In all things new

I usually think of spring when I hear the word new; however, in the dead of summer I've had the privilege of a June full of new life.

One of my besties, C, had a beautiful wedding.  She was my first good friend to get married and it was such an awesome experience to be part of her big day.  It was a really fun weekend (special shout-out to my 2 favorite people who so lovingly toted me around most of the northern suburbs of a foreign city while dealing with me and my work paranoia :) )  I am forever thankful for them.

What a memorable ceremony and the beginning of an awesome new chapter with her and her husband.

As a marriage was blossoming so were my peppers.  This would not be a big deal to most people but these are my chir'ren.  Our journey together began last September and I grew these babies from seedlings.  The awesome thing is -- the packaging was a "mix of sweet peppers" so as they bloom they come in all different sizes and colors!

They've survived the crisp fall...okay, maybe not crisp since this is Houston...but they did survive record snowfall in December.  I even had my good friend "babysit" them over the Christmas break so they wouldn't die.  Needless to say we have battled through thick and thin and they are FINALLY blooming and producing peppers.  I really couldn't be more ecstatic that finally, nearly a year later, I get a visual of my 'labor'.  Really I just water them every day.  And now, I will plague you with a photoshoot:

Long green peppers that look like jalapenos but are bitter like a green pepper

Banana peppers!

Green bell peppers

Purple peppers!!  These are like $2 a piece at the store

And of course I don't stop at peppers...I have tomatoes, lemons, oranges, & herbs.

My backyard has not only been blooming with fruits and veggies, but also with activity.  On flag day (and any other patriotic holiday) our local boy scouts put American flags in all the front yards.  It is so amazing to see every yard with a flag in it.  I really hope my future neighborhood carries on similar traditions. (my house is back left corner of the photo)

And with summer comes cookouts, poolside drinks, fun, flowers, and a new makeover for my blog.

 

But aside from the materialistic things, summer to me means memories with friends and family and big dreams and hope for the future.