Boy, do I have a lot of things to tell you. These past few weeks have been chock-full of busy. Here’s my TT recap + roundup.
-Because my husband is amazing (and does things I would be crazy to attempt), he signed up for an Ironman triathlon ten months ago. It’s been a goal of his for so long, and he finally decided to go for it. And so began nearly a year of intense training all leading up to September 29, when he competed in Cambridge, Maryland. My parents live in Virginia, so we got to see them while we cheered Seth on during his race. Talk about an intense goal — I swear, I was having stress dreams for him! We caught up with him during his marathon, and he was in pain, but working hard to finish strong. And man, hearing “Seth Bailey, you are an Ironman!” at the race’s end was pretty great. For him more than me, but still. SO COOL! #ProudWife
He was sooooo sweaty (and wearing my socks, I found out later…), but I still hugged him because I’m a martyr.
N + T watching for a glimpse of their champion while donning the “My Daddy is an Ironman” tees I so (not) expertly crafted.
-In addition to watching my husband accomplish an incredibly difficult feat, I loved being able to go back to the town I grew up in, stay in my childhood home, and spend time with my parents. I got to look through old high school yearbooks and journals, eat at my favorite places, and watch the boys bond with their grandparents. I mean, our flight to Va was delayed for five hours (can you just picture toddler twins, hours after their bedtime, in an airport??), but the trip was so worth it. Such a memorable trip.
-I finally took the plunge and signed up for a crafting class at my favorite store in Austin, The Paper and Craft Pantry. Previously, while browsing at the store (it’s my favorite “Mom’s Day Off” stop), I found these adorable felt flowers from Zella and Kay, so when I found out the creator, Lauren was teaching a how-to class there, I had to sign up. And the class was amazing! It was so refreshing to take time for myself and do something crafty with my hands. We all need that! After the class, I promptly raided craft stores for all my own supplies so I can felt-floral arrange at home. SO FUN.
-In other HUGE news, my favorite band (yes, of ALL TIME) She & Him has come out of hibernation to announce three holiday shows this year, and thank my lucky stars, one is in Austin! I bought tickets lightning fast upon their release and am counting down the days until the show. Now to start blasting their Christmas music until then, thank you.
-This past weekend was one of my favorite weekends of the year. Truly. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we gather as a church twice a year to hear inspired messages from our living prophet, apostles, and other representatives of Jesus Christ. This gathering, known as General Conference, is an edifying and uplifting event that blesses my life as I receive counsel and guidance from the Lord’s servants. I learn better how to adjust my life so that I can strive to be more like the Savior. I receive answers to my soul’s deepest questions, and I feel joy and hope for the future. I invite all to study the messages and feel of God’s love for you sent through His prophets. (See a recap of my favorite messages and get a free wide-margin study PDF of the talks here).
In other news, my Conference weekend included a trip to Houston, which meant I got to see family AND treat myself to a scoop (okay…TWO) of my favorite ice cream ever: Bruster‘s Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. DEE-VINE.
-I wish you all could experience life in small-town Texas. One day, you’re enjoying big-sky, cotton-candy sunsets from your backdoor and eating pecan praline french toast at a charming everyone-knows-your-name cafe on Main Street, and then, the next day, you’re throwing out another pair of shoes destroyed by mud and finding a scorpion in your mailbox. YES. A SCORPION. (!!!!!!!)
Alright, y’all. I’ve rambled on enough. As little T is saying, time to put on our hard hats and get back to the grind. (Or let’s be real, eat some ice cream and call it a day.)