Half Marathon, Here We Come!

It must be a good thing that I splurged on a new pair of running shoes recently, because Blake and I are officially signed up for the San Antonio Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in November!  

Not exactly sure what we are getting ourselves into, but I'm looking forward to training to get in shape to make this half happen.  I trained for one in the past and then ended up having to have a follow up knee surgury so I didn't get to run my race.  I'm glad to have Blake by my side to train and hopefully run with.  A few of my girlfriends are also going to be running.  Should be nice to have a few others to train with as well.

Now we just need these 105 degree temps to drop so we can find some cooler weather to run in.  It was still 100 outside when we finnished our run at 8:30pm last night!  (Note to self: don't eat dinner and go run in 100 degree weather)

Any tips or advice on training is more than welcome!  My sister's (she's a seasoned half marathoner) best advice was to strength train as well as get a super cute outfit to run in day of! :) Love her!

Wish me luck!

Second Honeymoon

Here I go on catching you up on life as of lately....

At the end of May, B and I traveled to St. Lucia to celebrate our first anniversary.  The trip came at the perfect time for us where we were both needing a break from work and the business that comes with the day to day hustle and bustle.  We were so grateful for a week full of relaxation!  We nearly missed our connection after sprinting through the Atlanta airport.  Once we arrived, we were in full on vacation mode complete with all inclusive food, drinks and activities.  No pressure, no problem.  (A local idiom that we quickly adopted).

St. Lucia was beautiful!  Above you can see the famous Pitons peaking out of the palm trees.  The island was so lush and green.  We had great weather too.  The forecast looked like rainy skies every day, but we only had one or two showers while we were there  and there were great reprives from the intense sun. 

My handome hubby with some leftover volcanic mud on his face.

One of the best things we did was learn how to sail during our time in St. Lucia.  Blake was a natural!  I was a bit more timid on our small cat boats.  Once we got the hang of it - we did it a few more times while we were there.  We also ocean kayaked, swam in the ocean and did a whole lot of laying around reading and drinking fruity cocktails.  We also did a power boat excursion that took us around the island, stopping at some of the key sites for us to explore.  We saw the famous Margot bay, climbed to a waterfall, took a mudbath near the volcano in volcanic mud and snorkeled.  A great way to see so much in one day!

Yum! After dinner drinks!

Nightime view of the bay

It was a wonderful trip and the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary!  We are already thinking about where we want to go next!  Any suggestions!



Time flies....

I'm not exactly sure how it is the middle of July already, but it's been way too long since I've been posting regularly!  Time has been flying by.  Just trying to catch my breath, do our laundry, keep up with work, take care of our house and have some fun on the side. 

I'll bring you up to speed and give you the Cliff Notes version of the last couple of months or so....

• I've been traveling A TON.  I've been to Minneapolis at least 3 times since the end of April, Orlando, multiple trips to San Antonio, Houston & Corpus.  And that's just all for work! 
• I had a chance to see one of my best friends at work tie the knot on a perfect Arizona day.  She was a beautiful bride!
• While I was there, I also got to see God's goodness as the ultimate healer. We nearly lost my grandma and He is healing and restoring her.  Praise Him for that! 
• Blake and I took a much needed vacation to beautiful St. Lucia to celebrate our one year anniversary (again).  It was so wonderful and so relaxing.  I'll post some pics soon of our travels!
• My sister and her boyfriend (our friend Tommy) visited us in Austin since they were here in town for a wedding.  Great time together! 
• Bonus!  We got to have lunch with my parents on Sunday since they were here for a marriage conference.  So nice to all be together. 
• Blake headed to UMARMY with the church we grew up in.  He had a wonderful week serving. 
• We headed to East TX for our annual trip to Lake Quitman for the 4th of July with Blake's family
• We just got back from a wonderful trip to the Pacific Northwest.  We got to tack on a few days of vacation to a work trip.  We had some awesome time with Blake's family there and even got to explore Vancouver BC. 

I can't wait to share pictures and more stories about our summer adventures.  There has been so much going on!

Scenes from the Weekend...

We had a fantastic anniversary weekend celebrating year one.  B & I took a 'stay-cation' here in town and enjoyed a day at the Hotel San Jose on South Congress.  

It was really fun to feel like we were on a true getaway.  We walked by a few shops up and down SoCo and then enjoyed the pool and patio with a few adult beverages while we chatted, soaked up the rays and caught up on some reading.    Yum sangria.   

That evening we dressed up a bit and headed to Vespaio for some delicious Italian food.  Mmmmm....rich and savory goodness.  My favorite part of our time together was recapping our year and talking about what we have learned, what areas we are hoping to grow in this year and our favorite memories of our wedding and the past year.  I am so grateful for that conversation.

We came back to our very simplistic, modern, chic room to enjoy some of our wedding cake to wind down our evening.  We didn't get a cake topper since we were living in AZ at the time, so we ordered the same yummy tiramisu cake from our wedding day baker.  It. was. so. good.

The next morning we woke up and had coffee, cinnamon rolls and breakfast tacos at Jo's, right next door.  We headed out for a walk around Town Lake.  We kept enjoying the beautiful day by sitting pool side, coffee in hand, and just talking.  It was lovely.

We had to check out around lunch time and headed back home away from our stay-cation bliss.  Back to reality.  I think I'd like to make this a tradition :)

things i've learned.

we certainly don't have it all figured out, but i've sure learned a lot about me, about B and about us this year. i am loving the painfully worth-it sanctifying process of marriage.  praise HIM for creating it.  here's what i am learning.....

my resistance in receiving grace.

how selfish i can be. 

how my recharge time and alone time feels fuller with B around.

sticking to a budget is really a huge accomplishment.

adopting each other's hobbies can be just as fun as doing my own.

spending time solo and with girlfriends and finding that balance can be challenging, yet so important.

i married a patient, servant-hearted man. 

i feel safe in the confines of the intimacy of our marriage. 

i truly am married to my very best friend.

we are truly blessed in the blending of two families.

looking back and reflecting on where we have been is such a good discipline and shows God's providence. 

trust is vital.

teamwork is essential.

i like control.  it's an idol in my heart that i want to surrender but continue to stumble over again and again.

having a sous chef is much more fun when making dinner.  a good-lookin dish washer doesn't hurt either. 

a year full of change can be unifying instead of devisive

checking in on where we are "at" regularly is a great practice to stay connected and ensure we aren't skimming over important feelings or concerns.

leaving friends and family to move to a new city is much easier with 2 than all by yourself. 

sometimes you just need to get away.

a date night out, sitting across the table from one another is so much better for us than staying in.

this takes work.  and we're up for the challenge.

we must absoultely love God first before we can truly love one another.

one.

one year ago....

two became one.

The man said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:23-24

Wedding Rewind: The Big Day (Part III: The Reception)

After walking down the aisle, with our family and friends beaming back at us, we headed out of sight and had a couple of moments alone before our wedding party and photographer caught up with us.  It was a sweet time to just take it in, see the new rings on our hands and just kiss and hug in our near unbelief and overwhelming joy.  Our loving wedding party circled around us and cheered for us.  We did it! We were actually and officially married! Ecstatic. 

Before we headed inside we spent a little while with the insanely talented Kathryn Kruger to for some bride and groom shots on our own.  We were glad we had a warm up with our engagement photo shoot in Arizona, to get a little bit more comfortable behind the camera.  It was hard not to just hug and kiss and do nothing else just because we were so so excited.  She captured some great emotions that seemed to be just naturally pouring out.  I loved the backdrop the beautiful wildflower laden field and the stone tower, what a gorgeous, natural setting! The beautiful photos now are hung all over our house and are perfect reminders of our special day.  Memories. 

We sealed the deal with the signing of our marriage certificate with Pastor Heath.  Our parents watched us with Lemon Kiss Martinis in hand.  I loved that they were all 4 standing there watching us make it official.  We hugged and embraced them as they shared in our joy.  I think we were also just all relieved to have made it through the ceremony without a drop of rain.  We were all breathing a little easier at this point! Release. 

I have to be honest and say that my least favorite part of my wedding day was taking the obligatory portraits. (I'm a realist, as you probably know by now).  I decided I wanted to go through with it because it was so important to me to have a few family shots but it was like herding cats to get everyone in line.  Those Lossmans were ready to get to the party!  Isn't it like that at every wedding though?   We were all happy to be done with the family and group shots and Blake and I got a few last pictures as the sun was setting.  In between shots my trusty bridesmaids and M-O-H bustled my dress, changed out my accessories and helped me put in a new veil and flowers in my hair.  Everything was happening so fast! Everyone tells you it will, but I didn't really believe them.  I thought I would be able to soak in each moment and just take the evening at a relaxing, enjoyable, slow pace.  Before we knew it, we were lining up to go inside to start the party!  Celebrate!

Our band announced us after our wedding party had be introduced and we then made our way to the dance floor for our first dance  We danced to Dave Barnes', "I Have and I Always Will."  I remember thinking that everyone was around us and everyone was watching and being somewhat overwhelmed by that kind of attention.  My sweet Blake, without saying anything at all, reminded me it really was our moment to have with each other.  The early signs of his incredible leadership in our relationship.  We did a few spins and a few small dips but mostly smiled at each other, kissed and took it all in.  I was dancing with my husband.  Unbelievable.

Darling, we're both scared

But where love is, fear won't tread

All of these friends here agree

We're right where we should be

Underneath all your white

My Lady, My Love, My Bride

In your darkest hours

Will I love you still

I have and I always will

I guess it's because I just do

Following heaven's clues

This is a big mystery

How I found, you found me

And you are changing now

Your part of me somehow

And I will never be alone

In your darkest hours

Well I love you still

I have and I always will

I have and I always will

My parents welcomed all of our guests with a few extremely kind and thoughtful words. With my mom by his side, my dad blessed us both with his generous sentiments and proud smile.  With my dad always being a crier in the past, I thought that there was no way he would be able to get through his speech.  He did wonderfully and his kinds words will stick with me and Blake for a long time.  They certainly threw an amazing party.  I can't say thank you enough to them for all they did to make our day incredible down to every small detail! Grateful.

Because of drizzle all day long, we decided to go with the rain backup plan for seating.  Unfortunately this meant that all of our guests were not seated together as planned, but they were spread out in the gallery and also in the library for dinner. We had a plate brought to us full of our yummy dinners, we quickly ate and then said started around the rooms to say hello to our guests.  Food was delicious!  I was so pleased with how great it turned out.  I'd highly recommend Circle C Catering for both the taste and value of the food.  I was too excited to eat very much, but it sure was tasty.  With the band starting to play in the background, it was so fun to float around the rooms and see everyone.  I loved catching up with each guest, getting hugs and feeling so so loved by each of them.  I showed off my new wedding band, took pictures with our guests and thanked them for so generously coming to celebrate us.  It was so fun to see co-workers, college friends, high school friends, family friends and family from near and far.  I still can't believe how many people would travel to Austin to celebrate with us! Appreciative. 

We nearly missed the toasts from our Best Man & Maid of honor since we were in the Library visiting with guests. The band had introduced them, but there was no bride and groom in sight! Paul welcomed me into the family and gave Blake a bit of a tease in the process, like any big brother should. We were honored to have him raise his glass to us.  McKenna gave an always-so-eloquent yet witty speech with a Sugar Plum Fairy theme. So fitting for me and my dancer past and our sisterly history of (extremely) lengthy dance/fashion/theatre shows when we were kids.  Not sure I will be able to give one like she did when that day comes,  she did an incredible job!  Maybe one of the best MOH speeches I've ever heard!  Overflowing. 

It was then my turn to dance with my dad to John Mayer's "Daughters".  I let Dad pick the song and it was a great choice. We had so much fun dancing.  It felt light and not too sappy.  We laughed and reflected about the wonderful night we were having so far and how everything had fallen into place.  He had really been such a great rock for us during the whole planning process and it was fun to celebrate that moment with him. Blake danced with his mom to "Forever Young."  A sweet moment with the two of them.  Blake is so close to his mom and I'm sure it wasn't easy for her watching her baby boy "fly coup."  Sentimental. 

We were on board for most of the traditional traditions like a bouquet toss and garter toss.  I wasn't much of a bouquet tosser though.  I threw my flowers straight up in the air and they came down right behind me.  I think I was afraid to throw it too hard and hit something or someone!  My sweet friend Catherine and my cousin Sarah duked it out for the bouquet.  Sarah took the win, ironically Catherine got married next.  :) The Garter toss was hilarious.  My dad decided it would be funny if he pulled up a chair to watch Blake take my garter off.  I think Blake was sweating having him sit there and eye him.  Hey it was legal now! Blake got to pull of not one, but two garters!  One was the garter that my mom made me from a part of her wedding dress and the other one was a surprise Aggie garter just for B.  After the big toss our friend Steve caught the garter and paraded victoriously around with his new accessories.    Merriment. 

We cut our cake with a little bit of style.  We didn't really want to start our new marriage with the slamming cake in each others faces but playfully fed each other the very yummy cake.  I loved how the cakes turned out.  Our tiramisu wedding cake was almost to pretty to cut into!  Blake's groom's cake was in the shape of Camelback Mountain with us (as hikers) up on top.  The chocolate hazelnut flavor was pretty rich and delicious as well!  Sweet. 

We danced hard. Really hard.  Sweating and feet throbbing hard.  The band was phenomenal and people stayed on the dance floor all evening long!  Mac did a great job finding this band from another wedding she had been to.  We didn't even hear them live before we hired them.  They were awesome! I loved dancing with the my bridesmaids and all of the girls crowded around me.  I spent a good part of the night dancing with my groom too.  I loved dancing with cousins, the Taylor girls, Aunts and Uncles.  We both had a fabulous time floating around the room with all of our guests.  "We Are Family" got everyone up forming a family circle.  This tends to be a tradition at all of our family weddings.  We even got to witness what we could call a "lap dance" by my Grandma.  It was an awesome moment with grandma sitting on my grandpa's lap in his wheelchair while we spun her around with the whole family surrounding them. I was just so grateful to have so many grandparents there!  I think everyone was having a fantastic time!  The amount of people and sweaty bodies on the dance floor seemed like evidence of that! Loving every moment. 

We ended the the night dancing to "Let's Get it On" as our last song.  Yes, I realize, not the most traditional choice of last songs.  Originally we had planned for this to be our exit as we ran to the get away car.  It turned out to be a hilarious and memorable ending to our evening.  All of our friends and family were circled up around us.  It might have been a little TMI for some our our guests, but we just laughed and winked at each other.  Red in the face. 

Paul announced the Rudy's breakfast tacos being served outside as our guests lined up to wish us goodbye.  I couldn't believe how many people stayed late to send us off.  Ruth made beautiful yellow, white and blue streamers for everyone to wave as we headed to the car.  We climbed in and waved goodbye as we headed off to our evening at the Driskel downtown.  It still hadn't all set in that this was reality! Even more, I couldn't believe it was all over! Incredible. 

That's the end of our wedding story.  I'd like to think it ends, "and they lived happily ever after".....

One year later we are still living happily ever after and working hard at it.  That said, we are learning a lot, loving a lot and asking for grace and forgiveness when we fall short.   Keep reading next week to hear all about it.  :)

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about:

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....the rehearsal dinner

....getting ready

....and the ceremony. 

Thanks for reading!

Wedding Rewind: The Big Day (Part II: The Ceremony)

I walked up the stairs and followed in line behind a beautiful line of bridesmaids in their yellow and blue.  I really had no idea it was already time to start until I was putting on my last layer of lip gloss and having my train carried up the stairs.  Our wedding coordinator was no where in sight until we met her upstairs, but that's a whole other story.  I heard the string quartet playing and the girls walked out one by one.  I had butterflies in my stomach.  I felt like I was on the edge of the high dive, about to jump off.  So so excited!  I couldn't wait to see Blake. Giddy. 

I peeked out from the main building and recognized all of the faces that had come near and (mostly) far to support us and watch us make the biggest commitment of our lives.  It was truly humbling to see that many people there on our behalf.  Grateful.

My most adorable flower girls and ring bearer took off down the aisle.  They overshot the center aisle and my cousin Mindy went chasing after them.  It was the perfect comic relief I needed, just in that moment, to break the tension and nerves that I was feeling.  God has a wonderful sense of humor, with perfect timing!  Plus one of my favorite pictures was captured with my dad in that moment!  :)  Release. 

It was my turn.  I then began walking down the aisle arm and arm with my dad.  I felt emotions coming on but I really tried to hold them back in order to experience and take it all in.   I made eye contact with a couple people here and there, but then I saw my groom standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me.  Seeing his face gave me all the peace in the world.  A sense of relief flooded in.  I was then again reminded what all this preparation, decoration, and gathering was all for.  There was deep purpose and it was right in front of me.  Reality. 

My mom joined us at the front of the aisle.  It was really perfect having her there by my side, just as much as it was having my dad there with me.  She has always been my champion and my dear friend.  I wouldn't have had it any other way then having both of my parents stand up with me and give me away.   Heath welcomed the crowd and then prayed over the next 45 or so minutes, head bowed with my parents on either side of me.  It was time for my dad to give me away.  I couldn't believe it that he made it all the way down the aisle without any tears.  He proudly said, "Her mother and I."  Bittersweet. 

I made it up the steps without tripping (phew!) and stood face to face with Blake.  He literally did not take his eyes off of me the entire time.  They were glued on to me - it was pretty magical.  At that moment, the sun peaked itself out of the clouds and shone on our faces.  I couldn't even believe it.  It felt like a made-for-the-movies moment.  I laughed and smiled with a sigh of relief.  I think the entire group of guests just relaxed as the sun came out.  Surreal. 

We had written our vows and had worked hard to capture the extent of the commitment we were making to one another in the words we recited in front of our dear friends and family.  Heath guided us through the ceremony, putting God as the center of the evening, giving Him the honor and praise.  Our vows were pretty lengthy too, at one point I stumbled over a few words, getting tongue tied as I said them out loud.  Blake never flinched, nor did he take his eyes off me the entire time.  Committed. 

With this ring I give myself to you. All that I am, all that I hope to be. I will lovingly commit myself to you. To love you for who you are. I will love you as Jesus Christ loves the church and gave Himself up for her. I will love you as I love my own body. I will love you until my death. I will honor you as a joint heir of the Grace of God all my life.

Liz sang 'How Great is Our God' as a true worship to Him.  It's impossible to think about not having Him as the center of the day.  He deserves all of the credit and worship for what He has done in our lives and the creative, patient way he crafted us into who we are to make us right for one another.  He is so Great.  His plan is bigger and greater than we can grasp.  Our best response is to simply worship and honor him with our voices.  Humbled. 

While Liz continued to lead our guests, Blake and I had communion on our own.  It was such a special thing to enjoy our first meal together as husband and wife as the sanctifying meal that Christ provides for us in communion.  It was a sacred time for us be alone and step away from the crowd that was watching us and have a moment of our own with our God.  This was the only time that I showed outward emotion throughout the whole ceremony.  I remember Blake and I both praying for us as a newly married couple, for our new journey and adventure, for our roles as husband as wife, for our future children and merging of two families.  The journey was just starting here today.  Makes me so excited to see what will unfold for our lives together.  Honored. 

We were finally announced us as husband and wife, the moment we had been waiting for! We practiced our kiss so many times, I think it was pretty perfect. :)  It sounded so crazy to hear my name next to Blake's name officially as Mrs. Parrish.  That was for sure going to take some getting used to after being a Lossman my whole life!  Something in me decided to give Blake another kiss on the cheek as we turned to face the crowd.  It was sort of an awkward fumble, but a memorable and personal moment as well.  Thrilled!

It was an overwhelming moment looking out at all of our friends and family and completely feeling struck with awe and joy.  All of their faces radiated that back to us completely.  We paused at the top of the steps and took it in before we nearly skipped back down the aisle full of excitement! Joyful.

To be continued....

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....the rehearsal dinner

....and getting ready.

Anniversary Week

I cannot even believe that it's already been a year since B and I tied the knot!  It truly feels like our wedding was just a few weeks or months ago.  To countdown to the 16th, I thought I would post a few posts reflecting on our wedding week, rehearsal and wedding day.  I started this concept of 'Wedding Rewind' SEVERAL months ago and never got around to finishing it.  Now feels like the perfect time. 

If you want to catch up you can start by reading about

....the week before

....the rehearsal

....and the rehearsal dinner. 

So sorry to leave you hanging so many months ago!

Stay tuned this week for more posts about our wedding day and all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions leading up to it!  I promise, I'm going to finish telling you this story.  

And many, many, many more years full of them!

Our Newest Family Member....

Are we prego?? ......nope.

New pet, dog or cat??......nope.

Maybe a houseplant??......nope.

Introducing the newest addition to our [bike] family......

We got a great deal this weekend on a new roadbike at a sale at Bicycle Sport Shop.  We couldn't pass it up.  We've been on the hunt for a roadbike for me for several months now and this seemed like the right one for the right price!  I love it!  I can't even believe how much more I already like riding thanks to better equipment underneath me!  It's so much easier to climb the hills.  I can't wait for some longer rides and a chance to get out to the velloway! 

I'm not sure who is more excited, B or me!  :)  Now I just need to get over my fear of clipping in and stop 'faking it' on top of my pedals.  Yikes!

Any ideas of what to name him/her?

Four Years Ago Today....

...Blake took me on a date that changed everything.

After a reunion at Lauren Brown's first annual Thanksgiving Party, Blake apparently felt some sparks.  :)  He said we had a particularly long hug.  I can't seem to recall that hug, but he was definitely the cutest guy at the party. 

Blake moved to Austin that winter and called a few weeks later to see if I wanted to have dinner.  We went to Hyde Park Bar and Grill and on to the Blanton Museum afterwards.  I was pretty oblivious that I was on a date, and thought I was Blake's tour guide for his stint in Austin.  He still stands by the fact that he was pretty clear about it being a date.  Jury is still out.  We kept hanging out that semester when he wasn't at the race track and I wasn't busying studying.  I drug him to countless sorority events and let him re-live college during my final semester at UT.  Always a good sport.  :)

After a couple of months in Austin, we knew we had something special.  Long distance was unavoidable and we thought we were up for giving it a try.  We said goodbye here, only to find ourselves coming back to the city we started dating in four years later!



Separated by way too many miles, we did a lot of this....

And had a lot of long distance dates ....

That finally led to this....

Which led to this.....

 And I couldn't be happier. 

Four years ago, the last thing I expected was to start dating my future husband.  Burned and discouraged about dating, I had swarn it off, ready to head to Phoenix for a new start.  God had other plans.  He carefully prepared us for marriage.  It felt painfully slow and at times was extremely hard.  But now, looking back I see incredible purpose in His timing.  Ahh to rest in the fact that God is sovereign over all.  Praise Him for his providence. 

My Forever Valentine

Valentines Day 2009 - Scottsdale, AZ

Is the person I trust the most in this world. 

Is someone who I can be totally me with. 

Makes me feel beautiful everyday.  

Is the person I always want to be around and it never gets old.  

Encourages me, respects me and constantly lifts me up.  

Has been the best thing that ever happened to me, becoming his wife this year.

Is truly my best friend and confidant, as trite as it sounds.  

Points me towards Jesus day after day. 

Is going to be enjoying a home cooked candle-lit meal tonight with his forever date.  

No frills, just him and me. 

Isn't going anywhere.  And that's the best part. 

Disclaimer:  Thanks for letting me love vomit all over this page.  I realize Valentines can be such a silly day and I'm really not a huge fan.  That said, this is what the day is supposed to mean, not roses, chocolates and teddy bears.  I'm blessed by Blake and thankful each day that the Lord has brought us together.  He's more than I deserve. My heart is full and happy.  Thanks again (wink).

Honey Do Update

I was going to write a post titled, "Honey Do Later," but we seriously had the most productive, hard working weekend. There isn't much on the "Do Later" list at all!

I think we need a weekend from our weekend to let our sore bodies rest from the hard work we put in.  We accomplished a lot.  I'm so thankful for my awesome teammate/husband and all the time and energy (a little sweat and blood too) he gave to check some things off our list and get our home looking great! Here's how we did....

•  Finish staining the farm table/desk for my office  - CHECK!  Drying in the garage now.  Will be up and ready for the office soon. 
• Find fabric and finish this project that we started when we first got married. Can't wait to see how it turns out!  CHECK!  All that is left for this is some detail work.  Debating between a nailhead trim or some tufted looking buttons.  It's on the wall!
• B's planning to fix our master bath toilet that won't stop running when it's flushed, argh! CHECK!
• Frame some beautiful prints from our wedding and hopefully get them hung up as well.  CHECK!  We spent a small fortune, but they are going to look wonderful hanging in our home once they are ready in a couple of weeks.  We decided it was an investment and worth the $$.....

Some pictures will be coming soon!  Stay tuned!

This Weekend....

....we will be working on our honey-do list around the house.  We've finally put a little fire under our "tails"  with a deadline to wrap up some of our projects before hosting a weekend of friends in February. 

Our plan is to...

• Finish staining the farm table/desk for my office (up until last week it was standing on saw horses) :)
• Find fabric and finish this project that we started when we first got married.  Can't wait to see how it turns out!
• B's planning to fix our master bath toilet that won't stop running when it's flushed, argh!
• Frame some beautiful prints from our wedding and hopefully get them hung up as well

We'll see how much actually gets finalized.  Here's to hoping!

Tour de Tejas: McKinney Roughs Park

 

New Years weekend Blake and I enjoyed taking another day trip near Austin to explore the Texas country around us.  This excursion led us to McKinney Roughs Park.  It was a beautifully designed park done by the LCRA.  They had extensive trails that could lead us down multiple different paths through the Lost Pines Region.  The park was bordered by the Colorado River.  It was a beautiful hike on a beautiful day!  

We also drove through the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort which is right down the road from McKinney Roughs. A long, windy road led us back to the resort. It was really rustic looking, yet looked extremely nice and looked like there was so much to do. Maybe a weekend trip is in order?

Totally worth the 20 minute drive outside of Austin! I think we will be making a repeat visit soon and explore more of the trails.

Blake by the Colorado





Writing on the Wall....

We have been checking a few things off the honey-do-list lately that we've been hoping to do since we moved into our house in Austin.  Besides filling a few empty frames that have been hanging on the wall empty, Blake has also been doing some refinishing projects for us and we've even rearranged our furniture downstairs as well.  I'm really happy with how it has all been coming together.  Now I need to get my DIY on and pull out that sewing machine for some new pillows and maybe curtains.  Does anyone have any good reccomendations for great fabric shops in Austin?

Here are a few shots of one of our guest rooms.  Blake hung the window pane we used from our wedding as part of our guestbook above the bed for our guests to enjoy.  It is so fun to go back and read through the sweet notes and thoughts people signed on the window panes for us.  This is such a great memento from our wedding and one we can look back on for years to come!  I think it really pulled the room together - we definitely needed something over the bed. 

More house updates to come!

2010 In Review

2010 has been one incredible year for me.  Just thinking through some of the highlights of my year, I'm blown away by God's goodness and rich blessings!  Hope you enjoy reading through this recap as much as I did reflecting on the year that's now behind us......

I started my 2010 as an engaged woman.  I kissed B on new years knowing that next new years I would be kissing him as his wife! Though we had a little longer of an engagement than we both would have liked, our pre-marriage counseling experience was most definitely one of my highlights of the year. We had the opportunity to sit in the home of Heath and Lisa Taylor and do life with them for weeks on end. We loved watching them parents their kids, talk through potential road blocks with us and pour truth and God's love into our minds and hearts.  We felt so loved and encouraged by the entire body of Old Town Bible during our engagement season. We grew so much as a couple during this time and I think this opportunity got us off to the best start possible in our new marriage.

Bittersweet, since we had to leave them, but definitely a highlight, were the friends and community that we had in Arizona.  From Old Town Bible to the large circle of friends we were blessed to call our own - God was overwhelmingly gracious to us in providing solid, meaningful relationships in our lives. We were honored that so many of our friends would travel to Austin for our wedding to celebrate us in April. I have so many great memories of potluck dinner parties, FBR golf weekends, hikes or even road trips to Cali.  I also had the sweet blessing to be near all of my grandparents, several cousins and aunts and uncles in Arizona.  I cherish that time we had while we lived there.    

In April we tied the knot.  Marrying the love of my life was by far the best highlight of 2010.  Our wedding day was everything I dreamed of, even with the rain, a day I will never forget.  I have been amazed by how much I've learned this year as we have started into our first months of marriage - about the Lord, about myself, about B and about us as a couple.  God's goodness has shown up in so many ways through this sweet and intimate blessing.  Marriage has been richer and deeper than I could have imagined.  I'm so blessed to be married to my very best friend for the rest of our lives. This takes the #1 spot for 2010, hands down. 

After our wedding day we took a wonderful honeymoon in Costa Rica.  We loved our stay there and felt like we only experienced the tip of the iceberg of all that you can do and see.  We had the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure with days spent by the pool enjoying our all-inclusive drinks in the cabana or taking surf lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining or exploring the volcanic mud-baths.  We wished it wouldn't end!  We are already planning our next beach trip to celebrate our one year anniversary!

Having the opportunity to move back to Texas this summer has been an unexpected and incredible blessing for the year.  We landed in a wonderful location in Central Austin on a fabulous street, with fantastic neighbors and have loved exploring this city once again as "adults".  We've had numerous visits by family and it has been so special to be able to go back and forth to see them and not have to hop on a plane to get there for a visit.  We've had the chance to travel to Blake's grandparent's house on Lake Quitman and have been able to venture home for other celebrations too!  This has been such a blessing and one that we did not expect to have happen in the way it all fell in place. 

Within a few weeks of coming back to Texas, God led us to Providence Church.  We felt like we had clear direction to be a part of the church as it was in the core team phase, looking to launch in early fall.  We were so blessed by the community that quickly loved and embraced us.  It felt like we were almost immediately surrounded by friends we felt we had known for a long, long time.  Providence is such a perfect name and so pertinent to what we have experienced by God's grace this year.  He's provided in so many ways for us and in ways we don't deserve. We are so excited about what God has in store for Providence!

This winter we spent our first holiday season as a married couple.  The biggest blessing is the way our families have blended so well together.  Our dads are nearly inseparable and love spending time together working on projects, racing their mustangs or just being "dudes."  I love that our moms are so similar, yet so uniquely different.  They also have enjoyed shopping and lunching together.  They knew each other through Bible study before Blake and I even considered dating!  The holidays were a wonderful time and each family made it so easy on us to be a part of all of the celebrations and really "share us" well.  After all of the horror stories you hear - we really have it easy.  So happy to be able to have both families under the same roof on many occasions as well. We couldn't have asked for a better situation.

There are so many other highlights that have made 2010 wonderful.  To name a few...but I know there are so many more....Visits from Loren or Jen to Austin; weekly date nights to musicals, the ballet, concerts or trying out new restaurants; a getaway weekend in San Diego before we moved; weekends filled with hikes and being in the great outdoors; seeing almost all of my family this year between 2 family weddings; standing up for my cousin Jessie at her wedding in Chicago; traveling to some amazing hotels and sites this year for work including the Trump Tower; having a stable job and the opportunity to start a brand new role and build it from the ground up; having a fantastic bachelorette party in Austin - a weekend not to forget!; and a second 80's themed party in Scottsdale; throwing showers and attending weddings for several dear friends; the list goes on!

So, so, so blessed by 2010.  Can't wait to see what's in store for 2011.

Black Eyed Peas and Football

No, I'm not talking about Fergie and Will I Am. 

B and I have had the chance to spend our last 4 new years eves and days together despite some long distance dating along the way.  We have fun memories of Tempe Beach park parties, piano bars, nice dinners at home with friends, falling asleep before midnight and nights out on the town with friends or just the two of us.  One tradition that seems to have stuck is our Black Eyed Peas (or Hoppin Johns) new years day meal and lots of football.  Our tradition would not be complete without "Blake's Secret Cornbread" and some Chili to go along with it. :)

I thought I would share the recipe for the Hoppin Johns.  Most people think about black eyed peas and turn up their nose.  I think this recipe might change their minds.  It's full of flavor and really satisfying.  You have to eat them for good luck anyway, so you might as well enjoy it!

3 Cups Black Eyed Peas (Fresh is best - but Frozen or Dried are good substitutes.  Avoid canned)
1.5 C Yellow Onion Chopped ( I tend to add a little extra, maybe up to 2 C)
1 C Celery Chopped
1 C Bell Peppers ( I like both red and Green)
1 T Minced Garlic ( I also go pretty heavy here, maybe double it)
1.5 T Thyme
1 t red pepper flakes
1 t Cayenne
1 Bay Leaf
2 C Chicken Broth
1 Can diced tomatoes
Salt and Pepper
1-2 Links of your favorite cooked sausage
3/4 C Green Onion
2 C. White Rice

Soak black eyed peas (if needed).
In large pan coat with olive oil and add onion and saute on med high heat.  Add celery and bell pepper until vegetables are soft.  Add spices and garlic then stir in beans.  Add can of tomatoes (with juices) and cover with broth.  Bring to boil and then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Salt and Pepper to taste.  Add in sliced sausage links and top with green onion before serving.  Serve over cooked white rice with extra hot sauce. We like ours more like a soup - so add more broth if you would like.  Always better on day two or three!
Enjoy!

This also sounds quite delish!  A great alternative for some obligatory BEPs!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/12/zannies-black-eyed-pea-dip/

Ringing in the New Year Austin Style

This year's new years was so special because we got to enjoy it with two of my best friends from college and their husband/husband-to-be!  These wonderful ladies were two of the first I met when I came to UT.  Clearly by God's design, he allowed Aleigh and Catherine to become potluck roommates and I ended up right next door!  We loved exploring Austin together, trying new restaurants, shopping and loving life as Longhorns during our time in college.  We have all been living in different cities and states since we graduated and outside of weddings have had little opportunity to be together (all 3 of us). 

 It was so fun to all get ready and sip on wine (beer for A) and champagne in my bathroom upstairs while the boys had a beer and hung out on the couch.  It felt like old times in the dorms or red door house!  We had a few appetizers and took a few pictures and then hopped in cabs and headed downtown.  The boys in 1 cab and the girls in the other.  We were a little early for our reservation at Cru so we went over to check out the new W Hotel and snagged a few free drink coupons for January.  Unfortunately Cru was not all we had hoped it would be.  It took over 45 minutes to get our table and then the food service was painfully slow.  Thankfully, they had comped our entire meal by the time we had finished waiting for 3 hours for 3 courses.  We were starving! 

The rest of the evening was a blast spent at Cedar Street listening to Radio Star, a great 80's -decked-out-in-track-suits- cover band.  We danced hard, and toasted with our champagne and kissed our beaus at midnight. 

Getting back home was quiet the ordeal.  We tried our best to flag down cabs for over 30 minutes in the cold, windy weather.  Finally, B, Carlos and I decided we would attempt to try to walk home.  We don't live that far - but at 1am in chilly weather, it certainly seemed like walking would take forever.  We tried to flag down each cab that went flying by us with no avail.  Luckily about 1/4 of the way there - someone finally stopped and got us home.  After some Taco C in our bellies, we headed to bed.  2010 was in the bag, 2011 here we come.  Quiet the memorable evening, in more ways than one!  So special to share it with A & C.  Can't wait to do it again in just a month for C's Bachelorette Party!

Happy New Year to all!

Tour De Tejas: Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock

To wrap up our Christmas break, B and I took a day trip near Austin to take in some of the sites we've been wanting to explore the past few months.  After a quick stop at Torchy's Tacos for some sustenance, and Summer Moon Coffee for some caffeine, we headed out into the hill country.  So grateful for my company car!

 

The first stop on our list was to Enchanted Rock.  B had been there a while back, but I had not been as of yet.  Mac and Tommy have told us that they loved their excursion there so we thought we would enjoy it as well.  When we lived in Arizona, hiking became one of our favorite activities in the desert.  I've missed big mountains here in Texas, but this was a nice way to get back outdoors.  We took the Loop trail around the outside of the park.  The terrain was beautiful and the peace and quiet was also a treat.  We circled back around and then climbed to the top of the rock.  I was certainly winded after spending over a week layed up on the couch!  It was so windy at the top!  The views of the hill country were beautiful.  Part 1 was a success!

After our hike we headed into Fredericksburg.  Blake had a single mission to have a Fredericksburg Pretzel while we were there.  It was our first stop in town.  I thought it was quite tasty even for a girl that doesn't love pastries and sweets!  We strolled among the shops and popped in a few.  Everything was still decorated for the holidays. There were so many people out and about as well.  Hunger set in and we found some German food at a restaurant we had seen on the Day Tripper show on PBS.  We both enjoyed a cold beer and shared a sausage platter complete with sauerkraut, German potato salad and potato pancakes.  Yum!  Such a cute and quaint town. 

On our way back home we headed to one of the wineries that I've been wanting to experience near Fredericksburg, Becker Vineyards.  We shared a tasting and found a couple wines that we actually thought were tasty.  No surprise that my favorite was the most expensive bottle.  Champagne taste on a beer budget! :)  The setting was beautiful.  I'd love to venture back when things are in bloom, especially the lavender. 

Tired and sore we headed back home after a pit stop off at the new HEB in Dripping Springs. ( My hubby is always such a good sport when I'm grocery shopping!  )  I would definitely recommend our day trip to anyone who is looking for a getaway from Austin.  I can't wait to explore more small surrounding cities in Texas; it actually felt like a mini vacay!