thanksgiving

ok. so i'm a little behind and i didn't really do a great job in remembering to take pictures. in fact, i only took pictures ONE day! (and i had help... you'll see below)

steven came in on wednesday of thanksgiving week... WOOHOO! he even got an earlier flight. how fun! we had a blast just being together and doing stuff in "my hood". :) here's a pic of us on thanksgiving day at my mom's. no... we didn't plan on matching. lol. but hey! we were supporting the 'boys!


here's sweet keely who is the photographer of the 2 pictures that follow (her daddy and mommy). she had a little help pushing the button but she did it!!! how can you resist that face?!?!?!

and an "up close and personal" pic of me and my man. these old pics make me miss my long hair!! yep. i chopped mine off. its not horrible. just not i wanted... the guy didn't listen to a word i said. oh well. it'll grow!!

i didn't get any pictures of our time with steven's family or with dad/susie. hopefully our luck with the camera will be better at Christmas!!

speaking of... its just around the corner!

No author could have written it sweeter...

this is a post that my man put on his facebook. i loved how he put "our story" down in words. its all true, of course. :) this is not new to most of you, but if you have not heard/read it, enjoy. God's a pretty wonderful author if i must say so myself...

There once were two married couples who were very good friends. They camped together, babysat each others' kids and enjoyed a great friendship. On August 7, 1977 one couple gave birth to a baby boy. On August 10, 1977, the other couple gave birth to a baby girl. The boy and girl met each other when they were about a week old. The boy and girl continued to know each other, and even progressed into kindergarten sweethearts. They continued their sweetheart status until the middle of first grade, when the boy and his parents moved to another town. The new town was only 20 minutes away, but the boy and girl didn't see much of each other after the move. So, at the young age of six years old, the sweethearts were separated. Over the next 20 years, the boy and girl saw each other only a handful of times - a couple of times at a church camp, once or twice when their parents visited each other, and once while in college. Oh, did I mention that both the boy and girl coincidentally graduated from the same college. As the boy recalls, he was walking from one of the buildings at the business school, and hears a girl's voice calling his name. It was his kindergarten sweetheart calling his name. This was the most random of their "post move" encounters. Hellos were exchanged, and nothing more came of their chance rendezvous. After a few more lonely years, the boy and girl were to meet again at the girl's-sister's wedding. The boy says he recalls an attraction towards the girl, but knew a relationship wouldn't work at that time because he lived 700 miles away. So, their lives continued to progress... separately. Then, in July 2008 (a mere 25 years after their separation in first grade) the girl found the boy on Face Book. You see, the boy's brother was getting married in August, and of course the girl and her family were invited to the wedding. So, the girl searched for her old friend, and found him. They continued to e-mail each other during the month of July, and gently re-kindled their 25 year old flame. Both wondered if there would be something more than an e-mail friendship. The boy's birthday was one day before his brother's wedding (the boy would be in Texas anyway) - and the boy took a chance and asked the girl to come to his birthday dinner with him and his parents... she accepted. The weekend continued as the girl also attended the wedding reception the following night. Even more, the girl and her family agreed to attend the bar-b-que party the night after that. The boy was excited that he could see his old sweetheart once again. The boy then took a chance... while at the bar-b-que, he asked the girl to go for a drive with him. It was on that drive that he asked the girl if she wanted to pursue a relationship with him. She was excited, yet nervous about it... but said that she was interested in pursuing him also. So, a month later, the girl traveled to Colorado (with the boy's parents) for a visit. The sweethearts were reunited once again. The connection was there. The flame had been kindled once again. Long story short... the kindergarten sweethearts (who have known each other since they were one-week old) reunited after 25 years of being apart. Love was brought full circle after a quarter of a century, and stretches over 700 miles. If you don't already know... this is story of me and my love. Brooke and I have known each other our entire lives. We were kindergarten and first grade sweethearts, and we are sweethearts again.

"I have so far to go"

I have been reading "The Shack" by William P. Young (its been a slow process)... and this blurb of text just really stuck out at me. So true in my life.

Let me set up the scene. Mack and Jesus have walked up on a dock and Jesus wants to walk across the lake, not around. Mack, like many of us, has some hesitations...

"Tell me what you are afraid of, Mack" (Jesus)

"Well, let me see. What am I afraid of?" began Mack. "Well, I am afraid of looking like an idiot. I am afraid that you are making fun of me and that I will sink like a rock. I imagine that--"

"Exactly," Jesus interrupted. "You imagine. Such a powerful ability, the imagination! That power alone makes you so like us. But without wisdom, imagination is a cruel taskmaster. If I may prove my case, do you think humans were designed to live in the present or the past or the future?"

"Well," said Mack, hesitating, "I think the most obvious answer is that were designed to live in the present. Is that wrong?"

Jesus chuckled. "Relax, Mack; this is not a test, it's a conversation. You are exactly correct, by the way. But now tell me, where do YOU spend most of your time in your mind, in your imagination, in the present, in the past, or in the future?"

Mack thought for a moment before answering. "I suppose I would have to say that I spend very little time in the present. For me, I spend a big piece in the past, but most of the rest of the time, I am trying to figure out the future."

"Not unlike most people. When I dwell with you, I do so in the present - I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure, I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine. Mack, do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you?"

Again Mack stopped and thought. It was true. He spent a lot of time fretting and worrying about the future, and in his imaginations it was usually pretty gloomy and depressing, if not outright horrible. And Jesus was also correct in saying that in Mack's imaginations of the future, God was always absent.

"Why do I do that?" asked Mack.

"It is your desperate attempt to get some control over something you can't. It is impossible for you to take power over the future because it isn't even real, nor will it ever be real. You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming reality, and then you try and make plans and contingencies to avoid what you fear."

"Yeah, that's basically what Sarayu was saying," responded Mack. "So why do I have so much fear in my life?"

"Because you don't believe. You don't know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love. I am not talking about rational fears regarding legitimate dangers, but imagined fears, and especially the projection of those into the future. To the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you. You sing about it, you talk about it, but you don't know it."

Mack looked down once more at the water and breathed a huge sigh of the soul. "I have so far to go."

its official...

i am a homeowner FOR REAL this year.

it has almost been a year since i bought my house. it was a crazy december for me... with moving, having strep throat for 3 weeks and then the holidays. it was just too much for me to decorate for Christmas. i just needed to unpack. it didn't even feel like my house for several months. kind of hard to do much of anything with it!!

well, this year, i kind of got a jumpstart on things. i don't know if i'm done... but we'll see. i knew i HAD to buy a tree this year. so this morning i bought one. i just couldn't let it sit there in the box unopened!! i had to put i up!! :)

sooooooo... unlike me, it is BEFORE thanksgiving and i have Christmas up in my house. (i gripe about the Christmas music that starts after halloween and the craziness that starts way too early - but i guess i've gotten caught up in it) thanksgiving will be a little busy for me but a wonderful busy and i just want to spend time with my man and family.

here's a pic of my tree: i'm sure i'll make some changes/additions before the day actually comes!!

51 days and counting!!!

for what you might ask?!?!

until i don't have to wear these anymore:

i'm getting LASIK baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i can't tell you how very excited i am. SERIOUSLY. i think this is better than Christmas. :)

these are a few of my favorite things...

so there is just something about this time of year. i don't know if it is the cold breeze or the smell of pumpkin (yummm!), but it just invigorates me somehow! its my favorite time of year!

these are just a few of my favorite things...

1. oh those red cups! (preferrably with something good inside! maybe a nonfat mocha?!)

2. crazy, fun Christmas wrapping paper!

3. anything pumpkin. enough said.

4. SWEATERS! preferably turtlenecks :)

5. wearing my peacoat

6. staying under the covers just a little bit longer...

7. the smell of burning firewood... mmmm...

8. Christmas cookies!!!!!

1 word... (or more)

1. Where is your cell phone? table

2. Your significant other? amazing

3. Your hair? annoying

4. Your mother? loving

5. Your father? dependable

6. Your favorite thing? see #2 (:

7. Your dream last night? ??

8. Your favorite drink? Diet DP/Hot Choc

9. Your dream/goal? physically fit

10. The room you're in? living room

11. Your fear? loss

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home

13. Where were you last night? homegroup

14. What you're not? patient

15. Muffins/donuts? muffins

16. One of your wish list items? lasik!

17. Where you grew up? Texas

18. The last thing you did? eat

19. What are you wearing? hoodie

20. Your TV? old

21. Your pet? -

22. Your computer? Dell

23. Your life? blessed

24. Your mood? sleepy

25. Missing someone? ABSOLUTELY

26. Favorite pastime? shopping

27. Something you're not wearing? shoes

28. Favorite Store? many

29. Your summer? far

30. Your favorite color? choc brown

31. When is the last time you laughed? lunchtime

32. Last time you cried? weekend

33. Who will/would re-post this? ??

34. Four places I go over and over? work, church, grocery, homegroup

35. Four people who e-mail me? Steven, Mom, Amy, HG girls

36. Four of my favorite foods? ice cream, bread, chicken, cookies

37. Four places I would like to be right now? colorado, vacation, bed, traveling

38. Four people I tag? anyone who wants to do it

fortune of the day...

ok. so i just grabbed dinner at pei wei (pronounced "pee wee" :) and this was my fortune in my cookie:

"Reach for your dreams. Start with the spring rolls."

since when did fortunes turn into commercials?!

halloween for the books...

what a great weekend!

it started with friday night - Hollywood Halloween. what a great party! we had everything from a red carpet to a live feed from the front yard to the big screen in the back yard!! seriously?! we had so many celebrities. from the small screen (cast from grey's anatomy, the office, deal or no deal beauties...) to the big screen (harry potter, tom cruise...) to tony romo/jessica to all phases of britney!!... we had it all! what a riot!

saturday i got to spend time with the 2 women i could NOT live without! my sis let me meet her for lunch! we had a great lunch at CPK and just hung out up in frisco... lots of fun! thanks j-man for letting me borrow her for several hours!! then later that night i headed over to mom's to watch the tech/tu game. wow. what a game. its always fun to watch football with mom. ;)

thank goodness for the extra hour, because sunday morning, bright and early, i met 3 MORE important beautiful ladies for breakfast before church. my A-group!! (we looked VERY different than we did friday night - hehe) i'm so extremely blessed!!!

you know what i SHOULD be doing?

CLEANING. not blogging. this is what i do. i have figured out so many things to do other than clean my house. its unbelievable. i took today for the sole purpose to clean my house and get things back on track. and its 9:20pm. am i done? nope. OH WELL. :)

i really have no point to this blog. just thought i would write one so it will be pretty random. in order to add some organization to it, i'll just number off my thoughts...

1. i should be in colorado right now. 'nuff said.

2. on that note, here's a goofy pic of me and a wonderful picture of my man. although i laugh at it because i joke that its our "Christmas picture". LOL

3. prior to this week, i had been traveling a lot. i realized i was making a lot of excuses. excuses for the disaster that is/was my house... excuses for not spending time with the Lord... when i was on the plane coming back from the last trip, the Lord showed me that i'm so selfish. i caught myself think that i would get "everything in order" when things started to slow down. my heart can be so ugly. is He only worthy of time when i feel i have time? when my life isn't "crazy"? ummm... no. He's worthy ALL OF THE TIME. in fact, i need Him more in the chaos.

4. ok. i REALLY have to finish cleaning. i need to get up and run in the morning. turkey trot here i come! EEK!

5. oh yeah... i'll leave ya with another pic. :)

Daddy-O

Happy 60th Birthday Daddy!

I know he doesn't know about my blog... but I wanted to give a shout out to my wonderful father! He's an amazing man. I'm not sure if there is anything he CAN'T do! He loves his family! He's a wonderful Papa (can't wait until he's a Papa to my kids!!!).

I love you DAD!!! Happy Birthday!

rain...

i just got back from a run. i wanted to get one in before the storms hit... knowing i wouldn't be able to run until after the weekend.

as i was walking back, it started to sprinkle a little bit. normally, i would hurry back. but for some reason, it was refreshing. now don't get me wrong, i don't normally try to walk/run in the rain. i've got caught many times in a downpour while running... not fun. but its mainly because i'm trying to keep the precious ipod dry. i don't care about me. priorities, you know.

the drops of rain got me thinking about where it was actually coming from. IKE. and the devastation it has and will bring. i thought about my many friends who have evacuated from their homes to safe places. friends that are right now is east texas and tennessee... friends that are staying in their homes in houston. i can't imagine what is going on in their minds and hearts.

i was just overwhelmed with thinking about how we recognize the Lord in happy, joyous times (e.g. births, answered prayers, etc) or after He has brought through tough times. but its so hard to see Him in the hard times. as i was walking, i just felt the Lord saying to me "I am in the rain".

He is with us. He is here. He is in the rain...

meet steven...

** grin **

in every season...

i know my blogs are boring... and they are probably more for me because no one really reads these - but yet i still write them.

my music taste goes in spurts. there are some weeks i listen to my "slow, melancholy" music. actually, this is pretty typical. some weeks, top 40. others, hip-hop. recently though, i've really been craving praise music. this isn't unheard of but just not as common lately. not sure why. my heart has just been crying out i guess.

and my running music is usually hip-hop, etc. well, tonight i went for a walk. instead, i put my worship playlist on. and "the desert song" by hillsong came on. i about lost it on my walk... i mean tears falling. my last blog talked about what a great bday week i had. well, it was followed by a very hard couple of days regarding a situation that left me feeling kind of alone... feeling so attacked.

i was just so moved by that song. "In every season... YOU ARE STILL GOD" wow. He is, isn't it? i still have a reason to sing. i still have a reason to worship.

the lyrics:

The Desert Song by Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've received I will sow

don't believe everything you hear...

ok. so maybe i AM 31. it just sounds so different than 30. but then again, this time last year, i was freaking out about that number too!! i guess its all in how you feel, right? and i'm surrounded by wonderful, fabulous people! this birthday beats last year hands down! i think i was just determined to be blessed by those around me and not get caught up with ME. and they definitely blessed me!!

it was definitely a week! lets start with a week ago tues (the 4th). we had GNO at the ballpark. nothing like a dog and a beer (or two) with a bunch of your fav girlfriends! we survived the heat! the rangers played the yankees... but we won't talk about the fact that we left at the top of the 9th before byrd's walk-off grand slam!! gulp!

thursday (the 7th), S was in town for his brother's wedding. i was supposed to meet him and his parents for dinner for his birthday and then head out to his friends pub downtown. well, i get out to my car (the blue beast) and it won't start! it won't even turn over!! its definitely NOT the battery. but have to get to dinner!!! good grief. thankfully one of my best buds at work drove me out to grapevine to get my mom's car for the evening. the next morning, had to get my car towed from work to the dealership... after it was all said and done: $$$$$. SIGH. it truly is a BEAST. oh well. its running now.

the weekend was great. saw S friday and saturday night before he headed back home. on saturday, i got to hang out with mom and my sis for my birthday... and do a little shopping.

sunday (my actual bday), i went to lunch with my sis and her family. LOVE them. my nephew cracks me up. i love catching him looking at me. :) that night, i went to dinner at fireside pies (YUMMMMMM!) with some of my favorite women in my life!! couldn't live without them. seriously.

this picture just cracks me up:
i took off monday and tuesday from work and tuesday, several of us headed to the lake. it was a tad bit too windy but we made it. :)

it was a wonderful week - despite the issues with my car. i am truly blessed with fabulous friends and a wonderful family. here's to a much better year than the last one!! :P

3 things

1. i'm so stinkin' tired its not even funny
2. my car is currently dead (pray for the blue beast)
3. boys are confusing.

that's all.

whew...

what a great weekend! but unfortunately, i'm ending it with a migraine and looking like a lobster. evidently i didn't get the memo today to put sunscreen on my face! boo!

thursday night, i ended up going with a group of friends to kaboom town. this was the first time since i think high school(? or maybe college) that i have gone. now this is a weird fact since i practically work RIGHT THERE!! it was kind of a random group of people that went - but we had a great time! we went to dinner at mi cocina... and then headed to my office to watch the fireworks. so after a mambo taxi (or two... hee hee), we braved the traffic and got there literally RIGHT before they started!! here is a pic from the ride there. poor maggie had to ride in the back... and then could barely get in the picture!! haha.
friday, several of us headed to the lake with jennifer. (i love my JEN!!) it was such a relaxing day! thanks jennifer for inviting me!! it was wonderful hanging out with you all day! there is NOTHING like being on the lake... feeling the wind in your face going across the water. seriously.

we came back in time to watch the fireworks in lewisville. they did not disappoint. i actually think they were better than kaboom town. and it was a BEAUTIFUL night. we obviously don't miss an opportunity to take another picture... ha. here we are after the day at the lake...
saturday i headed to anna for a cookout at my sister's to celebrate her birthday!! i always love an opportunity to see them! :) we had a wonderful time. great food - and great cupcakes as keely will atest too...

that night, a bunch of us went out dancing to help celebrate early for stephanie's birthday! there was an 80s band there... let me just say "interesting"... lol. but when they were taking a break, we were out there on the dance floor!!

and then today, i hit the pool with lori. this is where i lost my brain evidently. we weren't out THAT long. maybe 3 hours? but i guess if you are out 3 hours and don't put sunscreen on your face, you can guess what can happen!! luckily i don't have pictures for you of that!

so now i'm off to take more meds for this migraine... hopefully it will be gone before tomorrow. man i hate monday mornings. did i mention that?? and i REALLY hate them after a holiday weekend!!

I...

I am: in denial of turning 31 this year.

I think: WAY too much.

I know: the Lord loves me and has His best plan for me… but sometimes I hold onto things in my life too tightly and get things out of whack

I want: to eat all I want and never gain weight… this has NEVER happened.

I have: a lot of quirks… I think I get them from my mother. :)

I wish: I would let loose more… go to the “I care” line

I hate: Monday mornings

I miss: my cousin Laura who lives in Alabama right now

I fear: making the wrong decisions and being single forever

I hear: my coworker who has been on her cellphone ALL day long speaking in a language I can’t understand. But then again, I’m writing a blog!!

I feel: a little loopy right now. It’s been a little nutty today. Actually, its been kind of fun. No boss – and a lot of laughter at work.

I smell: my cheez-its I am eating right now

I crave: ice cream. If it is cold and creamy, I want it!!

I search: for fun shoes online – I’m addicted I tell you.

I wonder: what my life will look like in 5 years

I regret: a lot of things… but then I have to remind myself that the Lord’s in control.

I love: to laugh and make others smile.

I ache: when those close to me hurt.

I care: about what people think WAY too much.

I always: shave my legs every day.

I am not: high maintenance. :) I’m really not!!

I believe: I have the cutest nieces and nephews ever

I dance: poorly!! LOL. But I so badly wish I could!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sing: all of the time. In the car, at home, etc.

I don’t always: think clearly/do the best thing when I’m tired…

I fight: with my sister a WHOLE lot less than I used to… (and that’s a miracle, isn’t it, Aim?!) in fact, its usually when I’m being ultra-selfish. I’m sorry Aim!!! I love you!!

I write: very little… or at least handwritten stuff. I need to journal more.

I win: nothing! It’s in my genes.

I lose: my patience when driving in traffic… I hate to drive slow.

I never: eat mushrooms or black olives - EVER

I confuse: pretty much everyone around me!! LOL

I listen: to my iPod all of the time. When I’m at home, it’s on.

I can usually be found: on my computer. Haha.

I am scared: of geese and of not being in control.

I need: solid, close friendships – and things to do on the weekends… I hate quiet, lonely weekends

I am happy about: having Friday off!!

Ten things I’d like to do: (and more)

**UPDATED**

1. Go to Europe – namely Paris and Italy (ok… those aren’t the same things. One is a city, another, a country. But still. I want to go!!)

2. Run another half marathon

3. Fall in love – haha. Yeah. Just had to put this one on here. :)

4. Get out of Texas this year!!!

5. Cook more - become more comfortable with it

6. Become a photographer – guess that would mean I would need to get a good camera, take a class and start taking pictures?

7. Experience more of Dallas – anyone want to join me?!

8. Figure out how to work in my yard. LOL. I hate yardwork and have successfully killed my plants. My flowerbeds/plants look horrible!!

9. Learn how to do flower arrangements – weird one. I know.

10. GET A NEW JOB!!!!! (and maybe a new career?!?!)

**UPDATE** (I keep thinking of more things I want to add... and I know there are more but here are just some I think of...)

11. Take voice lessons

12. Learn how to dance

13. Get a dog - a chocolate lab

14. Start riding... a road bike that is

These are just a few things!

worry wart

if you know me well, you know that i worry. about EVERYTHING. this week has been a booger. i've had little peace and so much angst. and i have had a really hard time trusting the Lord with my stuff and have struggled with laying my burdens at His feet. isn't it amazing how quickly we pick up our troubles and try to carry them on our shoulders?? and how quickly we forget how He has carried us through recent trials? i mean seriously. wasn't i just here? and oh how He brought me through!

He took me to Philippians 4:6-8 last night. just thought i needed to put it down on paper to remind me (well this isn't paper, is it?).

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. "

...and its always interesting what "The Message" says... so here you go:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."

i heart ny...

well, last weekend, my dad, my sister and i finally got to go to NY!! (this post is for you, ericka!! :)

beware... many pictures to follow. i won't post all we took. i think between the 3 of us, we took almost 250 or more? most of these have at least one of the 3 of us in there. wanted to make it at least personal!! ha. unfortunately, we somehow got out of NY without a single picture of the 3 of us together. boo. we had a great time! although, at times, we definitely realized that we have NEVER been together that long before! my family is great for putting up with me!! enjoy the pics!

ahhh.... the m&m store.... :)

we look happy surrounded by chocolate, don't we?!


times square

dad & amy at dinner the first night

dad & me in line at the empire state building...

me & amy in line...

the view from the top of empire state building at night. breathtaking.

a little winded. :)

this explains us. period.

this picture cracks me up. if you could just see my expression. i don't think i realized dad was taking the picture. haha. we are walking in central park. i think this was my favorite part of the trip. it was a BEAUTIFUL day... and oh my goodness... its beautiful.
the metropolitan museum of art
just had to add this picture because my dad took it. gotta love the greeks. LOL.

rockefeller

me and dad down by battery park. it was quite chilly on sunday. (and obviously quite a bit of moisture in the air by the frizz in my hair!!!)
dad buying us pretzels!!!!

this was as close as we got. (well, actually, we were quite far away. this was as close as dad's camera could get. :)

we did a lot more! just don't want to overwhelm you with pictures! can't wait to go back!!