Girl Trip & More!

Happy Hannahkuh! Today is the 3rd day of Hannahkuh, so Josh and I lit our Menorah last night for the second night as he prayed the Hannahkuh prayer and blessing. Perhaps I'll get Josh to write a blog about this very special holiday so you know more about why our family of two celebrates Hannahkuh alongside Christmas every year, but I wanted to go ahead & show you all our candles from last night!

Also, I wanted to give a little update on my fabulous girl trip to Dallas this weekend! My mom took me and my sisters to Dallas where we did some SERIOUS shopping! I actually bought ALL of my Christmas gifts in two days, and had a blast throughout the process. I tried documenting the funny moments of the trip, so here they are - hope you enjoy!

On the drive to Dallas, Leslie saw this sign and thought of our blog! In case you don't know, Jennifer Beamer got us hooked on the blog of unncessecary quotations, and we thought this was worthy of a posting...Jen, do you think we should submit it?

"Dirt Water" - so, for some reason, the water in Frisco is DISGUSTING!!! It really tastes like dirt, and Leslie was quite distraught over the foul taste! I think she was dehydrated the entire weekend - literally, she could taste it in fountain drinks, juices, EVERYTHING - she would try something and just say - DIRT WATER!!!

Molly Kate was such a trooper! She persevered through store after store and was an angel the entire time! We felt that her cute outfit was fitting and she wore it proudly!

We shopped so much, that we began to lose our minds a bit - case in point - Kelsey was looking frantically for her purse when we stopped at a Starbucks - notice: the purse was in her lap the entire time...

Aren't we cute? So, another story that was not documented via pictures is when Kelsey & I were unloading the car after day #1 of shopping...My mom, Leslie & the baby went inside and Kelsey & I were given the responsibility of finding a parking spot and unloading the bags (I think we had 15 or so bags). If you know me and my sisters, you know that I am notorious for being bossy and having them do work for me. So, I parked the car and Kelsey began unloading the car...I didn't really think about it, but instead of actually helping her get sacks out, I began pointing out where the sacks were located in the car. When I said, "Just one more, Kels!" She burst into laughter (almost wetting her pants)...and it was then that I realized that I was standing peeking through the window of the car while she was straining to reach the final bag...So, sorry! Habits of oldest sisters die hard...

Shopping Day #2 - We went to The Galleria (love the big Christmas tree)!

Molly Kate shopped til she dropped.

Until next time, Happy Holidays!

Paige's Tips!

A few tips for all of my lovely readers tonight...

Tip #1 - So, I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon with my sisters and mom for a shopping trip to Dallas. In order to get my shopping juices flowing I decided to spend an hour or so tonight just looking through etsy. If you have never visited etsy.com you just need to know that you are missing out - it genuinely amazes me just how many different things you can find on the site & they are all so super cute! I thought I would show you just a few things I found tonight that I totally want!



In case you don't know...I really like owls right now - wouldn't this tote be perfect for carting stuff around?





I decided about 6 months ago that I would buy one of these posters from etsy...they are patterned after British posters during World War II that encouraged people throughout London. Something about them make me happy & I think the wall that I face all day would be a perfect location for this reminder...some days I definitely need to just stay calm and carry on...my only question is what color to get this in...



Love these earrings!







I also love journals, and how fun for a journal to be covered in a map...I'm thinking I will order one for my next travels with a map that matches where I go



And this painting just makes me smile. When I have a little girl I want a simple room with muted colors - I think this would go nicely!




Oh, and etsy really does have something for everyone! Loving the Seinfeld charm bracelet!


Tip #2 - My sister Leslie made cake balls from a recipe she found on Marla Barnard's blog...you can find the recipe here: http://gravelroadphotography.blogspot.com/2008/11/cake-balls-im-27.html
My tip is not regarding how to make these balls, only that you SHOULD make them! They are delicious!!! In fact, I'm eating one right this minute!


Tip #3 - If you are a fan of Misty Edwards or any other musicians from IHOP, forerunner music is giving away a free download for a compilation CD - go to http://www.forerunnermusic.com/ & enjoy!


Tip #4 - I haven't had the time to listen yet, but Margaret Feignberg recommends Sin Boldly by Cathleen Falsani & Zondervan is giving the audio version away for free. I downloaded and plan on starting it sometime over the holidays...thought some of you might be interested too!
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/Book/Sin+Boldly+Free+Download.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan


Tip #5 - Finally, here is a tip from my handsome hubby...Hamburger or Chicken. Why not both? At Chic-Fil-A order the 4 piece chicken nugget kids meal (which comes with fries and a drink & a prize that can be traded in for a free dessert). If you are still hungry like he is, add a single chicken sandwich - ALL this is cheaper than the #1 Combo meal - sandwich, nuggets, fries, drink & dessert! OR if a hamburger sounds better - order the kid's meal cheeseburger at Fuddruckers (while ordering stare around the restaurant questioning, "Where is little Tommy?") - you get normal cheeseburger, fries, drink, plus a cookie - all for less than $5!


Hope you enjoyed our tips for the day!

Nertz Mania

So, I just checked my blog & was super excited to note that I had yet another little comment regarding our ski trip! It turns out that the National Nertz Association found my blog by searching "nertz" and they wanted to invite me to check them out...

Not sure if I'm up for joining the association, but it made me smile to think that there is a National Nertz Association, and I thought...nertz is a fabulous game! It should have it's own association...

In fact, I have several "life moments" connected with this game. Here they are in no particular order:

• My parents were actually a part of a Nertz party group and for one year on Friday nights they would go to someone's house and play nertz for hours. We would go and play with other people's kids, but were often drawn into the adult's room by the rambunctious cries of "NERTZ!"
• My family got quite good at this game, and the first time that I brought Josh home to meet the fam we decided to introduce him to our little game. Well, my sisters and I beat him badly...for quite a while. If you know Josh, he is a very fun-loving guy, but under the surface he is also VERY competitive. He finally lost his cool after several humiliating rounds and actually threw all of the cards off of the table while yelling, "I hate this game!" Just picture withe me the shock on my sisters' faces...we all laugh about it now...but that is the power of nertz!
• Then of course this year on the ski trip we had some rousing games...but the most memorable moment was when Al & Nathan were fighting over who put their card down first. They were both intense and adament that their 3 of clubs was the rightful owner of the coveted spot. It was a tense moment...I think Al won.

So, I've decided that I will pass along info on the National Nertz Association, and I've also decided that I want at least one good nertz game with my family over the holidays! With that...I'm out for the night~!

http://national-nertz-association.blogspot.com/

Back from the Slopes!

We just returned from our ski trip to Crested Butte, Colorado ~ and we had a magnificent time! It snowed just the perfect amount, the mountains were breath-taking beautiful and inspiring, the laughter was abundant, and God spoke to our hearts.

This was our fifth year to take a group skiing at Crested Butte, and there was a sense of peace the entire time - I would look across the slopes or the living area of our hostel and there was always laughter, deep conversations, or quiet times of reflection happening - it was special.

With Erin Louder before we hit the slopes for the day!

Here were the highlights:

• A.J. McCulloch proposed to Jessica Brooks - Josh and I have known for over 2 months that this was A.J.'s plan, and he pulled it off! The last day of skiing he took Jessica to the top of the mountain and asked her to be his wife! The snowboarded down the mountain together where we were all awaiting them! We cheered, sang, and had a moment to rejoice with this happy couple. Jessica said it was a surreal moment.

The Happy Couple after the proposal

Jessica sees us as she comes down the slopes!


• Several of our guys planned an elaborate snowball fight. They pre-made snowballs and had them ready for launching when groups would come in from skiing. I sat in a window seat reading and watched as three different groups were pelted with snowballs. It was fun to see them caught off guard and then to watch the ensuing snow battles.


• Helping people go to the next level - I didn't ski as hard as I normally do this year. I only went down a couple of black slopes (yes, I can ski blacks - are you impressed?). What I focused more on this year was helping others get to the next level. I spent one morning helping beginners just learn to ski and then on the last day, I helped Kathryn & Vanessa get down blues (in skiing, the levels are green-novice, blue-intermediate, & black-experienced). Anyways, it was very rewarding to see people accomplish their goals - and I wasn't nearly as tired!


Sisters - Kimberly & Lacey - they did SO good, although I think they decided that they prefer warm weather to the snow...

Down one of the blacks that we did ski...the group I was with decided to race down this steep part of the mountain. I did not participate in the race :)

• Constant game-playing - when people were inside there was always some type of game playing - 10,000 dice, Phase-Ten cards, Spades, Spoons, Nertz...this meant there was also screaming, laughter, and a bit of trash-talking. I personally was involved in an intense game of nertz.


A riveting game of 10,000 was in action!


• A moment on the mountain - on day 2 of skiing, there was this window of about 30 minutes in which the snow stopped falling, it became clear, and you could see the beauty of God's creation. The group I was skiing with happened to be at the very top of the mountain at this time and we all got quiet for a moment and marvelled at the view.


This is the Moment! I had to get a picture - notice how beautiful the mountain is in the background!


• Lastly, hearing from God. Josh & I both spoke from Isaiah 55 on the first two nights and then the third night we broke off into groups of guys and girls and had everyone share what God had spoken to them over the trip. I always love this part of the trip - how cool that God is so personal and individual that each person received just what they needed from Him!

Babies, Squirrels, Chocolate, & Musings of the MInd

I feel as though I have so many random things to say...so here goes

1. I saw a squirrel electrocuted yesterday. He was hanging from the electrical lines in our backyard, and as much as I was repulsed I was equally intrigued. In fact, I thought about this little squirrel off and on all day! Leslie even dressed Molly Kate in a squirrel shirt yesterday and I thought - poor electrocuted squirrel...i think I'll take a picture of him when I get home. (I know - I'm a little morbid like that)

2. I didn't get to take a picture of the squirrel because of the craziness that is Lubbock's weather. Seriously, did anyone else think for a brief moment that they might be blown away or sucked into the dark brown sky? As I drove yesterday afternoon I repeated to myself, "I love Lubbock...I love Lubbock..." I do this on occasions such as yesterday when I dream of living in a place where the sky does not suddenly turn brown.

3. Josh just asked me, "Can you imagine being really sick and having to run out to the outhouse in the cold? I'm so thankful for our bathroom..." Sorry for the TMI - but thought I should share a glimpse into they mind of my ever-optimistic yet random husband.

4. I took Molly Kate's pictures this past weekend, and although she is beautiful, I decided that I"m not a very good children's photographer...Here are my favorite pics, but I think I'm more of a capture the moment photographer.











5. Had our Secret Sister party at my house on Saturday - it was fun! I love the girls in our little group.


Katie, Kayli, Lauren, & Me - not sure why I'm hunching...


I cooked - made some mini quiches that were delicious, a yummy salad & coffee cake


I gave all the girls mittens or gloves to stay warm!

6. Hannah & Jay Reed are my heroes. Today they went with me to Sam's to purchase all our food for the zoe ski trip. Not only did they push 3 flat beds heavy laden with food all over that store, but they then helped load & unload all of that food in the frigid windy weather!

7. Chocolate Therapy last night was super fun! Really, I think it was one of COTR's more successful women's nights - it was fun, genuinely relaxing and the ladies seemed to connect well with other ladies! Good job to everyone who made is fabulous!

8. So, we will be leaving tomorrow night at midnight for our annual zoe ski trip! I'm excited - I LOVE Crested Butte & I enjoy skiing. Mostly, this trip often lends itself to the best time for relationship building amongst our students and young adults so pray for us that it goes well. If you think about me - pray for me that I can just be in the moment with students...it is so easy for me when I'm in charge of things like this to get caught up in the details - the cooking, ski rentals, room issues, etc...that I can miss out on the moments of chatting over hot chocolate or playing cards by the fire. I want to make the most of my time with our students so pray that I relax and dive into other's lives...maybe even let some jump into my own life.

So Much To Say...Where I Am - 05

So much to say...I feel as though I have not really blogged in the last two weeks about all the goings on in my life, so here I am to catch this blog up! I'm going to revert to my stand-by method of updating by going to my "Where I Am" format...so here goes!

Where I am: Sitting in my bed! Yes, it is 9am on a Friday, but it's my day off and...well this is as far as I've gotten today...Love it!

What I'm Listening To: Nat King Cole singing Away in a Manger off of iTunes radio - Thanks Marla...I read about this on your blog and I decided to check it out! I love the classic Christmas songs...

Fabulous Moments from the past two weeks: I seriously have had some great weeks here so it is hard for me to decide. So, I'll give a quick run down of my top three:

1. Thanksgiving with Josh's family - We just had a wonderful time with his family and I especially enjoyed Josh & I's gift giving time. If any of you read my previous blog I mentioned that we were changing up most of our gift giving this year - trying to do more meaningful gifts...giving of our time rather than just purchasing expensive gifts. So, after much thought I had the idea to ask our two nephews & niece to join us in raising money for a water well in India. So, we sat them down and told them a little about our trip to India. We told them about the boys and girls that we met and how sweet that they were...we also told them that not only do these kids not have many toys, but they also sometimes get really sick because they don't have clean water. We printed off a different picture of kids for each of them and asked if they would do two things. Could they start praying for these kids and could they start saving their change so we as a family could drill a water well for them this upcoming year. We then pulled out their gifts - piggy banks! Surprisingly, the two older kids were really excited and already started putting change in their banks! It was a really special time.

Luke shows off his piggy bank

Saba & Safta (Hebrew for Grandmother & Grandfather) give some change to Zoe & Levi to start off their banks!

Levi looks at the picture we gave him of James

Here are three piggy banks we got the kids - aren't they cute?

Then, as part of their gift we said that we just wanted to have fun with them! So, on
Saturday morning we took them to "Pirate Town" (aka McDonalds with a Pirate Ship) and we played together for a while. You know, I think that we all enjoyed this change in gift
giving. I felt more connected with the kids and was much more intentional about spending
quality time with each of them while we were there.


Josh, Zoe, Luke & Levi show off their best pirate faces!

2. I mentioned in an earlier post that my mom's birthday was on Monday, and we had our immediate family over for dinner & a little celebration. I guess what made this moment fabulous is just that I realized once again just how blessed I am to have my family. They are just fun to be with and I love them all.


3. My third fabulous moment was watching my students preach on Wednesday night. I just finished teaching a class called "Preaching & Teaching the Bible" and three of my students had the opportunity to preach to our church. They were each nervous, but it hardly showed! They stood up there with a combination of humility and confidence and preached their hearts out! I was so proud! So, if you see or know Angela Smith, Hal Brandenburg, or Kyla Osborne please take a minute and encourage them. I believe that this is just the beginning of opportunities like this for all three of them.

I've always heard parents say that it is more fun for their kids to succeed than themselves and although these three are most definitely not my kids, I felt like I got a taste of that truth. I just sat there cheering them on inside, and it was so fun to see people bragging on them after the service...and even more amazing to see that many in the congregation were either crying or praying after these sermons - they weren't performances, but God used these three to speak His truth.

Funniest Moments of the Weeks: Again, there is a toss up here between two...so I'll tell both.
1. While we were in Dallas we were driving with Josh's sister Joy & her three kids. We were listening to the radio, and she and Josh changed the station because the song that came on had some questionable lyrics. My niece, zoe started complaining that she couldn't listen to that song while Josh and Joy were explaining that there are some songs we just don't listen to because they say bad things. At that moment my little nephew Levi says, "Apple Bottom Jeans has bad words..." You probably had to be there, but I laughed out loud! Josh asked Joy how he even knew that song? But then we all just started laughing!

2. So, in case you don't know, I have three ladies who work for me at the church & they are AMAZING!!!! Kyla works full-time overseeing our communications, Missy works part-time helping me with MTS & Hannah works part-time with zoe. So, on Wednesday I took the three of them out on "an thank you adventure" just to say thanks for making my life so much easier! We laughed A LOT that day, but probably the best was after we finished eating at Manna, Hannah got hit on. Some guys boss actually came over and said that he was just mesmerized by Hannah and ultimately the boss was trying to get Hannah's number for this guy. Again, I'm sure you had to be there, but it was fun!

Pictures I enjoyed taking this week:


With my beautiful niece!

Levi - seriously, he is one of the funniest kids you will ever meet!


Madison shows me that she learned to clap!

Things I'm looking forward to:

• I'm taking pictures of Molly Kate today! I'm not the best photographer, but if I can capture an ounce of Molly Kate's cuteness then it should be a success.
• Secret Sister Party - zoe does Secret Sisters every year and we have our unveiling party tomorrow morning at my house.
• Sending out Christmas cards. Again, I'm to be wise with the money, so my cards are a little different this year, but hopefully they will come together nicely!
  

Happy Birthday, Mom

So, it is my mother's birthday today. If you don't know her, you should because simply put, she is fabulous! From the fabulousness of her external dress to the even more fabulousness of her internal wisdom and grace - my mom never ceases to amaze me. As I was looking through my Bible this morning I started thinking about her and landed on Psalm 1 - i think it describes her well.

"Blessed is the (wo)man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but her delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law she meditates day and night. She is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. in all that she does, she prospers."

You see, my mom is one of the most steadfast people I know walking resolutely towards what she knows to be truth and righteousness. As a result, she comes across as effortlessly graceful, radiant, and wise. As her daughter, I have seen her faithfulness in the small things like reading her Bible daily, working diligently with her hands when she knows full well she will receive no praise, and consistently reminding her three girls about important things like love, forgiveness, and laughter. I believe it is this unseen faithfulness and her trust in the Lord that makes her the woman that so many marvel at...

Here are just a few fabulous things that I love about my mom:

1. Her laugh - I inherited this trait from her, and although it may not be the most beautiful of sights (we squint our eyes and shake making not a peep unless it is the occasional snort) it is genuine and contagious.


2. Her simple wisdom - she can say a simple sentence to quiet a storm or answer a question and there always seems to be layers of truth and wisdom wrapped in a simple package.


3. Her ability to accessorize - seriously people, whether it was whipping up amazing bows when I was young or taking one look at an outfit and knowing the perfect shoes and jewelry - the woman has an uncanny ability to accessorize - she could have her own TLC show.


4. Her love - my mom genuinely loves people and it shows. From spending hours planning turkey give-aways to those who may not have a Thanksgiving meal to listening to countless women (her daughters included) cry and share their stories she has helped and loved in more ways that I can count.

Happy Birthday, Mom! May this year be as fabulous as you deserve.