It is cleaned up, packed up, put up, and vaccumed up.

Growing up, I always felt such sadness at seeing the lights come down. I do have to admit it still makes my heart ache a little to see all of the dark houses again. However, in my house, it feels so exhilarating to get everything up and clean and fresh again. New hopes and dreams start to fill the nooks and crannies of the house where trees, decorations and wrapping once stood. The house is light and airy and ready for 2008.

However, today, on the last day of 2007, I feel a need to recap ...so stick with me.

1.) J. and I have had a rough season this holiday, but we are stronger! AMEN for stronger!

2.) Sister, Dub and their boys (whom we absolutely adore) moved "home" for a season. We were able to pray together, cry together, laugh uncontrollably together, and do life together. We are not sure where 2008 will lead them, but we are amazingly thankful for the time of 2007.

3.) J. was diagnosed with yet another reason why 2008 has got to be the year of health for our house.

4.) Wonderful friends and family came to our house...can I just tell you how much I love having people over. Last night, we were telling the story again about how God put us in this house, and I will forever stand amazed. Today, I walked through asking myself and praising God for His precious gift! When we were in the process of buying it, we prayed that it would be used to bring Him glory. It is amazing what a blessing it is!

5.) We got to spend another year with my grandparents....blessing!!!

I could go on and on....we have so much to be thankful for!

As for the new year, I pray we will be in His presence every moment, and fulfilling His will for our lives.

Happy New Year!!

My Favorite Moment

Have you ever watched someone go back in time?

My grandmother will be 85 in a couple of days. My Meme is a mess. She is fiesty, bossy, and simply precious. She got a couple of comfortable outfits for Christmas. We asked her to try them on because she has lost an enormous amount of weight, and we wanted to make sure they didn't fall off of her. I have to admit it makes me tear up just to think how daring and vivacious she was when she came in, threw down her cane, and posed for the camera. At that moment, I saw the young vibrant woman that has influenced my sister and I. I love her so much.

Happy Birthday, Meme!

Now you just have to admit that the foot out to the side makes this outfit!

This second pose is with Sister and our Sister-In-Law. SO CUTE!!!

Spidy Christmas Morning

This year, the theme was Spi-da-man (as Tanner would say). The boys wanted everything you could think of with Spiderman on it. So, Santa came through. They have Spi-da-man chairs, games, toys, clothes, etc.

In fact, I was told that I was Peter Parker since I was taking so many pictures. Too much fun!!It was a Spidy Christmas!

Sweet Face

This year was especially fun during the holidays. Our nephew, Tucker, is about to turn 4. He "got" Christmas this year. It made the whole holiday that much more fun.

One of the many things that we talked about was being good. He tried so hard to be good. He kept telling us, " I am being good, Aunt Mandy."

Well, my dh was playing with T, which he loves to do, and told him that he had to have a "sweet" face when he was being good. So, Uncle J. showed Tucker what that sweet face should look like. I wish I had taken a picture of that, but I didn't get the shot.

I have to admit...Tuck got pretty good at the sweet face.

See for yourself...

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of you GREAT JOY throughout the new year!

Christmas At Our House

Well, it is December 27th, and I am finally getting the pics done for BooMama's Home Tours. I apologize, but we had Spiderman presents to buy, Spiderman tooth brushes and toothpaste to find, and Spiderman paper to wrap. As you can tell, we have had a very Spidy Christmas!

So, welcome! Here is my front porch.

On my front porch stands this guy. We got him back when we were living in the townhome. At that time, we didn't have a front porch to decorate...so, he would scare the mess out of us by standing in the living room. We always would jump and think someone was in there.

This is one of the wreaths that hang on our front windows. I have always love the simplicity of wreaths. So, it was a joy when dh decided that he could do that, and he fixed these wreaths up perfectly!

Okay, now you guys come on in.

















Here you can see some of my collection of department 56 houses. I love them! I started collecting them when I was in highschool.













This one is very special to me. It was given to my grandmother, but she gave it to me just a few months ago. She knew how much I loved it, and she wanted it to be with me. I love you, Meme!















This is our Christmas Card Tree. I love it. I believe it came from Pottery Barn, but I am not sure. It has been a while since I got it, but I absolutely love it. I hate taking it down because I love seeing all of our friends and family.

This is our tree. We had to change to shatter proof, plastic balls this year. We have a 2 year old nephew that loves balls...so, I didn't want to worry the entire time he was here, and it simply isn't worth being upset over. I was pleasantly suprised whith the look of the plastic balls. I figured they would be quite hideous, but they are really quite stunning. I even took some close ups so you could see!


























Our nativity scene is one that I found many years ago. It sits on our fireplace. It is the focal point of the house when you come in. I love that. It is my desire that He will always be the focal point of our house.



















Finally, I wanted to show my school pride by giving you a glimps of just how crazy Aggies are. We will buy anything with A&M on it.

Birthday Surprise

J. and I went to P-town to celebrate my grandfather's 93rd birthday, my 35th birthday, and J's 36th birthday. We had a great time, and a couple of super heros stopped in to wish us a Happy Birthday!

Now What Could Be Better?

My sister, brother-in-law, and nephews have moved to Paris. Their intentions were to be closer to family to "help", and they have found that God had a much bigger plan in their move. They have been humbled, forced to rely on others, and taken to their knees.

It has been my joy to be able to be a supportive family member in any way I can. However, my favorite way to help is by spending time with my family. A & Dub have been blessed with a place to call home. Now to say this is a huge blessing simply isn't enough. They need their own space. However, it needed a TON of work.

I have gone to P-town a couple of weekends to paint or whatever they need. The first weekend I went, T. helped me paint his bedroom. He put Spiderman, a horse, and a bad guy on the wall. Below you will see my precious nephew display his fine artwork! Now I ask you, what could be better?

Avacado Tea

Last year, I was blessed with a Teacher Aide that is simply one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She and I had a wonderful year together, and we have formed an amazing friendship. Last week, she came by to help set up the bat cave (another blog), and she heard my awful cough. She told me I should try her Avocado Tea. She informed me that the tea created from the seed of an avocado is a natural antibiotic. I had a horrible run in with an antibiotic last year, and I was desperate...so I had her write down the directions.

I still have a bit of a cough, but I am no longer living on cough drops. I am also able to sleep without sounding like a lung is about to appear on my pillow (nice, huh?)

Avocado Tea

• Take the seed of an avocado and cut it into fourths or eighths depending on the size of the seed.
• Then, peel the brown layer off of the seed. This leaves the beige colored part of the seed.
• Put the pieces of the seed in a large pot (make sure you have a lid) with a quart to two quarts of water.
• Cover the pot, and boil for 20 to 30 minutes.
• When, the boiling process is over, let the pot sit (still covered) for another 20 to 30 minutes.
• The water turns anywhere from a light pink to a deep Burgundy.
• Strain out the pieces of the avocado.
• Put into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
• You will need to drink between a tablespoon and a small tea cup of the tea every hour.
• You can add honey to make it sweet if you prefer.
• Also, you can drink it warm or cold....whatever you prefer.
  
  My dear friend uses this tea for all sorts of colds, sinus pains, etc. It tastes like a very faint tea.
  
  Enjoy!

A Big Deal

J. and I just had one of the best talks of our marriage after watching the season finale of....



hold on to your hats...



Bret Michael's Rock of Love! Yes, Bret gave J. and I subject to apply to our marriage. Now, let me just say...I had to come blog about my revelation while my husband went straight to snoring. However, I have truly had a revelation.

Seriously!

And no, my revelation wasn't that I want to bring big, rocker hair back...because believe me...I could NEVER do the bangs the way my sister could do the bangs...you rocked the bangs, sister!!!

... it was a finalization that I want to make a big deal of my husband. Let me explain. We were getting ready for bed, and I mentioned that I liked how Bret (AKA VH1) made a big deal out of the dates with the girls. I was trying to let J. know that every little girl grows up with the dream of being the big deal. When it hit me that is why I LOVE birthdays, holidays, fancy events, friend gatherings, being with my family...etc...it is a chance to feel like a big deal. It also hit me that I made a big deal out of J. when we were dating, but since we have gotten married, I have been waiting for him to make a big deal out of me.

HOW SELFISH AM I?

Here I am supposed to be this man's best friend, and all I am worried about is me! Seriously, I wouldn't treat any of my family or friends like that. Why did I do that to him? I would bend over backwards without wanting anything in return for my sister, brother, friends, etc....

but this man....

the one who stood with me and vowed to walk through this life with me . . .

this precious soul has not had that side of me. He hasn't had the chance to be made a big deal. His sweet grandmother who passed away when he was a young boy, truly was the last person on this earth to make him feel special.


Needless to say, I am on a mission. My life mission has been expanded for one more person. My dear husband's birthday is two days before mine. I have joked with him that he needed to pick another month to celebrate his birthday. Yes, I am hanging my head in shame. However, this year, I want to make his day precious to him. I searching for the best German Chocolate Cake recipe. How I wish I could talk to his grandmother and get it from her!

Please pray for me. Pray that this revelation doesn't have selfish motives at all. Pray that I will seriously accept the commissioning of making my husband feel like a big deal.

Adoption Update

We have lost the birthmom. She won't even return our friend's phone calls. If you would like to know more about why that is, just ask. I seriously don't mind talking about it. J. and I are thrilled that God used us to sit down and talk to this precious woman. We are blessed that we got a chance to tell her how much God loves her, and that there is no disgrace in carrying a life. She had been told many times how awful the pregancy was by the people she surrounded herself with.

So, we are looking for a new birthmom. We are going to go through an agency. We have a few more phone calls to make on Monday and Tuesday to finalize who we are going to use. This means that we will have a much bigger expense with this adoption, but we have a HUGE hurdle behind us. We got our homestudy and background check done. We are going to try to apply for some grants. We don't think we will be granted any loans, but God is bigger than our credit issues. So, we will see.

Anyway, keep us and our future child in your prayers. We are so excited to be matched and bring him or her home.

The True Meaning of Fall

Fall officially began at our house this weekend. A cinnamon sent is filling the air as we speak (yes we coordinate our house hold sents with the seasons). One of my little quirks I suppose!

The other reason Fall has begun at our house is because Aggie football begins today. Now, if you are not an Aggie, you might think I am crazy. BUT I have to say that I just watched this for the first time with tears streaming down my face!

6 years and counting!

Why I am thankful for you:

• You are a gift from God
• You are the man of my dreams
• You draw me closer to God
• You love me with every part of you
• You are the most forgiving person I have ever met
• You are my man full of strength, power, and emotions
• You are part of the triangle we have created
• You dream with me
• You hold me so tight
• Your hand fits perfectly in the small of my back
• You are my knight in shining armor
• You wipe away my tears
• You are exactly who God created you to be and I love you!

It amazes me every day when I see the love you have for me! I am overwhelmed that after 29 years of praying for you that God made you real. I am so very blessed to be by your side. Looking back at this picture, I realize how much we have grown and changed. God is so precious and so faithful to hold us close and form us into His image. As our lives tumble around the idea of raising a family together, I thank God that you stand beside me in this journey.

Happy Anniversary, My Love!

Watching, Waiting, and Learning...

If nothing else has happened in this adventure of adoption, the one thing that has drastically grasped my attention is that I am not in control. God brought the birth mom to us. God brought the lawyer to us. God has blessed us with what we have needed so far. God gave us a chance to tell this precious woman that she was loved and that she is a blessing to us. God is totally in control.

With that being said, we have lost touch with the birthmom. She got spooked by a really horrible situation that we had absolutlely no control over. Therefore, she isn't returning our friend's phone calls, and she hasn't answered when we have called (because she isn't allowed to).

I have been asked if I should call around to all of the hospitals and ask for her room in case she went up there without us knowing. However, once talking to J.and prayed about it. I realized, I am not in control. I have to step back, get in the word, continue to pray for the baby and the mom, and rest in the assurance that the God who led Daniel will indeed lead me. The God who loved Mary is deeply in love with me. The God who was the God of David, Abraham, Paul, John, and Ester is also MY God. He is the one who knows my days and is in control! Praise Him! All I am called to do is share His love with those around me. So, that is where I am. I am walking the road like I am watching this story unfold on a big movie screen. The only difference is that my director is the Ancient of Days!

Love..

I have to share a side of me that may not be too pretty or flattering. However, I feel the need to share this problem with you. Since I was in Jr. High the age of 12, I have been in LOVE with Jon Bon Jovi. He has been my constant companion for the last twenty two years. Yes, we have been together for 22 years. So, in honor of my love......my precious constant source of joy....(and dreams...LOL!!)...I give you the following videos.

You Give Love A Bad Name - this is one where it all started!

You know you are rocking along!!!

I'll Be There For You - you know it!!!

Living on A Prayer - oh, yea! I will take your hand!

You Want To Make A Memory -make me melt!

What does J. think about my mild obsession? He just rolls his eyes and says he doesn't care. I mean really...Jon has been around longer...so, we really should be asking what he thinks about J. being around.

Can you tell I am dragging out my summer vacation? Don't tell, okay?!?!?

Studied and Fingerprinted!

Let me just say, we have worked our fingers to the bone getting this house ready for the home study! We cleaned every inch of carpet, floor, wall, and window. We scrubbed, vacuumed, organized, etc. The social worker came in, sat down, visited with us for about an hour and a half. After we got done, I expected her to want to see the house. The amazingly clean....wonderfully organized house. NOPE! She said she only walks the houses that she isn't sure about...which is wonderful, but seriously! I sweated over the ordeal! Seriously! J. vacuumed!! You have to see the house!!! The good news: We are so official! We were approved with our home study. YEA!!!

THEN!!!

We went to the police station and low and behold,

we had our fingerprints done.....AND there were no warrants! ...AND the officer was great. ...AND we walked right out with our fingerprints.

They are off to Austin to be processed!

Our next step is to wait for the birth of the baby and continue to fund raise. We are prayerful for the health of the little one and the birth mom! Please continue to be in prayer for them.

But for today, my last day of summer, which is an entire post all by itself, we are studied and fingerprinted!!

A Flashback

I was checking blogs this morning. Yes, I am supposed to be working on the house since the homestudy is Monday morning, but you know...a girl has GOT to blog! Anyway, BooMama who absolutely cracks me up, put a link to an 80s flashback. It is great! You absolutely must go see it!

I remember for one birthday I had a come dressed as your favorite 80s rocker party. Gosh, I wish I could find the pictures. Priceless! Sister, this one is for you!!!

A Precious Opportunity

My precious friend, Mallory, is an extremely gifted photographer. She is offering the following print fundraiser to help us raise money. Check out these amazing photos!

********************Mallory Krieger Photography Adoption Fundriaser*****************************
I am going to be selling images through MalloryKriegerPhotography to raise money for the Nabor's adoption. If you are interested in viewing or ordering any prints, please visit the link below. All proceeds will go to Jason and Mandy.www.mallorykriegerphotography.com/AdoptionFundraiser

Overwhelmed

Please pray for us. We are overwhelmed and struggling!

Love all of you so much! If you need specific prayers, please email me and let me know! I want to pray for you guys, too!

WOW! Update

I just got a letter from the lawyer! I am so overwhelmed.

This birthmom could go into labor any day, and I just got a letter saying that J. and I have to come up with $650 on Thursday for the homestudy. $30 for background check this week. $ for fingerprinting. AND $1006.00 payable upon the birth of the child!!!!

SERIOUSLY!!

Trust me, I am praising Jesus that this adoption is going to be so cheap, but we can't do this kind of money so quickly. I am going to go cry out to Jesus!!

Monday Celebrations

For the month of August, I am going to focus on celebrations. Little things that God blesses me with that warm my heart.

Today is my nephew's first day at pre-school. Let me just say, the social butterfly of the family is beyond excited about going to see his "friends". What a great example he is of being open to new people. He is already walking in to the building knowing that he will have friends there. Celebration #1 - I am still teachable. I am about to start a new school year, and we are about to be parents. There is so much change going on, but a three year old taught me today that there are friends in every new cituation.

He called me this morning to tell me that he was going. I asked him if he would call me this afternoon and tell me all about it. His reply - I will come to your house and tell you all about it.
Celebration #2- Our home is a place of fun and refuge. My nephew sees coming to Aunt Mandy & Uncle Jason's house as fun. I love it! I have always prayed that I would have a home that others would feel welcomed and enjoy being in.

Thank you, Lord, for today's celebrations! I praise You!!! I am humbled to be surrounded by so many "fabulous treasures". It is amazing to me what you have done in my life. Please be with A. today as she observes and be with Tucker and his new friends. I love you, Lord, and I thank you!

An Update & The Album

We got back from meeting with the birthmom at around 11 p.m. last night. She was precious. I felt very calm being around her. She is embarrassed and can't believe she is in this situation. So, it looks like we are going to be parents. I am going to call the lawyer today and see what we need to do now. She is set to let us raise this child. I am in awe. I knew she was set that we could raise it, but it is amazing that it is actually this way. We gave her the album. She loved it! The pictures on here are of the album. I am in the process of making another one for Jason and I to keep as a reminder.

Thank you for your prayers. If you could continue to pray for her, the baby and the living arrangement that she is in that would be awesome!

Thanks pr! Love all of you!!