november highlights.

If November wasn't crazy... December sure will be! I can't believe 2014 will soon be coming to an end. The saying is so true, "The older you get, the faster time flies." November was filled with so much good food, friends and family.

Here are a few highlights from the eleventh month of the year (in no particular order):

• Stephen's mom and step-dad spent a weekend with us! Sightseeing included: Dallas Galleria, Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, a yummy Italian dinner, Sunday morning church, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Shops at Legacy.
• When we walked into Belk at the Galleria, there was a long line.. I thought everyone was real excited about seeing Santa Claus. Turns out it was JESSICA SIMPSON. My twelve year old hopes and dreams of being her best friend came rushing back in an instant!!! I used to adore her when I was little. I never missed an episode of The Newlyweds and saved every magazine she was on the cover of. Seriously, the best moment and surprise of my life.
• Stephen and I put up my Christmas decorations at my house and drank hot chocolate under the tree.
• I purchased new stockings from Heart & Home! They are perfect. Stephen claimed the red one with the snowman.
• Earlier this month Stephen played in the Turkey Bowl at church aka a flag football tournament. His team ended up placing third and he could barely walk for days! It was fun to cheer and watch.
• I baked the most delicious pumpkin pie cake from M Loves M for Thanksgiving dessert. Instead of 3/4 cup of almond flour I only used 1/2 cup and added an extra 1/4 cup of all purpose flour. I also did candied pecans instead of pumpkin seeds! I know everyone likes a good pecan. IT IS AMAZING.
• Some of my students wrote me "thankful" letters for their ASL class. The one above is from one of my students from last year. I had no idea I had impacted her life that way! Makes the job worth it.
• Hannah and I practiced yoga over Thanksgiving break. My standing splits is making lots of progress! #yogawillchangeyourlife
• Last, but not least, Stephen's mom took the picture of Stephen and I in front of the big tree in the Galleria. I love my country boy.

alma mater.

The past two weekends, Stephen and I have had the opportunity to go to both of our college Alma Mater's - Baylor and LSU - to watch a good football game! They were both special trips. Going to Baylor was special to me because it was my first game in the new McLane stadium. {And can I just say it was GORGEOUS?} Going to LSU was special to Stephen because it was the LSU vs. Bama game. aka the most celebrated college football game. Ever.

Two different colleges. Two very different expericences! I never realized the differences until visiting both campuses back to back. Haha.

The weekend befor last, we drove to Waco Saturday morning for some Baylor Homecoming tailgating and football. We met up with the Chabots and Lauren's family. Hannah drove in from Louisiana and met us there, too! Lauren's dad ended up having three extra box tickets so we got blessed with the best seats in the stadium! McLane seats 45,000... which is much less than LSU coming in at around 101,000, but it sure is prettier!

The stadium opens up to the Brazos River and a nice view of campus.

We had such a fun time!

Last weekend we went to Baton Rouge for a little bit of Tiger Football. Stephen insisted on leaving at 8 a.m. from DeRidder so that we would have plenty of time for tailgating. I'm so glad he insisted because traffic would've been awful otherwise. We had to park far from the stadium which was fine with me because I got to see the LSU lakes & some of the beautiful Louisiana homes.

We met up with friends and Stephen got to see his cousin, Reed, who is currently attending LSU. Hannah was there, too! Stephen was the happiest person in the world. He sang LSU chants the entire way to Baton Rouge. I don't know who he loves more LSU football or me... probably... LSU football. The game was fun, but also very aggrevating because the refs called some terrible plays. And... Bama took the W which was the worst part. I'm still glad we went though! Thank you, Stephen, for taking me!

LSU lakes.

In front of the Bell tower.

We snapped this after LSU kicked a field goal with 1 minute left. We thought we had the W in the bag..

Two great weekends at two awesome colleges. I am so thankful to have had such a blessed college experience. Baylor will always hold a special place in my heart - I love going back to my Alma Mater!

october highlights.

I think I've decided October is officially my favorite month of the year. The weather is absolutely perfect and there are so many good football games (thanks, Stephen) -- because of those two things everyone is just happier!

Here are a few highlights from the tenth month of the year:

• My mom text me the throwback picture earlier this month and said "Happy Fall!" I haven't posted very many throwbacks and thought this one was too cute not to post. That is my sister and I in about 1995.
• Stephen and I watched the very exciting Baylor game against TCU. It was such a great comeback for our Bears, I wore my green and gold to church the next morning.
• My nephews had a joint birthday party, Slade celebrated his 5th and Holt his 3rd. I cannot believe they are already that big and adorable!! Happy birthday, boys!
• Stephen and I went to Shreveport last weekend to celebrate our friend's, Chelsea, birthday. I managed to not take any pictures (because I didn't keep my phone on me). The only one I took that wasn't of dogs was the one above of Stephen making his own rice dressing! Happy birthday, Chels!
• Jesus shows up everywhere. You just have to look and listen for Him :)

Not pictured:

• Stephen and I went to the local winery again and enjoyed an outdoor concert complete with a lawn chair, brick oven pizza and wine. Again, I did a terrible job of capturing all of this.
• Last night we had a double date with L Rut and her new guy from Louisiana! It was so much fun. I think Stephen may have met his match.

Happy Halloween, y'all.