Computer doctor

hopefully my computer is being looked at by the California Apple minions as we speak. My macbook was making a random popping noise, which is never a good sign, especially in reference to computers. I have apple care for it, so may as well have is sent off for a diagnosis right? I told Claire we were going to the computer doctor when I took her to the the Genius Bar appointment with me. She was pretty impressed with the apple store...“Can we have this?” And “maybe this one mom?”. 

But the best part by far was when we were walking back to the car and Claire says “we’re best friends, right mom?” Heart melted. “It’s fun going shopping together mom, we should do it again” :)

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Parent/Teacher Conference

Here's some feedback Ross and I got during parent/teacher conferences for both girls today:

*Claire is getting more cunning and sneaky. She pushes the limits when she perceives the teacher isn't looking (YEP!)
*Claire and Paige have a lot of similar traits but Claire is more outgoing and extraverted in a group of people, whereas Paige takes some time to warm up to others
*Both nuggets are challenged with "using listening ears" at times
*C is learning how to work out her problems with friends without always running to the teacher to resolve
*They're encouraging Paige to talk and discover new words
*C knows simple addition! 1+1 up to 1+5 :)
*P tries to avoid her veggies at school too
*P no longer uses pull-ups at nap time.
*C is always looking out for P at school

They are going to be a different schools in 2019, waaaaaaaa!

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First show!

I took Claire on a date to see “beauty and the beast” at the Hobby center. She behaved so well and asked lots of good questions afterwards.

"Mom is that the REAL beast?"

Claire was so excited to dress fancy and kept telling me not to tell Paige we were going.

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Running Errands

Claire was insistent on putting on her workout clothes Saturday morning. I agree Claire Bear, you never know when an impromptu workout opportunity might present itself. But, in this case it was pouring outside? when I asked her again why she wanted to wear athletic clothes Claire says, "So we can run to errands mom"

She took "Gotta Run Errands" literally. We do have some hard-to-explain sayings in the English language, don't we?!

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Driving Around

We got a side-by-side for the ranch a few years ago, but I was in the midst of having babies, so I haven't gotten to enjoy it much. But now that we have a house (a toilet!!!) all that changes :)

I took these little nuggets on a "Dora mystery adventure" around the ranch while Aunt D and Granna snuck a little siesta and while the boys handled the deer meat. We had a great time!

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Full Moon

Check out the colors of this full moon, as seen from the ranch. No light pollution out in the middle of nowhere!

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Exterior of Ranch House

Here are some exterior pictures of the ranch house. Hint, it's GREEN! :)

The house is built up on a hill overlooking the property. The porch may be my favorite part. There wasa pretty big drop off (couple feet) but the builder brought out dirt to create a gradual incline/decline rather than putting up a railing.. After all it's all about the unobstructed views (and the safety of 4 little girls).

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Huebel Ranch

Check out some pictures from our weekend at the HH Ranch!

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Thanksgiving

I’m still getting back into the post-holiday groove. Good thing Christmas is only 3 weeks away!

We celebrated thanksgiving at Adan and Danielle’s new house just outside of San Antonio and then we drove to the ranch. Big news, the ranch house is 99% complete. Y’all we have a potty and a shower out there now!! 2 potties!! More pictures of the house to come.

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Into a new week

May your Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday look like this:

And less like this:

Oh happy [Mon]day!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone enjoys this Thanksgiving holiday week, hopefully spending time with family and/or friends.

Mom Huebel sent this article to us last week and it was a great "pre holiday season" kind of read. Here's the closing quote, which I loved-

 “There’s just so much build-up and pressure to create the perfect memory or at least the perfect Instagram post that we’re missing the moment. This year let’s ditch the perfect and just be present.”

 I'll have some turkey with a side of mindfulness :) Yes, Please!

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Brrrr

It is 40 degrees outside right now... in Houston, TX. What?! We had a fire in the fireplace which we only do a handful of times a year. I'm breaking out all my Alaska sweaters which have been dormant in my closet. I hope these November chills stick around for the holidays...

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Natalie is a Partner!

My good friend Natalie got named a parter at her law firm today and I'm just so excited for her!!

Here's the official Baker Botts announcement and a Facebook post from her brother Xavi and another from her husband Chris.

So proud of my hard working little sister, Natalie Alfaro Gonzales. Baker Botts LLP has promoted her to Partner! When our parents grew up they were migrant farm workers. They knew they never wanted that life for their children. Our parents never let us forget where they came from. They made sure we were raised to thank God for our gifts, to work hard everyday and to know that education is freedom. Natalie has always lived by those values. My parents and all of our family are so proud of what she has accomplished.  Congratulations, little sister! I love you!

I wanted to say congratulations to my beautiful wife Natalie for being promoted to partner! You are the most hard working, talented, and dedicated lawyer that I know and it looks like Baker Botts feels the same way. You deserve the world!

So proud of you Natalie! What a huge accomplishment!

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My girls

I mean, these two little girls!!! :)

My heart melts...

LOVEEEEEEE

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Feeling Thankful

Friday marked the fifth year that we have been missing Ross's dad, Lee Huebel. As we remember him and his "too soon kind of passing", we remember how fragile life can be and the importance of making the most of the time we have. Here's a couple quotes that we have been reflecting on this week:

“Life is short, and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts of those who travel the way with us. Oh, be swift to love!  Make haste to be kind.”

"The days are long, but the years are short"

These have both really resonated with me. My hope is that we can all head into this holiday season a bit more mindful of the things that matter most!

I have to share these pictures from 2009... 

1. So fitting that we still enjoy a fine meal around the holidays in memory of Lee Huebel. He loved the whole experience, especially "taste testing" everyones food :)

2. We (Ross) now lives in a girl girl world at our house. I guarantee Christmas has shifted from what they looked like in the past at the Huebel house and I'm pretty sure Lee Huebel would be mighty ok with that. Out with the speckled goose decoys that Ross and his dad could gift each other and in with the dress-up clothes and dolls! 

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PJ's

It's going to be a "light week" in the blogosphere due to some work commitments, but have no fear I just bought matching holiday PJ's for our family. That way we can keep you on your toes trying to determine a) which jammies we went with and b) Ross's level of involvement in this whole PJ thing.... Better stay tuned!

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Snow White and Sailor Girl

I mean we all know why Claire wanted to be Snow White- Danielle Aldrich (!!) looks like snow white and dresses as Snow White for Halloween so .... Claire wanted to do the same thing :)

Paige is a sailor wearing Mommy's old outfit from 20 years ago! :)

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J&D Rehearsal

Y'all these pictures are horrible, I'm blaming it on the lack of light in the brewery. That being said, I'm still posting because these are literally the only pictures I got in Memphis. Don't worry, the real professional photographers took over for the big day :)

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Baby Elena

My good friend Noelle is due to have a baby girl, named Elena, in December. We celebrated with a "Oh Baby" Shower this weekend. Elena is so loved already!

Noelle and her Mother in Law

Momma Gilda, Noelle, and Sister Angelle

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Inspiration Monday

Because let’s face it, it is Monday and some inspirational words can help us all attack this day!

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Book Recommendation

I'm reading a motivational/self-help book, specifically for ladies, and it's awesome. The book refers to Mom'ing, working, wife'ing, and friend'ing. I would totally recommend it if one of those categories speaks to you! And let's be honest, sometimes it just good to hear some "Yes, you Cans" from someone outside your inner circle, right?! :)

Book:"Girl Wash your Face" by Rachel Hollis

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Huebel Pumpkins

Nothing says Fall has arrived like Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes, ugg boots, comfy sweaters, and... the pumpkin patch! I think it was 95 degrees the day we went and it felt anything but Fall in that moment. But we still had fun :)

This picture just makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Sista, I would follow you anywhere.

Girl on a Mission.

Paige wanted to buy every pumpkin in the place.

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