Driving Along in an Automobile

It's hotter than blue blazes around here (whatever that means).  A cool front consists simply of day where the high doesn't rise above 100 degrees.  It's kind of like living in an oven.  Spending time outside is becoming more and more challenging, at least for me.  I feel like after 20 minutes playing in the backyard I'm a sticky sweaty mess.  The girls however could seem to care less.


Carter's new favorite thing is to come and ask me if she can take Emme out into the backyard with her to play.  I find this extremely endearing and sweet.  She puts both of their shoes on and out they go...the proud big sister and the little one trailing behind as fast her little legs will carry her.  They are on a mission and beeline it for their favorite ride.  Carter has found the way straight to Emerson's heart. With a quick wave they are off.  Driving along in an automobile...

My baby beside me at the wheel...

Sippy cup in hand...

Summer hair (meaning un-brushed and un-fixed) blowing in the wind...

They're cruisin' and playing the radio...

And chit-chatting about who know's what...

With no particular place to go...

I think Carter is happier than ever to be in the driver seat...

Heading out for a drive is a lot more fun when you've got such a cute passenger...

Sunshine plus these two makes for a pretty great afternoon (especially if your sipping on some sweet tea)...

I just got back from a late night trip to Target with my own little sis' in the passenger seat.  I think maybe I still feel a little bit like Carter does.  Being a big sister is one of my favorite things...even though I did nothing to earn the title.  


It's hard to believe these two will some day be cruising around in a real car.  They've got a lifetime of "riding" together ahead of them...

I heart Fred.

I'm sure most of you have heard of Fredericksburg.  If you haven't it's the Hill Country's best kept secret and a must visit for all you Texans (or visiting Texas tourist).  It's a charming little German town full of antique stores, vintage boutiques and fabulous bakeries and restaurants.  


It also just happens to be home to Nate's mom and her husband Roger which makes it the perfect place to spend a Saturday.  I forgot my camera so we instagrammed it for the day (Nate and the girls with Nonna at the park)...

On this hot Saturday downtown they were having a little vintage car show and we spent some time strolling around...

When we ran across this pretty green gem I had a moment...

I could just see myself about 50 years ago toolin' around town...

This old Chevy truck made me think of my Mama'...

She's got a thing for old trucks...

What's better than an old vintage truck.  That's an easy one.  It's my baby Emerson.  She can make me want to laugh and cry all at the same time...that's how cute she is...

She and her sister together...well, that just pushes me over the edge in the love department...

After an hour or so in the heat we decided to hit the pool...

Cold water has a way of making sweaty babies a little happier...

And we like happy babies around these parts...

I'm also so happy every time we hit the water that Carter has come so far...

Just knowing about a year ago she wasn't too crazy about the whole "swimming" thing is hard to believe.  She is such a little fish now...

A day trip to Fredericksburg was the perfect way to spend our Saturday.  And, while I didn't get to visit any of my favorite shops on this trip, that doesn't mean you can't!  Here are a few of the "don't miss spots" according to me (which doesn't mean much, but here ya' go).


Hands down my favorite Fred store is RED...trust me you must go...MUST MUST MUST...

And speaking of RED, the owner also has one of the cutest guest houses in town, it's called Abby's...

And while we're talking about places to stay it's only fair to mention the Hauffman Haus.  We stayed there last spring with my Mama for mother's day and it is fabulous...

I also just ran across this little spot the other day.  It's called The Flower Bed.  I've never stayed there but it is now on my list of "places I'd love to sleep" (are you reading Nate??  Wink, Wink)...

It's located above a super cool florist shop called Sprout that sells beautiful blooms by the stem (I secretly wish I could work there)...

Another store I love to pop into (even though I really can't afford a thing) is the adorable baby boutique Beulah's...

And right next door is a great place for big girls called Root...

And Heeelllllooooooooo Dolly!  I just realized as I went to link to Root that they also have a few rooms available above their shop.  It's called The Roadrunner Inn and I'm officially smitten.  Nate, just in case your still here this one just moved into my number one spot on "places to sleep"!!  

I also ran across another cool little vintage modern spot the last time I was in town called Enid that is definitely worth a visit...

And, after all that shopping (and sleeping) your bound to be hungry so don't forget to stop by the Rather Sweet Bakery...

They have DEEE-licious soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.  I'm pretty fond of their key lime pie...

Oh, and don't forget the peaches, they're what put Fred on the map...

I hope you'll have a chance to meet Fred soon (if you haven't already).  I have memories of walking the streets with my mom as a child and am happy that I'll be carrying on the tradition with my girls.  I'm also so glad that this fun little town is taking a detour in the modern direction.  For so long it was strictly antiques, antiques, and more antiques and the chic spots I shared above are a breath of fresh air if you ask me.  I heart Fred.

Stick a Pin in Me

I think Pinterest is the greatest invention since sliced bread.  Yes, I love it that much.  

I can't tell you how many times I have thrown gotten really frustrated at my computer.  It is so annoying when I forget where I saw that amazing idea a few months ago online.  How many wasted minutes have I spent googling  various word combinations in vein......sigh....too many.  Enter Pinterest...

You simply install it, create a few categories, and start pinning away.  It's so easy my Momma' could do it (and should)!  Wherever you go, whatever you do, your "Pin It" tab will be right there waiting on you.  No more heartbreak over ideas/products lost in cyberspace.  

I've been inspired by all the stuff floating around over there, but just a warning it can be a little addicting.  Click here to check out my boards aka my late night "happy place"...I'm sure you'll be pinning away in no time!  

For this child I prayed.

There is a thread that I can see as I look back over the past few years of my life.  Sometimes it has been more visible than others, but if I look really hard I know it has always been there.  It's a provision of friends (who quickly become like family) that surround us wherever we go.


I've said it before (and I'll say it again) moving has never really been my thing.  I always hated being the "new kid" and walking into a room full of people I don't know still leaves my stomach with a few knots.  I've learned to cope and even thrive at times in these settings but it hasn't been without some growing pains.  For this reason I feel so very loved as I can think of the people that have come in and out of our life as we have moved numerous times throughout our marriage.  They are tangible representations of God's love for me.


San Antonio has not been different.  Well...I guess a little different.  I did after all have a built in bestie when I moved here (sisters are invaluable like that).  I also had a prospect that I knew would become a fast friend (I couldn't imagine my life without Cayce and crew).  These people are amazing and really...that would have been enough.  But, that's kinda' what I love about God, He usually doesn't stop at enough.  He is pretty good at laying it on thick in the "love" department.


When I walked into a beautiful home almost a year ago I had no idea what a difference the people there would make in my life.  They have become an encouragement, a support, and friends (although that word does not do it justice).  To have a place where you can let your guard down and worship freely is priceless.


Last weekend our "church" surrounded us and supported us as we dedicated our precious Emme. They prayed for her life, for who she will become, for the person she is and will someday be...it meant the world to us (thanks Katie for the beautiful photo)...

Of course the evening was not without a few little hiccups.  Emme is after all a 16 month old who would prefer to run around and stir up a little trouble than sit still...

But the moment was just as special in spite of her "exploring"...

We were surrounded by so many of our favorite people...

Knowing that they will be a part of our daughters life as she continues to grow is such a comfort...

It's pretty amazing to be surrounded by love and support like that...

And for you sweet Emme...my prayer as your mamma is that you would grow and learn to love in the way that Jesus loves you.  That the joy that comes flowing so freely out of you even at this young age would continue to flow freely throughout your life.  You are dynamic and vivacious and I cannot wait to see what amazing things lie ahead of you.  For now I'm so thankful to get to spend everyday with you.  For your sweet little arms that pull my face to yours as you pucker up for a kiss.  You are the kind of baby that could make a person want to have a hundred more.  I adore you little girl.