7 quick takes {no. 25} Austin edition!

Happy Friday, friends! This is turning into a 7 quick takes blogging kind of month for me. Hopefully once I'm back in NYC this fall I can get back into my groove. But for now, here are seven quick takes (and more than seven pictures) from our weekend in Austin!

{1}
Michael and I stayed at the sweetest bed and breakfast just west of Austin, near Lake Travis. It was a secluded little cottage for two. I must say it was quite romantic, and such a nice place to get away and celebrate two years of marriage.

{2}
Of course, we enjoyed exploring Austin as well. I must say, it is a great town!

We spent some time in the South Congress Street area and ate at Guero's Taco Bar of Something Other Than God fame for lunch. 

Delicious chips & salsa.

Enjoying a margarita!

{3}

We also spent some time searching for a couple of the murals around Austin, which was a lot of fun! We happened to stop by this "Greetings from Austin" mural at the same time as another family. They were all decked out in their Texas best - cowboy hats, cowboy boots and all! While talking to them we found out they just moved to the area from near NYC! What are the odds?

They insisted we wear their cowboy hats for our picture, as you can see below. Too funny.

{4}
This Austin mural was probably my favorite:

Love my man!

After taking pictures and exploring in the heat, we clearly needed some Amy's Ice Cream.

We both tried their famous Mexican Vanilla flavor, which was delicious. (Michael had Reese's Cup mixed into his. Yum!)

{5}

After a little rest and relaxation back at our B&B we went to a nearby restaurant which overlooked Lake Travis.

The views were gorgeous! It made for a lovely evening.

{6}
On Sunday we were blessed to meet beautiful Kathryn (and her baby girl, Gianna!). I always adored Kathryn from her blog, but meeting her in person made me like her even more. As she said in her quick takes, "Isn't it fun when internet people become real people?" I so agree! (Especially when said person has a sweet Texas accent to boot!)

We so enjoyed our conversation and spending time with you, Kathryn! Here's hoping we're back in Austin again someday.

{7}
So that was our weekend! This week has been relatively uneventful...other than when we got rear-ended at a red light. That was just great. (Not!) But we are fine, thank the Lord!

And last, but most certainly not least, a special shoutout to my beautiful sister-in-love who turns 12 today! Happy birthday, Malissa!

Love ya, sis!

Be sure to visit Jen and check out the other quick takers...
Happy weekend!

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7 Quick Takes {no. 24}

{1}

Happy Feast of the Assumption! The Gospel reading at Mass today is one of my very favorite scripture passages. So rich, and so good. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us...

{graphic I designed for blessed is she}

{2}

Our time in Texas continues to be hot, but blessed. We are enjoying being here, but we are also looking forward to returning to the comforts of our apartment in a couple weeks. It's true: there really is no place like home. I'm thankful that we have somewhere to miss!

{3}

I've been listening to Fr. John Riccardo's program Christ is the Answer on the Catholic radio station here in Houston this week. Have you ever heard this program? He gives some amazing talks. I heard this prayer (a challenging one!) on the show, and thought I would share it here:

prayer of abandonment

Father, I abandon myself into your hands;

do with me what you will.

Whatever you may do, I thank you:

I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,

and in all your creatures - 

I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul:

I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,

for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,

to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,

and with boundless confidence,

for you are my Father.

{Charles de Foucauld}

{4}

It seems there a lot of people who need our prayers these days - around the world and in my personal community. Would you join me in praying for Molly, baby Katharine Therese and her family, and Mary's family? I am also saying a prayer of thanksgiving for some blessings in my family!

{5}

Michael & I are going to Austin this weekend for a belated anniversary getaway. We are really looking forward to it. It seems like everyone has such wonderful things to say about the town!

{6}

We've been taking some travel recommendations from this post by Kathryn at Team Whitaker. And of course I know of a few other hot spots from reading Jen's book. Recommendations from locals are always the best! Any other Austin locals, or ladies who went to Edel - what's not to miss?

{7}

Well, I'm fresh out of takes - back to the laundry and packing. Linking up with Jen and many more...

Have a great weekend, friends!

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7 quick takes {no. 23} summertime...

{1}

I cannot believe it has been two and a half weeks since my last post here. Eek! As the song says, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy..." - but it doesn't lead to much blogging. I've missed you. I'm happy to be blogging today - thanks for being here!

{2}
We have a lot to catch up on!

I am in Houston now with my love. Life is so much better when we're together.

I am trying to stay cool down here, as it is extremely hot and humid. Whew, Texas! You really know how to bring the heat. Thank the Lord for air conditioning!

{3}

Michael & I are just getting started with exploring the area. We enjoyed a night out at the Sugarland Skeeters game courtesy of his current employer. It was a lovely summer evening. Minor league baseball is so fun! Maybe you saw this picture on my instagram account?

{4}

One awesome thing about being in Texas this summer is that we were able to hear the wonderful Bonnie of A Knotted Life give a talk! Michael and I were both really moved by the story of her son's miracle. I have read Bonnie's blog for a while now, so I thought I was familiar with the story, but hearing her tell it in person was something really special. Bonnie was such a delight to finally meet.
So much fun!

{5}

All last week I was gone for something very special: Michael & I went to Michigan for the wedding of my brother-in-law and new sister-in-law! We were so thankful to be there for all the wedding week fun and excitement.

{at the rehearsal dinner}

{6}

{via}

We had an amazing time seeing family and witnessing their beautiful marriage. More details and pictures to come...

Would you keep Matthew & Jean in your prayers as they begin their married life together?

{7}

TGIF! I am really looking forward to this weekend! Last weekend was amazing, and this weekend hopefully we will get to relax and enjoy Houston. Anything I should be sure not to miss while I am down here?

Linking up with Jen & many more lovely bloggers! Have a great weekend, friends!

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