CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

From our family to yours, wishing you a blessed Christmas season and praying for your family to be safe and have a joyous New Year!

Bryan, Jeniece, Brittanie, Kyle and Brackston

Nature In Lights

I love that they don't forget the true meaning of Christmas

Tonight the kids and I had the pleasure of enjoying the amazing christmas lights display that is done every year by the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area with one of my sweet friends from high school and her little girl. We had a blast!

These kids are too stinkin cute

There were some fabulous displays and some really funny ones too. There is basically one for everyone. They have santa surfing to santa playing basketball and the even entire display of The 12 days of Christmas. We had a blast singing that one as we drove through it. Towards the end we took a tour of Santa's Village where the kids got to have photos made with Santa himself. They seemed to really enjoy it!!!! We loved spending time our friends and getting in the Christmas spirit together.

Tree decorating by the elves


He shoots......He scores! You go Santa

God Bless our Troops serving this Christmas season

Empty Me

As this year ends and next year is quickly approaching, I look back and wonder what I could have done differently to be a better model of Christ's love for us. Wow, is that an overwhelming thought. I start everyday with the best of intentions but instead I let life get in the way of who my focus should be on. After thinking about what I could do to change, this song came to mind. Take a second and listen while reading the lyrics.



I absolutely love what this song says and represents! It's powerful and moving! I can't think of a better prayer for not only myself but for all those that I love as well. As we finish this holiday season and bring in the new year I pray that God does Empty Me of all my selfishness and fullish things in this life that takes me away from him. This is not only my prayer for myself but, for you as well. Have a blessed holiday season.

Dark Golden Brown

Ok ladies, I made the decision to bite the bullet and color it!! I hesitated for quite awhile today but, I finally did it. I am actually pretty pleased with it too. It isn't to much different than what it was but it looks a lot more even. The last color that I had put on it was grown way out so the bottom half had a red hint and the top half was my natural color (plus a little grey)! I still have one stubborn hair that decided it wasn't going to color so, that one shall stay grey I guess!

Anyway, I really am pretty pleased with the outcome and so I just wanted to share. My favorite thing about my new color is that it kind of reminds me of a smooth dark chocolate bar. Mmmmmmmm.....it makes me just want to go out and get one :-).

To color or not to color that is the question

Ok, I am about to admit something that you are all probably going to laugh at. I have been pondering on my hair for quite some time now. I have been coloring my hair for awhile, like probably 6 years or more. Well, I decided about 6 months ago that I was going to try to just let it grow out. I decided this so maybe we could save money and for several other reasons. I guess I should mention that I always color my own hair and do not have it professionally done because, well......I can't afford it.

Anyway, upon deciding to let my color grow out, I started noticing significant grey hairs arising. Well, my hubby has been acquiring some grey of his own and it looks very sexy on him. He has hints of grey in his hair but, you notice it most in his goatee. I love it so, I decided to embrace my grey and just stick with my decision to grow it out. Now I am second guessing my decision. I have seen several ladies that have let their hair grow and let their greys shine and they look quite a bit older than they did. One lady in particular made me decide I might need to rethink this whole thing. I really don't need to look or feel any older than I already am. I am not scared of getting older, nor do I mind the idea however, there is no reason to rush the inevitable.

Why is it that men turning grey makes them looked distinguished but, women turning grey just make them look old? I am still trying to decide what to do. I did go buy a box of color today and I am seriously thinking about just taking the plunge and coloring it again. Why are decisions in life so hard? Seriously, it is really sad for me to admit that I am contemplating this for so long. I need to just bite the bullet and go. I will keep you guys updated and let you know. Hopefully I make the right decision.

Just too cute to leave out

Some how, I left out that sweet picture of PaPa Wayne and Brackston. I am not sure how that happened but, it did. PaPa Wayne has been an important part of Brackston's life! Wayne has been dating my sweet Mother-in-law since before I have been in the family so, he is Brackston's PaPa Wayne!!! We love you Wayne and thanks for loving our boy!

Hunting Washburn Style

So, today was Washburn family day at the farm. Bryan wanted to go hunting and he has been kind enough this season to ask me to go a couple of times with him. I have to admit, I really enjoy going! I think the reason that I enjoy going is because, there is very little noise and it is incredibly peaceful out there and because I am in trapped in a little box with my husband and he can not get out until the hunt is over hee, hee, hee!! I guess it is kind of selfish reasoning now that I think about it. It's not very often that we get time together to just sit there with nothing else to do but stare out a window and enjoy the wonderful nature that God had provided. Well, today we decided to bring Brackston to the stand with us for a couple of hours. That was a crazy decision!!! Bryan is really trying hard to train him to be his hunting buddy but, it is a little difficult for a 5 year old who is a little hyper to be quiet and still!

This baby is very intently looking for deer, shhh......

After spending time (45 minutes to be exact) in the stand with Mommy and Daddy, PaPa Wayne came and rescued Brackston and together they went searching for the BIG buck. Brackston loves his PaPa Wayne!!! Once Brackston was out of the stand, Bryan and I were serious now!!! My hubby was determined that today was the day.....of course I was determined to get some good pictures hee, hee, hee! Love you babe'!

Well, unfortunately we did not even get to take a shot at a deer but, there is always the next hunt! I really do enjoy going to the stand with Bryan and spending some quality time together! He sits there and intently looks through his binoculars looking for the perfect buck and I just sit there intently looking at the perfect gift given to me from God, my hubby! I love my man!!!

Well, we went back to the house and took one last picture before heading home. Brackston loves hanging out at the farm with his Grandma! We love you Mom, thanks for letting us hunt.


After our trip home, Brackston decided his day was over and that he had worked really hard at training to be the cutest hunting buddy ever! I don't believe I have ever seen a cuter picture representing a hard day's work at the farm!

Thought of the Day

Faith is not believing that God can...It is knowing that he will!!




God is amazing and in times like these we have to believe that God can and will take care of those that believe.

A Big Thankyou!

I owe a HUGE thank you to one of my closest friends, Heather for helping me bring a new look to Bountiful Blessings! Thank you so much honey, I love ya :-)

California Sunshine

On Thursday December 4th, I received just the best Christmas present ever! My only brother and only nephew came to visit! Oh how I love these two guys!



For those of you that don't know, my brother and his family live in northern California so we don't see them as often as I would like but, it sure does warm my heart to see them. Unfortunately, this time around I didn't get to see my sweet sister-in-law. That was kind of sad for me because I love her dearly and I have only gotten to spend time with her four times since she and my brother got together like 9 1/2 yrs. ago. I am hoping that she will make the next visit! We did a whole lot of nothing while they were here which was FABULOUS!! Last time they were here there were tons of things on the agenda and we were running crazy with no spare time to just sit and laugh so we made a point this time to just relax! Austin has grown so much since I saw him last and is talking up a storm.



He says some of the cutest things. I just love when children start to talk and have their own little vocabulary! One of the funniest things he did while he was here was call Brackston by the wrong name. From the second he laid eyes on him, he called him "Nate" which was hysterical. The first time he said it, David (my brother) told Austin that isn't Nate this is Brackston, he is your cousin!



David told us that Nate is one of Austin's little friends that he plays with a lot at home that is about the same size as Brack. We would tell him "Austin, say Brackston" and he would say it and then turn around and call him Nate. This went on the whole time he was here, like when he would talk to Brackston he would say "football Nate" and "hi Nate". It was so stinkin funny. At first Brackston was like "hey, my name is not Nate it's Brackston" but as time progressed he just decided he didn't care what Austin called him. The funniest part of the story was that the last day they were here Brackston came home from school and Austin saw him, his face lit up and Brackston said "Austin, Nate is home" and Austin went running towards him and said "hi Nate" with a huge smile. It was adorable. He was very excited to see Nate!



Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed our time and had some great family time. Hopefully time flies until we see them again!

Who Are We?.......Falcons!

Hey all you Falcon Fans!! I just wanted to let you know that our faithful Falcons are going to the Toy Bowl!!! Yeah!!! This last Saturday was our play-off game against The Belton Warriors! It was a great game with a victory with a final score of 40-28 buying our ticket to the Toy Bowl! For those of you that don't know little league football has a championship bowl, just like the Big 12! Every year that Kyle has played for the Falcons they have made an appearance in the Toy Bowl! These little guys play just as hard as those bigger boys, if not harder!! They are a lot of fun to watch and they love being out there playing their little hearts out! So, this Saturday our Fighting Falcons will represent and have to bring their A game. They will be playing against the #1 team in the league The Temple Longhorns. They can guarantee that the #2 team in the league will come prepared to fight until the end!!!

WHO ARE WE?.........FALCONS! WHO ARE WE?.......FALCONS! WHO ARE WE?.....FALCONS!

I SURVIVED!!

I don't know how many of you know but, I have been subbing long-term for a very energetic 3rd Grade class for the last 6weeks. I SURVIVED!!!! I really did enjoy working everyday and having the same kids. I truly got a feel for what it will be like to be a REAL classroom teacher! What I did learn in the last few weeks is that I do want to go back to school to get my teaching degree but, I will lean towards Jr. High and teach something that I have a passion for like Language Arts. I will keep you all posted on my journey. Hopefully, now that I am not fulfilling all the classroom teachers responsibilty I will have more time to blog! I am spending today doing absolutely NOTHING responsible. I was going to spend the day with my amazing husband but, instead he is having to go to work to provide money for our family. So, what is equally exciting?????? You are right, driving to Granbury (on a whim) just to spend the day with my Mom!!! There is nothing that I would rather do more!!! I love girls days!!! I haven't gotten to see her much lately and I am going to just drive up there and do whatever, just she and I!!! I am off!!!! Have a great day and hopefully, I will chat with you all again soon!

The Chipmunks Rock

Featuring Alvin, Simon and Theodore

Happy Halloween from The Washburn Family!!! I know it has been forever since I posted. I have even been accused of forgetting that I had a blog. Well, I just thought I would share some of our photos from this evening. We just decided to do some trick or treating and hang around the big town of Belton for the evening. We wanted to go to the football game but, we waited too late and tickets were all sold out. Anyway, we had fun for the most part and the kids looked great!!! Thanks to my Mom, the kids looked GREAT for another Halloween!!! I couldn't do Halloween without her I don't think. Tonight the kids were the Lovable Chipmunks! Brittanie starred as Alvin, with Kyle as Simon and Brackston as Theodore! They were simply adorable and got lots of comments!!! We had fun with it!! We topped our evening off with dinner at Burger King and dessert at Maggie Moo's!!! Yummy!!!! Well, I will do my best not to let 3 weeks pass before my next post but, I am exhausted and need some sleep!




Partying All Night with The Chipmunks



The night is young!



Our first photo as The Chipmunks



Ready to Party

Time Flies!!

Brackston's first report card!!

I can not believe that we have already flown through the first six weeks of school. Today was Parent/Teacher Conferences and I got my baby's first report card. It is super cute!! I love kindergarten report cards. They just remind me of the simple days when all you had do document was an E for excellent, and S for satisfactory or the dreaded N for needs inprovement! Bubba did great and his teacher was very positive! She said he is a great kid and is incredibly bright!!! Yeah!!!! I am not sure how I got blessed with three bright kids but, I sure will take it. They even recommended him for GT (gifted and talented). Isn't that crazy?? I didn't even know that they did that in kindergarten. That seems awfully early to be setting those kids apart but, I guess if they need extra work and to be challenged, I say FABULOUS!!! The funny part of the conference was when the teacher mentioned that we had the little cutie in the class. She said that ALL the girls are concerened with whether Brackston is coming to school today or "where is Brackston, Ms. Rackley"? She said it is absolutely hysterical. She said that we better get ready because, he is quite the lady's man. Wow, a little early for that too!!! Oh the days of young love, LOL!!!

The Road To Success

Ok...so I know that I haven't written in awhile but I wanted to update you! I did join weight watchers last Saturday so, this week was my first weigh in and it was a success!!! I got on the scale this morning and was told I had a great week! I lost 5.4 pounds!!!!! YEA!!! Hard work does pay off!!!! This week was one intentional bite after another. I was very disciplined and I am happy for a good start to my life change. I am moving through this week with hopefully the same success. This week our meeting talked about dancing and moving to the music to get exercise. I love, love, love to dance, I just don't get to much. I am going to do my best to incorporate it more in my week. Maybe I will get up a little earlier and try to walk to tunes or just get up and turn some music on and move to the music in my living room. We also were reminded of a song that I will leave you with that will hopefully inspire you to get moving and enjoy each day regardless of what is going on in your life. The journey continues..........

MOTIVATION AT IT'S BEST

BIGGEST LOSER ROCKS!!! I totally love this show!!! These people all remind me of me at my worst (which would be now!):-( I get so motivated watching these people bust their tail on TV and I think, I can do this!! Then I walk over and get something else to eat, whether it be a second helping or dessert. It is a terrible admission, I know!! I have been thinking about what I could do to loose this weight once and for all! I pretty much decided that I was going to join all of my friends in Weight Watchers! My thought was I can't stop if I have people to hold me accountable. I have 3 friends that are currently successful in the program in 3 different stages. One is getting ready to hit her 40 pound mark (you go girl), one has been in since June and doing well and one just started!! I am very blessed to have friends that support me and drag me along when need be!!! I am also incredibly blessed to have a husband that loves me regardless but, you know what, he deserves more. I want him to be proud of me but, more importantly than that I want to be here to love him for another 75 years!!! I also want to inspire my children to be the healthiest they can be so our family can be happy and healthy together! I will keep you all posted on my progress!!

Such A Proud Mom

My Beautiful Tiger

Today for the first time in 6 years, my baby girl suited out and played to the best of her ability!!! I was tickled pink!! As many of you know, she hasn't played an organized sport since she played soccer when I was pregnant with Brackston so, I was super stoked to see her enjoying a team sport! This was her first game of the season and they did an incredible job!!


GO #22!!!


READY, SET.....


My Girl started the game off!!


She is ready for action!

The game was back and forth the whole time but, what I loved the most is that all of the girls on the court were having a blast! There is nothing better than watching your child enjoying what they are doing and succeeding all at the same time.


Final Score, GO LADY TIGERS!!!

Totally A proud Momma moment. I thought I would share some pictures so you could see my beauty in action. Today she had 8 loved ones there cheering her on and she would love to see her cheering section grow!! We would love to see some of you at the next game!!!

GO BIG RED!!!

From one star to another

Yesterday cheering on Brittanie, today cheering on Kyle!! GO FALCONS!!! Kyle had his first football game of the season today! They won BIG!!!! Yea!!! He did great, and even played a new position today. He typically plays corner back or wide receiver but, today starred as safety! You go boy!


Run Kyle!! Go #24


Kyle starring at safety

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL

Fight Mighty Tigers


Tiger Pride
(Left to right) Kyle's buddy Andrew, Kyle, Brittanie's friend Ashlee and Britt



TO TIGERS!!
Ok, so last night was our first Tiger football game. It did not go so well, sniff sniff. We were all there proudly wearing our red and white and ready to cheer them on. We actually all went because my baby girl was making her first appearance on the field in uniform playing until her little hearts content!! Go Baby Girl!!! I was so proud!!! I can't believe that it is time for my baby to be out on that field. It seems like just yesterday that it was me out on that field holding that flute high and now I am the band parent, Scary!!! Anyway, they did a phenominal job play Na Na Hey Hey, Goodbye!!!!! It sounded great! The junior highs stood on the field with the Belton High Marching 100! Yea!!! The down fall, I tried to take pictures of my baby while she was on the field but, it was a no go!! They were horrible so, we have to settle for the only one I got, sniff sniff!! Needless to say the half time performance was the most exciting part of the night. Our mighty Tigers fell to Round Rock McNeil 35 - 6! Oh well, there is always next week. Go Tigers.


Go LBMS Band!! WHEW!!


Brackston and The star of our show

Run Away Hamster

Ok, so many of you know that we (our kids) have hamsters. One for each of them! Brittanie got hers first (for her birthday)and her name is Belle. Kyle and Brackston got theirs at the same time, given to us by a friend who was having to get rid of them due to putting their house on the market. The boys hamsters names are Jesse, and Jordan (affectionately known as vicious). Well for the third time now Jesse has gotten to run loose around the house. The first time was much like this time and Brackston (who keeps a very close eye on his and Kyles) looked and looked and looked for Jesse and says "Mom, Jesse is not in her cage again!" Oh, not again!!! The first time was incredibly traumatic for Kyle and Brackston. We blamed Brackston for opening the cage and we cried and had no clue what to do. Belle is our first hamster and she has never even tried to get out. Anyway, after panicking for quite awhile, BK and Bryan finally got then bright idea to leave the cage open because they said she might come back for food. Smart thinking!!!! About five hours after discovering that she was missing Brackston was watching a movie in his room and he comes running in to me and says "Mom I got a surprise, come here!" I quickly went into the boys room and Jesse was in her cage getting some food. Poor Jesse her freedom was taken in an instant. Basically, the same thing happened again last night. When we got home Brackston was checking in on the hamsters and Jesse was M.I.A. again!!! Dang, Jesse!!!! Stay in your cage!!!! We have got to find a way to lock that thing!! Oh well, I guess that is my next mission, finding some way to secure my little Gramsters!!!! LOL

Missing You

Today I remember one of the most important men in my life, my Dad! My Dad passed away over 8 years ago. Today we would have celebrated his 53rd birthday. On days like today I wonder how my life would be different if he were still here with us. I know that I would laugh much more because of his incredible humor and wonderfully infectious laugh. I remember just sitting there and watching him laugh and laughing right along with him because his laughter was so amazingly funny. The last movie that we got to see together was American Pie and this is the last memory I have of times like that. He always knew how to lighten the mood and was definitely the life of the party. I also know that Daddy would be proud of Me and my babies. He was an incredible PaPa and now he would just love my third bundle of energy (who often reminds me of his PaPa). I loved him with every ounce of me and admired his hard work and dedication to our family. I have lots of wonderful memories of my Dad but one of the fondest is my dance with him at my wedding. As we danced around the floor he told me how much he loved me, how proud he was of me and how he and Momma would always be here for me. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. We danced to a wonderful song that always makes me think of Daddy when I hear it so, I added it to my blog today for you to enjoy in honor of my Dad. I love you and miss you Dad.

Amazing Love

The love of my life

Have any of you had those days where you just feel so incredibly blessed to be happily married? Today, I feel just amazed by the love that I feel for my wonderfully caring, supportive, and may I add adorable husband! When I met this man over 6 years ago I had no idea what God had in store for us. After just getting out of a bad marriage and seriously doubting whether I even wanted to date again, much less get married again, I just couldn't have even dreamed this kind of love. I know I am getting kind of mushy but, his eyes melt me and that smile just brightens my day. His humor is timed just perfectly and his laughter is infectious. I love the touch of his hands, his strong embrace and sweet soul. I am just amazed and often feel undeserving of the second chance at love. What an amazing God we have that gives us second chances and the desire to love completely again. This is what God planned for man and woman. A marriage full of love, support and growth together. It is not an anniversary or even valentine's day but simply a day when I just feel blessed to be loved by such an incredible man. Thank you God for creating this love for me. I love you babe'!!

Officially a Big Boy

Brackston sitting at his chair on the first day of kindergarten

My baby woke up this morning just rambling! LOL :-) The first thing out of his mouth was "I sleeped good all night Mom and now I am a Big Boy!" "I am going to Big Boy school today." "I am going to wear new clothes and I get to eat breakfast and tell my brother and sister how my day went!" As you can tell my baby's primary language is random. He was so excited today that he just couldn't stand it. I was pretty excited too. The morning went well, he got ready for school in a super fast record and was ready to walk out the door! He didn't want to wait for even the sun to rise. It was hysterical! I loved seeing his excitement. We walked to school today and he walked right up to his class but then, hid behind the wall to make his teacher look for him (always the little entertainer). When she peeked her head around looking for him, she said "Good Morning Brackston" and his face just lit up. He ran right to his seat and sat down ready to start the day. I stood there and took probably 20 pictures and kept saying "Ok, baby Mommy is going to leave now" (I know I said it at least 10 times). He looked so happy to be there, I just couldn't help but stay longer. Anyway, when I finally did leave I was about 15 steps from his classroom when the announcements came on and I wanted to see his reaction to his wonderfully animated principal's voice so, (yep you guessed it) I walked all the way back to his classroom to sneak a peek. They were reciting the pledge so, I stuck my camera around the corner and took another picture.


Brackston and his class reciting the pledge. (He is way in the back right!)

I know, I am a nut case!! I did finally leave and didn't cry not one bit. I was so proud!!! Go Mom!!!! The chaos came at the end of the day! I have signed him up for after school daycare (that picks him up from school) so on the days I work he will have somewhere to go. This is also the Pre-K that he went to so, he is familiar with them and they are familiar with him (too many changes are not good for him or for me.) I really wanted to pick him up for school on his first day but, I thought it was more important for him to get used to his routine so, I chose to go ahead and let him go to after school daycare. At 2:45 (when he got out of school) I looked at the clock and thought, oh my baby finished his first day..(sniff, sniff)! I hope everything goes smoothly with him getting on the daycare bus for the first time. Well at about 3:15, I get a phone call from my emergency contact (one of my best friends) that says "Oh, did the school get in touch with you?" I said "....Uh....no...why?" She said "Brackston didn't get on the bus today and he is still at school!" "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH...ARE YOU SERIOUS?" I freaked. I got off the phone with her and immediately called the school. After no one answered I called the daycare and they said "No, I think he got on the bus, the school did call us and confirmed that he was suppose to be on the bus. His bus has not gotten here yet but I believe he is on there." When I got off the phone with the daycare I finally got the message from the school on my phone (you gotta love technology...can't live with it, can't live without it) that said "Mrs. Washburn this is ..... at Miller Heights Elementary...we are calling in regards to Brackston's transportation after school. We were told that he was suppose to be on the bus for Belton Education Station but we do not have anything from you in writing (UHHH...WRONG!!). That bus has already been here and left so, we need someone to come get Brackston. Are you kidding me?? My 5 year old missed the bus and now has been sitting at the school since 2:45 (it is now 3:25!) and has no idea where his Mommy is on the first day of kindergarten!!!! I could scream!!! I tried the school again and still no answer. So, I prayed and paced and waited about 10 minutes and called the daycare again to see if his bus had gotten there and if he was on it. I about wet my pants with excitement when they picked up the phone and confirmed that my poor baby was there safe and sound. I can't believe it....I was crazy with knots in my stomach but, super glad that he was ok! After working in the school system and knowing what the end of the first day of school looks like for the poor staff at these schools, I felt for them. Can you imagine being responsible that all those little bodies get in the right lines, the right bus and the right cars. It amazing that they all get through it. Anyway, after picking him up and him describing his day to me, it sounded like it went well and he is ready for another day tomorrow. Hopefully with a little less excitement. When praying tonight, he prayed for his family as always naming us off one by one and then says "And dear Lord...I want to thank you for letting me go to Miller Heights today....and that's all I have to say..In Jesus name, amen." Is that the sweetest thing or what? How adorable, and what a blessing. He does a Momma proud!!!


Brackston age 5 First Day of Kindergarten at Miller Heights Elementary

Cutest Kindergartener Ever

Brackston with his Kindergarten teacher Ms. Rackley

Look at that adorable face. Tonight was meet the teacher night and my little man was super excited!! He played shy (which we all know is like crazy) for a slight second but, then he warmed up! He was a bit overwhelmed by all the girls in his class. When we were there all the other students that were there were all girls. He was so funny!! His reaction was super cute. He told his teacher "What are all these girls doing in here, I don't know any girls." It was hysterical!! His teacher laughed and I found that to be the best time to inform her that he might possibly be the entertainer of the group. She laughed and said I think that is great, every class needs one. So, maybe she will be a good teacher and will appreciate his humor and quirkiness!!! Let's pray that she is incredibly patient and is good with loving my baby boy!! I will keep you updated and will report back. We start school officially on Monday so, I will send more photos then.