A week of giving thanks

Whew! What a week! As I sit here and try to reflect on the past seven days it feels like seven weeks. Not in a bad way of course, just that we did so much. Sienna started the Thanksgiving break off with the stomach bug (yippee) but fortunately we, I mean, she recovered in time to have a wonderful stay in Dallas to celebrate Thanksgiving. After a late girls night (Sienna, myself and Grammy) going to Sienna's first play, we drove home super early to have one more Thanksgiving in Austin. Even with all this hustle and bustle I was able to see all our many blessings that God has given us. I have two lists of things I'm thankful for but I'm sure their importance change daily:)

Constant Blessings
Super Hubby - my partner in crime who makes everything easier
Family - If you saw our crew this week, you saw the good, the bad, and the ugly and yet you still want to spend time with us:)
My "never a dull moment" girls- We shared some great memories this week (family visits, children's museum, holiday play, decorating for xmas)
My friends - I'm so lucky to have so many people that I love spending time with and they seem to like my company as well.

Right Now Blessings  (when things are not always, rainbows and butterflies, these seem to help)
Justin Bieber- Yea I said it... But in our house ,The Biebs seems to turn that frown upside down. Sienna is a belieber...
Running... and running and running
Coffee-man I am so motivated right after breakfast. I can take on the world or just do the dishes....
My weekly bible study- what a great way for me to have clarity in such craziness.
Food that someone else made- Whoa does that sound awful? Seriously, my food taste gross yet all my family's was sooo yummy!
The holidays- I might just be saying this because it's just the beginning but I love this time of year. Our tree is up, our outdoor lights are up and holiday music (of course we have the Bieber CD) is probably playing. Bringing on the good cheer!

Here are some of our latest adventures! Happy Thanksgiving Folks!!

Mom, I'm sad I didn't get any pictures with you and Pop! We'll see you guys soon!

Koller Thanksgiving

Enjoying some room service

It's hard to be one

Oh Sienna...

The Fam

trouble

cousins at the museum

fun at the museum

About to go out for our "girls night" Do you notice the common theme of scarves? Sienna had to make us fancy:)

Sienna loved sitting in the front row and watching all the actors.

very proud of her tree:)

Showering the Bride

Woohoo! Jessica's bridal shower was a huge success! Though Hubby will say otherwise, I really didn't have too many freak out moments leading up to it. After a little hiccup with the restaurant, everything turned out beautiful and the staff worked their butts off for us. Obviously, the star was Jess! I can't believe my baby sister is getting married! What?! I think I'll always remember her as the little five year old who I couldn't keep out of my room:) Seriously, I am so blessed to have her as my sister and best friend and I'm loving being a part of all her wedding stuff. Here are a few pictures of her shower. I wish I had gotten more pictures but you know me, chatting away... She got so many awesome gifts. I think I'll just take her thank you list and make it my Christmas list. I felt like such a grandma saying "Why didn't they have that when I got married!" I heart you Jess!!

THE Zebra Party!

 So it's been a week now since Sienna's Zebra Party and I think we have finally recovered from too much fun:) Sienna had so much fun celebrating with all of her friends and family. With a pony and bounce house, I know Sienna knew she was pretty important. At one point, I got a little worried that she thought she was keeping the pony but she said good bye to "Princess" easily... Here is a couple pics of the bash. I felt like I barely got any pictures...

I love this picture! Grammy and Scarlett sharing a good laugh.

The cousins on the New Trampoline (The girls are on this everyday!)

Scarlett does not understand why she can't ride the new bike

I think I was more into this than the kids:)

Scarlett cooking up some food with her friends

Scarlett would not go near the pony until the very end when it was leaving.

Princess the Pony (hehe)

This girl loves her food....

Hubby and his broken ankle:(

"I do NOT want to take anymore pictures!"

She rode this pony more than I could count and if she wasn't riding it, she was petting it and talking sweetly to it...

The spread

Scarlett trying out Sienna's "Whistling Lips"

A girl can never have too many Cinderella dresses

That being said, I have to say thank you to all my family for letting me boss them around taking on all my "projects" and thank you to all my friends for making Sienna feel like the most important little girl on the planet. God has blessed us with unbelievable friends and family:)

Happy Birthday Sienna

Sienna turns 4 today! I can't believe it has been four years since we became parents for the first time. (tear..) I try to reassure Hubby that I won't be "that" mom blubbering in the hall when she goes to school, goes to her first dance, starts driving... but even as I type I know that 16 years from now I'll be telling people "I can't believe my BABY is 20!" with tears in my eyes. Ok, so a while ago I heard the idea of writing a letter to your child every year on their birthday and since I have this blog I thought this would a great place to save it. So, Sienna this is for you...


 Dear Sienna,
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I wanted to write you a short note to let you know how special you are. We are so proud of the young girl you are becoming. Here are a few things that I just love about you right now: when we cuddle up to read a book and I have to peer over your big bouncy curls and you have to constantly remind me not to put my fingers over the pictures, how you will tell me you love me for no reason as we are doing something simple like getting out of the car, you are always learning and teaching new things to your sister and us, and of course I love that you think if you cover your face that no one can see you as you sneak out of your bed or past "unsuspecting" friends/family. Along with all the sweet things you do I will always love your laugh, hugs, knock knock jokes, original songs and dances and every little piece of you! Your Dad and I know that great things are going to happen in your life and we are excited to watch you grow into a beautiful woman. I hope today was as special as you are. We love everything you are and everything you will become.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy