Friday, June 27, 2008

A House Update

I've noticed I haven't really posted that much about the inside of our house. We're still working on decorating -- waiting for paintings to come, tables to be built, curtains and so on -- as you must with a young couple's budget.

However, we have done some things...

Our Bedroom:
- In our entryway, I was able to frame a few proof pages from a book of Texas Photography that we worked on at the press. The bottom one has puppy paws going up the sand dune, and it just makes me think of Ryker...I love that little guy.

- One whole wall is finished in here! Exciting I know. We painted the entry way and the back wall a peanut butter- esque hue and accented it with a framed poster from our vacation spot last Labor Day. I love that the photo almost takes on a sepia tone, but it's actually just the depth of color from the sky and the sands - awesome!
- I'm waiting on some dark stained shelves to put on the left side of the bed and some wires so we can actually put the TV in its proper location.
The Living Room:
- This one's mostly done I think. We may add a collage, painting or mirror to the wall by the French doors. And we're eagerly looking forward to the day when we can put on a nice natural wood mantel.

As for the rest of the house, I'm finishing up the chair rail in the dining/sitting room, Joe's got on his honey-do list to build an entry table (to look like this one from Pottery Barn), and a hutch for the kitchen corner. (He's really awesome, as he's made all the wood furniture in the living room!)

Hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse and if you'd like to see it in person or stop by to decorate for me, just give me a call!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Why dogs should not be decorators...

The other week, I came home from meeting my husband and in-laws from an impromptu lunch in Addison and returned to find my front windows looking smashed in and broken into! I began to panic wondering what on earth happened when a little red puppy head popped up!

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

I made it to the door lickity-split to be greeted by Ryker, tail wagging...which promptly stopped when he saw my face. I looked over into the dining room...blinds a mess, pillows on the floor and pee on the couch! BAD DOG!!!!!

I said NO! And rushed his hiney outside where it stayed till I finally calmed down after a bit of venting and shopping with Lydia. I don't think that dog's tail wagged until about 10 o'clock when I finally told him I still loved him.

Here are a few examples of his handiwork and why one should NOT hire their dog to be an interior decorator and why Ryker will not be left alone inside unless he is in his crate ANY MORE!

Ugh...

But if you will notice the nice paint job and chair rail that Joe and I added...at least that's something nice.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Taggity Tag Tag

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?

The summer of '98 was not a highlight year. My sister ditched me for her college buddies, my parents uprooted me from my only home I'd known to move to Kingwood and the monster 5A school. My best friend moved far, far away too. Had to go to band practice in the middle of a black top parking lot.... Can we just not think about this year?

2) What are five things on my to-do list today?

Laundry, tidy, NOT go to the dentist, try and be productive! Oh, and play with puppy and read Treasure Island with Joe.

3) What snacks to I enjoy?

Anything sweet! Or chips and salsa, chips and queso, chips and dip...but not so much chips on their own. Apples and peanut butter = awesome!

4) Where are some places I’ve lived?

Nederville, H-Town (ish), Wacko, Aggie Land and currently the Big D (ish)

5) What things would I do if I were a billionaire?

If I were a billionaire, I'd pay off any debts we had, as well as our parents and sissies. I'd save. I'd buy a Corvette (or two). I'd donate to Water is Basic and other church-affiliated charities/missions and work with Lydia to improve animal rescue shelter/adoption agencies. I would also become someone's benefactor (any takers, Lyd?) And I'd travel... A LOT!

I tag: Emily, Brianna&Matt, Leah and Jon

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Dental Delima

It has been a bit too long since I have gone to see the dentist in the past year or so due to lack of insurance, lack of correct insurance and lack of will.

However, I decided to bit the proverbial bullet on Monday and go to the dentist. I called and said they could get me in that afternoon...ok...fine...I'll go.

All went well, said my teeth looked to be in great shape except for a few little worry spots. One of these worry spots seemed to be more worrisome than the others, so they asked that I come in for the dreaded filling...yippee. I was ok with this as it had been quite some time that I'd been to the dentist and I was expecting them to say my mouth was rotting out or something much more serious!

So, I go in for my lovely appointment at around 11 a.m. yesterday. I get called back, they start the numbing stuff then jab the local anesthetic needle in my mouth...Yaowweee! My gums might have been numb in some areas, but not all! Ok...dentist says "it needs to set about 5 minutes to take full effect." Joy...so I get my book and start reading...when all of the sudden. The winds pick up; the rain begins to fall; THE POWER GOES OUT!!!

WHAT! I am sitting here with a half numb mouth and the power goes out? NOT ACCEPTABLE! I wait for AN HOUR talking, with some difficulty, to the hygienists, looking at the rain and reading my book PRAYING the lights will come back on...to no avail.

I have to come back! I HAVE TO COME BACK! I'm sorry...dentists do a good thing for us, but it's not an enjoyable thing and it's not something I want to experience every day this week!

So I make my appointment for the next day (today) and head home with my numb mouth to find the power out at home and a soggy dog that got left out in the rain. Joy. I didn't even get total feeling back in my mouth until around 3:30. Arg!

So, I leave in a bit for Round 3! Please, dental gods, be kind.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Look what I won!!

A few weeks ago I was informed by our friend Shawn that I had one the Wonder Voyage prize pack for a drawing they had. What? How fun!

Shawn started up the Wonder Voyage ministry several years ago with his wife, Cheryl, and God has been doing some crazy, amazing things. He and his staff and family have the opportunity to lead groups of Christian youths and adults on overnight treks, overseas pilgrimages and extraordinary mission trips around the world.

So thank you Shawn, Cheryl and Wonder Voyage for the fun surprise gift.

Beignets for everyone!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Really Lame Photo Shoot

So I was talking to Ryker (my dog) this morning, and he says he wants more pictures of him around the house. I just got one printed yesterday, and I guess it has gone to his head.

Well, I wasn't feeling that artistic, but I wanted to oblige the poor soul, as he didn't feel to well this morning around 4:30!!! -- gotta love that.

So, enjoy the lamest photo shoot ever - staring my awesome dog Ryker.
(please do not let these poor quality photos reduce the cuteness factor of my pupster in your mind!)

We Started with the Cat Walk
- as you can see we had no such success here!
Next, I thought maybe a close-up or more posed position..."What?? You said look into the camera?!"

No! I am too bashful...
Ok, I'll do it...
look at my beautiful white paws and long, slender body...
...and my freakin' long tongue...

And a little wink, wink for you out there...

He's a ham, what can I say...
Posted by Picasa

Monday, June 02, 2008

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:

Monday, May 26, 2008

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!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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'!

Thursday, May 08, 2008

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

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

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!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

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!

Monday, April 14, 2008

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!

Monday, April 07, 2008

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!

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

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! =)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

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!)

Sunday, March 23, 2008

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!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

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!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

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!

Monday, March 10, 2008

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.

I am Elizabeth Bennet!


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!!!

Friday, March 07, 2008

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!

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

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!

Friday, February 29, 2008

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!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

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.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

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!

Monday, February 04, 2008

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!

Friday, January 11, 2008

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! =)

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

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!)