It's all in the signs...

Here's a little idea I stole from a friend. A cute way to get to know people without having to really strain your brain by reading. Hope you enjoy and can't wait to see yours!

My name:









My age at my next birthday:

















Place I would like to visit:










My favorite thing:









My favorite place:





My favorite food:









My favorite color:














State I live in:












My pet's name:




College major:









First job:
















Goal for next year:

It's hard to be a pupster...

Some of you may have heard the silly song Joe and I sing to our dog Ryker. We stole it from one of the all-time best cult movies, Office Space, where their song, "It's Hard to be a Gangster" is heard as the nerdy Indian guy and white guys start their covert operation to take down the man.

Our ballad of Ryker was very much apt this last Saturday as we took him on is first boating ride. As we have just started stepping up our car-riding skills (i.e. - not barfing every time), I wasn't sure how the boat ride was going to go. Very scared at first, having to be cradled and carried aboard the speed boat, he quickly sat right at my heels and didn't move.

As we decided it was snack time, we hitched up to the parents/grandparents' pontoon boat, lifted Ryker aboard for the second time and enjoyed a bite to eat. After not waiting a good 30 minutes, Joe and I decided it was time for a bit of action.

Joe jumped in first, and Ryker was like "WHAT?? What is going on here??" He sniffed the side of the boat. He sniffed the water. He looked at Joe. And then....he jumped! We were so proud of our little pupster, till he began to FREAK OUT!!! Clawing towards Joe, our little bunny was not so impressed with this swimming in the lake thing. So after I jumped in and we made sure both Joe and Ryker weren't going to die, we pried the poor puppies' paws from in between the boat and the pontoon and lifted him back in -- where he shook off on everyone around.

Not convinced that our puppy is in fact not going to be the 1st doggie to win an Olympic gold metal, we figure, let's try again!!!

So Joe and I jump off the boat again and call to our poor, confused pupster. (Think -- "Why did they leave me again? What is wrong with these people?") As he is NOT coming, our bro-in-law (bil) decides to aid Ryker by flinging him into the water.

Pupster again freaks out, swims around and under the boat till he comes out the back end where he latches himself with a deathgrip between the motor (which is off) and the ladder. We hoist pupster back onto the boat.

No more swimming for pupster.

By the end of the day, Ryker is feeling confident in his boating abilities, moving around and peering from all sides letting the wind rush through his hair, the smell fill his nostrils and pretty much enjoying himself.

When we arrive back at the docks, Ryker needs no assistance. He is off the boat and up the ramp with me flailing on the other end of the leash. We make it up halfway, right to the rental place with about 20 people around and he is happy to be back on dry land. So happy he lets us know by peeing a gallon and a half right on the dock.

It's hard to be a pupster!

I'm going to be an aunt!

That's right.
I'm going to be an official adoptive aunt!
My bestest girl friend in the whole world (aka Lydia) is set to have a baby this coming fall!


I am so excited. Our friendship is great in so many ways because of a few things.
- We are quite random at times, with spur of the moment plans.
- We are artsy in our own ways...sadly I don't have quite the hands to get it into the world as Lydia does.
- We both have amazing husbands.
- We both like to try new things...kind of! =)

This last one comes in handy a lot when there are two of us.
- We like to experiment in the cooking department when we have time. A many fine salsa has been created with our collaborative efforts!
- She got married first, so she helped me out with things there.
- I have better directional abilities, so I try different ways and have the ability to get us out!
- Joe and I bought a house first, so we'll be so excited to help the Norvells with any questions and fix-its when it comes time
- Lyd and Jon are having a baby first. THANK GOD! So I can try out my aunty/parenting skills and joyously be able to give the lovely child back when I can take no more.

In all seriousness, I could not be happier for my two friends. What wonderful parents they will make. What wonderful memories we will make together. And what wonderful adventures await us as we all enter this crazy realm of 'parenthood'!

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Cole

In honor of the honeymooners' return to the states (they went to New Zealand, can you believe that!), I thought I would post a few post a few pictures from my sister-in-law, Sarah's recent wedding. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Cole...



April 19, 2008
Rejoice Lutheran Church
Coppell, Texas

A great weekend!

So, I would have to say that this was one of those just plain fun weekends. We started the weekend off by dropping the honeymooners at the airport for their two-week excursion to New Zealand. (Ok, that wasn't too fun and we're insanely jealous.) But we finished the evening off with a fun dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, for which we had a gift card!

Saturday was a real fun day. We got up early, drove to a near-by park and took Ryker for a walk to the Coppell Farmers Market. We got to walk around and look at the fresh produce, meats, honey and other foods. We even ran into Joe's granddad on his way to buy some shrimp and Ryker made several friends. The morning was topped off by a great visit to the park where Joe asked me to marry him - complete with a reenactment! -- I said Yes!

THEN! We packed up and went on a trip to Fort Worth in our newly purchased summer plaid shorts! Joe and I met up with two of our great friends, Jon and Lydia at the Japanese Gardens and finished the evening off with a trip to the iconic Joe T. Garcia's.

Friends, Food and Fun. What more could a person ask for? Here's a few pics from the weekend for your enjoyment!

The Answers...

So begins my long post to your most pressing questions. Thanks for participating!

1) Why are you so calm when something is clearly about to swallow you whole??
Well, you know, that's one of my more favorite traits about me, calm under pressure. Guess it goes with 'trust in the Lord always!'

2) Do you think we'll ever have flying cars? Or what do you think the future of cars is?
Can I just say that I am a little bit bitter concerning this question. I distinctly remember being told during kindergarten and first grade, that this is what we were to expect by our graduation in 2000. But, seriously, yes I do. We know the technology is there with planes, shuttles and hover crafts, we just need someone to combine them into an economical and environmentally friendly package. It would save us money on building and maintaining our roads and be really fun! I really think the Jetsons were onto something with their zippy cars that folded up nicely into a briefcase. Space saving and family-friendly!

3) What is a favorite day for you?
A favorite day is sleeping in until I want to get up. A fun breakfast, stuffed french toast at IHOP is always great, or maybe a Starbucks. Then a random activity with Joe or meeting up with friends and the most important thing...NOT watching the clock.

4) What is your biggest disappointment in your past?
Letting something small have such a large impact between me and Joe while we were dating.

5) What is your greatest hope for your future?
That I will finally find the thing that makes me happy professionally and that we have a few wonderful children.

6) What's your favorite thing about Joe?
The look in his eyes when he sees me and I know he loves me for me no matter what in that one look! I also love his determination whether it's working something out between the two of us, working on a project or at his job.

7) What's your favorite praise & worship song?
Right now, I'd have to say Beautiful, Scandelous Night. I love the way our church does it best, but here's another fun one!



8) Where do you see yourself in five years? … ten years?
Truthfully, I never like this question. I just don't get it. I am a very much take what comes when it comes kind of person. If I say, I see myself still in Coppell with a baby, that might be great, but what if I change my mind. What if something totally crazy comes along. Am I a fickle person for not sticking with the “plan?” So I guess my best answer is wherever God wants me to be – and hopefully that means happy and with my family and friends.

9) If you could travel anywhere (money is no object) where would you go?
Oh, I would take an adventure. Go to Ireland and stay on the coast in some small village and frequent the pub and talk to the old men. I would take a cruise of the Mediterranean stopping in Italy, Greece and wherever else strikes my fancy. I would travel to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand to see who really does have the best surf. And then I might wrap it all up with a quick African safari and rain forest expedition to see if I like the wide open or the lush tropics better. Sounds like I need one big honkin’ suitcase.

10) Who do you think you will vote for in the next election?
Ugh, what a depressing question. D.) None of the above. Right now, I guess it would have to be McCain. As the other two can’t seem to stop throwing tantrums in the sandbox to really do some good.

11) Will we ever get a chance to sing a Dixie Chicks song together?
The magic eight ball says “it is decidedly so!”

12) If you could make three wishes (small or big) what would they be? Would you have made these same wishes ten years ago? Explain.
Three wishes, hmmm:
1. That wouldn’t have to work at jobs unless we really wanted to because we had an endless supply of money.
2. That it would really be feasible to make a retreat/city made up of our wonderful friends. It’s so tough living far from your most favorite people.
3. Someone else would ALWAYS do, fold and put up the laundry. – So as you can clearly see, these are not wishes I would have had earlier in life.

13)What make you the most happy?
What makes me the most happy is relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Nothing rushed, nothing that planned. Oh, and throw in a good, long book, a Coke and some Mexican food and I am SET! Quality time, good food and a cool breeze. I really don’t know what’s better in life.

14) Is your present job your dream job, or have you had your dream job, or what would that be?
My present job is subbing at the local schools, so CLEARLY this is not my dream job. I have NOT had my dream job. And currently I couldn’t tell you what that dream job would be. I think what I would love to do is have some neighborhood shop in a little town where I can cater to tourists and my local buddies, but have the freedom and luxury to close up shop and enjoy the last question any time I please.

15) What has been the most difficult adjustment you have faced in being married (vs. single)?
I think the having to ask before you commit to something. I love being able to do stuff with people, even if it is last minute and a bit farther than I’d really like to go. With being married, I have two things that hinder this. The first is wanting to do as much in life with Joe as possible, but not every situation involves Joe or Joe might not even want to do it. So it’s deciding if it’s worth it to go myself, or just say, “No, catch you later.” The second is that sometimes my partner in crime CAN’T go or doesn’t want to go and sometimes that has to be the deciding factor. So, a few less girl nights or random travels, but all worth it in the end.

16) What is your biggest hang up and how are you working overcoming it?
My biggest hang-up might be procrastination or indecision. And amazingly both go hand in hand. I can’t really tell you how I am fixing them, as I am putting off the problem! =)
No….part of it is relying on my husband to give me a swift kick in the pants, and the other is to make just a rough plan of what I want to get done or need to do. Usually just in my head, as I’m really not a list person, and it seems to help.

17) What advice do you have as far as looking for a job you enjoy?
God only knows on this one. I’m still waiting to find out. =(

18) No questions from me. I just wanted to say that I really like this picture. Where was it taken?
Ahem…this is a question. It was taken at Deception Pass on Whidbey Island, WA. Absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Thanks Merritt for making sure we knew where to go!

19) Whose body is crushed under the foot of an Imperial walker in Empire Strikes Back?
Jamie, I have no idea. But I do know the correct term is an All Terrain Armored Transport, or AT-AT walker.

Well, I hope everybody learned something, and please, if you have found my perfect job, would you make sure I find it too!

If you were wondering...

Copying an idea from my dear friend Emily, and also from a lack of blog ideas, I've decided to open up the floor to you guys.

We all learn by asking questions, and what better way to learn about yourself to ask or answer some questions! So, here goes my first Q &A. Feel free to ask anything. Life, love, the cost of coffee in Spain... I'll give you an answer for sure. It may be a smart ass answer, but you know me, sometimes I just can't help myself.
If there's anything you'd like to know, just leave a comment and then I'll post them all in an 'Answers' blog!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Last week our friend Emily celebrated her very last 20s birthday. And what a trooper she was too! After a wonderful dinner out with her wonderful husband, which included a special dessert, we joined the duo for a rockin' night out at the Rockin' Ivories in Lewisville.

What was intended to be a fun night at a dueling piano bar turned into a silly night at the karaoke joint! There are some interesting people in this world, and I think we stumbled onto a few of them this night. The highlight for me though was that both of our wonderful hubbies serenaded us with their "love songs" of our courtship.

Joe got up first and sang "Meet Virginia" (which may sometimes be sung as "Meet Leanna").
Then Allan followed with "Lady" for his birthday lady!We were talked into singing a Dixie Chicks song, but before we could, they turned it into a dance club for a while, and it was just too darn late for us old farts. So...next time boys...we prooommisse!

Wishing you a wonderful year Emily and thanks for all the fun!

So this is it?

"So this is it?" -- I have a feeling our new pupster has said this to himself off an on for the past week. I think he's unimpressed by us! =( How sad!

So everyone's seen the commercial with Echo the beautiful shelter dog that continually gets passed up...then...just recently, they've shown the follow-up. She's gotten a home! She's overjoyed! She's running, jumping, licking...

And here's how Ryker's commercial would go -- happy with his puppy friends at the shelter, running, walking frolicking. Then these nice people come and take him away from all his puppy friends. Sleeping, not playing fetch, whining, and looking at those people with those big puppy eyes as they make him get in his little kennel at night. Arf. =(

Well, it may not be that bad, but I just don't feel like Ryker is enjoying his life as much as I would hope he would. Now, I'm a new dog person, but I was expecting endless games of fetch, romping around in the backyard and that just hasn't happened. Maybe he's just not that dog. But I want him to be happy.

Any suggestions from you doggie veterans out there? Does your dog want to play with my dog? He's really good with other dogs! =)

Woohoo for Fondue

Last night Joe and I got to enjoy the company of our friends, Lydia and Jon, over a nice hot steaming bowl of fondue! It was a great time had by all!

When thinking of fondue, my mind automatically goes to some bubbling pot of melted cheese. However there are A LOT of variations on a theme out there! Last night we partook in a dinner fondue and a dessert fondue. Our dinner fondue consisted of a doctored up beef broth that we simmered beef, chicken and veggies in for a fun and actually healthy meal. The one thing about fondue is that you can't be in a hurry for your dinner. Each skewer usually takes about 3 minutes to cook. So it's a great meal to catch up with friends and try not to injure yourself too badly with the pointy stick (we had one casualty last night!).

For dessert, we went all out - Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue! We had apples, oranges, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and angle food cake for our dipping fare. I must say I enjoyed the bananas best, followed by a skewer of cake and strawberries! Yum!!

We really did have a fun time, and I just may have to get me a fondue pot!

Wanna try! I'm ready with skewer in hand! (figuratively, of course!)

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a day where your heart sings for our risen Savior,
and where your body shakes with joy from a hefty dose of seasonal sugar!

Happy Easter!
Love,
Leanna, Joe and Ryker!

When Pigs Fly - or - When Leanna Gets a Dog

That's right folks! I finally got my puppy, after 26 years!!!

His name is Ryker, and he is a "shepherd mix," or whatever that means. He is red and brown with white paws and a white chest area. Joe and I like to say he looks like a fox! He is about 7 months old, so we like to say he's a toddler. Has a good handle on most things, but there are some areas he needs some training!

Here are a few pictures to introduce you to Ryker.

So far, he has been a great dog that rode home ON MY LAP!He walks pretty good on a leash, he doesn't quite get fetch.He is a cuddle bug.

He stole his cousin's 'baby' last night, and that was NOT good. But I think they made up.Can't wait for you all to meet him. He's a fun one!

Book Tag - You're it!

Ok, so here's another one of those random blogger games. I guess we get to see what we really are reading, not just talking about...

The rules: "Look up from the computer, look around the room where you're sitting and pick up the closest book. And closest really means closest. No cheating by running upstairs to unearth your pink-highlighted college copy of The Critique of Pure Reason or the Prolegomena. Open the book, turn to page 123, count down to the fifth sentence on that page, and then post the next three sentences."

So here we go:
Adobe Illustrator CS Classroom in a Book (I may be behind, but at least I'm learned.)

"Depending on where you begin to redraw the path and in which direction you drag, you may get unexpected results. For example, you may unintentionally change a closed path to an open path, change an open path to a closed path, or lose a portion of the shape.
4. Use the smooth tool, in the same group as the pencil tool in the toolbox, to round out the shape of a curved segment (deleting anchor points if necessary."

(Sorry, I only had two sentences left on the page!)

You're it! Leave a comment if you're going to keep it going!

Becuase it's fun to be girly!

You Are...Elizabeth Bennet!
Elizabeth Bennet!

You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.

Take the Quiz here!

And this is what it said on the facebook quiz (at least I'm consistent, right?):

You are memorable, lovely and clever, the life of the party... you always have the perfect thing to say in every situation. Your honesty, virtue, and lively wit enable you to rise above the nonsense and bad behavior that pervade your money-seeking and often spiteful society. Nevertheless, your sharp tongue and tendency to make hasty judgments often lead you astray... if not careful, you can display qualities that you despise - pride and prejudice. But if you can get past negative first impressions, your life and love story will be epic!!!

Baby Notes

For those of you who have just acquired a baby, already have one or are considering, I would just like to point you to my good friends Brianna and Matt's blog for the latest and greatest on baby care:

Baby Insturctions!

Apply at your own risk!

Pretty Pergola!

That's right! My awesome husband finished our pretty pergola for our back porch.

Here's a few shots of our new addition over the past few days:

Don't Fall!

Peekaboo! I see you!

It's snowing!!

Completion! Joy!

"X" marks the spot for fun at the O'Briens!

Childhood Memories

Do you ever have those moments where something happens in life and it takes you right back to the sweet, carefree days of childhood. Well, I had one of those moments yesterday (and today)...

Joe, my engineer extraodinair is building a pergola, or wood awning, on our back porch. While setting the support beams and top boards, he needed some middle supports. (see illustration below)

Meanwhile, I was trying to be a good flower momma by watering my newly planted strawberries, lavender and calla lilies in hopes that they grow up strong, AND I was talking to my pal Lyd. As I was walking back to the house from examining something in the yard...POW!!!!!!

I completely drilled my precious little head into the middle supports. A few choice and incoherent words, complete with a few tears, later, I was able to describe the situation to poor baffled Lydia.

Now, back to the childhood memories...I hit my head A LOT! (not just my head, don't fear) But seriously people. The best example I have of this is in elementary school while walking in line with our class, I turned to talk to someone behind me. When I turned around I ran smack dab into a 2-foot diameter pole! So hard, mind you, I threw up, had to go to the nurse and I think I even got to go home! Go big, right?

So, yep, sweet AND traumatic childhood memories. And to report this morning, there is a bruise, but no bump!

Post note: while taking this picture, I smacked into the board on the LEFT this time on the left side of my head! Can a girl get a prayer of protection!? sheesh!

Life Changes

After reading everyone's blogs the last few days, seems like we are all undergoing life changes!

I've always been a little curious to see what happens with our generation. We don't have the town jobs to keep us close to "home" as much. Gender norms have been busted open for a while now. We are dependent on technology. So where does that take us? Some to foreign countries, some to new churches, some to new towns to start new churches and some to places we don't even know yet.

In keeping with the blogging topic of the moment, I'd like to share something that I am looking into pursuing. After a few years in the "corporate" world, I've seen it's really not a place for me. I enjoy people, I enjoy helping people, I enjoy learning and I even enjoy a bit of change.

So, I am considering being a teacher. I have signed up with my new school district to start subbing and I am looking into different alternative certification programs. I am exciting and doing a lot of searching, praying and advice. Whatever I wind up doing, I just hope I get an A+ in my next career choice.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sending you a Valentine's Day greeting from my sky to you!

Have a wonderful day, and don't forget to enjoy

the little moments of God's love!

Boxes.

Isn't it crazy that when moving your life can be gathered up into a few or plenty boxes. It's always a surprise opening these boxes to find what they hold.
A few dishes... followed by wonderful memories of your wedding.
A diary or journal... ugh..what was I thinking, or perhaps, thank you God for leading me out of those troubled days.
Shirts you haven't seen since three moves before...Goodwill, here you go!
Pictures, oh, sweet pictures - fun times, if only we could step through the image and enjoy that view, taste a piece of cake or hug a loved one we can't hug anymore.
Books of every shape and size... did we really learn anything from that class; I love looking at those pictures; do you remember this part?; and, Half Price Books for you baby!
Letters, postcards, cards and notes...wow, what awesome loved ones we have aquired along the way.

Thanks for the memories boxes, and thanks to those who make our lives and our boxes so full!

It wasn't me!!!

Yesterday, I was able to help my sister-in-law Sarah as she underwent a day of beauty and photos for her bridal portrait for her upcoming wedding in April. And the one major thought I had was, this is fun and best of all it is NOT ME!

I loved getting married and doing all the fun things that went with it, but there were so many things I could have done with out. Here's a little run-down of the things I got to help with but was not totally affected by!

1. Makeup - fake eye lashes -- good or bad?
2. Haircut - why did they shampoo and blowout right before I got an updo?
3. Updo - I like it in the back, by why does it remind me of Marie Antoinette?
4. Updo part 2 - I don't like it!!! -- bride to be proceeds to take it down and remake it while Holly and I run to the store to find appropriate hair clips
5. Flowers - who asked for pale yellow. Ick. Holly and I proceed to rip out the yellow flowers and brown berries to replace with pretty red
6. Running late - never fun
7. Permit?? - so now they make you have a permit to shoot? lovely...run to permit office
8. Freezing cold weather in a sleeveless dress - guess it beats my shoot in the 90 degree heat.

Here's to Sarah and Adrian and the fact that Joe and I are already married! =)

The Money Pit

Most of you have probably seen the old Tom Hanks film, The Money Pit. After being a home owner for a little over a week, I realized how true to life this scenario is with a house.

"Fun" things with owning a house:
- New fence (destruction of old fence and carting off)
- New paint - picking the paint - fun, but frustrating
- De-wallpapering and texturing 2 rooms (for the love of God and sanity of your fellow man, NEVER, and I mean NEVER wallpaper a room!!!)
- New floor - destruction of old floor, picking new tile, mortar and grout
- New door knobs/locks - safety first ladies

Oh, Lowes and Home Depot how you have become our friends! (pictures to follow!)

A House of Our Very Own!

That's right folks! We did it! Joe and I have closed, have our new house keys in our hot little hands, and we are the proud owners of our very own house at 140 Cherrybark!

So now begins the flurry of projects, the moving of the stuff and the transferring of providers to our new abode. I have yet to see where this owning a house thing is supposed to "save" you money... nice theory!

But we are excited and we're going to put our noses to the grindstone to get the place looking spiffy so we can start the place off right with a party and a puppy! Who could ask for more, right?

Thanks for all of your prayers along the way. God does have a plan. Now, if only he'd let us use his Home Depot account...

Favorite Songs

So I was trying to find a few of my favorite songs on my iTunes. Some don't have names, so it is a little difficult. Anyways...it got me to thinking...I wonder if they are on YouTube and I can watch videos.

And the answer is YES! Here is one song that I love, but haven't been able to find to buy. Sting is my favorite artist for many reasons. His ability to meld genres, sounds, rhythms to create something new, his mastery of so many different instruments and his unique sound.

So, if you will, please enjoy Until:

Holiday Hoedown!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Oh, here's one more for good measure. Looks like they're also charging for these now! But, in honor of the lovely time we had with the Norvells in downtown Ft. Worth, please enjoy our holiday hoedown!

House Hunting Stress

As many of you well know, it is quite stressful looking/finding/buying a house. To release the stress, Joe and I decided to let go, and...

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

House - Part Deux

We are in the process of potentially putting an offer on another house, this time in Coppell. (We kinda gave up on Grapevine.)

I'll post more later, but for now, I ask for your prayers that God places us where he would have us and that all works well for the buyer, the seller and that we can get out of our apartment easily!

Aaaaaahhhhhh! (To quote inner-Leanna)

A Critical Review!

It was GREAT!!


Joe and I decided to go on date night yesterday and spend some quality couple time with just each other. We opted for a swanky dinner a the food court and a movie we had both been looking forward to, August Rush. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed.

The movie follows the story of a young orphan who believes his parents are still out there and really do want him. He is led to New York by the music he hears in his heart and all around him -- music he believes is from his parents and will reunite the trio.

As the story progresses, it skips back in time showing us his parents' eventful meeting and the roll music plays in their lives.

August does not have an easy go at it in New York, but continues his quest with help and hindrance from many colorful characters.

One of my favorite lines in the film is the kind reverend who oversees a shelter where August stayed. He is talking to a young friend of August, reassuring her that he is in fact safe, wherever he is. He says (paraphrasing) -- "August is with his father, and we have to trust that his father will do what is right for him because he loves him." It is an interesting line in the context of the film, because it seems the reverend is not talking about August's "father," but rather our Holy Father, and that he does want the best for us and will always do what is best for us, even if we can't quite see it right now.

Music also plays a powerful role in the film. Beautiful voices, classical instruments, guitar playing like I've never seen (thanks to a new talent, Kaki King). The diverse compilation makes your spirits soar!

So to sum it up, go see it, I think you'll really enjoy it!

Who's ready for a bit of JOY this holiday season!?

I am! As part of our holiday festivities, we'll be spending an evening at the symphony listening to the sounds of Christmas this December. We are so lucky to get to do so many fun things this Christmas season...
- Spending time with family! (always awesome!)
- Work Christmas parties (alway fun, but very much awkward)
- Silly Addison theatre with the O'Briens
- And this year, the symphony.


As a band nerd, there is always something thrilling about going to a concert with extremely talented musicians. It gets your blood rushing, your feet tapping, and your spirits soring!

So Happy Holidays everyone! Let the Christmas tunes flow!

Homecoming Memories

So a few weeks ago, it was Baylor's homecoming...and this year we actually decided to go! We got to see several old friends, met some friends of friends, and overall, had a great time and made some more Baylor memories. The day of course included a trip to the Baylor Bookstore where we got our cool new hats, Fazolli's, Ninfa's and Common Grounds for an awesome caramel-laden Milky Way!!!!!

I really love my school and the people there (even if our football team can't win against a big team to save their lives). It is a hard task to find friends as great as our Baylor friends. And for all of those that we missed getting a chance to say hi to...I'm SO SORRY...and...Hello! =D

So here's a few pics from our day that started at 6:45 with 5 of us in my sister's car...(things I should have gotten a picture of!)

View from our great seats!

Our awesome friends Scott and Angela!

What a cute little Baylor couple!

The crew:
Joe, Leanna, Mollie,
Jennifer and Jamie (with his tv to watch the LSU game!)

Jamie and Jennifer
(and two of the best drinks to come out of Waco, TX!)

All I love about Milky Ways AND Joe!

Sew, the craft bug has kicked in...

Ok, if you went to Baylor, or pretty much any college, I am sure you have a collection of t-shirts with wonderful memories you hold dear and you keep wearing because you want to stay young forever, but if you keep washing, your memories begin to fade!

So, I have taken on a project to preserve my beloved Baylor/APO memories, and have begun the construction of a "T-shirt Blanket." I've cut out my beloved t-shirts into blocks and I am now about to start the sorting process to come up with the most ascetically pleasing arrangement.


Karen has also so very nicely loaned me the use of her sewing machine, so hopefully with added help from my bestest pal Lydia, I will begin to construct my masterpiece!!!

Now, I do have another dilemma attached to the making of the t-shirt quilt. Do I cut up ALL the shirts I have??? I mean some I still really love to wear. Do I have to kill those too in order to preserve them? Or can I keep them whole and perhaps pass them along to my kids for retro day at school???

A rose by any other...

What is in a Name?

Thanks for the laugh Em...

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father's middle name)
Lynn Alan - nice and nondescript

9. NASCAR NAME: (name of your mother's dad, fathers dad)
Roy Jack or Roy John which ever you prefer!

8. STARWARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, any 2 letters of your first name) OBREL

7. DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, fav animal)
Green Tiger (ka-chow!)

6. SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Michelle Pt. Arthur - sounds aristocratic, no?

5. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav alcohol drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Blue Margarita

4. FLY GIRL/GUY NAME: (1st letter of 1st name, 1st 3 letters of your last)
L-OBR (Don't think this works for the Irish!)

3. GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Chocolate Thumbprint (not very intimidating if you ask me...)

2. ROCK STAR NAME: (current pets name, current street name)
Tailer Royal
(she was my last pet, and I think I could actually get by with that, Hannah Montana move over!)

1. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Fresh Vanilla Skittles! (ooo baby!)

Die Leafblower, Die! -- and Other Thoughts on the Environment

In an effort to educate our fellow bloggers on environmentalism and its impact on Christianity, I'll start here:

If you know me pretty well, you know my abhorrences for leaf blowers. This probably started when I was a poor little freshmen in search of quality nap time, but always interrupted by leaf blowers around campus. In short - they are noisy, smelly, gas-guzzlers and pretty much pointless.

Along those same lines, I think a lot of what we do is pointless towards "saving the planet." Yes, we recycle plastic and paper and coke cans. But is there a better way. Is there a way we don't need everything we get to be in disposable containers? Most of these easy-to-use, disposable containers don't get recycled or crushed, they wind up in our landfills or along the side of the road and do nothing but sit there.

As Christians, I think it is about being conscious of what we do. First and foremost, we are children of God and we are hear to spread the good news and help those in need. Second, we are also charged with being good stewards of the earth. What I think this means is be aware of your global impact.
Simple things:
- do you need all the lights on
- can I get a copy of the paper online
- should I use the "fine china" - aka paper plates - or use regular
- do I do lots of little loads of laundry or a couple of big ones

Then bigger things:
- do we really need another pipeline in Alaska
- do we really need another stupid office park instead of a wildlife preserve
- do people overseas really need to hunt animals to their extinction
- organize city planning better for mass transportation or pedestrian routes

I think when we finally realize our larger global impact, probably tied to the reason God put US in charge, I think we will experience a changing tide in what we are doing to our planet. Till then the radicals get mocked, and we keep buying Sonic drinks in massive Styrofoam cups.

What I plan to do:
- Start with the little things - reduce and reuse!
- Do my bit to replenish the world with a little O2 through landscaping at my house
- Get a puppy and a kitty - for natural fertilizer of course!
- Not drive as much - um, yeah right - it's Texas - but we do walk to church or the store on occasions
- When I can, do my part to clean up or protect the environment and the animals who call it home
- Not use a leaf blower ever!!!!!

First day of freedom...

Wowzers...It's my first day of my new and confused life. And what does one do when they are looking for a new life?

- Make breakfast - toast and coffee
- Clean tub - scrubbing bubbles and commit, because I was not convinced the scrubbing bubbles worked as well as they say.
- Clean clothes - one load drying, one load washing
- Look online for new job opportunities
- Get depressed about looking for new job opportunities
- Check out peoples' blogs - man, you guys need to UPDATE!
- Make grocery list
- Debate on what to eat for lunch
- Prepare for house hunting with hubby and the realtor later
- Think of more things to do later...

Let's hope tomorrow's better...

Big Changes!

Well, wanted to fill you in if I haven't already told you my big news. We've got big changes ahead in the O'Brien household, as I have decided to leave my current job...

It's a little scary, but my family has been so encouraging, especially Joe, and I just know God has something crazy fun out there for me.

I really want to feel needed and most importantly where God wants me and that I am somehow furthering his kingdom with the little bit of whatever I have that He gave me.

Please pray for me, please refer me, please humor me!

On a lighter note,
Here is a slide show of our Seattle trip! It was awesome!

An update on life...

Ugh, I am glad it is Friday, as I am tired! So here's a little update on the O'Briens.

1. We celebrated our 1st Anniversary! Go us!

2. To celebrate we went to Seattle and we had a BLAST! (I'll post some pics shortly)

3. We are still house hunting - took a bit off for the trip and depression over our first failed attempt.

4. My sister has a date buddy -- and it makes me smile!

5. We are run/walking in a race tomorrow sponsored by our church to benefit Water is Basic - www.waterisbasic.org - this is a great organization started to raise money and fund the purchase of drilling equipment and then the wells to provide clean water for the people of Sudan. The whole O'Brien clan is participating!

6. It's fall and that always makes me happy.

Ummm, I think those are the current highlights...more to come soon!

A bit of Joe - as tagged by Emily

1. Who is your man? Joseph Daniel O'Brien
2. How long have you been together? 6 years (Our first wedding anniv. is Sunday!!)
3. How long did you date? oh gosh...about 5 years
4. How old is your man? 25
5. Who eats more? that would be Joe
6. Who said "I love you" first? I think we both did this while we were yelling at each other. Had to get our blood boiling to find out how much we cared! Awww...
7. Who is taller? Joe
8. Who sings better? I think we both sing pretty darn good. Sundays are the best!
9. Who is smarter? I'm with Emily. Depends on the topic.
10. Whose temper is worse? That would be Joe - he's Irish - what can you say...
11. Who does the laundry? Mostly Joe, yeah he rocks
12. Who takes out the garbage? Both; or we let the stupid apt service we pay $15!!! take it from our step - but they don't come on weekends!
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do. But sometimes we swap just for the heck of it.
14. Who pays the bills? Mostly me.
15. Who is better with the computer? I'd say we hold our own.
16. Who mows the lawn? No one at the moment.
17. Who cooks dinner? That would be Joe (my superman). He gets home first, so he gets things rolling
18. Who drives when you are together? Either, but mostly Joe
19. Who pays when you go out? Joe
20. Who is most stubborn? Both
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? We're both working on that one. It's not easy, but it's always better.
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Joe's - they are 10 mins away
23. Who kissed who first? It was Joe, but I didn't say no! =)
24. Who asked who out? He stalked me for a while, then finally talked me into it after a study date or two, then I had to find him again after the engineering building sucked him in Junior year.
25. Who proposed? Joey - it was so special - besides the fact that Hurricane Rita had caused everyone MASSIVE travel delays (including me!)
26. Who is more sensitive? I'd say both - I get sad about somethings more than Joe and the same for him.
27. Who has more friends? I stay in touch more, so maybe me. But we have awesome friends!
28. Who has more siblings? we're equal - one Jennifer, one Sarah
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Joe - he's my best bud, and I know he looks out for me always

This here language thang...

From my friend Emily's blog...

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English 25% Dixie 5% Midwestern 5% Upper Midwestern 5% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

We did it!

Ok, we made an offer. Now it's just a game of wait and see!

If all goes well I'll be signing everyone up for a day of paiting or moving. Maybe Karen can point? or fluff the curtains! =)


9.25.07 - Addendum - We did not get the house. They said no, and took someone else's offer instead. =(

To bid, or not to bid...

So we have found one house that we really think has promise. The only thing is that it is not cheap.



It is a 3br/2bth house in Grapevine with great potential. The kitchen at this present time is not very large, however, I think there are few improvements Joe and I could do if we could get in there. I think what we are struggling with is finding something we will enjoy, that is a good value and we won't be wasting our savings away -- but countering that with what we would like to have. Maybe a better title for this post would be: Balancing your wants vs. your needs: Your Forever Home vs. your Starter Home.

Ugggh...so I think we are going to make an offer...significantly less than what they are wanting and see where it takes us. Joe and I have our magic number where it wouldn't be reasonable for anything above that. So at least we have that in our mind. Any ways...we'll keep you posted.

The Great House Hunt

It's official. We are looking for a house! So Joe and I have been searching and driving by houses for the past month or two. But yesterday, we actually went out with a realtor, spoke to several lenders and went inside a couple for our first few showings.

I am so excited about having a house. I get to paint what I want. I get to put things on the wall, number of holes be damned! I get to plant stuff. And most importantly Rufus (my awesome little black civic) can go inside a real garage!!!! (He is totally stoked by the way!)

I must admit I am also scared to death. Houses are expensive. Interest is rediculous. And nevermind the fact you think everyone is going to take you for all your worth (because in some small way, they really are...). But we're motivated...lease runs out in January. Now wouldn't that make a fine birthday gift?

So we're looking around Grapevine/North Richland Hills at the moment. So get your search engines going and let us know what you see! I mean the faster you find us our dream home, the sooner the "Happy New House" party will be! =)

Aaahhh, the beautiful beach

Well, we had a blast. Feeling a little silly for leaving at 6:45 in the morning on Saturday, while everyone else on the trip was leaving later and supposedly getting there just an hour or two after us, I was redeemed!! We got to the beautiful, white sandy beach hours before everyone else got there. Joe and I snagged the room with a view, went for a swim, scoped out the shell scene and were relaxed for hours before our fellow vacationers joined us.

The weekend consisted of lots of food and drink (LOTS...a whole pick-up bed FULL of Wal-Mart bags). Fun swims in the ocean -- it was so calm and clear and you could walk about 50 yards before it got really deep. We saw wild dolphins put on a Sea World caliber show!!! We went crabbing with a sand castle bucket. We went on baby sea turtle watch. We stalked deer. We went sailing. And I only got stung by jelly fish five times! And best of all...I didn't get a sun burn!!! SPF 50 ROCKS!!



So if you are ever looking for a fun, remote beach spot I totally recommend Cape San Blas and the fun coastal town of Apolachicola a few miles down the road!

Labor Day Vaca!

We're going out for a little bit of end-of-summer fun this weekend with the O'Briens. The kids are flying and the 'rents are driving...isn't that nice...but we're all headed for Cape San Blas, FL. Can't wait to sink my toes in the sand, watch the sun set, go swimmin' and who knows what else.

I'll let you know how it goes. Pray for safe, easy travel!

Tagged by Lyd

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I have an insatiable love of chips and salsa. Love it. Love it!! I can eat it for a meal. I can eat it for breakfast. Lydia and I have experimented with perfecting the do-it-yourself salsa. And I must say we made a quite tasty recipe! We'll sell it to you if you ask nicely. My favorite chips and salsa at the present time, would have to be Anamia's of Coppell fame and La Suprema from good 'ol Nederland.

2. My husband and I had chemistry together from the very beginning. We met our sophomore year at Baylor in Chemistry class and it has been a fun joke ever since. I am so madly in love with him and thankful that God made me stay on the vet route for just a bit longer for me to meet Joe.

3. I do not like leftovers. I never have and probably never will. They don't heat up right, you just had them and, more importantly, I usually forget about them after I put them in the fridge. However, this helped many other people along the way. My roomie and best bud Lydia LOVES leftovers...so she was well-fed! Joe is a boy and gets hungry at any random time, so poof, there is food I totally didn't remember.

4. I won a coloring contest when I was little and I got to dress up and get my face painted like a clown. That was lots of fun! I also won another coloring contest in Kindergarten at the Southeast Texas fair! Who know you were in the company of such a great artiste!

5. I love to read. And even more, I love to read a good sci-fi book. I got this from my dad. I love the inventive scenery, transportation and circumstances. However it is hard to come by good stories some times, so I usually rely on my dad's stock to keep me going. Speaking of...I need to steal some more books when I'm down next.

6. I love animated or "kids movies." I guess maybe it's the fantasy again, but I really love it when people use their imaginations or get to be goofy and enjoy life. Too often, as with the news, adult movies are filled with violence, sex and bad language. Give me something to laugh and giggle at any day! And just remember -- "Fish are friends, not food!"

7. I pick at the edges of my fingers constantly. I don't know if they are "hang nails," slivers of skin, or just my arch nemesis, but I can't leave them alone. Any time my hands are free I am flickin' away. This is a habit my family does not like!

8. I too sing in the car. After years of choir and band, I love music - plays, church, concerts, movie soundtracks and the radio. So on my drive to work or wherever, I love to sing. Sing with the music, sing off pitch or just hum along. I like it. And Joe even sings with me too! Sometimes we like to play "Name that Tune" and I usually win! teehee!



People I'm tagging: Emily, Brianna and Joe (don’t hold your breath for Joe)

New Hairsies!

"It's about dang time!" is probably what the poor hair lady's scissors said when they saw my sad head o' hair. After growing it out for my wedding, having one less than stellar haircut and growing it out again for Dina's wedding I finally decided enough was enough!!!

With the helpful referral from my sis-in-law, I took the plung and called Tangerine, a local salon in Coppell. I had a mission, I knew what I wanted and it didn't involve
long hair! So when my lovely stylist Kendra asked what I wanted to do today, I promptly said, "Whack it off!" ... "Please!" =)

So here you see it! My new fun summer haircut in my awesome do-it-yourself pictures. Because when I got home, my hubby was nowhere to be found. Little did I know the evening would involve us staying up until 1 a.m.!!! trying to get his poor truck to start. Turns out it was the battery, and we headed off to Wal-Mart. Joe said it couldn't be the battery, because last time we died we were with John and Lydia in Waco. Now ok, how long have we all not lived in Waco? 2, 3, 4 years? =) But it's all fixed now and we can ride around and show off my new 'do!

 
(Rockin' the new hairsies!)

 
(And from behind...)

 
(And to the side...)

Taaaadaaa!!!

Bugs...bugs...bugs...

Well, last night we had our second venue change for the Tarrant County Blue Thunder baseball season of foreverness! =)

We went to the Lewisville Lizards' home field in...Argyle...kind of like Lewisville. Well, it kinda is, if you don't mind the 20 mile detour! It was a nice park, but then the sun went down and the natives came out to play. Thousands, millions, perhaps of creepy crawlies!!! Grasshoppers, beetles, moths, waterbugs, stinkbugs, don'tknowwhatitis bugs, frogs and who knows what else.

I'm fine with all of this, unlike some other baseball fans, who the only time they were screaming during the game was when one of these nice creepy crawlies crawled into their lap! BUT when we were walking out and the grass was more black than green from bugs, I do have to draw the line!

So if you're interested in boning up on your insects, join us at Integrity park located on 114 and 377/347? in Argyle!!

Baseball Booboos and Big Debates

Well this past week has been interesting for two reasons.

1. Baseball is winding down and getting crazy. We played a really nasty team the week before and even their fans were rude. So that wasn't as fun of a baseball time as I usually like. Then this past week Joe was faced with something new -- hitting a batter. As part of baseball, if they throw at your guys, you're supposed to throw at theirs. Now as humans, we're all about getting even, but it doesn't always work the way we want it. And in baseball, yeah, so it's part of the game, but do you have to do it? Why is it part of the game? Something the O'Brien household is figuring out.

2. Big Debates - As part of baseball, Joe has gotten to share his testimony and bit o' knowledge about God with his teammates. It has really been a blessing and just crazy how God can take the simplest things and direct it to Him. And with that, comes in one of his Christian teammates who believes in Calvinism - or where there are those "elected" or already chosen who will go to heaven. This has caused quite a debate between the to guys, and has also spilled into our family/friend discussions.

It's a tricky topic as how do we know God's ways? If those who are going to be saved are already predetermined, why are we charged with spreading the gospel? And on and on and on...

Would love to hear your thoughts!

My Best Friend's Wedding...

Well, I got to partake in one of my best friend's wedding this weekend. No I didn't try to sabotage anything; no nasty e-mails, no inhalation of helium, maybe a few annoying cousins...but...it was a lot of fun!

Congratulations Dina and Kyle!

Busy, busy...

Sorry for the draught of posts. It has been one wild and crazy summer. Between baseball games, weddings, family and no Internet. I have been a bad blogger.

After this weekend...much to blog about.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!