I’ve written about giving thanks and the delicious food around the Thanksgiving table–but rarely do I take a moment to reflect on what I’m truly thankful for. This year has brought many adventures and as I turn the page into this new chapter of my life, I realize just how thankful I am for the gift of life and love.

I’m thankful for a man who loves me more than anything in this world. Who makes my heart go pitter patter day in and day out. Who picks up daisies on his way home–just because. Who accepts me for me. Who sets the example to be a better version of myself every day. Who works harder than any other person I know. Who makes me stronger, better and happier than I’ve ever felt in my life. Who will soon be my husband.

I’m thankful for supportive, loving parents who continuously give. Who are helping me create the most perfect wedding any girl could dream of. Who provide the strength and wisdom to get through situations big and small. Who show me their unconditional love. Who push me to succeed and never settle. Who appreciate my sensitive nature and creative mind.

I’m thankful for the 15 years that I had with my mother who was the kindest, most loving, thoughtful, funny and beautiful person I could ever know. Who gave me the gift of life. Who was courageous and strong, generous and wise, sweet and loved. Who taught me how to live and love. Whose memory shines like the warm sun and glistening stars in the sky.

I’m thankful for my siblings, family and friends, health, faith, education, career, sweet doggie and warm home. I’m thankful for pie, pretty shoes, coffee, laughter, the beach, technology, comfy pajamas, taco trucks, fall-scented candles, manicures and pedicures, and sunshine.

But most of all, I’m thankful for my lucky, happy life. My past, present and all that is to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

Last month, fiance and I had our engagement photo session in Austin with the very talented Morgan Lynn Photography. Morgan and her husband Amir made us feel so relaxed and comfortable. It was so natural and easy. And we couldn’t be happier with how the photos turned out.

Watch our engagement photo slideshow here.

About a year-and-a-half ago, I was itching to rescue a dog. Somehow, I managed to talk the fiance into humoring the idea. Then suddenly, this little guy was ours.

It was pretty scary at first. Sure I knew the basics since I had a dog growing up, but fiance never owned a cat or a dog and this was a whole new adventure for him. Neither of us really knew how this was going to turn out.

I don’t think either of us slept the first week Loui was with us. With every tiny move he made, I jumped up and ran over to his little doggie bed. Of course, it was never anything serious or anything at all… I just couldn’t stop worrying. (I’m sure this comes as no surprise.)

And after countless road trips to and from San Antonio and moving twice (including to a new city), Loui has settled in perfectly with the two of us together, all under one roof. We’re one happy family–and he’s our little cuddlebug.

Happy birthday to the guy who is the greatest and sweetest addition to our lives, who is the perfect couch potato partner, who gives infinite kisses and loves us unconditionally. We love you.

Taking chances is usually not in the cards for me. As I’m sure you’ve discovered by now, I’m a planner. A perfectionist. Someone who likes to have every single detail nailed down, engraved in stone. But I’ve come to realize that when you’re in a long-distance relationship, planning a wedding and figuring out your lives, there needs to be some give.

As much as it’s been killing me, there are so many what-ifs lately. And for someone who worries about every single thing, that’s really out of my comfort zone. Nonetheless, I’m learning. I’m learning to be patient and trust that things will (as they say) “all happen for a reason.”

Without getting into specifics, let’s just say that at the moment, I’m dealing with some heavy decisions and it’s really getting down to the wire. Big decisions will be made very last minute–and I just have to be okay with that, regularly reminding myself of the bigger picture.

This morning I came across a beautiful post by the lovely Lauren from Texas. She writes:

Through ups-and-downs, through struggling to get to the light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes straining to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Through fighting so hard we forget what it is we’re fighting for, and that we’re on the same side, then finally coming up for air only to realize that it’s all worth it to fall asleep every night next to someone who loves you in spite of everything and thinks you’re worth the fight.

This immediately resonated with me. In the midst of all the what-ifs, planning and small details, the “what it is we’re fighting for” is the most important thing. The logistics will work themselves out. The decisions will be made (even if they’re last minute). The plans will come together. The details will all get ironed out.

So no matter how anxious I may be at the moment or how nervous I get along the way, I have to remember the sweetest thing of all… I get to marry my best friend in 367 days. And that’s definitely worth taking some chances.

It was the summer of 2002 in Texas. I was 17 years old heading to the same camp I’d spent my summers at every year since I was eight, and this time, things would be different–I would be a “counselor in training,” as they say. In other words, a couple of months filled with lots of fun memories and very little work or responsibilities. I already knew it was destined to be a great summer.

You see, that summer was also when I met a guy who I’d never seen in the previous nine summers. I was sitting on the floor across the room when a tall, strong boy walked in with his scruffy goatee and baseball cap. I didn’t know his name or where he was from but I immediately thought to myself, “Boy is this guy cute.”

Little did I know at the time, I had just laid eyes on my future husband.

What began as a young crush transformed into a great friendship and occasional summer romance over the years.

And on March 13, 2011–nearly nine years later–he brought me to the park, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He was charming and full of smiles. The sun was shining. It was more than I could’ve ever imagined and the most perfect moment any girl could ask for.

I’m overcome with more joy, happiness and excitement than I’ve ever felt in my life. He is smart, witty, generous, loyal, honest, driven, genuine, handsome and nothing short of incredible. And he chose me.

I am now engaged to marry my best friend. And in the summer of 2012–10 years after we first met–I will wear a white dress, walk down the aisle and wed the man of my dreams.

You know those days when you’re going a million miles a minute and can’t seem to catch your breath? Yeah, that’s been the story of my life lately. Between all the travels, surviving the world’s worst illness (okay, slight exaggeration but still terrible) and my to-do list which seems to never end (no matter how hard I try), things have really been spinning in all directions.

People around me constantly ask why I take on so much at once. But the truth of the matter is, I thrive on a full schedule. I’m a busybody by nature and enjoy working on multiple projects simultaneously. And despite how much I love watching shows on my DVR and sleeping in on the weekends, I’m not the greatest at “free time.”

But in the midst of all the madness lately, I must say that I’m truly the happiest I’ve been in a while. I take each day as it comes and see lots of positive things on the horizon. So for this week’s Mid-week Mumbles, I wanted to share three little things that have taken my mind off the dreaded to-do list lately–springtime, Tex-Mex and love.

First things first, I am unbelievably excited that the temperatures have started to warm up around here. I have officially retired my winter-wear and brought out the flip-flops and bright colors. I’ve been driving with the windows down and sunroof open, loving every single minute of this warm springtime sunshine.

Secondly–as funny as it may sound–a good margarita and authentic Tex-Mex make me so happy. I could eat fish tacos, spicy fajitas, seafood enchiladas and salsa all day long. And when you live in Texas where Tex-Mex rules the restaurant scene and margaritas are enormous and strong, you can eat it all day long. Glorious, right? Plus, a good, cold margarita is the perfect complement to these warm spring temps.

But most importantly, I wouldn’t be able to manage half of my crazy life if it weren’t for this man. He keeps me grounded and happy (even from 100+ miles away), day in and day out. He is smart, sweet, handsome, honest, giving, funny, loyal, genuine–and most of all–cuddly. He loves me unconditionally and tells me I’m beautiful every day. He knows my quirks and my habits, can turn any rainy day into sunshine, gives the biggest and best hugs in the world, and is the perfect partner in crime. He makes my world stress-free, balanced and whole. He is the sugar to my spice. He is the everything nice. He is my rock and roll. And I truly couldn’t be happier.

What are three little things that make you smile?

Every year, I have one week that is full of reflection, love and compassion. And this year, this one week happens to be this week. It’s about telling people I love them and remembering someone very special who I lost. It’s about pushing forward while glancing back, conquering life and living it to the fullest.

Today marks 10 years. Ten years of missing someone dearly and having one week just like this. A lot happens in a decade.

Tell your loved ones that you love them and support them everyday. Be thankful that they are in your life and that you are a part of theirs. Share smiles. Give hugs. Laugh and love.

And most of all–make each day count.

I realized that I haven’t posted pictures of little Loui pup in a while. And then I remembered that I have a gazillion pictures of this little furball on my iPhone.

So let the iPhone puppy pic dump commence! Enjoy.

He greets me when I come home.

He loves to take naps.

He patiently waits to play.

He passes out after playtime.

He gives lots of sloppy, wet kisses.

I love him.

- L

Last weekend I met my friend J for dinner. While eating delicious Italian cuisine and discussing men, food, movies, friends, family and gossip, J mentioned that her friend recently moved to Qatar.

I cleared my throat in utter shock. “I’m sorry, did you say QATAR?”

“Yep, Qatar.”

J proceeds to tell me this enchanting story of how her friend was sent to work on an architectural project in Qatar and met the man of her dreams. Over the period of several months, she met and fell in love with an Irish lad also working in architecture in Qatar.

Minor detail: he lives there permanently.

So what does J’s friend do? SHE MOVES TO QATAR.

She came back to the U.S., packed up her stuff, moved to Qatar and they are now engaged to be married.

In an Irish castle.

You see the thing that I can’t get over (besides the fact that she’s going to be married in an Irish castle–clearly, I’m jealous) is the fact that she moved to Qatar permanently. If I came home one day and was like, “Hey family, I’m moving to Qatar,” my family would immediately lock me in a room. Sure, parents are crazy but the thought of moving to Qatar also sounds a little bit crazy. So I wouldn’t necessarily blame them for this kind of reaction.

And yes, I know people move all the time for love.

It’s common, I know. Job transfer, graduate school, armed forces, new adventures… I get it. I’d move to a new city or state, move halfway across the country and maybe even consider Canada (that’s a bit of a stretch) but I can safely say I probably wouldn’t ever consider moving to Qatar. I’m not talking about a study abroad program or a little travel… I’m talking about moving my entire life.

Plus, I like wearing shorts and skirts. I like tank tops and sleeveless dresses. I like being able to live in an affordable apartment (in Qatar, her’s is $2,000/month). I like being able to drive down the road or take a short flight to see my family and friends. I’m totally up for living in new places–heck, you only live once–but this whole Qatar concept just baffles me.

Would you do this? Would you move to Qatar for love? Would you pick up your entire life? Would you even hesitate?

And don’t let the whole Irish castle thing sway you… I know, it sounds pretty fabulous.

- L

My friend Megan has a “Keep Calm and Carry On” framed poster–a saying that’s now pretty popular. When she bought it, I hadn’t ever seen or heard the phrase before but instantly loved it because it’s SO TRUE and something I need to tell myself on a regular basis.

Then this morning I came across the Keep Calm Gallery and fell in l-o-v-e. Here are some of the items I’m drooling over.

These little posters are perfect inspiration. Am I right? Clearly I’m not the only one who needs these reminders or else they wouldn’t be mass producing them. How many times has someone told you “don’t sweat the small stuff” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”… In my case, TOO MANY TO COUNT.

Now, we can hang these up around our office, home or wherever our little hearts desire.

Remember–take things as they come, keep it simple, drink wine with dinner and be okay with failing every once in a while.

- L