Soccer Fans

Camden had a soccer game today and he was fortunate enough to have a nice cheering section. It was a beautiful day to be outside!

Lakin, Braden, Camden,
Shawn & Melissa

Christmas 2025

Christmas break started with Shane having surgery for an inguinal hernia on the 23rd. He actually had his bilateral inguinal hernias checked during the summer with hopes of having surgery during the summer since he had already met his deductible, however the doctor did not feel he needed it at the time. By October the hernia's were bothering him more, and after consulting with the doctor again, he scheduled surgery during the break. It was a long day, but his surgery went well. Aside from being sore, the hardest part for him will be the lift restriction that will keep him from his normal gym routine for awhile.

On Christmas Eve, my dad stayed behind with Shane and my mom, the boys and I went to Christmas Eve Service with Melissa and her family.

Afterwards, we picked up Shane and then headed over to Melissa's to celebrate Christmas with a delicious dinner and gift exchange.

. 

Mason and Grace

Every year I gift Dad Bourbon

Money - always the right size and color!

Braden and Nina

Casen wanted a robe to wear
while playing his video games

Camden's first electric razor

Manscaper for Casen :)

Mom's annual Wallace candy cane ornament.
 She has received one every year for
the past 45 years.

Thankful for my family!

 

Christmas morning was spent with the boys opening their stockings and us celebrating our family Christmas. 

A personalized bat

A new radio for his car

New kicks

New Airpods

Treats for Nina

Shane's family arrived sometime afternoon so we could celebrate Christmas with the Hood side of the family. We had a late lunch/early dinner and opened gifts before they headed back to the Golden Triangle.

The cousins

Malachi

Gavin

Kelsey

Ira

Ron

Shane and Derenda

The Hood Family

My boys

So very grateful for the past few days spent with family.

Christmas Festivities

The weeks leading up to Christmas have been busy with sports, parties and other fun holiday festivities. On Tuesday I was able to meet up with my 'Bunco' girls for dinner and a fun gift exchange of our favorite things.

My Bunco Girls

Thursday, Casen had another basketball game and my dear friend Mary and her granddaughter, Addison (who Casen goes to church with) came and cheered he and his team on. 

On Friday, we had our second annual Christmas Caroling at work where a group of us went and caroled on all five floors of our building to spread some holiday cheer. 

Elevator pic of our group

Camden made the JVA soccer team this year and Friday evening they had their first school soccer scrimmage of the season where they won. I somehow failed to get a picture with my parents and Camden, however they were in town and were also there for the scrimmage.

Saturday Camden, Grandma and I headed out to a cemetery in Tomball so that Camden could participate in Wreaths Across America with YMSL. If you are not familiar with Wreaths Across America, its mission is to honor every veteran by bringing people together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Their goal is to place a wreath on every hero's grave on Wreaths Across America Day.

Yesterday, Casen and his Hope Squad passed out mints to their classmates for words of encourage-mint.

To close out the week before we head to break, today Casen wore his pajamas and a festive hat to school. Camden also had to opportunity to enjoy some festive wear, however he does not normally participate on dress up days.

I know we all are looking forward to spending time with family and friends during the holiday break, but a little rest and relaxation will be nice as well.