So Long Texas......

Why would anyone ever desire to be misplaced, never feeling like they belong anywhere? Why do I feel homeless today? I hate the in between stages in my life. This must be why I hate moving so much! You have to pack up all your junk just to move into a place that doesn't feel like home. It takes putting pictures up on the walls, doing laundry, and cleaning every crack just to get it to feel and smell like home.

So long Texas...we will truly miss your sunshine, simplicity, and kindness.

Today Paul and I packed everything we own into our little compact car to make the 27 hr drive home. Yes, we will be leaving behind another home (the fifth since we got married)and returning to our original home. I'm so excited to spend time with family (I miss them so much!) and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. It will be a nice little vacation before we return to school. We aren't looking forward to the search for our next apartment, but I'm sure the disgust for looking for an apartment will get lost in all the Christmas celebrations for at least a little while.

Thank you James and Jenny for putting up with us for 5 months...we appreciate it more than you will ever know! We will miss little Dean most of all!



Mom and Dad thanks for being willing to take in a few homeless people for a little while. We promise we won't become permanent!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

In the days of 'Climate Change', I'm glad I work for ExxonMobil

Today was my last day working at ExxonMobil Chemical. This has been an invaluable experience. I never had so much fun working. Great people, great company, and awesome work. I could do this for the rest of my life.

















They even gave me a polo. That's all I ever wanted. Now I can be cool like my brother.
Paul

Happy Birthday Dad!

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of face forward smiling pictures of my Dad. He doesn't seem to like the camera in his face. I don't know why...he is definitely one of the best looking men I know. I'm a little sad today because I can't be home spending time with him on his birthday. It's times like these that make me home sick. So I thought I would brag about him a little bit to make myself feel better for missing his birthday.
Dad I love you more than you will ever know! I only hope that someday I will have as much faith, as much endurance, as much courage, and as much love as you do. You have always been there to provide and care for me, and have always given of yourself and your time. You have always taught me that nothing was impossible...I still believe that!
You have given me more gifts than I could ever ask for. I hope this birthday you get everything you wish for! Happy Birthday Dad! I miss you!

You think you're having a bad day...

In areas where it rains buckets at a time they have these deep ditches to contain all the water. Well this morning a local trucker is having a bad day. I know it's terrible but I laughed so hard. I even went outside to get a picture because I figured it would be a better view!

View from the street














View from my bedroom window














That might go on your trucking record!

Christmas in Texas

Friday morning we were expecting snow...fortunately for me that doesn't happen very often here. I can honestly say that it was a welcomed surprise when I opened my blinds, but only because I knew it would be gone only hours after it came. I guess people in Texas don't know what to do when it snows. I almost had to laugh when I heard Paul was coming home from work at 1:00 in the afternoon, and the school next to us was sending all of the kids home. Snow Day! I'll admit it was pretty awesome to have Paul home early for the weekend. We watched a movie, drank hot chocolate, and played Christmas music all afternoon. All I have to say is....Let it Snow!

Sea World, San Antonio

I felt like a little kid. My body willing me to run toward the park. Between the line for tickets, and the security check at the entrance it took a little longer to get into the park than expected. Our goal was to see everything before we left. Why pay such a large amount of money and not do everything once, or several times?
When we first arrived I was a little worried about sitting in the "splash zones". I had this little battle with my inner child. I really wanted to get wet because how often to you get splashed by a whale? At the same time I just straighten my hair the evening before and I had this image of myself looking like a drown rat with curly hair and no gel to tame the frizz. So I just did it, at the first show I was a little disappointed. The little sea lions weren't enough to splash me....and the walrus didn't even get into the water!
















I really can't blame the walrus for his unfortunate weight and the fact that he probably could do a flip if he wanted to. However, it was pretty funny to watch him to a couple sit-ups!





And the Sea Lions did find it in themselves to sing a little Christmas carol for me.




I've always wanted to pet a dolphin...or swim with one, but we'll save that part for later. I thought it was cute, because Paul was willing to do anything to get me the opportunity. When we got there for the first session the line was so long that we weren't going to get through in the hour slot they had available. Luckily we walked by toward the end and they were still allowing people to feed them. It was honestly one of the coolest things I have ever done! Paul and I walked around the rest of the day so proud that we had touched a dolphin.














I was a little sad that we didn't get any pictures of both of us together. This is the only one I was able to get of Paul after riding a few roller coasters. He looks real happy to get his picture in front of the penguins!



I am officially a roller coaster junkie! There was one roller coaster that was fairly similar to splash mountain at Disney. It made quite a large splash at the bottom and poor Paul was in one of the outside seats. He got soaked...and I laughed.
When it got dark and everyone went home I was still pushing him through the lines. I guess it's the adrenaline that gets me. I feel bad because he finally told me that he was cold. Wind and wet clothes...I should have thought about it for a second.
So I gave him my hoodie, and we went to see the Shamu show again!





Isn't it everyone's goal when they go to Sea World to see Shamu? After watching these girls ride and come out of the water on the tops of these large beasts, I was sure that in some other life I was meant to have a career at Sea World with Shamu at my side. If I could start all over again I'm pretty sure I would skip the pain of a music degree and swim with the killer whales. I think it would be the coolest profession in the world, even if I only got paid 6 dollars an hour.



So if you haven't been to Sea World in a while, you might want to take the opportunity to feel like a child again. It will be worth every penny! You might just find yourself wishing you were swimming with whales instead of sitting in an office or doing research.

A Weekend to Remember

Paul and I decided to be spontaneous last week, and it served us well. I've found that most of our spontaneous booking of hotels and going places happen late at night when we should be sleeping. Before I knew it...last minute right before Thanksgiving we booked a hotel in San Antonio for the weekend. So with Thanksgiving leftovers in tow we headed to the nearest freeway.



San Antonio Downtown is beautiful! I could have taken thousands of pictures, but it was imperative that I had room on my Micro SD card for our Sea World stop the next day.
When we arrived in Downtown our first stop was the River Walk, another item on my bucket list ever since Dad mentioned it to me 5 months ago. It truly was everything he talked about and more...a little Italy in the middle of San Antonio, Tx. For lunch we went to the Hard Rock Cafe, and came to the conclusion that we were definitely paying for an experience more than the food. It was good but not the best burger I've had...especially for the price!



As we were walking we under this bridge. Paul stopped to admire the atrocity of it's engineering. He watched a documentary on the History Channel all about bridge making. This bridge is built on a chain system much like many of those that have fallen. I just thought it was a cool looking bridge...but what do I know?





We also enjoyed watching these little guys fight with each other over the one female duck. I guess there's not enough of the women ducks to go around these days!


















Yet another check off my Bucket list! Next on the list...run a marathon!

Turkey Day

After much anticipation Thanksgiving has come and gone. Just as my Mom warned, Paul and I were cooking for a day and a half and the meal lasted only 20 minutes. It was the first time I have been away from home on thanksgiving, and the first time I've cooked that much food in my life. Now I can honestly say that I can relate to my Mother...I am still exhausted!



I even sacrificed my face for a good homemade coconut cream pie. While I was stirring it...right before the boiling point it splashed up in my face leaving two very nice burns. It was pretty painful, but I'd like to think that is was worth the price!
At some point in the morning I didn't think I was going to make it to my 4:00 goal. We ended out finishing an hour ahead of schedule and the food was great!

Here are just a few things that I am grateful for this holiday season.
*An amazing husband...he was so worth the two years of waiting.
*Paul's internship here in Texas. I have learned so much being here and Paul has had a great work experience
*The Gospel of Jesus Christ
*My family...I love every single one of them

Here's Paul and his brother James watching their car and driver videos. I'm sure it will be become a new Thanksgiving tradition.

The Closet Performer

(This picture was taken by my sister..isn't she amazing?!)

I feel like I have to hide when I practice. Not because I'm afraid to sing or practice in front of people...to be honest I am afraid people will get annoyed. Practicing whether it's piano, guitar, or voice is not beautiful. Paul's Mom told me that when Paul was younger they never knew he could really play the Saxophone. He was taking lessons and was in band, but they never heard anything but phrases of music he struggled with, played over and over again.
I guess I struggle with something Paul didn't, he's usually better than me at most things but I never thought it would extend to music.
Why should anyone else have to endure the ugly part of music? I have come to the conclusion that this is the reason why most people don't practice. All anyone wants is the performance part of music, the part that comes with adrenaline, lights, and a stage.
As a result since moving to Texas I have become a closet performer. I have a shelf cleared in my closet where my keyboard sits. I have found a way to plug the keyboard in by fishing the wire underneath the door to the plug outside. Once I am in the closet I reach up to the top shelf where the towels are located and stuff one in the opening between the door and the floor. At this point I am committed to at least an hour of practice. The acoustics are terrible....a lot of dead space, and my voice doesn't carry beyond the shelf in front of me. The closet seems to work for now, but I still find myself hitting the walls when I stretch my arms back to help me hit a high note. Sometimes it gets a little boring when I've been staring at my cleaning products for a solid hour proclaiming my love or disgust for them.
I just keep telling myself that at sometime in the future I will have a house where I can make all the ugly music I want while Paul is away at work. Until then...I fear the closet and I continue to grow closer.

Ghetto Boarding

My brother and I wanted to go the beach to do some boogie boarding, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find a store that sold them. Really? So being the kind of people we are, we tried to make our own...out of noodles and duct tape.



My brother was a little more ambitious than I was.





It really didn’t work out. However, I don’t think it was due to a lack of engineering. I think the waves just weren’t big enough. Water’s fault, not ours.



Paul

Photography

I've been thinking a lot lately about learning more about photography. I spend hours and hours looking at photography blogs. Some good and some not so good, but I'm always excited to tell Paul when I find a good one. My sister after taking Nicole's class showed me her website. Her photos are beautiful...let's just say it's a very distant dream of mine. Check out her website at www.nicholev.com

Inspired by a Spad XIII

I really like building things, and since I get board sometimes my brother got me this card building set. You can pretty much build anything you want. Inside there was a picture of this weak-sauce airplane. I said to myself, “that’s weak-sauce, I’m gonna build me a good one.” I went at it and made this thing. I tried to get it to fly, but the center of gravity was a little off. Other than that I think it could glide.
Thanks again bro!

Paul

Happy Birthday Dean!

We have all been waiting for this great occasion. Paul has said many times that my nieces and nephews truly weren't enough. While he adores those little girls and that one little boy...he has always wanted one of his own. November 3rd it happened! Beautiful little Dean was born, and we were here waiting when he arrived home. We are so grateful that we get to bask in this cuteness everyday, listen to his little voice, and watch him make faces at his parents. While I am truly jealous of Jenny and can't wait for my own , I am truly proud to call little Dean my nephew.

Here are a few pictures of Paul and I and our latest nephew!





Congratulations James and Jenny!

All Hallows Eve

When I was in high school I did my best to scare myself. I watched horror movie after horror movie...never being truly horrified. I guess that's what intrigues me about Halloween, aside from the free candy I get to be the lead role on the stage of my own horror.
Unfortunately, kids don't usually come to apartments. But I have a vision of someday having the most horrific house on the block. Every Halloween there will be rumors exchanged in the halls of the local elementary school...real monsters lurk inside that house.
My goal will be to scare, I will be the most real scariest looking witch that ever roamed this side of the earth. I may have to make my own costume to get the real effect I'm looking for, but here are a few things I found on the Internet...love the shoes!





This Halloween we didn't do much, but we had a great time carving pumpkins, watching horror movies, and participating in the ward trunk or treat.







I've been trying to think of something terribly frightening for Paul to be...any suggestions?

hate [heyt]: to dislike intensely or passionately

Last night I had a dream that my sister Kimberly and I were shopping and found the greatest deal ever! Right in the middle of the store...thousands of t-shirts with a large sign above them that read 25 t-shirts for $25. I remember looking at Kimberly while I tried to contain my excitement, then yelling..."I can't believe they are $.50 a shirt!"
I shook my head this morning as I laughed at myself. I can't even do math in my dreams!
True to my motto I have saved the best for last, or in this case the worst for last. After high school I made a sub conscience decision to never use my brain to do math again. I tried so hard to grow a love for something I truly hated in every meaning of the word.
Now as I come to my last semester of college I force myself to do something I hate. Paul and I sat down to work on math last night. I felt every feeling I have ever felt in the past come back to me as I tried to listen and understand. Paul was the perfect tutor as he listened to and answered every question I had.

Today I have decided I'm going to do this...I'm going to win my battle against math, and pay $1 for each t-shirt in my dreams.

Alligator Etiquette

• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT feed or annoy the alligators.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet.
Do not throw objects in water for your dog to retrieve.(They may get eaten!)
• Keep at least 30 ft. from an alligator – do not assume they’re slow-moving.(They will get you given the opportunity)
• Do not swim in or wade into any water in Brazos Bend State Park.(You may get eaten!)
• If an alligator goes after a fish you have caught, cut the line and let the alligator have the fish. (Now is not the time to fight for your food)
• Avoid any alligator sunning itself in the middle of the trail or lake bank.
• Stay clear of grasses, twigs and/or soil near the side of a trail: it may be a nest and the mother alligator is probably close by guarding it.
• If an alligator opens its mouth and hisses, you have come too close. Retreat slowly; make no quick moves. Keep your eyes on the alligator.



Brazos Bend should be a must see on everyone's bucket list. As we entered the park the ranger gave us a map with the "Aligator Ettiquette" listed above. Paul and I laughed as we entered the park and I read the rules aloud. Note: my thoughts are in the( ).
There are supposed to be hundreds of adult alligators over 6 ft, and thousands under. We were told we should keep to the trails for obvious reasons. When there are no fences keeping the beasts in you have to stick to some of the rules.
When Paul and I neared the first lake we understood why these rules were listed in plain sight on the map. The Alligator posted just left stood no less than 15 ft in front of us covered in green slime. There were 20 people gathered by the side of the lake staring at the ground (He would have gotten his pick of the big or small). I didn't understand what all the hype was about until I looked closer. We backed away to our 30 ft mark and Paul leans over to me with his comforting words. "It doesn't matter how close we get...as long as you can run faster than the fat guy standing next to you."
So if you want to walk among the wild.....just head out to Needville Tx. But remember not to get too close unless you can run faster than the fat guy next to you!

im⋅ag⋅i⋅na⋅tion [i-maj-uh-ney-shuhn]

As a child our imagination almost took over our minds. It caused us to believe that any one of our stuffed animals could come alive at any moment. We had super magical powers that would allow us to have super strength, or dissappear at will. Thunder was an untamed beast that only came out when it rained. (To calm my fears Mom used to tell me that it was just the people up in heaven playing a really good game of bowling, "STRIKE".)
We could no more get rid of our imaginary friends than our parents. They were a part of who we were.
As we grow older we tend to forget the large hairy monster under our bed, the beautiful fairies that accompanied us in our sleep, and our adventures with the pirates on the great ocean that lied between the couches in our living room.
When did it happen? When did I lose that little girl who danced freely to the music in her head. The one who sang "Part of Your World" just because it was fun. The one who allowed herself to be herself even when people were watching.
I've become a boring adult in need of a child with an imagination! This week I'm going to become Siebel in the opera "Faust",and Orfeo in "Orfeo Ed Euridice"
I'm going to dance to the music in my head and sing for fun!
So let yourself go this week....see where your imagination takes you!

Rain

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain on my window. It's funny how something so small could put a smile on my face. I got up out of bed and pulled the blinds so that I could watch as it ran down the window. I must have laid here and watched for hours.

Take A Trip To The Zoo With Us!

Paul and I went to the zoo a couple weeks ago. I probably picked the worst day to go but Paul stuck it out for me. We were both wiping the sweat from our faces all day. We lost more water than we drank, and were hardly prepared for one of the hottest days of the year. I think Paul was wishing the I had chose to go the the Blue Bell factory....indoors with a cup of ice cream in our hand! I figured because it had rained earlier that it would stay pretty cloudy but the sun came out right as we got there and it was blazing the rest of the day. We had a really great time though...and here is my proof.

Isn't he the cutest!


Meercat


Just born a couple days before...big baby!


Then there were the sea lions...


Aligator...he was a little lazy that day.


Big....lizard thing


little turtle


Elephant


I don't know what this is!


Massive cows...can you say neck ache!


lazy lepoard


The monkeys were our favorite!




These are the only ones that I could get of the big cats. They were staying in the cool areas.




Paul...Doesn't he look harmless?


We're glad you took time out of your day to go to the zoo with us.