Martin Manifesto: November 2016

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

All the Pumpkin Pictures

Just to give you fair warning...this post is pretty much the definition of a photo dump. It's the last day of November, and I am just now getting around to posting all the pics from our pumpkin patch excursions. I totally planned it this way...wanted to give you a break from all the pumpkin pics that dominated your social media feeds in October.

Huston at the Dallas Arboretum Pumpkin Village, 2016

Visiting a pumpkin patch was one of the top "to do" items on my Fall Bucket List this year. While there are still several items on the bucket list that have yet to be checked off, I will go ahead and pat myself on the back and say we excelled at the pumpkin patch task!

First stop: Storybook Ranch

We visited Storybook Ranch in McKinney on the first day that it opened {September 24}, so they were still working out a few kinks...which actually worked out in our favor! It wasn't even the slightest bit busy, so we enjoyed all of the activities {petting zoo, hay maze, pony ride, wagon ride through the 1800s western town} without having to wait in line. My life-long friend, Brandy, and her kids {Preslee & Jake} were in town and joined us for this adventure.

Next up: Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Patch at Flower Mound was a little overwhelming {i.e. crazy crowded}, so we didn't take the time to wait in line for any of the activities {hayride, pumpkin patch train, bounce houses}...but we still had a great time with our friends Chelsie and Cameron!

Final stop: The Dallas Arboretum

This was our second year to visit the pumpkin village at The Dallas Arboretum...and it didn't disappoint! There's a reason it's referred to as the best pumpkin patch in the state. We went on Columbus Day {since I had the holiday off and Ryan doesn't work on Mondays} thinking it wouldn't be as busy since it was a weekday...WRONG! It was packed! However, I have to say that the Arboretum employees do a fabulous job making it as efficient as possible to park and get through the admission line.

Sooo...after visiting these three fabulous pumpkin patches {all on weekend days}, I feel like I learned two valuable lessons for next year:

1. Go early in the season,

and

2. Go early in the morning!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

I Voted...Did You?

Although every other aspect of my life seems to be flying by faster than the speed of light, this election season seems to have been dragging on FOR...EV...ER!

Election day is finally here.

Huston and I went and voted last week...during the last hour of the last day of early voting. I failed to take a pic at the polls, but I did snap a quick pic of him wearing the "I voted" sticker {along with Momma's necklace} after we got home...

We voted!

I'm not one to post political opinions, and that's not what you'll see here today...but I do want to encourage you to exercise your right to vote. It's your civic duty!

Do your part...get out and vote!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Third Anniversary

...and I thought I loved you then.

Today we celebrate our third wedding anniversary. A few things have changed in the 1,096 days since we said "I do," but I wouldn't trade a single one of those days for anything in the world. Of course there have been bad days and rough patches, but every single day of the past three years has been a part of our journey to get us to where we are today. We are in a very good place...and I truly don't think it's possible to be happier than I am at this point in time.

Together we have built a great life...with an incredibly supportive family and amazing friends. Each night as we pray together with Huston, we thank God for the overabundance of good He's blessed us with. We try hard to express our gratitude {to the Lord, to each other, and to those around us} and to not take anything for granted.

The commitment that I made to this man three years ago was the best decision of my life. Not only does my love for him grow with each passing day, but my genuine appreciation for the man that he is and all that he does for our family strengthens as well. The phenomenal father he is to our son is one characteristic for which I'm most thankful. I realize how lucky I am to have a life partner who truly shares an equal {or bigger!} part of the load in every aspect of life. We make a great team...a team strong enough to take on anything that comes our way! Here's to many, many more years of anniversaries!

Happy Anniversary to my handsome husband! Thank you for loving me. I love you with all that I am and all that I will ever be. Always and forever...and ever!