Happy Spring Break!

I'm not sure I've felt so excited for a spring break in my life... well, okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. Right now, I'm thinking of a much anticipated spring break trip to South Padre my senior year in high school. But, this week, I'm pretty sure I'll be making memories that will top any spring break moment to date. No, don't get any ideas... it's nothing you need to talk me out of. :) It's simply spending time with the two most precious girls in the world. Now, don't get me wrong. I LOVE a good vacation, but here recently I have been overwhelmingly in awe of the incredible nature of these two baby girls. They bring me so much joy, so much peace, so much love and especially at a time when I have most needed it. They are growing up so quickly, each day they learn something new. I am soaking it up, taking it all in...because one day, I'm going to wish I could go back and live it all again.
To get the week started, we knew we couldn't waste this amazing day. It was seriously one of the most gorgeous days we have had in a long while. So, we took a trip to the zoo! A bit crowded? Yes. But, worth it? You better believe it. Animals are Elliott's favorite! And anywhere outside does the trick for Beck. Relaxing, enjoyable, quality time together made for a perfect start to a week I hope to remember for years and years and years.

Welcome 2010!

Ahhh... another year begins and it doesn't get much better than waking up to your husband and baby girls, enjoying the gorgeous morning and then heading out around lunchtime to spend the first day of the new year with my most favorite people. Not but a few hours ago did I arrive home from our annual Girls Christmas spent at the Gaylord Texan. Although this year will be memorable for more reasons than just the amazing time spent with my best friends (reasons that I will not share on this blog for good reason; trust me... you don't want to know.), it is truly one of my most favorite times of the holiday season. Not only am I blessed with extraordinary family, my friends have enriched my life far more than I deserve. There is just something about having friends like these girls that make me overwhelmingly thankful for each one of them.

~Chelsea... Words cannot describe how I feel about my Chels; lucky doesn't even begin to touch it. Chelsea is so much more than a sister-in-law. She is my best friend; the one I go to for everything. She loves me in spite of all of my flaws and doesn't think twice about it. Chelsea is extremely giving - one of her best qualities. One of the most special things about Chelsea is the way that she loves my babies. If I wasn't lucky enough to have her in my life, now I get to share her with Elle and Beck and boy, do they love her! The way I watch her love them brings tears to my eyes... seriously. Now I know that's not much of a shock, but really, man she loves them. And, the awesome thing is watching their eyes light up when she walks in the room. Just minutes ago, Elliott fell asleep in my arms wimpering to go see "Taschi." I actually don't really know how to put Ellie talk into phonetically spelled words - it changes day to day. :)
~Shanna... Oh, my Shann. I am incredibly lucky to be able to work everyday beside one of my best friends. Over the two week Christmas break, we were even having withdrawals from not seeing one another. Shanna is the one who ultimately brought me here to Granbury and introduced me to not only my Granbury crowd, but my husband as well. For this alone, I could never repay her. Shanna literally took me from the darkest place I had ever been and brought me into a whole new world. What I find so amazing is that she didn't give up; it's like she knew how much I needed her. Shanna knows me inside and out; she's there even before I can call on her. I can't hide anything from Shann (not that I would want to), she just knows. She takes such good care of me. We laugh constantly. It's always good for me to be around Shanna. Her positive, uplifting spirit carries me through most days.
~Lissa... One of my most grounded friends, Lissa always knows just the right thing to say and do. Lissa and I have had a special bond from pretty much the first time we met. Lissa is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She remembers everything from birthdays to anniversaries (Yes, she had to correct me on my own wedding anniversary date!) to the little moments in my life like doctors appointments or meetings that only she would remember. It's simply amazing. Lissa is inspiring; she leads with great passion for life, one that I strive to have. I look to Lissa for guidance, comfort and strength as I walk my own path through life. Lissa has two girls very close to the same age as my own two. I love the thought of my girls having friends like B and L, and I love even more the thought of my girls having a woman like Lissa to look up to as they grow.
~Kayla... Kayla is extremely fun, simply and wonderfully fun. Kayla has taught me a lot about being a better person; I actually don't think she has a clue just how much she has influenced my life. She loves in a way that makes every single person around her feel loved. She radiates friendship and loyalty. Everyone loves Kayla and it's easy to see why. I was so very fortunate to live with Kayla in one of my most favorite places ever. We made incredible memories and developed an incredible friendship that will most definitely last a lifetime.
~Faith... Faith is one of my most independent friends; it's a quality that I truly admire. She knows what she wants and works hard to accomplish her goals. I have watched her fall right into the place that she was meant to be. It's a great, great thing to witness. Faith and I have spent many nights in conversation; times I will never forget. I've shared my life with her and she with me. I really do know that I can always count on her to be by my side and that's something that means the world to me.
~Mackenzie... Mack! I love my Mack. Mackenzie moved this past year; a move I was extremely torn about. I knew it would be hard for us to say goodbye, but at the same time, there really is not a feeling like seeing someone you love be so happy. It's a good, good feeling. Mackenzie is one of my oldest Granbury friends. Mackenzie has truly been there for me since day one here in my "new" life. Mackenzie is a big part of how I made it through some of the hardest times in my life. She has been there to hold me up and keep me going. Some of my greatest memories are with Mackenzie, from jamming out in my old and truly adored Accord (man, I loved that car!) or taking road trips to Austin. I love that she's found her place; I love seeing her so happy!

These short paragraphs do not begin to touch the true person of these six amazing ladies. They are the best friends a girl could ask for. As I reflect on our trip, I also think of ALL of the incredible times spent with these girls in the last few years. It's only going to get better from here: the new memories, the new moments, the new times spent together. I love you girls more than you know...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I am madly in love with this time of the year. The hustle and bustle of the season brings an all over good feeling that I wish would never go away. From the Christmas music played in every store I enter to the decorations that brighten the way home to the way our house looks with only the lights on the Christmas tree branches shining, I find this season simply magical.
Getting together with family is one of my most favorite things as it is, so add the holidays to the mix and well...it doesn't get better than that (unless the Cowboys make it to the Super Bowl and then well... that's just a dream come true).
This year, it snowed on Christmas eve. Amazing. We had the best day with my family - good food, great conversation, awesome presents :), and a lot of love. When it came time for them to leave, they didn't get very far. No, it wasn't because they couldn't stand the thought of being away from me (which may have subconsciously had something to do with it), but as they traveled down Highway 4, 2 of the 3 cars ran off the road, stuck, unable to get out. My parents car, the only one to survive, slid as they were trying to turn around. So, all bundled up, Tony, Kate, Ryan, Kayla and the 3 sweet babies trecked their way down Highway 4 to meet up with my parents. Can you just imagine? However, they didn't walk long until an awesome family in a huge truck (ones that Elliott calls tractors) picked them up and brought them all the way to my house. Despite the cold noses, frozen feet and hands, I was secretly glad they were back. Because, to me, there is nothing like having family all together and this just meant I could enjoy them for that much longer.
Christmas morning, Santa had come. With some hesitation, Elliott came out to see just what he had left for her and her sister. Santa did good. :) We continued our celebration with the Roe Christmas over at Gigi and Papa's. Santa had been there to visit, too, leaving lots of goodies for the girls. In the words of Elliott, "Wow! It's amaseeng!" I love the tradition of being over there on Christmas Day. It's the perfect way to spend Christmas Day, with some of the most generous people I have ever known.
This is the most wonderful time of the year. It's not the presents. It's not the food. It's the people. The people that I love the most that make this time of the year magical. And, there are a certain two that put the icing on the cake...

I'm back...

So... so much has happened since I last wrote. I've moved from Pre-K to 4th grade, Beckett's first birthday (I'm sorry, baby! Special blog coming soon), Thanksgiving, I dyed my hair red (Thanks, Whit!) and now all things Christmas. With that being said, I have been super, duper busy. I have neglected the very things that help me focus on the important things in life... That's why I am now vowing to continue my blog, so that I may once again, be focused on the little things in life - the things that make life worth living, the things that inspire me everyday, the things that are MY life.

Fore!

Labor Day was one of the best days I've lived in a long while. My family came and spent the day here with us. There's nothing like being with family. I enjoy every minute. To me, one of the best feelings in the world is spending time with the people you love the most. Even though, ever since and I mean every single day since, I have heard "Chi bwoke Elwie's bawoon," I wouldn't trade time with my family for anything. There were many highlights to my day. Making the short list, golf with my dad, brother and brother in law was one of my favorites. We had so much fun. I loved getting to talk with my dad. I always love hanging out with my brother, even if we get a little competitive. And, Tony, well , there's not a time where I don't enjoy being around his contagious smile. We had such a great time! And, of course, making my first par ever didn't hurt either. :) I wish we could do it more often. And, a big shout out to my mom and sister who entertained all the babies and to my husband for working for our family. (I know how much it stunk to be working while we were playing golf together). I know I've said it before and it won't be last time I say it, but I have the most amazing family. I'm so, so blessed.

Happy birthday to my fabulous brother in law! Tony, I am so lucky to have you in my life. Your spirit, your unconditional love, your encouragement... YOU are amazing! I couldn't be happier that you chose to join our family. You take such great care of my sister. I can remember so vividly your face the night they took Kate to Harris. I remember begging you to quit being a superhero and just let it out. I remember you staying in the trauma waiting room for days without leaving, just waiting for the 10 minutes you got to see her every 2 hours. Your strength was admirable. Your calm was infectious. You pulled her through and for that alone, I will be forever grateful. Not only are we all blessed with you, but also with the most incredible children I have ever known. You are the other half of the buddy club. You are my Joey Galloway. You are an amazing friend, brother in law, and uncle. I love you, Tony. Happy Birthday.

Yes, family, there is a Beckett.

On her 10 month "birthday," Beckett experienced her first trip to the park. That sounds horrible, I know. I've got to get this girl out of the house (No comments, Mom, Dad, Kate, Tony, pretty much my entire family!). She's such the perfect little thing; I knew she'd love it! And she did...

for about five whole minutes. Then, the sweet baby swung herself right to sleep.

Isn't she the sweetest thing you've ever seen? Oh Beck, how I love you! I couldn't imagine not having your sweetness in my life.

A Day of Firsts

Today was a pretty exciting day in the Roe household.
Today, Eddie started his new job. We are so proud of him. Patiently and humbly waiting, he's been the absolute rock of our family. It's been a long time coming; it couldn't have happened to a better man.
Today, I began the year with a whole new crew of four year olds. I couldn't have had a better day; they are the absolute sweetest group of kids! It doesn't hurt that I only have eleven. (So far, that is. It's going to change for sure; It always does). And, it also doesn't hurt that my amazing mother in law and sister in law sent the most incredible basket of goodies filled with TONS of stuff - pedicure gift certificate, a super lunch sack from Etsy, an Arby's card, magazines, candy, thousand island, ketchup, stationary, and i could go on and on. I was envied by all who laid eyes on the basket!
Today, Elliott attended her first day of preschool. I'm not sure that she had the best time, but she sure did look cute. ;) The day could be a whole other blog on its own that I'm not sure I'm not going to get into. She may be too young - She's been quite spoiled to say the least (as have I). We are so incredibly blessed with a mother/mother in law/Gigi. I wouldn't have enough time or space to list all the reasons why. Throughout the life of the blog, you will come to find out many of them; it's inevitable. She's a major part of the positive aspects of our life. One of the biggest blessings we have is that Gigi takes care of our two baby girls. It's not like she doesn't have anything else to do. She chooses them - It's simply amazing. She's been there from the very first day. I don't worry. I don't think. I have great peace. And, anyone who knows me knows that doesn't come easy. It's not my nature. It never has been. As I left the house this morning, a part of me felt excited for the new adventures Elliott would experience. The other part of me left anxious, nervous and a tad bit sad at the times Ellie will miss with her Gigi. There's an extreme comfort having someone who knows my girls inside and out be there to witness all the things I miss. I've always been so grateful for this amazing woman, but today magnified just one of the reasons that I am forever blessed.
Happy or a little sad, laughing and maybe a little crying, we had a pretty eventful day. God has given me an amazing family. They're my support system. Every single one of them. God has been good to me.