Fly Over States

I love how big our nation is and how many subcultures exist throughout it.  I grew up around the “cowboy culture” wearing western boots, going to rodeos, and learning to two-step.  Now, I know there are a lot of preconceived notions about Texas, some that are true and some that are not.  While many of us do know how to ride horses or own horses, that does not mean we ride them to school and work.  The entire state does not look like West Texas.  The tumble weeds, cactus and foothills are less common than you might think.  We’re not all narrow-minded, Bible-thumping racists. Some are, but most of us try to love our neighbors despite their particular religion, lifestyle, or heritage.  We do have some darn good Mexican food though. 

DIYing to Tie the Knot

I love crafts and being creative.  I love seeing new trendy things and thinking, “I can make that myself.”  I am very fortunate to have learned to sew my freshman year of college.  Being a theatre major at Baylor means you have to be very well-rounded in all aspects of the craft, therefore, all students are required to take a costuming class.  I loved it.  I also have had a lot of experience painting, cutting and hot-gluing (advanced skills, I know), so I often put them to use. 

I haven’t had just a whole lot of time since moving to Illinois to get creative.  Paying rent, bills, groceries and gas leaves my crafts budget something to be desired.  Once the job hunt is over and I have a little spare cash and spare time, I will document some of the crafts on my list to try; especially, since Hobby Lobby is just a block away.  That place is my Mecca.

Wedded Bliss

I have returned to The Land of Lincoln.  It's no Lone Star State, but there is this guy here I really like being with.  I had a fantastic time at my friend Kiley's wedding.  She had a very traditional, elegant, classic wedding with some fun and quirky details that made it "Kiley."  Here are a few of my favorite pictures.  Of course, since the wedding was four days ago, they don't have the professionals yet, but these are a few my friends and I snapped.

Simple, breath-taking and romantic ceremony

Thank You for Being a Friend

Happy Holiday week to everyone! I hope you all had a fun and safe Independence Day! Robert and I enjoyed a fun and relaxed morning by the pool, followed by a trip to the Foster Family Farm where we enjoyed some backyard baseball, grilling, sparklers, s'mores and campfires. It was a great time had by all!

I am currently back home in the great state of Texas for the wedding of my sorority sister, former roommate, bridesmaid and dear friend, Kiley.  Yesterday was a long day of travel, beginning with a 6:50 am flight out of Chicago, which Robert drove me to the night before. I was supposed to take the train, but due to delays, we decided driving would be more efficient, which it was.
My grandfather picked me up at DFW then drove me to Tyler where I got my Paisley fix (my 11 month old niece whom I ADORE). I then drove to Houston in time for the bachelorette festivities last night.  It was an exciting and exhausting 24 hours.

Fun at the Foster Family Farm

Illinois is farm country, plain and simple.  Robert and I are more used to ranch/oil field country.  But we are starting to learn more about crops, agriculture and the farm way of life.  One very predominate influence we have up here is the Foster family.  They are friends of Robert’s from camp RYLA, and they have been so incredibly generous and hospitable towards us ever since we moved up here.

Last weekend, they flew down to Texas and needed someone to watch their house, so they asked us.  We eagerly agreed and were excited to explore based on their description of the property: 600 acre farm, four-wheelers, pond, indoor pool, king size bed…  It was like an all expense paid vacation to a country bed and breakfast!  Friday night before they left, they took us to dinner with a bunch of their neighbor friends, and we had a great time.