Last year, I did my first-ever gift guide and y'all loved it so much (and so did I) that I decided to do it again! On Thanksgiving Day, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed I was so tempted to fall prey to all the sales! and the deals! and the really, really good things on the interwebs! Because, truly, there are so many wonderful creators out there making some fabulous things for our homes, our families and our lives. The key that I have to remind myself every year is simple: Is it something useful and purposeful and will it bring joy to my life? If it causes me stress trying to figure out how to pay for it or if it's an impulse buy that I will later regret (hangs head in … [Read more...]
The Easiest Family Photos on Vacation. Ever.
**This post contains affiliate links.** I love to take photos, just ask my kids. When we're on vacation, I'm usually behind the camera which means I have tons of pictures of my kids and Scott but very few of us all together. Two years ago, I discovered Flytographer just before our 20th wedding anniversary trip to Europe. We got the most spectacular pictures of us. I mean, like frame-worthy. So, when we decided to head to the east coast this summer for photos, I figured why not give them a try stateside? These Washington, D.C. photos speak for themselves. Our photographer, Elisenda, was just a delight. I had hopes of taking the photos at the Capitol, but with security (and the … [Read more...]
My Friend Haley Wrote a Book & It’s More Than Good Enough
*This post contains affiliate links* When your friend writes a book and you're pretty darn proud of her, you want other people to know just how good it is. First, I want you to know a bit about Haley because I think it helps you understand her book a little better. She's the mama of four and she and her husband live in Waco, right up the road from me here in Austin. She has impeccable taste in tattoos and hair color. One of her professors in college wrote this book and she and her friend, Christy, have a really fabulous podcast. She's also a convert to Catholicism which I dearly love. Haley is a hip, fun millennial who is incredibly personable and real. I think all of that comes … [Read more...]
East Coast Adventure: Sweet, Sweet North Carolina
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. and Knoxville, TN. Praise sweet baby Jesus that the drive from Atlanta to Charlotte was way more enjoyable than the last drive. We timed our early morning departure with a just-in-time arrival at Billy Graham's Library at lunchtime. Literally, just as we pulled out of the parking lot I got a text … [Read more...]
Luke is officially NINE (and he has one request!)
Every year, I think this day will be easier. Every year, I think the strides Luke has made won't surprise me. Every year, I think I will fully comprehend how much he has changed us. And every year I am wrong. Luke, nine sure came fast. It was an honor to write this year's birthday letter. There is one small thing you've asked for your birthday and I hope everyone reading this can oblige. Texas A&M football is hosting a "favorite future Aggie" photo contest, you can vote for Luke here. All you need is a Facebook account. If you don't have one, forward it to someone who does! A sidenote here on the current first place photo - what a fighter sweet Colton must be. We've been in the … [Read more...]
