Prairie Lights 2014

A family tradition in the making! I've lost count as to how many years it has been we have been visiting the Prairie Lights every year, but this year was super fun (mainly because it was VIP night and there wasn't at all a crowd!). 

Colbi wasn't really sure what to think. At one point she told us she was scared of the lights. This is a new thing she is saying about a lot of things, but she was okay. She wasn't thrilled about Santa Clause though. Boo. I really want her to sit on his lap and be excited about it. One day.

How cute does Avery look?! Can you believe she turned FOUR! How is that possible?

Dave had church, so he had to miss out on the fun. But, we had a good time and I'm so glad it's a tradition that has continued. I'm curious, do you have any traditions that you love and look forward too?

Cindy Tamplin Memorial Tea 2014

This year the tea was held in a new venue and it was beautiful. Mom received a donation that allowed her to rent out a nice place in Grand Prairie. The venue was larger than in the past, which meant more tables were needed and more auction items. The turn out was nothing less than amazing. Mom and her Sunday School must have been praying hard, because God showed up in a big way. 

The owner of my salon set a table and it was beautiful. I so appreciate people who do things for people they don't even know. Karen, like my mother, has a servant's heart. She has done so much for me since I've been at McKenzies and I am so grateful that I get to work with someone like her.

I stole this picture after almost having a panic attack when I couldn't find my child while setting up my table. She was sneaking some cookies.....at 9:15am. 

This was the only picture of my table I took for some reason. Don't you hate that when you go back through your pictures and realize you didn't get as many pictures as you thought you had?!

My table this year was set in memory of my father-in-law. I had six things written out about Gordon to share a little about him. Purple is the color of Pancreatic Cancer, 

These two are a mess. Thank goodness Aunt Leslie was there because she pretty entertained them the entire time. I swear, she is a life saver sometimes! 

It was such a great day and so many people came out to support Brighter Tomorrow Women's Shelter. There were such awesome auction items this year. I can't wait to see what new year holds. 

Today, after church, we came home and have rested most of the day. Rest is good, but kind of non existent with a two year old. She decided to play cards with Buddy. Doesn't he look completely thrilled?!

I love being a mother, but some days, I swear this kid wears me out. We don't stay home much anymore because being locked up in this house makes me want to pull my hair out slowly. She is so busy and into everything lately. It's a phase, right?! I hate to rush any part of her growth, but the thought of eventually being able to take a nap without hearing "Mommy" as a wake up call sounds pretty good. 

A woman can dream can't she.........

Six Years

Six years ago today we said "I do". It's hard to believe it's been that long (and short!). Marriage is one of the hardest, best things in my life. I love my husband more today than I did the day we married. Everyone says that, I know, but it's true. 

Happy Anniversary to my one and only. Here's to many more years of living life together! 

I love you David Samuel!

Pumpkin Patch 2014

We went to the Dallas Arboretum this past week and oh. my. goodness. HOLY PUMPKINS! They had more pumpkins than I have ever seen. Ever! 

Cousin love.

Can you tell she is a little obsessed with Avery?! 

It was a little crowded (when you pull up and see MULTIPLE school buses, the thought 'oh great' runs through your mind), but it was a lot of fun and we look forward to going back at Christmas! The girls really are fun at this age, even if two may be the death of me. I don't do well with "No Momma!" 

Colbi is going to be Minnie for Halloween! I can't wait :-) 

Flashback Friday. Kind of.

I had posted several of these pictures awhile back and then, never finished my post. Too much going on! These are just some pictures I've taken over the past few weeks.

Mom and I went to North Park awhile back because I discovered H&M in New Orleans and then, found out there was one in Dallas! Say what?! 

We were visiting the Disney store.

Playing tag with Avery Grace.

One morning Colbi came out of her play room with flip flops and a hat on. It was hysterical.

Foreshadowing..........only fourteen years away.

I found this shirt online, it says "Made in Texas". Funny, because it's true! HA! 

We are headed off shortly to drop Colbi off at church for a few hours! Parents' Night Out is a new something they are doing, and I've already signed up until January. A dinner date with my husband without a two year old is just what we need. 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

What's been going on.

We have had some major life stuff happening over here. 

Dave's father passed away September 28, 2014. He finally lost his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and went very peacefully, which is how most people hope to go. 

His service was this past Saturday and it was very special. My sister-in-law Jennifer and brother-in-law CJ spoke, and both did a beautiful job. Each of one of the five children got to pick a song that was played, either before the ceremony started or during. There were lots of people that came to share their stories and love with the Petty family, and that's always appreciated and special. I wanted to share what Corey (Dave's youngest brother) wrote on Facebook after he had passed: 

"I lost my father yesterday to a long fight with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his life, he attempted to love the people around him in the best way he knew how. Although he accomplished much, I'd say he was most proud of being able to make people feel more comfortable.

He was a guiding light in my life, one I will always remember. His fight was long and arduous, the cancer slowly stealing the fuel he required to shine. I'm thankful I was able to be present while he passed, witnessing his light extinguish. Slow, peaceful, quiet.

Although he is not with us physically anymore, his lessons will immortalize him, burning brightly within me and the other lives he touched.

You will forever be missed, and I love you Dad."

We all discussed how life just flies right by us and before we know it, we are dealing with true life changes such as loosing parents, children, or siblings far too soon. It's been a busy two weeks, full of lots of family time and reflection. Hug your parents. Cherish those moments, for they are a second in time. We find comfort in God's word and I know that Dave, while mourning the loss of his father, finds comfort in Gordon's body no longer in pain.

Thank you to everyone for the cards, messages, calls, and texts.  It really has meant so much to him and to me! 

Hair Show 2014

I got to spend a few days away in New Orleans last week for a hair show. It was SUPER fun. 

I was gone four days (that's a little long for me), but it was a great time with some of the ladies I work with! 

We left Saturday morning ready for some education and to see all the new hair trends!

The show started Sunday (really early!), so Saturday night we ventured out to check out the city. Let's just say, there was a lot of walking, good food, and Bourbon St. I'm glad I've been, but I probably won't be visiting NOLA anytime soon. It's a little too crazy for me! 

I was MOST excited about seeing Guy Tang. He is the newest "hot" thing in the hair world. They call him the Ombre Activist because he does the most BEAUTIFUL color I've ever seen. I mean, amazing work. But, most of his clients sit in his chair anywhere from 6-12hours at a time. Could you imagine?! Check out his Instagram, you'll be blown away!@ Guy_Tang

The man on the right does Jennifer Aniston's hair and he is REALLY good looking in person!  Oh, and did you notice I'm still wearing my boot. Grrrrrrrrrr.

The lady on the right is the salon owner and I truly love and respect her. She is one of the most generous people I have ever met. She has been such an inspiration for me and I'm so glad I get the chance to work with her!

My favorite part of the whole show was the celebrity panel they brought out to answer some of the biggest questions stylists have. It was very cool to be reminded that they too have clients that seem to not love what they do, or to hear their color doesn't always turn out how they'd like. Sometimes clients don't understand hair is a process, and these guys are not any different from the daily struggles stylists experience. But, it's so amazing to hear their success stories and how they grew to where they are right now. 

I had a great time and learned a lot! It was back to reality this past week, and I just now feel like I'm getting back into my routine! I'm off to rest a little before it starts again!