five favorites // Audrey Assad

Last week I shared my favorite Matt Maher songs. These songs fill our days with lots of fun, second chances, peace, joy, and love. I enjoyed sharing those songs so much I thought I'd come back today and share my current favorite Audrey Assad songs.

I don't remember how I was introduced to this incredibly talented artist, but I am forever grateful that I was. Her music wraps my heart with a peace that it yearns for in my silence, in my chores, in my moments of struggle, and in my moments of triumph. Her gift is oh so good!

1. I Shall Not Want

Gosh, this song just moves me! It brings me outside of myself when I need it! A gentle and good swift kick to my ego, pride, fears, anxieties, and more. It's beautiful and simple and lovely. 

2 Lead Me On

This song is similar in tone and word and prayer to the first song but deserves it's own spot for it's prayerful goodness. When I listen to this song it helps me find the words. Lead me on, Lord is a prayer I always want to live and plead and what better way than to sing it ever so beautifully.

3. Good To Me

This song was one of the first songs I heard of hers. I fell in love! We had some crazy ups and downs last year and this song always helped me remember truth. It helped me remember His goodness that is always present. I'm forever thankful for this song! In fact, anytime the boys hear this song come on...Mama, it's your favorite!

4. Help My Unbelief

Gosh, this song. Amen! During Mass, my prayers before Eucharist always include:

St. Thomas, pray for me.

Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for me.

Lord, Help my unbelief.

Amen.

Or something to that gist. So, this song. Yup. I heart it!

5. Restless

You now those songs that put into words prayers that your heart has always tried to pray. That's what this song is. A prayer my heart heard, felt peace, and wanted to listen to/pray again and again. 

Bonus: Love is Moving

This one is new to me. I love it. It's Love. It's community. It's the Body. It's beautiful. Listen.

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There you have it y'all! These songs! Audrey Assad has blessed my feminine heart. Truly! They bring such beautiful prayer and peace time and time again and I pray they do the same for you!

Do you have a favorite Audrey Assad song? If so, what is it?

Also, have you heard of her new and amazing project? She'll be marrying our lovely hymns of old with her incredibly beautiful talent, and I couldn't be more excited!

Linking up with the lovely Mary from Sometimes Mary, Always Martha for Five Favorites.

five favorites // Matt Maher

Music moves me and keeps my heart moving in a special way throughout our days. Just the way silence has its place so does sound and for that I'm so grateful for beautiful musicians who share their gifts with the world.

My boys have a number of these songs almost fully memorized because sometimes when things get crazy turning on beauty just needs to happen to keep you present, sane, and from losing your cookies.

I've been a fan of Matt Maher since forever. When his very first CD came out I was in college. The songs were so beautiful and so Catholic, it had my heart saying, This!!!, over and over again because his songs were where the passion of my faith and truth met in musical goodness. Through this ministry my family is continually blessed at the sound of all of his beautiful works! I'm so thankful the Holy Spirit has been working in him the way it has over the years; and further, I'm thankful to Matt Maher and his family for saying their Fiat to their vocation and ministry.

Enjoy these favorites of mine while chewing on this beautiful quote from St. Thomas Aquinas!

“Music is the exaltation of the mind derived from things eternal, bursting forth in sound.”-St. Thomas Aquinas

1. Set Me As A Seal. This song is new to me and so very beautiful. I cried the first time I heard it. It's based off of Song of Songs and took my young heart back to days spent in adoration reflecting on these very verses in His True Presence. Now that I'm a married woman, this song brought me to tears for all new reasons. 

2. Lord, I Need You. A song many have heard since World Youth Day happened in Brazil. I saw the version that was recorded by Catholic TV and cried tears that were a sure sign my senses had just been overwhelmed by Beauty. It's a good one that we listen to daily in our home. A prayer that gives me perspective and makes my heart pause and turn to Him.

3. Because He Lives. Oh! This song just shares the Joy and Jubiliation of all that is good in our faith. It makes you want to sing and dance and rejoice. It's so good!

4. All The People Said Amen. I love this song because of the communal aspect. We are all the people! We are here together, meant to journey alongside one another, to our final home. Encouraging, loving, and embracing all He has for us, together. The message, the beat, the images, the fun, the gratitude, the beat, the words, the dancing, the prayer, the smiles....love. it!

5. Hold Us Together. I like this next song for similar reasons I enjoy song number four on this list. Togetherness. Community. We are one body in song.

BONUS: Love Has Come. This bonus song is the one that hooked me back in college. I heard this song and there was just so. much. YES! I listened to it a thousand times then and would gladly listen to it a thousand times more. 

Sit back and enjoy some of this goodness! I'm so thankful for music and all the ways it shares truth and beauty for myself and our little family.

Head over to Rachel's for more five favorites!

1st Day of Advent: Traditions

Because I want to remember out little family traditions I'll be sharing our little to-do's on the blog this Advent. 

I've been looking forward to Advent for many reasons this year, but mostly just looking forward to another season in the liturgical year that calls us to prepare, to wait on the Lord with joyful anticipation, and to prayer. These seasons are so good for my soul. The Church knows us and meets us where we need her most. She knows we all have seasons that we need to be called out of, seasons that make it hard to be present to the reality that Christ our Savior was born many a moon ago to Our beautiful Lady. That she journeyed on a donkey to birth her son and lay him in a humble manger.

There's just so much Truth and Goodness to soak up this season and I pray, with His Grace, that I am able to fully embrace all the joys of waiting and all the joys of the ultimate Gift so that I can share these fruits with my family.

On that note, I wanted to share five ways we celebrated the 1st day of Advent.

1. Celebrate Mass. I know this one is a no-brainer but there is something so very special when the Liturgy comes to life while praying the Mass. The vestments, the colors, the scripture readings all so amazing. Every single time. 

2. Light the candle of Hope and say the first Advent  prayer during dinner. The boys are at an age where they are pretty in awe of candles and they join us in  prayers. It's the sweetest and I love that we are able to start and share this with them now. 

3. Decorate our Christmas tree - Round 1. A year or so ago, my husband and I decided we wanted our tree to reflect our journey through Advent so we went on a hunt for purple and pink ornaments. Gee-whiz, was that tough! Apparently, purple is not all that common. Either way, we searched, purchased, and have our little collection that spreads through the weeks leading up to Christ's Birthday.

This is the first year these two "help" decorate the tree. To say tears were not involved would be false.

These boys were so overcome by joy and excitement, wonder and pride at being able to help decorate our beautiful big tree. So overcome there was no where else to go but a melt down or two..or three.

Meltdowns aside look at these faces. I'm glad I caught these shots at the start of our little decorating journey. There really is a light in their eyes. A light only He can share.

These little stinkers helped bring beauty to our home and, in turn, helped prepare our little home for the beautiful celebration that awaits us on Christmas Day.

Gosh, I kind of love our big tree a whole bunch! I have a ton of photos I took from our time at a fairly nearby Christmas Tree Farm that we went to this year on Saturday. I can't tell you how much I loved transitioning from Thanksgiving to Advent this year.

We were home so we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, then go to a tree farm for an adventure to pick out our tree on Saturday and have our home ready to celebrate the beginning of Advent. It was kind of magical.

4. Advent Prayer Chain. I got this idea from Debbie over at Saints 365. The boys and I made this prayer chain the week before Thanksgiving. Bigfoot helped me assign different prayer intentions for each day of Advent leading up to Christ's birth. I wrote them out with a date and since the first day of Advent we have been pulling off one chain a night and specifically praying for whatever listed intention is on that link. It's been fun, great, and I love the way we can pray for others as a family.

5. St. Anthony Christmas Novena. My husband and I have been praying this novena at night after the kids are in bed. We did it separately last night, but after just a couple days of praying this novena I can already see fruits from it. I'm so glad we are praying this together.

If you aren't familiar with this novena, it is a prayer that you pray daily (at one time or throughout the day) everyday up to Christmas. It's a prayer of petition and preparation. A prayer of Truth and adoration. If you haven't started, I encourage you to join in. I'm sure Our Lord and St. Anthony would meet you whereever you start! :)

Sarah over at Amongst Lovely Things describes it perfectly:

For those unfamiliar with the tradition: the St. Andrew Christmas prayer is said fifteen times per day from November 30th, the Feast of St. Andrew, until Christmas Day. It isn’t really a novena in the traditional sense, and it’s not even aimed toward St. Andrew. It’s a meditation on the incarnation, and it is a powerful way to prepare one’s heart for the birth of Christ. It has also been called the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.

She's written a lot on this beautiful prayer, so do head over to her site to read more. She's shared so beautifully on this prayer over the years and because of her, my husband and I are now praying it together.

*  *  *  *  *

What Advent traditions do you have in your home? Leave a comment! Would love to learn more about how to embrace this season as a little family!

Also, I'll be sharing more as time carries on. I'm so excited to share about what we'll be doing for the Feast of St. Nicholas this year!

the present moment // lots of favorites

Thinking about // How insanely cold it is!!! I'm from South Texas and am now living in North Texas. In South Texas the joke is that we have two seasons: hot and hotter. Now that I'm in North Texas I've been experiencing tidbits of most all the seasons and it's been all kinds of wonderful and crazy!

We had some snow yesterday. I guess northerners would say that we had a dusting of snow. Right? Either way, this freaks me out greatly. I mean really, it has been so cold and all the craziness going on in the North is just scary! So many prayers for any and all of you experiencing this insane snow fall! And, God be with us this coming winter. 

Winter is coming, and it's not messing around!

Looking forward // I'm looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving in our home with my parents, brother, and his girlfriend! All the baking, the turkey, the gravy, the green bean casserole, and all the fun, play, and thanksgiving.

Praying for // Everyone up north experiencing this crazy start to this season. Praying for all those needing healing. For mamas with new sweet babies (I'm looking at you Rosie and Mary!). Praying for family near and far. Praying for all dealing with back problems, past or present.

And, praying for God's Will be done in mine and your life and that we be able to joyfully embrace His Goodness for us.

Pinteresting //  These are my five favorite Pins since last week:

1.        2.      

    3.   4.   5. 

All images are linked to their source if you're interested (except the oranges, couldn't find that source)!

Captured // A little bit of my heart. My mom had a work trip last week and I was able to capture these sweet photos filled with so much love and goodness.

They're all my favorites.

Linking-up with Hannah over at Joyful Life for Currently and Jenna at Call Her Happy for Five Favoritas!

Five Favorites: Tips for Simple Hosting

Hi there! I'm sharing five ways on how I keep hosting simple and fun (for me) on those days that you just need to keep hosting easy!

First up, my apron! After reading this post from Like Mother, Like Daughter, I decided to be more intentional about sporting this lovely apron my husband got for me way back when. 

The lovely Leila shared about how there's something transforming about wearing an apron. After the first few times I wore it while in the kitchen, I fell in love and was kicking myself for not wearing it all times prior! I feel so domestically successful while wearing it, even if my domesticity ends up not being a success.

Non-successes don't affect me because I was wearing my apron. And, that to me is winning! My little visual representation of success is always a good way to start off a hosting day. 

It also keeps me clean, which is a major win! Honestly, there's probably a whole post I could write about apron-wins. But, for now, clean-mama is unicorn-mama. Especially while doing the dishes, cooking, baking, or cleaning! No sopping-wet-stain-filled shirts or jeans or leggings or sweaters because I'm wearing my trusty apron.

I love it!

You may be asking why the apron helps keep hosting simple? Well, I don't have to change after I finish up setting everything out! After getting all the foods on your serving table (and/or cooking all the foods!), company is normally arriving and the last thing I ever want to do is leave because I have to change my food-ridden, sopping wet, stinky clothes! Aprons keep hosting a little easier and keep me a little more present.

Next up, simple salad, fruit, and veggies. These fillers are awesome and perfect and easy-peasy for keeping hosting simple. I always set out one salad (During hectic seasons, I buy the pre-made ones.). Carrots and tomatoes or broccoli and cauliflower with some ranch dressing is also always a must.

These are all fillers that I normally have in our fridge and are easy to set out. The fruit is also something I normally have on hand and also so easy to set out. I love all of these because they fill bellies, are easy on our budget, and takes a good 10 minutes to put out - tops!

During really hectic times, you gotta do what you gotta do. This last hosting round, with my back issues and having two young ones running around, the main course needed to be as easy as possible. Thank you, pizza for $5/box! This is always an easy main course, but if you'd rather keep it homemade, crockpot meals go a long way and are also easy to make and serve.

Also, no matter what I'm serving as a main course, I always make chicken nuggets for the kids. You can never go wrong with nuggets or any sort of frozen kiddie to-do. Pop it in the oven 15-20 minutes before guests are to arrive and you have a little something for any and all kids.

Onto dessert! I always include a dessert because it's fun for me. I love to bake. So, in turn, baking isn't much of a chore to me since I delight in it so much. I normally make two things: one dessert that is mostly or all dairy free for anyone with food allergies and something without food restrictions.

But, the alternative to baking if it's not your thing, is while you're picking up your pizza or other main meal of pick-up-choice, swing buy and pick up some cookies from  your nearby bakery. Cookies are as simple as you can get and always a hit!

Recipe for the muffins are here.

And, recipe for the cookie bars are here.

Last favorite way to keep hosting simple is easy clean-up! Always be sure to use dishes that can fit in your dishwasher. Anything else that you are using, make sure they can be thrown away: paper plates, plastic silverware, and napkins.

Also, we normally keep the drink options simple. If you come to our home you are more than likely to be greeted with a nice ice-filled cup o' water. We're kind of lame like that, but it's easy clean-up (you don't have to worry about kids spilling it anywhere. Because, water.) and it makes serving your guests efficient and easy to upkeep. Also, water is just good for everyone so we're really doing our guests a favor, right? Haha, I'm sure some of our guests would beg to differ, but I appreciate them obliging us and our typically limited drink option.

There you have it friends! These are my five favorite hosting hacks that keep our busy weeks or seasons much more manageable.

How do you keep hosting simple? Certain recipes? Certain foods? I'd love to hear about them!

5 ways we're keeping Healthy this Season

Okay, it has been 3 months since my last Five Favorites. The shame! I really do enjoy these little weekly lists of favorites for what we have going on in our lives, whether it be a little something I'm enjoying, clothes, foods and recipes, chit chat from the boys, and whatever else. It's fun! 

So, here I am, back after my little favorita-break to share how we have armed ourselves this winter season. Fun, I know!

But, you have to understand where I'm coming from. The last couple winter seasons have been rough. I mean, ROUGH! We've caught the flu (both rounds!), a stomach bug from h-e-double-hockey-sticks, random viruses, and the most recent bit of awfulness was Hand--Foot-Mouth. You can imagine after all this yuck how this mama was not going to mess around this season. Viruses, bacteria, ick, I have armed myself and am praying that it is enough! More than enough to get us through a year of no more terribleness.

1.

Elderberry

First up, Elderberry. I've been giving this to the boys the past year or so. I forget when I first heard about it but once I did I went ahead with it and kept myself well-stocked. The first year or so, I was using one that was a little sweetened for kiddos. But, recently I came across a concentrate that I am sold on. The price was great and I feel it packs a better punch.

Elderberries contain the majority of the daily value in vitamin C, and high amounts of vitamin A, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, fiber, and betacarotene. Sold! Read more here about this awesome berry and how wonderful it can be for you. We are fans.

2.

Probiotics

A friend of mine did lots of research on cold verses dry probiotics and it's potency. I thanked her for checking into that and followed suit on the refrigerated goodness. Especially since we've had tough cases of thrush early on in both of the boys' lives.

The one we buy now is great! I love how I can just mix it in with the boys' drinks on the daily and that not only does it include the probiotic awesomeness but it also has RAW fruits and veggies. Winning! Healthy digestive system, healthy immune system. Happy mama.

3.

Briar Rose

This is a new one for us. I read up on it and it's an immune booster great for kids and adults during the winter season to boost immune systems. I'm giving it to the boys 1-2 times a week in their juice (I know, so sneaky.). Yay! 

Read more about it here from another crunchy mama trying to keep her family healthy!

4.

Lithy Tree

This gem is for coughs and bronchitis. I haven't used this as often, but I did stock up on the chance that either of the boys catch a coughy-cold.

This site has a tad more info. 

Hmm...I wonder if this would help a certain someone not snore as thunderously?... May need to start sneaking it in Daddy's juice too.

5.

Bone Broth

Yup. I went here. For the first time and it's been awesome and much easier to implement than I anticipated. 

I crock-potted bones from two roasted chickens. Added raw garlic, onion, carrots, and celery - skin and all. Filled with water, added a few spices for fun, and let it sit for 12+ hours. Drained and froze. Yay!

It's been so easy to add to our meals! Throw in a couple ice cubes to cook frozen veggies for a meal. Throw in cubes in the water I'm cooking pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. Soups. Or even just as a cup of tea. This little tidbit of health doesn't seem like an effort at all. Which is awe-some!

~ ~ ~

Bonus: I know in the photo Apple Cider Vinegar is pictured. So, as a BONUS I found that this helps ward off the stomach bug. This is major for families of littles. Whether it be daily intake prior to keep your gut an unfriendly place for the stomach bug or if you start taking it immediately after being exposed. This stuff apparently is gold and has other health benefits too. Win-Win-Win!

There you have it, friends and family. This is how we are boosting our immune systems this season.

What have y'all been doing to keep healthy this winter season?

Linking-up with the loveliest of lovelies, Jenna, for Five Favorites.

Five Favorites: Cosas

Here for some quick favorites of the cosas that keep me feeling refreshed on the daily!

1.
To start, lets talk a bit about hair. My hair, I like it. It works for me (for the most part). Now, since we're talking hair, that leads me to talk about after-having-children life. See, the daily shower can sometimes feel like that glitter-poofing unicorn around here. I begin to doubt the existence of showers. Really! And, I know I'm not alone on this one.

My days are filled with chasing after, feeding, teaching, loving, holding, nursing, playing, playing, playing, and, and, and.... So, finding time to sneak in a shower and blow dry my hair is tough! In comes this new little gem!

 When my hair starts to get a bit on the I-haven't-showered-in-a-few-days/greasy side, spray this fun stuff and Voila! I am showered and looking good! Also, I'm late to the dry-shampoo party, so this stuff is like liquid gold to me. Uh-mazing!!!


2.
Next up on the list that helps me feel lovely and refreshed is this stuff! Heather mentioned it last week and others have mentioned it before. I even think I bought it a lonnnng time ago (Tara, you can help me on this one, because I think you told me about it.). I just never bought it again after the first time since it lasted for. ever.

This stuff is good and smells like Heaven (I whole-heartedly agree, Heather) which makes me feel like Heaven and goodness and all things scrunchy pretty.


3.
On the nights/days I do sneak in a shower I love to put this stuff in my hair while it's wet. I feel like it softens it into this silky loveliness I want to run my fingers through all the live long day. It's great!

And, I think it is a little bit of a protector if you end up using heat on your hair at any point. So double the niceness!

4.
Onto my face, I have used this scrub since High School. I have loved it ever since. It cleans my face just the way I think my skin and face want to be cleaned. Seriously. If my face and skin had a voice they would always and forever ask for this stuff.

I had acne in my younger years and while I was in graduate school, so I know how face scrubs can really help or really hurt. I feel like this one has always been gentle enough to work with my skin which can be hard to find - especially at this amazing price (cheap).

So, given that I've used this for forever it's a majorly wonderful cosa that is approved time and time again by ME!


5.
And, last is this moisturizer. Honestly, I love all things St. Ives. I use their body lotion, face scrub, bath soap, and would use anything else under the sun they made if I felt the need to. Their products have never disappointed.

Ever.

I use this daily and it's wonderfully refreshing. During cold winters it doesn't disappoint either, which is always a plus that could ultimately be a deal breaker in the world of face moisturizers. No deal-breaker happenings for this stuff. It's wonderful!

That's all for these quick five faves! Thanks for stopping by and hope you'll enjoy any or all of these products at some point in your life! They really are wonderful!

Linking up with beautiful Heather! Head on over for more fun favorites!

Also, I can't believe Edel is this weekend! I keep saying that. And, I have yet to pack or do anything for it. Probably because I'm so excited and anxious and all. the. emotions. under. the. sun. about it! Shopping my closet and packing manana! Excited to meet all you wonderful women (and nervous too!).

5 Ways to Enjoy South Padre Island

I grew up going to South Padre Island, Texas. It's like a second home that I carry with me in my heart. It holds memories of sunshine, family, laughter, and lots of love. So, you can imagine how happy I get every time I get to return to, what I call, my happy place.

Seeing how I've spent many a day at this beautiful treasure we have in the great state of Texas I thought I'd share a few favorites that always make the happy days of yesterday continue to bring joy into my now.

1. All things before the Queen Isabella Causeway!

As wonderful as South Padre Island is, and as many wonderful things it has to offer, please consider Port Isabel. The bay side. There are amazing restaurants (*Ahem* Isabel's Cafe), my favorite little Catholic church, and so many other touristy fun things to do.

The Sea Life Center is great for kiddos. I shared more photos of this fun place in a post last year. Most everything is eye level for our littles and they have a hands on tank. It's small enough to keep their attention and jam packed with Island souvenir favorites.

It's also located right across the way from the Port Isabel Lighthouse and other wonderful shops and restaurants (within walking distance).

The Port Isabel Lighthouse is an amazing landmark with lots of history. They also started Friday Night Movie at the Lighthouse. They get a projector and play movies on the base of the Lighthouse. There is a great grassy knoll surrounding that is perfect for a blanket picnic.

Pirates Landing Pier was great for us this year for a number of reasons. First off, every Friday night they have an awesome Firework display over on the Island side. We went last year and my oldest was not a fan. This year we decided we would watch it across the way and his remarks were constant about how, "I like fie-works now" or, "look mama, sprinkles. It does not soun like tunder. I like fie-works, mama."

Haha, we were so far away there was not a sound to be heard other than the gulf. The fireworks did look like sprinkles in the sky and all were happy. The salty breeze was perfect and seeing all the people out fishing on the pier was fun. At the start of the pier there are a couple yummy restaurants and music in the evenings. Good stuff people!

So, before you cross the amazing Queen Isabella's Causeway, make sure you enjoy the fruits of Port Isabel. 

There are lots and they are fun!

 1. Sea Turtle Inc. & The Birding Center

Now getting to the Island side of life there are two places that are great. First is Sea Turtle Inc., home of the first functioning prosthetic fin for a sea turtle named Allison.

I remember growing up going to this place when it was in its smaller location. I loved it. I would look forward to seeing "The Turtle Lady". Do click to find out more about her! She was a phenomenal woman with such path! 

She founded this wonderful place that has helped so many of these beautiful endangered species.

Haha, Love that they have a turtle named J.F. WH05P!

The boys absolutely loved this place. Linus kept pointing and grunting at all the sea turtles. And, Bigfoot, despite being sleepy, really enjoyed the over 200lb sea turtle named Fred.

The great thing about Sea Turtle Inc. new location is that it's right next door to the beautiful South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. You could easily walk if you wanted but we drove because of kids in tow and all. 

As much as we saw some beautiful birds, the grounds were gorgeous.

The path was a bit of a workout (Disclaimer: I'm very out of shape.) and scenic, which is always a plus.

So, when the weather is beach perfect or when you want something different to do, go enjoy these two local places!

 4. Seafood and Nighttime fun

The seafood! It's delicious at most every restaurant you go to. But, my very very very very veryyyyyy favorite is Dirty Al's. Their seafood dishes and prices can't be beat. I wrote about how I love them so much last summer too!

Without a doubt, I make sure we get to Dirty Al's at least once when at SPI.

Nighttime fun comes in all forms too. I mentioned Pirate's Pier earlier. There is great nighttime fishing along the pier complete with lots of space and a snackbar.

The nighttime views are incredible. Both on Port Isabel and on South Padre Island.

Firework displays are everywhere to be found both on the Port Isabel side and SPI. The SPI one has always been the one I've seen and it is pretty grand.

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the beach at night. Grab a flashlight and a bucket or two to go collect random shells and to go crab-hunting. Go when it's dark and just have fun. It's great for all ages (if your kids can tolerate a random late bedtime). 

3. Dolphin Watch 

Who doesn't love dolphins and pirate ships?? There are dolphin watches on both the Port Isabel and SPI side. Meaning there is easy access on non-beach days regardless if you so happen to be staying on the Island or Port Isabel.

This last time we saw a big family of dolphins that just played and played nearby. It was so great!

The kids loved it!

Just be sure to snag a coupon at any local shop or to-do on the island. Coupons are everywhere and help curb the cost.

 5. The beach.

I know. It's a no-brainer. But, seriously, this beach. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Filled with so many opportunities for memories, love, and fun!

Mud castles, body surfing, floating the waves, relaxing, sand castles, sunshine and awesomeness!

Whenever at South Padre Island the key thing to remember is to get thyself to the beach as often as possible. Enjoy the water. Enjoy the clear skies. And, just soak up His Majesty!

I promise you won't be disappointed!

South Padre Island is one of the many treasures that Texas holds. I'm so very grateful for all the memories that I had there growing up and am so excited my little heart could burst for all the memories that will be made in the years to come with our little family!

Have you been to South Padre? I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. There's para-sailing, horseback riding, jet skies, and so much more! What would you add to the list?

Linking up with wonderful Heather for Five Favorites and with Cari for Theme Thursday (vacation).