Eeks!!!

As an intermission to all of the Christmas posts, I'd like to announce that we're finding out the sex of the baby tomorrow! Words can't even explain how excited we are to find out! We've had to wait a few weeks longer than most people because that's just the way our doctor operates but it'll be so worth the wait. Of course, I'll be back with the verdict!

Spacek Christmas...

This Christmas is always special because we get to catch up with Grandpa Spacek, the only living grandpa between Matt & I. He recently turned 90 but is sooooo sharp and just has the best sense of humor---he seriously cracks me up sometimes. He really reminds me of my late Grandpa Kocian which is why I think I'm so drawn to him. It was also good to see Grandmas, Aunt Charlotte, and Matt's cousins and their kiddos. A few pics of the occasion....

PS. I have 2 Christmas' to go : ) !

Grandpa Spacek w/all of the great grandkids (it was the best we could do):

Grandkids:

Kathy and Bruce busy preparing:

All smiles:

Cowen Christmas

One of the MANY Christmas celebrations we had was at Matt's parents house with Matt's brothers and their wives, Becky and Emily, our nieces, Kelby and Kevyn, and Matt's Mom and Dad, Kathy and Bruce. It's always a good time and Kathy really outdid herself with the meal this year.

The Boys Playing Dominoes:

Kevyn showing off her goodies:

Family picture (me looking especially huge):

Kathy and Matt looking on from a safe place:

Kelby helping Grandpa open a gift (since she's a pro):

Kelby opening one of her many gifts (she opened like 20 gifts in 5 minutes--I think she was trying to break a record):

Kevyn, on the otherhand, liked to sit back and evaluate each of her gifts :):

Matty:

Both girls got sleeping bags from Grandma and Grandpa

Emily:

Kelby (calm before the storm :) ):

So Blessed!

This post has been a long time coming and I have no excuses for putting it off any longer. I'm sure everyone that has any point of contact with Matt or I knows that we're EXPECTING! We are currently 22 weeks along and will find out the gender on January 26th. I, personally, am feeling a multitude of emotions from excited to down right scared. This was definitely a planned pregnancy so there were no surprises but I don't think one could ever be completely prepared for such a life changing experience. Our little monkey isn't even here yet and I feel like I've had to already make life altering choices for both of us. Also, just knowing that I'm in control of his/her fate sends me into a state of panic once in a while. But of course, all this stress is worth it because in just a few months we will have something so much bigger than us to live for. We have truly been blessed in so many ways and I will never take for granted how lucky we are.

PS...I promise to keep the blog updated on the baby's progress and any news pertaining to him/her so please check back!

End of Summer As I Know It....

Being a teacher and having those wonderful summers off always has a downside--the grim reality that school always has to start again. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but doing what I want, when I want all day is an easy routine to get used to. Things I've accomplished over the summer: BOUGHT A HOUSE AND MOVED IN, spent time with family, caught up with my dear friend, Amy, made a few trips to Austin to catch up with my Austin peeps, had a few photos framed but far from done, lost 2 lbs. (I know, nothing to gawk over), earned 30 GT continuing education hours, remarkably managed to work in my classroom, and got all of my doctor appointments out of the way! Things I did NOT accomplish: going to see my other dear friends, Susan and Johanna, getting the rest of my photos framed and hung like I promised I would do last summer, be a better blogger, lose the other 8 lbs., and a few things better not mentioned. All and all it's been another great summer and I hope so badly that this school year goes by smoothly without a hitch...

Some random summer photos:

Ave and I at Sushi King:


The Whole Fam @ the Frio:



LBJ:



The Cowens:


My other nieces, Kelby and Kevyn:

Home Atlast

So, I'm extremely glad to come back to blogging and report that all went well in the home buying process. I cannot believe how lucky we were in the entire process of selling/buying. I just kept expecting something to go wrong because everything was going so perfectly. I guess that goes to show me that I need to stop being such a negative Nelly. I previously posted that our new home is in Brenham, TX. People around here say all you need to know about Brenham is the four B's: Bluebell, Bluebonnets, BBQ, and Baseball. Good thing for us, we love all of those things! Our home was supposedly built in 1965 and updated recently. Although, both of our Moms and Matt's grandma believe that it is much older than that because of some of the architectural features and details inside the home. It is 1.5 stories and is has 3 beds/3 baths and I have to say that we are truly loving it so far and can't wait for our family to grow in a place that already feels like home after only 1 week. Excuse the poor quality of the pictures. I desperately need a new camera (hint, hint Matt).

Backyard:



Den:


Upstairs bedroom (bath as well):

Formal living area (we are in the process of getting furniture):

Formal dining:

Master bath:

Kitchen:

Master:

Uninspired...

I've been a blog updating slacker lately...yes, I know. I really need to find some inspiration so that I feel I have something worth blogging about. There is one HUGE thing that will be blog worthy if it actually works out. We're under contract on a house that we are both absolutely in love with and if all goes well with the appraisal (my biggest stress factor), we close on July 28th. The house is in Brenham which is the most exciting part. College Station and I don't mesh well and is a little to blame for my lack of inspiration. So....give me a few weeks and I may return to blogging with some great news!