Family Tradition: Christmas In July!!

Our family is quite, er, extended.  My loved ones span from Van, TX to Houston, to Nashville.  And while I'm so thankful and blessed to have such a large, amazing family, I used to begin stressing over who we were going to spend the holidays with, um, around October 1st every year.  I'm talking tears people.  I would cry because I wanted to see everyone, and not hurt anyone's feelings, and not miss out on my uncle acting like a fool at the Christmas Eve party, and what about my sisters and my mom?, and oh yeah, I have to include my husband's family in that mix now too, because I love them all, and we have so much fun on Thanksgiving staying up all night cooking, and whew!  It was exhausting!

So in 2009, my Dad and Step-Mom, being the creative and thoughtful teachers they are, came up with a new family tradition for the Crawford's.  They knew the holidays were busy and stressful for all of us "kids", so from that year on, we would start celebrating our Crawford family Christmas in July!

We were leery of the new tradition at first, I will admit.  Comments included, but were not limited to the following:
"Really?  We are committing to spending 4th of July with you guys, like, forever? (eye roll) I mean, what are we going to do in Hide-Away for a whole weekend?"
and "Don't you realize that's a HUGE lake weekend in Austin?"

But despite our hesitation, we decided to try it out.  And since my parents are incapable of half-way doing ANYTHING, when we arrived at the house for our 1st annual Christmas in July, I wasn't at all surprised to see holiday decorations covering my childhood home, including an ornament adorned Christmas tree and yard decor!  It was pretty funny!

They also set some rules for our new family tradition: (Here they are, in case you would like to start your own!)

• Hand Made- All gifts that we brought must be hand made or "passed down".   The "kids" can not buy gifts for anyone
• Theme Gifts and Meals- gifts given by the parents may or may not be based on a theme (EX: one year the theme was: As seen on TV).  Also, each year a different couple is in charge of a meal theme of their choice. (Ex: BBQ, Mexican, Swedish, etc.)
• White Envelope: Every year my dad reads this story, and we all cry, then open our own white envelopes that were placed on the tree.  If you get a chance, read the origin of this amazing tradition of thinking of others and giving back during the holiday season.  
• The Gold Box- Each couple receives a gold box that holds our "big gift" of the year.  But the only way you get the Gold Box, is to come to Christmas in July.  If you can't make it, you are out of luck.  And trust me people, after that first year, we realized that we NEVER wanted to miss out on the Gold Box :)
• Activities- There will be activities planned for the weekend, and while we would love for you to participate in all of them, you are not required to. (Again, my parents are teachers, so our first three years were full of scavenger hunts, ornament making, golf, zip-lining, and watching fireworks)
• Cousin's Camp (for the future)- When/if grand babies come along, when it comes time to leave at the end of 4th of July weekend, the grand kids get to stay behind for the following week to give mom and dad a break be completely and thoroughly spoiled by their grand parents.  (This one merited another eye roll and eyebrows raised on our part)

Here are some pics from the first 3 years of Christmas in July (Please note the ridiculous shirts that my parents had made for us.  I'm well aware of the fact that we look like a bowling team.  The next year, Justin and I were in charge of the shirts, and the following year we were able to talk them out of it completely, THANK GOD!)

2009

2010

2011

In 2012 we talked my parents in having a "Destination Christmas in July: New Braunfels".  It was such a BLAST!  There were no decorations and no gifts, but the Christmas spirit was in our hearts :)  We went to Gruene Hall, Schlitterbahn, put our butts in the river, and chilled in the hot tub.  Perfect 4th of July weekend!

2012

Which brings us to this year!  "Destination Christmas in July: San Diego" Since my brother, Rik, lives in San Diego, it was only fair that we give him a break, and fly to visit his fabulous city!  Can I just say...if I couldn't live in Austin, I would want to live in San Diego!  That place is absolutely AMAZING, and I was already planning trips to come back in my head before we had even left!  It didn't hurt that the house we stayed in was KILLER AWESOME!  And since the minimum you could rent the home for was a week (aw, shucks), we got to spend 6 fabulous days soaking in the California sun and visiting with my crazy family.  We spent the majority of our time hanging out in the oasis that was our back yard, but we also enjoyed bike riding to Mission Beach, laying on the Beach, cooking a TON, and playing cards.  It was perfect.

Merry Christmas, Yall!  It just keeps getting better :)  

'Till next year!!

The beautiful backyard at our beach house!

2013

Life's a Beach: Cobb Family Vacation!

I'm aware of the fact that the norm for relationships with in-law's is usually...well...cordial.  I, however, have hit the family jackpot with mine :)  I consider my mother-in-law, Judy, and sister-in-law, Nicole, not only family, but two of my dear friends.  And I absolutely ADORE the rest of the family too.  Therefore, whenever the opportunity arises for us to take a family vacation I'm ecstatic!

Love her <3

So at the end of June, I hopped a plane from Tennessee, straight to Houston to join the Cobb/Hrabovsky/Walsh family for a week in Galveston!  Our beach house was precious and perfect in every way.  It seemed like the owners had hired a large family of rowdy kids and crazy adults to stay at their vacation house and said, "Tell us everything you would want/need to have the perfect vacation."  And then they added all the things!  Everything from perfectly placed hooks to hang stuff on, to every gadget, nick-knack, and appliance you could ever ask for.  Trust me.  If you ever go to Galveston, you want to stay here!  They even turned the master bedroom into a kids' paradise full of bunk beds and video games!
(P.S. if this is a real job, I would like to apply!)

I didn't take any pics that would do the house justice, so here it the link to the photos and rental info from VRBO.  Check it OUT!

We had a wonderful, relaxing week full of lazing around at the beach, eating and drinking everything in sight, bonfires, and playing with Baby Madison.  My sweet brother-in-law Gavin and nephews Richard and Daniel kept us on our toes and we were constantly laughing.  I forgot what it was like to be in a house full of boys, so it brought back memories of living with my brothers...except I didn't fight with Richard, Daniel and Gavin and constantly try to get them in trouble.  Justin brought a sombrero (don't ask), so the boys made the choice to refer to him as "Manuel" for the entire trip.  I laughed out loud every time, because I'm obviously 10 years old.

Our house was a 2 min. walk to the water, so we literally had a mini compound set up on the beach.  Think 4 huge tents connected to each other and filled with a multitude of coolers, chairs, beach toys, streamers and towels, complete with a baby pool and Massive Sand Castle the size of a Prius.  Seriously.  I'm confident that when people walked by, they were jealous! Or thought we were homeless and lived on the beach.  

This girl holds my heart!

Bonfire, compound, and a little fishing

Fun on the beach!

The Beginnings of the compound-The Beginnings of the sandcastle-Part of the family
(Notice the streamer.  Seriously people.  We were not playing around.)

One of Judy's main goals on this vacation was to take family pictures one evening, right around sunset so the lighting would be perfect.  Unfortunately we herded the cats assembled the troops about 30 min. too early.  Luckily everyone (but me) was able to adjust their eyes accordingly to deal with the sun.  I, however, resemble a pirate in approximately 100% of the photos taken, with one eye either half-way or completely closed at all times.  Awesome.  Also, I'm not sure why, but in situations like this that involve large groups, I automatically go into frantic "Teacher on picture day" mode, shouting commands like, "Walk that way and turn around and look at the camera!" or, "Put your hand on her shoulder...no not like that, like this!"  I moved people to where I thought they should be standing and at one point I may or may not have licked my finger and removed a smudge from a grown adult's face.  (And then after all that I was the kid that ruined the picture.)  But the pictures turned out great! Mission Accomplished!

Argh!

Wild Crew

This was one of my favorites!  Madison just happened to look over just at the right time!

Thank you Judy and Andrew for a fantastic Family Vacation!  I look forward to many more in the future!  I'm ending this post with two pictures we took right before we left.  These are the most special to me because all week long, Madison wouldn't let Justin or me hold her-AT ALL.  Then, right before we walked out the door, by the grace of God, she suddenly was ok with it!  Love this girl so much!!

Summer of 2013: All You Need is Love. And a Dog.

I'm a firm believer that people come into your life for different reasons.
This story is a perfect example:

In 2011, I knocked on my new neighbor's door, to invite her to a jewelry show at my house.  We had never met, so I knew it was a long shot, but I wanted to extend some neighborly love.  To my surprise, she ended up coming over, and we became instant friends.  Natalie soon introduced me to her husband, Logan, and informed me that they were pregnant with their first baby.  Then, I had the pleasure of meeting their sweet lab.

Meet Cab!

Hey Buddy!

I'm a big time dog lover, and I instantly fell in love with this 120 lb. ball of energy.  I mean, he was massive and when he jumped up, he was as tall as I am...and I freaking LOVED IT!  Anytime Natalie and Logan had to go out of town, I would look forward to taking care of this good boy.

Unfortunately, earlier this year, they told me they were going to have to find a new home for Cab.  They were traveling too much, and with the new baby, they weren't able to give him the time and attention that he needed.  So I immediately started brainstorming about who I knew, that could give this sweet big dog the perfect new home.  I don't know why I felt the need to take part in this transition, but I just did.  I loved him like he was my own dog for crying out loud!

After running it by Justin, (and truly considering taking him!), we decided a third dog would just be too much in our house.  Over the next month or so, there were multiple people who were interested, however when they saw how big he was and how much energy he had, they decided against it.

One day I was taking care of Cab and I was on the phone with my mom, who lives in Nashville, TN.  I have definitely developed my love of animals through her.  She has had labs pretty much since I was a little girl, as well as any other dogs and cats that wonder onto their 5 acre property.  She lives on a quiet street in a historic home, on what used to be a horse farm.  You can literally feel her love for these animals, and if I was a dog and happened to walk by this place...I would quickly want to make it my home too.  Her last lab passed away over a year ago, and a new one hadn't come across her path yet.  Until now.  The conversation went like this:

"Mom, I'm taking care of this sweet lab, and I'm so sad because the owners have to find him a new home.  But, I've been thinking, and I really feel like the reason he hasn't found a new home yet is because he is YOUR dog.  I really feel like you two are meant for each other."

(Mom laughing) "Really?  He sounds so sweet!  I just don't know how I would be able to get him here."

"If you want this guy, I will drive Cab to Tennessee to bring him home to you."

"Ok, well, let me think about it."

At that point I hung up and said a prayer.  I don't know why, but I knew from the bottom of my heart, that Cab was my mom's dog.  I just had to hope that my step-dad would be on board with the decision.  

About 10 min. later, she called me back.  She told me that as soon as we got off the phone she started to tell my step dad the story about Cab.  She never said that I mentioned that he should come live in TN, nor that I had offered to drive him to them.  When she was finished, my step-dad looked at her and said,

"Lisa, that's our dog.  That dog belongs here with us.  You tell Tavia that if she can get him here, we will buy her a plane ticket home." 

I started crying I was so excited and I immediately started planning when and how I was going to make the 13 hour drive from TX to TN with a massive, 120 lb. lab.  

It actually worked out perfectly.  I rented a car for the day my sisters were scheduled to leave TX.  We were going to put Kathryn on the plane, and Jacqueline had decided to make the road trip with me.  I was pumped!  

So when the day came, we loaded the car, Natalie said her good byes to Cab, and we headed on our way!  (I could tell that Justin was sad to see Cab go too, and part of me thought he was going to say cancel the whole thing...we are keeping that dog!)

On the Road!  

He spent the majority of the trip with his front paws and head on the center console.  Sweet guy!

I enjoyed passing the time, singing and chatting with Jacqueline, and Cab.  He would constantly put his nose on the console, or his paw on Jacqueline's shoulder.  He had no idea what was going on, but he was happy to be with us :)

Two days and 920 miles later, we finally arrived!  There was enough dog hair in the back seat to build a puppy, and my butt was killing me...But when he jumped out of that car, and started running around the property, it was all worth it!
When my mom and Cab met, it was pretty much love at first sight and Cab was HOME!!!

Hey Y'all!

Playing Fetch

Best Friends

Doggie Heaven

The kittens LOVED him!

All American Boy

Cab now spends his days running, swimming in the creek, playing in the hose with my step-dad, cuddling with kittens, playing fetch, and going on 2 mile long walks a day.  He lost 12 lbs the first month that he was with my mom because he was getting so much exercise, and I'm pretty sure he is the happiest dog in the world.  Mission Accomplished!!!

So Happy!

Thank you Lord, for bringing Cab into our lives, Natalie and Logan, for giving him to my mom, Jacqueline for making the road trip with me, and thank you Mom, for giving him the perfect new home.

Now that's what I call a Happy Ending!

Summer of 2013 Part 3: Hey Girl, Hey!

On Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Austin, Tx got a little bit louder.  I was so excited to welcome not just one, but BOTH of my beautiful sisters to fly down from Nashville, TN to stay with us for a week!  Last summer, Jacqueline came to visit and it was one of the most memorable weeks ever.  So I was really looking forward to getting to share my wonderful city with Kathryn for the first time, and make Jacqueline fall in love with Austin even more.  Seriously, I started planning this trip in like, January!  

I can't explain how important and special these times are for me.  Since my sisters live with my mom and step-dad in Nashville, I hardly ever get to see them.  However, luckily over the past few years we have been able to spend some quality time together, and grow closer.  There is honestly nothing in this world like having sisters.  I love these girls so much that I tear up when I think about them, and I feel like they are some of my best friends in the whole world.  I would do pretty much anything for them.

Therefore, I was looking forward to showing them a good time in the ATX...

Our week was full of shopping, eating, floating, eating, shopping, movies, and concerts.  Needless to say, I think it was a success!!!

They each received a gift basket in their rooms when they arrived :)

We did some Shopping on South Congress

Visited good ol' TX State (She's a natural bobcat y'all!)

 ADPi Love!  

Tap Room.  Nothing like a side of cigarette smoke with your burger!

No trip to Austin is complete without  floating the RIVER!

 We ended the week at the Randy Rogers concert!  So fun!!  

(P.S. I love that Kathryn is throwing her arm up in every picture.  She is totally my sister!  Haha!)

Fun Girls

Chillin with the Randy Rogers Band

I have to say, that my goal is to convince them to move to Texas!!!  Just get here already girls!

So, usually when a close friend or family member leaves I get really sad, but I didn't have to this time because I knew I was about to spend another week with them in Nashville!  

(Stay tuned for the next blog post!)  

Needless to say, I knew Justin was looking forward to a little peace and quiet :).  

Summer of 2013 Part 2: And so, it Begins

The weekend after school was out was pretty much an eventful, action packed, great jump start to summer.

It went a little something like this:

Saturday:  Hunter's Graduation in Houston.  Congrats Hunter!
I don't have a pic with Hunter in it, but I do have a fabulous pic with my beautiful niece, Madison and my sister-in-law, Nicole.

She currently holds my heart!

Sunday: Momford and Son's Concert in Austin

Blankets on the lawn, bare feet, cold drinks, and great friends= Perfect start of the Summer!

Good People

Monday: Wine Tour in Fredericksburg

There's a bit of a story to go with this one.  I set up this wine tour MONTHS in advance.  People took off work, schedules were re-arranged, and baby sitters were hired.  Yet the day of the tour...our limo company STOOD US UP!!!  I was dumbfounded.  I mean, HOW RUDE!!  So with 10 thirsty people at my house, (and no one jumping up to volunteer to be the Designated Driver), I was about to break down.  Luckily, my super organized, problem solving friend Kara went into Manager mode and started calling other companies.  She pretty much saved the day, and before we could say, "Mimosa", a super cheesy stretch Hummer was pulling in to our cul-de-sac on a Monday morning, to take us on a fun filled vino extravaganza.  Crisis averted!  Thanks for being a grown up and taking care of business Kara!

Subtle...

Love these crazy people

"Everybody do something funny in front of this winery...cause that's normal."

Panoramic

Now if I could only learn how to NOT join a wine club on every one of these things, I'll be set.

The summer was not off to a bad start!!!