photography

happenings

So here’s some life updates:

Back in September, I posted about taking the first 2 sections of the NCIDQ Interior Design Licensing Exam…and guess what? I PASSED!! So excited – and to be completely honest – sooooo relieved. Now I can take my time to relearn hand drafting and prepare for the last day of testing. Not sure if I’ll take it this Spring… we’ll see.

Today marks 9 years since my hubby & I first started dating. We were 19 then – but feels like just yesterday! Literally, we’ve spent almost a 1/3 of our lives together! Haha so weird to think of it like that. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. I love him more each day.

I’m still waiting for fall to come. I think we had one cool week so far…but then it warmed back up into the low 80’s last weekend. Even for Texas that is unseasonably warm in December! But we have been blessed with such a beautiful, warm fall this year.

This past weekend we attempted our first Christmas family photo shoot. We found this cool walking bridge near our house recently and decided it would be a great spot. It’s called the Faust Street Bridge and its original structure dates back to 1887! I love it. Most of the shots were pretty silly, but we did get a few keepers. Camera tripod = best $30 I’ve spent. Here’s a sneak peek …

PS. I’m not anywhere near ready for Christmas. I think I have a grand total of one present off my list, and no tree up yet. How about ya’ll?

Chicago

We had the pleasure of going to one of my favorite places last week, and although we were only there for about 24 hours it was a total blast!

Such a beautiful city! Love the architecture

Buckingham Fountain.

Brotherly love.

First time to Wicker Park. Loved it.

❤

Pure Michigan

I’m backkkkkkk! We returned from our trip to Michigan on Sunday and have been trying to play catch up ever since! As you probably know, Nate & I are from neighboring small towns in southern Michigan. It was nice to go to the place that we’ll always call home. I know a lot of people that have never been to Michigan assume that it sucks, but I’m determined to change your mind. Summer in Michigan is absolutely gorgeous, and there is a lot of great things to see. Our vaycay went by fast, and we didn’t get to experience all that our hearts’ coveted, but here’s some of my favorite pictures from the trip:

Our 1st stop: East Lansing!

There’s me in front of my old dorm at Michigan State.

Oh Sparty, I’ve missed you more than you know.

Congrats to Colleen & Jesse – there’s me with the beautiful bride!

Stop #2: Detroit

We don’t take no bull! (Kel & I in Wyandotte)

Take me out to the ballpark! A summer trip home is not complete until we go to a Tiger’s game.

Now you know where I get my eyes from! (Aunt Ann & I)

Stop #3: Kalamazoo

Maci Muggles enjoying life

Uncle Warren & Aunt Janet!

Stop #4: Grand Haven

Reunited! Finally!!

Love me some Lake Michigan

Nate & Biff

Stop #5: Irish Hills/Brooklyn/Napoleon

St. Joseph’s Shrine in Irish Hills. Such a special place – not only because we got married at the Shrine 2 years ago, but also because my family’s history is rooted so deeply here. My grandparents and other relatives are buried here too.

Check back tomorrow because I’ll be putting up the pictures from Chicago! 🙂

Until then…. xoxo!

thursday thoughts: to be free

(above images link back to their original source)

life in texas

Well since we’ve moved and gotten settled, I thought I’d take the chance to show ya’ll some of highlights of life in Texas so far:

We discovered Naegelin’s Bakery, which is located about 3 minutes from our house in downtown New Braunfels. Texas’ oldest bakery!

cherry donut = amazingness.

My first try at homemade cheesecake for Nate’s birthday…..and was it delicious. Not that I’m a pro or anything, but we both thought it was the BEST cheesecake we’ve ever had. He credits the cook, I credit the recipe and my ability to follow directions.

Also for Nate’s birthday we drove up to Dallas for the Lions/Cowboys game.

The size of Cowboys Stadium is almost as big as the ego of their fans…… let’s just say the better team won! 🙂 (a little sports trash talk never killed anybody)

This is how my 2 loves spend most of their free time. 🙂