Bastrop or Bust!

We spent some wonderful time with Pop, NaNa, Aunt Krissy, Uncle John, and Gail at Hyatt Lost Pines recently. Of course you know Pop captured some amazing moments. Things to note:
-Jack is fearless
-They have an awesome splash pad
-We all constantly watched him (spoiled first child)
-We are super excited about baby Olivia
-He smiles BIG

Young at Heart

This morning I am lucky enough to hang out with both my kiddos. As I was walking Jack and Cooper around the neighborhood my phone was playing old George Strait songs. I like to try and keep them as country at heart as possible. Thinking about simplifying life got me thinking about the titles we give ourselves.

Wife, mom, christian, sister, daughter, friend, employee, dog owner, home owner, car owner, runner...you get the picture. With all of those titles you have major responsibilities. Each of them require time and dedication. I always feel like the second I have a moment to breath, all of a sudden another beach ball hits me in the head. My oil needs changed. Michael needs a dentist appointment. My client can only talk on her lunch break. Cooper doesn't have enough time to poop in the morning. I have not gotten to call that friend in a while. I always fear falling short of not only other's expectations but my own.

Then I look down at a dog smiling and a kid's toes wiggling and realize that they do not have a care in the world. Okay they do care about eating, sleeping and having fun, but really have no responsibilities at all. I wish I could be everything to everyone at once, but I can't. So I will have to be the best I can and love every second I get when I get that precious time to spend with each of you.

Give me a high five! Five Years!

I have never thought about it until now, but our wedding anniversary actually falls around the same time of year when we first met. It was the end of summer, Krissy and Amanda had been hanging out a bunch during summer school, and they were in the middle of work week for rush. Both of their younger siblings were headed to A&M and they couldn't wait to show us the ropes. Amanda and Michael came over with Sonic drinks so he and I could be introduced before they dropped us off at Fish Camp the next day. He was tall, thin, and shy. I was certain I would do the networking for the both of us at Fish Camp. A miracle put us in the same color group at camp, so we continued to have a safety net and fellow friend during that overwhelming experience. He came out of his shell more and more as the week went on. He introduced me to a girl named Mandy from his hometown who would be going through rush too. She had a sister that was an older Zeta too. Little did I know I was about to spend the rest of my life with these two people...from East Bernard, Texas.

I can still remember eating lunch with him in the MSC like it was yesterday. We would eat "dirty Chinese" and have the best conversations. Although I thought he may like me more than just a friend, he never sugar coated anything and was brutally honest with me. To this day it is my favorite thing about Michael Preisler. I found myself waiting to eat lunch with him excited to get his opinion on things. He noticed I would always keep my fortunes from my fortune cookie, so after a while it became second nature that after he read his he would hand it over to me to keep.

I looked at the frame again today and these are some of the fortunes:
The future holds great things for you.
Simplicity in your lifestyle will ensure you a happy life.
Your cheerfulness will win success.
Don't put off till tomorrow what can be enjoyed today.
Hard work is always appreciated.
A sincere apology goes a long way.
The best mirror is often a good friend.
The most important things in life aren't things.

Looking at these photos you realize how much you have grown up. We thought we were adults when we graduated high school...