A Surprise Ending

I went back and forth on whether I was going to post about our weekend. I understand that it might ruffle some feathers and possibly result in losing readers. I am hoping that is not the case. I had to stop and remind myself that yes, I blog for extra income and to share my personal style, but I also blog to record mine and my family's life and memories that we make. This is part of who I am. 

Saturday afternoon, Ross and Logan headed to the deer lease after her doubleheader volleyball game. Landry and I were planning on staying back and getting things "done" around the house. Something was tugging at my heart and whispering in my ear to pack up and head there too. So I did. Landry and I loaded up and made the hill country drive.

We rolled in just in time for the evening hunt. Ross and Logan were ready and waiting for us in the Jeep as will pulled up.

Landry and I hunkered down in our deer blind with chips, salsa, Starbursts and Diet Dr. Pepper. We sat there for a good hour-and-a-half, munching on snacks, playing paper-rock-scissors, quietly giggling, chit chatting about all kinds of things and whipping out the binoculars every few minutes to see if we could spot any deer. No, we didn't have a gun. Our only intentions were to have fun and see a few animals. We did both.

I was texting back and forth with Ross wondering if him and Logan had seen anything yet. As soon as Landry and I were about to call it quits, we got "the text". It read, "Logan just got a turkey at 60 yards." Chills ran over my body and my heart burst with pride.

Logan has been practicing her shooting for the last several months. Let me tell you, it's sick. Ross has admitted that her aim is better than his. So, we both agreed that we would let her hunt this year. She had her heart set on a doe, but it looks like we will be frying a turkey this week instead.

I knew there was a reason that little voice inside my head was telling me to go. I would have been heartbroken if I would have missed this once in a lifetime moment. Logan was full of smiles and beaming with with pride. We all were. It was an evening none of us will forget and we were all together to share it, as a family.

Being out there, miles away from "city" life is refreshing. It's an escape to a place that is real, raw, simple and peaceful. No sounds of cars, just the buzzing of nature. The sky is lit with millions of stars that I sometimes forget are there. Campfires that make your hair stink for days. Kids playing make believe games outside. Exploring God's country, not concrete and asphalt. It is hands down some of the best bonding time I have had with both Ross and my girls because the distractions of life are eliminated when we come here.

How many places can you go with your children, sit in a small wooden building and talk to them for two-three solid hours without any disruptions except for nature occasionally stepping in? Nowhere, at least I haven't found another place. It's a breath of fresh air to have that one-on-one.

Sunday afternoon, Landry and I drove back home. Ross and Logan stayed for one last evening hunt.

She was determined to get that deer. I mean, a turkey wasn't just good enough, right? Not in her mind. 

SURPRISE!! I got the text at 5:33 PM. It said, "Oh, yeah!!!" Then a call came a few minutes later. Miss Hunter herself got her doe. My heart sunk, skipped a beat and was joyous all at the same time. I wasn't there to see get her first deer, couldn't believe it happened, but was screaming up and down in my kitchen because I knew how excited her and Ross both were. Persistence pays off. She wasn't giving up and didn't. 

This weekend will be one of her biggest and most remembered childhood memories. It's a story that she can retell for the rest of her life; to friends, her future husband and to her children when she one day becomes a mother.  

**I understand that there are plenty of readers that are against hunting animals. I am not going to go into depth on all the reasons why I believe that it is okay, how it's healthier than any store bought, processed meat, that it's smart wildlife management, how we eat everything we hunt and that it's a huge piece of our lives. 

**If you don't agree, I 100% respect your beliefs, views and perspectives. I just ask that you respect mine. I am kindly asking that if this isn't your thing, that you will move onto the next post and not leave a comment saying how wrong you think we are. I understand this is a touchy and controversial subject. This post will be read by my children and something they will cherish years from now. I don't want them reading hurtful comments. Thank you in advance.

Nordstrom Gift Guide - $525 Giveaway

I am fully aware that the holiday gift guides have already started in blog land. We have less than 8 weeks until Christmas (insert anxiety attack).

I for one think gift guides are fabulous because let's face it, shopping for family and friends can be quite tedious. I need all the ideas I can get and am appreciative of everyone posting fun finds that are affordable. You see, in my family we buy for all our siblings. We don't draw names...everyone is a present giver/receiver.

Let's be real clear here. I am a girl. I like girly things. I like to shop for girls. Therefore, this little round up is for the ladies in your life. I have serious difficulties shopping for boys. That's why I hand that task over to my husband. 

And to be really, really, really clear, this holiday gift guide is a slight  hint to Ross. Honey, I hope you are reading today. 

Really though, such fun Nordstrom finds all for $40 or less. Buy a few for you and a few for gifts for them. It's a win-win.

Fur Snood // Polk Dot Wristlet // Sunday Funday Top // Gold Watch // Baseball Cap // Printed Notebooks // Leather Collar Necklace // Tortoise Sunnies // Leopard Fur Vest // Tassel Flats // Bestie Cuff // Gold Plated Belt

Want something even better than a holiday gift guide? How about a gift card to Nordstrom for $525? This should easily take care of your holiday shopping needs. Take a look!

 

In case you haven't heard the Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale starts on November 6th! It's a perfect chance to holiday shop or stock up on staples. I've teamed up with some amazing style bloggers to give one lucky reader a $525 Nordstrom's gift card. Looking for a little "what to wear" inspiration? Stop by their blogs and let the virtual shopping begin! Good luck!

Lipgloss & Crayons/Because Shanna Said So/Here & Now/Sandy a la Mode/Walking in Memphis in High Heels

 

 The Freckled Fox/Lauren Elizabeth/Because of Jackie/Classic & Bubbly/Bella

 GBO Fashion/Ma Nouvelle Mode/Salt Style Blog/Life of Bon/Rags to Stitches

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy weekend and happy shopping! Hope everyone had a fun and festive Halloween.
 

The Ugly Duckling

First of all, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Don't eat all the candy before the neighborhood kids ring the bell. Have so much fun and be safe!

 

Yesterday it rained off and on all day. So, what does a girl do when it rains? She puts on rain boots of course. I have had these yellow rubber lovelies for several months, but I don't get to wear them near as much as I'd like because here in Texas, water doesn't fall from the sky very often. Luckily the skies cleared about the time it was time to take pics. Instead of sloshing around in the puddles, I found a man-made one to take pictures by.  It's all the same, right?

Layered Top: Sosie c/o // Chambray: Target // Denim: Old Navy // Boots: Joules c/o (similar here and here) // Scarf: Target (similar here and here) // Bracelets: Threads c/o // Watch: T + J Designs c/o 

As we were going about our normal blog picture taking business, this thing decided to interfere and would not leave us alone. I call it a "thing" because it seemed as though a mad scientist had let his experiment loose in the park. It looked like a cross between a chicken, turkey, duck and goose and there was no doubt that it wanted us off it's turf.

At first it was funny, but then it got ugly as in it was chasing Ross around in circles...okay, I know, that's still comical. If only you could have witnessed it in real time. Ross couldn't focus on focusing the camera and I could focus on being still. He threw his hands in the air and said, "I give up. This thing won't leave me alone." So, the good wife that I am, took the photography duties into my own hands and captured this business. FYI, it looks like Ross dropped kicked this "thing", but I promise nobody or nothing got hurt...too terribly. Kidding. Just kidding. 

Gotta love the moments that create blogging material. I seriously need more of them in my life.

All joking aside, I do have something with actual substance to tell you about. You see that amazing state arm stack in the photo above? Ashley with The Shine Project sent it over to me. If you don't know Ashley, you might possibly be living under a rock. She is the founder and creator of a beautiful cause driven business. Her newest project is called Threads.  

You guys, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read this part!!

Threads employs at risk high school students that want to break the cycle they have come to know. They make the bracelets you see me wearing today, are paid fair wages and in turns helps them pay for college. These kids have dreams, futures and are dedicated to changing their lives. Every Threads purchase will directly impact these students. Our belief and support of them is a symbol of hope and trust. When you wear a piece from Threads, you are not just wearing a bracelet, you are wearing a change.

The holidays are around the corner and this is the perfect time to start shopping for the ladies in your life and that includes yourself. Take a look at all the one of a kind pieces that Threads has to offer and make a positive impact in someone's life.