BTHO Nebraska!!

There are no words to explain my excitement over the display of Aggie Spirit at the game this weekend!  So proud to be an Aggie, and so wish I had been at Kyle Field when this happened....

 "From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. And from the inside looking out, you can't explain it."

My New Favorite Item

I know it's kind of silly, but I want to give a shout out to my new favorite thing.

My MAC Plush Lash Mascara!!

Jen introduced me to this AMAZING mascara this past weekend and I absolutely love it. It lengthens my lashes; stays on all day long; and doesn't run when you wash your face (or even sleep in it!) Just thought I'd share the news!

AND, don't forget to play along with the Alphabet Game!

A History Lesson (and my new obsession!)

If I've talked to you at all after Christmas, you've probably heard me going on and on about the HBO Series John Adams starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. Its a three disc, seven part miniseries, base on the Pulitzer Prize winning book by David McCullough. The show takes you through the first fifty years of the United States through the eyes of John Adams. It is an amazing documentary of Adams and everything he, and the other founding fathers, sacrificed and overcame to make this country great! I bought the set for Kelly for Christmas, and we spent the majority of Christmas afternoon (and the next few days to follow) glued to the TV watching it. We loved it so much that we bought it for Kelly's parents as well. My Mom and brother didn't get to finish watching our copy soon enough, so they went to Blockbuster and rented it. I only wish we had this documentary when we were in school. I definitely would have learned more than just that John Adams was our second President. (And if it weren't for my history buff husband, I probably wouldn't have known that at all!)

Next time you're out, pick up a copy. You'll thank me later.

Where did December go?

I feel like December came and went so fast! Do you feel that way, too? I was fortunate enough to have the majority of the past two weeks off from work, and loved every minute of being home (and running around town!) One very important thing I got checked off my list was beginning (and finishing) this heartbreaking novel! I sat on the couch for five hours reading my heart out... and 45 minutes after I finished it, Kelly and I headed to the movies to watch the next showing of Marley & Me. Some might not share the same excitement (or emotion) about the book, but it just describes our current situation so perfectly. Kelly and I have been dying to read it/see it before we bring Cooper home. Here's a sneak peek at last week's Saturday afternoon...

What are you Christmas Traditions??

I was tagged by Jen last week to do my Christmas Survey. So, I'd better hurry up - there are only 2 days left until Christmas!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper...its much more fun unwrapping!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? I aim for the day after Thanksgiving... however, the past two years my Mom and I have made it a tradition to hit the "early bird specials" on Black Friday, so the tree usually goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the first two weeks of January. This year, we will definitely have our Christmas stuff put away the first week of January because Cooper comes home on January 9th!

5. Do you like eggnog? Ew sick, absolutely not!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Oh my gosh, let me think... I remember getting this awesome sweatsuit that I wore practically everyday for a year! That was the same year my brother got a basketball goal and we spent hours trying to learn how to do a lay-up in our driveway.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Our Dads can be hard to shop for sometimes!

8. Easiest person to buy for? Mom! I secretly try to pick up on little hints here and there to get her those extra special gifts!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but one day we will!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail for sure...mine went out the first week of December :)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A purple ceramic pumpkin. I got this at a White Elephant gift exchange - however, I didn't know it was "white elephant." So I brought a normal gift while all the other gifts were "gag." As you can tell, it scarred me for life.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Little Women! Even though this isn't really a Christmas movie, my Mom and I watch it every year at Christmas and it always reminds me of the holidays. So does Gone with the Wind. But I do like Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone and The Polar Express (yes, I know I'm 25.)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As early as I have every one's wishlist! I try to start as early as I can to get the good deals and avoid the crowds :)

14. Have you ever re-gifted a Christmas present? Yes, the purple ceramic pumpkin. And now I'm a firm believer of not buying a "good" gift if everyone else insists on bringing a "gag" gift. See the scarring?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? There is so much yummy food at our house... sausage rolls, puppy chow, toffee, queso, sausage balls, and the list goes on...

16. Lights on the tree? A MUST! White/Clear only.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Do You Hear What I Hear, Winter Wonderland, Nutcracker medley, Joy To The World, Mary Did You Know, All I Want For Christmas is YOU...I love all Christmas music!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This year we'll be staying home. Next year, who knows!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course, there's...Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph!!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Last year we had a star, but this year we have a bow.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Crazy drivers, long lines and of course, the annual grinch!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love red and gold! Our tree is filled with red/maroon/gold ornaments and has some poinsettias in it!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Mom's brisket with mashed potatoes, corn and rolls!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Brighton jewelry, dress clothes, Miss Dior Cherie perfume, pajamas, a new robe, house shoes, pashmina, gift cards, anything really!!! (Except the purple ceramic pumpkin :) )

I'm tagging anyone else who hasn't shared their holiday traditions!!

And it begins!!

Get it?? Christmas Shopping!

Yesterday, Jen and I headed out for this year's first day of Christmas shopping! We'd been planning a day filled with power shopping for a few weeks now, and were both so excited to get a head start on this years hustle and bustle. The weather, though a bit chilly, set the mood for the holiday season. Our first, and longest stop, was our favorite - Target! Then it was off to Hobby Lobby, Crate and Barrel, World Market, and then to the mall. We did a little window shopping while we were out and were able to check a few items off our lists. All in all, it was a wonderful day and a much needed afternoon of girl time!

This is just the beginning of our Christmas shopping, and I can't wait to get everything wrapped and under the tree. {No, I don't have my decorations out yet, but you can bet, it won't be too much longer before I deck the halls!}

What's on your wish list this year?

"The best part of waking up...

...is Folgers in your cup!"

Well, not really because we don't drink coffee. But the best part of waking up today, was that neither one of us had to go to work! This NEVER happens to us in the middle of the week. Naturally, Kelly got today off because it is a national holiday, Veteran's Day.

(Side note: Thank you to ALL of the Veterans, and those who are still serving, who have put their lives in harms way to save the freedom of our country. Especially my Pop {my Dad's dad} and my Dad! I love them both so very much and am proud for all they've done for our country.)

I got today off so that I could work the annual Dallas Maintenance Golf Tournament. I didn't have to be at the golf course until 9:30 am, so Kelly and I decided to bring back one of our oldest traditions, and go grab breakfast together at Chick-Fil-A. The tradition isn't necessarily breakfast at Chick-Fil-A, it's just that we would grab breakfast together in general.

This tradition started when we were freshmen at Texas A&M (6 years ago!) Almost every Monday morning, Kelly would come by my dorm and pick me up, and take me to breakfast before our classes started for the week. (Maybe this was the reason for my "freshman 15.") As our college years passed by, this tradition slowly started to fade away. However, I am so thankful that during our busy schedules we were able to find time reminisce about the memories we share, and rekindle a longstanding tradition!

Is it too early...

...to be getting excited about Christmas? If you've been a reader of my blog for any length of time, you know that Christmas is my most favorite time of the year! I love that it represents Christ's birth and reminds us that He is the one who gets all of our glory! I love the sights, the smells, the sounds, the shopping, the baking, and all of the family traditions that come along with the holiday season. (If I'm being completely honest, as I type, I currently have my oil burner burning the scent "Winter" from Bath and Body Works!) I'm so ready for it to get here!

I recently found out that there are four new Christmas Albums coming out (or are already out) that I cannot wait to get my hands on. In no particular order, here they are.

Kristin Chenoweth plays the role of Glenda, the Good Witch, in the original cast of the Broadway musical, Wicked. She has an amazing voice and has added some great new tracks to her Christmas Album, "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas." I am so excited about this one!

Released on October 14th was Shane and Shane's first-ever Christmas Album, "Glory in the Highest: A Christmas Record." The album includes eight classic Christmas favorites and three original songs. iTunes, here I come!

Casting Crowns, released their Christmas album, "Peace on Earth," on October 7th! It's available on iTunes and has several traditional Christmas favorite songs! Click here for more information on this wonderful album!

I cannot wait for the release of this album! Harry Connick, Jr. is coming out with another Christmas album on November 4th! It is his first full-album release since 2007 and plans to make several appearances to promote, "What a Night! - A Christmas Album," including the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 3rd.

And while Josh Groban's Christmas Album, "Noel," isn't a new release, I somehow managed to let this chart-topping album slip through my holiday collection. I'll be adding this one to my wish list!

Sweet Memories

I was driving on my way home last night and I heard the song come on the radio: "I Want To Be Just Like You" by Phillips Craig and Dean. I started crying just listening to the lyrics of that sweet song! It reminded me of the days when my family would pile into our parents bed and read our childhood devotional, "Little Visits with God" or when we use to go to the annual 4th of July event, Celebrate Freedom. I just wanted to pass this along, because it brought a sweet tear to my eye!

He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug

He calls me Dad and I call him Bud

With his faded old pillow and a bear named Pooh

He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you"

I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight

Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light

And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see

He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me

Lord, I want to be just like You

'Cause he wants to be just like me

I want to be a holy example

For his innocent eyes to see

Help me be a living Bible, Lord

That my little boy can read

I want to be just like You

'Cause he wants to be like me

Got to admit I've got so far to go

Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know

Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try

With all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right

But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best

Being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness

'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees

And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me

Right now from where he stands I may seem mighty tall

But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all

As the Seasons Change...

I love fall! I know I've always said that Christmas is my favorite season, but I love the beginning of fall. The cold chill in the early morning air is such a nice break from the "dog days of summer." The onset of fall brings out the light weight sweaters, harvest smelling candles, warm, soothing drinks, and beautiful fall foliage. Yea for a wonderful change!!

Cannot Wait!

I aboslutely cannot wait for these upcoming dates!!

8.8.08 - Olympics Begin!! Swimming and Gymnastics are my favorite!

8.18.08 - Season Premier of The Hills: Season 4!

YUUUM!

Ok, so I recently tried this new cookie recipe and let me tell you these cookies were delish! They're so easy to make - I just had to share the recipe! (Yes, I actually used my oven and baked for once!)

Ingredients:
- 1 (18 ounce) box German Chocolate Cake Mix, pudding included

- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/2 package {or 6 ounces total} semi-sweet chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup oatmeal/rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil {don't use quite a 1/2 cup. Just a little under the 1/2 cup measuring line should do it.}
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Directions:
- Heat oven to 350*.
- In large bowl, combine all ingredients {liquid ingredients first, then add the dry ingredients}, blend well.
- Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. {I usually use parchment paper on my cookie sheets. It makes for easier clean-up.}
- Bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes or until set.
- Cool 1 minute on sheet, and them remove to rack to cool completely.

Side note: The cookies are a little darker in color than the ones pictured here. Since you're using a German Chocolate Cake Mix, they are more brown than blonde. Don't be alarmed if you cookies don't look like the ones on this plate.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year...”

Other than Christmas, which is really more like a season, I think my birthday is my favorite day of the year. Some people don’t think birthdays are a big deal, but to me – they’re HUGE! Not because of the gifts, but because it’s your day to celebrate with cake(s), candles, balloons, the Birthday Song, and all the love you feel from friends and family! It’s all wrapped up in one day!

This year marks a milestone in my life. I’m a quarter of a century old. Half way to 50. The big 2-5! And I have to say, its one of the best birthday’s I’ve had so far! My b-day celebrations actually started on Tuesday July 8th when I got my first gift from my girlfriend Jaclyn! Then on Wednesday I had lunch with my good friend and mommy-to-be, Rachel! The actual day of my birthday started off in the sweetest way. Kim, one of my co-workers, has a 4 year old son named Tyler who has had a crush on me since he found out I was an elf at the MX Children’s Christmas Party. (Its kind of funny – he calls me Nat the Elf and really thinks I work with Santa at the North Pole.) Anyways, he called me on my way into work and sang Happy Birthday to me all by himself. I have to say – I started crying. It was so cute. Then when I got to the office I was welcomed with a desk full of decorations. My boss, Katherine, and some girlfriends from work had decorated my work “area” with banners, balloons & streamers! Man, they sure know how to make your day! I continued the celebration by opening gifts, grabbing lunch at La Duni and blowing out candles on my 2 birthday cakes (one was chocolate and the other was Italian Crème. We have to have 2 in order to feed all the people in our group.) After a day of celebrating in the office, I headed home to celebrate with Kelly and my family. We ate dinner at Kona Grill at NorthPark Mall and then headed home to have Mom’s famous chocolate cake! After 25 years of eating that cake, we still devour it EVERY time! It’s so delicious. J After opening up some more gifts and stuffing ourselves to the brim, Kel and I headed home to get ready for a weekend full of fun. Both of us have cousins getting married this weekend – and we had to get Kelly ready to head to Midland.

Key Verse of the Day:

“Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given you…” Deuteronomy 26:11

And I have to say, that I am so very thankful! I’m thankful for all the wonderful friends and family who helped me celebrate this exciting day in my life. And thankful for the sweet words I received in texts, Facebook Messages, E-cards and phone calls from everyone throughout the day!! I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life and couldn’t be more thankful for all of you!!

(Rachel and me outside Picasso's Pizza. My decorated desk.)

(Me with my birthday cakes! And a photo with Suzi.)

(Kim, Freya and me at the celebration. Kelly and me at dinner.)

(My dad, brother and me at dinner*. One of the E-Cards I received.)

*My photo op with mom was a little rushed, so it didn't turn out very good. But we'll take another one!

Zoës Kitchen

Zoës Kitchen is one of my new all time favorite places to grab lunch! I've been there several times over the past few weeks and I never seem to get tired of their food. They've got a wonderful menu filled with tons of healthy (and YUMMY) dishes. I can vouch for the Tuna Salad Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Gruben, Kabobs, and Pita Chips. But be sure to check them out to find your favorites!

Too many cooks in the kitchen?

So yesterday it was our turn to host “breakfast” for our Home Group. Our group (consisting of 8 couples at the moment) has breakfast together twice a month, and this weekend it was our turn to have it at our house. Or should I say at our 1 bedroom apartment with seating for 7 if you use the metal folding chair.

Anyhow, it’s always so much fun to plan out and prepare family recipes to share with friends! Kelly would call this “hosting a party.” Any time we have someone over, to him, it’s considered “hosting a party.” He thinks it’s funny that I plan out what I’m going to serve, where I’m going to put the platters of food, and when I should set out the juice. I told him he shouldn't find this interesting as I've been hosting tea parties since I was a little girl. However, our hosting skills were put to the test yesterday as we turned up the heat in the kitchen.

As our favorite recipe of sausage rolls was cooking in the oven, I had French toast duty. Mind you, I've never made French toast before, but how hard can it be to watch it bake? Kelly was making eggs on the stove and I figured he’d check on the Sausage Rolls when the timer went off. I guess I shouldn't assume, because before I knew it I was rushing to save the Sausage Rolls from burning completely! In my absence from the griddle, the French toast began to burn too! I felt like a fire fighter rushing to the scene. Fortunately, there wasn't a lot of damage to clean up. Needless to say, I think I've mastered the social aspect of “hosting a party,” but I think my food timing skills could use a little work. No harm, no foul, right?

I've included the recipe for our Sausage Rolls below! Enjoy!

Sausage Rolls

2 Cans of Crescent Rolls
1 lb. Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage (the hot adds a little flavor, but isn't overbearing)

Roll out and spread one can of the crescent rolls on a foil covered cookie sheet. Make the dough into a rectangular shape, with all sides touching one another. Spread the second can of crescent rolls directly on top of the first layer. Then, evenly spread and mash the sausage into the crescent rolls. Once all the sausage has been used, roll up the end of the rolls to make a "log." If you've had the crescent rolls and sausage out of the fridge for awhile, you can put it into the freezer for about 20 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Slice the roll into pinwheels with a serrated kitchen knife. Bake at 375 degrees for 13 minutes. Flip the pinwheels over and bake for another 10 minutes. (Check the crescent roll's cooking time to be certain, but the pinwheels should be cooked evenly on both sides.) When ready, crescent rolls should be golden brown and bubbly. Cool and serve with syrup and/or honey.

Happy Easter...and a new family tradition!

As Kelly and I were "celebrating" Easter this year we decided that in addition to sharing a traditional holiday meal with our family that we would watch the movie The Passion of The Christ every year at Easter. I know, it sounds a little weird to commit to watching a movie in order to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, but the film gives such an unforgettable image of what Jesus went through in order to save us all from sin. It is a great reminder of how much God loves us, that he sent his one and only Son to die for us, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life!

San Francisco, CA

For our one year anniversary we went to San Francisco, CA! What an awesome city! It was a wonderful weekend filled with everything touristy you can imagine. We hit the ground running from the minute we got there. We stayed at the Handlery Hotel, just half a block from Union Square. We saw the Cable Car Turnaround - where men actually get out of the 18-ton cars and manually turn them around! We then headed up to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square, where we enjoyed some of the yummy foods (and smells) that make the Bay area famous! The next morning we packed up and headed to Alcatraz to see "The Rock." What a neat history lesson!! After a morning at the infamous penitentiary we grabbed our (rented) bikes and rode along the coastline of San Fran and over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. Thank goodness I've been taking those cycling classes at the gym - that was SOME bike ride! If you want to see more pictures from our long weekend get-away to San Francisco, click here.