On Being A Carr

JC and I have been married for almost 17 years. JC is the oldest of three boys. This weekend was another of those times that I was able to walk away from the events and realize just how lucky we are to have each other and our Carr family. We might not see each other often enough and may all do different things in life, but we all love each other. It was SO SO SO nice to spend time with our family this weekend. Jeff and his brothers have a very special bond. I feel like they are both my brothers and I know that if I ever needed help, I would call them. I love their wives and most especially love all of the little Carr children. It was so heart warming for me to watch the 7 grandkids run and play together just as if they have been together everyday of their lives. Oh how I am thankful for these people.

What mother wouldn't be proud of these boys? And besides, they are all pretty hot!!!


Carr daughter-in-laws and grandkids.

And how about the fact that all of these grandkids can pass for siblings!

Birfday

Sunday was my birthday. We were super duper busy doing family things for the wedding all weekend. I did get treated to a very nice dinner out Sunday night. Cathy and Steve (Jeff's mom and husband) were in town and flying out of Austin Monday morning. They took us all out to dinner - MY CHOICE!!! I didn't really know where to go...we went to Shady Grove, but it was a 45 min. wait...which is not a good idea with 4 kids - so we ended up at Uncle Billies Brew-B-Que. The food was good, the company was even better and it was just nice to get to do something with my family on my birthday. THANK YOU CATHY AND STEVE!!!

Stargrazer Ranch

The reception was held at the Stargrazer Ranch. This is the Leach family ranch (bride's parents) that is around the corner from the church - just minutes away from Schulenberg, Texas.

This is probably one of the most beautiful receptions I've ever been to. The ranch sits on many acres. In addition to a large tent, the family home and barn were also used for mingling and visiting with family and friends.

Upon arriving at the ranch, we were greeted by a three piece Texas Swing band that was playing all of the classics.


We enjoyed cocktail hour while having many delicious appetizers. The weather was perfect and the ranch was just beautiful! At some point, they rang the dinner bell and we all made our way to the tent. Oh my - it was SO beautiful inside. Our six were seated at the 'squirrel' table with Jeff's cousin. I was breaking my neck to try and see everything that was in this portable reception building. First of all, it was air conditioned and had wood floors. There were so many beautiful flowers. Everywhere - hanging from the ceiling, on the tables, on the couches - everywhere you looked more beautiful flowers. And the food - oh my! It was done in a buffet style with many different stations. Beef tenderloin, salad area, fresh veggies and mushrooms being sauteed right when you asked. Crab cakes being made while you waited, oh - it was ALL so so so good. All of our kids ate caviar too. This was offered at the avocado bar - where you got a half of pitted avocado and you could dress it with any of the sides that were available! It was so so so good!

Queen of Painted Churches

The beautiful wedding was held at the 'Queen of Painted Churches' St. Mary's Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas. This church is truly breath taking. The church was blessed in 1906 and the final decoration artwork, wall decorations and ceiling decorations were completed in 1912. What a beautiful background for a wedding!

I Thee Wed

This weekend was the big wedding weekend for the Carr Family. Our dear Chris married his love Margot in a beautiful, elegant, country wedding. I have SO much to blog about this weekend that I don't know where to start.

I'll start with my Carr kids. I am SO proud of all four of them! They were all so well behaved and well mannered. They were perfect for me as I was alone in getting them ready for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. They were perfect in the church and when meeting all of the family and friends. And to top it off, they all looked great!

Big thank you's to Liz and Terry for letting us borrow a suit, a dress, and some cowgirl boots! Love you girls!

Halloween Fun

Another great night of Halloween fun. Started the night on Yandall at the big party. All of the usual suspects with delicious food and the very best of friends. Then for a walk through their 'hood to get the loot! After a while, we came back to our 'hood to see what the neighbors had to offer! Fun was had by all!



We have this family tradition of sorting and swapping candy as soon as we get home. We also let them eat as much candy as they want this one night of the year. #1 said that he wasn't feeling well when he went to bed. I'm thinking they will ALL need to eat LOTS AND LOTS of veggie tomorrow! :)

Strong Women

I have been thinking a lot lately about our family legacy. As I spent the last nine days with my grandmommy, her three daughters (my mom and aunts) and their grown daughters (my cousins), I was constantly aware of the similarities between each of us. My grandmommy is the person responsible for these things. The gifts that she has given each of us are far too many to name. Some of these gifts include strong faith in God, unconditional love of family, open mindedness, love of self, strength to overcome tough situations and the desire to always put family first.

I overheard my Aunt Marcella say on more than one occasion "I could have never done this without my sisters and my girls." And even though my grandmommy is fighting that horrible Alzheimer monster, she is still able to express concern for her children when they are in need - in this case, it was my aunt losing her husband.

My grandmommy instilled in each of us the 'I CAN DO ANYTHING' attitude. She loved her family, took care of her husband, worked hard and still had time to help her neighbor.

Although it was under a sad and stressful situation, I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend this last week with the women in my family. I was able to watch them all love each other and take care of each other (and me too) - with no questions asked. What a beautiful group of women.

I am so thankful!

P.S. The only thing that could've made it better is if you were with us too Niecie! We missed you!!!