When things are good

This last weekend was one that will go down in history.

Filled to the brim with family, football, friends and new babies, I can't think of a better way to have spent Thanksgiving weekend.

First things first...as per tradition, my family celebrated Thanksgiving day with my second family - the Bardens. In the Barden's lovely back lawn we enjoyed fried turkey, ham, chicken and steak, every traditional Thanksgiving side you could name AND six or seven desserts. My plate literally looked like a sampler platter. I couldn't eat for days.

These little ones are the next generation of the Barden clan. Of course, the big guy's my brother AND one of my very favorite people, my roommate Rubey, joined the Schmale fam this Thanksgiving.

Believe it or not, Rubey (my favorite Longhorn) and I even managed to stay friends after the beautiful Lonestar Showdown (tu vs tamu). We'll let her stick around.

Next up, a fabulous weekend in Dallas!

A new fiance to the six chicks, Evan, planned a surprise proposal and engagement party for THE Sarah Vierling. Five of the six of us made it to the celebration.

Our commitment to one another showed at a new level this trip - Claire joined us on webcam from Cali for the evening. Watching Brooke carry her around was nearly as entertaining as Sarah and Evan's arrival.

I'm so so thankful for Evan. I really have the best friends in the world, so a man's got to be pretty great to deserve any one of them. Evan absolutely is. June 2010 can't come soon enough!

Finally, I got to spend so much quality time with the Heltons this weekend. I love this new mom and dad more than I can express.

My photos of their beautiful daughter will have to come in another post, but for now I'll let you enjoy photos of Brice's OUTSTANDING football team.

I'd never been to a six man football game before, let alone a semi-final six man football game. So I was STOKED to be around when the Knights defeated those mean 'ol Hawks on the road to STATE!

Saturday, Dec 5 Dallas Covenant Knights will take on Greenville Christian Eagles for the State title and I couldn't be more proud.

Welp, that's all I have for now. Thanks for sticking around for this marathon post. When I look back over this one I'll remember how great I have it. I'm so well loved by so many amazing people.