January 2026

Highlights of the month for us were: kicking off the New Year in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl & getting to spend my mom's birthday with her, a Marvelously Made staff retreat over MLK, Jr. weekend along the Guadalupe River, icy Texas weather {which brought us an unexpected three-day weekend!}, and my 42nd birthday!

{Brady got this Lego set for Christmas & was so proud/excited to show off the finished product!}

{homeschool at the orthodontist office}

{These two were troopers and spent two back-to-back afternoons in orthodontist offices for consultation appointments on the first days back to school after Winter Break, which wasn't for the faint of heart! Crumbl was absolutely in order!}

{Twinning in purple! Brady went with me to pick up Shelby on this afternoon to get a little extra Mommy time before I left for my retreat, which made my heart so happy!}

{We went out to lunch & to the library one day after school, and there immediately curled up with their new books once we got home--perfect afternoon!}

For my birthday, we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Surprisingly, it was our first time going since this summer! It was such a delightful dinner, and then we strolled through Barnes & Noble for a bit before coming home to eat our dessert, read, and puzzle! As we were walking from dinner, Derek and I were marveling at how nice & relaxing it is to go out to eat together now. It doesn't feel like that long ago that going to a restaurant meant toting along games, toys, and activities to keep everyone entertained as we waited for our meals to arrive--but now, we just sit, chat, and enjoy one another's company. So thankful for my people!