Coincidence?

One of my closest college friends is getting married this weekend. We're the last two to get married out of our little circle of friends and I like to think I had a little something to do with the blessed event that's happening this weekend. The bride-to-be did catch the bouquet at my wedding, much to the delight of her then new boyfriend I'm sure. Rumor has it Anthony knew Laura (who we affectionately call Furr) was *the one* from their first date. That first date also happened to be just a few weeks before our wedding. So, is it a coincidence that she caught the bouquet? I think not.

All kidding aside, I am thrilled for my dear friend. She is marrying the one that God intended for her and I know how precious that is. God is faithful and his plans are so much greater than anything we could hope for or imagine. I am so excited to witness such a happy day tomorrow! And, for the record, I think I should clarify that I don't really think I had a thing to do with their marriage. I just think it makes for a nice story ;)

P.S. The groomsman that caught the garter recently got engaged. And I love that too ;)

Goodbye Caldwell

My parents closed on their house today. Their house on Caldwell Creek Drive. They bought the house when I was a senior at Baylor, so I didn't grow up there, but I did make some wonderful memories in that house. I lived there for nine months after college, spent the last nine Christmases there, house-sat a time or two, did most of my wedding projects there and packed up my parent's car for the long haul to Salado for my wedding weekend right there in the circular drive. Lots of sweet memories.

dad packing his truck before the wedding weekend

I hope the next family has just as many great times in their new home. I also hope some of those moments are featured in a reality show. I won't name names, but the new owner has been on a few reality shows and was even a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, so another reality show is not out of the question. It would just be funny to see the house on television. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, happy closing day mom and dad!

For those curious, mom and dad aren't really going anywhere. They are building in North Richland Hills.

Fur for Furr!

Last Saturday I celebrated my last single college girlfriend's upcoming wedding with a fur themed bachelorette party. I know, sounds a little strange, especially given the fact that it's summer. Well, her last name (for two more weeks anyway) is Furr, and we just couldn't resist the play on words. We decked out in our finest fur for our favorite bachelorette and headed to West 7th for a little fun. We may or may not have gotten a few stares walking around town in our accessories. We did have the best time celebrating our girl, and I can't wait for her lake-front wedding in two short weeks!

Happy Birthday Keira!

The little girl who made me an aunt is four today. Four! As they say, it's so hard to believe she is four and yet, I can't really remember what it was like without her in our family. Being her aunt is one of my favorite roles and I'm fairly certain her Uncle Justin feels the same way. We love you big girl!

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

Justin grilled burgers last night (for the first time in our marriage) and I was craving a summery fruit salad to go with it. Cue pinterest search. I found this perfect little salad that was super easy to throw together and so perfect that even my meat and potatoes loving hubby went back for seconds. The oh so simple dressing is what puts it over the top. And the best part, it doesn't involve excess sugar. Here's the recipe. If you can call it a recipe ;)

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

Yield: enough for a crowd

1 pt. container strawberries
1 pt. container blueberries
1  bunch (about 1 1/2 lbs.) seedless grapes (green, red or a mixture of both)
1/4 cup honey (I substitute agave nectar)
juice from 2 limes (about 2-3 tablespoons)

Rinse strawberries, blueberries and grapes.  

Gently pat dry the fruit.  Hull strawberries, then cut each in half; if large, cut into quarters.

Remove stems from blueberries, if any.

Remove grapes from stems.

Gently combine  all three in a large bowl or aluminum tray.  Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice.  Pour over fruit.  

Recipe source here

Time well spent

I recently had the chance to take a day off and spend part of it with my nieces. As I mentioned on instagram, it wasn't my most relaxing vacation day ever, but it was definitely time well spent. These girls are both such a mess, but they have my heart.

My mom

My mom is: strong-willed, beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent, kind, always right ;), driven, compassionate, highly educated, passionate (specifically when it comes to sports), generous and God-fearing. Among a million other things. And she's my mine. I'm so thankful she's my mom.

I hope you had the best Mother's Day mom! We are so grateful we got to be with you for a little bit! I love you. Always.