Congratulations

to Kellen & Becca for having twins this week!

They are super cute and, from what we hear, mom & dad each got a tiny version of themselves!

I can't wait to see more of these little guys!

Avery Clarke & Maddux Jett

Check out Kellen's blog to see a more in-depth view of the events surrounding these two little ones.

Etsy, eat your heart out.

You aint got nothin on Mamaw's house!

We spent Christmas Eve at my mom's house, Christmas Day with Bryan's family, and the Day after Christmas at my dad's.

And then there was this:

Norwoods in the Big D

Bryan and I, thanks to Jared and Brandy's incredibly gracious offer for us to come, got to go to Dallas this weekend! We haven't seen those guys in a year and were thrilled to get to go! We really had a great time visiting and meeting Henry (who I've already asked God to clone when it's my turn to be a mom--seriously--- I have).

I also had a fantastic time playing with him while we took pictures on Saturday. He is so stinkin cute and really cooperative. What more could you ask for?

We love love love you guys! Your friendship has meant so much to us over the last few years! Thank you so much for having us come! Bran, I'm working on the rest of the photos, but until you get them all, I'd like to share a few pics of your cute family with the world!

Bring Me Back Something French

While Bryan and I watched Home Alone, I channeled my inner Martha and busted out a cutie stocking for our office Christmas party this Friday!

Everyone is supposed to make a stocking to put a gift inside of so the stocking essentially becomes the wrapping paper! How fun, I can't wait to see what everyone else does!

A Festivus Miracle

We got new hub caps!

I also learned how to make Gumbo yesterday! Delicious... I think I'll go have some now. Miracle's everywhere!!

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful

But the view from my work window is delightful?--- wait... that's not how that song goes!

It's snowing here! SNOWING!



Maybe we'll all get to go home early today?! If I do, I'll make a snow angel and a snow man and snow balls!!!
Hope you are having a snow-tastic day!

D/A Christmas Party

Our office's Christmas Open House was last night. It was a lot of fun. We invited all of our significant others, clients, reps, and other architects around town and had a good time eating and drinking and chatting! It almost makes setting everything up over the weekend well worth it! Just Kidding! It was worth it!

Lindsey & me

The 'light boxes' that Lindsey and I had to get inside of to put together!!! They lined everyone's work area in the studio... 10 or 12 in all I think.

The Cakes

Light was this year's theme... and what better medium for architects to use than Light?

Time for an Update

Bryan's trip was great! He made it home safely with only minor jet lag. He brought me a cook book so we'll have to try out some kiwi recipes.

Last weekend Lexie, Parker and I went to some Christmas events! I went by the Capitol to see some singers from my mom's church and then we all went to the Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree. I don't know what Parker was expecting, but he was THRILLED that it was actually a tree made out of people that sang. He thought 'singing Christmas tree' was the name of the event.

We also hung out outside on the coldest night we've had yet. We were all numb but excited about the cold!

Last weekend I was able to go to Starkville to help my sweet friend Katey work on their nursery. We got some fabric chosen, hung the curtains, and arranged the furniture! There are a few things left to do but I think it's coming along really well! I didn't think Katey would mind me putting up a couple of pictures. They are totally preliminary, but I think everything is cute! Her goal was 'Sweet as a Baby, Cute as Pie, you know, Makes you wanna Gag' So with that motivation we are doing blue and brown (Brandy, does this appeal to you at all? :) ) And lots and lots of fabric and plush.

I have also recently taken Christmas Pictures for one of my mom's friend's little girl. She is so sweet and we got some really cute ones. This is the one they decided on for their Christmas card. The Card company liked the picture so much they asked if they could put it up on their gallery page on their website! Check it out here... click on the Christmas tab at the left side and it's one of the first ones on the page! You'll see this picture and the title 'Waiting for Santa' on the card!

In one more major event... Bryan and I will be heading to Texas next weekend to visit Brandy, Jared, Henry, and Rahab! They are so gracious and generous to offer to bring us out there and to let us stay with them! We LOVE you guys and can't wait to see you and meet Henry next week! You can be sure I'll be snapping photos of their little one all weekend!

"Twinkle, Twinkle" says Bryan's office.

Dear Bryan's Office,

Your BFF will be home soon, but until then, I hope the Christmas Cheer I've imparted to you will suffice.

Yours Truly,

Ashley

P.S. You look pretty classy in that bow tie!

A Letter to My Love

Dear Mr. Norwood,

I miss you!

I hope you are having a fantastic time in New Zealand this week. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

I can't wait until you are home again and we can be together!

I love you!

Yours Truly,
Your Wife

Decorations and Dumplings!

I got up a little momentum yesterday and decorated for Christmas!!! I love the holidays and I love seeing Christmas decorations for as long as possible!

All the decorations aren't out yet, but I'm pretty excited about the ones that are!

I also learned a new recipe: Dumplings! Thanks for teaching me Jitin.

There was a dumpling bar called 'Rickshaw' in New York and I have been craving it since I left. They were delicious!

Globe Trekker Update: Bryan is off to New Zealand today. He'll be gone for a week presenting a paper. I'm so proud of him! Grad school applications are going well, from what I can tell. Schools getting applications will be: Columbia, Stony Brook, Penn State, Northwestern Univ., Univ. of Chicago, Yale, Boston College, Boston University, Vanderbilt... I think there's one more but I can't remember. All moms take a deep breath, it doesn't look like we'll be heading to London next year.