Post #6: This post is supposed to be five people that mean a lot to you. Too easy! I am going to skip over the expected ones (sorry Bo) and instead choose five people that I don't write about all the time, and just for a little bonus, I'm even gonna tell you why! And in the words of Elton John, "I hope you don't mind that I put down in words... how wonderful life is while you're in the world."
1. Mrs. Cara is the best. Not only did she take fabulous care of you for that important first year of your life, but it is so great to have a friend that understands the phase of life that you are going through. Someone who listens to you complain and says they feel the same way some times. But rather than just listening and moving on, she is the type of person that encourages and makes you smile. She is generous and giving and thoughtful. She is exactly the kind of woman that I hope you grow up to be.
2. Beth Moore. I know that we have never even met in person, which makes this kinda crazy. But her bible studies have forever opened my eyes to the wonders of God's word. How it can totally give me goosebumps with the miracles of its consistency over thousands of years. How it can warm my heart and make me feel that a passage is a love letter just for me. How it can bring tears of joy or tears of conviction. I love studying the Bible with her and love how she is never fake or pretentious about who she really is, good and bad.
3. Mrs. Danielle is such an example to me of following God's leading in your life. She is a great mom to two wonderful boys and is overflowing with love and passion for orphans around the world. She loves to be part of international missions and is giving and loving to all of God's children. She inspires me to believe that each day is a chance to love others like God loves us - unconditionally. She is always an uplifting person to be around and I love sharing bible studies with her. I am truly grateful that our families have become closer and I look forward to watching our kiddos grow up together!
4. Dr. Kara is like my fabulous big sister here in San Antonio. She likes to tease me that I am way too young and that she is so much older, but really I don't think of it that way at all! She is a dedicated counselor, super college professor and always-on-the-go mom to two precious girls that we love. She is my constant source of encouragement and fun, the person that best understands the ups and downs of my marriage and personality, and yet she still tolerates me. I love that she is the most outgoing and friendly person I have ever known (and can't go anywhere without seeing someone she knows and MUST talk to). She is kind enough to let us borrow their extended family since ours is often far away, and she is often self-depricating so that you are not intimidated by her fabulosity. (Yes, she is so amazing that she gets made up adjectives.) She would certainly tell you that she is not perfect and always put together, but I think she is pretty darn close.
5. Your Grammy is the most amazing woman. She is so smart and creative when it comes to teaching her students at school. She is no-nonsense when it comes to expecting the best from them. She works hard to bring in extra grant money and provide new and challenging experiments that have really helped their school improve their test scores. She is really building up a reputation around their school district as that lucky science lady that does such a good job. But most of all, we love her for the glue she is to our family. She is always so generous with her home, her time and her money. She loves to just spend time together, even if there aren't any major plans. She is strong in her faith and has learned such independence and self-reliance. She is the person that will always mean the most to me.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Before and Afters!
First we started with this.
Then the new cabinet doors went up and looked like this.
And today we finally got the glass put in for the last step, and now we have this!
The frosted glass is a bit shiny in the picture, but I really like it! Now we have to hope that the smell from the polyurethane and the glue for the glass eventually goes away. It's a big change that was so much more cost effective than putting in all new cabinets!
And just for fun, here is the new bedding that we got for our master bedroom. I am now a total believer in a duvet instead of a comforter. I am in love with a big fluffy bed!
Then the new cabinet doors went up and looked like this.
And today we finally got the glass put in for the last step, and now we have this!
The frosted glass is a bit shiny in the picture, but I really like it! Now we have to hope that the smell from the polyurethane and the glue for the glass eventually goes away. It's a big change that was so much more cost effective than putting in all new cabinets!
And just for fun, here is the new bedding that we got for our master bedroom. I am now a total believer in a duvet instead of a comforter. I am in love with a big fluffy bed!
Wish Upon A Star
This is post #5, six things that you wish you could change or that you had never done... I try not to have too many regrets. There are always mistakes that I wish I could undo, but honestly, they have brought me to the place I am and shaped me as a person. They help me remember that I am a flawed person and that I am always in need of Jesus as my savior. But I think I do have a few things I could mention.
1. I wish I could resolve the legal mess left behind after my dad passed away. I just want to make sure my mom never has to worry about it all again and that she is taken care of.
2. I wish I could correct my vision. I wear contacts almost every day, but I would love to get surgery to permanently give me great vision. I probably would have already done it, but I heard that pregnancy can alter your vision after you have already had it corrected and I have no idea when we will have another kid. Maybe someday!
3. I wish I could change the adoption process to make it easier and less expensive. It seems like there are so many wonderful families out there that are willing to care for children, and it is sad that it usually takes years and about $25,000 to make it happen.
4. I wish I had never stopped wearing my retainer. Two years of braces and my teeth were all good, and now they are moving around again. It doesn't bother me enough to start all over again with braces, but I regret not taking better care of them when I was younger.
5. I wish I could take care of all our debt. I would say we are pretty normal people with a car payment and a mortgage and student loans, nothing out of control or too big to handle. But money is the biggest hot-button issue that Bo and I fight about. It is just stressful to have debt at all, and my one seriously ridiculous wish is just to have it disappear. Wouldn't that be nice?
6. And on a serious note, I wish I could do more international mission trips. I think when God calls you to go somewhere, it is because he is calling you to action to do something about it. And I know that even though I am not called to be a full-time missionary, he has given me a heart for missions and fundraising to improve the quality of life for people in other countries around the world. At the top of my list is China since I think it is a possibility in the next few years, but I would definitely love to go to work in Haiti or Africa sometime in the future!
1. I wish I could resolve the legal mess left behind after my dad passed away. I just want to make sure my mom never has to worry about it all again and that she is taken care of.
2. I wish I could correct my vision. I wear contacts almost every day, but I would love to get surgery to permanently give me great vision. I probably would have already done it, but I heard that pregnancy can alter your vision after you have already had it corrected and I have no idea when we will have another kid. Maybe someday!
3. I wish I could change the adoption process to make it easier and less expensive. It seems like there are so many wonderful families out there that are willing to care for children, and it is sad that it usually takes years and about $25,000 to make it happen.
4. I wish I had never stopped wearing my retainer. Two years of braces and my teeth were all good, and now they are moving around again. It doesn't bother me enough to start all over again with braces, but I regret not taking better care of them when I was younger.
5. I wish I could take care of all our debt. I would say we are pretty normal people with a car payment and a mortgage and student loans, nothing out of control or too big to handle. But money is the biggest hot-button issue that Bo and I fight about. It is just stressful to have debt at all, and my one seriously ridiculous wish is just to have it disappear. Wouldn't that be nice?
6. And on a serious note, I wish I could do more international mission trips. I think when God calls you to go somewhere, it is because he is calling you to action to do something about it. And I know that even though I am not called to be a full-time missionary, he has given me a heart for missions and fundraising to improve the quality of life for people in other countries around the world. At the top of my list is China since I think it is a possibility in the next few years, but I would definitely love to go to work in Haiti or Africa sometime in the future!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?
Okay, this is post #4, seven things that cross your mind a lot...
1. "Is it 5:00 yet?" The afternoons are usually the hardest time for me at work because I am anxious to get home and spend time with my family.
2. "Where are those shoes?" Since I tend to wear uncomfortable high heels most days, I tend to take them off as soon as I get to the house. Which means I have piles of shoes in the living room under the coffee table, by the nightstand in our room, in the middle of the closet, by the back door, and sometimes in the bathroom. I go on a hunt every few days to round them all up and herd them back to the shelves where they belong.
3. "The next thing I want to change is this...." The problem with doing home renovations is that you get the urge to change everything all at once. And I know that it is not reasonable on our budget to makeover every room. So I just envision all the updates I want to do eventually. (but really right now)
4. "I love our bed." Every night when I lay down, I think to myself, I should have done this about an hour ago. It is so cushy and now that we have our fabulous new duvet, I feel like it is even more fluffy and luxurious. I would still love to get some insanely high thread count sheets (that magically never wrinkle) but it is certainly not keeping me from enjoying hitting the hay at night. And not wanting to get back out of it every morning.
5. "Cameron is so stinkin' smart." I am sure most parents are biased and think that their child is brilliant, but when everyone else seems to tell us that you are super smart, I tend to believe them. I wonder what you will be interested in when you are older and what you will eventually do with all your talents.
6. "I wish I exercised more." Not because I am crazy about my weight, but mostly because I know I would feel better. I miss doing yoga in a real class and I often wish that I had an eliptical machine that I could work out and watch TV on at night. I think I am going to have to figure out a way to make this a priority.
7. "I could go for some dessert." :)
1. "Is it 5:00 yet?" The afternoons are usually the hardest time for me at work because I am anxious to get home and spend time with my family.
2. "Where are those shoes?" Since I tend to wear uncomfortable high heels most days, I tend to take them off as soon as I get to the house. Which means I have piles of shoes in the living room under the coffee table, by the nightstand in our room, in the middle of the closet, by the back door, and sometimes in the bathroom. I go on a hunt every few days to round them all up and herd them back to the shelves where they belong.
3. "The next thing I want to change is this...." The problem with doing home renovations is that you get the urge to change everything all at once. And I know that it is not reasonable on our budget to makeover every room. So I just envision all the updates I want to do eventually. (but really right now)
4. "I love our bed." Every night when I lay down, I think to myself, I should have done this about an hour ago. It is so cushy and now that we have our fabulous new duvet, I feel like it is even more fluffy and luxurious. I would still love to get some insanely high thread count sheets (that magically never wrinkle) but it is certainly not keeping me from enjoying hitting the hay at night. And not wanting to get back out of it every morning.
5. "Cameron is so stinkin' smart." I am sure most parents are biased and think that their child is brilliant, but when everyone else seems to tell us that you are super smart, I tend to believe them. I wonder what you will be interested in when you are older and what you will eventually do with all your talents.
6. "I wish I exercised more." Not because I am crazy about my weight, but mostly because I know I would feel better. I miss doing yoga in a real class and I often wish that I had an eliptical machine that I could work out and watch TV on at night. I think I am going to have to figure out a way to make this a priority.
7. "I could go for some dessert." :)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Mommy's Must Haves
Here's Post #3 - Eight things I couldn't live without... (and yes, this post is about ten days in the making because I got distracted with my crazy kitchen cabinets...)
1. The DVR - Being able to record TV is greatest thing ever because I generally can't watch a whole show in one sitting and have no idea when they come on. Plus get to fast forward through the commercials!
2. Chapstick. Specifically, Burt's Bees is both mine and your daddy's favorite since it tastes sort of like peppermint and honey. I like some lipsticks, but I can't stand when my lips feel dry, so I have to put it on every night before I go to bed.
3. Chocolate - In all its forms. Every day.
4. My ladies bible studies - I feel so energized and encouraged after spending the evening with my friends. We have tackled some heavy topics and gotten to know intimate details of each other's lives. It's so nice to know that I have people to call in the middle of the night when the worst happens.
5. Hot water. I like to take really really hot showers, and having been to a country where hot water is sort of a gamble day to day, I have decided that I would rather just be stinky for a day than have to take a cold shower.
6. Clear nail polish. It is useful for all sorts of things, but I hate to leave my nails plain. Just a nice shine makes me feel like I am more put together, even thought I keep my nails very short all the time. Easier for texting!
7. Family pictures. I love seeing you in my office every day. I love seeing my daddy and mom with me in my wedding dress when I sit at the computer. I even have a picture of Rose, our girl from Ghana that we are supporting, staring back at me in the bathroom. I love being surrounded by family pictures more than expensive art.
8. Facebook. I know it is sad that I am addicted. I really love being able to keep up with so many friends that I don't get to see all the time. But I am cutting back! I did away with a lot of the games that used to be a huge time suck and am on there strictly for updates. But who knows if it will even still be a big thing by the time you are old enough to read this? Interesting....
1. The DVR - Being able to record TV is greatest thing ever because I generally can't watch a whole show in one sitting and have no idea when they come on. Plus get to fast forward through the commercials!
2. Chapstick. Specifically, Burt's Bees is both mine and your daddy's favorite since it tastes sort of like peppermint and honey. I like some lipsticks, but I can't stand when my lips feel dry, so I have to put it on every night before I go to bed.
3. Chocolate - In all its forms. Every day.
4. My ladies bible studies - I feel so energized and encouraged after spending the evening with my friends. We have tackled some heavy topics and gotten to know intimate details of each other's lives. It's so nice to know that I have people to call in the middle of the night when the worst happens.
5. Hot water. I like to take really really hot showers, and having been to a country where hot water is sort of a gamble day to day, I have decided that I would rather just be stinky for a day than have to take a cold shower.
6. Clear nail polish. It is useful for all sorts of things, but I hate to leave my nails plain. Just a nice shine makes me feel like I am more put together, even thought I keep my nails very short all the time. Easier for texting!
7. Family pictures. I love seeing you in my office every day. I love seeing my daddy and mom with me in my wedding dress when I sit at the computer. I even have a picture of Rose, our girl from Ghana that we are supporting, staring back at me in the bathroom. I love being surrounded by family pictures more than expensive art.
8. Facebook. I know it is sad that I am addicted. I really love being able to keep up with so many friends that I don't get to see all the time. But I am cutting back! I did away with a lot of the games that used to be a huge time suck and am on there strictly for updates. But who knows if it will even still be a big thing by the time you are old enough to read this? Interesting....
Friday, October 8, 2010
Did you know?
Okay Cameron, here are nine things about Mommy that you definitely don't know yet:
1. I used to be in musicals when I was little. Since my mommy was in college then, she helped me audition for shows in their theatre department. She was a fabulous actress and singer too! She had a big role in "Into the Woods," and I was in "Annie" and "Oliver." I loved being in front of an audience and getting to be someone else for those few hours. I had a big voice for being such a little girl, and I have a feeling you will too!
2. I never took ballet when I was little. I know that is something that almost every little girl does, but I took Jazz dance instead. I guess when the time comes, I will see what you like and what you decide. I have always wondered if it would have helped me be more graceful. :)
3. I think I want to go to China. One of my friends told me recently that she and her family will soon be starting the process of adopting a little girl from China, and I have a feeling that they will turn it into a mission trip opportunity for our group from church. And I am pretty sure I want to go, even though God hasn't laid it on my heart that adopting is right for us. I just think it would be exciting to visit that part of the world and do something wonderful to help orphans.
4. I am sometimes so in love with your hair color that I wonder if I could pull it off. It would certainly cost a lot to maintain it, but then at least people would stop asking if you are my child.
5. I have a thing for having stuff that other people don't have. I don't necessarily have to have the most expensive things, just things that are unique. It can sometimes lead to me wearing or buying things that other people might think are weird, but I feel good knowing that it is just mine and no one else's. (Hard to do when you like chain stores and have classic taste.) But I hope I can show you how fun it is to have quirky jewelry or crazy shoes that make you feel special. Like these, wouldn't they be fun to build an outfit around?
6. I have never been to the majority of the historical landmarks in our nation, like Yellowstone or The Lincoln Memorial or the Liberty Bell. I think it would be fun for us to plan a trip when you are older to go see some of the things that are a part of our country's story. Your daddy has great stories of his childhood trips, so I want you to have those too.
7. I have said since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a writer. I may not be the most intelligent or funny person ever, but I think I have experienced certain things that are worth reading about. Maybe I will start to take that a bit more seriously for both work and at home and do more writing to actually have published.
8. Mommy was in a sorority. A really fun one. And no, you can't hear those stories until you are much older.
9. I have secretly dreamed of having my own business, but have too many things stirred up in my head of what to sell. I love stationary, refinished furniture, accessories, and books. I think that is way too vague of a business plan. But if we win the lottery (miraculously, since we don't buy tickets) I think both your daddy and I would want to become our own bosses. He would probably open up a sports training facility.
There, don't you feel like you know us so much better now?
1. I used to be in musicals when I was little. Since my mommy was in college then, she helped me audition for shows in their theatre department. She was a fabulous actress and singer too! She had a big role in "Into the Woods," and I was in "Annie" and "Oliver." I loved being in front of an audience and getting to be someone else for those few hours. I had a big voice for being such a little girl, and I have a feeling you will too!
2. I never took ballet when I was little. I know that is something that almost every little girl does, but I took Jazz dance instead. I guess when the time comes, I will see what you like and what you decide. I have always wondered if it would have helped me be more graceful. :)
3. I think I want to go to China. One of my friends told me recently that she and her family will soon be starting the process of adopting a little girl from China, and I have a feeling that they will turn it into a mission trip opportunity for our group from church. And I am pretty sure I want to go, even though God hasn't laid it on my heart that adopting is right for us. I just think it would be exciting to visit that part of the world and do something wonderful to help orphans.
4. I am sometimes so in love with your hair color that I wonder if I could pull it off. It would certainly cost a lot to maintain it, but then at least people would stop asking if you are my child.
5. I have a thing for having stuff that other people don't have. I don't necessarily have to have the most expensive things, just things that are unique. It can sometimes lead to me wearing or buying things that other people might think are weird, but I feel good knowing that it is just mine and no one else's. (Hard to do when you like chain stores and have classic taste.) But I hope I can show you how fun it is to have quirky jewelry or crazy shoes that make you feel special. Like these, wouldn't they be fun to build an outfit around?6. I have never been to the majority of the historical landmarks in our nation, like Yellowstone or The Lincoln Memorial or the Liberty Bell. I think it would be fun for us to plan a trip when you are older to go see some of the things that are a part of our country's story. Your daddy has great stories of his childhood trips, so I want you to have those too.
7. I have said since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a writer. I may not be the most intelligent or funny person ever, but I think I have experienced certain things that are worth reading about. Maybe I will start to take that a bit more seriously for both work and at home and do more writing to actually have published.
8. Mommy was in a sorority. A really fun one. And no, you can't hear those stories until you are much older.
9. I have secretly dreamed of having my own business, but have too many things stirred up in my head of what to sell. I love stationary, refinished furniture, accessories, and books. I think that is way too vague of a business plan. But if we win the lottery (miraculously, since we don't buy tickets) I think both your daddy and I would want to become our own bosses. He would probably open up a sports training facility.
There, don't you feel like you know us so much better now?
Silly Songs with Cameron
Note how I am not allowed to sing the ABC's with her and she had to start all over... How did sweet, passive, little old me end up with such a bossy child?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
10 Things to Ten People
Here we go with Post #1. Ten things I want to say to ten different people...
1. Bo - I am sorry that we haven't had much fun time together lately and that we seem so busy. Thanks for sacrificing time on your birthday to assemble the new bedroom dresser. I will try to hurry and have things arranged and cleaned up!
2. Kara - I am so excited about the possibility of our new adventure together. You are so incredibly talented and smart, I am happy to ride on your ever-stylish coattails.
3. Amy - I can't believe you are about to have another baby! I can't wait to have time over Thanksgiving to just come and enjoy seeing you all. It is crazy how different our lives seem, but you always have a way of saying the right thing and being a great sister.
4. Cara/Ainslee - We miss you so much. I knew that we would naturally see each other less, but I really want you to know that we love and think of you guys so often. If I were a stay-at-home mommy, we would have a standing day of the week when we would come invade your house. And Cameron can now say Kerrville.
5. Felicia and Franzi (from my work) - Babies aren't all that scary. You both are going to be fabulous mommies one day.
6. Mom - Can you seriously please move to San Antonio? Like tomorrow?
7. Danielle - I just have to say that Aben is such a sweetheart. It was such a pleasure to watch the boys the other night and get to know his personality a little bit. How incredible to think that he came all the way from Ethiopia to be a part of your lives. God still does miracles.
8. Carmen - You are a over-the-top fabulous lifegroup leader. You do all the work and I just get to come enjoy. Thanks for letting me be part of this wonderful women's group. It is such a refresher and encouragement to me.
9. Natalie - Thanks for being so understanding of my crazy-womanness. I am so thankful to have gotten to know you more. Every time we get together, I think to myself "I should totally spend more time with her." Your grace and charm are exuberant and I am always envious of your style.
10. Rachael - I am so happy for you being happy. I know you are a busy mom with a lot on your plate, but I think it is wonderful that you are making new friends and making time for yourself. I am so proud of you and knew that you would be wonderful at your new job. It always makes me happy when we call to just check in with each other. Love you lots!
(Hmmm, I guess it is obvious that I have mostly women to talk to...)
1. Bo - I am sorry that we haven't had much fun time together lately and that we seem so busy. Thanks for sacrificing time on your birthday to assemble the new bedroom dresser. I will try to hurry and have things arranged and cleaned up!
2. Kara - I am so excited about the possibility of our new adventure together. You are so incredibly talented and smart, I am happy to ride on your ever-stylish coattails.
3. Amy - I can't believe you are about to have another baby! I can't wait to have time over Thanksgiving to just come and enjoy seeing you all. It is crazy how different our lives seem, but you always have a way of saying the right thing and being a great sister.
4. Cara/Ainslee - We miss you so much. I knew that we would naturally see each other less, but I really want you to know that we love and think of you guys so often. If I were a stay-at-home mommy, we would have a standing day of the week when we would come invade your house. And Cameron can now say Kerrville.
5. Felicia and Franzi (from my work) - Babies aren't all that scary. You both are going to be fabulous mommies one day.
6. Mom - Can you seriously please move to San Antonio? Like tomorrow?
7. Danielle - I just have to say that Aben is such a sweetheart. It was such a pleasure to watch the boys the other night and get to know his personality a little bit. How incredible to think that he came all the way from Ethiopia to be a part of your lives. God still does miracles.
8. Carmen - You are a over-the-top fabulous lifegroup leader. You do all the work and I just get to come enjoy. Thanks for letting me be part of this wonderful women's group. It is such a refresher and encouragement to me.
9. Natalie - Thanks for being so understanding of my crazy-womanness. I am so thankful to have gotten to know you more. Every time we get together, I think to myself "I should totally spend more time with her." Your grace and charm are exuberant and I am always envious of your style.
10. Rachael - I am so happy for you being happy. I know you are a busy mom with a lot on your plate, but I think it is wonderful that you are making new friends and making time for yourself. I am so proud of you and knew that you would be wonderful at your new job. It always makes me happy when we call to just check in with each other. Love you lots!
(Hmmm, I guess it is obvious that I have mostly women to talk to...)
10 Special Blog Posts
Well, a bunch of my blogging friends have been keeping up with the trend of writing ten special blog posts that are supposed to go like this:
day 1: ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
day 2: nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
day 3: eight things you couldn't live without.
day 4: seven things that cross your mind a lot.
day 5: six things you wish you could change or you wish you'd never done.
day 6: five people who mean a lot to you.
day 7: four turn offs.
day 8: three turn ons.
day 9: two words that describe your life right now.
day 10: one confession.
But I think I may tweak them a bit since this blog is all about our family, and not necessarily just me. We'll see how it goes.
day 1: ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
day 2: nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
day 3: eight things you couldn't live without.
day 4: seven things that cross your mind a lot.
day 5: six things you wish you could change or you wish you'd never done.
day 6: five people who mean a lot to you.
day 7: four turn offs.
day 8: three turn ons.
day 9: two words that describe your life right now.
day 10: one confession.
But I think I may tweak them a bit since this blog is all about our family, and not necessarily just me. We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Happy 30th Birthday to Daddy
She used to think that the song went "Happy to You!" so this is technically an improvement. Still adorable!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
