{JGM Ellis County Meet}

 I’ve mentioned this before, but I am incredibly proud to serve as the Vice President of one of the largest all-female Jeep clubs in the world! We started right here in the DFW area, and it’s been amazing to watch how quickly our club has grown to include members from all across the country, reaching all 50 states. What began as a small, local community of passionate Jeep owners has turned into a nationwide sisterhood of strong, adventurous women who share a love for off-roading, exploring, and supporting each other every step of the way.

{DSMHL Hockey Game}

 After our visit with NeNaw, we headed out to Frisco for Mason’s hockey game, and it was such an exciting experience! We were all looking forward to the game, especially since it was taking place at the same rink where the Dallas Stars practice. The atmosphere at the rink was electric, and it was a bit surreal to think about the professional players who train in that very space. It was a special feeling, knowing that Mason was getting the chance to skate on the same ice where some of his favorites play.

{Taking NeNaw a World Series Shirt}

 When the Texas Rangers won the World Series, it wasn’t just a victory for the team — it was a special moment for our family, especially for Nathan and his grandmother, our beloved NeNaw.

{Texas Rangers World Series Parade // 2023}

 When we first heard the exciting news that the Texas Rangers were going to have a World Series Parade, we immediately knew we had to be there! Opportunities like this don’t come around every day, and we didn’t want to miss the chance to be a part of such a historic moment. Without hesitation, I requested the day off from work, and we quickly made plans for the parade.

{World Series Champions // 2025}

 The Texas Rangers Are World Freakin’ Champions!

{Halloween // 2025}

 This year, for Halloween, we decided to switch things up and join our friends for some good old-fashioned trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. From the moment we arrived, we could tell it was going to be a memorable night. The neighborhood was buzzing with excitement, and the atmosphere was filled with the sound of laughter, chatter, and the occasional creak of a skeleton in the yard.

{DALLAS STARS OPEN PRACTICE}

A few times a year the Dallas Stars host a practice that is open to the public. We were lucky enough to get to attend this past weekend. It was our first one, so we weren't sure what to expect. Now we know to get there early, bring something for autographs (and a sharpie), and know the prime spots. We still had a good time and it was fun to see the team a little up close and personal.

{Halloween Party with the Family}

 We had the most wonderful little family gathering for Halloween, and it was filled with so much fun and laughter. It’s always special to spend time with loved ones, and this year we really made the most of the holiday by creating some great memories.

{TRICK OR TREAT THE SQUARE // 2023}

Mason joined his Nana and his cousins for trick or treating on the historic downtown square. I had to work and was not able to join. I'm thankful for Nana to help carry on this sweet little Halloween-time tradition. 

{OPEN HOCKEY WITH FRIENDS}

Over the weekend Mason attended an open hockey session with his friends. He has met the greatest friends and I just adore the bond that they have. I can't wait to watch them play together for years to come. 

{DSMHL GAME // 2023}

 Mason had a DSMHL (Dallas Stars Metro Hockey League) hockey game over the weekend and played so well. He also had a big fan club for this game! I'm so grateful for those who support him in his passion and love him so well. 

 

{FAMILY DAY AT NATE'S WORK // 23}

This past Saturday we attended Family Day at Nate's work. We always look forward to this event every few years. They have so many activities for the kids, giveaways, crafts, hands-on stem-type activities, cool military vehicles to climb in, robotics, and so much more. It's always fun to see where Nate spends his work days and what they do! The place is incredible!! 

{SCREAMS HALLOWEEN PARK // 2023}

Nate and I took Mason and two friends to our local Halloween Park for a night of scares and fun! These boys were hilarious to watch and so much fun. We had VIP passes so we were able to skip long lines and enjoy the haunted houses as many times as we wanted. 

{Dallas Stars Green Carpet // 2023}

One of the coolest events we have ever attended was the Dallas Stars Green Carpet! Nate and I took off work to take Mason and it was well worth it!! We weren't sure what to expect since it was our first time and it far exceeded any of our expectations!! 

{SURPRISING MASON WITH OPENING DAY STARS TICKETS}

Nathan and I heard about this really neat thing the Dallas Stars do called "The Green Carpet". It's where the players walk the green carpet up to the arena and often times they will stop for pictures or autographs. Nathan and I bought tickets for opening day (game) and took off work to take Mason to the green carpet event before the game. We decided to surprise Mason about the game & event in a different kind of way...

{BITS OF FALL}

It's my favorite time of the year!! The "ber" months and all things fall have my heart. I'm a little later this year, but starting to get out my fall decor. Here are a few bits of fall on my porch.

{MASON // OPEN HOCKEY}

Mason and his friends attended another open hockey at our home rink. I love it when they all get together to put in some extra time on the ice. They work hard but they sure have fun! They practically had the whole ice to themselves. 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY FOUR // NEW BRIGHTON STATE BEACH}

 After the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Nate, Mason, and I decided to explore the area a bit more. We drove around Santa Cruz, visited some thrift stores, and then decided to find a beach. 

 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY FOUR // SANTA CRUZ BOARDWALK}

On day four of our California trip, we headed over to Santa Cruz for a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY THREE // PROSPERITY'S SWEET 16}

 Day three was a day dedicated to our Prosperity girl for her sweet 16 birthday celebration! We spent the day getting ready together in the Airbnb before heading over to the venue. 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY TWO // SHARK TANK, SF STADIUM, WINERY, MONTEREY}

On the morning of our 2nd day, we went our separate ways again. The family of the birthday girl had party things to take care of. So, we got out to explore some more. We started out at the Shark Tank (SAP Center) where the San Jose Sharks play hockey. 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY ONE // TESLA, SAN FRANCISCO, GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE}

 We arrived in California mid-morning yesterday. After a stressful couple of hours in the rental car line and at the desk, we got our rental and were on our way. Long story short, they were low on cars. The original car we rented wasn't available so they upgraded us to a Tesla at no extra cost to us. We didn't tell Mason because we wanted to surprise him. He's always been a Tesla fan! 

 

{California, here we come!!}

 California, here we come!!! 

{Mason // Open Hockey}

 Warning!!! There will be tons of hockey posts on this blog from here on out. :) I think it will be so fun to look back at these posts a year or two to see how far Mason has come in his hockey journey!

Mason joined in another open hockey session at his rink. These are such great developmental sessions for him. Kids that have been playing for years come to these sessions and they seem to take the newbies under their wings. They've been so kind and have helped Mason so much.  

{Carson's baseball game}

Our nephews play baseball and we love catching as many games as we can. We are a baseball family, through and through. Nathan played from like 3 years old through college. Unfortunately, Mason didn't care much for the sport. We are happy that we still get our baseball fix through our nephews. 

{TEXAS A&M VS TCU HOCKEY GAME}

Our hockey rink is the home ice to a couple of different college teams in our area. After the parent/child open hockey, we stayed to watch the Texas A&M vs TCU hockey game. The college games are so excited and we have enjoyed watching them when we can. 

 

{Mason // hockey game}

We had a busy Saturday! It kicked off with Mason's hockey game. Mason played so well and might have even earned himself a penalty! I mean, it's a right of passage for hockey players. Right?? You can see the penalty in the video below. Oh boy! This is going to be a fun season. 

{PARENT / CHILD OPEN HOCKEY}

Another neat thing our hockey rink does is "parent/child open hockey" sessions. It's a block of time where parents can take the ice with their kids. Mason tries to talk Nate into it every chance that he can. Nate is always happy to oblige. It's fun to watch them on the ice together and it's such great bonding time for them. 

{DRIVEWAY HOCKEY}

If Mason isn't at the hockey rink, he's usually outside in the driveway practicing. This kid has been known to spend 6 hours a day outside practicing. Nate and I are so proud of his determination and his drive! 

{HALL FARMS // CHICKENS AND EGGS}

No matter how long I've had chickens, collecting eggs will always be one of my favorite things!! Especially when you finally have a flock of hens that leave you beautiful eggs!! 

{OPEN HOCKEY}

In between practices and lessons, Mason likes to go to open hockey at the rink. They have scheduled blocks of time where you can take the ice and practice whatever skills that you want. They have nets set-up at each end of the rink, other training equipment, etc. We try to attend these as often as we can. 

{A SWEET SATURDAY WITH THE NEPHEWS}

This morning we went to our nephew's soccer game. That's always a fun time! After the game, Nate's parents had the boys over and since we live right behind them, we got to visit with them too! We had a sweet little time playing outside, holding the chickens, gathering eggs, and even a little frog catching. 

{SUIT FITTINGS}

We were invited to a very special event in Northern California later this month. It's a formal event...which means my boys will be in suits! After searching many places, we ended up having to order Mason's suit. It fit okay, but there were some areas that needed taken in. I couldn't believe how grown he looked!

{A TRIP TO THE HILL COUNTRY // KERVILLE & FREDERICKSBURG}

We traveled to the Texas hill country for Labor Day weekend and had so much fun! Nate's parents booked a VRBO and invited our sister-in-law's parents to join. It was such a sweet time with tons of precious memories made! 

{13 year well check}

 Mason had his thirteen-year well-check this week. Yes, it's about 3 months late since his birthday was back in May. COVID threw our well-check routine off. We couldn't get an appointment until later in 2020 and then our insurance will only cover a well-check annually. So now, our well-checks fall around this time each year. Mason's doctor hasn't been worried about it since he is a pretty healthy boy. 

{He thinks we're just walking}

 Mason and I have been going on walks every evening after supper. He brings his hockey stick and a ball and practices his stick-handling while we walk. He tells me all about hockey - what he's been working on, what he's looking forward to, his hopes, his dreams, his favorite players and why, all about the friends he has met through hockey, and so much more. I can't help but think about the song "Just Fishin" by Trace Adkins.

"He thinks we're just walking"

{Weekend Wrap-up // PTO, Hockey}

Happy Tuesday, friends!! Hope your week is off to a great start. Ours has started out busy - but what else is new? Today I am sharing about our weekend. Spoiler alert!! It was a good one!

{Hockey Leveling Tournament // Fall 2023}

  Mason had a hockey leveling tournament over the weekend. They played other 14U teams around the metroplex to determine what level each team would be on. Our team is primarily first-time players but we are looking forward to a fun season. 

{Roadtrippin' // Kincaid's Burger // Fort Worth, TX}

Sometime early last week, Nate sent Mason and me a Tik Tok about Kincaid's burgers in Fort Worth! It had been on our radar all week because it looked so amazing. Saturday after hockey we decided to give it a try...

 

{Weekend Wrap-up // Corporal Pinning, Hockey, Ft Worth, Reset Day, Coop & Eggs}

Happy Wednesday! It's been quite a week already and thus the reason I am just now getting to share about our weekend. Work has been absolutely insane this week. I told Nate that it feels like it's rapid-fire email week. As soon as I finish one, seven more come in. Monday evening we had Mason's first hockey practice with his team he will be on for league. More on that later! But for now, here is a look at our weekend. 

{Five on Friday // Willow, School, Hockey, Eggs}

Happy Friday! For whatever reason, this week feels like it flew by in a flash. I'm not mad about it! We had a pretty good week! Today I am sharing five random things for Five on Friday...

{Summer Bucketlist Update // What we did in June & July}

Sweet, sweet summertime. How I love you so! I do not love the Texas heat (I feel like a broken record over here - but it's miserable here) but I love the freedom that comes with summer. We have put a pretty big dent in our Summer bucket list in June & July. Here's a look at all that we have done! 

{Not Just a Mom link-up // What's in my Handbag??}

Happy Tuesday! Linking up with Dara, Adrienne, Jen, Joanne, Lauren, and Sarah for the "Not Just a Mom" series. Today we are sharing what's in our handbags! This link-up went live - but I usually share our weekend on Mondays.  

{Weekend Wrap-up // Epic Central, Birthday Party, Hockey, Back to School Bash}

Happy Monday!!  Hope you all had the most incredible weekend. While ours was jam-packed, we had such a good, good one. It was filled with so much family and friend time and so many moments that were good for the soul. Here's a look at our weekend. 

{10 on the 10th // August edition}

 Happy Thursday!! Linking up with Marsha in the Middle for 10 on the 10th. I love these kinds of posts and I'm so happy I saw this link-up on Dara's blog. 

{Waxahachie Wednesday // Farm Luck Soda Fountain}

Happy Waxahachie Wednesday! Today I am sharing about one of my favorite places in Waxahachie, Farm Luck Soda Fountain and Dry Goods. It's the cutest place in downtown Waxahachie!! 

{Weekend Wrap-up // New hair, Hockey, thrifting, New appliances}

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a beautiful weekend. We sure did! It was the perfect mix of going & doing and staying & being productive! I love those kinds of weekends when you feel like you had some fun but then you were really productive at the same time. Here's a look at our weekend. 

{Farmfresh Eggs}

Back in February, I started over with a whole new flock of chickens. My hens are all getting to the "laying" age, so I have been on egg watch like a crazy chicken lady. Although, I haven't been too hopeful due to the heat in Texas right now. You can imagine my surprise this weekend when I found THREE eggs in my chicken coop!

  

{Currently // August 2023}

Happy Wednesday!! Today I am linking up with Jennifer for the August edition of "Currently". It's a two blog posts in one day kind of day because I had already scheduled my Waxachachie Wednesday post. Anyhow, today I am sharing what I am currently loving, looking forward to, starting, thinking, and wearing.

{Waxahachie Wednesday // A Place in Your Heart, Texas}

Waxahachie has been deemed the "movie capital of Texas" with over thirty movies filmed here and three Academy Award films.  One of those (Oscar-winning) features was "Places in the Heart" featuring Sally Field. It's because of this film that Waxahachie adopted the slogan, "Waxahachie: A Place in Your Heart, Texas."

{The Roaring 20s // A themed birthday party}

Our sister-in-law threw Nate's brother a surprise birthday party this past weekend. It's his last year in his twenties so the theme was the "Roaring 20s". Everything about the night from the location, the decor, the attire, etc. was just perfect! 

{Weekend Wrap-up // PTO, Hockey, 20s Themed Party}

Happy Monday!! Hope you all had a beautiful weekend. We sure did! I took off work on Friday so that I could spend the day with my boys. We had some appointments and errands to run so I took PTO for the whole day. Here's a look at our weekend...