Happy New Year!

Can you believe 2010 is just about gone!!?? What a year this has been!! I got a new job and a fiance! And that was just within the last 6 months! The first six months was surrounded with the adventures of dating and exploring career options. I really focused on school last Spring and deciding what I wanted with the future. Chris came along and has really supported me with whatever decision I wanted to make. Chris also got a new job with Halliburton and he couldn't be happier! 

It's so weird to talk about 2011 with "we" instead of just "I." I just think about the wedding or see another wedding and I get so emotional because I can't believe my dreams are coming true!!! It is really ridiculous how excited I am and how sappy and thankful I get when I think about my new life in 2011. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

A look back at 2010:

Here's to 2011!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Christmas Unwrapped

Christmas has come and gone and I must say it was fabulous. Santa was good to everyone in the family. 

First we had Christmas with the Walkers:

Then Christmas at Nene's. We ate and ate and ate at Nene's. We took a tour of the land and the lake, opened presents and shot fireworks. And then the next day we had Christmas at Grammy's. 

This was my last year to get my stocking at Grammy's since I will be a married woman next Christmas!!! A bittersweet moment. 

Dad got all sorts of hunting stuff.
Mom got an iPad:

I got a Sonicare toothbrush!:

Chris got a new gun!:


 Oh, and did I mention my brother got the cutest puppy ever?! Meet Gauge.

We finished finished Christmas off by heading to the Independence Bowl. We had a blast eating and hanging out with family and friends. 

 I got a new idea for the wedding too... ;)

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night. Sometimes I chuckle when I read that title. I mean, do you really think it was a silent night that night??? I think NOT! At least not to start. Poor Mary. Whew, giving birth all-nat-ural in a barn. Brutal. It may not have been a silent night that night, but it indeed was a holy one. Amen.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Fun Facts:

The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!

www.carols.org 


Thanks for letting me indulge in my favorite carols. I hope everyone has a truly wonderful Christmas and we never forget the true reason for the season!!

The First Noel

I really like this song. And as weird as this is, N'sync has a quite lovely version of this song. But I like this song because it kind of tells the whole story. The shepherds, the wise men and the star are all mentioned in this song. And of course the King!

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel! 

Fun Facts:

The First Noel is unknown in origin but is generally thought to be English dating back to the sixteenth century. There is a misconception that the First Noel was French and it is believed that this is because of the French spelling of Noel as opposed to the olde English Anglo-Saxon spelling of the word as in Nowell. After England was captured by the Normans numerous words were adopted from the Norman French language and Noel was re-spelt as Nowell, early printed versions of this carol use the Nowell spelling. The First Noel was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys.

www.carols.org

Joy to the World

Such a classic Christmas song. Because of Christmas and the birth of Christ our world can have JOY! I just love when church choirs sing this song. The inflections of tone and excitement in this song are great. And I don't think it is a coincidence that everyone always sings this song with a smile on their face :)

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Fun Facts:

The words and lyrics of the old Christmas carol 'Joy to the World' were written in 1719 by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). Joy to the World is a popular Christmas carol which is based on Psalm 98 in the Bible. The father of John Watts was a Non-conformist and so extreme were his views that he was imprisoned twice. His father's influence over Isaac was demonstrated when he choose to attend Non conformist Academy at Stoke Newington in preference to a University. Watts was ordained as a Pastor of an Independent congregation. He wrote many hymns and Carols and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by the the University of Edinburgh in 1728. The music to the carol is by George Frederick Handel (1685-1759).
www.carols.org

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Ahhhhh, I love this song. I know I say that a lot. But I love them all for different reasons. I love this song because it gives the powerful names of our Savior! Give glory to the newborn King!! 

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!

Fun Facts:

“Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.
www.carols.org 

Oh Holy Night!

I really like the song Oh, Holy Night. Another favorite thing of mine to do, besides really study the lyrics and words of songs, is find the second and third verses of songs. A lot of times we only sing the first verse and the chorus in church. But the second and third verses of this song are beautiful. 

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

How powerful are those verses! "His power and glory ever more proclaim!" "In all our trials born to be OUR friend!" Oh, what a holy night that was in Bethlehem. 

Fun Facts:

The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893). 

www.carols.org 

Away in a Manger

This week is CHRISTMAS!!! I adore Christmas! Everything about it!!! The chill in the air, the snuggling, the apple cider, the giving gifts, and getting gifts. But most importantly, Christmas is the CELEBRATION of the birth of my Savior! Hallelujah!

My other favorite thing about Christmas is the songssssss! I love Christmas music! I have always wanted to  see the Trans Siberian Orchestra. They have come to Shreveport for the past several years, but I have yet to make it to a concert. I love this:

Another classic Christmas song is Away in a Manger. I love this song. One of my favorite things to do is sit down and really look at the words of a song.

Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

My favorite part of this song is the last three stanzas. It is so comforting to know Jesus is looking down form the sky and staying by my side; staying close by me forever and loving me. What a joyous song for the Christmas season!


I found a neat website with a little history on Christmas Carol, www.carols.org.
Fun Facts:
Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

My Heart is Bursting!

My heart is literally bursting at the seams!!! There is so much love this Christmas season! I simply adore Christmas. I love opening the door and the house being warm and smelling like Christmas! In case you didn't know, Christmas smells like cinnamon and spice. Close your eyes, think about it, breath in cinnamon and spices.....Ahhhhh- Christmas!! 

Of course the other obvious reason my heart is loving this season, is because of my wonderful fiancé!! Eeeekkkk! It is so weird to say that word. Ha! But, he truly does make me happy! 

Beyond Christmas and my soon-to-be hubby, it seems everyone around me has something to celebrate! I don't know if they want me to air all their business on here, but I am just too excited for them! I will use a little code when discussing them though. 

C- She is making big decisions in her life right now. She graduated with the dream of medical school, and while that dream didn't work out she has a new goal in sites- opthalmology school. She took her whatever test and of course passed with flying colors. She now has TWO interviews- one in Houston and one in Memphis. I couldn't be more excited for her!

J- She had a surgery in October and has been quarantined to her house ever since. Well, she is back in action, sorta. She is now allowed out of the house! And soon enough she will be walking without crutches! I can't wait for her to be at 100%, but for now I am glad she is able to get out and enjoy herself! 

A- She graduates this month and recently had a teaching interview! She's not sure if she wants to get her Master's but for now she is happy with getting interviews! She is still making her decisions on what she wants to do, but I am so excited she has a job opportunity and something to look forward to in the future!

I thank God for blessing me and blessing my friends' lives. We are so fortunate.

Good Bride, Bad Bride

Good Bride- Has known her wedding colors since she was a little girl

Bad Bride- still hasn't decided

Good Bride- begins dieting immediately

Bad Bride- eats Cheez-its before going to try on dresses

Good Bride- Knows exactly what flower she wants at ever location and in every bouquet

Bad Bride- still hasn't decided.

Good Bride- Has a golden tan and flawless makeup

Bad Bride- Still rocking the winter paleness and is lucky to make it through the day with make up on.

Good Bride- Has an answer to every question asked

Bad Bride- Only has the answer, "I don't know yet" or "Haven't gotten to that part yet."

Guess which one I am...and enjoying every second of it.

Say Cheese!

I love taking pictures. I carry my camera with me every.where. It is always in my purse. I just never want to leave the camera at home because (since Shreveport is now the Hollywood of the South), you just never know who you may see around town. So I always have my camera handy. I have a Canon PowerShot SD630. It's a small point and shoot camera but takes great pictures. I couldn't be more pleased.

But since I have started at LSUS I have access to a Canon EOS 50D:

This is a WHOA fancy camera. I love taking pictures with it. I feel like a pro. And taking pictures with this camera and seeing the results has led me to the conclusion that anyone can be a good photographer- you just need a good camera. This camera takes incredible photos. I take pictures and put them on the website or show them around the office and people just rave. And I'm like, "are they serious??" Using this camera takes no effort but it does take fabulous photos!



Friday Five

1. I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just in case you didn't know :)

2. See the flowers above, yes, that's all I have been thinking about. Flowers, colors, dates. food, dress, colors, location, money, colors. Ah! It. is.so.over.whelming!!! There are soooo many things that have to be decided on!! And while I am not really in a time crunch, I just want to get it done so I can enjoy being engaged! And plan the fun stuff like showers and registering! :)

3. Colors. Did you ever think sometimes you learned about in kindergarten could be to stressful?! I mean it is just a color. Red. Yellow. Black. White. Blue. But ohhhhhh, no. You have maroon, bright red, apple red, shiny red, then the paler reds that begin to flirt with Pink. I mean its exhausting just trying to pick a color!!!

4. I know men usually don't care about the wedding plans, but I like to pretend they do. So while I am pretending that Chris actually cares what the colors are, I don't want make any decisions while he isn't here. Which is hard to do because he is on a rig for the next 14 days with no cell reception. Makes it a little tricky. But besides all that pretending, Chris is color blind- so why do I want his opinion any way???? Because I want him to love it too!

5. With ALLLLLL this excitement I am really trying not to lose focus of what this season is about, my engagement, CHRISTMAS and JESUS! Even without the distraction of planning a wedding, the Christmas hustle and bustle can make you lose the true meaning of Christmas. Don't forget, Jesus is the reason for the season! And we are celebrating the birth of that sweet baby that came to save the world!

The Proposal

I am still so excited I can barely contain it! And if you ask Chris, I am not containing myself at all! Haha! He is excited too, but he is a boy.

So The Proposal...

We had plans to go to Natchitoches to see the lights on Sunday. We went last year on the Saturday of the parade and it was CRAZY. There were people everywhere and you could hardly enjoy the lights. We decided to go on a Sunday this year to avoid the madness. Chris was going back to work on Wednesday for two weeks, so I knew if I wanted to go it would have to be that weekend. So we made plans to go and Sunday afternoon, we set off to Natchitoches. Before we left Chris was ironing his shirt - a BUTTON DOWN! For the life of me I could not understand why he was wearing that. Keep in mind I had on a long-sleeve tee and my hair in.a.braid!!! Hence the reason there are no pictures of us that night. Ha! We decided we would eat dinner at Mama's or Papa's on Front Street and then look at the lights. So on our way down I thought I would just call to make sure they are open- they're not. So I started Google-magic. I found The Landing, which turned out to be just fabulous! Of course, Chris had no idea where we were going to eat, he was just going with the flow. He said, "Well I knew we would eat somewhere..." Men. So, The Landing was perfect it had big street lights and colored Christmas lights all inside and just a perfect little setting. Lucky for Chris it turned out to be so perfect. So we ate dinner and went to the car to get my gloves and Chris's coat. Where the ring had been hiding for 3 days! We went to the river front and started walking in front of all the lights. We were chatting and I was taking pictures of the lights. We passed a couple of benches and Chris asked if I wanted to sit down. Of course I said, "No! It's too cold. Let's keep moving to keep warm." I always ruin everything. So we kept walking and taking pictures of the lights. Finally Chris had had enough and just sat on the bench hoping I would follow. I did, eventually. It is all a bit fuzzy after this. Chris and I both agree, we kind of blacked out. The excitement and emotion escalated and we just don't remember the details. And as I sat he told me how much he loved me. Loved me more than anything in the world. And of course I replied "Well me too!" 

Chris: Well I have a question for you." - and made a move to his jacket pocket. 

Jennifer: Shut. up.

Chris: No, I really do have a question. -moves down to one knee- Will you marry me?

Now this is all a blur. I know he asked and I said YES! I guess that's all that matters!

So that's the story. I couldn't even take it all in. I can still barely comprehend that I am making WEDDING plans! Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! We hurried back to the car to call everyone and go see both of our parents. Everyone is so excited!

We haven't really picked anything yet. We are getting closer to a date though. It is soooo crazy to have to pick a date that will change your life for.ev.er. Chris is gone for two weeks, so I am going to try and do a lot of research and when he gets back he can just agree to everything and we can say we made the decision to together! Ha!

We're getting MARRIED!!!!!!!

Just in case you haven't seen:

Eeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!

Remember this day 12.5.10

Yep, That's what Chris told me on Sunday night when HE PROPOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES, you read right and yes, that was a LOT of exclamation points! We are SO excited! I keep telling Chris I am more excited than him, but he says its because he has known longer! Haha!

And there it is! Eeeeeeekkkkkkkkk! It is absolutely perfect! He had it customed made to a picture I sent him in October, as a joke!!

So the next question is "Have you picked a date??" And the answer is a resounding NO!!! Ha! Not that I am not super ready to walk down that aisle, but it has been 2 days and we just haven't gotten that far! His schedule can be a little crazy, so we want to let that settle down. I don't know where the ceremony will be, or the reception, or the band (or d.j.?), or my colors, or wedding party, or my dress, or flavor of cake, or the food, or how big or how small. No I don't really have an answer to ANY of those questions- And don't judge me! Sure a girl always dreams of her wedding, but I never had anything specific in mind! I know all the stars have to align just perfectly, so I don't want to get too committed to a date and then recepetion place be booked or nail down the church and then minister can't be there. Ah! Too much to think about!

And I don't want to miss this time to just be over the moon excited! Sunday night was like living in a dream!!!!! Who would want to give that up to worry about the details?! Not me!

I want to say my blogging will increase. Because I want to document everything! But I have a feeling life will be getting quite insane! Haha! I will do my best and try to keep everyone up to date! I am sure I will be creating a wedding website with all the details (whenever we actually figure those out).

**Also, I just had to add two new tags- Proposal and wedding!!!!!!! AAAAHHHHHHH! **

Lots of more details to come!

*Also, I realize that I am posting this on December 7, which is also Pearl Harbor Rememberence Day, and I will never forget that day either. A huge thank you to all the current and past military members. I will forever be grateful.*

Friday Five

1. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! YAY! I love Christmas time and all the pretties that go up as decorations around this time. Stockings, the tree (duh), the smell good candles, pretty ornaments, mantel decorations. Ahhhhh, so lovely.

2. First Christmas party of the season was the Staff Senate Holiday Party. It was very nice and a good time for the entire staff to take a break and enjoy the holidays and company. And I won a plant!

3. I discovered last night, gingerbread house decorating is not my calling. Wow. That little icing bag can be tricky.

4. I am ready to complete my Christmas shopping. So much pressure to get everything done! Eek!

5. It was around 40 degrees when I woke up and got dressed this morning. That is cold! And it was even colder earlier this week. But now, when I walked across campus at lunch, I started sweating! I wear the big sweaters and jackets to try and convince myself (or mother nature) that it is DECEMBER, and it should be cold outside. But to no avail, I will be hot when I walk to the car after work in my thick, red, festive sweater...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ahhh, I love Thanksgiving. SO much to be thankful for. I did most of my thanking in my last Friday Five, so I won't do it again. But I am truly thankful for everything in my life. My wonderful family and friends. 

Here's what I did and did not do yesterday...

I DID:

cook two pumpkin pies

make a gagillion deviled eggs

stuffed.my.face.

enjoyed time with my family

loved all the baby presents we got my cousin

enjoyed dinner with Chris's family

LOVE watching the Saints win

I DID NOT:

take a single picture. Oops.

eat any meat. HA! Not intentionally, I just love all the other stuff too much!!

take a nap- a little bummed about that. 

rub it in Chris's face when the Cowboys lost ;)

Today I throughly enjoyed left overs from Chris's house. I also enjoyed an SVU marathon while waiting on Chris to get done duck hunting. I cleaned up the house a bit to prepare for the Christmas wonderland that will take over soon!! I  did NOT get out in the madness at whatever o'clock this morning. But I did go to Bed Bath and Beyond this afternoon. I have been craving apple cider and I just HAD to have some. I have a Keurig, and just knew there had to be apple cider for the Keurig. I was right and off to BB&B I went. Grabbed my cider, also spot some pillows for $9.99, decided  I need them too and then I was out of there. 

Now back home to finish the Alabama v. Auburn game and then it's Christmas music and decorations time!!!

P.S. The Keurig apple cider is AWESOME!!!! So yummy and the perfect serving size. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!! I mean MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Painting with a Twist!

I guess about a year or so ago Shreveport brought a new business to town Panting with a Twist. It is such a fun concept! It has taken this area by storm! There are sell out classes all the time and it is all over Facebook. People with their paintings, their statuses about parties and girls's nights out. It is tons of fun! Some people get all the girls to go. Some convince their boyfriends to go (I have been unsuccessful). And maybe there are a few others like me, that just go to get away and do something fun by myself. Not that I wouldn't mind company but it is nice to just get away and paint. (Never thought I would hear myself say that!)

So here is the first painting I did a couple of months ago, "Scroll Cross":

It is hanging in my living room. I like it less and less. Ha. I want to paint another one to put there.

So recently I painted "Simple Beauty." We started with a plain white canvas. Painted the whole thing black. Then added these gray X's to "add depth." Whatever. I don't speak art, but I do follow directions.

Next we added the "bones" of our flowers. I liked this painting because you can't really mess it up. I mean who is to say "No, that's not how to draw a flower!" Yes, there is a model and a teacher explaining how it should be drawn, but really...it's up to the "artist."

Then fill in your flowers. Mix a little white with a little black and add some accents. Then just a smidgen of black here and there and TA-DA! So here is the finale product:

It is a "simple beauty." If I do say so myself ;)

Friday Five- Thanksgiving Edition

(Ahhahahaha, how funny are these 5 turkeys!!)

1. I am thankful for my wonderful family. I am so blessed to have amazing parents who support me (still ha!). An awsome brother who is just growing up to be an amazing man like my daddy. I am thankful for my extended family. My loving grandparents who are still setting an example of how to live an honorable life. My awesome aunt Nene and Tony who love on me as much as they can. My crazy uncles and aunts and GREAT uncles and GREAT aunts who I will get to see Thursday! I am thankful for Thanksgiving when we can all come together to just enjoy each other's company (and cooking skills).

2. I am thankful for my second family- my friends! Really they could go in number one because they are my family. I love my girls so much! I know any one of them would be there for me at a moments notice. And I the same for them.

3. I am so thankful that Chris will be home for Thanksgiving! He is working his little booty off on a rig right now and I can't wait for him to be home! He got lucky and will have Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's off!! WAHOOO! I am so thankful that he is a hard worker and wants to provide for his family in the future [ who ever it may be with ;) ]. But I am even more thankful we can spend the holidays together!

4. I am thankful for a great job! Some days are better than others but I could not be happier with where I am at!

5. I am so thankful for Thanksgiving in general. It is my favorite holiday. I always have so much to be thankful for and I love getting together with friends and family to give thanks! I am also thankful that after Thanksgiving comes Christmas!!!!!

Running in the Cold

Tuesday, I took a nice little run after work. I was outside for 29:00 minutes and ran for about 25 of those. I was whoa impressed with myself. I think it was because I was running in the cold. Obviously one would think it is easier to run at 60 degrees versus 90 degrees. But I say 50 degrees is way better than with 60 or 90!

It was refreshing to feel that burn in my lungs. And that weird cold sweat you get. Like your skin is cold and turning red, but you can just barely feel the sweat. And if you stop running for just a second, you feel the heat hit your body. Ahhhh, feels good.

I won't lie I was just a wee-bit (read: a-lot-a-bit) sore on Wednesday. I don't know if sore is the right so much as tight. My hips felt like they were going to pop! But it was so worth it. I ran further without stopping than I have. And I ran a longer amount of time! Without dying! Ha! Can't wait to go for a run after work. Though it is pretty nippy outside today. May have to wear long sleeves this time. So worth it! I WILL be ready for the Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in New Orleans come February! I can do IT!

Nathan Allen George

Nathan Allen George

08.25.88 - 11.06.10

My dear, sweet friend Nathan went to Heaven Saturday. While we are all devastated and sad today, I know he is thrilled to be with his Savior! And that fact alone makes me smile! It will be a tough day today. We have to lay to rest, a once vibrant 22 year old, friend.

We are all so selfish here on Earth. We want Nathan back. We want just a few more hours, minutes, seconds with him. We want to hug his neck once more. We want to encourage him. We want him to encourage us! - He was always good at that. We just want him back. But how selfish is that of us? Terrible! He is with his Heavenly Father. And I know he has had a few talks with the big Man, because after all LSU did BEAT Alabama on Saturday. I know Nathan went straight to work when he got through the gates! Ha!

(He wasn't very modest, can you tell?? But that's what we loved about him. And honestly, if you had a body like that...would you be modest??!)

I hold on to this song so tightly right now. It is one thing that keeps me going. The music with this song is great, but the words are what makes it so amazing. It's called You Hold Me Now by Hillsong:

On that day when I see, All that You have for me
When I see You face to face, There surrounded by Your grace

All my fear is swept away, In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need, and forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold, In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven rise to you along

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now, You hold me now, You hold me now
No darkness, no sick or lame
No hiding, You hold me now, You hold me now

In this life I will stand, through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day, there's a hope that never fails

When Your name is lift4ed high and forever praises rise
For the glory of Your name, I'm believing for the day

When the wars and violence cease, all creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now, You hold me now
No darkness, no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now, you hold me now

For eternity, all my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

Such amazing words to think about when you think about someone you love has left this Earth. Especially in Nathan's case, because he was hurting and in pain and now he is free of that! He is living the good life in Heaven and I know he is watching over us each and everyday. We have all gained one very special (and good looking) guardian angel.

I could go on and on with encouraging scripture. Encouraging words, phrases and songs. On and on with things to try and make us feel better. But really, we will all be ok. Nathan is so happy right now. And he would never want to see any of us hurt or cry or be sad. We will never forget our sweet Nathan, but he would want us to move past this sad and tragic time to better and happier things. I think we should try to do that for him too. Because truly, everyone knows that is what he would want.

Nathan,

I am so thankful for your life! I am so thankful God allowed our paths to cross. You have been a true blessing as a friend. I loved having you at the house while you pretended to study. And I loved that you at least attempted to make us breakfast in the mornings. I loved that even though you were sick you always put others first. You were very concerned with making sure we were informed about your status. You wanted us to not worry. You were more concerned with Amanda being sick than for yourself. You were more concerned with Jess having surgery than your own transfusion coming up! It was a blessing, a testimony and a great witness to watch your faith in God grow. Your illness was awful. Terrible. Horrible. But, I know God had his hand on you because the witness and testimony you gave to your friends and even complete strangers is incredible. Nathan, you will forever and ever be missed, but never forgotten. Keep watch over us Nate. I know you will. Love you.

Who fishes in gym shorts, no shirt and boots? Oh, only Nathan.

Don't Judge Me!

That's right, don't judge me! After you read this list, you may be tempted, but don't do it!

• I think going to the grocery store, or Walmart, should count as a workout for the day. Up and down all those isles and dealing with the crazies of the world- definitely should count as a workout. Skip the gym!
• I think pizza is less fattening when it's cold. Yup. When it's hot you can actually see the grease. When it's cold, you cant. Therefore it must be less fattening.
• I am getting my master's degree. (Some judge me on that fact alone). But one of the reasons I chose this particular degree NO THESIS! Not that I don't love the program I am in, but let's face it- who wants to write a 20 page paper. Not I. So I chose this degree. And it is way easier.
• I feel more productive anytime I am not sitting. So to me, lots of shopping = high productivity!
• I think on-line banking is fabulous. Love not getting those big ole paper statements in the mail. But I can't manage to pay all my bills on-line. Weird, I know. I like getting that bill, writing the check and knowing it is paid. Maybe it's because I have 2 boxes of checks to use...
• I think makin "to-do" lists can change a person's whole day. Feeling overwhelmed? Make a list. You'll feel better.
• No, I don't think you should wear white after labor day. I know some say that is so not the case anymore, but it is. And secretly, everyone is still judging you when you wear white. So don't do it.

Don't judge me!

Just for a day...

Just for a day...

I would love to be a cake decorator. I love baking and cooking. How fun would it be to have a bakery?! I think it would be totally fun. I love watching the cake shows. What a fun job, but I would probably only last for a day.

Wouldn't it be fun to be a florist for a day?! I l.o.v.e. flowers. How fun would it be to play with pretty flowers all day and make pretty arrangements? Very fun if you ask me.

Wouldn't it be fun to be a writer, for a day. Just to leisurely write about whatever topic I wish. A romance novel, or a crime, or just my thoughts on whatever topic I like.

Wouldn't it be fun to be a chef for a snazzy restaurant? It would be so fun to create new menu items. And to have all the cool kitchen gadgets at my finger tips!

I would say it would be cool to be a painter, but let's be honest, I am so NOT artistic. But if I actually could draw, it would be totally fun to be a painter.

Wouldn't it be neat to design different publications? To take pictures of check presentations, faculty, and a beautiful campus? Wouldn't it be cool to work for your alma mater? Receive media calls, write press releases, and show important people around campus. Oh wait, that is what I do everyday ;)

Fall is (finally) in the air!

Fall is definitely in the air! It took it a little while, but I think it has arrived. And I am loving it. It is cooler in the morning, it is breezier durning the day and it is not so unbearable to walk across campus. I feel so old saying that. Aren't old people the only people who like Fall? I always thought that growing up. Young kids like summer and old people like Fall. Guess I'm old. But I digress...the real reason for the Fall post is to show off my Fall flowers!

The first picture has my favorite flowers. These are mums (for the flower illiterate). I love that deep red color! The second picture is my window sill. The middle pot has orangey mums and the two little pots have yellow mums! The third picture is another little yellow mum. I chose to get the mums that have not bloomed yet. Hopefully they will last throughout the fall!

Now I can't wait to set the clock back!

Girls Trip, sorta...

Last weekend Mom and I went to see Chris on his last weekend in Houston. So it was a girls trip, sorta. We got in Friday night and of course went straight to Papacitos. YUM! Can't go wrong there and since we don't have one in Louisiana, we always go there. Mom and I shared the best fajitas.

Saturday, we got up and went to The Woodlands. Chris and I discovered a great sushi place last time I was down there so we knew that is where lunch had to be. Of course it didn't open until 12, and I knew just how to kill the time- SHOPPING! I found some cute gold flats, which I have been searching for!! And I very cute top that I can wear to work or out with friends. Yay.

Sushi was yummy and after a quick trip to the mall we headed back so we could watch the LSU game! Thankfully, I napped through most of it, because apparently it was nothing to witness. Boo.

We had 5 p.m. reservations for Melting Pot!! I was so excited about this!! Mom had never been, Chris had been once and I have been once a looooong time ago. I was so excited for Mom to get to try this! (I wish Dad could have been there too) The meal was great, and our waiter. But at the end of the evening we all agreed, we should just come for dessert next time. Because dessert by far was THE best part of the meal.

Preparing for our fondue adventure!

Because everyone wheres a smile like this while dipping cheese. She should be on a fondue box.

We. were. stuffed. Miserably. stuffed. Needless to say, we did nothing the rest of the night but hang out and laugh- at each other. Chris is one of the funniest people I know. I am one of the weirdest people I know. And my Mom is one of the most easily entertained people I know. Put us together and there are LOTS of laughs.

After Jason's Deli Sunday morning Mom and I visited Old Town Spring, a really neat little part of the town we used to live in when we lived in Texas. It also just so happened to be Pet Day. Oh.My.Goodness. They had every breed of dog imaginable available for adoption. Most were rescued animals, who of course had some tragic story and you want to take every.single.animal home. I had long had my heart set on a cocker spaniel. I just love those wavy little ears they have. And I like the thought of adopting a pet. I have had to kitties from the pound. But you don't see too many cocker spaniels at the pound in Shreveport. SO when I saw at least 6 little cocker spaniel pups needing a home, I melted.

Meet Donnie:

I neeeeeeed this dog, or one like it. *sigh* One day...

But enough whining, it was a great weekend. AND FOUR days until Chris is home from Houston!!! Yay!!!!

Friday Five

1. Houston Bound this afternoon!! Yay!

2. Chris has ONE week of school left! Yay!!!!!!!!

3. I love that my girls came over last night around 6:30 and we stayed up talking til 12:30! On a work night! Haha! No t.v. or anything- straight talkin

4. I hate when the tip on your heels breaks. I sound like a horse coming down the hall. But only every other step.

5. I don't think I have mentioned, I met this guy: