Monday, January 26, 2009

50 Things for 2009

My cousin Shannon has inspired me. She decided to make a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I have lately realized that I spend much of my time without any purpose. So, in an attempt to live intentionally, to live with more purpose, and to accomplish some goals both serious and fun, I have adapted Shannon's idea for myself. I made a list of 50 things to accomplish by the end of 2009. In fact, after I decided to make a list, the rest of the people in my house made lists! We posted the lists in our "office" so we can keep track and help each other along.

I have also decided, again from the inspiration of Shannon, to blog about my goals as I accomplish them. Lucky you. :)

The List

  1. Start graduate school
  2. Keep up with my journal
  3. Go to Disney World
  4. Eat an oyster
  5. See my best friend get married
  6. Lose five pounds
  7. Have a date night at least once a month
  8. Go white water rafting
  9. Take a cooking class
  10. Make and complete a new reading list of 25 books
  11. Start working out on a regular basis
  12. Go camping (I haven’t been in five years!)
  13. Go to an Indian restaurant
  14. Cook a Thai meal
  15. Go skiing
  16. Pay off all non-school debt
  17. Finish memorizing Hebrews
  18. Go golfing
  19. Have a garage sale
  20. Enter a photo contest
  21. Take a photography class
  22. Get my name changed on all of my documents
  23. Get a Texas drivers license
  24. Get Owen obedience training
  25. Grow my hair out to the bottom of my neck (super long for me!)
  26. Go to the symphony
  27. Visit Portland
  28. Build up my collection of Disney movies
  29. Get new glasses
  30. Finish a jig-saw puzzle with Amber
  31. Have a girls night
  32. Write a song with Chris and Zach
  33. Stick my feet in the Pacific Ocean
  34. Go on a weekend retreat with my “Family”
  35. With my D-group, create plaster molds of our faces.
  36. Keep up with my blogs
  37. Go to the dentist
  38. Re-do my framed pictures to match my bedroom
  39. Blow up and frame some of my best pictures
  40. Sell Blanch (the Lumina)
  41. Start crocheting again
  42. Organize/re-organize a filing system for important documents, receipts, bills, etc.
  43. Make a quilt
  44. Trim the hedges
  45. Paint pottery
  46. Record with Zach
  47. Get enough money for three months worth of expenses in savings
  48. Read the Old Testament
  49. Learn to drive a standard
  50. Go to five states I have never been to.

This is my list, in no particular order. I'll keep you posted!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Welcome 2009!

Well, things are starting to get back to normal in our house...if you could ever refer to our house as "normal." Everyone is back from the holidays, we are done with parties and guests, and we are all back to work. I have to say, I actually glad to be back to work, but I certainly enjoyed every bit of the Christmas/New Year season. It was a whirlwind, but here is the quick rundown... be prepared for a LOT of pictures!
First, some of our very dearest friends, Caleb and Alison, tied the knot. We all (our entire house and many of our friends from Dallas) traveled down to Houston for the weekend and had a blast. I can honestly say that I do not believe I have been to a sweeter more beautiful wedding. The entire weekend was a just a joy from start to finish.

The Bride and Groom at their Western themed rehearsal
Caleb goofing around with his groomsmen
Our housemates dancing around afterwards...they are too cute.

Justin, our other housemate, and his beautiful girlfriend, Lauren, at the dinner. Amber and me at the bachelorette party.Alison and me.
I made all the bouquets! Not too bad for my first time. :)
Alison's beautiful dress.

Justin and Lauren

Our wonderful friends John and Tyese

Don't we all clean up so nice!?

Amber and Nathan

The beautiful Vicki and me...love my old roomie!
First dance...so sweet!

Immediately after Caleb and Alison's wedding was over, Chris and I drove the four and a half hours back to Dallas so we could sleep for a few hours before we got on the road for Indy. Christmas was absolutely wonderful, and it was just so nice to be able to see my family after 6 months! It was a visit filled with lots of card playing, lots of wii, and TONS of laughing till you cry! It was awesome!

Tommy's gift to Jessica
Jessica's reaction to Tommy's gift
My cousin Austin got new wrestling shoes...he's so cute!
Haha...
Tommy LOVES Celine!
My uncle Kevin and me being artsy with our cameras
We got Dad the first season of 24, but from what I hear, its my mom who has developed and addiction.
This is my favorite set...Jessica's attempt to be subtle in her reaction to grandma giving Chris the Kelly Pickler CD.
Hmmm...do you think anyone noticed that she found it humorous?
Yep, she lost it. There's no hiding it.
Love them!

Brothers
The girls
Hahaha...the boys
Jess in her Santa hat

Like mother like daughter
I love my papaw! Such blue eyes!
See any resemblance???
Love my Daddy


After Christmas Jessica came and spent the week with us. I'm a slacker and I don't really have any pictures of that. :( It was wonderful! We had a blast!

And finally, last but not least, we ended the holidays with another wedding. Chris performed his first wedding ceremony for some wonderful friends, John and Tyese.  It was simply beautiful!

2nd attempt at flowers...I think I'm getting better!




The bride getting ready


Beautiful dress

My lovely Vicki
Bridesmaids
She's so gorgeous!

Chris and Jess enjoying the reception.
It was so nice to have my baby sis around.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. John and Tyese Little!
Overall, it was a fabulous way to end 2008 and begin 2009.  Its hard to believe all the changes that are going to come in this year alone.  Before the end of this year Chris and I, along with some of our wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, will have left behind everything that is familiar and comfortable to embark on the mission the Lord has set before us.  Its going to be a crazy year, and I can't wait!