Addicted

Yeah, okay, so I'm addicted to this little girl!! But look at her and you can see why...she's just so darn cute! Some people (Ashley) have requested a new post, but not much is going on. I had a pretty boring weekend...cleaned house a lot on Saturday. I did stop in the middle of my cleaning to go see my sisters dog give birth. I had never seen it before, and I actually found it pretty fascinating. I saw two of the pups being born...here is a chocolate one.
It's actually cuter than I thought. So, if anyone is in the market for a black or chocolate lab, I know where you can find one!! Then, on Sunday I enjoyed baby day at church (which was awesome!) and then took a good long nap. I've just been working this week and vegging out in the evenings. Not much too exciting. But sometimes that's a good thing...

They Made Me Sleep in a Laundry Basket

Lindsay and I stopped in Shreveport, LA at an Air Force Base on our way home. There was a laundry basket in the closet, so we decided that would be perfect for Britten to sleep in. She looked so cute laying in that basket. She also turned 6 weeks old on Thursday (the 16th). What a sweet and perfect baby she is!

What? I'm not prissy?!

Carla and Mikaela came over last night to eat left overs. Mikaela was acting silly after supper and was dancing around. She put on her cute little hat and my scarf, and I couldn't resist getting out the camera. She had just had chocolate ice cream, as you can tell by her mustache. She is so prissy. What a ham!

The Kids...

Athletic Dog



Just Plain Cute Dog

Four Things

Not much going on lately in the Wall household, so I copied this from Shanta's blog to keep you all entertained.

Four Things
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Babysitter
2 Paper collator and stapler at my Dad's print shop
3. Pharmacy Technician
4. Medical Equipment Delivery

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Nothing to Lose
2. Sweet Home Alabama
3) Sound of Music
4. Serendipity

Four books I could read over & over:
1. Any Mary Higgins Clark
2. Power of a Praying Wife
3. How to study the Bible
4. Life of David Gale

Four places you have lived:
1. Slaton, TX
2. Lubbock, TX - Sedona Townhomes (awww...the memories)
3. Lubbock, TX - LCU Girls Dorm
4. Lubbock, TX - Our first home
(This one was a strech seeing as that I've lived in two towns my whole life!)

Four TV shows you like to watch:
1. Friends
2. The Office
3. Extreme Makeover Home Addition
4. Law and Order

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Manitou Springs, CO
2. Ruidoso
3. Florida
4. Hawaii

Four web sites I visit daily:
1. BLOGLAND
2. Photography Forum
3. Launchcast
4. Air 1

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Jalepeno Garlic Tilapia (at Carinos)
2. Guacamole
3. Thick, juicy hamburger
4. Any kind of sweets

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Vegging out on the couch
2. Bed and Breakfast with my hubby
3. Shopping
4. On a Tropical Island, laying on the beach, sipping some tropical drink!

Before and After

I hadn't looked at the before pictures of our house in a long time. Dustin did a presentation for school and used this "before and after" of our kitchen in his slideshow. I am really amazed at what we did! Thanks, Uncle Mike, for your help with the countertops...the kitchen is really looking great!

The End of the Spear - I recommend it

Last Friday, Dustin and I went to see The End of the Spear. I don't know how much longer it will be out, so I recommend you go see it. It is an amazing story of forgiveness. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this true story, it is about five missionary men that seek to change the lives of the Waodani Indian tribe in Ecuador. This tribe was known for it's violence and killing of other tribes. After the missionaries delivered many gifts by dropping a bucket from Nate Saint's airplane, they decide to land and attempt to make contact with the tribe. After making contact, everything seems fine, then the Indians turn on them and spear all 4 men to death. This is just the beginning of the story. The movie is narrated by Nate's son, Steve Saint. He tells how the tragic day that the men were killed forever changed his life and the lives of all the missionaries' famililies. It also shows how the lives of the Waodani tribe were saved. I thought it was interesting that the producers gained the approval of the tribe. "The tribe agreed that if their story can help others stop killing and live in peace, then they would agree to do the film." Go see it and be blessed...

Best Friends

Back by Popular Demand

So many people have been requesting more pictures of Britten. Well, I am a proud aunt and not ashamed at all to brag!!! So, here are a few more from my stay in Georgia. Isn't she just precious?!

Coming Home

It was so hard to come home yesterday. The drive to the airport seemed so long! I kept looking over at that beautiful baby girl beside me and tried to choke back the tears. It is hard enough to leave my sister and brother-in-law, but now, it's even harder to leave that beautiful baby girl behind. I cried because I know how much I will miss them all.



We had a wonderful four days with them. Wonderful, but too fast! I thought that this experience would probably make me think twice about having a baby. Instead, it made me want one all the more!!! I am amazed at the miracle of a baby. I am amazed at how quickly my sister healed from giving birth. And I am amazed how a baby, not even my own, can bring so much joy into my life (I can only imagine the joy my sister and brother-in-law must have).



Britten is perfect! I can't wait to see her next time, probably in about 5 months. As her aunt, I know I will spoil her rotten and teach her some tricks that her parents will hate me for. But then again, isn't that what being an aunt is all about?? As you can see, I've already started working on her. She's a quick learner!!



Britten - You are beautiful. I pray each day that God blesses you and your Mommy and Daddy. I told you this while I was there, but I want you to know that I love you so much!! I know you will grow up to be smart, talented, beautiful and lovable. You don't have much of a choice with the great parents that you have. I know one day you will realize just how lucky you are. I will always remember these last few days. When you get older, I'll tell you what a sweet baby you were and how your aunt and grandpa spoiled you while they were there visiting. You've already got your Mommy and Daddy wrapped around your finger, and I think it's great. I love you!!

More of Britten

I know it...I am SO CUTE!

I love my grandad SO much!! He spoils me rotten.

My Beautiful Niece

We are here in Georgia, and my niece could not be any more perfect! She was in her swing this afternoon and I caught her sucking her thumb. I thought this picture was too cute. I also gave her a bottle this afternoon (Lindsay is supplementing a little with formula to get her back to her birth weight). We will do lots more pictures over the next few days and I'll continue to update. My sister is doing AWESOME! It has just been 6 days since she had Britten, and she showed up at the airport today with Justin and Britten to pick us up. I totally did not expect to see her, seeing as that Atlanta is about 1 hour and a 1/2 from their home. She looks so good...it's hard for me to believe she actually had that baby! It's so good to be here and see this baby in person.

Introducing Britten Nicole

Well folks, here she is and she's perfect!! Justin left the hospital to get Lindsay some food, so he stopped by the house while he was out to email us these pictures. I'm sure more will follow later, and I will have to continue to brag. She is beautiful and Lindsay is doing great!!

I AM AN AUNT!!!!

Yes, that's right...it's official. I'm an aunt! Britten Nicole Steffens was born at 5:18 Georgia time (4:18 Texas time) and weighed in at 6 lbs 7 oz...no length yet. My freakishly strong sister (yes, Ashley, you share this title with someone else) only pushed for a whopping 9 minutes!!! She's amazing. Mom and baby are both great. Oh, and baby has lots of curly hair! Can you believe it?! I can't stop crying. I'll post pictures as soon as they send some my way. I'll be there next week, and I think I'll probably take a few pictures myself. Can't wait!!!

I'm almost an AUNT!!!

My little sister is being induced as I type this. Both times that I have talked to her today, I have hung up crying. Tears of joy and excitement, but also tears of sadness b/c I can't be there right now. We'll be there next week, but I want to be there now, holding her hand, cheering her on, and seeing my precious neice right after she's born. Gosh, this is killing me!! Please say a prayer for Justin, Lindsay and baby Britten. I'll post the stats as soon as I get them...as well as pictures as soon as they send them my way!

Top Ten Reasons that I Love Christmas

10. Time off of work
9. Giving and Receiving Presents
8. An excuse to eat A LOT of food
7. Sleeping in and taking long naps
6. After Christmas Sales
5. Spending time with family
4. Watching Christmas movies
3. Wassail at my Mom's house
2. Waking up on Christmas morning next to my wonderful husband
1. Celbrating Jesus' birth and God's plan for Him to save us!!!


I hope everyone has a very safe and Merry Christmas!!

The State Capital

Also while Dustin and I were in Austin, we stopped by the state capital. I have been there several times, but Dustin had never seen it. Since he has his bachelors in history (he just finished and graduated magna cum laude so congratulate him next time you see him)this was really interesting to him! Here are some pictures I took...

Kandi and Brion

I did pictures this weekend for Kandi and Brion Owens in Austin. They got married at this beautiful facility outside of Dripping Springs. They wanted to have the ceremony outdoors, but the cold and drizzle kept them from that. But the day was still beautiful!! Their love for one another was so evident.

Meet Cowboy

Cowboy is my anniversary present from Dustin. He is hilarious!! He is so chubby that he waddles when he walks. He is also a golden retriever like Cassie. They sure played hard last night. Cassie got a little jealous when Cowboy tried to play with her rope, but other than that, they make a really cute pair!!

The Supremes

We put on a Christmas program each year for the residents at Carillon. This year we did the Ed Sullivan Show. We were The Supremes. After seeing this picture, I am strongly considering dying my hair black. What do ya' think? :-)

What a Morning!!

I took pictures for this family last year around this time. The little boy was SO adorable, I used him on my business card. Now, they have a precious 2 month old. They came to our house this morning for potraits since it's so dang cold outside. Carson (3 years old) was a little harder to chase this year, but I still think I got some good ones. Brantley (3 months old) is so cute and squishy!! I love those baby rolls...

A Mouse in the House

I guess the cold weather has caused these little creatures to invade our house! We caught one on Tuesday night, and I about FREAKED! I would not go near it. But when we caught this little guy on Wednesday, I took a closer look. As much as I hate them and want them out of my house, you have to admit, he's kind of cute! I know you think I'm crazy to take a picture of a mouse, but I thought it would be funny to post. So, we are doing everything we can to get rid of these little pests. Hopefully this cold weather will go away, and so will the mice!!

Senior Portraits

Some of you may know Nancy or her mom from Broadway. I really did not know her much before today, but what a cool girl to hang out with! I did her senior portraits this afternoon. Yes, we braved the wind, but it ended up not being that bad! My favorite place was this cool Coca Cola wall we found in the depot district. Nancy was really fun and photogenic. She let me try some new things, and only looked at me like I was crazy a few times!!!

Two Things - I've been tagged

Ashley tagged all of us that read her blog...thought this would be fun!

Two names I go by: Ally Cat and Smiley, one of the Smiley Sisters(thanks Dad)

Two of my everyday essentials: Mascara and wedding ring

Two things I am wearing right now: Watch and fuzzy p.j. socks

Two of my favorite bands or artists: FFH and Garth Brooks

Two things I want in a relationship: affection and forgiveness

Two truths I have: Somedays life just sucks and wedding photography is so rewarding

Two things I hate (or dislike with a passion): dirty dishes and smacking

Two physical things that appeal to me: dimples (have you seen my husbands) and eyes (have you seen the baby blues my hubby has)

Two favorite hobbies: scrapbooking and photography

Two things I want really badly: to have a baby and to be a stay at home mom

Two places I want to go on vacation: a cruise anywhere (I'm so jealous April and Kristin) and England

Two things to do before I die: be Jesus to as many people as possible and overcome my fear of reaching out to needy/poor

Two ways I am stereotypically a chic: chic flicks and yo-yo dieting

Two things I wouldn't normally admit: I have horribly smelly feet (just ask Dustin)and I hate brushing my teeth before bedtime

I tag Lindsay (This means you have to copy this on your blog - you've got to update that thing)!

The Settle's

Cory is Dustin's cousin, but may as well be his brother. I am proud to call Cory and Carla my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They are so special to Dustin and I and they are so much fun to be around. Their beautiful daughter, Mikaela, is a hoot! She has so much spunk and personality. We took pictures for their Christmas cards today. It was a little chilly, but a lot of fun!!

Our Christmas Card Picture

We took our Christmas card pictures on the Tech campus today. This one was my favorite of the family...

I Am Thankful

I realize this is a week before Thanksgiving, but I received an email this morning reminding me of what to be thankful for. I have recently complained about many of these things, instead of thinking of them as blessings...my clothes are too tight, our electric bill is too much, I'm so tired at the end of the day, etc. But today, I am thankful for these things, because they are ALL blessings. God has truly blessed me abundantly!

I am Thankful :

FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS HE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

My Hero

These are my cousins, Kristin and Kelcee. Kristin, the oldest, is my hero. Yes, I realize that she is 8 years younger than me, but she is still my hero! I want to grow up to be just like her. If you knew what she's been through, she'd be your hero, too. She was diagnosed with a non-hodkins form of lymphoma a little over nine years ago. She was eight years old!! She is by far the toughest, most strong-willed person I know. She has been cancer free for almost 7 years now...praise God!!

Her sister Kelcee is the comedian of the family. Any impersonation that you want to hear, she can do. She is witty and very quick with one-liners. She sure kept us going when Kristin was going through treatment. And she still keeps us laughing today. Girls, I love you both so much! It makes me feel old to look at these pictures! :-)




Kristin is now in high school and is a cheerleader. I took Southland's cheerleading pictures this weekend. I am so proud of Kristin and all the things she's accomplished!

Busy Weekend

I have had a busy, but fun weekend! On Friday night, Dustin and I went on a date. This was our first date in quite some time. It was wonderful!! I came home from work to fresh flowers in a vase on our bar. Then, we had a wonderful dinner together! I love spending time with my hubby! On Saturday, I worked out in the morning, then took pictures for the Southland cheerleaders in the afternoon. Saturday night, Dustin and I went to his parents in Slaton to celebrate his Aunt's b-day (in Oct) and mine (at the end of Nov). We had a great dinner and played games. As always, Mikaela was most of the entertainment for the evening. Gosh, that girl is too funny! Today, Dustin and I went to church, ate at Lujan's with a few couples from our class, then I went to a Stampin' Up party. Like I said, it's been busy, but fun! Here are some pictures from last night.

MY CLOTHES ARE SHRINKING!

I don't know if anyone is with me, but with each change of season, I excitedly go to my closet to get all of my clothes out for that season. But to no avail, half of them seem to have SHRUNK! I just wonder in disbelief how the closet really shrinks your clothes??!! I've had a rough morning with clothes...they all seem to tight, and nothing seems to work with the season (it's cold in the morning and too warm for sweaters in the afternoon). Anyone agree??