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!

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links--thank you for supporting {in endless song}!

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!

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links--thank you for supporting {in endless song}!

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!

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.

7 Quick Takes {no. 21} catching up edition!

{1}

Helloooooo, my dear friends! It's been a while! So sorry to have gone quiet for a bit here. It wasn't my intention to be away, but sometimes life has a way of carrying me off to other things. Does that ever happen to you? Happy to be back today for a catch up session - 7 quick takes style!

{2}

I've been spending the majority of my time working on a series of three shows here in NYC that are taking place within the course of a month. The job has been rewarding and fun, but also time-consuming (which is okay while Michael is away in Houston, except for I miss this space!).

{what a day of tech at the theater looks like}

{3}

Last weekend I was able to get away to Wrightsville Beach for a family vacation. The whole family on my mom's side was there, which was quite a feat. There were eighteen of us hailing from Ohio, New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas and Thailand. We had an absolutely wonderful time. It was such a blessing for all of us to be together! I especially loved seeing my immediate family, including my sister who I don't get to see very often since we live on opposite ends of the country.

{the beautiful house where we stayed}

{4}
It was my late Grandmother's request that our family all go to Wrightsville Beach together. We had a memorial service to celebrate her life at the beach one morning. A memory to cherish, to be certain.

We also threw a surprise party to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday.

{sorry for the blurry selfie, but wanted to share this picture of grandpa & me!}

{all set up for the surprise!}

More pictures from the party in an upcoming post...

{5}
Another blessing of the family beach trip: after three & a half weeks apart, I got to see Michael!

Our time together was short, but very sweet. At this point, only sixteen days to being reunited! But who's counting? :)

{6}

I have a prayer request.

Have I introduced you to my mother-in-law {Margie} and my sister-in-law {Malissa}? Here's a picture of the three of us from February 2009:

My sweet sister Malissa was adopted from China. Her "gotcha day" (the day when my in-laws finally got to meet their baby girl) and my birthday are the same day, which I love.

{Malissa & me, May 2014}

Malissa and Margie are currently on a trip to China. It is Malissa's first visit back to her home country. This week they will be visiting Malissa's orphanage and meeting some people who spent the first year of her life with her. Would you say a prayer for them as they make this special and emotional journey? Thanks so much in advance. Y'all are the best.

{7}

Well, friends, that's what I've been up to. Hopefully I'll be writing more regularly in the days to come!

Wishing you & yours a very blessed and...

Linking up at Conversion Diary! Click on over for more quick takes...

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.

7 quick takes {no. 19} in which I finish my travels& meet Jennifer Fulwiler!

{1}

Well, my friends, it has been quite a week. Hence, the lack of blogging. In the past three weeks I've been from NYC, to Michigan, to Ohio, to Kentucky, to Ohio, to Michigan, to NYC, to Houston, and now I'm back in NYC again. Whew! I'm tired just typing it! Don't get me wrong, however - these trips have been blessed, and I am grateful!

{2}
As I mentioned last week, Michael has an internship in Houston this summer. We spent the last week settling into our apartment there and getting to know the area a bit. Now I'm back in NYC and he is in Houston. I am working on a series of shows through the middle of July and then I'll go back to Houston to join him. While I'm excited for this work opportunity, I am already missing my man! 

{3}
Have you & your loved one ever had to do long distance? Luckily, Michael and I haven't had too much experience with this. Any advice out there? A friend sent me this quotation, which I just loved:

"Away with my sadness! I can always find you in the loving Heart of Jesus,

with the same clarity as if I had you present."

{St. Frances Cabrini}

{4}

I did get to enjoy a few hours of quiet, relaxation & sunshine while in Houston. I am looking forward to spending some QT at this pool when I return later in the summer. What a gift!

Sunhat & SPF 50 a must. Say what you will. {via the 'gram}

 

{5}

I flew back from Houston on Wednesday, just in time to meet Jennifer Fulwiler!

Let me tell you, friends: Jen is the real deal. We already know that from reading her blog, but she is just so lovely in person. She gave an awesome talk. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me think, and moments that touched my heart (just like her book!). Jen also did a great job answering some tough questions from the crowd (who was very engaged and seemed to thoroughly enjoy her story). The Holy Spirit is definitely at work in her. If she comes to your town any time soon, don't miss it. And if you haven't read Something Other Than God yet, you know I recommend it!

Yes, it's true: Jen is tall! And so am I! :)

Thanks for a wonderful evening, Jen! Such a delight to meet you.

{6}

I am really hoping to get back into more regular posting on the blog this week. Wish me luck! Is there anything you'd like to hear from me? Let me know!

{7}

And just for fun, "just because it's June..." (June! Juuuuuune!)

Gotta love Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Linking up with the lovely Jen & many more! Have a great weekend!

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links--thank you for supporting {in endless song}!

7 Quick Takes {no. 18} On the road again...

{1}

Last week I wrote my quick takes about traveling from NYC to Michigan, Ohio & Kentucky. Today my quick takes are courtesy of a state I've never visited before (working on my 30 by 30 list!). Let's see if you can you guess where I am.

{2}

Hint no. 1: We flew here. Driving from NYC would have taken a day and 1 hour. (I do love a good road trip, but...no thanks!)

Love these views from above.

{3}

Hint no. 2:

These birds with a distinctive tail are very common here. I don't know what they are called yet, but I plan to ask my friend Google (although maybe a reader knows!). Michael & I decided that pigeons are to NYC as these birds are to the city we are in right now.

{4}

Have you guessed it yet? No? Perhaps I should give a couple more obvious hints. Hint no. 3: This was seen in a restaurant yesterday with this area's style of cooking:

{5}

Think you've got it now? Just to confirm, here's hint no. 4: I'm in our 7 Quick Takes host Jen's home state (but not hometown).

{6}
Yep, you guessed it! We are in Texas, where everything is bigger (especially our apartment here in comparison to our NYC apartment. We may never want to go back!).

Even the eggs have state pride!

Michael has an internship here in Houston. We've only been here a day or so, but we are definitely not in Kansas anymore, if you know what I'm saying! Loving it, y'all.

And by the time next week's edition of 7QT rolls around, I won't be in Texas. Where will I be? Well, you'll just have to wait and see.

{7}

It's been a little quiet around the blog this week due to our traveling, but the one post I have written is one of my favorite posts to date. It's my Marian Linkup, which I'm calling full of grace. If you haven't checked it out yet I highly recommend clicking over to read all the beautiful posts on our Blessed Mother, Mary. And! If you haven't linked up yet, you have until Sunday at midnight to do so (I extended the linkup by a day). All posts related to Mary are welcomed. I do hope you'll join us!

BONUS take: Tomorrow is a special day, and I'd like to take this chance to wish the happiest of birthdays to my sweet sister, Allison. She is truly the best sister a girl could dream of having and I love her more than words can say. Happy birthday, Sissy!!

Always have & always will love this girl!

Click over to Conversion Diary for many more takes!
Wishing you a beautiful weekend...

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.

Wedding photo by A Thousand Words Photography.

7 Quick Takes of Traveling {no. 17}

{1}
You may (or may not) have noticed it's been a little quiet around here the past week or so, but for good reason! There's nothing like 7 Quick Takes on Friday to catch up on everything that's been going on in life. If you follow me on instagram, you might have noticed we went on a trip to the Midwest, which included visiting three states. Here are some more details on what we've been up to:

{2}

The first stop on our trip was Michigan. We had some great quality time with Michael's family. We also took a super-quick trip to our dear college town, Ann Arbor, which has to be one of my favorite places. Ever. Have you been there?

I also got to see one of my very dearest friends from when I was working on my Masters at Michigan, which was such a gift.

{3}
Michael's parents have a cottage on a lake in Michigan, which is oh-so-beautiful. Though it was pretty chilly the weekend we were there, we still enjoyed the peace and quiet of the lake.

Happiness.

{4}
One of the main events last Saturday was my brother-in-law's graduation from college! It was so great to be there for his big day. Congratulations, Matthew!

{5}
The second big event of the day was my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower! We had such a blast putting together a Paris themed party for her. (She and my brother-in-law fell for each other in the "city of love" while studying abroad.)

Lucky for me, I just love this gal, Jean. So blessed to be gaining her as a sister! I can hardly wait for their wedding in August.

{6}
After a wonderful time in Michigan, we headed down to Ohio for a couple days to visit my parents. We always love spending time with them.

And, of course, since we were in Cincinnati, we had to get our Graeter's ice cream fix. It's necessary!

Strawberry Chocolate Chip...yum!

{7}
On Tuesday, my dad, Michael & I headed down to Kentucky with my dad's parents. The trip meant a great deal to each of us. What a special opportunity to have my grandparents show us around the place where they were born and raised. I especially loved hearing my grandpa talk about all the different "hollers" and direct us "down the road apiece." Yes, please.

We stayed at the beautiful Buckhorn Lake State Park.

We all rode in one car, which meant my grandparents and I shared the backseat. Now if you will please excuse my double chin, how stinkin' cute are my grandparents in their first selfie??

Love them.

After a wonderful trip, we are safely home in NYC as I type this post. It was a very busy, very blessed trip to the Midwest that we will not soon forget. 

Also, a special reminder: Don't forget that this Monday, May 26, begins my Marian linkup. The linkup will be open through May 31, the Feast of the Visitation and the Queenship of Mary. All your posts on our Blessed Mother are welcomed. I really hope you will join me!

Linking up with the wonderful Mrs. Fulwiler & more at Conversion Diary.

Wishing you and yours a blessed and beautiful Memorial Day weekend...

Sign up to receive {in endless song} blog posts via e-mail (see the sidebar), subscribe via bloglovin' or your favorite blogreader, and follow me on twitter & instagram.