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!!

  

Shmammered Lady Bug?!

  

Another Monday, thank goodness!    Yes, I know ... no one ever says that!  Well, today I am.  Because that means we've made it another week in this world, and that my week without job# 2 is finally HERE for the month! :) That's exciting, people!    Anyway, linking up today with Sami's Shenanigans for a weekend recap!  And let me tell you, it was a GREAT one with my parents!   

Friday was a typical one as of late.  I spent 12 1/2 hours at work earning some overtime, which is great because that means MO MONEY! Yep, I said it. You're welcome.  After a loooong day of work, I headed home and worked on our finance spreadsheet/budget thing - whatever the heck you want to call it!  We have lots of things coming up soon, so it was a time-consuming task - I was so thankful when we were done!  I also made supper so my husband could eat as soon as he got home from work, which was late.  Then I went to bed.  Fantastic Friday, huh?!  But because of these mundane happenings, there are no pictures for Friday.  I know, I know - I was devasted, too!   Saturday was much more fun!  First, I earned some more overtime and headed to work for half a day.  Can you tell I'm serious about earning every cent I possibly can?  Working two jobs AND overtime in five days - sheesh!  Yes, y'all, that's why I'm constantly exhausted.  On my way in, I stopped by Krispy Kreme and picked up some donuts for my parents, as I was headed out of town as soon as work was done.   

  Yum, right?! I know. On the way home, I took the scenic route and documented the journey - it was such a beautiful day and everything was so clear and crisp! So awesome.  Enjoy these views - and again, you're welcome :). 

1. Bastrop post-fire. I'm immediately sad every time I drive by - but so thankful no lives were lost!

2. Just a gorgeous Texas sky!

3. The road I take to head home - so many memories, and so gorg! Yes, gorg :).

4. HAY!  Apparently, this weekend was THE weekend to cut and bale hay.  Seriously.  Even on Father's Day!

5. Low-water bridge on my parents' land. Love it!

  Once I got there, my mom and I headed out to my cousin's birthday party - I can't believe she's already 7! Time flies!! And the party was GOOD TIMES!  Let's just wrap it up and say that we had to call a great friend to come pick us up :).  Definitely a great night, and MUCH needed! My mom got a kick out of me calling her 'shmammered' instead of hammered. It was a hot topic for the rest of the night! Ahahahaha!  

   Also, my new favorite drink:  

  Deliciousness. Yummy, yummy deliciousness.    We got home about 11:30 or so, and we stayed up even later talking with my dad and his friends that were at the house - and we even played Skip-Bo once Josh got home!  Talk about a long day!   Sunday came way too quick!  I was tired, but can't imagine why.... ;).  We went to church and just about suffocated.  It was hot, but of course my mom was comfortable. I was so miserable that I thought I was going to pass out - and I contemplated walking outside for some fresh air and possibly a breeze to cool down.  It was still a great Father's Day sermon, regardless of the riduclous hotness inside that church.  We then went home and made a Father's Day feast for Dad!  We knocked it out of the park, and he was so thankful...and full! :) He even got an appetizer! Such a hard life ... :)  

 

Love you, Dad! :-D

We then went to attend to a newborn calf that was not expected to live - poor girl!  The vet had to be called on Saturday to pull her from its momma and they didn't think she'd survive.  But she did! However, we were pretty sure she wasn't nursing yet, so that had to be addressed.  She's so tall for just being born and had a hard time feeding!  But my awesome dad helped her out, and she's caught on, now!  Such a beauty.  I'll spare y'all the pic of it immediately after birth...gross.  We named her Lady Bug, because she's lucky to be alive! Aww....

  After cleaning up from that, we went to visit with Pops for a while, seeing as it was Father's Day, and all.  He was having such a good day and I even got him to take a picture with me! :) I love that man!   

 

  Once he went for supper, we went to our cousins' house for supper and fun with their kiddos.   

Watching the Spurs/Heat game!

  It got kind of late, so I spent another night at my parents' house and left super early this morning to make it to work on time.  And now I feel terrible - the flu, really?! I guess my body is telling me to GET SOME REST!  And I'm absolutely going to give in to that.  As soon as I get home today, it's a shower, and then cuddled up on the couch with the best blanket ever, the remote control, and my little buddy.  I can't wait to see my husband tonight, as we haven't seen each other since Friday! :(     How was your weekend?   

The {Little Things}

I absolutely cherish every opportunity that I get to travel back home and spend some quality time with my family. However, I always make a point to take a few moments for myself - to truly be alone and take in the peace and calmness that is the country. Picture this:
Rolling hills of open land. Windmill. Windchimes. Cows roaming. Birds chirping. Wind blowing through the trees. Hammock swaying in the breeze. Crisp air. Clear, blue skies. Sun shining. Woods off to the side, trees everywhere.

This is my morning. I'm sitting on the back porch of my parents' house and this is their view. How glorious!

 

 

So, now that you have that image in mind, I'm lounging on their super comfortable outdoor furniture and reading The Resolution for Women. More about that journey to come at a later date. Anywho, as I'm deep in learning about God's want for us to be purposefully feminine, I hear a noise coming from the side of the house. I look over, as it could very easily be my mom or dad, and I see a rabbit scurrying by. It runs right in front of me and off to the opposite side of the house by the garage. Pretty neat. Nature at its finest! But then, I hear an even louder rustling noise from where the first one originated. This time when I look over, I see a wolf, yes, a WOLF, standing less than 20 yards away! It's definitely looking for that rabbit. I sit completely still, in awe of the simple acts that are happening literally right in front of me. The wolf trots across the grass right in front of the back porch (at this point, it's about 5 yards away), sniffing out its prey! It makes its way further to the back of the property, and I watch as it disappears into the woods. This very simple act was so amazing to watch. It was such a little thing and was over in literally less than 2 minutes. And it really opened my eyes to my life.

 

 

It's the little things that we need to be aware of and thankful for. It's the little things, such as a good morning hug or a random text message during the day, that puts a smile on my face and makes my heart soar! It's the little things, like visiting with my family, seeing a smile on my Grandpa's face, watching a movie while wrapped up in my husband's arms, or enjoying the simplicity of nature, that reminds me of what is truly important. I don't need to take extravagant trips across the world. I don't have to be filthy rich. I don't need to be the center of attention. I don't need any of these things to be completely happy and feel complete. God intended me to be exactly where I am in my life. Today's experience reminded me to take time out of my busy life to reflect on what is important. It also reminded me to cherish the little things, no matter how small. The little things matter the most to me, and that's what is important. I'm happy. And it's because of the little things that happen every single day!  And God saw that it was good.

What are the little things that matter most to you?