Merry Christmas!

Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Let me just start this post by saying that even though I know this time of year food consumption is above average, I honestly feel like that's all I've done the past 3 weeks. I've eaten myself through December. The problem is, Christmas has yet to come. Nor has New Years. Which means that come January 2nd (I mean, let's just get honest here, who starts their resolutions on the 1st?) my little (or big by then) butt must be disciplined to get to the gym. Here also this, until then, I will enjoy with glee every food item I place in my mouth. Amen and Amen.

Today was one of the girliest days I've had in a while. Complete with chatting, mani's, pedi's, chocolate, cupcakes and girlfriends. And it was divine.

First I met up with Megan and we ventured on down to the Galleria where we ate lunch at the Grand Lux (which is in the same chain as Cheesecake Factory). Can you believe we both ate there for under $10? I was joyfully shocked. I guess sharing meals really is such a blessing in more ways than one. After that we walked across the parking lot to get mani's and pedi's. Now, I've never received a professional massage, but I'm convinced that most professional massages feel just like the ones I had on my arms and legs today during the pampering session. Oh my! She could have put me to sleep it felt so good. Definitely relaxing.

Once our toes and nails were dry we headed to Crave Cupcakes. Megan has been wanting to take me there for a while and today was the perfect day to do so. Not only was it perfect because we both had the day off, but extra delightful because the weather was perfect too. Did I mention the fact that we got to eat both our lunch and our cupcakes outside? It was so fun. Crave is very similar to Sprinkles, and according to Megan, even better. I've never had either, but let me tell you, it was the most divine chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting I've ever tasted. Such a cute little place, too.

I think after all was said and done, we've decided to make this an annual trip. Lunch, mani's & pedi's, and Crave. All in favor say aye? I!

Me and Megan on the porch at Grand Lux after lunch.

A Crave Cupcake.

Pure delight.

Such a cute place. Such a fun day.


After our fun day she took me back to my car where I headed home real quick to change, freshen up and wrap some presents.

I was off to Olive Garden in a flash to have dinner with some of my favorite girls. One of them I like to refer to as Miss Montana. I love when she comes home, so much! Honestly, when we are all reunited, nothing has ever changed. We truly don't miss and beat and pick up right where we left off. I know I talk about my girlfriends all the time on here and tell you how incredibly blessed I am, but I just need to you to know that I am just that. Extremely blessed with the girls the Lord has placed in my life. We exchanged gifts, ate our normal, laughed, talked, laughed and said goodbye. The gatherings are few and far between, but they're the sweetest gatherings ever. They're like the sisters I never had. Need I say more? I love you, BFF's. (Sally, we SO missed you. Come home next year, please? Or how about Girls Weekend 2010? It's on, sister. We love you!)

If that wasn't the girliest day I don't know what is. I loved every second of it.

Miss Montana.

Jen got to sit with Olive Garden. She was a nice guest.

It's a miracle we ever get any normal pictures.

This is what Jen gave me for Christmas. So appropriate. I only say that ten thousand times a day.

Loves! And see that cute bracelet on my arm? And the one on Jen's? That's what Joanna gave us. It has our initial on it. Adorable.

My heartbeat.

Whirlwind of a Weekend

Pretty much once a month a weekend sneaks up on me that absolutely makes my head spin. This past weekend was one of those weekends! It was chalk full of event after event. I literally did not stop from 9:00 a.m. Friday morning until 9:30 p.m. Sunday night.

Here’s how it all went down.

Friday I worked then headed down to HFBC with my parents and Jen’s parents to see their Christmas program, Celebrate. Jen directed the children’s choir in the show so I could not miss it. Who in their right mind would not support their BFF with such a task! The kids were precious; however, I’m not sure I took my eyes off Jen the whole time she was directing. I was one proud BFF! They all did great. The whole celebration was so neat and very well done. It included a donkey, a camel and you know an elephant. Nothing big or anything!

Afterwards we all went to eat at Canyon Café. Super tasty! However, by this time all I could do was count down the hours until I had to be at my church the next morning at 5:45 a.m. It was nuts!

I pulled in my driveway right about midnight, packed a lunch, packed my bag for the next day, laid my head down at 1 a.m. then popped right back up at 4:45 a.m. to be at church by 5:45. To be completely honest, I was so dreading the early wake-up call, but the day was so sweet that it made it all worth it.

After hurricane Ike, our church partnered up with Galveston Bible Church and the EFCA with a project called Rebuilding Galveston. We’ve been sending groups down there on Saturdays to work on certain projects, and this past Saturday we took some of our students down there. It’s an all day event, and quite the exhausting trip, but it is so rewarding. My group in particular was assigned to paint the inside of a house. We primed the ENTIRE house and the ceiling then painted the entire ceiling. I don’t think I’ve ever been so sore in my life and in all seriousness; I have a new found appreciation for painters in general, but especially ceiling painters. After the all day event of painting, our group walked the streets to talk to folks. I’m pretty sure they had some good conversations. It was challenging nonetheless! I was so proud of my girls. We worked so hard all day and not one complaint came out of their mouths. After that we met up with the rest of the group, returned all of our supplies to the warehouse and went to dinner. We were definitely feeling the effects from the day, but thankfully all made it home safe and sound. It’s interesting to leave when it’s still dark out, and return home when it’s dark again, you feel like you’ve been gone longer than one day, but you really haven’t. It sure felt like it, though. I pulled into my driveway at 9:30, took the hottest shower ever, and was in bed by 10:30. That is, of course, after I popped some Tylenol.

The entire group that went down to Galveston on Saturday.

I love these girls!


This is how we felt at the end of the day!

Greg leading them in some stretches. It was only appropriate after their hard days work.



The next morning, I was up and at ‘em at 5:45 a.m. to be at church for a Christmas brunch for all of our volunteers in the ministry. We had quite the spread and it was fun! It was the least we could do to tell them thank you and let them know how much we appreciate them. Folks, if you’re a volunteer, don’t ever think anything you’re doing goes unnoticed. We appreciate you more than you know!

I was not so wise that morning as I put on my tall black boots because by noon I wanted to shoot my feet off. They were screaming at me! After standing all day Saturday and all morning Sunday, my feet wanted nothing to do with me. However, there wasn’t much I could do.

After cleaning everything up from the morning, I went straight to lunch at a Mexican restraint nearby, then headed from lunch to a student leadership meeting. By the time 4:00 came around, I’d completely hit my wall. I was beyond exhausted! But alas, the day must go on.

I then went straight home after the meeting, changed, freshened up and went to our small group girls chirstmas party! By then I’d had my second wind so all was well. We had such a fun time! Our group joined the freshman girls small group and we laughed and ate and exchanged white elephant gifts. I was the lucky one that went home with a Bumpit. Yes, a real live Bumpit. A Bumpit that I stole. Oh yes I did! We took some goofy pictures, laughed a bit more then I finally made it home for good. I’m pretty sure I played some with my Bumptit then went to bed with a body so tired I could barely wash my face. Those early wake-up calls with little sleep are brutal. I also have a new found appreciation for all mothers of newborn babies. Or babies that just don’t sleep for that matter. Bless you!

Eatin' some grub!



My Seniors.


The whole group! We're so fun!

The Bumpit that I stole. Oh yes ma'am I did.

It's a process folks. A process that I haven't mastered.



I mean, you can't see it or anything, can you? ;)

This is what happens when I leave my camera sitting out.




Michaela got "planky" as her gift. He can be used for multiple things. Here I am giving him a piggyback ride.

Planky with the group. Notice the awful bumpit positioning in the hair.

Michaela and her new BFF.

Some freshman girls!

Sweet Loribeth!

Shannon!

Me and Kara! We kept getting lower and lower. Ha!

Oh, Mary! We took far too many to put on here. But here she is mimicking my head pop.


Thankfully Monday is my beloved day off, and I got some much needed rest. And all my Christmas shopping done! Score! I ended the day at a fun get together with some sweet girls I’ve grown up with. I would call them old high school friends, but they’re so much more than that. Sweet Emily was in town from New Mexico with her baby and we had yet to meet him! He was the entertainment that night. But, when is a baby not entertainment? I love those girls to pieces. Every time I’m with them I walk away so thankful for the friendships the Lord has blessed me with. I am a blessed girl.

To Catch a Bouquet

Yesterday I had to go to my parent’s house to get a few things and in the midst of my searching; I came across a TON of old pictures. I’ve always, always been a picture taking fanatic and just last night I was reminded how many pictures I used to take. In fact, they used to be ALL over my room. It’s funny how now I can’t seem to put up one picture in my new room. Anyway, they are treasures, all of which I’ve now scanned in and am planning on sharing with you, however, first I just have to share this one picture with you. The story behind it is too funny not to share on its own.


This picture was taken while at Jen’s sister’s wedding reception back in February of 2003.

Let me give you a little background.

I was the girl that had never dated a guy, and quite frankly, wasn’t that bold or loud around guys. I would say I was shyer around them than anything.

Shannon’s new nephew, Justin, at that time was a student at West Point. A very nice young man and quite the gentleman. From what I’d heard of him, he wasn’t the most outgoing guy either.

I had just met him when Jen and I traveled up to New York with our dads, so he wasn’t a complete stranger, but we weren’t BFF by any stretch of the imagination.

So, imagine our surprise when I caught the bouquet and he caught the garter.

The most that ever happens after such an occasion is you take your picture with the newlyweds, right? Wrong.

Right after we caught said wedding items, the DJ called the two of us back onto the dance floor and had me sit down in the chair. Immediately I thought he was going to have everyone lift me up in the chair during a dance or something and I about wet myself, however, that was not the case.

The goal now was he had to put the garter back on me.

I’m not sure either of us have ever been more embarrassed or humiliated. At that moment I was wishing the bouquet would have never come my way.

In the picture you can tell that Justin had just slipped the garter on my ankle. He was done after that, and frankly, so was I. The DJ, however, had more in mind.

And by more in mind, I mean more leg in mind.

All I remember past that moment is that this poor boy had to keep putting that garter up on my leg until the DJ stopped him. Bless his heart! And mine.

I sat there completely stunned and red until it was all over. My dad, being the funny man that he is, came and stood behind the chair the whole time. It was hilarious!

Needless to say, the garter went up, and up, and up until the DJ was satisfied. He went a little above my knee and right after all was said and done, Justin was super nice, kissed me on the cheek, gave me a hug and whispered, “I’m so sorry!” in my ear.

The best thing about this picture is everybody in the background either egging on the DJ, or waiving their hands to stop the DJ.

The set-up could not have been more perfect.

Here me now loud and clear, never again, since that wedding, have I ever seen a DJ make the two lucky winners do that. Never.

But here also this, that one moment in life didn’t stop me from catching the bouquet again. Oh no it didn’t. I’ve been known to catch one or ten since then.

Go! Go Danny Go! Go!

The Biggest Loser Season 8 has come to an end as of tonight and I am as pleased as pie.

After watching it with some fun folks and commentating the whole time, here are my observations of my weird obsession that is The Biggest Loser. You know, some people like to blog about the Grammy's. Some like to blog about American Idol. Some even the Bachelor and Bachelorette. I, however, will forever be faithful to The Biggest Loser.

1) DANNY WON! Seriously, I could have puked I was so nervous. I know I don't even know the guy, but is he not just the sweetest thing? He seems so very genuine and I could not be happier that he is the biggest WINNER! (Don't laugh at my lame lines, please. It might hurt my feelings.) I've loved him from day one, so I was thrilled to pieces that he took home the grand prize.

2) When Rebecca got voted off earlier this season, she was interviewed on Jay Leno and spilled the beans that she and Daniel were dating. It was shocking, but I quickly became okay with it. However, after texting with Jen after the show tonight, we're not sure they're still together. They didn't mention anything about their relationship, so it could have been short lived. I'm hoping they are together and happy still, but you just never know.

3) Speaking of Rebecca, love the girl, but she could have added a good 12 inches to her dress. Clearly by the way she was pulling at it, she was not comfortable whatsoever! She looks beyond fabulous and was glowing, but sister is going to regret that dress for years to come. I just know it! Also, who wasn't sure about her blonde locks? I'm not sure how I felt about that change. I tend to favor the brunette look she was sporting all season. She's precious, nonetheless!

4) UM HELLO! ALEX AND ANTOINE GOT ENGAGED!! How stinkin' adorable was that? We were all discussing this before the show and mentioned it could probably happen, but the fact that it DID actually happen is AWESOME! I think now is an appropriate time to note that The Biggest Loser has now had more successful hook-ups than The Bachelor or The Bachelorette combined. Hmm, maybe they could get a few tips from them. I'm just sayin'.

5) Can we please just talk about Abby and how amazing she is? I want to be her when I grow up. Not only is she a doll, but she looked GORGEOUS tonight and was just glowing. My favorite thing about her is that she never fails to mention the fact that there is always hope. Amen, sister! If a girl like her who's been through all the tragedy she's had to deal with and can still hold on to hope, I think all of us can. Just through many other interviews I've read with her and watched with her, I'm almost positive she is a believer. And she's from Texas. Need I say more?

6) How awesome that Shay is coming back for Biggest Loser Season 9 Finale? I knew they'd hook her up somehow. But y'all, $1,000 for ever pound she looses?? Insane, I tell you. Insane. I'm so happy though because I really want her to be a success story and loose all the weight she needs to and keep it off, this gives her a chance to do just that and have a goal in mind. She can do it! I'm so proud of her.

7) I know Bob and Jillian aren't the focus of the Finale, but I am thinking they did not show enough of them tonight. I love to see their reactions to all the contestants and we didn't get to see that! They must be so proud. Have I ever mentioned how much I want a Bob Harper hug? Because I do. Yes, yes I do. But how cute are they coming out holding hands. I love them. Now if they would just get married, I'd be pleased. They would have the most healthy and physically fit babies by far.

8) How cute is Alison Sweeney? She is a great host. To stand up there for 2 hours and do that isn't easy. Not to mention the heels she did it in. Did you see those? Mercy. She's every woman.

9) Who's excited for Season 9? It starts January 5th so you best all get your DVR's ready. It looks like it's going to be a great season. And quite frankly, I am sensing love in the air already from a few of the contestants. Oh, I can't wait!

10) Everything about tonight was just superb. I love, love, love The Biggest Loser, folks. Take it or leave it. If you don't love it, you can just act like I never even wrote this post. However, I'll just keep loving it.

11) My next goal in life is to make it to the Season 9 Finale. Like, I mean fly to L.A. and see the whole thing live and in person. And maybe even get a Bob Harper hug. If I was kidding, I wouldn't have even written it on this here blog. I don't joke about Biggest Loser folks, oh no, no I don't. Any takers?

Lindsee's Favorite Things

I’m not a huge Oprah fan; however, I do love to watch her favorite things episode. She always has the neatest things and not that I’ve ever run out and bought any of the items she’s given so freely, but it is a nice thought. Last year at my Girls Retreat I did a “Lindsee’s Favorite Things” and it was so fun. Granted, I didn’t give away any cars or washers and dryers, but I did give away a ton of my favorite, cheap things. You know, like gum, a CD, just little trinket type gifts as a way for them to get to know me better since I’d only been on staff a few months. It was a blast!

So, because of the season that we’re in, I figured I’d share a few of my favorite things with you. Some of them I can live without and some of them, well, we just won’t go there. In no particular order, let me present to you, Lindsee’s Favorite Things.

1) My Chi Straightener: Folks, I’ve got some thick (not so long since I chopped it all off) hair. I’m in the process of growing this mane back out, but that’s another story. The truth is, I’m not sure what I did before the grand ole’ Chi. I’m certain that if you caught a sight of my hair right after I’ve blow-dried it, you’d no longer be my friend. It’s scary. Most of this is due to the fact that I have naturally wavy/curly hair so blow-drying it only poofs it to the extreme. I wasn’t blessed with silky locks like some of you have. So the Chi does the trick. This may or may not be something I can’t live without.

2) In sticking with a hair theme for the moment, besides my favorite Biolage Shampoo, you can’t miss out on the Biolage Smoothing Serum. It keeps the frizz and flyaways to a minimum which is super sweet, and plus, it leaves this mop all silky and shiny. Every now and then, however, I’ll switch to the Biolage Smoothing Shine Milk and that is also divine. And yes, you read it right, it looks just like milk.

3) The iPhone. Need I explain? Seriously though, if I was wealthy enough to give away one to all of you, I most certainly would. I’m not going to lie, when they first came out, I thought it was ridiculous to spend that amount of money on a cell phone. Plus, to pay a monthly charge? That was absurd. What I’ve come to realize is that this smart little phone costs no more than many Blackberry’s. My handy dandy phone has provided countless things for me. One for which I am extremely grateful for, the GPS system. And that’s not even including all the many handy dandy applications that are beyond thrilling. This phone is raising the bar.

4) Scarves. Yes, scarves. You should see my scarf collection. Just ask my roommates! It’s overflowing with scarf colorfulness. In fact, one of my roommates has worn them all and every time she gets compliments on them, she just says thank you. She told her mom she wanted some for Christmas to which her mom replied, “Every time I see you, you’re wearing a different one. You don’t need anymore!” She then had to confess. They’re all mine. Truth be told, in this crazy Houston weather, it is the perfect accessory. It keeps your neck warm if need be, but if you get the slightest bit warm, you can remove it. Here’s proof of my ridiculous scarf collection. I dare say you wouldn’t be disappointed if you too invested in the accessory in the form of a scarf.

5) A gym membership! I was in Jazzercise but as much as I loved it, I had to drop it a few months ago. It just wasn’t working out with my schedule and when I moved, there wasn’t one near me. I began to really get so tired of Shred and just needed a break from it, so that meant a gym membership was in order. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed working out in a gym. So much so that I’ve gone 3 times this week! Go me! I really need a routine so hopefully this will help. All I’m sayin’ is, LA Fitness, you best not disappoint. Or really, I best not disappoint myself. Ha!

6) Zevia! This is one you should seriously all try. I know you’re thinking what the stink is that? And I’m so glad you asked. As most of you know I gave up drinking all sodas back in June. I was really only into Diet Coke and it was terribly hard to break. I didn’t even drink that many in the first place, but the cravings were intense! So, when I went to visit Joanna in Montana she had this little gem in her refrigerator and I had to try it. Surprisingly, I loved it. It’s basically a soda type drink that is all natural and sweetened with Stevia. They have 6 flavors, but my flavor of choice is of course, the “Cola” flavor. I haven’t necessarily missed Diet Coke at all (except for when I’m eating Mexican food), but every now and then I was missing that burn of carbonation and the flavor. I love water, but it gets pretty boring. The downside to drinking this is that it’s a bit pricey for a 6 pack, but I drink it in much moderation, so it doesn’t bother me that much. I don’t even have one a day! Unless you’re completely addicted to diet sodas (like I was) I really think you’d enjoy it. And it’s a good substitute if you’re looking to quit drinking sodas, you know, if you’re crazy like me.

7) My MAC Studio Tech Powder, and L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara. I know I’m so silly, but if someone told me I could only take 2 cosmetics with me on an island, it’d be these 2. The powder stays put pretty much all day, and the mascara? Well, it’s just plain divine. I have long lashes and this helps separate and lengthen even more. Definitely a favorite of mine.


That wraps up Lindsee’s Favorite Things! I hope you enjoyed this December 2009 edition. Please do spill the beans on some of your favorite things. I’d love to hear them and get some ideas! Happy December!