The Good Life

Our past month in pictures.

We said goodbye to Summer the only way we know how, on a boat with good friends, amazing weather, and cold beer.

Sam's Boat, Lake Conroe Papa's on the Lake!

A fun Friday night out with mah besties!

Our love bugs!
Katy Homecoming with the Feit's Adam's cousin, Scott's Eagle Scout ceremony. Go Scott! We are so proud of you! Watching Coach Aki do his thang in East Bernard with the Vyvial clan. Go Brahma's! MaMa and PaPa Vyvial Coach Aki, our future brother in law:) The Blonde-terage (minus a few) at our house before our good friend, Brittani's wedding With my boo! (and my first "Rent the Runway" dress, what do ya think!?) Hayley caught the bouquet!!!!!!!!! Need I say more? And Britt was STUNNING! I love my goofy friends! June after her first bath. Wiped out! THE END!! Love you all:)

The Newly Engaged!

In other news, I want to give a shout out my wonderful friend Megan and her fiance Stephen. They were engaged last month and this past weekend we celebrated the two with a beautiful engagement party at the Carnes' home. Adam and I have a blast with these two and couldn't be happier. Congrats you two! I love watching my friends get married and take part in all the fun. Who will be next? I have to admit, this is such a fun time for our group of friends. And I have a feeling we just might have a few more engagements on the horizon! We shall see...

Decisions and Change

I look back and realize I have not been a very good blogger this past month. Alot has been going on! First, our week nights seem to be packed to the brim between puppy obedience class for our new addition, June, and teaching 4th grade CCE. Both I should mention are going great! June is growing and learning so much and Adam and I are truly enjoying sharing our faith with bright-eyed 4th graders. They are amazing!

In addition to this craziness, Adam and I have been in much prayer and discussion about my current job situation. After much, MUCH thought, I have decided to pursue a career in teaching. Currently, I am in agency sales for a media research company called The Media Audit. With much support from my dear husband and our families and friends, I resigned from my current position this past Friday (October 1st). Can you say scary? And many people think I am nuts!

But, yes, I am taking the leap and couldn't be more thrilled! My last day here at The Media Audit is October 15th. October 16th I will begin my teaching certification classes and begin subbing and "shadowing" as much as I can. This is vital in order to gain classroom experience and contacts.

I am so excited to finally be pursuing this dream! I began college as an education major, but stupidly dropped it at KU only because it was a 5 year program. I always said I would just "get certified" after college. Boy am I regretting that. Dumb! I should have stuck to my gut. And I should have known all along that this was my path! I even asked for and received an overhead projector for Christmas '93. I played school on that thing for hours on end until it was eventually donated to the Ole Miss Pi Phis later in college;)

So here I am, 3.5 years out of college, still lingering onto this dream. I am so thankful and blessed with the most amazing and supportive husband as Adam. He is a dream and I could have never even imagined a more loving, supportive man who just wants to see me happy with my job.

I will be getting certified to teach grades 4-8 and look forward to updating you all on my progress! Please keep me in your prayers.

TRY THIS: Peppered Flank Steak with Fresh Orange Sauce

You have got to try this recipe! This is a recipe I have grown up with and have had the pleasure of carrying on with my family (Adam). We have had it a couple times already in our married life and after I made it last night I decided I must share! Its low cal, an inexpensive cut of beef, easy, and DELISH!

INGREDIENTS (serves 2-4):
-One, 1 pound flank steak (about 1 inch thick)
-2 teaspoons cracked pepper
-2 teaspoons butter
-1 teaspoon vegetable oil
-1/4 cup orange juice
-2 teaspoons lemon juice
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-parsley sprigs

1. Rinse steak and pat dry with paper towel
2. Rub one side of steak with half the pepper, rub the other side with the other half of the pepper (press firm to adhere)
3. In 10-12 inch skillet heat butter mixed with oil on HIGH
4. Add meat and brown quickly on each side (sealing in juices)
5. Lower heat to medium/high (I put my stove to about 6) for about 4 minutes on each side (give or take a minute) for medium rare
6. Remove meat to a platter and cover (I use an upside down aluminum pie dish:))
7. Lower heat to moderate (4ish on my stove) and dump oil/grease from pan
8. Add orange juice, lemon juice, and salt in pan- stir to free any bits of meat sticking to skillet
9. Cook for 2 minutes (stirring a few times)
10. Divide steak as needed and plate
11. Pour orange sauce over meat
12. Garnish with parsley

ENJOY!!

I hate to admit it! But we served this with brown rice and strawberries! The last recipe I posted (salmon) we served with brown rice and strawberries. I promise I make more for sides than this. I guess I have been trying to take advantage of fresh strawberries before they are out of season. It is hands down our favorite summer side dish. xoxo

Rent the Runway

We have a few weddings approaching and I am found asking myself the famous question- what to wear? Typically, I would make a run for the mall buying multiple dresses for the occasions. Thankfully, I was introduced to Rent the Runway. It has to be one of the best ideas I have ever heard of. I wish I had thought of it! This company has thousands of current, in-season designer dresses. For as low as $50 you can "rent" a dress. This keeps you in a fresh look for every soiree and you will never be a "repeat offender" again! Check out Rent the Runway. You have to be "invited" to join, so if you want an invite- let me know! They will even send you the same dress in another size at no charge. Even more- they will send you a second style in two sizes for just $25 additional, just in case you are not sure the style is right for you. Then the day after your event, simply stick the dress into the prepaid envelope and voila! I was introduced to Rent the Runway last Spring by Sarah Cathey. I am so excited, this month I will be trying out my first "rental" dress! Here are a few looks I am eyeing:) What do you think??

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Labor Day weekend was spent with our family in the beautiful town of Gruene, Texas. It was honestly the best weekend ever! Aren't they all? Adam and I along with my parents met my Aunt Marcia, Uncle Drew and my cousin Kellie in Gruene. Marcia and Drew came all the way from Atlanta and Kellie is currently in law school in San Antonio. A blast may be an understatement. We really had a classic "Texas" weekend! We ate good Mexican, danced at Gruene Hall, went "antiquing," saw a wonderful Kevin Fowler Texas Country concert at River Road Ice House, floated the Comal, and ate at the famous Gristmill! It couldn't have been better. But most of all, we had a wonderful time with our loved ones. As you can see we were honestly in laughs ALL weekend:) I love my family!

The Men in Blue

Gristmill...

Promo girls??

Kevin Fowler Saturday night:

KK having the time of her life!!

The girls:

One of my favorite pictures.



Gruene Hall



Friday night and so happy to be together!

And did I mention our bed and breakfast!? We stayed three nights at a wonderful B&B right next to Gruene Hall. It was beautiful and honestly the perfect location. Check out the Gruene Mansion Inn

Family Time

This past weekend Nic and Jill came to visit for Nic's ten year high school reunion. Wow! Has it really been ten years since he graduated? Anywho, we had a blast all weekend and did nothing but spend time together as a family. We had lots great meals together and Sunday Adam and I cooked out for everyone. Adam and I were even invited to the reunion pre-party at the Goolsby's house. So much fun!

I have to say the highlight of the trip was Friday night. We all went out to a special dinner- all 7 of us- to Smith and Wollensky's for some wonderful time together. Victor is so busy as a Deacon and working on his final year preparing for the priesthood, so its always a treat spending time with him as well. All in all, the weekend went by way too fast!







And last but not least, here is a silly picture of June from the weekend. Our growing (and sleepy) girl!