Friday, April 8, 2011

Things change

When we lived in our first town home I went to a store and bought this gold mirror and decided I was going to paint it white to hang in our bathroom.  I spent the time painting it and then found out we have to move before I good hang it and enjoy it.  Since then I haven't been able to hang it anywhere because the colors only worked for that space.  So I decided that I would paint it again in an oil rubbed bronze color and hang it in our entry way.  I bought the paint and I was planning to do it soon......then I find out we have to move.  Unfortunately our rent was raised to an amount we just aren't willing to pay for rent. 

Pray for us during this time as we are trying to make some big decisions, which we will share later.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

It's been a while

I am officially abandoning my 30 day post.  Since the statute of limitations has expired on my 30 days to get that project done, I figure I will just move on....

It is much like earlier posts, when I said that Joseph and I would watch all of our movies in alphabetical order and then blog about them.  HA!  We see how that one turned out.  However, Joseph and I do continue to watch our movies in order.  Currently we are in the B's.  You see we haven't gone very far.  We took a break for a while when Joseph was working a lot and our schedules didn't coincide.  I however, the movie lover that I am, have watched a ton of our movies.  I've even been known to watch a movie and choose an actor out of that movie and keep watching all of their movies that I own (i.e. Sandra Bullock, Practical Magic, Two Weeks Notice, The Blind Side, The Lake House, Miss Congeniality, While You Were Sleeping, and The Proposal, who also stars Craig T. Nelson, which led to The Family Stone, which stars Diane Keaton, which led to Because I Said So, and Father of the Bride) that's where I stopped because I found better things to do, but you get the idea.  I sometimes wonder if I could keep doing this and go through all of the movies we have?  Probably, but I don't know if I have the patience to try it out. 

Wow - I have some life HA! 

On a different note --

Joseph and I joined a local "family type" gym along with my brother.  We went for the first time the other night, and I think I will enjoy it.  Daniel has taken to working out lately and has actually had a weight lifting class through school.  He is now our teacher, and he's pretty good at it.  A little spastic, but that's Daniel!

Okay - we're all over the place tonight -- sorry --

The firm I work for recently went different directions and my boss is now the sole owner of McClure Law Group, PC.  We are a small, but hard working bunch and I think we make a really great team.  I really enjoy my job and the people I work with.  I believe that many good things will happen for our firm and I can't wait to see where the road leads.

Now on to blogs that I love to read.  I read Young House Love daily, and I mean 2 posts a day, daily.  I love them.  They are a husband and wife team and make a living with blogs and magazines and basically anything they can put their fingertips on to get out to the public basic DIY house decor/remodeling that any old Joe/Jane can do themselves.  They recently moved into a new house and it is so interesting to read about the projects they plan to tackle and then actually seeing them complete the projects.  They feed that part of me that is dying to do what they are doing, but can't because we don't own our home.  As much as we love where we live, it's still not "ours" to do with what we want.  One day that will come and in the meantime, I am getting awesome ideas.  Even though I don't feel like our styles completely match 100%, I still learn a lot from reading their blog and seeing all of the risks that they take.

Another blog that I love to read is my cousin-in-law's blog.  She is very creative too and I love reading her posts and catching up on her latest projects or just her thoughts.  We don't get to see them that much, so that's just another way to keep in touch.  Anyone reading this blog should go check it out.  She recently posted a cool DIY art piece!

Well - that's all I have to say tonight -- I'm going to go read a book and go to bed.

ps. for those who know me best, i have graduated to actually "reading" books -- go figure!!

pss.  don't get me wrong, i still "listen" to books when i'm driving -- i don't know if i'll ever give that up.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Days 18 - 22

Day 18 - A picture of your favorite place.


I love Olive Garden - and it's probably my favorite restaurant to eat at.....

Day 19 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have.

There really isn't a good picture of picking your nails.  But I definitely wish I could break that habit.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.


Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

I have really thought hard about this question.  I have always said that I am not one to ever want to take back regrets.  I think this question falls in the same line.  If I take back something I wish I could forget, then the person I am today is different.  I'm sure I could come up with something, but I guess what I'm saying is that I don't want to.

Day 22 - A picture that confuses you.

I'm confused by this question.....let's just leave it at that.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Day 17

Day 17 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.....

I don't know if this is really an insecurity, but it's definitely something I think about and something that is at the top of "my worst fears" list.


Not being able to have a baby, or having a very difficult pregnancy is one of my worst fears, if not the worst.  I guess you could say I am insecure about it.  My mom had a difficult pregnancy and birth with me.  I also don't know if it's because I'm getting older, and more of my friends are having children, and some of them have difficulties.  Nevertheless, I have been told not to worry, it's not in my hands, and I believe that, and I try, but when questions like this come up....it brings it to my mind again.  One thing I do know is that this insecurity and fear will not keep me from having a baby one day, God willing.  Being parents is at the top of our to-do list for sure!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Day 16

Day 16 - A picture of you and your friends

Rachael Faulkner         Brittany Rickaway          Me
These are my girls -- Love them!

(picture courtesy of Nathan Rickaway)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Day 15

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.....An Alaskan Cruise

Day 14

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.


I can't just pick one - so another collage it is
 

Friday, December 17, 2010

Day 13

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

For those of you who know me well, know that I'm not big on current music - I don't know it very well...however, I do really like the show Glee and have several of their songs downloaded on my iPod...so my favorite group is GLEE!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Day 12

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

In keeping with the food theme - I love love love Andes Candies...they are my favorite candy.  Some people aren't fond of the chocolate and mint mix, but I love them...especially melted on top of brownies (shout out Nathan)...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Day 11

Doing good so far --

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Can't stand onions....taste, smell, fried, carmalized, grilled, Funyun....it doesn't matter.....can't stand them YUCK

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Days 5 - 10

Yes, I know I'm a slacker....but in my defense I had an extremely busy weekend.

Okay this is going to be a whirlwind....

Day 5 - A picture of your favorite memory


Of course two of my favorite memories.  The first was when we were 18 years old and on our very first trip together with a group to South Padre.  That is also our favorite picture of us together.  The second is from our wedding.  It's no surprise that this would be one of my favorites because it marks the day that I married the love of my life!

Day 06 - A picture of somewhere you've been.




For our honeymoon we went to Kauai, Hawaii.  It was a wonderful experience and we highly recommend it!  ps - horseback riding was awesome!!

Day 07 - A picture that shows your true self


 I didn't know what kind of picture of myself to post here, so I made this pieced together collage of some of the DIY projects I have done, some with Joseph's help and some with my mother-in-law's help.  I don't do DIY projects often, but when I do, I really enjoy myself and I love the satisfaction that I get when I'm done.







Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh


This picture of my friend Chela cracks me up every time because we were on a scavenger hunt and one of the tasks was to rub the head of a bald man....luckily we found a willing participant!








Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.


Joseph has definitely been my rock whenever I am floundering.  To be specific, when I was tasked with the idea of changing jobs, Joseph was my prayer mate, my champion, my friend and companion...he helped me make the decision that has led me to where I am today.

My best friend Brittany came out of no where some 6 years ago.  I am so blessed to have her in my life.  She is the first person I go to with all of my girl talk and relationship talk.  I feel like I can tell her anything and she will help me through it without judgment. 














Day 10 - A picture of someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

I'm not going to post a picture on this one, because it doesn't apply to me....since I'm already married and there's a few pictures of him in this post!  Love you Joseph!

Okay - I'm all caught up!  Hopefully I'll keep up with it better -- no promises!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

What is this time of year really about?

I took a little break from my 30 day posts - days 3 & 4 are below.

The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate that our Lord and Saviour was born to a virgin mother and put on this earth for the sole reason to save us from our sins.  Christian's are on earth for the sole purpose to show the love of Christ to others so they will come to know the Lord.  I will be the first one to admit that this is not always an easy task for me.  I try to show the love of Christ in my everyday actions, but being human and all, I do fall short of the glory of God. 

In saying all of that, when the idea came up at work to help sponsor of family in need this Christmas season, I was totally on board, and Joseph too I might add.  It really got me thinking that I am so glad we have all decided not to give gifts to each other and pour everything we can into things that this family needs and wants.  It also makes me happy that my extended family decided several years ago to draw names instead of 15 people buying gifts for everyone.  That gives us the chance to use that extra money to put towards those who need it more than we do.

This family is a single mother is a victim of domestic violence who has 3 kids, 2 boys and a girl.  They are living in an apartment with a $400 rent and mom makes $480 a month.  Recently their electricity was turned off and it's in the 30s and 40s at night here.  So we have about 15 people from 2 different firms getting together and donating money to her electric account and buying food and clothes, donating used clothes, blankets, dishes, pots and pans.....basically covering all "staples" and immediate needs.  In addition to the "needs" the family has, we are also gathering things that the children want for Christmas so that they have something to open on Christmas morning.  We also got a new pre-lit Christmas tree and ornaments.  I can't tell you how amazing this is!  Everyone is fully on board.  I am truly glad that we will be able to bless this family.

Please pray that this family will be able to stay warm and healthy during this winter season.

Days 3 & 4

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show....


I may go from one show to the other, but there really will not be another show that will ever be as good as FRIENDS...it's just not possible. 

Day 04 - A picture of your night.
So happy to be doing exactly what I'm doing tonight...and so happy that I don't have something else to do tonight!



Just me and Piper hanging out watching Beauty and the Beast and goofing around on the Internet.  Sounds like a WONDERFUL night to me!  And I'm sure Piper loves having her mommy home during hours that she's not asleep!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Day 2

Day 02 - A picture of the person you've been closest to the longest....

That would be my parents.  Even as an adult, married and living on my own, I am still very close to my parents.  I am very blessed to have loving and supporting people in my life.


Sunday, December 5, 2010

30 Day Blog Challenge - Why not jump on the bandwagon

I got this from my friend Brittany's blog --- I didn't have anything to post about, so thought I would try this....we'll see if actually keep it up.


Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Day 06 - A picture of somewhere you've been.

Day 07 - A picture that shows your true self.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10 - A picture of someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16 - A picture of you and your friends.

Day 17 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 18 - A picture of your favorite place.

Day 19 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22 - A picture that confuses you.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

Day 24 - A picture of something you crave a lot.

Day 25 - A picture of you last year and how you've changed since then.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.


15 things:

1.  I was born on November 19 and almost died during child birth and my mom and I had to stay in the hospital during Thanksgiving.

2.  I'm not a huge sport fanatic, but if I have to choose a favorite sport to watch on TV, it's football, but if I have to choose a favorite sport to go to, it's basketball.

3.  I love listening to books on CD, and lately, reading books, such as Pride and Prejudice spin-offs.

4.  I love the TV series Friends, but not as much as Brittany - as proved in her blog about 15 things.

5.  Troy Aikman is my favorite Cowboys quarterback of all time, Emmit Smith is my favorite Cowboys running back of all time (this one is for Joseph).

6.  My favorite color is red.

7.  I'm addicted to anything having to do with the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series.

8.  My top 5 favorite TV shows of all time are:  Friends, Felicity, Charmed, Grey's Anatomy and Gilmore Girls.

9.  I only recently jumped on the iTunes bandwagon.

10.  I love anything having to do with weddings.

11.  I cry every time I watch any Nicholas Sparks movie.

12.  I can talk in an British accent and can carry out a conversation.

13.  One Disney character I have to have my photo with when I go to Disney World - Ariel from the Little Mermaid - if she's there.

14.  My cat's name is Piper and she is named after the middle sister in the TV series Charmed.
 
15.  The household chore that I hate the most (above cleaning the toilet bowl) is putting the clean clothes away.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Why have a clean and organized garage?

Most people don't care about having a clean and organized garage...however, I am not one of those people.  I can let it go for so long, as I have for 6 months, but then it really gets to me and I just can't stand it.  It's much the same with cleaning my house!  LOL  So, since it's nice and cool outside, Joseph and I got up early on Saturday....and when I say early, I mean noon!  And got busy in the garage going through boxes that we haven't open since we lived in our first house 2 homes ago!  I found a lot of things that I love and therefore, pulled those out...including some fall decor...so glad it's still fall so I can put those out!  Anyway, enough jibber jabber -- here's the before and after!  Thank goodenss for an attic!!!



YAY for a clean and organized garage!!!!  My heart is happy today!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

LET'S GO RANGERS -- CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

Joseph and I had such a great time at the World Series game yesterday!  Even though our Rangers didn't win, we still got to see history in the making...Rangers in the World Series, and the 1st World Series win at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington!  We are both looking forward to the Rangers season next year!

The whole stadium was electric last night, with our "rally towels" and our chants of "Texas Rangers," "Let's go Rangers," "MVP" for Josh Hamilton, "Kinsler," "Benji", etc....the stadium was never quiet.  It was a night we will never forget. We were very lucky to have such a generous employer who values her employees and has a great wish for us all to be a successful "team" who not only work well together, but also enjoy being with each other outside the office.

Here's a really awesome pic!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!


LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

GET ME TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

New Post...just because

I have no idea what this blog post will lead to.  Probably nothing....since I do not have anything interesting roaming around in my mind.  Unfortunately I am un-inspired of late.  As soon as I can get the urge to do so, I will post some vacation pictures.  Until then, nothing....I am literally typing and cannot think of anything to write about....

OH, I KNOW...ta-da!

Big news on the family front...most of you know already, but my cousin Kathleen is getting married in October 2011 to a great guy named Ryan.  We just couldn't be happier for her.  The coolest thing about their wedding so far is the date.  It's October 29th, which I'm sure most of you are thinking what's cool about that, well it's not so much the date, but how they picked the date.  They are HUGE football fans and ever HUGER (if that's a word) college football fans and GINORMOUS LSU college football fans and October 29th just happens to be the only Saturday that LSU does not have a game.  They live in Baton Rouge, so of course everyone is an LSU fan.  Pretty smart on their part I must say.  This especially came to my mind this last weekend when a friend of mine was in a wedding in Austin, the groom graduated from UT and I believe the bride did too, but they had the wedding on a Saturday in Austin, Texas when UT played Oklahoma in Dallas, a yearly traditional rivalry.  Not really sure that was thought threw all the way...or maybe it was.  Anyway, I can't wait to participate in Ryan and Kathleen's wedding.  I know they will be so happy together and we are just so excited for them! 

More news......Joseph and I are going to be an uncle and aunt...that's right folks the baby season of our lives has begun!!!  Not quite yet for us, but it has for James and Lindsay,  Joseph's brother and sister-n-law!  We can't wait for April to come so we can start spoiling the baby!  I have already warned Lindsay that the baby would be spoiled!  We couldn't be happier for them!  

Totally different note - (boy this post is all over the place) - how do you get a kitten to stop trying to climb the walls?  It is getting really old. 

And lastly, but certainly not the least, please pray for a dear friend of our family, Kevin, who has had several heart attacks last week and has since then undergone major open heart surgery.  He and is family are very dear to our hearts and we would not want to loose him before God wanted him home with HIM.  So please pray for his recovery, that it is smooth and that his transition into normal life is seamless. 

-- Jenn

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Guest Room/Office

Our guest room - no matter what house we have lived in - has always been a guest room/office and has ALWAYS been a sore spot in our house.  If you don't believe me, you can see the pictures below.  It has always been the "catch all" room.  It has come to the point where I just don't even want to walk in there and I have to shut the door if I ever have guests over.  Also the bed was so covered with junk that if someone needed to spend the night - they would have no place to sleep.  So this morning I got up and decided to re-organize this room.  You are going to think I'm crazy, but I had to put a desk in our closet and the dresser and mirror in the guest closet - yes....if we have the space why not use it!  In fact, my husband did call me crazy in the process.  But it turned out great!!!!!  Even Joseph likes it, so that makes me happy!  See the pictures for a before and after.


It's not fully completed, I still have to hang curtains and hang pictures on the wall and such, but it is already a huge improvement.  We also have walking room in the room and a better place for our recliner.  I actually enjoy this room now!  YAY  -  Now we can have guests!