Make it Count!

This is the last week before I go back to work, so Nathan and I tried to make it count! Monday we went to the Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie, TX. We have visited Prairie Lights in the past but this year was by far the best we've seen. The lights were so well organized and well thought out.

Here are some of our favorites. 

Raising the flag on Iwo Jima.

The Alamo.

The nativity. 

The tunnel as you are leaving. 

Tuesday, December 30th was my brother Alex's Birthday! We celebrated by going to Ton's Mongolian Grill. We then went to the movies to see "The Hobbit." I know the movie did not get great reviews but we absolutely loved it! 

Me and the 18 year old Birthday Boy! 

For New Years Eve, we went to our brother-in-law's parent's house and had a blast! There is always good food, dancing, and just parting all night long! We admit we were getting tired towards the end but we made it! 

After the traditional kiss at the stroke of midnight we took a New Years selfie. Don't mind the lights slashing our faces;)

New Years day we went to see Trains at North Park Mall. They had a creative display of trains traveling through popular cities around the country. All the proceeds for the exhibit went to the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas.

Here are a few of the highlights. 

By the way, my siblings loved it!

I thought this was pretty random and funny. Aliens taking over! 

A part of Dallas.

The hot air balloons were moving up and down.

The State Fair of Texas w/Big Tex.

We ended the day by having dinner at Pho 95 in Arlington. It is one of our go-to places because we love Asian food! The spring rolls w/Peanut sauce is amazing and nothing beats pho on a cold, rainy day.

"Something about that Christmas time!"

I don't know about everyone else but the Holidays are an especially hard time to stick to a routine. It is a time to eat good food, enjoy events that only come once a year, and spend time with family!

I love living by my family again! We are always being invited for meals and I love watching my siblings grow. Priceless!

During these past two weeks I have made only two recipes. 

Spinach Tortellini Soup w/ rolls. The soup was delicious, definitely making this again!

The rolls did not rise, which continues to be my problem. I have been given new techniques in hopes that one day my bread will rise. 

Chicken Lo Mein 

I love Asian food so I was really looking forward to this. The taste was great and I think next time I will add broccoli for more texture. 

Friday night we went to dinner to celebrate my best friend's birthday.

 Stock & Barrel was the place of choice.

Very cute place. Food was flavorful and different. 

Overall we had a great time! Happy Birthday Roxann!

My brother-in-law Jordan got married and my sister-in-law Heidi wanted all the girls to wear this to the reception. The night was filled with good eats, laughter, and lots of dancing! 

Christmas eve we had a little dinner. And my sister-in-law Jamie made these cookies for the kids to decorate and, of course, they loved it. 

This Christmas we made sure to mail Santa and let him know the family would be staying with us.

On Christmas Eve I was sitting down reflecting on this year, counting my blessing, and I wanted to capture this wonderful moment.  

 At night time it happened again. The kids went to bed and I was staring at our tree and the angel on top. I am reminded how grateful I am for my family and the love and support they give. I am so grateful for my Savior and His sacrifice that I can be made whole. I strive to follow his example and share the happiness He has shared with me.

Christmas morning with the Longoria's.

This year our Christmas presents to each other were passes to Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor and a Piano! I am so excited for the opportunity to play again! I love it!