Texas Independence Day.

Happy Texas Independence Day y'all!

{Luke and I in front of The Alamo, circa 2009}

There are many things in life that I love; some more than others. And Texas? Well, she ranks pretty high. I'm a Texan, born and raised. I've spent my summers on the coast, I eat Mexican food and drink margaritas like my life depends on it, and when I wear boots, it isn't a fashion statement. It's a way of life. I attended a Big 12 university (Sic 'Em Bears!) and my family has two ranches with cattle. There isn't anything much better than an evening in Texas spent BBQing and drinking beer with family. I grew up driving around on back country roads (getting into way too much trouble!) and listening to Texas country music. So, if you haven't already noticed, I'm a Texas girl through and through!

Yes, I live in New Jersey now, but Luke and I are chasing a dream and we're on an adventure. I left my heart in Texas and don't you worry--I'll be back!

Happy 177th birthday Texas!!

{Fajitas at our wedding. A Texas delicacy. YUM!}

{Texas Deltas and Baylor Football...you can't get much more Texan!!}

{We put the state of Texas on just about everything}

{If you're from Texas, there is a good chance you have spent many summer days on a lake!}

{You were taught to shoot a gun as a kid and still get together with family on the weekends just to shoot guns}

{And you appreciate wide open spaces and gorgeous sunsets}

Last, but not least, here are a few of my favorite Texas quotes:

“I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.”  

-John Steinbeck

“This is America. We’re entitled to our opinions."
“Wrong. This is Texas. And my opinion is the only one that counts.”

-Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“You can all go to hell; I will go to Texas.” 

-Davy Crockett