Our new youth minister, Chris, rolled out the red carpet for the youth on their first shindig of the year. {Sorry for the blurry pic ~ I thought this one was too cute and had to leave it in!} Julia and Nate had a great time... Chris had some of us pose as paparazzi...
What is on your mind today? What are you struggling with? What can I help encourage you about? My sweet Grandma T is in the early stages of dementia. It is breaking my heart. I spent a lot of time on the phone this weekend with my Grandpa T. It is always so...
We stayed at the Best Western in Payson, AZ. You know when you stay in hotels and you aren't expecting much? You are just shaving an hour or so drive time for your holiday? Well, this was one of those times... Let me say. I was impressed. The room was clean and the...
Sunday afternoon, we packed the car and headed north to Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona ~ about thirty miles east of Payson. We rented a boat for the morning on Monday. She is so proud to be driving... look at that expression! Nate the Great caught a trout...
The kids and I wandered over to a Farmer's Market at 94th and Shea in Scottsdale, AZ today. It was absolutely lovely. There was a nice breeze and the vendors were lovely, local people. We had a wonderful finance lesson about buying local when possible. The salsa was...
Brian and I took last Friday off and went wandering... My friend Heidi {::waves hi to Heidi!!::} told us that Glendale would be a fun downtown to thrift in and a pretty short drive for us. She was right, as usual. Have you seen the new Star-burst commercial? With the...
Some Crazy Beautiful stuff happens in the skies during monsoon season.... Are you guys getting tired of the postage stamp effect I am in love with?! If so, feel free to let me know... I'll be fine! Pinky swear. The wind gets...
My sister-in-law, Laura, is getting married. She is beautiful. She was one of my co-maid of honors... she was one of my closest friends in college. I was so excited to become part of her family. Now it is her turn... It is Laura's turn to be the bride. Her sister's...
And then it happened.... eleven years ago today. I am so thankful and grateful. Two states, two apartments, three houses, and two beautiful children later, what have I learned? What can I share with you that I think was key... We made a commitment to each other to...
The Century Oak, located in the heart of campus near the Academic Building, is a place that holds a special place in the heart of many Aggies. Well more than 100 years of age, the tree, a live oak, was one of the first trees planted on Texas A&M's massive...
Somehow, by the grace of God, we both ended up at Texas A&M University. After years of very close friendship ~ long walks around Ross Field, hours studying at the library, dancing at Denim N Diamonds, eating at Freebirds, Bonfires, football games, the Wrecking...
My junior year of high school was the first time I saw him. My friend Gina wanted to show me who he was.. so she said when we passed him in the hallway, she would say something about purple flowers. I didn't see what he looked like, but I remember laughing at whatever...
As I sit quietly sipping my coffee... I wonder, where has the time gone? When did they get so tall? I love that he loves shark week (check out his snappy PJ's). I love that he knows how to crack eggs. I love that he loves making breakfast for his daddy. {{Hug}}...
During monsoon season, we have the most amazing sunsets... I love the big, blue skies ~ and all the sunshine... but sometimes, the clouds are amazing... Psalm 19:1 ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Why on earth does it...
2010 (above ~Â Arizona) 2009 (above ~ Arizona) 2008 (above ~ Arizona) Â 2007 (above ~ Denton, Texas) Â 2006Â (above ~ Denton, Texas ~ don't be jealous of the wallpaper) 1982 (above ~ my brother, BJ, and I ~ Plano, Texas)...
If you don't love it, change it. Use what you have. I walked around my house... and looked for what caught my eye ~ what made me smile and felt soothing. Milk Glass from Great Grandma Eschbach and little handmade houses and pincushion from Creative Paper Trail....
Supplies were supplied. Teachers taught. The kids kidded. (Couldn't resist). The first week went wonderfully! The best advice I received was to set expectations. (Thanks, Bren!) Last Friday evening, we sat down and reminded the kids of our after school routine: Snack...
Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then...
Be Kind. Be Bold. Be Patient. Be Loving. Be a giver of second chances. Be Meek. Be Peaceful. Be a tender glance during stressful times. Be Gentle. Be Faithful. You are beautiful. Just be.