Pool party...

Here are some pics from last Saturday's pool party....










I have more pics from that evening and stories as well.....just no time to blog right now.... :( Sorry! I'll play catch-up later....

Happy Tuesday!

Sunny Weekend...

Happy Monday out there, wonderful world!!

I have lots of fun pics from the weekend and a story to tell....

But, it will have to wait....'til tonight.

Beautiful City and FUN Weekend!

Last night, my friend and I went to watch some jazz outdoors at the DMA (Dallas Museum of Art). We walked over from my apartment and by the time we got there, it was PACKED!



There were hundreds of people...with their blankets, folding chairs, picnics, the whole shebang! We carved out a little spot on the sidewalk under some little trees and got ready to enjoy the show!



We chatted and listened to the music for about an hour and then headed back...

As we were walking back, I decided to get out my camera and just grab some random shots of my beautiful city. Even though I have lived in Dallas my entire life, I never really drink it in...I never truly see the splendor right outside my door. So...here are some pics that I took on our walk home...(most of them are blurry...I need a new camera..haha)















I remember just a few years back...every time I would pass by this street corner, I would think to myself..."Wouldn't it be AWESOME to live here!?!" And, now...this is where I live!



This is the tree lined street going to my apartment....



I love my city!

Now...on to the fun of this weekend....

My friend is having a pool party tomorrow down the street...so, there will be good food, music and laughter for sure! And, tomorrow night...I'm going out with great friends and "someone special" {wink, wink}

Hope everyone has a great weekend...and I'll do my best to post pics of the pool party and night out later on.... :)

Thankful Thursday

"Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:32


This verse was brought to my attention today in an email I was reading. And, the girl went on to say this:

It is not our job to convict or correct the lost, but neither should we encourage the satisfaction of sinful temptations. I think it is a fine line where we build meaningful relationships but don’t get so involved that there isn’t a visible difference between our behavior and theirs. While we are called to witness and minister to the lost, we are also commanded to be in the world but not of the world. It is something that has to be consistently brought to the forefront of our minds in order to be obedient.

She then asked these questions:

1.) Do I find myself approving of others' sinful habits?

2.) What's the first step I can take to be able to stand against sinful desires?

3.) What might happen if I offend a friend by not approving of their sinful behavior? Can I live with it? Is honoring God worth it?

This seems to be something that so many of us cope with throughout our lives. We have friends from all walks of life, and feel the need to please them...or to have their approval. And, that sometimes causes us to let go of our own beliefs and we end up on the wrong and unrighteous path. There is only One with Whom we need approval...and it is Him we must please.

I am thankful for ALL of my friends...in ALL walks...throughout my entire life. They have each taught me a lesson, brought me joy...or have shown me what I need to improve about myself.

Lord...please help me to remember that YOU are the only One I must please. And, let me not be mislead by false feelings or emotions. Please help me take a stand against sinful acts and not to blindly and cowardly approve of them. Thank you, my dear sweet God...I do love you so much. Amen.

Flying Cars, Fanciful Jazz and Fluttering Hearts...

Last evening, my friend and I went to see "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". For those of you who are unaware, I am just a big kid! I still skip when walking down the street....I do twirls in the elevator at my office building (when I'm the only one in there..haha)....I have fun every time I get on and off the escalator by lifting my feet up and swinging them (I actually DO this in front of others..haha)

But, I have to say...being that I am HUGE fan of musicals, "Chitty" truly is meant for children. My friend and I watched the first act...saw the car fly...watched all the pretty, fanciful colors....and....left at intermission. LOL! The most fun of the evening was watching the faces of the children as they reacted to the songs, lights, effects...hearing their "oooohs" and "ahhhs" and watching them look up at their parents in such wonder and amazement with big, bright and innocent eyes. THAT was truly magical...and, of course...makes my desire for children grow even more (if that is even possible)





Tonight, we are going to listen to some good jazz music. The Dallas Museum of Art is less than a mile from my apartment, so we are going to walk over there to get our workout in AND grab some culture while we're at it! I'm excited to hear the band and I will let you know how it goes....




Because this is a public blog, I don't usually share things that are really personal...or, that I don't mind the entire world knowing...

And, I don't plan to start now. HA! (you're soooo giving me the "evil eye" right now, aren't you??)

Let me just say this....my head is dizzy, my heart is fluttering, I can't stop smiling....and there are butterflies in my tummy.....




tehehehehe....{girly giggle}

Team Cocoa - "Shrinking Jeans" Wednesday

This morning, I did my "Wednesday Weigh-In" for Team Cocoa....and I only lost a pound....BUT...this is mostly due to the fact that I didn't stick with my plan over the weekend. :( That's what I get, I suppose.

But, a pound IS a pound....at least I didn't gain, right?!

So...just 15 more until Cabo...and, then the rest can come off after that! :)

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Magnanimous Monday...

I love that word.....Magnanimous.....I don't use it often enough...perhaps, because I see its' magnificence portrayed less often than I would like. We should all strive to act magnanimously every single day....

Try it today....and tomorrow....and the day after that.....and so on and so forth.

Happy Monday out there bloggy world!

My daddy...My hero....

This Father's Day, I decided to get creative and make my dad's gift instead of going out and buying something.


















He loved it.....(thank goodness...) :)

I love you, daddy!

Bloggy GUARANTEED Giveaway!!!

April over at April Showers Blog Design is doing a really cool GUARANTEED giveaway!

Yep...you heard that right! ALL you have to do is follow a few easy little instructions, and the prize is YOURS!!

Go to her site to read all about it: http://www.aprilshowersblogdesign.com/2009/06/get-free-signature-or-bloggy-button.html

Enjoy!!!

Why do I feel so victorious???

Ok...so, I'm sure many of you know about OldNavyWeekly.com and how they have "hidden" coupons....right? Well, I go on that site about three or four times a week just to see if maybe...just maybe I can snatch up one of those amazingly awesome deals! I always get left with the 15% off....or, the $10 off $50...

Well....today....I just randomly decided to hop on over and take a peak....and...

Guess. Which. Coupon. I. Got.

The $75 off purchase of $100 or more!!!!!

Somehow, this makes me feel momentarily superior...LOL! (I'm totally just joking for any of you who don't know me...)

But, I have to say...I am kind of riding a "high" right now.....and, it's so silly....I mean...ultimately, I really don't need to do any shopping at ALL...but, NOW...well, now, I just HAVE to!!!

(good job, Old Navy.....job well done....you've got me...)

Shrinking Jeans - Team Cocoa!!!

Happy Wednesday to you ALL!

I have joined forces with The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans at http://shrinkingjeans.net/ in an effort to get into amazing shape! It's all about motivation, determination and skinny-ation (I just wanted to add one of my own "ations" to the mix...hehe)

You can either form a group, or do it on your own...but, either way...it's all about encouraging one another and shrinking our jean sizes this summer!

I am really pumped about Team Cocoa takin' it ALL THE WAY!!! I have faith that we will ALL achieve our goals and make some great friends along the way!

(click on the button on my sidebar to get more details about this fun adventure)

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO TEAM COCOA!!!!!

Holding a miracle....

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting my dear friend, Wendy in the hospital after she brought her first baby boy into the world. His precious name is Colt. He is just perfect in every way....




I could definitely get used to this....

My girl's birthday party....

This past weekend, my dearest friend Tracey had her birthday celebration...everyone had a blast....



My friend Val...



Mike, me and Mark...






Me and the birthday girl...



Me and Mike...



Me and Erin...



Me and Elizabeth...





The girls...



Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend, too...

Weekend Fun!

I can't believe it's Friday again....didn't this just happen like 6 or 7 days ago??? Hmmm.......

Today has been a great day at work (as usual)...and I had a fun and yummy lunch with some coworkers. Started out with edamame (one of my all-time faves), ahi tuna nachos (theses were wonderful!) and then had Summer rolls for my entree....(and, no...I don't just get them because of the name....or, do I?...)

Tonight will be a nice and relaxing evening at home with a good book and maybe a bubble bath.....

Tomorrow, I will be putting my "craft skills" to use while constructing and designing my Father's Day gift...(I'm kickin' it old school with a hand-made gift!)

Then, tomorrow evening will be spent celebrating my dear friend Tracey's birthday with a delicious dinner and fabulous dancing afterwards!

Sunday, we're starting a new series at church and I'm pumped about it! Then, lunch and hang-out-time over at the 'rents.

Hope everyone has a WACKY, WONDERFUL AND WHIMSICAL WEEKEND!!!

Thunder, Lightening......heartrate rising.....

For those of you not aware....a large part of North Texas is experiencing some pretty major storms right now....that started yesterday evening. Right now, as I look out of my window (at the office on the 37th floor), it's so dark that I can't even see the building across the street. The rain is hitting the window and coming down in sheets outside....

The lightening strikes seem to be too close.....and the thunder follows directly after.....

It's quiet now.....why is it quiet? Funny...but, the quiet parts of the storm seem to scare me the most....they are usually followed by something bigger and badder...

**Side story: As I was drying my hair this morning, the power went out in my apartment....pitch black....I froze....thankfully, it only lasted about 3 seconds and came back on. But, I didn't take any chances...I went around and lit a few candles in each area just in case...

Oh, and on my way to work this morning, there was only one traffic light working. Thankfully, I only live a mile from my office, so this didn't cause any real problems....

I want to be in bed....cuddled up with a blanky and soft pillow....

Favorite Things-Giveaway Fun!

The most AMAZING website is hosting a HUGE giveaway!

Go on over to Fantabulously Frugal to see everything listed in this AWESOME prize!

http://www.fantabulouslyfrugal.com/2009/06/favorite-things-giveaway-bonanza.html

Entering the giveaway is easy breezy! And, when you do....if you can mention my blog name, I would appreciate it (cause I get an extra entry..hehe)

Also, her blog is just plain COOL for finding deals every single day!

Enjoy!

Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum Summertime...

I think this is a wonderful way to start off the week....



This week's task.....

10 Things I Love About Summer
(hehe...you knew I would jump on this one, didn't you?)

1) The sound of the birds chirping and the wind blowing in the trees at my parent's house.

2) Hearing the ocean glide up on shore when at the beach (I LOVE going to the beach)

3) Hanging out with friends poolside and working on my tan.

4) Sitting out on a patio enjoying an ice cold drink.

5) Wearing flip flops and sundresses everywhere I go!

6) Homemade ice cream and cookouts

7) 4th of July FIREWORKS!!!

8) Walking into an air conditioned home after being out in the unbearable heat!

9) Going to Farmer's Market and getting fresh fruit and vegetables...especially watermelon!

10) The fact that this time of year was named after ME! (or, maybe it was the other way around...)


Now, it's your turn....

Some things never change...

Last night, my friend Kara, her husband Kevin and I went to dinner to catch up and celebrate both of us turning 30 within the past few months....

We went to a fun little Mexican restaurant and sat out on the patio enjoying the beautiful weather....

Here we are at Manny's...


After some yummy brisket tacos and margaritas, we headed to La Duni for desserts...




The patio at La Duni...



Kara and her sweet hubby, Kevin...



We got this AMAZINGLY YUMMY banana dessert...it was caramelized with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce and chopped pecans....It. was. fantastic! And, I enjoyed sipping on my caramel cappuccino while digging into the delectable desert!!



Kara and I exchanged cards and she had gotten me a little gift....Well, when I opened it, I started balling.....let me tell you why...

When we were born, her dad video taped so many different things....us playing...just anything and everything. Well, I've never seen these videos before and wondered what had happened to them over time. Kara had put some of the footage on a dvd for me....and I can't tell you how my heart was just bursting with joy when I saw it! She has others that she is also putting on dvds...and I can't wait to see those either. I think I was more fascinated with watching my mom love and kiss on me...and my daddy holding me than I was actually watching myself. And, to see Kara and I playing together when we were only months old.....and then, when we were first walking....and, even my 1st birthday party. I was in Heaven last night watching it.....and I just wanted more and more... :)

We had a great time catching up and I love her with all of my heart. She's my Kara-girl....

Friends since the very beginning...

Even before we were born, we were the best of friends...My dear, sweet Kara...

She was born a month before me, and the rest...as they say...is history...

Brand new babies...



My daddy holding us both...


Sweet, precious little Kara...



Playing with the beach ball...



"I want what she's got..."



New Years 1981...



Uh, oh...I may have been a stinker!



Me and Kara...2 years old



My birthday party...



Going to see The Nutcracker ballet...Look at that sassy girl...



My 6th birthday...always having a good time...



It's "Nutcracker" time again...



Playing the piano with Kara's grandpa, David



YIPPEE! Sweet Secrets! (remember those??) And, yes...I'm missing my 2 front teeth...



Kara got The Little Professor....oh man...those were awesome toys!



I think this is my 11th birthday...And...the theme was (drum roll, please)...NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!



Trying to look oh-so-cool!



At Six Flags in 2007



I love this girl as if she was my sister...



Kara is an amazing, generous and incredibly smart young woman....and I feel so blessed that she has been in my life since day one.

I am having dinner tonight with her and her husband to celebrate both of us turning 30 (which neither one of us can believe) and I'll be sure to post those pictures as soon as I get home...

HAPPY FRIDAY TO EVERYONE!!!