"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?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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!)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Baby Shower Ideas ~ Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life
Today on Kelly's Korner, Show Us Your Life, is Baby Shower Ideas! I threw a baby shower for one of my best friends Kacie last October and had so much fun!
We hung onesies and baby clothes/socks from the mantle. I also made letters for Rylee's name that they could use in the baby's nursrey afterwards. I bought the letters at Hobby Lobby and then decopauged them using scrapbook paper and painted them on the side.
My amazing husband made the cake!
I also made onesie cookie favors with Rylee's name and due date.
My cousin and I have made a few diaper cakes for friends in the past...This one turned out really cute I thought!
I also used a 4-d sonogram they had done as a picture for a guestbook, which people signed as they came in and dropped off their gifts.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Getting rid of the dinosaurs...Feedback wanted!
We went yesterday to look at new cell phones...I must admit our phones are OLD! The funny thing is that Jason and I both have the same phone in different colors and we got them before we started college...Yes that means our phones are 6 years old. I know it's ridiculous. But newly married and saving for a house is what we've been. Now we're in the house and excited to get rid of our dinosaur phones.
We are definitely sticking with Sprint, because so many of our family and friends are on it, and we've had fairly good service. Jason had a phone in mind that one of his coworker's had gotten. I didn't want anything too fancy, but after seeing it I think I might be hooked as well. I told him he can't be the only one with the cool phone cause then I'll be jealous later. And judging by our history with phones, who knows when we'll get new ones again. Haha! Anyways, I came home and read some reviews that make me leery of the phones I was interested in...Sooooo....
What phone do you have? Do you love it, hate it? What do you like or dislike about it? Would you recommend it? Feedback is greatly appreciated!!!
Here are the three I was looking at, but I'm open to other possibilities...
PalmPre... Sprint's latest version of the IPhone (This is the one Jason wants)...Can run multiple applications at once, but many reviews say battery power is not that good...Anyone have one of these?
Samsung Rant
LG Rumor 2
We are definitely sticking with Sprint, because so many of our family and friends are on it, and we've had fairly good service. Jason had a phone in mind that one of his coworker's had gotten. I didn't want anything too fancy, but after seeing it I think I might be hooked as well. I told him he can't be the only one with the cool phone cause then I'll be jealous later. And judging by our history with phones, who knows when we'll get new ones again. Haha! Anyways, I came home and read some reviews that make me leery of the phones I was interested in...Sooooo....
What phone do you have? Do you love it, hate it? What do you like or dislike about it? Would you recommend it? Feedback is greatly appreciated!!!
Here are the three I was looking at, but I'm open to other possibilities...
PalmPre... Sprint's latest version of the IPhone (This is the one Jason wants)...Can run multiple applications at once, but many reviews say battery power is not that good...Anyone have one of these?
Samsung Rant
LG Rumor 2
Friday, August 7, 2009
Show Us Your Life ~ Fav Vaca Spot!
So I am really excited about this week! We didn't really take a vacation this summer, because all our time and money went into our house! It is so nice to have it done and be able to relax in it though! However, we are hoping to plan a big trip this next summer and are looking for ideas...We want to go somewhere where we probably wouldn't take kids and somewhere that would not be a quick couple getaway later either. Our dream ideas are Hawaii and Europe. I've also seen some pictures of St. Lucia that look very appealing as well! What are your suggestions?
I kinda gave away my favorite vacation spot in the last Show Us Your Life Post but I'll put a little more detail in this one.
My favorite spot we went was Roatan Island in Honduras. The beach there was the most beautiful beach we went to! The sand was white and so soft under your feet! The water was turquoise and crystal clear when looking down. It was so beautiful to be surrounded by giant rocks on one side and the beach on the other. The ocean was so calm there, and it was so peaceful and relaxing to just hang out in the water and on the beach!
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