My Word

I listen to K-LOVE every day at work.  They are doing something really nifty.  Instead of making new year's resolutions they are encouraging everyone to claim a word for themselves this year.  A word that focuses on your vision for the future, both on a personal and spiritual level.  I prayed for days for God to make clear my word for 2011.  I was at lunch one day and saw a sign that left me not doubting what my word should be.

Courage.  Courage to step out of the boat and take a step in faith.  Courage to do my job with morals and values.  Courage to trust God enough not to worry about what our future holds.  I am excited about what 2011 holds for me and our family.  And I claim COURAGE as my word this year.

Finally having ourselves a merry little Christmas

While Taris was home visiting for his two weeks, we were able to celebrate the Christmas holiday.  Our gifts to each other were supposed to be our vacation extravaganza to Dallas and Vegas, but we all know that I am not the best at following rules.  I brought home the gifts from my sisters from my visit to Abilene and of course the girls and I had items under the tree waiting for him.  I did awful taking pictures, but Taris got lots of movies, per his request.


He got Toy Story from Ashley and Alexis



Taris got a much needed upgrade to his MP3 player



Viva Las Vegas

At Taris' request, we took a vacation to Las Vegas while he was home.  We had a great time.  We stayed at the new City Center in Vegas at the Aria.  (It was a great location and a really nifty place.)  We even caught a show while we were there.  We saw David Copperfield at the MGM.  (It was good, but he is getting old.)  We both enjoyed playing the slots...I was on fire.  We even enjoyed a day at the hotel spa.  I was not super good at taking pictures, but I was able to capture a few!

View from our room

These cats reminded me of the girls



Finally got Taris his Irish food

The conservatory at the Bellagio



It is the year of the rabbit







Hoover Dam



Snow Day

While we were in Dallas on Sunday, we had an extra special treat...SNOW.  I know for some of you this is not that exciting, but I haven't lived anywhere with snow in a while and I was super excited.  Unfortunately, the rest of the company around me did not share my excitement.  I did venture out to take some pictures.  I tried to get Taris involved in making a snowman, but he said no.

Family Reunion

While Taris was home on his two week R & R, we headed to Dallas to visit his family.  His parents graciously hosted a get together for all of our friends and family that could make it on Saturday.  We had a great time and it was wonderful to see everyone.  (Most hadn't seen Taris for over a year.)

Christmas with the Hawkins

We opened gifts with Jim and Beejae after the Jim Brickman concert.  It was a nice end to the evening.  (On a side note: I am not in any pictures, but I got the new Pioneer Woman cookbook and I am super excited.)

An Evening with Jim

While we were in town visiting Taris' parents, Jim Brickman happened to be performing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  (Do I have all the luck or what!)  We bought tickets for his parents and us to have a night on the town.  The orchestra performed on its own for the first half, then with intermission they reset the stage and Mr. Brickman performed for a good hour to hour and a half.  He talked a little about each song and then did a medley of the top love songs at the end.  It was a great night and I am so glad that we were able to go.  I didn't take my fancy camera. In fact I only had my phone, but our seats were not bad.  Here are the few photos that I was able to take.

Playing Catch Up

I am slowly getting ALL of the Christmas vacation posts completed.  I am now feverishly trying to complete them and catch up on everything before Taris gets home.  Please continue to check the blog and scroll down for all of the updates.

Project 365

A new year, a new goal.  I started a 365 photo blog last year at the start of Taris' 365 deployment with big hopes, BUT things happened and it went by the wayside.  So, I am starting fresh.  I have updated my link on the side (My Project 365).  I would love to have you follow me.  This year has some HUGE adventures and changes in store for us and I can't wait for God's plans to be revealed to us.