Merry Christmas!!!

Well, as usual...Christmas was FANTASTIC!!! I love spending time with my family....telling old stories, drinking hot chocolate (even though it was 70 degrees outside) and watching our favorite Christmas movies! Who can go all the way through the Christmas season without "A Christmas Story", "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"??!! (among others)

Here I am posing in my "Suess-like" springy Christmas hat! I love being sassy...haha...



Ahhh....Christmas at my parent's house......and you wonder why I never want to come back to my place....



My beautiful Me-Ma and me on Christmas Eve




Mom and my "gangsta" dad....hahaha....or so he thinks.....what a goof...



My dad-dad and me......

The reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place....above all else.....

I suppose it's easy to get caught up in all of the "magic" of Santa and the gifts and family and food.....but, when it all comes down to it....we must remember that we are celebrating something so much more powerful and awesome! Our Lord and Savior was born on this day and we should give Him praise with all of our heart and souls!

I hope everyone had a blessed and happy Christmas!

Northpark Tradition...

It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember.....Every year at Christmastime, my parents and I go out to Northpark Mall and walk, shop, eat and talk......I look forward to it every single year.

Here's me and my momma....



And, me and pops....

I just love my parents...... :)

Christmas Spirit with Christmas Spirits.....

So...my friend Lonka and I decided to walk down the street and grab a bite to eat last night. (by the way...I looooove being within walking distance to many restaurants and pubs) We go in and get a cute little round table right by the window. We sit down.....order our drinks....and all of a sudden....I look up and see 4 men.....wearing "Dickensian" garb and top hats. It only took me about half a second to realize what was about to happen..........yep.........you guessed it!!!


CHRISTMAS CAROLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







It was truly magical.....whimsical in many ways.....and then.....as they're singing.....out of their folders.....come these signs that read "HINT".....and I realize that they are singing about whiskey!!!! LOLOL! And....sure enough......the owner picks up on the hint...hehehe....






They sang several wonderful songs as my friend and I ate our dinner.......it was really Christmasy....and well.....if you know me.....you know I LOVE anything having to do with Christmas!



HO HO HO Ya'll!

Baptism Pics....

My friend, Mark, took some pics of me getting baptized with his I-phone.......thanks Mark!!!

Here's me walking into the baptism bath.....



getting situated......




Chris telling me how wonderful my walk with God will be and how happy he is to share this moment.......I was just about crying......




I was SOAKED!! hahaha.....My clothes were dripping wet!



Afterwards.....I was truly touched by the number of people (most of whom I've never even seen) who came up to me and hugged me tight and congratulated me. I was filled with so much love and so much joy. I was seriously soaking wet...and these people were just coming right up and hugging me.....their eyes were bright with love from God....and I'm just not sure I could ever put into words how moving it was........what a truly wondrous day.....

Refreshed, Renewed......Forgiven......

This is such a glorious and happy day for me......

I WAS BAPTIZED THIS MORNING AT CHURCH!!!

I was surrounded by the love of my family and friends who came out and supported me....what a wonderful feeling to share something this magnificent with people you love and care about.

This is my second baptism.......I was first baptized at the age of 12, while in middle school. Although I knew the meaning, I didn't fully understand what I was doing. So, now that I truly and deeply feel that love that Jesus has for me and understand how amazing it is that he died for my sins.....I wanted to proclaim it to the world!

I am filled with such joy and love......

My church is not a "traditional" church....so, they do not have the baptism during the service, but rather after the service. And, they use a large wooden bathtub-thingy to perform the baptism. I wore a black long sleeve shirt and jeans (again...very different from when I wore robes at my first baptism)

Now, to give you a little back-story here.....Yesterday (Saturday), I spent the day over at my parent's house helping them decorate for Christmas, put the tree up, hang garland, etc, etc.....And, I must've gone up their stairs at least 20 or 30 times. At one point, I was huffing and puffing so hard that I felt like I just finished sprinting..haha...I am OUT of shape! (so much for that yoga commitment...phff..) I was lifting this, and lifting that....and at one point, my dad said,"Summer...you're gonna be sore tomorrow.." You know..in that fatherly type of voice that you roll your eyes at, but you know he's right....haha...

So...we made the joke that hopefully, they would get the water extra hot in the "baptismal bath" and let me soak a little longer to work on those aches and pains....LOL! Yes, yes....we're a family of jokesters...... :)

I digress....

It was a beautiful day.....I feel renewed and restored in my faith....and all without my mascara running... :)

Go Stars!!!

Went to the Stars game tonight and THEY BEAT THE REDWINGS!!! WOO-HOO...what a great game! Although...it was a bummer, because my dear friend, Lonka couldn't go because of work (she's a huge Redwings fan...hehe...you know I love ya Lonka!)

GO STARS!!!!

WOO-HOO......SNOW!!!!!!!!!

Ok, ok.....so, it's not exactly snow. But, heck...it's close enough, right? I was at Flavour (a women's bible study) tonight and afterwards found my car enveloped by a layer of icy beauty!

I just LOVE anything having to do with snow...(except ice......I don't like ice....ice isn't nice..hehe)

Snow always makes me think of hot cocoa and snuggled on the couch with a warm blanket.....and singing Christmas carols.....and watching "A Christmas Story" with my parents......ALL fantastic things!

So....I'll be knitting tonight.....with my Christmas lights on....my blanky wrapped around me, candles lit......enjoying this beautiful time of year!

God Bless!

Yucky colds.......blah....

I have had a nasty cold since last Friday......ick.......I'm all stopped up and coughing......I can't stand to be sick.....it just doesn't suit me....haha....And, to top it all off, we had our company Christmas party on Saturday. I wasn't really feeling up to it, but decided to go and try to have a good time (plus....they did drawings to win awesome prizes....although..alas...I didn't win any) Then, on Sunday, me and momma went to church, then had to leave a bit early because I just started feeling so yucky. I went to my parent's house and my daddio made some yummy stew and I just laid on the couch all day long.......a lot of fun I was! We watched Wall-E.....what an adorable movie!

I just hope that I get to feeling better SOON! Because........drum roll, please.......................................................................

I'M GETTING BAPTIZED ON SUNDAY!!!!!

I'm so stoked about this! I could not be happier!!! I am so excited to share this joyous moment with my family and friends! I was baptized when I was 12 years old....but, didn't understand the true and complete meaning of what I was declaring to the world. So, now....I have that understanding and I'm ready to SHOUT IT OUT!!!

Hope you all have a great week......

The Countdown Has BEGUN!!!

Only 24 days until Christmas!!!!!

What a joyous and wonderful time of year!!!

Turkey Trot

What better way to rationalize that 5th piece of pumpkin pie???

All you have to do is run in a 5K that morning!!!!


DUH!!!!!




My church "wrangled" everyone together for this event.....

Just 1 more day.....

I'm so ready for the yummy Thanksgiving dinner!!! Well, actually...it's more like lunch, snackin' and then dinner....just continuous eating all day long!

It will be a smallish gathering this year, because my cousins and their families along with my aunt and uncle will be in Florida at Disney World......lucky ducks!

So, although I will miss seeing the entire family, I am looking forward to a quiet and peaceful get together.

I'm making butternut squash soup and a homemade apple pie!!! We'll see how that goes.....hahaha...yes, yes, I know...I graduated from culinary school.....should be NO problem, right? Well, since I graduated last March (as in March of 2007) I really haven't been cooking that much......kind of rusty.........But, I'm sure it will be fine.. :)

Blessings to everyone out there and may you have a joyous and fulfilling Thanksgiving with your loved ones.....

Clint's Birthday!!!!

My best friend for over 20 years is 30 years old TODAY!!!! Wow....he's old! LOLOL!

My dear, dear friend Clint is now 30.........I just can't believe it.........unreal how fast time passes us by........

We're celebrating at Mi Cocina, so I'll update with pics later......

Have a wonderful Friday evening and FANTASTIC weekend!

Sing Along!!!

(you are really going to hate me after reading this.......hehehehe....)

This is the song that never ends.....
Yes it goes on and on my friends....
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was...
And, they'll continue singing it forever just because....

This is the song that never ends….
Yes, it goes on and on my friends….
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was…
And, they’ll continue singing it forever just because….

This is the song that never ends….
Yes, it goes on and on my friends….
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was…
And, they’ll continue singing it forever just because….

This is the song that never ends….
Yes, it goes on and on my friends….
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was…
And, they’ll continue singing it forever just because….

This is the song that never ends….
Yes, it goes on and on my friends….
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was…
And, they’ll continue singing it forever just because….

(hehehe....you know you love me.......)

Happy....

I hope that you are having a happy day! I love being happy......what a wonderful and beautiful feeling...... :)

The holidays are upon us!!!!!

This is my FAVORITE time of year!!!! I just love the cold weather moving in.....the smell of fireplaces.....football.....lots of great home-cooked food....and spending time with family and friends!!!

When my parents and I were planning our Thanksgiving dinner menu a few weekends ago, I couldn't help but laugh.......This year, it will just be me, my mom, my dad, my me-ma and dad-dad and hopefully a few friends....but, the rest of the family will be at Disney World with their kiddos. So, we were planning out a menu for around 6 people.....

We start out, of course, with desserts..........WHAT? You don't start planning the desserts first?? We decide that OF COURSE...we have to have pumpkin pie and pecan pie....then, we should probably have some sort of chocolate dessert...and perhaps a pudding....OH..then, I get the great idea that I should make a yummy apple pie! Ok...so, there's some desserts...

Then, we switch to the main course (don't ask our method...just accept and adore it..haha) Turkey...duh.....Ham...duh......We figure that's good enough......then, of course, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, fresh green beans, dad's FAMOUS cornbread dressing and creamed corn.

We always have a veggie tray to munch on.....and we also decided to make some yummy bacon-wrapped water chestnut appetizers......OH...and we will have fresh yeasty rolls!!! mmmmm....

Yep....that's all for just 5 or 6 peeps....................LOLOL!

So, if you're in the vicinity....and want some food....PLEASE STOP BY....FOR THE LOVE OF MY WAISTLINE....PLEASE!!!!

The Smell of Winter.....

I walk into my apartment after spending the weekend with my mom (dad was out of town).....it's quite chilly in here.....hmm...guess I have to turn on my heater for the first time this season....



YIPPEE!!!!! THE SMELL OF WINTER!!!!!



Ok...is it just me, or does anyone else just LOVE the smell that emanates from the heater when you first turn it on in cold weather??? It's like a mixture of toast burning and ashes in a fireplace.....it's AWESOME!!! Yes, I know that sounds odd....but, I have always adored that scent. It just sparks so many wonderful memories of the holidays and football games and spending time with family. I suppose there are just amazing feelings that stir up and there's nothing like that in the world!!!



Hope you all enjoy that first "Smell of Winter"..........

~Flavour~

Ladies, ladies, ladies.........if you're wondering what Flavour is....you have GOT to come with me next time in December!!!!

Our church has a series for women that is hosted by the senior pastor's wife, Lisa Young. She is incredibly dynamic, caring, beautiful and fun, fun, fun!!! The latest series is named "Hospitality".....and she reinvigorates the meaning of that word so powerfully.


Hospitality is grace extended with kindess and given with purpose....



Isn't that just perfect?!!



She really makes you remember how we should treat everyone around us....

Cold Weather Blues.....

(imagine you're in a blues bar...)

Da da da da dum
Had to stay late at work...
Da da da da dum
Ain't got no perks...
Da da da da dum
Gonna storm hard outside
Da da da da dum
TAKIN' IT ALL IN STRIDE!........(harmonica starts up at this point...hehe)

Ok....somebody out there......CHEER ME UP!!!

Man, oh man....I'm feeling bummed out today! Like crazy! I stayed at work late (only until 5:45....you would think I was there til 8...hehe)...but, it was dark by 5:30. Going home in the dark....kind of depressing. Perhaps, it's because I have to come home to this HUGE apartment and be all by myself...............ok, my apartment is less than 600 square feet...but STILL!! :)

I think it's just the "Cold Weather Blues".......anybody out there get those?? The weather is changing, it's getting darker earlier.....it all just adds up to some "blah" feelings.

Really, what I think I need is to dive into this book that I just started. It's AWESOME!!! It's called "Feeding Your Appetite" by Stephen Arterburn. It's about taking control of your life by knowing what God intends for your life and discovering the purpose for your "appetites"....whether it be money, food, power, sex, etc......It's about fulfillment of those hungers through the Lord. VERY excited about it......

Ok, I'm already starting to feel better......haha......

Da da da da dum
Through the thunder and bright lights
Da da da da dum
I can see God's might
Da da da da dum
Not feelin' so low
Da da da da dum
CAUSE I'M FILLED WITH THE LORD'S GLOW!!!!

Ooooh...oooh.....I got the Cold Weatherrrrrrrrr Bluuuuuuuuuuues......

Downer.......with hope....

Well, I'm sure you know by now (unless you live in a hole) that Obama will be our new president........to say that I was deflated when I heard this information is putting it lightly.

Although I had a sneaking suspicion that it would swing that way, I still held out hope that McCain's supporters would show up to those polls and help him take that victory. Alas.....as I was watching Fox News and saw the slow descent.....and recognized those blue states taking over....my heart began to sink. I had bible study at 7, so at least I was dragged away from the tv for a couple of hours. But, when I got back home.....it was pretty apparent......and I wasn't exactly sure how I felt.

But, after discussing certain things in bible study and with friends from church....I've realized that there is a reason that God has placed Obama in this position of power. Our pastor, Ed Young, gave a message a few weeks back about how we should choose who we vote for......here are the five categories that he deemed worthy of discussion:

Character
Conviction
Courage
Compassion
Constituency

As Ed stated, it all begins with Character! Proverbs 29:2 "....if we elect righteous leaders, our government will be righteous, and if our government is righteous then the laws will be righteous."

He went on to elaborate on the other four very eloquently......and I just wish that all Christians were listening.

What I've come to realize is that God's plan doesn't always make sense.....and so, who knows what He has in store for us and our country. We must always have faith that He loves us and His plan is so great that we cannot begin to comprehend it.....just accept it and continue praying!

So, that said....I will do my very best to support our president, but that does not mean that I will agree with all of his decisions or that I will support any ideas or agendas that are not Godly. But, he will be in my constant prayers.....along with America and its' people.

My First Day.....

Today was my first day at my new job!!! How wonderful to be gainfully employed once more.... :) I love starting new adventures!!!

Look out world.....here I come!

I'M A MEMBER!!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! I became a member of my church today!!! I'm so incredibly excited that I am about to bust!

I look forward to all of the amazing things I can do to serve there and make myself a useful and obedient servant of God. I have found my passion in life....I have found my fulfillment.....it is serving.....and, boy oh boy...I'm pumped!

Undy 5000

So, today, I ran in the first EVER Undy 5000 5k......benefitting and raising awareness for colon cancer. This cause is especially near and dear to my heart because my mom (aka...the most AMAZING woman in the world) was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer when I was 12 years old. She fought through radiation and chemotherapy..........lost all her hair.......was always sick.....and yet....always positive.....

AND WON!!!

I hope...someday....I can be half as strong as she is......I admire her more than she realizes....




There were not that many people out there for this "First Annual" run....but, I hope that next year, we get LOTS of supporters!!!!



I JUST couldn't help myself from taking this picture.....How hilarious is THIS!!!???



LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE!!!!!!!!!!



I love you mom.........

Happy Halloween!!!!

I went to Canton Trade Days with my parents today!!! Yep...I spent Halloween walking up and down crowded aisles full of crazy shoppers.....haha.....and IT WAS GREAT!!!

I was so tired when I got home, that I didn't even end up wearing my absolutely adorable costume that I got......bummer! Isn't it cute???

Strong Women of the Bible....

So, in my Tuesday night bible study class, we have been studying the Book of Ruth. If you have not yet read this book, you should take the few minutes and just read it. It's very short, but very powerful. I never realized just how fun it is to read the bible! I was discussing this with a girl in my bible study, and she suggested that I just begin at the beginning and start reading away!!! I thought that was a GREAT idea! So, my dear friends, if you are talking to me one day, and I accidentally break into a "thy" "thine" or "beget"....just remember that I am immersed in that....hahahaha!

After studying Ruth, it has inspired me to truly work on building my character. She is such a strong, honorable woman.....she is loyal and hard working.....she is obedient and submissive (alright...I know I got the attention of all the ladies out there!!!) But, those words are NOT bad things!! I actually JUST learned that!! :) They are wonderful, Godly words and have only been negatively connotated in recent society. Women hear these words and automatically see a beaten down, sad woman that has an abusive and disrespectful husband. Not the case...not the case, at all. I can expound further if you want to discuss....it's fun to talk about!!!

Well, hope everyone has a wonderful day today!!! Blessings!!

Go, Cowboys, Go!!!

So, on Sunday, Tracey asked me to go to the Cowboy game with her. Her friend has a suite out there, and I am ALWAYS excited to watch my "boys" play some ball! We had a blast out there....as we always do!




Here are some of us in the suite after the game.....



In the Corral after the game.....Le Freak was playing and we were groovin!

So, after the game, we go to Champps in Las Colinas to grab a bite to eat. We are sitting at the bar, and someone says,"Hey...I see you have on a Witten jersey. Do you want to meet him?" I just looked at the guy like he had lobsters crawling out of his shirt...haha....I thought he was just pulling my leg. So, all of a sudden, he takes my hand and leads me through the bar until we get to a table of people eating. I look down and see Jason Witten sitting right there in front of me. HE'S A BIG DUDE!! I said hello and then scurried away.....I hate bothering people while they are eating.

So, I get back to the table and everyone says,"Where did he sign your jersey?" I sat there dumbfounded for a second then thought to myself....Oh POO...I didn't have him sign my jersey!

So, I search and search for a sharpie, finally find one and slink back over and kindly ask him to sign me......He was ever so nice and obligingly signed the back of my jersey. He even snapped a pic with me before he left....nice guy....and darn good player!

Party City Harvest Festival....

On Saturday, the Boys & Girls Club of Oakcliff threw a festival for the kiddos and my friend Nancy volunteered out there with me. (it was all just an excuse to get our picture taken with numerous cartoon characters and eat tons of candy..hehe)

It's Spongebob!!!



Manning the food station!!!




AHHHH! Scary Hulk!




They had bounce houses and all sorts of inflatable fun!




Dora the Explorer!!

Hick-Hop Party Pics

So, the Hick-Hop party was a HUGE success! There were about 250 or 300 people there, I think....it was a lot of fun. Great music and lots of dancing!! They even had costumes where we could dress up and get our picture taken.....it was too cute!




I'm being sassy.....hehe




Trace and me when we first got there.....



Everybody had a great time at the party. It took me and Tracey about an hour or so to warm up to everything, and finally get out on the dance floor....

I "wowed" everyone with my much-practiced Roger Rabbit and Running Man dances.....yep....you heard it.....

Mavericks Game!!!

I almost forgot to blog about the AWESOME time I had at the Mav's game last Saturday, with my great friend, Dave!!!! His friend has a suite at the AA Center, so we watched the game "in style"... ;)


Umm...yeah....for some reason, all of the guys took their binoculars out at this point...hmmm...




Hehehe...I snapped a pic of the mascot taking a pic.....what irony...





Dave and me in the suite....he got me the Mav's shirt that I'm wearing!! Isn't that sweet?!!

Overall, definite good time was had by all!!!

~Hick-Hop Party~

Alright, guys and gals....tonight's the night!!! Our church is throwing a party for singles called the "Hick-Hop Party"......apparently, this is a mixture of both Hip-Hop and Country....with rock thrown in for good measure. :)

I am very excited to meet some fun, new people...(Godly, honorable people)....it will be a much needed change from the people that are out in the bars and clubs here in Uptown...sheesh....

So, I'll be sure to update with pics of the party.....

Race for the Cure

Ok...so, this post is a little behind....but, better late than never!!!

Last Saturday, October 18th, I ran (walked actually) in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure supporting breast cancer awareness. This is such an important cause and I was excited to be a small part of it. There were SOOO many people out there....I believe they said that something like 25 or 26 thousand people showed up!!! That's amazing! I took some pics from that day.....




Soooo many people out there to support this wonderful cause....

How spectacular....to see this many people supporting such a noble and worthwhile cause......I love being a part of something so amazing.....

God Bless....

Worshipping together as women....

There is something special to be said about women gathering together and worshipping together......So often we forget our purpose or lose ourselves in our daily lives.

When congregated among one another.....we begin to remember ourselves....we begin to feel correct again.....

Sounds silly, I know......just had to say it.... LOL :)

Unexplained and Overwhelming Joy...

Do you ever just get filled with so much happiness and joy that you feel like you’ll burst? And, it just comes out of nowhere. You could be doing dishes, making the bed…watching tv or even driving somewhere….and you just get “hit” with elation?! Filled with some beautiful peace and jubilance that you can’t understand or describe to anyone? I do………and I love it.

After all of these 29 years of my life, I’ve wondered why I get these “Joy Bursts” and question from where they emanate……

Well, I think I’ve finally put the pieces of the puzzle together…….and it’s so much simpler than I ever fathomed…..

It’s God……..His love…..His grace……

May you have a “Joy Burst” today……and every day of your life…..

NKOTB

So...for all of you out there wondering what "NKOTB" stands for.....that's right...you got it...

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!!!

I had the absolute privilege of attending their concert last night with my momma and let me just say.....that, after 15 years in hiding.....THEY STILL ROCK THE HIZZY!



This is how I remember my boys years ago.....ahhh....



And, of course....Joey...my one and only true love (or so I thought at the age of 9)



I made sure to kiss Joey every night before I went to bed.....somehow, I just knew that he could sense my smooches and would come looking for me....and sweep me off my feet and marry me.....I had it all planned out....

My family and I would move to Boston and I would finish up elementary school there to be near him and his family....When he toured, I would get a tutor to come on the road with me (along with my parents, of course) When he had breaks from his music, he would join me and my She-Ra lunch box for some munchin' and talking...and probably kiss me on the cheek when nobody was looking!!! Then, when I turned 18, we would get married and live happily ever after.....



What? Is that not how it works?????


I put all the pieces together and it seemed pretty darn clear to me.....




NEW KIDS RULE!!!

State Fair pics....2008

Me and mom in front of the famous Big Tex!


Trace and me about to spin, spin, spin.....


Yummy corn!! Don't you just LOVE my Texas-shaped sunglasses?!



Aww...I'm a flower child...


Papa and me riding our tradition-ride...we ride it every year!


As always, we had a blast going to the fair. Tracey, Greyson and her parents came up also...and we got to hang out a bit. We ate LOTS of yummy food, rode the swings, listened to some music and walked til we couldn't walk no mo! Good times were had by all.....

YEE-HAW!!!

Me and Mr. Longhorn at my mom's company retreat











Me and pops








Face art....






It was a fun outing at the Circle T Ranch.....good music, good BBQ and