#GettinHitched

Over the weekend, Haley & I experienced a pretty big step in our life together.... We got engaged!

For those of you who know us already know, we have been dating for just over 18 months at this point,  but have actually known each other for years. It wasn't until July of 2012 that we reconnected, comparing notes on cameras and photography. One thing led to another and I asked her on a date, which she initially said "no" to, but I was able to win her over, and boy was she glad I did. (Or so I like to think!) Our relationship has been full of God-moments, and we couldn't be more glad to say that. They have not always been easy things to deal with, but we have both grown as individuals, and in our faith, through them. We have been taught grace, forgiveness, and love throughout this time, all of which stems from our relationships with Christ. Apart of that God-centered foundation, we would not be where we are today.

So, you probably want to hear about the proposal, which makes sense, so here ya go...

It all began when I invited Haley on a "surprise" date on Saturday, March 22. This is something we try to do every few months, just as an opportunity to be romantic and do something different for each other. On this particular occasion, I told Haley I was running late for our date and that her brother would helping out by giving her a lift to our "date spot". This began a 45-minute adventure around town, including stops at memorable locations from our relationship and each of her family members swapping out as the chauffeur.

Ultimately, her destination was the home of some friends of ours. They have a charming, well planned outdoor space, complete with a treehouse. With the help of friends and family, we decorate the yard with candles, lanterns, song lyrics & a fire. The atmosphere was welcoming and full of warmth.

As Haley entered the back lawn, stepping down from the deck onto the pathway, I began to tear up, knowing what an exciting, important moment this was for both of us. I led her to the treehouse where the ringbox was waiting, along with a handwritten card and some of her favorite flowers. After some laughter, tears, and hugs, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I was quite glad when she said "yes", not because I doubted she would, but because I have seen far too many proposal stories where long, awkward pauses find their way into that special moment, and boy was I glad that didn't happen!

Immediately following the "on-the-knee" moment, we climbed down from the tree & were greeted by Haley's family. We took lots and lots of pictures (which I love) then head to Grimaldi's Pizzeria to celebrate with them. All in all, it was an amazing night. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing fiancé, and can't wait to see what God has in store for us as we head into our future together!

Stay tuned for more updates on our story!

Battle of the Piney Woods

Its been a while since I posted on the blog, but today we went to the Battle of the Piney Woods with Haley and her family. The BOTPWs is the annual match up of Sam Houston State University vs Stephen F. Austin University. Since Haley is a SHSU BearKat senior, we decided to bring out the family and tailgate. And holding to our true Pinterest passion, we decided to make some DIY projects to decorate and entertain! We made our own Beanbag Toss game (like washers), some blue & orange pendants (not pictured), and had our friends at Baby Cakes Katy make some custom cookies! They were so good! Take a look at all of our pictures and be sure to leave a comment below about your favorite tailgate tip/experience!

HEB Barbecue Seasoned Chicken

Cookies Courtesy of Baby Cakes Katy

Bean Bag Toss Game

Jessica, Bryce, Jorge & Haley

Me & Haley

Our Tailgate Setup

Roar-tastic!

Check out this Amazing Katy Perry Music Video performed by the awesome kids at The Children's Hospital At , NH. This presentation of "Roar" is just great!

As New Hampshire's only comprehensive, full-service children's hospital, the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) provides an extended system of care that offers advanced pediatric services.

CHaD was recognized in 1992 as a "children's hospital within a hospital" by the Children's Hospital Association. CHaD is one of 205 children's hospitals in the United States providing care specifically focused on children.

For more information on CHaD, visit their website.

Pallets, Pallets Everywhere!

Over the last few weeks, my coworker Steve and I have been busy building furniture out of one of my favorite materials... pallets! You see, one of my jobs is as a Communications specialist for the Missions Team at Grace Fellowship UMC in Katy, TX. Among other duties, I get to dream big and outside of the box for various projects. This included the visioneering for Nations Sunday, a huge missions oriented Sunday service at the church. And that my friends, is where the pallets come in!

Our task was to creatively build & decorate a space with the purpose of showcasing the various mission trips that Grace Fellowshippers could participate in during 2014. We wanted something more than the normal white folding table with a binder of photos. We wanted something thematic. Something raw & interesting. And that is exactly what a pallet is. Its a simple combination of wood strips, held together by nails. Its purpose is to support something of greater value as it goes out into the world. Its a piece of packing/shipping toolage. And it is a perfect piece for us to begin with as we dreamed about how to decorate the space we had.

We (I use that term loosely, as Steve did most of the work) built 20 pallet counter height tables, 10 wooden backdrops, a 30' x 8' pallet wall, and a central info desk. Then teams of great volunteers began to fill in the empty spaces with fabrics, picture frames, carpets, and display materials. In the end, it was a beautifully decorated space. The teamwork that went into this event build out was amazing to be a part of. Huge "GREAT JOBs!"go out to Steve, Arthur, Johnny & the many volunteers who helped get everything together.

Steve & Arthur hard at work on the pallet furniture.

Colombia Mission Trip :: Medical Missions - Summer 2014

Disaster Relief Trailer :: Moore, OK Trip - March 2014

It is one of my personal beliefs that as a Christ-follower, the work we do should be done with excellence. Scripture tells us that we ought to work as though working for the Lord himself, and that is exactly why we went to such efforts for Nations Sunday. Surely we could have had the bare bones necessities and functionally completed the day, but there is something exciting, infectious even about putting your heart into a display. When you work with passion toward a goal of excellence, you will gather the attention of those around you. So whether you are working on a work, school, or fun project, give it 110% and share your passion with those around you. You just never know who might become involved and join you on your mission.

For more information about missions via Grace Fellowship / Nations Sunday, click here.

Don't make me call 9-1-1!

Over the weekend, I had the unique opportunity of calling 9-1-1. Twice. Sounds cool, huh? Let me explain...

On Saturday morning, I was awoke about 4:50am when my power went out. Now I'm not one for warm, stagnant air, so it didn't take me long to wander away from the house in hopes that the electricity would soon return. As I drove around town killing time, I heard a "bang". As I looked to my right, I noticed an SUV, tires spinning, smoke starting to flow, and a driver slumped over. Without hesitation I called 9-1-1.







As it turns out, this driver was drunk. He apparently coasted through the parking lot, past the gas pumps (fortunately), and right into a pole. Katy PD sent 3 of their finest to help escort this man away in cuffs for his inebriated act.

Later on in the evening, while on our way to the county fair, Haley & I found ourselves following behind a distracted driver on the highway. This guy was weaving all over, from the center lane to the grassy shoulder, he couldn't keep it between the lines. So again, 9-1-1... We followed this vehicle as long as we could and updated the authorities in hopes of helping avoid an accident. We don't know the exact outcome of this situation, as we had to exit the road, but we hope the police caught up with this guy...

Now, I'm not sharing this to get attention for calling 9-1-1. In fact, if anything, I share this in an attempt to warn other drivers of 2 things:

1. Please do NOT drive under the influence. Not of drug, alcohol, or gadget. The roads are dangerous enough without you being less than your best. And...

2. Should you so decide to ignore my above plea, please know that if I see you being a danger on the road, I have absolutely no problem calling my friends at 9-1-1 about you. Call me a stick in the mud if you want, but the safety of me & my family/friends is far too important to take lightly.

Please, please be a cautious driver. Do not place others at risk by making a foolish choice to drive impaired or distracted.

Thanks. Really.

A Happy Half Birthday!

Last night we celebrated Haley's half birthday. I know, you may be asking, "whats a half birthday?" or "really? you did what?" Well, Haley has always wanted to celebrate her real birthday (in April) by taking a limo to dinner with some friends, but, because April is prom season, that idea always ends up extremely expensive. So when she saw a groupon for a limo ride, the plans came together, and we decided to invite some friends and family out for her "half-birthday"... the 6-month celebration of her birthday. Haha.

Our limo arrived early enough for us to take the typical "high school homecoming" picture. We did feel like big kids, heading out for a night on the town. And we loved every minute of it!

Haley wanted to eat someplace special, so we chose Straits, an Asian Bistro in Houston's City Centre district. The menu is a combination of Asian/Singaporean fusion.  (think Indian or Indonesian - curry, spices, sauces). Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed most of the food. I say that because I am one of the most simple, mild-manner diners ever. If I can get meat and potatoes, that is what Im getting!

Callie & Haley @ Straits

The atmosphere in the restaurant was great, and the service was too. Our waitress kept the drink flowing, and the food kept coming. The chef recommended we eat family style, which worked out perfect for our group. We each chose something that sounded good to us, and then when it was brought out, everyone got to sample and try a little bit of each others items. Dining at a new place, this was the perfect way to go, as we all got to see what a wide range of items existed. We had everything from Butter Chicken, Shrimp Pad Thai, Beef & Chicken Satay, Indian Crab Cakes with Pineapple Chutney, and even a Chicken Curry Pot Pie. I am excited to say of all 10 dishes ordered, only 1 was a "maybe not again" item. Everything else was perfect! Lots of "yummmm" and "ohhh!" comments were made.

Chicken Lollipops @ Straits

So, if you're looking for somewhere a little different for you next special night out, be sure to check out Straits. www.StraitsRestaurants.com.

(Oh, and dont forget to grab some dessert next door at Sweet, they have amazing macaroons! www.SweetHouston.com)

"Gotta Get It" Breakfast

When it comes to breakfast, most people stick with the staples; oatmeal, fruit, muffins, or the ever so tasty but terrible for you donuts. But every October, I get excited BC one of my favorite breakfast items rolls out of the kitchen here in Houston. This limited time only treat is one I have to enjoy in moderation (for health reasons), but WISH I could have all the time!

Ladies & gentlemen, may I introduce to you, the Kolache Factory's Heavenly Walnut Kolache!




Be sure to stop by your local Kolache Factory and pick one up before the month runs out! (That's where Haley & I will be this morning!)

-- Mr B

Location:Katy,United States