West Coast Friends

I might not be a person with the most friends, but I feel like the friendships that I have are quality.  This weekend I was able to meet up with one of those dear friends who proves my idea of friendship is exactly what I thought it was.  I got to spend time with my old roommate, Kayreen.  We haven't seen each other in 8 years, and we were able to pick up right where we left off. Aren't those the best friendships ever!?! It's so neat!  You know those friendships are based on things that really matter.

 

If you've ever read the "About Me" section of this blog, then you know that I lived in Seattle, WA for 6 months after I graduated from college.  I loved my time in Seattle and am so thankful that I was able to live there for a brief time.  I'll always have a place in my heart for the Pacific Northwest. 

 

Kayreen was my roommate while I was there, and she became a dear friend.  Living in Seattle probably would have been a very different experience if Kayreen hadn't been such a good friend.  I didn't know a single person when I moved to the city.  It was a leap of faith, but God blessed me during that time.  Instead of being lonely, I felt right at home.  Kayreen is from Seattle and made me feel welcome.  I even met her sweet family and they welcomed me in their home, which was great since my family was all back in Texas.  Kayreen was a blast to hang out with.  She's thoughtful, creative, witty, and smart. She and I had similar tastes in arts and entertainment.  We went to numerous concerts and kooky independent films.  We took road trips to San Francisco, Oregon, Vancouver, BC, and camped at Mt. Rainer National Park--so many good memories!  Our jobs were the same, too.  She also worked for Baptist Collegiate Ministries/Baptist Student Ministries.

 

In the summer 2004, Mark and I went to Seattle for a week and stayed with Kayreen.  That was the last time we saw each other in person until this weekend!  It's hard to believe it's been over 8 years!  This past year we reconnected when I finally joined the rest of the world and got a smart phone and started texting. 

 

Kayreen has a friend that has just moved to Oklahoma, and she was going to be visiting her so they decided to come to Texas since they were sort of in the neighborhood.  Kayreen and her friends (from OK, Boise and Seattle) made the drive to see us, and we got to hang out Friday night and Saturday morning.

 

This was taken right before they headed back to OK.  I look terrible, but it's because we stayed up until 3A.M. talking and catching up.    

 

Jen, Sarah, Kayreen, and Kerri. 

I'd never met Jen, Sarah or Kerri but they became instant friends.  I hope they stop by anytime they are in Texas.

Life As We Know It

#1

Will lost one of his front teeth. 
It happened just in time for picture day at school! 

 

#2

Ben's obsessed with Halloween costumes.  It's the cutest thing.  He continuously looks through these Halloween costume catalogs we've gotten in the mail.  He must get it from me.  Fall is my favorite season, and I love Halloween.

 

 

#3

Will's playing soccer.  It's super cute and funny!

Don't let this photo fool ya!  Will is attempting to kick the ball here, which is rare.

 

 He's usually more interested in what's going on in the game on the next field.  Most importantly he's having fun, and we're having a blast watching the games.

 

 

#4

Our schedules are FULL!  We're always so busy at the beginning of the school year adjusting to our new routine.  It definitely takes some time to get used to going back to work instead of hanging out like we do in the summer.  Our lives are pretty scheduled with school during the week.  Will's soccer games are on Saturday and soccer practice is twice a week.  It'll be interesting when Ben starts playing sports.  Then we'll really be busy.  We are also very involved in church.  Faithful attendance is a priority for our family, and we are there every time the doors are open. 
 

 

#5

My roommate from Seattle is visiting this weekend.  I haven't seen her since 2004, and I'm ecstatic that she's coming to Texas!

 

#6

I slowed down on blogging in the spring of this year.  I've never quite picked up the pace. 

 

Here are the reasons why:

 

#7

If you follow me on instagram (@redbirdblue) then you know that I've been working out very early in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I get up at 4:55A.M. and head to the gym.  That's pretty darn early for me!  Before this workout, I was only awake for one 4:55 during the day and that was 4:55P.M.  I started this workout program (P31) at the beginning of August.  We do a different workout each day so I'm never bored and always challenged.   It's faith-based with a positive message and the trainer is a good friend of mine.  The workout is similar to Insanity or P90X.  I absolutely LOVE it!  I can also see results after 6 weeks (no more muffin top, my clothes fit better, more energy AND I have leg muscles again.  I haven't had leg muscles since 1996!!!).

 

#8

I have to go to bed really early on the nights before I workout.  It's taken away the time that I used to read and comment on blogs.  I occasionally find time to read a few blogs, but I rarely have time to comment.

 

Hope this explains that I'm not ignoring your blogs on purpose.

 

#9

Instagram has been the way I've stayed in touch with most of the friends I've made through blogging.  I've become facebook friends with blog friends, too.  I like getting to know people through all these social networking outlets.  I don't have a twitter account, but I can see how that would be fun. 

#10
Last thing.
Really silly.
We went to Sam's over the weekend to stock up on several things we needed. Two things always happen when we are there.  We buy something we really don't need (this time a huge assortment of hot chocolate).  We always underestimate the size of the packages/containers.  It never fails that we get home and unload the car and realize that we don't have anywhere to store all of the stuff we bought.  Every. Single. Time. 
Ha!

I'm linking up my random thoughts
 to lowercase letters Miscellany Monday.
Stop by and check out more randomness.

What I Wore Wednesday {August 2012}

What I Wore Wednesday {August 2012}

 

It's been so long since I've done a WIWW post that I had a difficult time remembering how I usually do these posts. 

 

I'm so behind on blogging!  I still have vacation photos from July to post.  I will eventually get to blog about everything I want to, but the beginning of the school year is hectic with little time for blogging.  It may be Christmas break when I finally get around to it, but I will blog about all of our road trip to New Mexico!

 

In keeping with the  theme that I'm very behind, I thought I'd do a WIWW post with photos of my outfits from August NOT September.

 

That's my excuse for still wearing white.  It was BEFORE Labor Day!

 

*Disclaimer

I'm definitely not a fashionista.  I'm a mom who dresses like a mom :)

I like to shop. I buy most, if not all, of my clothes on sale.

I dress in clothes that make me happy.  Not to impress :)

 

One more thing...I'm ready for cooler weather and fall temps.  I've had enough of the summer heat and humidity.  Enough!

 

 

#1

Top: Loft

Shorts: J Crew outlet

Necklace: Lisa Leonard family tree

Espadrilles: Saludos at J Crew

 

#2

Crappy photo taken in a hotel room.  We went on a mini-vacation to College Station to end the summer.  We love Aggieland.  Whoop!

Skinny chinos: J Brand at Nordstrom Rack

Top: Milk & Honey

Black Flats: DSW 

Ring: Sundance

 

#3

Visit to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory in Brenham, TX

Top: Banana Republic

Shorts: J Crew outlet

Sandals: Shi 

 

#4

We're at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University

Shorts: J Crew outlet

Top: Nordstrom Rack

Sandals: Shi 

Purse: Kate Spade

 

 

#5

Dress: Loft

Heels: Nordstrom Rack

 

#6

Look at Ben's face in these photos--priceless!

White Linen Pants: Old Navy

Denim top: Gap (old from 1998!)

Silver cuff: Francesca's

Earrings: Charlotte Russe 

Ring: Sundance

 

#7

Cuffed Jeans: Banana Republic

Top: Anthro

Necklace: Old Navy

Sandals: Shi 

 

#8

Jeans: Hudson

Top: J Crew outlet

Bracelet: Ember Arts jewelry made in Uganda

Shoes: TOMS

(my socially conscious outfit)

 

#9

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Top and Cardi: Loft

Sandals: Gap

Ring: Sundance 

 

#10

White pants: Old Navy

Black ruffle top: Gap outlet

Bracelet: Missionaries to India visited our church and I purchased it.  Bead bracelet is from Francesca's.

Earring: Ike & Co (love her shop on etsy!)

Sandals: Loft 

close up of the jewelry

 

 

#11

Dress: Francesca's

Cardi: Gap outlet

Bird Necklace: Forever 21

Sandals: Gap

 

#12

Dress: Banana Republic outlet

Sandals: Shi

Necklace: Early birthday gift from Mark and the boys 

 

two gold discs with an engraved W and B

 

#13

Jeans: Hudson

Flower Top and Gray cardi: J Crew outlet

Flip flops: Loft 

 

Linking up to the Pleated Poppy

Thirty-five

 

Ben's 3

 

Will's 5

 

 and

 

I'm 35 today!

 

Mark and the boys made it a special day and wonderful birthday weekend.  On Friday we ate at our favorite pizza place and I stopped by Anthropologie to pick up a couple of latte bowls.  Saturday started with Will's first soccer game and then we ate lunch with Mark's parents.  We headed into Plano to shop at Trader Joe's (it just recently opened!!!), Nordstrom Rack and then we went to Frisco to IKEA.  The guys were good sports going to all of my favorite places.  Today we went to church and had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  The perfect ending to a fantastic weekend!

 

I'm thankful for all of the blessings in my life, especially my sweet husband and sons. 

 

I didn't have time to write a list of 35 random things about me this year, but here are my lists when I turned 33 and 34 :)

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was a big day in our family.  Will had his very first day of school.  I knew that this day was coming, and I tried not to think about it.  I've had mixed emotions about Will starting kindergarten.  Mostly I've been excited because he's excited, but a little part of me was sad because he's growing up.  I've been nervous about starting this new phase in our lives--new environment, new routine, new friends and new teachers. You get the point.  So many new things!  We've been blessed that Will has been enthusiastic.  His good attitude has made this transition really positive. 

This morning Mark and I walked Will to his classroom.  Will found the Play-Doh at his desk and started playing.  We hung out a little to make sure he was okay.  He seemed happy and excited to be in his classroom.  I knew we needed to go so we could get to our campus for our teacher duties.  I talked to Will about how he would get home after school and told him we should go to our school because the big kids would be there.  He looked at me and said, "I think you should go now."  Well, that about sums up his feelings on being at school.  No apprehension whatsoever!  I'd say he was more than ready.  We kissed him goodbye and told him we loved him.  He didn't cry and I didn't either! 

Here's my kindergartner!

My sweet boy!

Little brother looks sad about not going to school  but he's not.  It's just his expression in this photo.  He did great today going to grandma's house.

Will's so over having his photo taken. 

Will and daddy 

Mark walking Will into school.  This was the only time I almost teared up. 

Will and one of his teachers. 

A name tag and Play-Doh!   Happy kid!

 

Will's First Day of Kindergarten

 

Meet the Teacher

Will's first day of kindergarten will be on Monday!  I haven't talked about it much because I'm afraid I'll be overwhelmed with emotions.  It's not because I'm anxious or nervous, just sentimental.  Well, I was a little anxious and nervous about such a big transition, but I'm feeling better now after we went to Meet the Teacher on Thursday night.  Will's teacher is super nice and he loved his classroom.  Thank goodness Will is beyond excited about starting school.  That makes this new phase of life so much easier knowing that he's ready.  I've definitely been praying extra hard for my little one, his teacher, and the students who will be in his class.

 

 

I made Will pose by the teacher's desk.

 

Will was so excited to have his own locker.

 

 

This was taken earlier this summer and it feels like yesterday! 

 

Linking up to InstaFriday at Life Rearranged

 

Follow me on instagram @redbirdblue

Road Trip 2012 {Santa Fe}

Santa Fe is a beautiful, historic city. We visited the Plaza, but we spent most of our time in Santa Fe at High Country Gardens Santa Fe Greenhouses, Trader Joe's and the Santa Fe Baking Company and Cafe. 

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

One of many art galleries

La Fonda

I know it's because I've taught Junior High students too long, but when I saw this sign the first thing I thought of was LaFawnduh from Napoleon Dynamite. If I was sophisticated, my first thought would be that it's a beautiful historic landmark, but no, those were not my first thoughts.

Loretto Chapel

We didn't go inside to see the "miraculous staircase" because it started raining and we were ready to leave.

High Country Garden Santa Fe Greenhouses

It's a great resource if you are interested in xeriscaping.

Ben's happy if he can play in the rocks.

Will taking a rest.

Mark and his parents really enjoyed looking at all of the unique plants and trees.

I wish Aspen trees would grow in Texas.

Vivid pottery for sale at the Santa Fe Greenhouses 

Santa Fe Baking Company and Cafe

Such a cool vibe.

One of my favorite things in Santa Fe was stopping by Trader Joe's.  I was doing some serious shopping so I didn't take any photos.  I was focused on the task at hand.  I stocked up on some goodies I can't get in Texas.  I know there's a TJ's in Fort Worth now and one is opening soon in Plano, but that won't be until the fall.  Can't wait!

More Road Trip 2012 photos can be see here and here.

Road Trip 2012 theme :)

"Well, the road didn't cut through the land like that interstate. It moved with the land, it rose, it fell, it curved. Cars didn't drive on it to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time."

Sally, Cars