Celebrate : Julianne and Anthony

There are those friendships you choose to be apart of and others you are just simply blessed with, more like family. Julianne was the first friend I ever had - I have literally "known" her since the day she was born. There are very few childhood memories that I have that do not include her. We were sidekicks, best friends, sisters. First sleepovers, first recitals, first "boyfriends", we learned to swim together, did our homework together, and made up the craziest stories about Oksana Baiul - heck, Julianne might still be sucking a pasi had it not been for a promised sleep over at my house ;) .

Watching her get married last week to her best friend was just the icing on the cake. Not only was the venue fantastic, the weather unbeatable, and every detail thought about - she was the most gorgeous bride. ever.

These are the moments our moms must have talked about as they thought into the future. Little did they know their babies lives would still be intertwined - and friends we will always be!

**some photos from my dslr others from my iphone**

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Life : Burn Graduation

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending my cousins "burn graduation" from the Dallas Fire Academy. I wasn't even sure what I was going to watch but this was so fascinating! If you ever get the chance to attend something like this do not pass up the opportunity.

 The two classes going through the academy at the time showed off their new found skills. We watched a "Church Raise" which is literally a 4 story ladder cranked up to a 90 degree angle with only fellow firefighters holding it up. They guys then climbed to the top, hooked their legs in, leaned back, crossed over the top and came back down. Whew. No thank you. 

Next was repelling from a 6 story building, both off the side of the building and off a helo pad (where they repelled upside down!)

Then we got to watch a house fire in action - fire engines responding and all.

Last was the propane tank fire where the guys literally had a technique to approach the tank that was spewing flames and turn off the gas. crazy!

It sure was entertaining to watch all they had learned and know how much hard work all of our firefighters put in every.day.

Once the show and tell was over the guys lined up for their final role call and to be presented as official Dallas Firefighters. 

Congrats to all the men and women who recently graduated and those that came before them. Much respect. 

            

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Create : White Chicken Chili

If this were a PSA (which it should be) it would simply say MAKE THIS SOUP NOW.

Seriously.

So good. So easy. Tons of flavor.



I will tell you I improvised on this some. I didn't really measure the chicken but instead shredded a rotisserie chicken and added all the meat that came with it to the pot. You really can't mess it up though. Little of this and a little of that.

Depending on the salsa verde you chose - this can have a bit of a kick. I chose traditional Mexican salsa verde which gave it a major kick. Add to that pepper jack cheese and there were a few moments I needed a chip or ten to tone down the spice. If you aren't big on spicy foods then just make sure and get a mild salsa verde and add Monterrey Jack instead of pepper jack.



I think this took me all of 5-10 minutes to make and before I knew it my house smelled divine and my belly was happy!

Warning: you will have soup for days! I think I probably have 6-8 servings from one recipe.

Now, go forth and satisfy your taste buds!

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Capture : Luke 2 months

I am going to go ahead and give you fair warning - I couldn't chose my top 5 or top 10 - get ready for picture overload. Whats pitiful is this isn't even half of what I have for this sweet family. I couldn't narrow down all the great images!

You ll remember Luke from when he first came home. I cant believe that was two months ago!!

Luke's dad is a pilot (hence the aviation motif) and his parents met working in a Mexican restaurant (see: sombrero). I love that we were able to incorporate a bit of who they are and their history into Luke's pictures!

Enjoy!

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Celebrate : Aaron and April Wedding and Brunch

Well, its official - after last weekend all three of my brothers are married! I didnt keep my camera around much on the actual wedding day but I do have a few snap shots!

My mom bought these amazing charms online and put pictures in them of family that has passed on both sides. They were then attached to April's bouqet - it was such a great reminder that though they arent here in person they were still present.

 

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The day after the wedding my parents hosted a brunch for all our out of town family and close friends as a way of thanking them for coming and to spend time with everyone before they left. Its was so relaxed and the weather could not have been more perfect. A great end cap to the wedding weekend!

I feel like I am so short on words today but I guess I made it up with pictures, right?! Enjoy your Monday friends!

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