My Hubby's Day!

I have to admit. When Nabors and I were first dating, I didn't like it one bit that his birthday was the same month as mine. (not to mention that it was only two days away from mine). As the years pass, I am learning to enjoy that we get to celebrate both of us so close.

Today, is my hubby's day! I wish I could shower him with gifts and parties, but we are budgeted and unable to do that. Growing up, he didn't have the elaborate birthdays that I was given, and I want that for him.

My dear hubby deserves the world!

Honey, I love you, and I wish I could give you your heart's desires, but all I have is my heart, and it is yours!

Happy Birthday, Nabors!

The Man I Adore!

My grandaddy turns 94 today! I can not even imagine being 94. He is a joy in my life, and I am blessed to know him!

I started thinking of all the reasons why I adore my grandaddy:

• he has been the stability in our family
• he always has a story to tell
• he loves his family
• he is crazy about my sister, brother, and I
• he is patient
• he is stern when he needs to be
• he loves to have a neat and tidy yard
• we have always shared our birthday month
• he fought hard in WWII
• he loves my grandmother
• his marriage has lasted 64 years
• he sings fun, little songs
• he is crazy about his great grandsons
• he is a successful businessman
• he is a loving father
• he consistently gives compliments
• he loves to tell about his family
• he is proud
• he is strong
• he is unique
• he is a blessing

and he is all ours!

Birthday Month

This month is birthday month at our house.

We should have lots of posts this month.

Slow Fade

What a blessing!

Nabs and I just got home yesterday from an amazing vacation. My sweet husband planned the whole thing. He budgeted, made the reservations, and swept me away to one of our favorite cities - Galveston. This time, we didn't go fancy. We went. That is all...we went. We walked on the beach and found fun sea glass (a new hobby of ours). We went and ate at local places that were quite unique and different. We rested, and we laughed! In fact, I don't know when we have enjoyed each other this much! We get so busy when we walk into our "normal" lives that it was awesome to get away and have each other all to ourselves.

Thank you, God, for blessing me with a husband who loves you, and shows me daily how precious You are to him! Thank you for giving us wonderful memories, and pictures to remember. You are mighty!

You Have GOT to See This!

Mom, Kristen and I went to the movie last night, and I totally forgot how much I love going to the theater. It was so much fun! We laughed so hard! We went to see Mamma Mia! I can not begin to tell you how much I absolutely loved this movie! It cracked me up, and I am a HUGE ABBA fan so it was awesome! I highly recommend it!

A Clarification

I wrote the past post about not being where I had imagined after reading this one of Pioneer Woman's posts. I am in no way depressed or upset or longing really. I was just reflecting. I love to reflect. It helps me remember where I have come from, how mighty God's hand is, and how awesome are His ways.

Must Read!

This post is amazing!

In A Process...

I am trying to decide what to do with this blog. I have tried to highlight important things happening in my world, but there aren't any. It is the same day after day...nothing changes. So, I have really been praying about my reason for being here. Actually, I have been praying about my reason for being anywhere. It has been another summer of discovery.

I love the summer. I feel so empowered to work on myself and the world around me. During the school year, I feel so distracted and scattered. When summer hits, I really get the chance to stop, refocus (or try to) and put in great effort to make me better.

So, who am I today:

1.) I am a princess with a mighty King!

2.) I a wife who needs to daily stay in scripture to accept my mission

3.) I am a sister who is blessed

4.) I am a grateful daughter and granddaughter

5.) I am an aunt who is in love with my nephews

All of these are great things, but honestly, I am a broken woman with longings that I have to daily take to my King because without Him, I can not even get up out of bed.

However, I am not where I thought I would be at 35. My dream when I was growing up was to be an architect in a big city, living in a fancy apartment, and I did not want to have children. I blew that one with bad choices in college and the inability to compete in the world of architecture. (I wasn't as good as I wanted to be.)

Then, my dream started to change. As I started working as a teacher, I started dreaming of a husband, a house and a family. Some of that came true, and some of that hasn't. Reflection is a good thing.

What about you? Where did you see yourself?

It is finished!

AMEN!

Today, I went to school, turned in my keys, laughed with some friends, shut my classroom door one last time during the 07-08 school year, pulled into my neighborhood, and settled in the plastic chaise lounge that will be my friend for the next two and half months. The sun was out, the water was cold, and this ole' girl was (and is) praisen Jesus that the year is finished!

I pray for the kids...the ones I fell in love with, the ones who worked every ounce of my patience, and the ones I didn't really get to know. I pray they saw Jesus in the way I walked, talked, solved math problems, and laughed at my mistakes. Oh, I pray that each memory they take from the past 10 months brings glory to You, precious Savior.

Heartbroken

Nabs woke me up this morning with the news of the Chapman family. If you haven't read it, please go here. Though we have never personally met Steven, Mary Beth and the family, we feel like they are family. I grew up singing along with Steven. As Nabs and I entered the China phase of our adoption, the Chapman's story became near and dear to our heart.

We have rejoiced over their adoptions...and today...we morn with them over their loss!

Love on those around you. We are only here for a moment, and only God knows just how long that moment will last.

Holy and Most Precious Father, Thank you for the blessings of children and family and love. Help us to remember that eventhough these things are only ours for a blink, they are yours for eternity! Thank you for your mighty power and unstoppable ways. We lift up the Chapmans to you, Lord. Hold them in your mighty hands and love them through this tough time. Thank you for always being near...especially when the tears of sorrow fall. We love you, Lord!

Amen!

The Roses Are Blooming

When Nabs and I bought our house, my Aunt Linda gave us some money as a housewarming gift. We decided to plant roses in our back yard because we wanted to have something that constantly reminded us of God's continuous blessings.

Every Valentine's Day (or around that time), I cut them down to the very core of the plant. Then, as spring unfolds, we absolutely LOVE watching them grow into amazing flowers that fill our home with a beautiful scent. Last night, I went an cut a couple before the rains came. This is our first flower of the season.

Enjoy!

Photography Blog

I have been adding lots of fun stuff on my photography blog. I haven't said much about it, but I am LOVING working on it. I am also loving learning new stuff about my camera and photoshop. It is all too much fun!

Go check it out and let me know what you think.

Have a Marvelous Monday!

God's Designs

God's beauty is breathtaking. The colors, the splendor, and the sheer perfection in each flower perfectly exhibit God's creativity and amazing eye for detail.

I have always loved to be in nature. It is the one place where I feel the amazing presence of my Heavenly Father. Saturday, Nabs and I spent the day at the Arboretum. I knew it would be a perfect day, but I was blessed more than I ever expected. The tulips are my absolute favorite and they were displaying God's glory.

We spent time with an amazing couple, and we got a chance to worship God's glory in nature.

Perfection, sheer perfection!

That's How Much I Love You

I was having my own personal praise service today while I basked in the spring sun. I have a great love for the music of Kathy Troccoli. Comfort is one of my favorite cds. So, there I was soaking in the rays of God's goodness while Kathy sang. Then, this song came on. It is called "That's How Much I Love You". It makes my soul sing...

I died for you
I'd do it all again if I had to
To show you what you really mean to Me
I cried for you
I hung on the cross so you wouldn't have to
I made a way to set your spirit free

CHORUS:
That's how much I love you
That's how much I want you
I gave up my own life that you might live
That's how much I love you
That's how much I want you to see
You are My child and you mean so much to Me

I gave you the stars
The sun, the moon, yes I went that far
So no matter where you go you think of Me
The mountains fair
The beautiful oceans are there
To remind you that I can satisfy your every need

Repeat Chorus

What song makes your soul sing?

Love Me Some Spring Break

I absolutely love Spring Break. I have gotten the chance to spend time with my mom and visit with my grandparents (and no I didn't take any pictures, and I am just sick that I didn't!). Mom had a doctor appointment so she came and stayed a couple of days. It was nice, and as always, Nabs was precious with my mom. I love my husband!

I have gotten to meet with a new client to build another web page. TOO Exciting! I also have SO much work to do!

The pictures and the trip to the arboretum will happen in the next couple of days depending on the weather. I am so excited! Tulips are my absolute favorite flower, and I will be surrounded by them out there. WAHOO!!!!

Today, I am not sure what will get done today. I have some stuff to do around the house, and I think I may take a trip to Fry's Electronics. Sounds like a GREAT day!

Happy Spring Break!

Spring Break!!

Oh, I love those two words! We (my kiddos and I) were so ready for that three o'clock bell to ring yesterday! It is definitely time for a break. I was worn smooth out, and the idea of a week away from 4th graders sounds lovely (and much needed)!

What am I going to do this week?

I have a week of adventure, exploration, documentation, and reflection ahead of me.

Oh, seriously, who am I kidding? My most adventurous moment will be driving to the Arboretum to sit amongst the tulips with my Canon thanking our Creator for his amazing creativity, the ability to witness it each spring, and capture it in my camera. Seriously, it is truly breathtaking. I will have some pictures to show you ....probably next weekend. Nabs and I have gone a couple of times when we lived in Dallas. However, since moving out of the hustle and bustle, it has been a while. This trip is sure to be the highlight of the week.

Other than that, I don't have a whole lot planned. I am sure I will blog, take some pictures, try to get some stuff done around the house, and I would like to set aside some time to be creative. It has been a while since I have done any stamping or card making, and I am missing my sister pretty badly...so, I want to get a card off to her.

What a glorious week! I am so thankful for the chance to slow down and enjoy what God has so graciously given Nabs and me. Check back...it could be an interesting week.

Happy SPRING BREAK!!!

Winter Wears White

Got out yesterday and took some shots. I have also been playing around more with Photoshop lately. So, I have added a fun copyright and changed these all around. TOO fun!

Enjoy!

Hideous Just Hideous

I have a new love!

Yes, I adore them. However, Nabs seems to think they are "Hideous" (to quote him exactly). However, that hasn't kept my heart from falling hard for these little beauties. My love for them goes back to my precious days at A&M. I was a Fish Camp Counselor, and some friends of mine and I got maroon ones because we were in love with everything maroon.

It has been years, but our love affair was rekindled this past week.

I love them. I love that they have them in my size 11 shoes. I love that I can find any of the designs that I like in MY size.

I love seeing them peeking out of my jeans.

I also adore that there is now a CONVERSE outlet store in Allen! I love them!

So, judge me if you must, but I am in love with hideous shoes!

Blonde Ambition

Today I officially went back to the world of blondes. I am embracing the glories of summer, tans, and freedom from work, school, deadlines, and expectations.

It took four boxes, but that in itself is for another blog.

Anyway, just keeping you up to date on the condition of my hair.

I know you were all worried!

And, no I am not posting a picture because......well, ....because.....well because it is my blog, and I don't have to!

Happy Birthday, Tanner Bob!

Today is this little guy's second birthday!

Things about You at Two!

you wrap your little hand around Aunt Mandy's neck when you hug

you are learning so many words

you go straight to Meme when you go in her house

you think your big brother has the best ideas

you make the same hand gestures as your mommy

you are crazy about your mommy and daddy

you love spi-da-man

you are growing so fast

you are one of my best buddies, and I love you!

This is Me Challenge.....Blog & Scrapbooking

I found this blog tonight. They post a new topic every Monday and Thursday for you to blog about yourself. I am going to start tomorrow. I hope some of you will join me.



I am actually very excited. I have been ultra inspired lately.


Here is so blog candy of my latest creations.

A new "N" for the house

Some framed scripture to cling to!

A new Acrylic called: Pure Love

My Husband!

Oh, guys! God really blew my socks off with this one. I prayed for years for a man who would love Jesus, love me, love my family, make me laugh, and be mine all mine. What a huge prayer! No wonder it took 29 years for God to bring us together. (actually, that is the short, sweet, condensed prayer...my actual prayer for my husband was huge, and got longer as the years and boys went by!)





And now, here we are! My guy is all I could ever hope for and more. He is so much more than I thought I wanted. So much more than I thought I would ever need. God is so gracious.



This is my guy! Sharing his silly ways with our nephews. They love him....they think Munkle J. is so funny!....

I love you, Nabs!

Fridays are the BEST!!!

Oh, the precious word! J. and I absolutely love Friday! It holds so much potential. Last Friday took us to Lubbock.

I love road trips. It is a great time of fellowship with J. and Jesus. We sang praise songs and dodged wild animals. We counted 23 deer (we started counting after we had seen a whole herd of them and we are convinced that there were thousands just standing in the shadows watching us drive). We saw this: This is the smaller of the two wild pigs that we saw. The larger one was HUGE! I didn't have my camera close, or I would show you. J. freaked when we saw the big one because he, brother-in-law, and some friends of our have been hog hunting. He had NO idea just how big and vicious hogs could look. I think he has had a revelation.

The whole goal of the Friday drive was to see these guys!

Such sweet guys! We had a party full of cake, friends, and fun.

Singing Happy Birthday....Tuck liked the attention!

Tucker and Rowdy diging in...well, Tuck is diging into the transformers that were on the cake.

Tanner really likes sweets!

Sweet Cousins!

Friends and playing at the party:

Happy Valentine's Day!

I laugh when I think back over past Valentine's Days. There were years that I hated this holiday. The purely pink, romantic mess would make me want to hurl at couples because I was so lost in my own self induced pity party. I was sad over unmet expectations or missing out on having a boyfriend, etc. I was angry at the thought that I wasn't chosen again for a special Valentine.

One Valentine's Day, when I was in the 5th grade, I was longing to be a chosen girl with a special gift. After school, I went back into my darkened elementary school classroom to slip a candy filled heart in my sack. I looked forward to the next day and pretending that someone had chosen me.

All of the kids would wonder who it was.

I had a plan.

The interesting thing about this story is that I don't remember the next day. Maybe I blocked it out because the kids were mean, maybe I don't remember because I got too carried away with the festivities to make a big deal out of my valentine, maybe knowing there was something special in my sack was enough or maybe the taste of the chocolate candy wiped away all of my longings for a moment. Who knows?

The point is that I was that little girl longing to be chosen. You girls know what I mean. Even if you were noticed in some way by someone, there was a time when you longed.

In fact, I still long. Today, my longing is that when I feel insignificant and want to be "chosen" I remember I am.

I am chosen! I am worth more than chocolate, flowers, or sonnets. Jesus has chosen me. Wow! Let me tell you that is quite a big valentine for this chunky, unpopular girl to unwrap. Amazing!

As I watch my 4th graders discover the popular ones, the "loved" ones, the handsome ones, ....all of the worldly titles. I want to scream....hey, hey, hey......yes, you....little one over there who wants to be noticed....Jesus loves you! Jesus' valentine will last forever, and it keeps on giving!

My prayer is that all looking for love, assurance and acceptance will see Jesus this Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Congratulations, Bubba!

One of the most amazing things about being a sibling is getting to see my brother and sister meet their goals and succeed. It has be a joy throughout our lives to celebrate the highs that God has so graciously given our family.

As an older sister, I also get to brag. So, I am going to take a minute to tell you about the cutest brother anyone could have. He is truly amazing! This weekend, he celebrated with his 100th win as a high school soccer coach. He is such an inspiration to those boys!

Bubba, I am beaming! Thank you for blessing me with your humor, your struggles, and especially your successes!

I love you!

* picture provided by his adorable wife*

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Yesterday was Tucker's 4th birthday!

What I adore about you, buddy:

you smile with your eyes

you still think Aunt Mandy is cool

you are my best buddy

you like to include me in being a power ranger - I think I am an orange one right now
(and we all know that is a big heart because the thought of me in the costume is a bit scary!)

your laugh is infectious

you love your mommy and daddy

you love to sing

you have taught me that bad guys need naps, too

you are my swimming buddy

you are so excited about school

you love your friends

you sometimes like to tell me about your day on the phone

you are one of my best buddies, and I love you!

Creative People

I have always loved to make things, and God has been amazingly faithful to put creative people in my life that challenge and encourage me. I thought today I would showcase some of these precious people.

My aunts are both amazingly creative. They have been a constant blessing of creativity. Honestly, I didn't know that having people around me who are creative was a blessing. But be sure it most certainly is! They make me want to be a better me!! (Hokey, I know, but oh so true!)

One creative soul near and dear to my heart is Sister! I couldn't do life without my sister, and she loves to be creative, too. Even though, she doesn't keep her blog up, *ahem* (clearing my throat), she is amazingly creative. She makes the most amazing crosses, t-shirts, necklaces, blankets made out of children's clothes, etc. She is awesome, and she is my sister. Makes a girl proud I tell ya! ( I will post some pictures of her creations soon...promise!)

Mallory is a friend of mine who is a gifted photographer! She is amazing, and she taught herself. She is one of the most gracious, creative people I have ever met. She sees the beauty in everything, and her passion comes through her photography. However, she is an awesome artist with all mediums. Truly a blessing!

Another friend who always has a smile and a new idea is Shel. (I think it is not a coincidence that she has the same name as one of my Aunts....seriously, God is good!) Shel amazes me. I love going and hanging out with her because I am constantly inspired to go do something creative when I leave her house. She really has a gift of making fun stuff. Check out her blog! She says she isn't a seamstress, but I beg to differ. Just look at these adorable bibs she made! The girl's got it going on!

There are others, seriously, there are so many! I just want to do praise dancing for all of the amazing talent God so graciously gives!

You all rock my socks off!!! I love you!