christmas day.

Since we stayed at the Krueger casa Christmas Eve, we opened presents there first thing in the morning. Santa was very good to all of us and it was fun to celebrate with all of them. 

I'm not very good about taking pictures while we open presents, I vow to do better next year! I did remember to snap a picture of Tucker opening his present from Santa!

After presents and breakfast with Kyle's family, we loaded up and headed to have Christmas with mine. This is the only picture I took at my house... oops! But how cute is Tucker's bucket filled with presents??

Kyle and I must have been very good this year because Santa was more than generous at his house and mine... we were very, very spoiled!

After presents and breakfast we decided to take the dogs to the dog park to run. We thought we were dressed appropriately for the cold but we underestimated the crazy wind! Thankfully my mom had some blankets in the car so we bundled up in those. 

People keep asking how Tucker is doing since surgery... he is AMAZING! We could hardly get him to sit long enough for us to take a picture, he was loving all of the open space and other dogs. 

We cooked a big dinner at my house Christmas night. My dad made a tenderloin and Jenn and I were in charge of sides: creamed corn and scalloped potatoes. My dad and I had also made another apple pie for dessert.

Apparently my mom is the softy at our house because Tucker ended up snuggling with her after dinner. 

My parents gave me a sewing machine for my birthday so I decided to try to make some a few Christmas gifts. I made reversible aprons for my mom and Jenn and am pretty proud of how they turned out!

I also sewed something for Kyle's mom and for my dad's office. I'll have to share those later because I don't have any pictures. 

We had a truly wonderful Christmas. Everyone was very spoiled with great new things, but spending time together was far and away the best part. I was very sad to see Jenn and Jason leave to go back to DC but am incredibly thankful that we were all able to share the holiday. 

merry christmas.

Just wanted to pop in and wish you all a very merry Christmas. We are having the best time in Texas and soaking up every single moment with our family. I wish we were all this close year-round but it makes these times so very special.

Design by Etsy seller Winks and Daisies

Hope you all enjoy a Christmas filled with wonderful memories and many blessings.

thanksgiving 2010.

How about a happy recap of our Thanksgiving?? Sounds lovely to me!

Kyle and I are lucky in that we grew up about 15 minutes from one another. That means on every trip home, we get to spend time with both the Simar and Krueger sides and everyone gets time together... it's great!

We flew home to Texas on Wednesday. This was a bit of a crazy decision for the following reasons:

1. Kyle had class until noon and our flight was at 1:50... hello, time crunch!

2. We were flying out of the busiest airport in the world. 

3. The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. 

4. The sweet TSA decided to try out some controversial new security methods just in time for our trip.

Despite all of that working against us, we made it to Houston safely and on time!

Kyle's parents had my family over for dinner Wednesday night and a few friends joined us for some delicious food and catching up. 

Thanksgiving is always feels like a marathon of eating huge meals but even more so now that we do Thanksgiving dinner twice! We had lunch at my parent's house and my dad's parents and siblings joined us. 

My dad and his mom, taking care of some final preparations. My grammy is an incredible cook and I think my dad sees Thanksgiving as his opportunity to make her proud of his own culinary skills (he and my mom are Thanksgiving masters!!)

My sister became the carving assistant a few years ago. She and my dad carve the turkey and my responsibility is helping make the homemade apple pie. I didn't make it home in time to make the pie and Jenn was celebrating Thanksgiving in El Paso this year, so responsibilities shifted and I was this year's carving partner for my dad. 

In the Simar family you don't just jump in and start doing something. You must first research and learn how to do it properly. We're a 'measure twice, cut once' kind of family. Except that we measure fifteen times and draw a diagram before we even think about cutting!

That's what is happening in this picture.... I'm receiving part one of my lesson on how to carve a turkey. (we didn't have a diagram, although I'm sure we would have if I'd only asked!) 

I love my daddy. 

My Aunt Angela and cousin Madison stayed close while we got the turkey ready... they were waiting for some samples. 

I forgot to take a picture of the massive spread of food, but I assure you that it was magnificent.

After a great lunch, everyone spread out to do some of the things they love most....

Kyle alternated between watching football and sleeping. 

Little Sarah Jane showed of her stair skills. 

And my cousins Patrick and Madison sweet-talked my dad into setting up the Play Station so they could play some video games.

We had a great time hanging out with my family and after a delicious lunch and some good family time, it was time to gear up for round 2!

The only picture I have of us with the Kyle's parents and brothers is being used for the Krueger family Christmas card so I'm keeping it under wraps... get on Kyle's mom's good side and I'm sure she'll drop one in your mailbox :)

And what would Thanksgiving be without the Texas A&M/ University of Texas football game?? I made everyone who had a school tshirt change clothes for the game... let's just say that this little Aggie was in the minority at the Krueger house!

Troy, Ivy and little puppy Pepper joined us for some football and we had a great time getting to share part of our Thanksgiving with them!

In Kyle's defense, I had to force him to take this picture with me. He better get used to it because we're taking one every year until forever... sorry dear!

Friday afternoon we boarded another plan and took off for El Paso. Pictures from the trip to come soon!

happy thanksgiving!

This is the last you'll hear from me on the little ol' blog until at least Sunday. 

Our bags are all packed up (except for a few last items that we're hoping are back in Texas...) and we're ready to go!

From now until Sunday we will be eating the yummiest of meals, indulging in more pie and Julie's cake than is acceptable and most importantly, spending time with our wonderful families. 

We have so very much to be thankful for and I am beyond excited about spending the next few days celebrating those blessings. 

I hope your Thanksgivings are filled with lots of joy, delicious food and wonderful memories. Safe travels to all of you, sweet friends! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!

thanksgiving recap.

I realize that I am very behind with my blogging, but I am going to do my best to catch up and get back on track... starting with a Thanksgiving recap.

As I am sure most of you know, we spent the Thanksgiving holiday back in Texas. We had a wonderful week spending time at home with our families. We enjoyed two delicious Thanksgiving meals, one with my mom's side of the family and another with the Kruegers. We also managed to squeeze in some Black Friday shopping and wedding planning!

Checking out their wedding venue!

B2B and MOH


Out to dinner with the Krueger gang

Pops and I baked a delicious apple pie from scratch. It was a huge hit and we will be making another for Christmas. 

With one of the *two* amazing turkeys that my dad made.

  

I don't think the really wanted me in the picture...

Oh how I wish I didn't have to wait a year for another feast like this!

Jenn with sweet Amelia Rose.

My turn with the sleeping babe.

The whole gang!

Our first Thanksgiving as Mr. and Mrs. 

And in non-Thanksgiving news...

Happiest of birthdays to the lovely Ivy Ruths! I hope your birthday is wonderful and that you have a great time celebrating tonight! Can't wait to see you and your hubby very soon!

yep, i'm still here!

It seems as though I have turned into the world's worst blogger. I am going to do my best to not get so behind again!

We have had a busy few weeks here. I have been working a lot and last week we had Kyle's folks here to visit. Enjoy the photo recap of what we have been up to lately...

One of our favorite new date night locations is a comedy club down the street. A few weeks ago Aisha Tyler was in town so we were able to not only enjoy her show but meet her.

On November 8 we celebrate 8 years of being Kyle and Stephanie. We had a great dinner at a wonderful seafood restaurant in Midtown.

Kim and I on our way to brunch. We wanted a picture with some pretty fall leaves!

While Kyle's parents were here, we went to Amicalola Falls at the state park.

The newlyweds at the falls.

The Rockets played the Hawks here last week so we headed to the game to support our hometown. We didn't end up winning, but it was a great game and I got to wear the jersey of my favorite Rockets player, Hakeem the dream! Yes, I coordinated my purse, headband and shoes with the team colors. Is anyone surprised??

In other news, I am still loving my job. I am starting to take lots of bridal appointments and on Saturday I SOLD MY FIRST DRESS!! I know it doesn't sound like a very big deal, but it was worth celebrating in my book! Brides usually need several appointments before they are ready to commit to a gown, but this bride bought a dress in our very first appointment. She was so sweet and is actually having a vow renewal with her husband. They eloped in February after putting off their wedding because of health problems. They are planning their dream wedding in the mountains and I helped her find the perfect dress. Kyle and I celebrated the grand occasion with dinner at Pappasito's!

We are packed and ready to head to Texas for Thanksgiving. We'll be leaving for the airport in less than an hour and I am more than ready! I'm not sure how much updating I'll do during the week, but I'll certainly be back soon with pictures from our week at home!

I hope you all have wonderful Thanksgiving holidays, filled with good food, wonderful friends and family, and lots of thanks for the blessings in your life. Cannot wait to hear about how all of you will be celebrating!