With our oldest daughter's thirteenth birthday on the horizon this spring, I was stumped with how to properly celebrate it. I wanted her to know how special she was, involve the moms of her friends in some way and do something memorable. A providential evening at a Catholic schools event with the First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbott, got me thinking. Why not tour the Governor's Mansion? Bingo. A thoughtful and kind friend, who knows the First Lady personally, set up not just any tour, but *the* tour of the mansion. Anna-Laura invited seven of her best friends (and their mamas!) and we enjoyed the loveliest of mornings in downtown Austin in early June, just a few weeks after she turned 13. I will admit, it's the first time I've ever asked attendees for their birth dates and driver's license numbers. Ha! Now I really know those mamas. After a quick run through the security checkpoint, we were escorted through the mansion by Texas State troopers, assigned to the mansion, as well as a tour guide. She was absolutely lovely, personable and knowledgeable about all things … [Read More...]
BBQ: It’s a Family Affair
Texas and barbecue go hand-in-hand, kinda like chips and queso or beer and Mexican food or, my personal favorite, vanilla and Dr Pepper. When Texas Monthly came out with its top 50 BBQ joints in the state, our family was all in. Every four years, the BBQ editor (yes, that's a real thing) Daniel Vaughn and his staff scour the state for the best in 'cue. But, this go around, they upped the ante by … [Read More...]
A First Communion Bash
When we sacrament, you can bet there will be a party. Luke's First Communion was a MAJOR cause for celebration. After the big day, we hosted friends and family back at the house. I think there were 30-ish?! A few weeks ago, I shared an Instagram Live about how I prepare for parties and how I believe anyone can be a hostess. It's true! I do! But the main message is this: don't let the … [Read More...]
Clare Turns 11!
Clare will forever, and always, be my Vacation Bible School baby. I was three days into leading the week at our parish, when we had an unexpected surprise. It was a full month before my due date, but after coming home to take a quick nap, my water broke. Actually, I thought I just needed to go to the bathroom - about five times in one hour - and that's when I knew something was up. Her birth story … [Read More...]
Look Who’s 44…Happy Birthday to Me!
I've always written birthday letters to the kids, so when a priest friend of ours suggested I write myself one last year, I did. And I loved it. So here we go again... With every passing year, I'm more grateful for all the little moments. Perhaps it's because the preciousness of life becomes more acute and I become more aware. Either way, through all the good and the bad, I sought … [Read More...]
She’s 13! A Letter to My Teenage Daughter
Boy, the insanity of May really crept up on me. I should know better by now. But, with two first communions, an eighth grade graduation, junior-senior prom, two birthdays and the birth of our niece in the last three weeks, I've *just barely* kept my head above water. Anna-Laura turned 13 on Wednesday, but since we celebrate birthdays your whole month, this letter is still right on time, … [Read More...]
Milestone after Milestone: Luke’s First Communion
I'm not sure my heart was ever, truly, prepared for the beauty of Luke's first communion day. Now that I've had a few weeks to process it all, I'll do my best to capture it in words. You can bet there will be lots of photos, too. Today, I'll share the joy of the sacrament and later this week, you'll get all the party details. A few days before the big weekend, Luke and I trotted up to the … [Read More...]
Sweet G is FOUR!
If I'm being honest, it feels like we've had Gianna a lot longer than four years. She is the sunshine in our house. I remember her birth with the sweetest and tenderest of memories. She healed us, in so, so many ways. Today, I'll share the annual birthday letter. Let's get to it. Oh, and if you're one for birth videos (the sweet kind!) then I hope you'll love this one as much as I do (video at … [Read More...]
