The magic of Christmas is not in the presents,
it's in His presence.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love, Jason & Lindsey Metz
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Dad's 60th Birthday
This post is long overdue, but I am just now sitting down with some extra time. My Dad's 60th Birthday was on November 20th. We wanted to throw him a big surprise party, because I have never been able to surprise him before...This time we did it! I convinced him we were having a Tech vs. OSU watching party and then secretly plotted for awhile!
Here's how it all turned out! He had no clue!
Jason made the cake...It had lots of road signs..."Yield to Aches and Pains" "Warning Explosive Gases Ahead" "Memory Detour Ahead"...You get the idea!
My dad and his dad...amazing how much they look alike :-)
I made centerpieces with pictures of my dad through the years for all the tables...Here are a few of my favorites!
My dad on his 1st Birthday!
Elementary school...He looks like such a punk here...haha!
Senior picture in high school
Converted Red Raider Fan!
Happy Birthday Dad!
Here's how it all turned out! He had no clue!
Jason made the cake...It had lots of road signs..."Yield to Aches and Pains" "Warning Explosive Gases Ahead" "Memory Detour Ahead"...You get the idea!
My dad and his dad...amazing how much they look alike :-)
I made centerpieces with pictures of my dad through the years for all the tables...Here are a few of my favorites!
My dad on his 1st Birthday!
Elementary school...He looks like such a punk here...haha!
Senior picture in high school
Converted Red Raider Fan!
Happy Birthday Dad!
Monday, December 14, 2009
1st Christmas in our New Home
If you want to check out other homes check out The Nester...
Welcome to our home! It is our first Christmas here and it has been so much fun to decorate!
In our entryway
This is my favorite part of our Christmas decor! Can't wait to get a fire going soon!
I started collecting Christmas tree toppers last year and continued to add to it, along with a few of the glittery trees that are out this year!
Our family Christmas tree...We have a Red, Black, and Gold Christmas tree...It's a Texas Tech tree with other family ornaments. The year before we got married my husband bought the official Tech ornaments for each year we were at Tech and we have continued to collect them ever since then.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to turn off all the lights in the house except those on the tree and sit in the living room drinking hot chocolate and listening ot Christmas music.
The reason for the season! Our Nativity scene
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Dining Room all ready for a holiday feast!
Our festive chandelier...an easy way to spice up your dining room with some extra decorative balls.
Dining room centerpiece...I tried to find and use some things we already had to incorporate in our holiday decor this year to save some money...Crystal and Christmas balls go great together!
A garland I got last year at Garden Ridge...The one on our mantle I bought at Hobby Lobby with only pine cones and then added the rest myself.
Texas Tech stockings in our study with our Tech diplomas!
A cute decoration I used in our kitchen. One of my student's mother's made it for me last Christmas...It's a brick painted like a snowman with a scarf and sock for a hat! How creative!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thank You Lord
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7
Thanksgiving...A day to be thankful.
In the last few years I have been challenging myself to be more thankful for the many blessings in my life. We take so many things for granted...big & little, and the day to day. I've tried to take some time as I drive to work each morning and thank God, for breath and life, and most of all eternal life. That no matter what I have faced in the past, in the coming day, or the future I have the promise of eternal life in Heaven with my Heavenly Father.
I thank him for my amazing husband he created for me, my family, my cousin who is truly a sister by heart, and friends who lift me up daily. I thank him for my job, which although has its days that are truly challenging I am so thankful to have a job in this economy where so many don't. And not just any job but a job He called me to where I can share my passion of dance which He gave me as well. A job that is a ministry for me to reach out to young girls, and hopefully touch their lives and make a difference in helping them to grow into strong young women.
I thank him for our home that we have been so blessed with in the past year.
So often we forget, myself included as we go about the rest of the day, how blessed we are, and so I am thankful this year for all this and much more.
Three years from November 21 my cousin and I were in an awful wreck, an experience that changed me as a person...It is hard to think back to what a hard day that was and all the hard times we've faced since then. But even in the shock and pain and the struggle we've faced, I am thankful for God's miracles, his strength, his truths brought to life, the courage he's given, the love and perfect peace he's passed on in the toughest moments since then, and how He has brought His glory from it all. I don't know that I'll ever be able to look back and be thankful for what happened, but my understanding is so small compared to his.
But through it all, I am thankful for his provision. And I am thankful for the future which he already knows...all that is to come in the coming year.
Thank you Lord.
What are you thankful for?
Philippians 4:4-7
Thanksgiving...A day to be thankful.
In the last few years I have been challenging myself to be more thankful for the many blessings in my life. We take so many things for granted...big & little, and the day to day. I've tried to take some time as I drive to work each morning and thank God, for breath and life, and most of all eternal life. That no matter what I have faced in the past, in the coming day, or the future I have the promise of eternal life in Heaven with my Heavenly Father.
I thank him for my amazing husband he created for me, my family, my cousin who is truly a sister by heart, and friends who lift me up daily. I thank him for my job, which although has its days that are truly challenging I am so thankful to have a job in this economy where so many don't. And not just any job but a job He called me to where I can share my passion of dance which He gave me as well. A job that is a ministry for me to reach out to young girls, and hopefully touch their lives and make a difference in helping them to grow into strong young women.
I thank him for our home that we have been so blessed with in the past year.
So often we forget, myself included as we go about the rest of the day, how blessed we are, and so I am thankful this year for all this and much more.
Three years from November 21 my cousin and I were in an awful wreck, an experience that changed me as a person...It is hard to think back to what a hard day that was and all the hard times we've faced since then. But even in the shock and pain and the struggle we've faced, I am thankful for God's miracles, his strength, his truths brought to life, the courage he's given, the love and perfect peace he's passed on in the toughest moments since then, and how He has brought His glory from it all. I don't know that I'll ever be able to look back and be thankful for what happened, but my understanding is so small compared to his.
But through it all, I am thankful for his provision. And I am thankful for the future which he already knows...all that is to come in the coming year.
Thank you Lord.
What are you thankful for?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
New Addition to Our Family!
No not that kind! :-) The cute, furry kind!
We have been waiting to get a puppy until we got more settled in our new home! We have been looking over the last few weeks and today we found her! She has stolen our hearts!
Meet Paisley!
Paisley is a Cavapoo...A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. She is 5 weeks old, so sadly we won't be able to bring her home for a few more weeks, but we can't wait!
Here's a few more pictures of our little darling!
These are pictures from the breeder soon after she was born.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Show Us Your Life ~ Team Traditions
I was born a Red Raider...Literally it's in my blood. haha! My mom graduated from Tech. Growing up we went to Lubbock fairly often to visit her former college roommates and we always visited the campus. So if I wasn't born with it, I was brainwashed...or so I like to tease my mom. The funny thing is my cousin Mandy and I always rooted for Tech with my mom, even when most of our family weren't Tech fans, and now they have all come over to our side...Well all but a few who remane nameless...Ahem!
Also, Tech will always hold a special place in my heart, because that is where my husband and I dated and fell in love...We had many of our engagement pictures taken on campus.
So here are my favorite traditions from my team and school. I included some of the school as well, because there are a few that make it stand out to me. (For those of you Tech Alum that read this I hope it is a sweet little trip down memorey lane!)
1. Tech Football Games - They are so crazy, particularly if you sit in the student section...It's definitely the best seat (or place to stand) in the house! I miss it dearly, however I still love going!
2. Rivalry with Texas and A&M...Most fans and alum of the formerly mentioned schools will not agree that there is a rivalry here, but they certainly get all riled up about trying to beat us each year, and very mad when they don't!
3. Masked Rider - What an awesome symbol, and I love to see him ride out each game leading our team on the field!
4. Raider Red - Another fantastic mascot! I got a picture with him at Carol of Lights one year and surprised my mom with it!
5. Texas Tech Architechture - Some might not agree witht his being a tradition, but if you have ever stepped foot on the campus or seen the football stadium you have to beg to differ... I love that they have maintained the integrity of the campus and so many of the buildings have a common Spanish architechural theme. It really unites them and looks so beautiful. I always used to tease my mom when I was in college because she wanted to go and walk or drive around campus. Last time we wvisited I apologized to her because I suddenly felt a little old when we drove by the front entrance, and I had this urge to take a walk down memory lane...Oh how times change! :-)
6. Will Rogers Statue - The back of the horse of this statue was measured to face exactly between UT and A&M...Love it! Another funny story about this statue...When we were freshmen my husband and his roommate tried to crawl up there in the middle of winter to get their picture and froze themselves trying to get up there...haha!
7. Lubbock, a college town - One of the first things I noticed when I visited Tech the fall before I went there was how much the town supports the school...There is red & black and double T's everywhere you go. The car dealerships even shut down on Saturdays during home games!
8. Wrapping the campus and Will Rogers- It was always fun to see the red and black streamers the Saddle Tramps (one of the spirit groups for you non Tehc people) all over campus the day before a home game!
9. Victory Bells - Whenever Tech wins the game at home or away, the victory bell in the top of the administration building rings for 30 minutes to celebrate the win.
10. Guns Up - Our saying and pride in Red Raiderland!
11. Homecoming - We have an awesome bonfire (no it doesn't compare to all other schools) but it is big and fun nonetheless) the night before the game. Also from the bonfire sight you can see one of the dorms has a tradition to turn on/off their lights so that when you look at the rooms fron outside it looks like a double T. And a fun parade the next morning too that I got to participate in during college.
12. Carol of Lights - This is not necessarily a team tradition, but it is definitely a school tradition, and I would feel awful to leave it out, as it is one of my favorite. The first Saturday during December everyone gathers in the quad and entrance to the school and all the light s are turned off so it is completely black except for one spotlight which focuses on giant wreath on the chemistry building where the choir sings beautiful Christmas hymns. Then the lights are turned off, and suddenly the entire quad and entrance are illuminated with Christmas lights! It is such a beautiful thing to see! So romantic...There is always a proposal or two and it is so fun to see little kids faces. Jason and I have shared so many amazing memories here, and I can't wait to take our kids someday!
The last one is a personal tradition my husband and I have that helps us to remember and cherish all of our Tech Traditions each holiday. We had always said that we wanted a Texas Tech Christmas tree. So the Christmas before we got married my husband bought the four official ornaments from Texas Tech for the years we went to school together there. We have continued to purchase the ornaments throughout the years, and have planned to go back and start from the first one someday. Each ornament bears a symbol of Tech such as the fight song, alma mater or a special building on campus...and we enjoy the hunt during our later football games to locate the official ornament for that year!
If that's not enought for you, here's a great link from the school that talks a little more about some great traditions around campus!
Tech Traditions
I am so excited to head to a few more games this year and keep these traditions alive!
Also, Tech will always hold a special place in my heart, because that is where my husband and I dated and fell in love...We had many of our engagement pictures taken on campus.
So here are my favorite traditions from my team and school. I included some of the school as well, because there are a few that make it stand out to me. (For those of you Tech Alum that read this I hope it is a sweet little trip down memorey lane!)
1. Tech Football Games - They are so crazy, particularly if you sit in the student section...It's definitely the best seat (or place to stand) in the house! I miss it dearly, however I still love going!
2. Rivalry with Texas and A&M...Most fans and alum of the formerly mentioned schools will not agree that there is a rivalry here, but they certainly get all riled up about trying to beat us each year, and very mad when they don't!
3. Masked Rider - What an awesome symbol, and I love to see him ride out each game leading our team on the field!
4. Raider Red - Another fantastic mascot! I got a picture with him at Carol of Lights one year and surprised my mom with it!
5. Texas Tech Architechture - Some might not agree witht his being a tradition, but if you have ever stepped foot on the campus or seen the football stadium you have to beg to differ... I love that they have maintained the integrity of the campus and so many of the buildings have a common Spanish architechural theme. It really unites them and looks so beautiful. I always used to tease my mom when I was in college because she wanted to go and walk or drive around campus. Last time we wvisited I apologized to her because I suddenly felt a little old when we drove by the front entrance, and I had this urge to take a walk down memory lane...Oh how times change! :-)
6. Will Rogers Statue - The back of the horse of this statue was measured to face exactly between UT and A&M...Love it! Another funny story about this statue...When we were freshmen my husband and his roommate tried to crawl up there in the middle of winter to get their picture and froze themselves trying to get up there...haha!
7. Lubbock, a college town - One of the first things I noticed when I visited Tech the fall before I went there was how much the town supports the school...There is red & black and double T's everywhere you go. The car dealerships even shut down on Saturdays during home games!
8. Wrapping the campus and Will Rogers- It was always fun to see the red and black streamers the Saddle Tramps (one of the spirit groups for you non Tehc people) all over campus the day before a home game!
9. Victory Bells - Whenever Tech wins the game at home or away, the victory bell in the top of the administration building rings for 30 minutes to celebrate the win.
10. Guns Up - Our saying and pride in Red Raiderland!
11. Homecoming - We have an awesome bonfire (no it doesn't compare to all other schools) but it is big and fun nonetheless) the night before the game. Also from the bonfire sight you can see one of the dorms has a tradition to turn on/off their lights so that when you look at the rooms fron outside it looks like a double T. And a fun parade the next morning too that I got to participate in during college.
12. Carol of Lights - This is not necessarily a team tradition, but it is definitely a school tradition, and I would feel awful to leave it out, as it is one of my favorite. The first Saturday during December everyone gathers in the quad and entrance to the school and all the light s are turned off so it is completely black except for one spotlight which focuses on giant wreath on the chemistry building where the choir sings beautiful Christmas hymns. Then the lights are turned off, and suddenly the entire quad and entrance are illuminated with Christmas lights! It is such a beautiful thing to see! So romantic...There is always a proposal or two and it is so fun to see little kids faces. Jason and I have shared so many amazing memories here, and I can't wait to take our kids someday!
The last one is a personal tradition my husband and I have that helps us to remember and cherish all of our Tech Traditions each holiday. We had always said that we wanted a Texas Tech Christmas tree. So the Christmas before we got married my husband bought the four official ornaments from Texas Tech for the years we went to school together there. We have continued to purchase the ornaments throughout the years, and have planned to go back and start from the first one someday. Each ornament bears a symbol of Tech such as the fight song, alma mater or a special building on campus...and we enjoy the hunt during our later football games to locate the official ornament for that year!
If that's not enought for you, here's a great link from the school that talks a little more about some great traditions around campus!
Tech Traditions
I am so excited to head to a few more games this year and keep these traditions alive!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Show Us Your Life ~ Favorite Desert Recipes
My husband has made both of these so I can't take the credit, but I can sure help eat it! haha! One is easy as pie...The other one is more work, but worth the wait!
Butterfinger Ice Cream Delight
We just made this to take to a game watching party! It is one of the most delicious, easy to make desserts I've ever had! My aunt even said it almost felt sinful to eat! I don't have a picture of this one but here are the steps:
1. Place ice cream sandwiches in a glass backing dish.
2. Cover with whip cream and smooth out.
3. Cover with Chocolate syrup.
4. Chop up a few Butterfinger candy bars into tiny bits. Sprinkle the Butterfinger bits across the top.
5. Let sit in the freezer for a few hours and then serve!
We had this at a family member's house and couldn't get over how amazing it tasted! Enjoy!
Cheesecake Balls
My husband watched some one make these on the Food Network when we were dating and then surprised me with them one Valentine's Day!
1. Bake a regular cheesecake following the instructions of your favorite cheesecake recipe. (The Serendipity cookbook has a great one!)
2. Once the cheesecake has set use a cookie or ice cream scoop to mold the cheesecake into a round ball shape.
3. Dip the cheesecake in chocolate (We've used both white, milk, and dark chocolate before, and then in your favorite topping...Nuts, Oreos, chocolate chips, etc.)
4. Place on a baking sheet, for ease of eating you can put a lollipop stick in the middle and place in the fridge to harden. (You can also wait for the first layer to harden a little and then drizzle another type of chocolate on top!)
Butterfinger Ice Cream Delight
We just made this to take to a game watching party! It is one of the most delicious, easy to make desserts I've ever had! My aunt even said it almost felt sinful to eat! I don't have a picture of this one but here are the steps:
1. Place ice cream sandwiches in a glass backing dish.
2. Cover with whip cream and smooth out.
3. Cover with Chocolate syrup.
4. Chop up a few Butterfinger candy bars into tiny bits. Sprinkle the Butterfinger bits across the top.
5. Let sit in the freezer for a few hours and then serve!
We had this at a family member's house and couldn't get over how amazing it tasted! Enjoy!
Cheesecake Balls
My husband watched some one make these on the Food Network when we were dating and then surprised me with them one Valentine's Day!
1. Bake a regular cheesecake following the instructions of your favorite cheesecake recipe. (The Serendipity cookbook has a great one!)
2. Once the cheesecake has set use a cookie or ice cream scoop to mold the cheesecake into a round ball shape.
3. Dip the cheesecake in chocolate (We've used both white, milk, and dark chocolate before, and then in your favorite topping...Nuts, Oreos, chocolate chips, etc.)
4. Place on a baking sheet, for ease of eating you can put a lollipop stick in the middle and place in the fridge to harden. (You can also wait for the first layer to harden a little and then drizzle another type of chocolate on top!)
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