It seems the trend started a few years ago of all our friends slowly increasing the number in each of their families has not slowed down. We’ve recently visited friends who just welcomed their first, Alice Jane, into the world.

Look at those cheeks! And that head of hair! We reassured Justin and Nichole that we feel they make some pretty cute babies and can proceed in making more! read more »

Well, slowly but surely my cousins, and Sean’s, have found that special someone and committed themselves to each other. Each time we are so happy for our family member that they have found someone that completes their lives and that helps make them happy. We also are excited by the extension and growth of our family. New family members rock! This weekend my oldest cousin Ryan married his girlfriend Stephanie. We were not able to attend the wedding in Michigan, but I hear from family that it was a joyous and happy event. We wish the best for the both of them and their abundant family. Ryan and Stephanie recently had little Roman together, and Stephanie brings three beautiful and happy additions to our family: Oriana, Beau, and Pacience. We are so glad that have all of them and look forward to family events and holidays with them all!

Congratulations Cousin!

So for those of you who don’t know, I met Jenny back in 2002 when I was living in Switzerland. It was one of those crazy fate meetings and we’ve been good friends since. After I moved to Austin and Jenny moved to Switzerland seeing each other in the flesh has become a treat. (Also to clear up any confusion, Jenny’s mom, Karen, is who I’ve been working for lately.) Well, Jenny has been in the country for a while spending time with family and we got to hang out for a bit. Here’s the three of us at Hula Hut!!

Jenny always has good words of wisdom to pass on and stories that make me laugh or drop my jaw. While we don’t get to see one another often, I cherish the times we do. Seeing Jenny reminds me of all the amazing goals I had at the ripe old age of 20 living atop a mountain in the alps. She also is a true Texan go get ‘er and helps to recharge a persons resolve. We hope she and Chauncey have safe travels as they trot the globe over the next few months and look forward to the next meeting!

Well I found some amazing blackberries at Costco the other day and I had to have them. HAD TOO! I made blackberry limeaid and blackberry bread pudding. Yum! Sorry to make you hungry!

We had Julie over tonight and Sean used his new grill for the first time. He made baba ganoush, roasted onions, potatoes, and fennel bulb. He also roasted polenta and Julie helped to make a spicy cheese spread. MMMM!!! I think I like this new grill! Sean was also very fortunate to receive grilling tools from his brother for Christmas, so no burnt fingers and the grill is now all clean. Thanks Evan! Here’s some photos of the chef:

Well we rang in another year! Sean and I had a few friends over for the evening. Nothing too big, just some good friends, good food and great conversation. I made shrimp boil this year… with all the fixins’. Friends brought other goodies and we ate well. I however was distracted most the evening and only took a photo of the trifle I made. Oh well here it is in all its glory:

Not to make you jealous, but it tasted as good as it looked. We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2010!!!