Breaking {New Ground}

It's about time! We finally ventured out a little yesterday afternoon {while the weather was glorious!} and went on a hike! We've been doing pretty good exercising more often, but it's mostly been just around our apartment complex, which is awesome and has great scenery, but it gets old after a few times around the block... Yesterday, however, my sister decided to take it to the next step. So, we set out for St. Edward's Park & Trail. And it was beautiful! {please excuse my not-so-great iphone pictures...}

Driving up, it definitely didn't feel like we were in the city anymore...which was awesome! It seriously felt like we were driving around the country backroads like the good old days *sigh*. I was so excited to be able to get that country feeling in the city - we were maybe 15-20 minutes away from our apartment. Seriously amazing. It definitely made me thankful for nature. Walking the trails, listening to the water flowing, birds chirping - it was a great release to just get out of the house and hang out with my husband and sister in nature. We had a blast!

  

We walked about 2 miles total, which wasn't even a quarter of the trails! It was awesome to explore a new part of Austin and a new trail - it doesn't even seem like you're working out, but you are! Win-win if you ask me! We saw a couple waterfalls and watched some dogs play in the water. So cute! I'll be honest and admit that I really wasn't feeling the whole 'hiking' thing yesterday - I had so much to do around the house and I honestly wanted nothing more than to just relax in my pajamas and hang out at home. But I'm totally glad that they got me out of the house and we experienced this together! It was so peaceful and really what I've been needing!

 

I think it's safe to say that Colten had the most fun while we were there. He wouldn't stop talking! Grr! But he was definitely in his element out there and loved every second of it! He climbed the highest points and scouted for fish...he was in heaven! Plus, it got him out of the house and allowed him to expend some of his pent-up energy - another win-win! :) It was truly a blessing to be able to spend time with two of my favorite people outdoors and just exploring the new {to us} park. We laughed so much! Greatest stress reliever ever! And you can pretty much guarantee we'll be going back soon!

Such a fun afternoon! Love, love, love these two!!

  

{No·vem·ber}

Welcome, November! Boy, how I've waited such a long time for your arrival! And, here we are! FINALLY!

 

 

It's no surprise that this is my favorite time of year. I just absolutely love the holidays! It's the crisp, cool weather, the smell of pumpkin/cinnamon everywhere, bundling up in oversized sweaters and blankets, how families come together and spend lots of quality time together this time of year, CHRISTMAS is on the horizon, people seem genuinely happier this time of year, and so.much.more! Seriously, I'm in love with this time of the year. Seriously! {thank you Grey's Anatomy for my addiction to overusing the word seriously}

 

And, it's no surprise that this month is all about being thankful. It is the month of Thanksgiving after all! My goal this month is to truly be thankful and to show my thankfulness for the people in my life and all that they do to love me, support me, and genuinely care about me. My goal is to make them feel my thankfulness! It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern-day society, working, driving, house chores, phone calls, kids, and just the every day busy routine, that we sometimes {okay, oftentimes} forget to be thankful for our blessings. As 'being thankful' is drilled into focus this month, I vow to truly take the opportunity to make the most of it! Instead of feeling sorry for myself for having to go to job #2, I will instead be thankful that I am physically and mentally able to work two jobs. Instead of being so frustrated with a dirty house, I will instead be thankful that I have a roof over my head and 'stuff' to fill it. Look at your situations differently this month and see if that causes a change in your attitude, in your routines, and in your hearts.

 

So, here's to an amazing month filled with all things fall, and I'm praying that we will be graced with cooler weather! It's been in the high 80's recently, and I just refuse to accept that that's the best we're going to get...seriously! Bring on the sweater weather!

 

And remember, soak up every minute with your loved ones, whether they are annoying as hell and getting on your last nerve or refusing to make you a priority - realize that we are not guaranteed the things we are blessed with in this lifetime, and all of it can be taken in a single moment. So much tragedy has been in the lives of my family, friends, and loved ones recently, and it's a good reminder to enjoy the moments that we have left with those we love. This thankful November is the perfect opportunity to overlook the petty drama that is everyday life {seriously, get over the $2.00 that your co-worker owes you and move on!} and be thankful for what you do have. Don't overlook the treasured moments that happen every single day, because someone out there no longer has those moments with their loved ones. This November, be thankful. Snuggle up with your family and make memories. Take lots of pictures and be crazy - it's okay! And you'll be so glad you did. :)