Project2240 {Ragin' Cajun}

Arguably there is not a better way to bring in spring on the bayou than with some good ole' crawfish. Crawfish look pretty nasty, but there is something about this food that just brings people. The process of eating crawfish is an event in itself and usually bibs are encouraged/should be required, and people could probalby wear goggles too. It was a great way to spend Friday night with old and new friends as we celebrated the beginnings and ends of our spring breaks. I think one of my favorite parts of crawfish is leftover crawfish that can be peeled, taken home, and then made into gumbo or etouffe. It's always a great chance to work on my cajun cooking and spice up the kitchen a little bit.

Project2239 {Rodeo or Mexico}

I LOVE the rodeo! Growing up in San Antonio we used to go almost every year to see some of the great country performers. It's always been such a unique Texas experience. This year I got to go to the Houston Rodeo with my roommate and we had a blast! Martina McBride was an amazing performer and I would argue that she has a flawless voice. As I get older I realize that I love the rodeo for more than the concert and I really like the 'actual' rodeo as well as seeing all of the show animals. It's crazy to me how some people prepare all year long for a couple of weeks and then they start all over again for next year's rodeo. I wanted to share this sweet picture that I took while walking through the barns because I think This little boy was the perfect example of the rodeo excitement that is found in people young and old as he stands face to face with "Elsie, the Borden Milk Cow."

Project2238 {Oh To Be Silly}

My battle cry for the week--"Spring Break!" It's quite possibly the most exciting week in the whole school year and it came a little earlier this year, but I had a blast. I went to Dallas for a couple days and got to explore the city with my good friend Erin. We spent an entire afternoon downtown and while we were in the Nasher Sculpture Center it was like we were young children all over again. Every sculpture became the perfect prop or background for a great photoshoot. We spent a long time just hanging out and being silly in the beautiful spring weather and it was such a wonderful break from school and Houston.

Project2237 {Canadian Roots}

So, I did not actually take this picture but I did go to the game and stay for all three periods. I didn't even know that Houston had a hockey team, but I found out this week that they do and they are the Houston Aeros (not to be confused with the Houston Astros because I hear that could be a devastating reputation). I think it's pretty decent hockey: most of the players can skate backwards and the crowd is loudest when there is a fight. Of course I took my cowbell to partake in all of the fun (oh, if only I had a cowbell). On the way out of the Toyota Center we had a very funny experience in the parking garage, however it's much to long to write about so I will have to tell you about it another time.

Project2236 {The Day of Love}

I would be lying if I told you that Valentine's Day is always the best day ever for me. Sometimes it can be hard, especially when you are single and everyone else around you celebrates with someone else. But I do think it is an incredible reminder of all the love that we do have in our lives. From friends and family to the greatest love of all, Our Heavenly Father. It's because of Him that we can love and that we even know what love is. God is love. A group of wonderful guys that I know from church did an amazing job of sharing God's love as they prepared an amazing dinner for me and a group of girls. It was so much fun and the food was absolutely delicious. Every detail was planned and it was such a precious evening. I am blessed to have wonderful, loving people in my life.

Project2235 {Brighter Daze}

Here I go again with my bizarre love of color. If you slap some bright letters on the side of a building I will instantly love the design. I wish I had known that while I was in architecture school. It's so simple yet it catches my eye every time. This building is part of the Children's Museum and it screams fun to everyone who sees it, or at least I think so. And the funny thing is that this is actually an office building. But the best part about taking these pictures was the amazing weather that rolled in to town today. After 'Snowpocalypse' took over Texas we then had 70 degree weather and that is perfect for being outside and exploring with my camera.

Project2233 {Look At That Face}

I can't get enough of this sweet little girl! I love everything about her; from her precious hair to her soft skin and tiny little fingers she is absolutely beautiful. She is so tiny but so cute! Getting to hold her is an amazing feeling and I could sit and watch her silly facial expressions for hours. While she sleeps her face is often taken over by a gentle smile that makes me think she is the happiest baby in the world. My favorite thing is when her arms are high above her head--"party arms." Her party arms make it look like she hasn't slept in days and fell asleep in the middle of an extreme dance party. Someday I will be able to show her some great dance moves, but for now I will just let her rest.

Project2232 {Can I Have Duck Feet Now?}

I used to read this book all of the time, especially when my family was at the cottage for the summer. I can remember giggling and knowing the whole book by heart. It kind of had a funny smell, probably because it wasn't used the rest of the year. I thought this book was so funny, but know I kind of wish it was true. When it rains in Houston I feel like I need Duck Feet. Instead of your feet being wet, you could have all of the fun you wanted to playing in puddles. Roads are closed because of how quickly the water rises, and if you are walking on the sidewalk--prepare yourself for a surge of water as cars drive by. It's too risky to take a camera out in this weather so I had to get a little creative. Make a wish!

Project2231 {A Bundle of Joy}

On January 19th (very early in the morning), my precious niece Eden Rose was born. In one day she went from being "Wiggles" to Edie and she captured the hearts of her parents and everyone who knows her. I am so excited for their family and I cannot wait to meet her and watch her grow up! I think this picture is so cute because she is bundled up like a little package and I can only imagine everyone sitting around just watching her. I know she will be kind and beautiful just like each of her parents. Congratulations to Matt & Meredith on their absolutely adorable daughter. See you soon!

Project2230 {Old School}

This is a typical classroom on Rice's campus. They are all quite small and this one is outdated compared to many of the others. The blackboard and wooden desks definitely give it a unique feel, and the desks are actually what I like most about it. When I was very young we used to have a desk just like this at home...the only difference was that it had a drawer on the left side. From this desk my sister and I used to run our businesses and play school. Really it was Meredith who played school and I just got bossed around. She would come up with assignments and lessons for me and I can remember being grilled with fractions and vocabulary that was several years ahead of me. But when I really think about it I think that is one of the places my love for education began. The school we set up in our basement was fun, creative, and we never got in trouble for playing school. It's funny how both of us are so passionate about teaching now.

Project2229 {Driving West}

There are very few things that I like about my long drive back to Houston, however it's quite peaceful and gives me a lot of time to just think. The best part about the whole trip is that after 8 hours of driving on IH-10, there is a beautiful sunset. For a while it's just quite blinding, but when the sun is finally below the horizon it does wonders in the sky. The warm orange color feels like it is radiating off the road and the gentle violet dances around the top of the trees. But the most stunning attribute of this sunset was how the coral color swirled through the air and almost seemed as if you could feel the whole world spinning. Although it's a very long drive it can be relaxing and I always see things along the way that make me smile.

Project2228 {Lets's Party}

There are so many things to celebrate as 2011 approaches and I am excited to have spent that time in San Antonio with family and friends! We were thrilled to be together on New Years and celebrate the upcoming wedding of Craig & Ashley. It was a perfect day out at the lake and an incredible evening with some of the most spectacular fireworks I have ever seen. There was a little bit of competition between neighbors but but the fireworks at our party put New York's celebration to shame. It was a time of great laughter and fun; an incredible way to celebrate.