Joys of January

Superbowl madness was crazy in our neck of the woods with many festivities to tap into. Unfortunately mother nature did not cooperate and sent revenge upon Jerry Jones in the form of freezing temps and our infamous ice storms! Rumors had it ice lock-down was eminent so the night before doom, we loaded up the troops for Sundance Square in Fort Worth to do a little team and celebrity stalking.

Justin and Ryan did the lighting for this Texas sign which was set up next to the ESPN booth becoming a great back drop and center of many photo ops for visitors (and us)

So many live remotes and cameras around, we quickly became 'camera chasers.'

Brooke and Todd couldn't resist a little "show time"

Channel 21 was broadcasting live (I know, who watches channel 21?) and if you look closely on their little monitor, you can see Tanner in the middle of the two women ...  his first cameo performance!

Every time the camera would scan the audience, Todd would hoist up Tanner, and Ryan would hoist up Olivia, and the 4 of them were wild fans.

You probably had to be there to appreciate the fun, but we did call up Ashley at home to watch our silly antics on live tv and she was entertained.



Ashley is nanny for sweet lil Anthony, who quickly became a family member and enjoys whatever the day brings. Today it was lunch and story time with Haley Mae at school.

Baby bump monitor - Ash 1/15 10 weeks to go!

We did a little roadie down to San Antonio for Brooke's Regionals

The team took a disappointing 7th place but we had a great time shopping, eating and being girls

We are tickled pink and blue to have this little package of two now home with Justin and Emma! They are an answer to many prayers ... many tears, and so very grateful to have them in the family circle all safe and well!

Counting blessings - two by two!   Tender mercies!  xoxo

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

I'm back with a new years resolution to get on track and keep up the journal to life ... as we know it. I've resolved to move forward and let go of the paralyzing blog guilt that throws me into deeper neglect, and will follow wise council given for most things I get behind on ... 'Look Not Behind Thee' and begin anew.





To properly close 2010, I must throw a few pics in the queue to journal some of the Hickson highlights. This really is only a snippit ...



the joys of years











many hands make work light










our own baseball team








grandma, where's your lens?






















what's for lunch?













FHE's gone wild!


































sucking soup

another creative thinker













these eyes can get ANYTHING he wants!

Steve, Andy, Todd and Justin hit the race circuit and draw quite a fan base








prosperity
















































frog patrol




















our only girl, and oldest, turns 5!
























caleb earned his 'beary brave' award SEVERAL times this year












worthy priesthood holders



















































motoadventure 2010
on top of squaw peak


dusty toothpaste










favorite part about this Canton excursion was watching Heather with the homeless cart
























































lucy had a tough year with many skunk encounters and topped new years' off w/ a trip to the vet to staple up a wound ... hence the cone of shame [for 15 days] :(


Brooke is such an adorable cheerleader and we LOVE pep rally's with her







school lunch w/ haley mae





great blessing to spend 36 years with this crazy man!

lots of laughs in the spaces of time xo






coaching Brookie Brooke on her first fondue party ...

there is a skill!



















































giddyup!














3 new baby bumps

Emma was due 2/1
Ashley 3/17
Chris 5/25





Brooklyn and Brody decided they didn't want to wait until 2011 and arrived Dec 15th







Justin and Emma are elated Brooklyn came home yesterday and Brody has a few more days to grow in the NICU
blessings, blessings!!!







Whew! I feel better and can let the sun set on 2010. A year riveted with challenges, yet grateful for the tender mercies of a loving heavenly father who promises all things work together for our good, if we walk uprightly. We will claim those blessings along with express gratitude for having each other to lean on, giggle and cry with, and it's evident ... we are growing in strength.
Bring on 2011! xoxo