie Night // 2019}

One of my favorite nights of the year is our annual Hocus Pocus movie night! We finally made this happen this past Friday and it was a blast. It was kind of rainy, dreary, and cool outside, so it was the perfect night for watching a movie. We picked up Mason from school, I finished working, and then we started planning our evening.