What I would have told myself 10 years ago...

Around here our high school girls are all buzzing about homecoming. I would say our guys are too, but honestly, it’s not so much of a guy thing. They go because they like to be with all the pretty girls. Since our school district has about 789 high schools, there is at least one, if not two every weekend from September to November. It’s crazy!

Even though it was ten years ago, I distinctly remember all the hustle and bustle during this time. It’s a lot like Christmas except instead of buying gifts; you’re shopping for the perfect dress, which leads to the stress of buying the perfect shoes and accessories, making hair appointments, reserving restaurants, finding a group to go with, ordering mums, corsages and boutonnieres and on and on and on. And on top of that, if your school is really spirited, the week leading up to the dance, you have different themed days in which you’re supposed to dress up like. It is a vortex that is not easily avoided.

You know what else is not easily avoidable? Being the girl that longs to be asked to the homecoming dance. It’s not really a big deal, but it kind of is. Are you pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down?

I know this very well. I was that girl.

I think what made it hard for me was not that I even really wanted a date that bad, honestly, unless you know your date really well, or have been dating for 3 years; it can make for a very awkward evening. Believe me, I know that well, too. What made it hard is that I was that girl that didn’t have a boyfriend. So essentially, I didn’t have an automatic date like the rest of my friends. I hate to sounds like a broken record, so please don't feel an ounce of sorry for me, I'm just stating the facts.

This presented some very awkward situations. I could either forgo homecoming, which no girl really wants to do, I could go in a group with my friends dateless, I could ask a guy friend to go with me, or I could be set up on a blind date.

Because I’m a girl and because I wanted to be desired, I chose to be set up one year, which was just weird and awkward the entire night, and went with a friend my senior year. My senior year was all together a much more enjoyable experience.

Ten years ago I wish I could have told myself that I’d be okay. That if I didn’t have a date to homecoming it really wasn’t the end of the world. That if a guy wasn’t pursuing me didn’t mean I wasn’t desirable. But I was fifteen, so I believed those things.

Let’s be honest, sometimes I still do believe those lies.

Thankfully, I’ve matured over the past ten years so I’m able to pin point when those lies come rearing their ugly head in my heart, but I’m still that girl.

I still long to be desired.

I still long to be pursued.

But my greatest desire now, which He’s changed from even two years ago, is that my life, desires, dreams, and longings He’s placed in my heart would bring God all the glory He deserves. After all, it’s about Him anyway.

This is why I’m still able to relate to the girls who don’t get asked to the homecoming dance.

Who don’t have a boyfriend.

Who are the only one in their group that feels they aren’t pretty enough to be loved.

I get it, I really do.

But you know what I also get? I get that God is not holding out on me. He never has and He never will. And you know what, He’s not holding out on you, either. I’m not sure what situation you’re facing, but lest you think He is, He really isn’t.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11

Can I get an Amen? Can I get some relief?

It is only when I compare my situations and circumstances to those around me that I start to believe He’s skipped over me, left me out of the picture. But when I align my desires with His and walk in a way that is right, I can guarantee that not only is he not holding out on me, but more than anything, He wants my attention. He wants me for Himself. And quite frankly, He has something better.

Ten years ago this is what I have told myself. This is what I’m currently telling my girls that are pretending to be okay with their situations, but wishing that just this once, they’d be that girl.

Ten years from now, God willing, I’m sure I’ll be telling myself the same thing about the my current battles and situations I continue to face.

But just know this, because it’s not in the character of God, He will never hold out on you.

After all, He placed those desires within us, did He not? No matter what, I know that He knows best. And I trust Him with that. I’m believing God for you and for me, ten years ago, today and ten years from now.

“Our present, our future, our past is in Your hands, we’re covered by Your blood, we’re covered by Your blood…”

Amen and amen.

Glamour Shots: To Redeem the Awkward Years

The other day in church we were asked what had been the best gift we’d ever been given. Clearly, you can take that and answer it any way you see fit, so if we’re talking in a spiritual sense, I could say salvation. However, that wasn’t really where they were going with that. When I thought about it, besides my car when I turned sixteen, I think one of the most fun and creative gifts I’d been given was when I turned ten, my parents signed me up to do a shoot with Glamour Shots.

If you’re not familiar with Glamour Shots, basically, you go to a studio where they do your hair and make-up, you know, make you look all glamorous and junk, and then they do a photo shoot. I guess you could compare it to Toddlers and Tiaras except for the fact that it’s much less involved, much less freaky looking, and clearly, I was not a toddler. You can image at the ripe age of ten just how exciting that would be, especially for a girl who was naive on the topic of anything glamour.

A few weeks ago at dinner, the topic of Glamour Shots came up. I’m honestly not sure how we got started on that one, but then again, how do we get started on any conversation we have? We are ramblers at best.

That night I kind of forgot about it, but then the other night I remember that I promised I would share mine if Missy shared hers as well. So I went searching.

Actually, that is how this entire post came about. Underneath all my awkward photos, were my very glamorous shots. I gave a shout of praise upon finding them because, if I’m being frank, it redeemed all the years that had been lost in the glamour department.

And let it be said that if you notice anything, notice how they worked the cowlick to my advantage. Yes, it can be done, ladies. Even a cowlick has its perks. Perks of big bangs and most importantly, Texas sized hair.

This particular photo was not only framed and hung in our living room for some time, it is now hanging in our stairwell, and just the other night I learned that it was also put in their magazine for an ad. Um, I had no idea I was famous! My parents are obviously holding out on me.

Um, I'd say this is the scariest of them all. Seductive much? This was also my dad's least favorite photo, if you can imagine.

What was it with the head tilt? Anybody?

Check out that choker!


And there you have it, folks. Oh, the sweet Glamour Shots. What a glamorous time it was.

Did you do Glamour Shots? If so, I think I might need to check yours out. Just sayin'.

Picture Day: The Awkward Years

If you grew up in any public school, you may hear the words picture day and quiver. I know I do. It quite possibly had to be the most stressful day of the year. Well, at least to a girl who cared way too much about what color will look best? Will white wash me out? What will the background be this year? Will P.E. fall before or after pictures? Will I have time to re-apply some powder, blush and lipstick? Serious issues, folks. Serious.

The other day, as I was actually digging for some other pictures, I came across the motherload of my school day pictures. For that hour I proceeded to laugh until my stomach hurt.

Let's be honest, I thought I was cute.

The pictures, well, they prove otherwise.

I don't suggest you take a walk down picture day lane unless you can laugh at yourself. Everyone had their awkward years, and I clearly had plenty.

Join me, will you, as I go from pre-school to my junior year of high school.

This must have been Mother's Day Out. I think I was 2 here.

My first year of pre-school. I was 3 and distinctly remember that dress.

Can you tell that the tree was their staple picture place? Oh yes. And can you also tell that my mother loves turtlenecks?

This outfit my Nana made for me. I did not like it and did not want to wear it! I had issues with clothes from the very beginning. So when my mom made me wear it for picture day because she loved it so much, I cried all the way to school, and then was a little toot for the actual picture. I showed them! Ha! (My parents have this framed in a hallway in our house. They think it's the funniest thing. And frankly, so do I.)

Kindergarten. I was already very patriotic.

Here's where the hair started having a mind of it's own.

Bless my heart. I had one very fierce cowlick.

Did I even brush my hair here?

You just never know when you'll need a paintbrush. And some spilled paint. And who didn't own a pair of every color of stirrup pants?

Apparently I had a date at the opera after this photo was taken. At least I attempted my hair.

The dramatic part. Oh, how I love thee. Clearly I was caught talking in these here photo.

Malt, anyone? Also, I had just returned from Mexico, hence the wrap in my hair. That thing stayed in my hair till it grew out. No lie.

Dear 4th grade, you were really awkward. But I forgive you. It was only a stage.

I also thouroughly enjoyed large t-shirts. I probably begged for this shirt, while my mom tried to tell me it was too large. Would I take her fashion advice? Heck no. Clearly I knew what I was doing in the clothing department. ;)

Um, I'd like to know who invited Winnie the Pooh along? Especially in the 5th grade. Bless my heart.

Here starts the awkward middle school years. I learned to slick my hair back quite well. It was an art. And let's all give it up for the scrunchy!

Again, same hair-do, but with the clip.

Why didn't someone tell me to stop slicking my hair back? I thought I looked beautiful. Also, if you enlarge this you'll see the shiny blue nail polish. That's class right there.

This isn't half bad. But the middle part? It needs to go. And it looks as though I've applied some neutral lip color. Praise him!

And then I started messing with the eyebrows. And wearing denim.

Oh, I did not love 8th grade. Nor did I know what to do with my wavy hair.

At this point I was getting rid of hair like there was no tomorrow. I chopped it off, and it looks like I took some major tweezers to my eyebrows as well.

Dear freshman year, I really did love you.

Sophomore year. The white is never a good choice for school photos. Nor are the pencil thin eyebrows. Bless my heart.

Junior year. I'm pretty sure that this was the day I flew to New York with Jen, her dad and my dad for the weekend. I remember random things like that.


I'm so sad I don't have a senior picture right now. They were not in "my box". Rest assured, though, it's a miracle that I looked half decent in those pictures. I finally learned the art of doing hair and make-up. It was a beautiful thing.

Really, it's a miracle I am the way I am today. No one taught me anything girly. I love my mom, but she grew up in Colorado which is the land of granola and birkenstocks. There, they're all natural and free. I'm not your natural woman, that's for sure.

Oh, picture day. It was a delight, was it not? Thank you for humoring me and walking down this road with me.

I've Had a Few Doozies

It's Monday.

Which means I'm at home.

Which means I should be cleaning, or at least, cleaning out all the junk in my room. Especially since having a garage sale is of utmost importance to fund my future move.

But, I got all distracted and started reading back on some of my old posts. I've been blogging since January of 2007 so there have definitely been some doozies. A lot can happen in almost four years. I had some fun reading back, so I thought, hey, maybe they will too. In all honesty, I can't believe I've been blogging that long. I don't post near as much as I used to, but oh, I love it.

So for your reading pleasure, or not, here are some of my favs.

A walk down archive memory lane...

Apparently, I have very long arms.

Girl's Weeked's are always fun to look back on. We hit up Louisiana in 2007 and Vegas in 2008. Where oh where shall we go next?

All three of my BFF's got hitched. And I love their husbands.

I starred as Sharpay in my acting debut in our VBS skits as an intern. It was a blast!

One night I was told to be quiet at an Astros game because this man's daughter was trying to sleep. Um, weird.

One time all of Huntsville was on lock-down because a prisoner escaped. He happened to commit a crime in my apartment parking lot.

I'll never forget the day I got baptized.

You can't expect someone else to start a revival in your church, besides the Holy Spirit, it has to begin with you. And so I prayed that.

I spent one Halloween as an old lady and a bottle of ketchup. I had an identity crisis.

I ended some sweet, sweet seasons, like TRUTH, my favorite Tuesday night Bible study with Afshin Ziafat, and Phi Lamb, the best Christian sorority around.

Two planks of wood came flying at me and into my windshield. Scariest moment of my life, by far. Praise the Lord for His protection!

I started Student Teaching and got THE best assignment with my old second grade teacher.

I took an accidental shower at 2:20 in the morning. It was all a fluke! And absolutely hilarious!

I had the opportunity of a lifetime, along with Jen and my brothers and had the great privilege of singing at the Superbowl with Josh Groban. And it wasn't a dream!

This might be my favorite post ever, but when my third grade assignment was over, the kids wrote me the sweetest and most hilarious cards ever. Highlight of my year!

The course of my life after college took a dramatic turn when I followed the call of ministry instead of teaching. And then I started my first day of work.

I graduated from college! Praise the Good Lord!

Who doesn't love some Mac Book photo booth fun?!

I became a bit of a grown up and bought my very own car!

We survived Hurricane Ike. But hunkering down during a hurricane was no fun. Actually, a bit scary.

I had one of the most awkward experiences of my life when I purchased some unmentionables at Target. But oh, the cashier? One of my high school boys.

LIT, with Beth Moore and her daughter Melissa was and still is, one of my all time favorite Bible studies I got to attend. So much so, that I wrote about it a few times.

Once LIT was over, I got the sweetest verbal and written blessing from Beth and Melissa that I will treasure always. If anyone's taught me to live my faith out scared, it's them.

I planned my first of Girl's Retreat. It was a sweet memory and huge learning experience. I'm now going on my third...this November!

I don't know my future husband's name, but I pray for him anyway.

There really is an art to hugging. No more awkward hugs, people. No more.

Um, so I went a little overboard. But seriously, this is why I love blogging so much! It's SO neat to me to look back on all that's gone on. No doubt, it's my electronic scrapbook. And please don't feel the need to click on all thirty of the posts I linked to. That is unless you want to be reading until midnight.

Happy Monday, y'all.

Kickin' it Old School

Yesterday at work instead of tuning in to my favorite Pandora station all day, that which would be the Glee station, I was in the mood for some old school tunes. I'm not talking old school like The Beatles, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel or whatever might come to mind, I'm talking old school, what carried me through my Jr. High and High School years. We're talking only 10 - 15 years ago.

I was, and still am, a music freak. I love it. I don't just love it. I know it. I play it. I sing it. I appreciate it. It's a part of me and my family. I know I've mentioned time and time again that my mom is a piano teacher. I grew up going to church every Thursday night for choir and praise team rehearsal for my parents. I was also in the Houston Children's Chorus that left me little to no free time in Jr. High. You see where I'm going with this? It's who I am.

I'm also that type of person that gets hooked quickly to a song or artist, and listen to them until I'm blue in the face.

With that said, you can imagine that I also loved going to concerts. They were, and are still, so much fun.

Actually, just this week my friend Mandy emailed me to see if I wanted to go to see Carrie Underwood with her in a few weeks. It didn't take me two seconds to check my calender then respond with a resounding yes! I had forgotten she was coming to town, and Mandy happened to buy extra tickets, so I'm definitely looking forward to that. Who doesn't love Mrs. Carrie? She's a doll. Adorable. Likeable. And hasn't gone crazy. Plus, her albums are on my list of favorites. I'm so excited!

That got me thinking about some of my favorite concerts I've had the privilege of going to. Let's take a walk down concert row.

In Jr. High, my friend's mom worked for the rodeo, which meant that every year we pretty much got to see anyone that came to Houston. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is huge, so they bring in awesome entertainers.

I've been to too many rodeo concerts to count, but I think my all time favorite was in eighth grade when we saw Shania Twain. She is small, yes, but a feisty little thing. All I'm saying is, homegirl can entertain. She did high kicks, had fireworks, and belted out notes you wouldn't think possible from her petite stature. It was a blast!

If my memory serves me correctly, this is pretty much what she wore and looked like at our concert 12 years ago.

Man! I feel like a woman. ;)


When I got to high school was when boy bands really started taking off again. Well, maybe a little before that, but it was then that I fell madly in love with the Backstreet Boys. I understand that NKOTB were before them, but I was too young to appreciate them in their prime. After a hiatus of no boy bands, Backstreet Boys came along. Before NSYNC. I'm not hating on NSYNC in any way, shape or form, but I preferred my boys over them. I think they were more musically talented. Of course, excluding Justin Timberlake. He is a rock star.

During my sophomore year they came to Houston on tour. I never planned on going because I think the tickets were expensive and well, I had no money. But after school the first day of their tour, my dad called my mom and told her to bring me down to his office because he found two tickets to the concert that night and wanted to surprise me! I was ecstatic! We had seats in the sixth row and I was certain I would faint. Talk about some good entertainers! They didn't stop to even breathe. I'll never forget at the beginning when they flew in over our heads on surfboard looking things. I was walking on cloud nine for weeks after this concert! It is up there on my favorites list.


Hello, Millennium album. We were BFF. Do you remember?

Moving on to quite possibly my very favorite group of all time. Please don't stone me when I tell you that I adore the Dixie Chicks. Yes, yes I do. Do I agree with what they did? Of course not. But did I threaten to burn their CD's? Well, that would be silly. I mean hello, they already had my money. I say let's not hate, just appreciate. Secretly I still with they were around. I miss their charm. Their music. Their harmonies. For the love, their harmonies. Their blend. Their all around awesomeness. I miss it. I still own every CD and pretty often I pop it in like nothing ever happened.

While in high school, I can honestly tell you that Jen and I did not miss seeing them one time when they were in Houston. Not once. Every time they came, we were there. I'm telling you, we were very faithful fans. We probably saw them a total of six or seven times. My favorite concert of theirs was actually when we went for Jen's birthday. Her dad generously bought a few of her friends very good seat and at one point Natalie Maines touched us. We freaked out.

You don't have to agree with me, but they are easily one of the most talented groups that have existed. They write their own music. They sing their own songs. And they play their own instruments. Easily put, they're talented. And can put on a mighty fine show!

Who didn't know every song on every album? This was their Wide Open Spaces album. Pure love.

There are many, many more artists and concerts that didn't make the cut. These are my top three.

Next up, Carrie Underwood. I'm sure I'll have a fun report after that one.

So tell me, what's been your favorite concert you've attended? And to stick with the theme, let's keep it old school here. I think this is so fun!

A Sense of Entitlement

This past weekend we had youth worker training. It comes around once a year before we kick off all our major ministries and it's always a fruitful time of spending time with the Lord, discussing plans, calendars, events, and very importantly, maybe even most importantly, discussing culture updates.

I'd say anyone that loves Jesus, wants to make Him known and has a heart to serve young people is qualified to be a youth worker, but at the same time, there is a responsibility and point of anxiety for a lot of our workers that they won't relate with the students well. Honestly, it is tough sometimes, because even since I've been out of high school, which is only seven years, times have changed dramatically.

Take for instance the cell phone issue. I was 16 when I got a cell phone merely for the fact that I was driving.

Nowadays, third graders have iPhones. We weren't even aloud to bring ours into school while today they just aren't supposed to have them out. The rules have changed. Times have changed. Technology has changed. And rest assured, it will only keep changing and at a very rapid speed.

Hence whey we go over culture issues constantly with our workers.

At one point we broke up into Girl's Ministry and Guy's Ministry. It's so effective because there are certain issues that need to be addressed separately.

Although I'll just flat out tell you that you'd be naive and silly to think that our girls aren't dealing with issues of sexual immorality, lust, p*rn, or everything that comes with that. Oh, it's scary and so true. It's not just a "guy’s problem." It's out there, folks. And quite honestly, it's everywhere.

Anyway, that was a complete side note, but absolutely worth noting.

During my conversation with the ladies, the topic of entitlement came up.

My blood pressure tends to rise at this issue, because it's huge. Our girls these days have such an issue with entitlement that it's scary.

If you don't know the definition of entitlement, let me refresh your memory.

In a casual sense, the term "entitlement" refers to a notion or belief that one (or oneself) is deserving of some particular reward or benefit.

Another definition uses the word "rights."

Let me say this, I want my girls to know and believe with all their heart that they are a daughter of the King. Because they are. I long for them to grasp the Truth that if they are in Christ they are not only redeemed, but also set free. They are changed. Yes, if they are in Christ they are entitled to Love, Grace and Mercy, but only because of Jesus Christ.

They did nothing to deserve that except surrender their hearts to Jesus, in which God gets every ounce of Glory.

However, in this "princess" generation, our girls downright think they deserve everything. They deserve to be popular. They deserve to have the nicest clothes. The nicest shoes. A cell phone. The perfect college. A credit card. A gas card. A car. A handsome boyfriend that bows to them. A loving husband. A starter home. A child. A move. A nice one carat size diamond. And so on and so forth.

Obviously I've added things that go beyond middle school or high school, but isn't it true of us, too? How pitiful are we?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you and I are entitled nothing. Zip. Nada. Zero.

Yes, those are all sweet blessings and we can’t discredit the One who’s allowed us those things, but we’re not entitled to them, nor are they are reward.

Only by the Grace of God are most of us even living the American Dream.

To be very frank, I am so tired of this mentality. So tired of this being fed to our girls. The issue gets bigger and bigger as they get older.

I'm not a parent. But I still want the best for the girls I serve. But I know that their best is whatever God gives them. Everything they think they have the best of, God only has better, yet we miss it so often because we're selfish human beings.

I don't know how you were raised. I don't know your story. I only know mine.

Even when it stinks or hurts, I'm so grateful the Lord has taught me this lesson first hand. There have been millions of times that I think I deserve this or that because of what I've done for Him or do for Him, or sacrifice for him. Puke. The thought makes me sick. Since when was I entitled to tell Him what I do and don't deserve?

Since when did my sacrifices become an issue of not loving Him, but only to gain something?

Yes, I have very loving parents who have provided for me in endless ways. But I don't think they ever went overboard with me. No, I did not get everything I wanted.

If you could have known how bad I wanted a hot pink pager you would laugh at me. Did I get it? Heck no.

Or how about that Barbie Jeep? Nope.

How about that boyfriend? That date? That internship? Nope. Nope. Nope.

The last thing I want you to think is that I've mastered the entitlement phase. Because no, I have not. There are still so many things I think I'm entitled to, but I really know better.

Jesus provides for me. And what He provides is, and should be, enough.

This topic has stirred with me for about a year. This is not fresh on my mind. I'm just so passionate to see our girls truly have their desires fulfilled by the One and Only. Not by technology or the next best coach purse. Or being the colonel on their drill team. Or having that perfect relationship. It's all a lie. A big, fat lie.

And we'll never measure up. We'll never have enough if we feel we're entitled to this or that. Our cravings will only worsen.

Our reward is Jesus. He decides what our reward will be. He tells us that time and time again. The benefit? Having a living, thriving, life changing relationship with Him.

“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-25

Brain Fart Tuesday

I'm having major, major bloggers block right now. Like, major.

For the life of me I can't think of anything to blog about.

The problem is, on Friday I started blogging about my trip to Belize. Then I got overwhelmed with all the pictures I was posting, so I stopped. Silly, huh?!

Then I start thinking about the fact that I have yet to blog about my vacation to Colorado and I get equally as overwhelmed with the pictures that pertain to that post as well.

Then I think I just won't blog about either trip.

Then I get disappointed that I didn't blog about them earlier, because now it just seems too far gone.

Then I realize I had no time to blog about it back in July and August. I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off.

Then I get tired thinking about my crazy summer and want to take a nap.

Then I take a nap. And it's good.

Then my mom is worried about me because I'm so tired all the time.

Am I really tired all the time? I took a nap Sunday and Monday, but other than that, I'm like the energizer bunny that never stops, but I run out of energy, quite unlike the energizer bunny. I can't go and go and go and let that be normal.

Then I think about the Fall and all that's coming up.

Fall Festival. Moving into a fantastic apartment with 2 fantastic girls. Girl's Retreat. Girl's Bible study. Montrose Street Outreach.

And those are just the big things.

Then I'm consumed with that and can't think of one thing to blog about.

Then I think I need counseling.

Then I write a whole post on not knowing what to write about, which turns into me rambling and miraculously, I feel better.

Then I make a promise that better posts are to come in the very near future. That is when my thoughts are clear. And make a lick of sense.

George, the Curious One

Last May when Melissa went to India with the compassion bloggers team to India, my heart was unsettled enough by her words that I decided to sponsor a child through Compassion. To be honest, my heart had been stirring for quite sometime, but I ignored it, due not only to laziness of getting the whole process started (a process that's not the least bit hard or confusing), but also due to being stingy with my money. I know, shame on me. But it's the truth.

It didn't take me long to find my little guy. He had my birthday and was in need of a sponsor and quick! I thought I wanted a girl, but he was a cutie and hard to pass up.

My fears of sponsoring a child were that I would simply get the money taken out of my account each month, not notice it was even gone, and forget to pray or write to him.

Stupid, stupid fears.

It's been quite the opposite. Thank you, Jesus!

Me and my little buddy have written back and forth to each other countless times and I feel like I'm getting to see his personality. He just turned 8.

These past few weeks Compassion has been on my heart even more as just yesterday they took their sixth compassion blogger trip to Guatemala. When I learned that Amanda, one of my favorite bloggers, was going, I knew I'd be following the trip. I'll be honest and tell you that I've only followed 2 other trips, but neither have disappointed.

Not only that, but just last week I got 2 letters from Jhon. (Yes, that's how he spells his name. Yet another thing we have in common.) They were so sweet and each made my heart melt.

You know my favorite thing about his last letter?

He was telling me that this summer he'd really been reading a lot and his favorite book, by far, was George, the Curious One. That translates to Curious George. From now until forever I will always refer to the Curious George series as George, the Curious One. Seriously, so darling.

You know what else he told me?

That he memorized John 3:16 and wanted me to be very proud of him. Oh, I'm proud of you, buddy, so very proud. He melts my heart, and I don't even know him.

I'm writing all this to say, if you haven't taken the time or opportunity to sponsor a child, I highly encourage you to do so.

It is THE greatest blessing.

Also, please pray for the Compassion team this week as they open up their hearts and share the love with the little Guatemala children. And as some of them meet their child. Oh, if only!

I love my little Jhon. And I promise you'll love your little buddy, too.

A weekend of labor, or lack thereof.

If this wasn't a weekend of socializing and eating, I don't know what was. I ate my way through this weekend, quite literally.

Let me break it down for you.

Friday after work I headed straight to the mall to buy a pair of jeans. It's been about a year since I've bought a new pair, so I figured it was time. It felt especially appropriate with the hint of fall weather we've been given. Not only did I find a pair, it was the FIRST pair I tried on and it was on sale. Score! Jean shopping normally takes me many hours and requires much patience. I was ecstatic.

After my jean shopping success, I met my parents at Fuddruckers for dinner.

Little do you know that before eating Fuddruckers that night, I had a Starbucks meeting that morning, and a lunch meeting at a Mexican restaurant.

While at Fudd's, I received a text from my friend saying a few of my friends were celebrating their new jobs at BJ's over pazookies. Although I was about to burst, who can pass up a pazookie party? I guess it goes without saying that I headed there next.

Saturday morning after waking up too early on my day off, I got ready and headed to Old Town Spring to meet two of my college besties for lunch. We met at Ellen's Cafe and although everyone seemed to be staring at us, making it somewhat awkward, it was so tasty. Would it shock you if I told you I got a chicken salad sandwich? Yum. I hadnt' seen either of them since June, so it was good to reunite.

After lunch we went to see Jen's new house! It is so cute. She's back in the Woodlands and I couldn't be more thrilled!


After saying our goodbyes, we went our own separate ways and after refreshing real quick at my house, it was time for me to meet Amanda, Jen and Missy for our bowling and dinner extravaganza!

I'll be the first to admit that I am the worlds worst bowler. No lie! And although I'm awful, I still really love it. We had such a blast! Debra sent an email earlier that day challenging me to win the game, and I'm not at all shocked to say that I failed her miserably. Amanda was nice enough to give me a quick bowling lesson, and to my surprise, it really helped my game! I went from 25 to 30 in one round. :)

Missy and I also enjoyed picking out music in the jukebox that may or may not have included some Journey and Black Eyed Peas. However, I think our bowling neighbor was enjoying the music more than any of us.

I was an awful photographer while bowling, but Missy came through and her pictures did not disappoint. I loved them so much I stole them! Thank you, Missy!

After bowling we trekked on over to Texas Roadhouse and after a little wait and a few stories, scarfed down every roll and chicken critter in site. We're legit like that. Legit adults eating chicken critters. It's pretty much my staple food.

Missy also joined us for dinner and swapping stories with her is always fun! Plus, we got to see her new, sassy haircut live and in person.

I could have stayed and chatted with them all night. So fun! But alas, they have babies to get home to and well, my bed and early bed time were calling my name.

How many Missy's do you know? We're lucky enough to know two. :)

Jen, me and Amanda!

Sunday I was up extra early since I sang on praise team that morning, then after church I ate lunch at Sweet Tomatoes, went home and slept for almost two hours then was off to College Station for the evening to eat lunch with my newly college girls for Mary's birthday.

We all met at Jose's, hugged, laughed, chatted, watched Mary read her cards and open her gifts then headed back to Houston. They've only been in school for a couple of weeks, but it was so fun to see them and hear all about their experiences so far! As far as I can tell, they're loving college already. And rightfully so. Little do they know the best is really yet to come.

Mary surprised me and bought me Quelf, a really fun game and I was so happy! And guess what? She got it as one of her gifts. Which means we both ended up with the game!

After dinner I dragged the girls that rode with me to my little brothers' apartment to give him a few things and see his new house. It is a college boys house if you've ever seen one or can imagine, but so perfect for him. It was fun meeting his roommates too! He's loving A&M and I'm so happy for him.

All in all it was a fabulous night!

Mary excited about Quelf!

Lindsee excited about Quelf!

Excited together!

Cute girls!

We had a mini photo shoot at Kev's house. This was in their garage where they have a little living area with 4 couches. Typical boys!

Today I slept in, had a very lazy, rainy morning, then headed to a BBQ with some peeps from our young adults group at church. Our plan was to swim, play volleyball and more outdoorsy stuff, but the rain put a damper on that which kept most of us inside all day. Secretly I was okay with that since I wasn't in the swimming mood, but we ended up having a fun day anyway! I even brought Quelf! We attempted to play it but got a bit distracted with 30 other folks walking in and out of the room!

I guess it's time to say, I hope you had a great weekend!

Wish I could come up with something more clever, but I cannot.

Peace out yo'!