Magical Evening

We were blessed with such a magical evening last night. Lately we've been making Friday evenings family night.  I'll pack up the kids and head up to Daddy's office and we'll all go out to dinner.  Last night we decided to try something different and went to find out what Ice Cutters Christmas was all about. We headed north to the Silver Star Ranch and were greeted as if we were old family friends. A warm inviting bonfire was roaring outside the barn.  





Inside was beautifully decorated for Christmas and full of yummy sweet and salty treats and hot chocolate.



We arrived around 7:30 and they scooted us outside where a crowd was gathering to watch Jay Maclaskey entertain with a live ice sculpture carving. In less than 30 minutes, using a chain saw and an ice pick he transformed a 300 pound block of ice into jolly old St. Nick.  The kids in the front of the crowd would scream with delight as the ice shavings would sprinkle over their heads.  

There were goats, sheep, ponies and a big Texas longhorn in the stables.  


A jingle bell hayride pulled by a big red tractor got us up close and personal with the light displays at the back of the ranch. They had a craft table for making personalized Christmas ornaments and a snow ball battlefield where the big kids battled it out. No lines, no big crowds, it truly felt like it was just us and a few good friends. 

If you are in or around the Montgomery, Texas area (near The Woodlands & Conroe) you have got to take the time to check out Ice Cutters Christmas. They are open Friday & Saturday nights from 6 pm - 10 pm.  It's $5 per person and kids 6 and under are free!  It's nights like these that I hope the kids will remember as fondly as we do. 

Snow Much Fun!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here - we even had snow last week which is almost unheard of around here!  It was fun to watch the kids enjoy the wonder of the cold.  What was not fun was to try to get four opinionated two year olds (who see no need for things such as socks, hats, coats, pants) bundled up for only a couple of cold wet minutes of play.  My hats off to you mamas north of us who do this day in and day out all winter long - what a job!  Other Christmas traditions we enjoyed this week; hot cocoa with jumbo marshmallows, butternut squash soup, decorating the tree together, redecorating the tree alone and taking family Christmas photos.  What a fun time of year this is, especially through the eyes of three boys and a little girl!  

Snow Much Fun from Mari Goerlich on Vimeo.

Thursday's Truth

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.  

Psalm 34:4-6 (NLT)