I figured I would add this picture because it so rarely occurs. That's right, Ryan and Carly in a picture...together!! I guess it was easier since we didn't have to stand next to each other. Ryan and I had dinner with Dad when I flew into Houston, and Ryan and Dad exchanged Christmas presents after enjoying some of Dad's famous Christmas Eve chili. It really was a great night. Several months ago, my dad bought a townhouse, and it has been so cool to see how excited he gets when talking about it. He loves to send me picture text-messages when he gets new furniture or art-work. That man and picture-messaging.
The next morning Lil' Mo (Mom) and I had a few of the girls over for breakfast. So great to see you Hoyt, McMath, and Rubion!! I miss my girls more than I realize most days. We spent the rest of the day going to church, eating a wonderful pork tenderloin (cooked by mom!!! Can you believe it?? Of course she would improve the art of cooking AFTER Ryan and I are gone. Hot dogs...ugh), opening presents, and watching movies. Wish I could have had more time with mom, but it is what it is....
Christmas morning Dad and I caught a plane to Nashville! What a great little city. We spent the weekend hanging out with my Aunt Chris, her husband Bill, and my cousins Betsy and Brad. It was a lot of fun. I was born in Franklin, just south of Nashville, so Dad took me around showing me all the memories of homes we'd lived in, where he worked, the church I was baptized in. It was fun, but a little sad at the same time. Just hearing of a time when "mom and dad were together" makes any person a little sad, and it's easy to fall in the "what ifs" in those cases. But the Lord is sovereign over it all, and as much life changes, He doesn't.
Oh yea...let's not forget The Masked Avenger. My dad has always been a huge Superman/Batman/Superhero fanatic, so My Aunt Chris and Betsy always get him gifts along those themes. This year was the "How to Be a Superhero Tool Kit". Hilarious.
Time in Nashville was great, but there's nothing like an air mattress and 5 people to one bathroom to make you eager to get home. After missing flights, crying in airports, and the like, I was happy to be back in Dallas. NYE was fabulous. We got all dressed up and went to Starlight Gala, hosted by ACS!!! What a blast. Everyone knows how much I love to get dressed up, and it was so much fun hanging out with Cstar, Jenn, Brooke, and Melissa. Hopefully pictures will come soon.
So now it's back to the daily grind. Speaking of "grind", me and two lovely ladies have been seriously throwing around the idea of owning a coffee-shop. I'm not being my usual impulsive self with this one, but we're for-real for-real. Thoughts?? Our favorite little shop in Dallas is called Crooked Tree, and we frequently head out there claiming to be doing "market research". I am in the process of trying to become besties with the owners in order to catch a glimpse of their vision (I read and article D Magazine wrote about them, and I am pretty sure their heart in opening Crooked Tree is the same as our hearts in owning a coffee shop). Working on the business plan until the market turns around :)
Next time I'll try to do more of my "insightful rants". For now, the practical update will suffice. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Hope you had time to rest in Him this holiday season, and experience the joy of the Incarnate God, Emmanuel. Love love.
