movies: Christmas edition

Ryder & I LOVE Christmas movies. There were so many we watched this year.. There is of course 'The Grinch', 'National Lampoon: Christmas Vacation', 'Santa Clause', & many others that we love.. But these are the ones that were on repeat for the past month. What are your favorite Christmas movies?

Holiday Festivities

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! My birthday was last weekend & we had a blast. It's always great to get to spend extra time with Ryder & to also see family. We hosted Christmas for our first time & it was so fun! Lots of work, but so much fun. Ryder made the best turkey ever. Now we are trying to recover from our food-coma. Have a great rest of the week!

Friday catchup

Just some photos of life lately.. I cannot believe it is already so close to Christmas! It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and to sometimes wish you had extra things.. But as soon as I have these thoughts, as if God is politely slapping me on the back of the head, I happen to see a homeless person just trying to stay alive. So, as always, remember that Jesus is the real reason for the season.. It is not about who has the cutest wrapping paper or the desserts straight from their Pinterest board. (Which of course I get semi jealous of :) )

Happy Friday!

Thanksgiving recap

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We spent it with some of my family and it was so nice. Good food and great company. We also decorated our tree last week! Love the holidays.

West Texas Adventure

This past weekend Ryder and I took a road trip to west Texas. We love just getting in the car and driving. We first stopped in Midland where we were able to drive by Ryder's old house and his schools. It was so neat finally seeing where he grew up. After that, we drove to Lubbock. We got to see the campus at Texas Tech and see old friends. It's always so nice getting to catch up with everyone.

26.2 miles

Just over a week ago I completed San Antonio's Rock-n-Roll marathon! It was very tough, but such a rewarding experience. I had so much support from friends and family that made it easier to accomplish. If you've ever thought of doing a race, I would definitely recommend this one. They also have a half marathon.

Vegetarians gone wild!!

So this one time we were vegetarians then turned meat eaters.. and it was amazing. About two years ago I read a book that prompted my desire to become a vegetarian. It just seemed like a healthy choice. Ryder was totally on board. We always said if we really wanted meat, we would eat it. But, it wasn't ever an issue.

Fast forward to one month ago.. We are riding in the car on our way home from Oklahoma visiting his parents, just chit chatting and we start having a conversation of hypotheticals, "if you ate one meal of meat, what would it be?" How sad. So we decided we would really think about our choice of whether we wanted to remain vegetarians and not go and rob a nearby Burger King out of pure impulse. (good choice)

Fast forward as we are driving into Austin and we are driving as fast as we can to Whole Foods to get a chicken.... and oh Lord. It was like we had been brought back to life! We never missed meat much, but it's like now that we are back to eating it, it tastes so much better. We still try to eat mostly Whole Foods meat and always grilled or baked. We also noticed we seem to be eating less, which is a plus. Kudos to vegetarians, forreal. You have to be creative so make it work and not be hungry... and my goodness we were just hungry. A happy, full husband is all a girl wants.

So needless to say, we are pumped for holiday eating this year!

Disclosure: I still HATE the sport of hunting. I've always understood why people go out and shoot animals if they are hungry.. but I still do not understand how people go out for the fun of it and kill animals. And then post the photos on facebook and what not. {not cool, people}

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Peace, Love, Politics

If you haven't already voted, I encourage you to go today! Personally, I feel like such a huge percentage of people vote the way they do (if they even vote) because of what their parents say and/or believe. So lame. I feel it's extremely important to vote for the things you feel are important, not because someone is or isn't a certain religion, or because someone is or isn't a certain color. This principle can apply to both political parties. So, before you get on your high horse today and start bashing either of candidates, try and be respectful to those around you.

I think no matter who wins the election; there should be support that this person is going to do what is best for America. Being ignorant and just spending your time saying negative things about whoever may win will not do anyone in this country any good.

I see people getting upset for others "forcing their beliefs" on them, when they do the exact same thing to others who don't believe the way they do.

So, please, please... Research and vote. Don't do what grandma or Uncle Joe Bob says. Think for yourself, people!

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A morning hike

Sunday morning Ryder had the great idea of going for a hike. There is seriously nothing better than some fresh air & beautiful scenery with the one you love. It was so nice to just experience God's creations right along side my best friend & husband. Hope everyone had a great weekend & also has a great week!

Dylan Benjamin

My cousin & his amazing (seriously we love her) wife had the sweetest baby boy recently. I can't think of a couple who deserves a sweeter boy or a boy who deserves sweeter parents! Oh & if you couldn't tell they are devout A&M fans.. We won't hold it against them. :)