Seasons Change and So Do I

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

It’s the holiday season…and it’s been over a year since I looked at this neglected space.  Sigh.  So much of life has happened….so many changes….Things are good however.  Our homestead has added on my grown son and his family, so we are cozy in our little home.  But honestly, being able to have them here and see my grandsons everyday is a true blessing in all ways.  Yes, we are crowded….yes we get on each other’s nerves at times….yes, the house isn’t always as kept as I would like.  But all that goes away with one big baby snuggle and sloppy 1 year old kiss.  When my 6 year old grandson runs up and gives me a hug.  When my girls are laughing with their brother, who they had missed more than I think even they knew.  When my daughter in law reaches over and just gives my hand a squeeze, her silent way of sending her love.  Their world turned upside down last Spring, and I thank the powers that be that we could reach out and scoop them up.  Lives are moving forward, and while they are looking forward to finding a small cottage of their own here, and I am looking forward to having space, I know there will be tears when they leave….even if it’s only a few houses down or a 5 minute drive away.  That daily interaction is everything.  I am privileged, I am blessed, I am loved…..Thank you Higher Power!  
So with that, I am rededicating myself to this space.  This is the same, but different.  Spiritual worlds have moved here in the AmLo household and we are looking at our lives through fresh eyes.  Yes, we still plan on talking about the much neglected gardens that we are working on restoring, and yes the children and the crafting will be HUGE here.  But also will be sharing how we are making these dreams of ours realities.  How we are building a new life where we are learning to be free.  How we are attempting to set the stage for our daughters so they can truly be whatever they want.  And how we fall down sometimes, but are able to get back up and learn and grow and not be afraid.  
So we want to start off this new dedication with a huge MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, NAMASTE!!!  Till tomorrow!

My Lovely

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

Ah my Xiola.  Growing so fast!  Time is just flying by and this child just continues to amaze me with her humor, her mind, her spirit.  My youngest and last baby is no longer a baby.  I was thinking about this the other day and how often we get caught up in the rush of life and forget to pause, look around and just experience.  I find myself doing that more and more with her these days.  Just pausing and listening.  She is a very empathetic individual and I notice that when our days are rushed she is more anxious and basically just unhappy.  So I am slowing it down.  She is the youngest, she has a lot to say, I don’t want to forget to listen.  Pause, breath, enjoy….

Peace!

Photographs

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment
At the end of August, the girls and I decided to take a little vacation at my mom and dad’s.  We love seeing them and the girls love checking out the area.  This trip we did a few different things from going to the antique stores in downtown Brenham, to seeing the huge aquarium in Houston.  These are just a few of the pictures I took while we were there.  Hope you are all happy and healthy!  
XO,
Cat 
 Old doors along the street.
 LOOK!

 I want one of these in the garden!

 She was so excited to ride the carousal.
She didn’t want her picture taken, but that’s the best time to do it!  Look at those eyes!
Old fashioned ice cream parlor.

One store had every kind of Christmas ornament you could ask for.  Xi and I were very happy.

This fish was seriously bigger than her!  A Grouper!

And again, Don’t take my picture mom!  LOL

Be Happy

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

Easier said than done some days,  I know!   It’s been a week,  let me tell you.   But the little things get me through.  

Xiola told me,  “Good job mommy!” on learning to French braid yesterday morning for picture day.

Lola declared that we were the best parents in the world because she truly earned her first real phone. 
And my oil therapy has helped keep me in better moods. 

What helps you get through stressful times? 
XO, 
Cat

Handmade Holidays

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized 1 Comment

Another holiday season is upon us…the years are flying by!!  My needles are clickety clacking and the sewing machine will soon be whirring away as I get the girls handmade gifts ready.  Sweaters, new mittens, hats, clothes, art supplies and fun homemade wood toys will hopefully fill their Christmas morning with cheer!  We rarely buy a holiday gift for them, preferring homemade.  The girls make gifts for each other and for whoever they want to give to.  This year we are also making cookies to share with the neighbors and I made Kahlua to share with the grown-ups! 

The girls’ big gift this year is our sweet Kona of course.   She seems to be settling in now.  We took her to my brother’s house yesterday to meet their sweet dog, Roo.  They got along well!  The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and I had a great visit with my bro and sister-in-law.  Now it’s back to Mama’s Workshop as we dive in with the crafting!  Wish me luck!

What are you working on this year?  Peace!

Meet Our Newest Family Member

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

We have aquired a new little girl to our household.  We are pleased to introduce you to our little beauty – Kona!  She is a 4 and a half month old lab/husky/german shepherd mix and the sweetest thing on the planet!  She has super intense eyes with one a pale blue and the other a bright amber/gold!  She moved in on Thursday night and is quietly getting acclimated to her new home.  She absolutely adores the girls, especially Xi.  Neither of the girls knew this was happening.  We have always told them no dogs, even up to a couple nights before she arrived.  We wanted to surprise them with the best holiday gift we’ve ever given them, and man oh man were they surprised!

Enjoy the pics!

Peace!

Lakeway Resort and Spa Events – Gingerbread Nights

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing / Ring ting tingle-ing too…

Yes, the holidays are here and I have been asked to share an event you won’t want to miss!  Lakeway Resort and Spa’s “Gingerbread Nights” on Friday and Saturday nights – December 1 – December 17th.   

Executive Chef Jeff Axline is creating a gingerbread village which will be on display in the main lobby everyday beginning December 1.  Along with this amazing display,  between 6pm-8pm there will be kid’s activities.  Fun things to do such as ornament decorating on Friday nights and gingerbread cookie decorating on Saturday nights. 

Additionally, various groups and artists from the community, including Lake Travis High School harpist Whitney Souery, will be singing and caroling many of your Christmas favorites.   

And so the adults are not left out, there will be a full bar available at the back porch (near the lobby) as well as hot chocolate for the kids.


This is free and open to the public.  Hope to see you all there!!!  Peace and Happy Holiday!

Lakeway Resort and Spa Events – Thanksgiving

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

 Hey there everyone living in Austin and surrounding areas!  The Lakeway Resort and Spa is having some exciting holiday events and they asked me to share with you their invite for Thanksgiving.  This all looks like it will be alot of fun! 

SPEND THANKSGIVING IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
Lakeway Resort and Spa hosts a gourmet Thanksgiving brunch with activities for the whole family
WHO:                       Lakeway Resort and Spa, nestled on the shores of Lake Travis, combines the grandeur of a world-class destination with the charm of the Texas Hill Country.
Lakeway Resort and Spa will host Thanksgiving featuring Chef Axline¹s brunch, panoramic views of Lake Travis, a family-friendly petting zoo and live entertainment by internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and singer Louie Carrington. Thanksgiving brunch will be held in the Travis Dining Room overlooking the lake, making it the perfect setting for Thanksgiving.
WHAT:                    Chef Axline¹s special Thanksgiving brunch will include an assortment of cold dishes such as spinach salad withcandied pecans and champagne vinaigrette, Southwest Caesar salad, tropical sliced fruit with lemon and thyme infused yogurt, cold smoked salmon, poached shrimp cocktail, white bean salad with smoked duck and a cheese board with imported and domestic cheese, dried fruits and baguette. Breakfast choices for the brunch will also include an omelet station with assorted condiments, oven roasted breakfast potatoes, house made cheddar bacon biscuits with gravy, apple smoked bacon and sausage links and banana bread French toast. Hot and savory choices will include traditional roast turkey, house made meatballs, braised short ribs, pan roasted salmon, roasted pork loin, carved to order Prime rib and carved to order bone in Virginia ham. Chef Axline will also create an assortment of desserts including apple cobbler, New York style cheesecake, carrot cake withcream cheese icing, red velvet cupcakes, orange infused cannolis andpecan pies. Their will also be a Bloody Mary bar for an additional $5.
Thanksgiving brunch will be $49.95 per adult, $16.50 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. For reservations please call 512-261-7379 or you can makereservations online at http://lakewayresortandspa.com/Dining.aspx. Package rates including guest room and Thanksgiving Brunch for two persons start at $235 per room per night. To book a room call 800-525-3929 or log onto www.lakewayresortandspa.com.
                                   
WHEN:                    Thursday, November 24th
                                    10:30 a.m.‹ 3 p.m.  
                                                     
WHERE:                  Lakeway Resort and Spa
                                    101 Lakeway Drive
                                    Austin, TX 78734
MEDIA CONTACT:              Claudia Blanchette / 512.382.9017 / claudia@giantnoise.com 

Hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving!  Peace!