2010 - The Year of Conquering

The year of the Learning Curve (2009) was just that...A lot of learning and starting from ZERO! But it's been amazing nonetheless and 2010 can only get better!! I'm VERY excited about start of this new year. Excitement ABOUNDS!!

Theme verse for 2010:
"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Romans 8:37

Theme picture for 2010:
(yes...Aslan!!)
Theme song for 2010: I haven't picked one. ;o)
(2009 was Jon Foreman's Your Love is Strong)

Goals for 2010:

1. Continue Reading
   I love it! I remember having a conversation YEARS AGO with someone about books. I told her that I really like them, but never seemed to have time for them. She answered, "Well, we all have 24 hours in a day and I read every night. You make time for it." And I am thankful she said that because back then I didn't think it was that easy. It's true for a lot of things!
   
2. Teach
   I'm really close I can taste it. I have LOVED every minute of the time I've had off. I can't say it enough. You couldn't pay me to go back to where I was. I'm in a much happier, healthier state and I'm more than ready to teach!!
3. Geocache
   Back in August, I saw a group of boy scouts geocaching and I loved it. I said I'd do it but I haven't. So I promised a cousin of mine that I'd go on a bear hunt once a month and keep my geocaching profile updated.
   
4. Go on a Mission Trip
   My dreams have always been to teach and use the summers for mission trips. So, why not start this year. I'll have more information on this soon.
   
5. Lose Weight
   It's on "the list" every year...and I wouldn't have it any other way! I've recently made some progress and hope to continue into the next. I feel GREAT!! Thanks to the Wii Fit Plus, I am tracking the progress daily and it's ADDICTING!!
   

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Imogene had the baby doll but she wasn't carrying it in the way she was supposed to, cradled in her arms. She had it slung up over her shoulder, and before she put it in the manger she thumped it twice on the back.
I heard Alice gasp and she poked me. "I don't think it's very nice to burp the baby Jesus," she whispered, "as if he had colic." Then she poked me again. "Do you supposed he could have had colic?"
I said, "I don't know why not," and I didn't. He could have had colic, or been fussy, or hungry like any other baby. After all, that was the whole point of Jesus - the he didn't come down on a cloud like something out of "Amazing Comics," but that he was born and lived...a real person.

-Barbara Robinson
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Books of 2009

Since one of my goals for the year was to read more, I want to share with you the books I read this year. It's really crazy to think that there are about eight days left to the year. If I get another book read in that time it would be a miracle.

So...without further ado, here is the list of books I read this year.

1. Let Me Be A Woman, Elisabeth Elliot
2. Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
3. One Day, All Children...: The Unlikely Triumph of Teach for America & What I learned Along the Way, Wendy Kopp*
4. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, Ishmael Beah*
5. The Butterfly Jar, Poems by Jeff Moss*
6. Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity, Charles R. Swindoll
7. Confessions of a Shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella
8. My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult
9. Big Russ & Me, Tim Russert*
10. The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, Brennan Manning*
11. A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry*
12. Crazy Love, Francis Chan*
13. Joseph: A Man of Integrity & Forgiveness, Charles R. Swindoll*
14. I Would Die For You, Brent & Deanna Higgins
15. The Time Traveler's Wife, Audrey Niffegger
16. Like Water For Chocolate, Laura Esquivel*
17. The Book of Romance, Tommy Nelson
18. Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen*
    
19. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rowling
20. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson*

I've put a star by the ones I think are my favorite! (And just because it doesn't have a star doesn't mean I didn't like it...it just means it wasn't a FAVORITE.)

Of the christian books, Joseph: A Man of Integrity & Forgiveness by Charles R. Swindoll is my favorite. I couldn't help but fall in LOVE with the man of God from ages past!

And for non-christian reads, I'd have to say that I really and truly enjoyed Like Water for Chocolate. Couldn't put that one down at all. There is something about Spanish Literature that leaves me wanting more!!

So, there you have it. I accomplished that goal. Gold star for me! :o)

My Christmas Wish List

I think this all fits in one of those USPS mailers that you can ship to me for like $4 or something. I'm just saying that if you so feel led to give all this to me at once I'll hook you up with my address. :o)

1. 3 Pack of Moleskine Journals
2. Victoria's Secret Love Spell Lotion and Body Splash
3. Fat Tubes of black and white acrylic paint
4. Gift card to Barnes & Noble
5. Support for a mission trip to Kenya (OR support to send me back to Casa Bernabe in Guatemala).
   

I'm keeping it simple.

High Spirits

Last night, my mom and I took some chicken soup to a lady from church who recently went through open heart surgery. From what I can tell, she's feeling pretty chipper and high spirited despite the pain she's enduring. As soon as we walked in, she introduced me to her sons - "The Old One" and "Your Boyfriend." I couldn't help but laugh out loud. The poor guy was so embarrassed after saying hello he went to the bedroom and tried everything not to have to come out again!

The Drums Are Rollin

I've been in a season of suspense. I've gotten into the seat, secured my seat belt, and I'm in the slow climb uphill on a roller coaster. I think my knuckles are turning white. I'm ready to let go, lift my arms up and let out a good holler.

I realized last night that I have 3 days for the results of an important exam I took in late October. Everyone says - "oh Mims you have it in the bag." But can I just say that speaking on command and under pressure is not like having a conversation with your best friend. It's more like pulling your wisdom teeth out and taking too much Vicodin.

I hope that I'm able to eat sleep and socialize like a normal person but if I'm walking around like a zombie with the jitters just know...I'm holding on tight until I can let go. I've never looked forward to a Monday so much in my life!

**********

On another note, I'm going to prison tomorrow. It's been a long time. I'm excited to see what's in store and also very excited to meet the new class. It's amazing how time flies...this "new" class will graduate December 4th (I think).

Orphan Sunday: November 8

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

There are 143,000,000 orphans around the world.
143,ooo,ooo orphans standing shoulder to shoulder will go around the 10,913 mile perimeter of the USA nearly 4 times.
143,000,000 orphans in a single file line would reach around the earth over 2 times.
500,000 of those orphans are in Southern Sudan alone.


My friend Amber Burger (from SBU), introduced me to Orphan Sunday. She and her husband, Vernon, have been working with an incredible church in Southern Sudan called Evangelical Presbyterian Church under a nonprofit organization: His Voice For Sudan. They have been working hard to build orphanages and equipping the people of Sudan to run the facilities. If you would like more information about His Voice for Sudan go to www.hisvoiceforsudan.org.

Giving Thanks

It is Autumn - my favorite season of the year. It makes me think back and reflect on all the good things that have occurred in my life and also what I've learned through the hard times. It is a time of Thanksgiving! In preparation for the actual Thanksgiving holiday, I started a list early in the year in the back of my journal of things that make me happy. And let me tell you - I am a HAPPY GIRL! I add to this list often!

However, I ran across a list today that surpasses the list I have written in my journal. This list is found in Ephesians 1:3-14 and it is what God has done for me! So, I want to share it with you because it is pretty amazing!

So, I am thankful because God has:

1. Blessed me with every spiritual blessing.
2. Chosen me.
3. Predistined and adopted me.
4. REDEEMED me.
5. FORGIVEN me.
6. LAVISHED His GRACE on me.
7. Made known the mystery of His will.
8. Provided and eternal inheritance.
9. Sealed me in Christ.
10. Guaranteed my inheritance.

He wants the same for you! John 3:16 - the most famous Bible verse says: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have eternal life.

When we die, we have a destination. Heaven or Hell. It's true. But God doesn't condemn...see John 3:17 - For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

It also says in 2 Peter that "...God is patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

When we respond to Christ's invitation to be HIS, we are richly blessed. (See the list from Ephesians.)

My heart is overwhelmed by His goodness this morning. I had to share this with you!!

Saying Hello To The New!

This week our newest family member came home. His official name, in my opinion, is Chandler Copper Chase Marquez (all the names we debated). However, he is not MY dog and I've had to relinquish my desire to keep the name Chandler in existence and let the rightful owner (my dad) name him whatever he chose. So, Copper...Copper it is. :o)

We are all very happy he's home. Zacc is so happy to have a playmate and loves his new role as "pack leader." Zacc's personality changed so much - it's WEIRD!

So here he is....Mr. Chandler Copper Chase Marquez!

The day we met the TRIPLE C!


The day we picked him up to take him home!

My gramma was really happy to meet him.

His first bath

The Copper Fro!

Unfortunately....

Seems like lately, I'm attracting middle schoolers, married men or guys with girlfriends. I don't usually post this kind of stuff on the blog for the whole world to read, but here's what I think...

1. If you're a middle schooler, sorry dude, but there's no chance. I'll take a picture with you though. (hahaha!)
2. If you're married, I will politely decline but internally I'm giving you a solid kick in the nads. Have some respect for me and the commitment that you made to your WIFE!
3. If you have a girlfriend - be about your girlfriend!!
4. If your single, have courage. I'm right there with you!

Around the Corner...

Autumn is around the corner. I've been listening to the Louis Armstrong Station on Pandora, have many windows open around the house, and pumpkin spice candles burning for long periods of time. Weirdly, I've spent a lot of time in the kitchen and still I've yet to touch my sewing machine which is calling my name! I have the bouquet of sharpened pencils my bestie sent me in honor of me receiving my teaching certification (in January) prominently displayed in my room. And I'm dreaming of pumpkin carving parties and hoedowns and such! Have I mentioned that I love AUTUMN and all the festivities therein? I do!!

Project Runway: Newspaper as Fabric

You have no idea how exciting it was to watch Project Runway! The latest challenge was to use newspaper as fabric!!

Look at this winning design:


To see other designs click HERE!

And LOOK!! Remember the blog entry from November 2007? Yeah!! The family had a newspaper challenge too and Hannah created a really beautiful dress!



In the second picture, you can see the Super Hero costume we made for Andy (right) and how other designers didn't give Sophia the option of free limbs (left). Without asking what Sophie thought the designers wrapped her in newspaper and made newspaper "arms" with a gun at the end. So funny! Do you see it? And of course, Olivia is sporting Hannah's design which included the bow made out of the newspaper bag (center).

It's so sad that the beach house where these pictures were taken is no longer standing. Thank you Hurricane Ike!

In the near future...

I'm looking forward to watching these movies (I'm pretty sure they'll win awards):

1. Where the Wild Things Are



2. The Blind Side



3. Good Hair (this one is going to be hilarious!!)



4. Precious (this one, epsecially, will be winning some SERIOUS awards)

Going on a Bear Hunt

Have you ever gone geocaching?

This past Saturday, I spent the morning at the park for some much needed alone/regrouping time. While I was there, a boy scout troop came by for a while looking for a treasure. I suppose I didn’t expect that I’d be COMPLETELY alone. After all, I was at a park where practically every Houstonian goes to do some serious work outs, running, golfing, and GEOCACHING.

I’m not sure how much time they spent looking for this hidden treasure when I joined in the fun (I hope they didn't mind...I did my part too by letting them use my pen to sign their names on the log). I tell you what – it was delightful! I’ve now joined in the geocaching world at http://www.geocaching.com/ and you guessed it (there is an APP for that) I downloaded the app to my iPhone!

Have I ever mentioned how much I HEART scavenger hunts? I’m going to have to make time for geocaching!

*********************

Bunny trail: Telling you how much I LOVE scavenger hunts reminded me of last year’s lock-in at church (I CANNOT BELIEVE I DIDN"T BLOG ABOUT IT!). That was a blast! We played all kinds of games, met more people from church and yes – you got it…We did a scavenger hunt creatively named: THE AMAZING RACE! And if you care to guess again – yes! My team won! I perhaps was a bit overly excited but I seriously, SERIOUSLY LOVE scavenger hunts, throw in a little competition and I become a different person! Here are some pictures from that night.

The girls of the winning team!!

My favorite picture of the night!

*********************

Another bunny trail: RUMOR HAS IT...that there is going to be ANOTHER Amazing Race. And my Sunday School class is going to have a digital scavenger hunt! Pretty sure, I'll get a lot of hunting done before the year is over!

Advice

If you don't have anything nice to say, just say it in Spanish!

HILARIOUS. It came from one of my aunts.
The only downside to this advice is that most people, esp. in Houston at the very least understand the language. So, maybe it's best that you not say it at all (or learn to speak Finnish).

Thwarted Plans

This weekend, I was supposed to go with some friends to New Braunfels to stay at an amazing house, spend all day today at Schlitterbahn, all evening in a jacuzzi, and eat homemade ice cream and other delicious foods! However, plans on my end fell through and continue to. I'm not complaining though - no, not at all!

Today, I woke up and had breakfast with my dad. We both talked about how we were SO excited that my mom and brother Tim were coming home from their mission trip to Puebla, Mexico. It was a nice time. Then, I raced to Memorial Park, where my friends changed up the games a bit and instead of playing sand volleyball to old school sand lot style baseball. The fields we were hoping to use were locked up, so we made do with an open field. IT WAS FUN! Trust me - it was fun! Whew, I was drenched though! I took off wet clothes as if I had been in a pool, only it wasn't chlorine water...it was my SWEAT! Gross, yes! Oh but it felt great afterwords.

Most of us went to have lunch afterwards, where we talked about structural engineering (which seriously I don't know the first thing about, but Praise the Lord there are those who DO!), and books we've read/are reading. I got a call from my dad that my mom was home!! So, we finished up and I went home and gave my mom the biggest hug ever! I'VE MISSED HER SOOO incredibly much!

My family hadn't eaten so they were on their way out as I was coming in. I ran to my room changed my clothes redid my pony tail and hopped in the car with them! I had dessert while everyone ate their lunch!! Conversation was fantastic! (And I was still gross! ha ha!, but I wouldn't have missed this lunch with my family for all the world!)

We finally came home, and after getting cleaned up I took a nap! WOW - I need to do this more often! Sleep is good.

And of course, the Saturday dinner that I thought was planned for SATURDAY, was changed to Sunday lunch...and frankly no one is to blame and again I'm not complaining. Because if I were I'd be saying that I didn't enjoy my evening, WHICH I SO DID! My brother, Aser, has been telling me about this movie that he knew would be an instant favorite. So I took him up on it. My brother and I went to the movies and watched my new "You've Got Mail." Seriously, I love it THAT much.

His pick for me was Julie & Julia! GO SEE IT! It's perfect. It's directed by Nora Ephron also directed you've got mail. It's no wonder I love it so much...but seriously, it's perfect.

Someone not too long ago mentioned how all movies show couples when they finally decide to commit to each other and the end they live happily ever after. However, this movie is proof that there are movies of relationships AFTER they've made the commitment of being each others better half. That's the sub story though. The STORY is of Julie and Julia finding themselves in cooking! And it's truely worth your time and money.

And seriously, if you like food, love, and accomplishments then WATCH THIS MOVIE!

I've also got a new favorite song. I've been singing it nonstop since I heard it on Pandora...Enjoy.


And now I'm off to bed.
Good night!

yes, it's august...

...and I honestly can't believe how time flies sometimes.

Here's a picture that reminded me of the carolinas.
p.s. I want a bike like that. Super chill.

This summer has stirred a lot in this heart of mine. It's hard to spit into words. Consider me mute...or something. At least, just for now.

CONTRIBUTE!

It doesn't cost you anything except for 45 minutes. And let's face it - this is your choice: spend 45 minutes blog surfing and accomplishing NOTHING or spend 45 minutes taking this "reasoning inventory" and just for taking the assessment Birkman gives $10 to a worthy cause.

Here's the Blurb:

Contribute
MetroLIVE and Birkman International, Inc® are partnering to raise $9,000 for Star of Hope Mission and LifeHouse Ministry. Birkman International is in need of research data for their new Reasoning Inventory Tool and has asked for our help. In return Birkman International will graciously give $10 for each assessment completed by Monday, August 3rd (THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED). MetroLIVE will donate 100% of these funds equally between Star of Hope Mission and LifeHouse Ministry.

In order to participate you will need:

• 45 min. of uninterrupted time & a quiet environment
• Paper & pencil (no calculator)
• Computer, web access, and the following site and code:
  Website: direct.birkman.com/bai/
  Authorization code: 46877322

Thank you for doing this survey!!

The Talton's part 3

Okay...so, I have to share this video with you cause it's so fun!




Afterwards, all of Tyler's friends came up to Beyer and asked how in the world she got him to shake his groove thing! It was awesome!

My friend's got skills!

Golden TICKET!

I, like Charlie, have a golden ticket. I'm on my way to the Chocolate Factory! Trying not to get swallowed by the chocolate river or an oompa loompa...


:D ha ha ha!

The Talton's Continued...

The pictures are up on the photographer's blog. SO PRETTY!

The Talton Wedding

Last weekend, I took my first ever trip to the Carolinas and it was worth it! My friend Jenn W. Beyer got married to a great dude whose name is Tyler Talton. Perfect is the word to describe every detail of the weekend!

So, although her name is now changed, I think I’m going to have a really difficult time not calling her “Beyer.” I hope Tyler doesn’t get upset if I’m honest and say, “I don’t really want to try! Beyer is classic!” (consider this post a practice session for calling her "Jenn")

Okay, so where do I start?

1. Getting to see old friends and meeting new ones was great! Healthy Laughing with Your gut happening all around!

2. Soaking up the Southern Hospitality was one of my favorites! Okay, so there are VERY few guys in Houston who do this and I want to applaud them and make sure they know that I'm not taking them for granted, but EVERY guy that was around when I was near a door made sure to open/hold/close the door for me! I hardly touched a door while I was there! I loved it!

3. Carolina beaches! OMG - Why aren’t they closer to home??? I’d spend every waking hour there, so it’s probably not too terrible a thing. Guess what? I learned how to boogie board! Yeah, that’s right it’s taken me a while….I ended up with scraped knees, but not too bad. It was FUN!!

4. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous. Here’s Jenn and her Dad!


Gorgeous right?
I don’t know how one person can be gorgeous, extremely smart and have an amazing personality. I don’t know that it’s common, but she got it all!

5. And here’s a picture of Jenn & Tyler. All of Tyler’s friends were amazed that Jenn got Tyler to shake his groove thing for their dance! It was great! ;o)



6. Desserts! DELICIOUS! Seriously. I had too much dessert I think! Here’s the cookie cake that was at the rehearsal dinner…the groom’s cake had the same Seven-eleven design! So clever!!

Big Russ & Me

So, as I've mentioned many times before, I LOVE to read! As a result, I tend to have more books than I can read at a time. I bought the book Big Russ & Me by Tim Russert LAST YEAR and I'm just NOW coming around to reading it.

GO PICK UP A COPY!

It's an easy read. It's nostalgic. It makes you want to call your dad and tell him you love him! And it also makes you want to write down every possible memory that you have with your dad, so that a hundred years from now someone will remember the good times you spent with him!

For me - it reminded me of the road trips we took with my dad to San Antonio or San Jacinto, how my dad would put me on his shoulders as a little girl and jump rope, how my dad made me get back on a bike after having a horrible fall and said, "We're not quitters just because we skin our knees," how we finally told him to stop cooking eggs for us because we thought they were disgusting (ha ha ha, at least he tried). It reminded me of the time when my dad was teaching me to swim and the silly looking goggles he bought for me and how he went to every single orchestra concert I had growing up and how he tears up any time he's overwhelmingly proud of me or my brothers.

It makes me sad to think of the times I was embarrassed by him because I love him! (I'm crying now. ha ha!) What a great dad I have! He's truly amazing!

I'm not quite finished reading this book, but I will be in the next couple evenings when I get a chance to read....but I couldn't help myself - I YouTubed "tim russert" and found this video that I thought would be perfect to share with you!




p.s. My dad's birthday is this Thursday and I have an AWESOME surprise planned for him on Saturday. I will make sure to have my camera and tell you all about it. I seriously CAN'T WAIT! It's going to be great!

Before and After

As promised, before and after pictures of Zacc. I prefer him all fluffly and cute, but I realize that I let it grow WAY too long. Poor little guy!

When Mimi Met Zacc…

Growing up (High School & College), I always said that I would never ever in a million years have my own dog. They make a mess. You have to be on their tail constantly. If they’re puppies they’ll chew up your shoes and who knows what else. They pee. They poop. And not always outside. I thought I would never get one because we’ve always had one and honestly, I would get annoyed with our pets sometimes.

For whatever reason, in 2007 I started getting an itch. I didn’t only want a dog, I NEEDED one. I started saving money and made a list of requirements. Male, puppy (so we can grow old together), cute, white, perfect eyes, perfectly straight teeth, go to a breeder and pick almost a show dog (but not, because he was going to be mine and I’m definitely not going to go through the show business). Yes, the West Highland Terrier is what I had in mind. And I was being a TOTAL snob about it.

Then enter my brother's invitation to go to the pet shop at the mall on CHRISTMAS EVE of 2007! HOLY CRAP. Throw the saving idea out the window. Throw out the minor detail of the Westie and meet this seriously depressed looking Miniature Poodle. Add to that a request to hold the puppy and he fit perfectly into your arms…

I was determined that this was not the right time. I hadn’t even been saving for very long (or really not at all, specifically for this dog), this is definitely NOT a Westie nor are we at a breeder!! So, I gave him back and walked out. I don’t think I got 20 feet from the store when I realized that I could not live without this white puppy with the biggest eyes and the most crooked teeth and uber short legs. I couldn’t leave him there. I had to take him home and make him happy. So I went back and bought him. He came home with me and we celebrated Christmas together.

On his first Christmas, Zacc received rag quilt (perfect for his size), a little teddy bear, a hilarious jacket from my cousin, a home, and a name – Zaccheus.

Have you ever heard the story in the Bible of a Man named Zaccheus? Briefly, he was a tax collector. Wasn’t well liked. He was really short. When Jesus came to his town, Zaccheus climbed a tree so he could get a view of Jesus. Yes – he was very short. He was a wee little man. And since this little guy is a wee little dog, I named him Zaccheus.

Fast forward to April 2009. Zacc needs to be groomed. He’s not too bad, but he definitely needs a haircut. Our groomer ends up with tennis elbow and says - Sorry bout it. And I think - DANG IT! I REALLY LIKE YOU! April through June is like the busy season of the year for me. And now it’s practically JULY and Zacc could officially pass for a homeless dog! You can’t see the eyes that melted my heart. And EVERYONE thinks he’s overweight. However, he’s far from it -weighing a healthy 11 pounds! ;o)

Last week, I took some time off to help my mom with Vacation Bible School at my parents church and I thought, “WHAT A PERFECT CHANCE TO GET ZACC GROOMED AND UP TO DATE!” So, we stop by the vet on Thurs and schedule a Friday 8 am appointment at this not so great place. Before I leave the house I take a before picture of Zacc, excited to see what he’ll look like when I pick him up. When I get to this not so great place (15 minutes early in case I need to fill out any paper work for Zacc) I find out that the manager of this place forgot her keys at home! I stayed calm and politely declined to leave my dog with a random person and waited for this irresponsible manager. She gets there at 8:16 am laughing her tail off saying she can’t find her keys. Have I mentioned that this place OPENS at 7 AM? So it’s 1.25 hours past open time and the shop is STILL CLOSED! I asked for a corporate number to file a complaint and left. There was no way they are EVER putting their hands on my dog.

I tried again on Saturday at another grooming center and seriously went out of my way for it. And when I get there they tell me that the vaccinations need to be at least 48 hours prior to the appointment. That was information they could have shared over the phone!

Now it’s Monday, and Zaccheus still looks like this:

I finally got an appointment for Zacc on Wednesday at a place my friend recommended. It makes me a little nervous, perhaps not as nervous as a mother leaving her child at preschool, but I’m nervous. I liked Zacc’s old groomer.

I’ve been wondering all week, what did I get myself into? I love my dog and wouldn’t give him up now. I just didn’t know it was going to be this complicated. It had been so “easy” - Minus the peeing inside the house phase he went through. We're doing good though....doing real good. I'll post the after picture on Wednesday! (I hope to anyway...)

Happy Father's Day!

To a dad that never misses a birthday
who always tries his best to get the things that make me happy
who never ever missed an orchestra concert
who will fly kites with me
who will drive across the country to make sure I'm doing okay
who would carry me to the car if my feet hurt
who would go broke to invest in one of my crazy ideas
who is proud of me and loves me dearly.
To a dad who continues to work harder than anyone I've ever met and has taught me too much to list here.

I love you, Daddy!

Uhh Ahh...

My cousin, Isaac, decided to do this and I decided to copy him.

Directions:
1. Put your iPod, iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS

**********

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
La Vida Es Un Carnaval, Celia Cruz

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
A Murder of One, Counting Crows (HA HA HA)

3. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
I'm Yours, Jason Mraz

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
My Eyes Are Dry, Keith Green

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?
New Day, Robbie Seay Band

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Made For You, Watermark

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Linda Eh, Elvis Crespo ;o)

8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Getting Better, Bob Schneider (hahaha)

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Eye of the Needle, Brandi Carlile

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Say A Prayer, Sara Groves (HA)

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Never Make Your Move Too Soon, Ernestine Anderson (HA HA HA!)

12. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Songbird, Katie Hertzig

13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Gold in the Sunset, Bob Schneider

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Love is Everywhere, Bob Schneider (ha ha ha)

15. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Run Through the Jungle, CCR

16. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST
In Your Arms, Jon Foreman

17. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Expectations, Caedmon's Call

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Love Wins, RSB

19. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Almost Lover, A Fine Frenzy (uhhhh...)

20. SONG THEY WILL PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I'm Good Now, Bob Schneider (HA HA HA HA HA!!)

21. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR ROOMMATE?
Pep in Your Step, Satrue

22. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Uhh Ahh, Boys II Men


I won't tag anyone for this meme because i would not want to be tagged in any either. But if you decide to post this, let me know so that i can go read yours.

Humility

“…humility is not how you dress, it is not the money you make, it is not where you live, it’s not what you drive, it is not even how you look. We’re never once commanded by God to ‘look’ humble. Humility is an attitude of the mind. It is knowing your proper place. Never talking down or looking down because someone may be of a financial level less than yours. It is knowing your role & fulfilling it for God’s glory and praise. I repeat, it is an attitude. ‘Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus’ (Phil 2:5)."

- Charles R. Swindoll, Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity

Sharing a Song

I've had this song on my ipod since I heard of the Art, Music, Justice Tour. (sidenote: If you're curious, I missed the concert. Sad. But I have the music and I love it.) This weekend a tune kept popping in my head and I knew it was of significance, but I couldn't figure what the lyrics were so I pulled up the lyrics and listened to it (and I teared up). After listening to it and reading the lyrics, there's no wonder why I love this song so much!!

Here is the video:


And here are the lyrics:

Add To The Beauty
- Sara Groves

We come with beautiful secrets
We come with purposes written on our hearts, written on our souls
We come to every new morning
With possibilities only we can hold, that only we can hold

Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are

And I want to add to the beauty
I want to tell a better story
Shine with the light
That's burning up inside

It comes in small inspirations
It brings redemption to life and work, to our lives and our work
It comes in loving community
It comes in helping a soul find it's worth, the soul find it's worth

Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are

And I want to add to the beauty
I want to tell a better story
Shine with the light
That's burning up inside

This is grace, an invitation to be beautiful
This is grace, an invitation

Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out our best

I want to add to the beauty
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside

And I want to add to the beauty
I want to tell a better story
Shine with the light
That's burning up inside

I still have sand in my shoes...

Why the 3 day weekend couldn't actually be a month or two is beyond me! :o) I had a great weekend with friends and family. If we could get paid to invest in the people we love most, I'd be so rich!

Friday: I watched movies with the fam on Friday.

Saturday: Got up extra early to get ready to hit the beach with some friends.

Sunday: Went to church with the family and had friends meet me there. Lunch was delicious. After church I went home to plan the VBS and got a lot of stuff knocked out (well, at least the planning part - now it's the follow through that needs to happen...FAST!). I'm amazed that right after that I got all prettied up fairly quickly and got to a friends wedding before schedule. That in itself was amazing, not to mention the wedding! It was fantastic.

Monday: I ran errands in the morning and then had dad help me pick out some art stuff at Texas Art Supply. As soon as I got home I got to work on this big poster. I got to mix tempera paints to my hearts content!

The weekend was super full. Time well spent. And I'm back in the trenches with sand in my shoes.

Character

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece -- by thought, choice, courage, and determination.
- H. Jackson Brown

There is a character assessment that each PEP brother has to go through in order to graduate from the program. When I listened to C. Rohr talk about it, I wondered how many of us would be willing to go through the "torture" and how many of us would pass.

So what does this assessment look like? Well, first they study character traits - what makes good/bad character. Then they are given the opportunity to evaluate each other and they use three words describing each others character. After that is completed and all the feedback is compiled, each individual is approached with the results and ways they can improve.

The same assessment is applied throughout the "semester" and the final one, from what I understand, is the most brutal. Everyone sits in a circle and listens to everyone elses feedback. So if you have great feedback then no sweat. But, can you imagine if your peers say that you are a jerk, a liar, a manipulator, selfish...and until you can address these problems and be willing to change this then you cannot continue??!!

I wonder what would happen if we applied this in our work place, in our church, in our families...DANG GINA!! This is accountability at it's finest - in my opinion. Personally, I think we let a lot of things slide and as a result we are a hurting society.

I wonder, would I pass? I know that my behavior with my younger brother, on the VERY day that I heard the details of these assessments, was embarrassing. I would never EVER let you see that ugly side of me.

It was definitely a heart check for me.

Remember to have a teachable spirit. You're never finished learning...growing...refining your character.

...encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
-Hebrews 3:13

When They Met

So I’ve seen the famous scene Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal shared debating whether men and women can be friends in the movie When Harry Met Sally several times for whatever reason, but never saw the whole thing until recently. Pretty sure it’s on my favorites list.

One of the lasts scenes, along with others, made me laugh - I couldn't help it.

Harry: I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Sally (condensed response): I hate you, Harry!

Adventures

1. Cutting your bangs without consulting with your hair person.
2. Pumping gas in the Houston Ghetto's at night by yourself and having a "lawn guy" offer his services and asking for your number.
3. Jumping on the opportunity to talk to a hot guy!

Pearly Whirly

I've been in a whirl wind of phone calls with the car shops!


My car, Pearl, is sick.


She's going to have quite a few repairs. Just when I thought the cracks on the windshield were annoying, I get this RATTLING sound that's pretty unnerving.

So the list:

Windshield - I guess I'll wait.
Alternator Pulley - NEED IMMEDIATELY
Belt - NEED IMMEDIATELY
CV Boot - NEED IMMEDIATELY (when I turn the wheel it started clicking so replacing the boot is better than having to replace the joint)
Oil Filter Housing - Taking it to another shop on TUESDAY (I better not have to pay a dime for this or I'll be FURIOUS!)
Oil Change - needed but again waiting for Tuesday
Brake Fluid - not necessarily needed
Coolant Flush - not necessarily needed

Man, I'm so bummed!! But it's better to get it taken care of than to get stuck on the road!!

I've received some charity and I'm thankful!

Teaching Math...

My friend who kicks ass at teaching statistics sent this to me for laughs. I think it's HILARIOUS and rather than junking your inbox with a forward, I'm posting this on my blog so you can read it if you want...(it's hilarious! I've read it and so should you!).

1. Teaching Math In 1950s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
2. Teaching Math In 1960s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990s: A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)
6. Teaching Math In 2009: Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Zacc's Ponytail

Here's a picture of Zaccheus that warms my heart!


It's hilarious isn't it?! ha ha ha! Aw, look at the little puppy!

Rocco Márquez

April 23, 2009, 12:30 a.m.

Rocco Márquez, the best cocker spaniel ever, breathed his final breath. He is survived by his loving family of five and his friend, Zaccheus. We enjoyed his companionship for over 14 years.

My Boyfriend

OMG! I totally didn't tell you that one of the guests at the party was my boyfriend, Matt. Let me introduce you:

So stinken cute! His smile gets me every time! We're hanging out tonight...

Jenn, he's my plus one to your wedding in July! :o)

Don't Round Up!

I'm officially 27 today. And NO, that doesn't mean I'm THIRTY. I'm sure I will be just fine when I'm there - thirty, I'll be thirty, flirty and thriving. But seriously I'm not ready to round it up!

Happy Birthday to Jessica Summers and Brian McBride!! We could've been triplets or something. :o)

Yesterday, my mom hosted a small party for me. Here's a picture of the dining area. I think it's so pretty!! I have pictures with people in them...only I haven't uploaded them. I'll share a few when I do.

I was a little bummed that my dad wasn't here. He called this morning to sing me the birthday song....He doesn't miss a birthday EVER! I can't wait for him to get back on Tuesday. SPEAKING OF BIRTHDAY SONGS: I received several calls today with AMAZING versions of birthday songs. One was from Jennifer W. Beyer whose rendition has become a tradition in my life - may Mary and Joseph smile down upon you too, Jenn! And the other was from Jennifer M. Tufts who had a professional sing the Incredible Pizza birthday Song! :o)

So.....I splurged and bought myself something that I've wanted and not necessarily needed for quite some time. I'm convinced it's already changed my life for the better. :o) It's called an iPhone.

And I also got a great children's poetry book. I recommend it to EVERYONE, because it really is that much fun!! I read it cover to cover already. And I'll read it some more this week, I'm sure.

I have to go to bed now...since it's past my bedtime. So I leave you with a poem with LIFE application. It's IMPORTANT!

JELLYBEANS UP YOUR NOSE

from The Butterfly Jar by Jeff Moss

Johnny stuck jellybeans up his nose,
That's a pretty dumb thing to do.
But the other kids said, "Hey, John's real cool.
Let's put beans up our noses, too!"
Well, a kid can't breathe with beans up his nose
'Cause they get all stuck inside.
So John and the kids, well, I hate to say it,
But they coughed and they choked and they died.

That's a pretty grim tale, I must admit,
And it may not all be true,
Still when somebody cool does something dumb
You don't have to do it, too.

So don't be one of those
With jellybeans up your nose.

Because nothing else is guaranteed...

Being Yourself...

One of the blogs I keep up with is from a former Senior Art Director for Martha Stewart Kids and Martha Stewart Living. Her blog is simple and clean...and I LIKE IT!

Earlier this week, I found this post on manners in her archives. I think the pictures she shared, this one in particular, are good lessons for all of us...Yes, even myself.

Watch this!!

So, I think that you should take a break from your regularly scheduled tv program tonight and watch this instead.



So, What did you think? Time well spent, eh? Click here to get involved!

Sad Day

It's a sad day for us. The little guy on the right is Guerro, my mom's dog. He's missing. And doesn't sound hopeful. He's the most loyal dog anyone could ever ask for. He worshipped the ground my mother walked on. He was her shadow.

For my mom, doing the every day stuff won't be the same.

We are very sad. Very sad.

That's what I'm saying, only he says it better...

A college professor of mine has a blog
and I like what he wrote.
I think you should read his most recent post.
So here you go...
Dr. Reeves' Blog.

Excitement Abounds!!

At church tonight, one of the guys that I met at P.E.P. who is now in the free world was baptized tonight. So I love baptisms, BUT this one in particular I just wanted to jump up and down and WHOOP WHOOP all over the place.

I've recently been thinking about God's love for us. Particularly, 1 John 3:1

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

And how His love for us changes us. We are LIGHT. Our entire appearance changes. It's definitely true for this guy! It makes me want to sing at the TOP of my lungs!

I LOVE P.E.P. But more than that I love God. He is faithful to finish the work He begins in us.

On another note, the Anderson cousins (my cousins) have been singing with a local rapper - COLCUTZ. I want for you guys to listen to this song...it's good. Sung by my oh so VERY talented cousin Hannah.

Baby Goat

Today our church had the Spring Fling. I, along with some friends and my brother Tim, got to work the pony ride center.

And after all of it was done, I got to hold a baby goat named Vanessa. SO SO very cute!

Inspiration Station

On the side bar of my blog I have this section called inspiration station. I don't know if you've actually had a chance to check that out, but I have this favorite photographer, whose name is Parker Young. I've actually never met him, but I fell in love with his photography when I found his xanga - xanga surfing in Korea (yeah 4 years ago). I'll get to the point...

He's GOOD! And you should check out his flickr to see the amazing pictures he took on his trip to India.

My Favorite Number

I think it's awesome that one of my favorite singers joined up with one of my favorite programs (for kids) to sing about my favorite number - 4, Four, Cuatro, Sa, Net, Bon, Quatre.

P.S. Happy First Day of Spring to YOU! This message is brought to you by the number 4 and the letter F! :o)

Shampoo Less?

Americans love to shampoo. We lather up an average of 4.59 times a week, twice as much as Italians and Spaniards, according to shampoo-maker Procter & Gamble.
But that's way too often, say hair stylists and dermatologists. Daily washing, they say, strips the hair of beneficial oil (called sebum) and can damage our locks.

-Allison Aubrey, NPR

Interested in reading more? Click here.
Regardless of what they say, I'm washing my hair! Okay? Okay. Glad we got that settled.

Inspiring!

Aye, fight and you may die.

Run, and you'll live...at least a while.

And dying in your beds, many years from now,

would you be willing to trade ALL the days,

from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance,

to come back here and tell our enemies

that they may take our lives, but they'll never take...

OUR FREEDOM!

-William Wallace, Braveheart

The sense of freedom that I felt in my heart the last 2.5 weeks makes me feel like I can conquer all things set before me. This taste of freedom came along with affirmation in an area of my life where I needed it most. It's given me a craving to watch Braveheart and scream at the top of my lungs - FREEDOM!

GUESS WHAT TOMORROW IS?

You got it!

It's Pi Day!

Go ahead! Celebrate! Eat a pie!

Prison Entrepreneurship Program

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18

I went to P.E.P. on Friday. Every time I go I get another dose of hope. Hope is addicting. (not that I don't have IT...it's just REALLY tangible there.) You should really consider going - it'll change your perspective on prisoners, not to mention your LIFE. And if you say you're a follower of Jesus and that you love your neighbor as yourself - I challenge you to do something that goes against your grain and GO TO PRISON!

These men are thirsty for life change and P.E.P. is there to support them. It is no piece of cake - if they make it into the program it doesn't mean they get to stay. They go through rigorous interviews and character assesments. When they make it in, if they show laziness, pride, flirtiness, a short temper - they are OUT! And they have to do 50 push ups for every cuss word that comes out of their mouth. And this new class has only been there a week and they've already had about 4 exams. Let's see you try it, eh?

Go here and sign up!

Tell them you heard about it from Mimi, a.k.a. TROUBLE.

Watch this video too, Okay? Perfect!

March Madness

Are we already in the third month of the year? Seriously?! WOW!

Well, I ended the month of February with a bang:

I'm so proud that I had the courage to let go! I have trouble letting go...

And then, we had 80's prom, which was an absolute BLAST!
See more pictures here!

So – at the start of every month, I look at my goals to see where I am. Boy, I am behind!!!

• I’m doing alright with reading. One book a month. Not bad. I'll save the list for the end of the year.
• My projects are at a stand still...oops. I should probably get on it. Starting tonight, or something. I'm inspired by her...
• I AM TICKET FREE. Let’s hope it stays this way.
• Weight – up and down. What’s new? Running, although I’m still hating it, makes me feel good in the end.

Things that didn’t make the original list that I’m happy about is:

• I’m journaling more.
• I’m definitely spending more time with people which has been GREAT…I just need to get some balance I think. I'm an introvert in the sense that I get energy from being alone...so balance is needed.
• I'm memorizing scripture!

This month is exciting because:

1. I get to see Peanut Preston Paget for the VERY FIRST TIME!
2. I get to go to the Prison Entrepreneurship Program Class XI Kickoff with my friend Jeannie!
3. I’m going to meet my BFF Jennifer in Dallas!
4. And my friend Jessica has her housewarming party which will be exciting to celebrate!
5. BRACKETS – need I say more? Thanks Beyer for introducing me to basketball fun!

Saying No to CHOCOLATE?

I can't imagine my life without Chocolate. I mean, seriously... Really, I mean...I might start singing the painful Ken Li. HA HA HA!

Valentine's Day

So, I had a REALLY fun Valentine's Day.

1. I spent the mornin' CHILLIN' like a VILLAIN! ;o)
2. And then I went to a friend's wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL! And so fun! The bride and groom had a secret handshake before the kiss - very fun!
3. The quotation tree turned out great! Here's the picture I promised.
4. And to finish off the night I went to a SUPERB dinner hosted by the Mosaic Men. They went all out for us. Walked us in, served us, even had the strawberry syrup drizzled on the dessert plate. They even WROTE A SONG! Yeah...I know. After the dinner, we played some fun games. It was a fun night!
   

And Then...

Update on Mexico:
The trip was sad, yet enjoyable. I spent a lot of time with my family - cried some, laughed more than I cried, and ate more than either of those. :o/ (oops...I should have sat on my hands.)

It wasn't the same going to the market, knowing the purpose of the trip wasn't tourism. I went and bought maybe 3 items. I did go to walmart to pick up disposible cameras and other things the family needed...the lines are more ridic than they are here. One thing that I love about Mexico, other than having the BEST tacos on the planet, is that you can buy 2 kilos of strawberries for less than 2 dollars. I mean SURSLY.

I learned a lot about Mexican tradition. One of the things I learned is that on your birthday they will play "Las Mañanitas" on repeat right before the day break until you leave to go to work (I suppose this depends on the family). I'm not sure that I like it. Especially being the neighbor. :o)

This is the first time EVER (which I've been there endless times) that I could imagine myself living there. I wonder if that means something...

5k:
My training prior to Mexico was on the up and up - had momentum going like nobody's business. However, I ate more than I should have in Mexico and therefore GAINED pounds I had lost and it made it difficult to get back into the swing of things. And add to that a wretched cold. I can't wait to get back into it.

Valentine's Day Wedding Project:
Some of Tim's friends are getting married tomorrow and I volunteered myself to do a center piece for the guest sign in table (is there a name for that?). I started it early, but procrastinated. Ergo, I freaked out last week and it's come together faster than I imagined and also prettier...I think so anyway. I call it a quotation tree. I'll have to get a picture to show you. It has LOVE quotations hanging from the branches. My favorite one is:

Do you love be because I'm beautiful or am I beautiful because you love me?
-Cinderella

Okay, So I guess I've promised a picture...I'll have that for you next week.