Happy Halloween!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 

When I was little Mom wouldn't allow us to celebrate Halloween, with the exception of the churches "fall festival" and now she is all about it (Cody wasn't allowed to Trick-or-Treat either. I guess you could call it destiny!). Anyways, we wanted to have a Costume party/bonfire at my parents house but, after the wedding, Mom needed a little break. As a substitution, we are excited to get all dressed up and go to dinner for my brothers birthday and then, a get-together with friends!! Who would have thought the people that were anti-Halloween would have a child born on that holiday? Irony?!? Hope you all have fun Trick-or-Treating!

What's your costume this year?

Matthew, I hope this Birthday is the best! You can make me laugh harder than anyone else I know and I love being your sister! Sorry this picture of you is like a year old, I stole it from Facebook! 

Fiesta or Wedding? Your pick!

A Latino, a Baptist and a Mormon go to a wedding...interject joke here. Well, it happened at my parents house Saturday night!! We totally transformed my parents gorgeous home into a chapel/wedding recpetion/dance hall in an attempt to achieve Rosa's dream wedding. Rosa is a good friend and has worked for my parents for years and when she told my mother she dreamed about walking down the stairs in a red dress, we made it happen! On Saturday, October 23rd, Rosa and Jose tied the knot in a ceremony, performed by my father (the Baptist) and attended by about 60 guests. I'm sure you're wondering where the Mormon's fit in. Well, Rosa's children attend the Mormon church so many of their friends came to celebrate the special occasion. The food was delicious (catered Mexican, eaten on fine china I might add), the cake was simply scrumptious (Sugar-Plum Visions...seriously the best cake EVER) and we can't forget about the dancing!!! 

The Buffet

Money Tree

The Happy Couple

Perfect Cake

Gill, the musician

The Chapel?

Me & the photographer (thanks HHH)

The fine china before it was covered with the salsa, beans and rice resulting in 2.5 hours of dish washing to return to their original state! :)

Reception Area

We had a great time and we are so happy for Rosa and Jose! If you're looking for a place to have a ceremony, I guess the 'Cheek Inn' is open for business! I wonder what we will come up with next?!? Never a dull moment! 

Too Short

I'm always amazed when I go to a persons house and they have beautiful candles, everywhere, that never serve their purpose. I used to do this. I would have candles all over with wicks that, sadly, never saw a flame and then I started thinking...

LIFE'S TOO SHORT, BURN YOUR CANDLES!! 

One Life to Love

The past 2 weeks at VL have been, I think, the greatest in our church history. We all met Bill. Of course, I've known Bill and many others do as well but I had no idea of his story. I've known of his battle with cancer and I've prayed for him during this trial but I was oblivious to the wonderful work God has done in and through his life during this time. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in May of this year and he has allowed this diagnosis to completely change his priorities, life and heart. He shared with us how he truly prayed for God to open the eyes of his heart and how God answered his prayer, helping him see people as Christ sees. I've been so humbled and spurred to a deeper relationship with my Savior because of Bill's life. I'm also humbled and spurred to greater levels of living by my pastor's obedience to our Savior. Today, Pastor Pete washed Bill's feet and shared John 13: 2-5; 12-17, encouraging us as believers to be servants. 

Thanks to Bill for allowing God to use him. Pastor Pete and Family, thank you for your obedience. We are grateful and we love you!! We are thrilled to serve alongside you on this amazing journey and we look forward to the amazing years to come. In a world of ministry where many churches seem to be missing the point, VL is a breath of fresh air and I can't believe God allows us to be a part of HIS beautiful work there!!!  

On the way home, I heard a new song (to me) and the chorus truly summed up the day. I hope the words are an encouragement to you as they were to me. Have a beautiful week!

One Life to Love by 33 Miles...

"You only get just one time around, you only get one shot at this

One chance to find out the one thing that you don’t wanna miss

One day when it’s all said and done I hope you see that it was enough

This one ride, one try, one life to love"

Terms, Examples & Lots of Questions

After 2 years of saying "I'm gonna do it", I've officially done it. I started the real estate pre-license courses Monday and let me just say...I'm tired! [Aside: I am fully aware this seems like a crazy thing to do with the market in it's depressed condition but I have high hopes that it will eventually make a comeback.] It's lots of information packed into a pretty long day but I'm excited to be there. I am also totally freaked that some of the people in this class will actually be allowed to practice and could possibly list or sale homes/land so beware (if, of course, they can pass the exam). My brother, Matthew, decided to take the class with me and I'm so glad because I now have someone who can vouch for everything I witnessed in the classroom. Some of the questions...well, I'll just stop there. One week down, one to go! Have a wonderful weekend! 

By the way, it's cold in GA now and I can't wear my flip flops anymore. I'm devastated!

His plans...

During the 2 years we spent in AL, I learned so much about God's plans. I have to say it was probably one of the hardest, most trying times in my life. It's amazing how God's plans can be so different from our own but His plan is perfect. Every morning, on the way to school, Dad and I would pray together and he would encourage me with different scriptures and words of wisdom. One day, in particular, he didn't drop me off at school but took me to the church with him instead. That day will forever be marked in my memory as we read scripture, prayed and encouraged each other. Little did we know, God was preparing us for a trial that touched and changed our family. Dad shared the following verses with me and, even though I'd heard them before, they became favorites on that day and a mantra our family would recite for years.

 

Jeremiah 29:11-13- "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." 

Last year when my parents went to Israel, they purchased a silver bangle with a Hebrew inscription of my life verse. This bangle has become a permanent accessory in my daily wardrobe and not a day passes that it's not on my wrist. I hope you will seek and find! Happy Wednesday! 

Locked out!!!

Today my brother dropped me off, at my house, at 5:25 PM and before I could get to the front door, he was gone! Let's just put it this way, he left too soon because he never saw that I was locked out! After ringing the doorbell and pushing the handle (as if it was going to magically pop open) I immediately picked up my handy dandy iphone, as I assumed Cody was at the track. After 19 attempts with no answer and Facebook/Twitter status updates my cell battery died leaving me totally stranded! I'm sure my neighbors were wondering what the heck I was doing chillin' on my brick stoop!! At 6:45, Mr. Deese pulled in the driveway laughing and tooting his horn! Let me repeat, laughing and tooting his horn! He claims he couldn't help it because I looked so funny sitting there, waiting. I, on the other hand, had an achin' booty (from the brick) and didn't think it was one bit funny. Well, maybe just a little bit!!! :) Lesson for the day...GET A HIDE-A-KEY! 

The Chanel Diagnosis

Update on Chanel: Saturday, I went to the mall, took my sunglasses to the counter, explained my situation and expected them to say "oh well", "too bad" or "they will have to be sent off for repair" but, do you know what they did?!? They gave me a brand spankin' new pair of shades!! I was giddy...literally!! Now, I'm almost certain this would not be the diagnosis on every occasion but that it was simply happenstance. In other words, I think the salesperson sympathized with my plight and decided to help a sista out! Regardless, I am now sporting a new, gorgeous pair of glasses with NO scratches. Thank you, understanding sales lady! I learned my lesson and from now on...the shades will be in the CASE if they aren't on the FACE!! 

She leaves me with no other choice!

She leaves me with no other choice! My cousin, Jenna, that is. If she doesn't start updating her blog more than once a quarter, I will be forced to hijack her blogspot and update for her!!! Trust me, she will not like it! The posts will not be her usual works of excellence consisting of flawless grammar and an extensive use of vocabulary (after all, she is the one with the degree from UNC and all the creative writing courses under her belt, not me) but, at least, her readers will be informed! Jenna, don't make me illegally seize your posts! How can I promote you as the next Francine Rivers when I can't depend on you to update? 

I need some more Jenna in my life!

"The" Chanel's

I'm totally obsessed with wearing sunglasses! Four years ago, I went from contacts and glasses to 20/15 vision, thanks to the wonder that is laser surgery! Since that moment, I wear sunglasses any time I step outside. Well, I've never broken or lost any of my $19.95 specials from Target or American Eagle so I finally talked Cody into buying me a super nice pair of shades. I love them!! In fact, love may not even describe my affection for these glasses. Of course he thought it was ridiculous but, after just about a month, he said it was one of the greatest purchases he's ever made because I wear them constantly. All this to say, last week, a tragedy occurred. After a year and a half of placing my glasses in their respective case inside my purse, I dropped them (gently, I might add) into my bag only to pull them out later that afternoon to find them so scratched that I can't see out of the left lens!! I thought I was going to hyperventilate. I know it sounds silly. It is silly. All week I've been lost and I find myself squinting which, in turn, makes me have wrinkles, which will eventually lead to a need for botox or a face-lift. Bottom line...something's gotta give and these shades must be fixed because my dearest, Cody, is not gonna buy me another pair or pay for any procedures that I should deem necessary from the lack of protective eye-wear. It looks like our date night will include a trip to the scene of the purchase to see if there is ANY way possible to repair my permanent face fixtures. Sigh...glad it's off my chest. Goodnight!

We need to join a support group!

Thanks to Brian and Jen, we are hooked! Every Friday night we look forward to the Deese/Bennett double date and our Rita's fix. My new favorite is the coffee flavored custard which is simply delish! Yesterday, while running errands, I had to drive by Rita's and I couldn't resist stopping...for Cody, of course. I dropped by the house, stuck Rita's in the freezer and headed back to work. When we got home, I asked Cody to check the date on the icecream and it took him 3 times of looking in the freezer to realize I bought him Rita's cherry ice with vanilla custard. Needless to say, he was freaking out!! That being said, midweek Rita's cannot happen. I must put my foot down and stop this immediately. It's just so good though! Brian and Jen, we love our new place but we may need to join Weight Watchers before long!! 

Fireproof

We went to see Fireproof with our small group and since then, I've been promoting the film to everyone. There are so many wonderful, practical principles that we can all put into our marriages and relationships in general. I hope you all go see it!

A little Halloween joke!

I received this e-mail earlier in the week and in the subject line:

 "Halloween is going to suck this year!" 

Daraja Children's Choir

This was one of the amazing things we experienced at Catalyst! These kids were so precious and wore the biggest smiles!! I had to share it with you guys!

Catalyst Quotes

We had the best time at Catalyst and, as always, I learned so much!! Here are a few of my favorite quotes...

*"You may have been born in poverty but poverty is not born in you." 

-Compassion International

*"You are the God of my story. Write every line for your glory." -Todd Fields

*"Spend less time trying to be interesting and more time being interested." 

-Jim Collins

*"You need a 'to do list' and a 'stop doing list.'" -Jim Collins

*"Greatness is not a function of circumstance. It's of conscious choice and discipline." -Jim Collins

*"Good is the new great." -Tim Sanders 

*"Success breeds complacency and complacency breeds failure." -Andy Stanley

Wow!

Catalyst was amazing. My brain is on overload! I'm getting ready for bed and will post more later. Have an excellent Saturday!! 

Catalyst

We are always pumped when Catalyst conference rolls around and we learn so much in these 2 short days. Of course, it means 2 EARLY (like, seriously early for me) mornings fighting terrible traffic but it's so worth it! 16 people from our church are attending this year which means lots of craziness is in store!! More to come! 

SUSHI!

I can officially say that I am lovin' sushi and mean it! It has only taken me three visits to Ru Sans, trusting my friend enough to order for me AND being willing to, at least, try everything!! I must admit there have been a few things that I would rather not eat again but, overall, it's pretty tasty. Last night I knew Sushi was something I would choose to go back for, on my own, and possibly even crave at certain times. Now, I just need to get Cody on board so he can go with me. This is gonna be a big challenge since he prefers burgers and steak! 

This +

This +

This =

Yum!! A new favorite! 

Buns of Steel

A workout wouldn't be a workout without the most tail kicking exercise of all...LUNGES!! It doesn't matter how often I do them, they always let my muscles know change is coming! When I was little my Mom used to do the exercise VHS (yes, VHS)  "Buns of Steel" and I was thinking about that after my little workout, yesterday, with the best workout partner ever. It's always good to workout with someone who pushes you a little harder than you push yourself! Anyways, back to lunges. Since I've always had a bit of JLo booty (see exhibit A)

I feel it necessary to lunge on a daily basis!!! I've come to the realization that my mini JLo isn't gonna go away so I might as well take the cue from my mother and attempt to create "Buns of Steel". 

Dearest lunge, I'm in a love/hate relationship with you.

 

Who's house? Run's House!

This show totally cracks me up. Run's House is out of control and the family is so fun! Cody says Run's is "like the 21st century Cosby show"!!!  Am I the only person who watches this show and thinks it's hilarious?!?!?! 

In her red high heels

Sorry for my show of bias but I just have to say that I think Sarah Palin is uber-cutie! Last night her little black suit was tailored perfectly, every hair was in place and her famous glasses sparkled but it was all a bit drab for my taste until...you made your way to her feet. She showed her spunk by rockin' red heels!!  Red is my all time favorite as is evidenced by my front load washer/dryer! Honestly...the woman has 5 kids, governs a state and is running for VP?!?! It goes without saying that she debated Biden with an unshaken ease. Should "Joe" refer to her as superwoman? I think she may be singing "oh you can watch me walk if you want to, want to"...all the way to the white house! 

Road Trip

We road-tripped it to West Palm Beach on Monday for Cody's aunts funeral. It was a last minute decision and trust me when I say..."If I ever go to West Palm again a plane ticket will be in my possession"!!! Here's the rule and I'm stickin' to it: if the trip is over 5.5 hours, we are flying. I am glad we went though and it was good to see the family, most of which I'd never met. Instead of driving straight home we stopped off for a little time with the Jernigan's (one last hooray before baby Jonas joins us)!! It was a short visit that included a late night stop at Walmart where the boys, who were bored out of their minds, spent some time reading up on the latest gossip. Warning: they ARE going to beat me for posting this. 

The week has flown by and I'm ready for a beautiful weekend!! Have a good one! 

Happy October 1st

Summer went by way too fast and I can't believe we are now in October!! I dread the weather turning cold however, I love harvest decor. October means...pumpkin scented candles, gorgeous weather, bright leaves and the lawn at the church on the corner will be covered with pumpkins!! I'm thinking of replicating the scarecrow above in my lawn. Do you think my neighbors would approve?