Happy Birthday to Me!

Man, am I one blessed lady! People all around me have made me feel so special this week, all celebrating my birthday in so many different ways. Dinner with my local family, pot-luck lunch with my co-workers, and even 30+ birthday wishes on The Facebook.  It sure does make a girl feel special!

But the most Blessed thing about being me is my Sweet Husband, Eric.

We had a great weekend in Glen Rose the weekend before my birthday, with dinner in Tolar and drinks at Rough Creek Lodge. We also spent a few hours at the Lone Oak Winery on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

This was a fabulous weekend for the two of us. But much to my surprise, he had much more in store for me. When I got home from work Monday evening, he had a gift and a note for me that read 'Welcome to the 5 Days of Francie'. He claims that 1 day is not enough to celebrate my birthday, so he had 5 special days lined up for me.

What?? Are you kidding me? This guy!!

Day 1: I got an iphone alarm clock, so I don't have to fish around in the dark anymore to find the snooze button.

Day 2: I awoke to a new package waiting for me in the bathroom, stuffed full of new lotions. (I love Bath & Body lotions!)

Day 3: Some great new items from Victoria's Secret. Some everyday items that I don't normally splurge on for myself. 

Day 4: Our super-special date night to Eddie V's. Oh my goodness is that restaurant De-Lish-Us. Filet, scallops, shrimp, crablegs. Roll-me-outta-here kinda goodness. Followed by some live music at the Grease Monkey with Maren Morris & Van Darien.



This also gave me a good opportunity to wear my new
 shoes (that have been in the closet for months).



Day 5: (My actual Birthday) I woke up to a Gift Certificate for a day of pampering at the spa & received these beautiful flowers at work. I wrapped up the day with dinner at one of my favorites, the Mellow Mushroom, with Eric, Preston, Mom, Enno, MB, Nell, and Ezra. 

What a Great Week! The 5 Days of Francie. 

What a Thoughtful Man I am married to - He's the best Present I ever got.

Thanksgiving at the Rockin W

We decided to head out west again this Thanksgiving for our feast because that's where the smoker resides. The smoked meat turned out fabulous & we had a great time visiting with family. What a beautiful day!

Addison, Francie, Mimi

Chef E-Dub

The Spread

Addison, Francie, and MB relaxing by the fire.

Post-Thankgiving Coma.

It's funny how you spend so much time preparing for these feasts and in just minutes it is over with.

Soon. I plan to update my blog soon!

Gruene, TX

Eric and I took a last-minute trip to Gruene, Tx for a little R&R. Neither of us have been to visit this quaint little town, home of the oldest dance hall in Texas.  Gruene, Tx is located within the city limits of New Braunfels. It has a 1840's German farmer/settler history, but was wiped out by a boll weevil plague in the 20's. The only business that remained open through it all was Gruene Hall. A group of people restored the town in the mid-70's. The result is what you see today: antique shops, gift stores, boutiques, a potter, wine tasting, music, drinks, food, etc. 

We arrived Friday late Friday evening and caught the end of World Series game 7.  WHAT a huge letdown that the Rangers could not pull out a win...2nd year in a row.  After a few drinks at the local bar, we headed back to our cottage for the night.

We woke up Saturday morning and went back to town for a day full of good eats and lots of shopping and browsing. We went to Gruene Hall to see the Bruce & Charlie Robison show, an acoustic song-swapping setting.  An added bonus: the opening act was Jamie Wilson from The Trishas. It was a great night with some great music!

Lone Star Music store, Gruene, Tx

One of the many shops we visited.

Gruene Hall

 We packed our things Sunday morning and made a quick run to the Gristmill for some Chicken Fried Steak before jetting out of town. It's fortunate that I was eating this for breakfast; I'm fairly certain that if I was there for dinner I would have been totally stuffed!

Gruene, Tx

We headed home up Highway 281, with 5 wineries in our route.  We made it to four: Comal Creek, William & Chris (my favorite so far), Stonehouse, and Spicewood. 

Eric, looking very serious about this wine. This imposter (Stone House) has all wine from Australia.

But they had some cool tables.

Can you see the small grin on his face? This means he is relaxing.

Final stop!

This little guy was in heaven chasing some fish.

Cannot put the new iphone down.

What a fun few days to spend with my honey!

The End of an Era....or is it?

Addison's soccer season ends this weekend, and I won't be there to watch her last game. I started a new job this week and was asked to spend this 1 Saturday at the club doing some training. It just dawned on me that this may be Addison's last soccer game ever. (I hope she'll play again in the Spring).

Since she is now in the U14 division, the United now play on the biggest field in the park.  This presents a challenge for snapping good pictures of her.  But I was able to get a few.  

I'm so proud of this girl! I tell her everytime she comes off of the field, but I think she blows it off because she has so many people that are proud of her. I guess she's blessed that way.



I love this picture



Cousin Ezra spent the day with us & he was so supportive
of his cousins, cheering for them at each game.

A little down time.

I think she's 5'2" now. Sheesh.