So far we have done several cheap or free things here in Dallas that make me appreciate the big city and its entertainment options (there was the Chocolate Fest at Central Market, visiting open houses of million dollar homes, beautiful parks, etc..). Today however, I cannot say I am grateful for the experience we had this afternoon...
I have been reading lots of decorating blogs lately and noticed several people have found beautiful treasures at their local flea market. I love a good deal and love to shop and decorate so I decided we needed to visit one of these markets. I talked with a co-worker who suggested Traders Village in Grand Praire. I even convinced Dillon that it would be a great time.
So after sleeping in and have delicious blueberry muffins for breakfast, we got ready for the day and headed off for our adventure. As we pulled into the huge parking lot (picture six flags-seriously) we (at least me anyway) were filled with anticipation. We found a spot and began the trek towards the entrance.
First booth we pass...car parts...okay, something for everyone, right? Next booth...socks and bra's....next booth....cheap packaged toys. Hmmm. Where are the cute decorations?This feels like a nasty garage sale. We turn a corner and face a massive street of what can only be compared to as gas station knick knacks. Hideous clothes, strange pictures, dirty rugs. Dillon found a pair of illegal brass knuckles labeled as a "paperweight." We continued weaving through the crowds, thinking we would suddenly find what we were looking for. It never happened. We left, confused and annoyed. Why the swarms of people? We shall never return. That is all I have to say about that.
The day was not ruined however, as we found solace in chips and hot sauce at On the Border. Even more thrilling was the lunch special which included totrilla soup and quesadillas for 6.50! After, we went to Dillards where Dillon found 4 shirts for an amazing clearance deal and didnt spend a dime (gift cards). We are now home and I plan to make a batch of cookies and perhaps watch a movie. I love weekends!
Its funny how a day can go completely different than expected, but still be lovely indeed.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sister Sister
February 26th is Katie’s birthday- people are celebrating with her all over the world!
To say I am lucky to have her for a sister is to put it mildly
We have made many precious memories together and have grown closer in friendship every year
She is great about keeping in touch with those she loves (which are many in number!), and is very real with herself and others
She cares...and does something about it, even if inconvenient
She is full of life and fun, and she can DANCE
She is creative in spirit, encouraging with her words, and faithful as a sister
Happy 26th!
I am celebrating your life as it has been such a blessing to so many!
To say I am lucky to have her for a sister is to put it mildly
We have made many precious memories together and have grown closer in friendship every year
She is great about keeping in touch with those she loves (which are many in number!), and is very real with herself and others
She cares...and does something about it, even if inconvenient
She is full of life and fun, and she can DANCE
She is creative in spirit, encouraging with her words, and faithful as a sister
Happy 26th!
I am celebrating your life as it has been such a blessing to so many!
Monday, February 23, 2009
What is Better
I wish I was more grateful for my blessings. Re-stated, I wish I had a thankful heart. I have been given More than I need. I have food, shelter, a job. I also have an amazing family and husband, I have many precious friends. I have been sheltered from true hardship. On this day, there are so many hurting and needing. So many that are battling evil. As I came across this family today that just lost all 4 of their quadruplets, I realized that my problems are not true problems, they are selfish struggles that result from an ungrateful heart. I hope I'm not scaring any of you- Im not dealing with anything major here, and that is the point. I must choose to see the blessings in my life rather than see the negative things that I think need to be fixed. I pray to not overlook what matters, but sit at the feet of the Lord and choose "what is better"....
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Something New
I have never been good at memorizing scriptures. Maybe because I never really tried to. Since January I have been memorizing a new verse every 2 weeks- a small but realistic goal for me. It is comforting knowing that I have a few words of truth locked away in my heart that I can turn to when various situations arise throughout the day.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.
This verse encourages me when I think, "I am so lazy, I dont feel like going to run"...and then I remember that actually I have been given a spirit of self-discpline and am without excuse!
"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." Isaiah 33:6
This verse gives me hope that even during these tough times in our country, He is the SURE foundation and is over all.
"Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me. For you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5
This is just a good verse to use when Im not sure how/what I should pray for. It echoes my hearts desire and hope.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
All of these verses have improved the quality of my days the past 2 months, much more than I expected. May the verses encourage you today as you read them~
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.
This verse encourages me when I think, "I am so lazy, I dont feel like going to run"...and then I remember that actually I have been given a spirit of self-discpline and am without excuse!
"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." Isaiah 33:6
This verse gives me hope that even during these tough times in our country, He is the SURE foundation and is over all.
"Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me. For you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5
This is just a good verse to use when Im not sure how/what I should pray for. It echoes my hearts desire and hope.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
All of these verses have improved the quality of my days the past 2 months, much more than I expected. May the verses encourage you today as you read them~
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Good and the Bad
I had a really nice week. I finally saw a long time friend who also lives in Dallas, got to catch up with several of my Dumas friends, and had a full week of work. Tonight Dillon told me we were going to celebrate V-day (since we are going to Midland this weekend) at a suprise location. Because I know that Dillon knows me so well, I knew where the suprise location was and screamed with excitement. Cici's !!(I have mentioned several times that I have been craving it) I LOVE that place. For a total of $12.00, Dillon ate 13 pieces of pizza, 3 brownies and 1 cinnamon strudle; I ate 5 pieces and had 2 brownies and a coke. What a deal. =)
It was also a hard week. Cindy is still in the hospital and we are all ready, as she is, to have her home. She is doing better but still needs prayers for strength to recover. I missed my work friends this week since I dont have friends yet at my schools, but was encouraged to step out and meet people. I'm still training for the 5k, and week 4 is a killer! My lungs are burning at the end of every run and I feel so out of shape, but I must admit I love the feeling once Im done and catch my breath.
If you are reading this blog, you are probably someone very special to me. I hope you have a fun Valentines day and know you are so loved!
It was also a hard week. Cindy is still in the hospital and we are all ready, as she is, to have her home. She is doing better but still needs prayers for strength to recover. I missed my work friends this week since I dont have friends yet at my schools, but was encouraged to step out and meet people. I'm still training for the 5k, and week 4 is a killer! My lungs are burning at the end of every run and I feel so out of shape, but I must admit I love the feeling once Im done and catch my breath.
If you are reading this blog, you are probably someone very special to me. I hope you have a fun Valentines day and know you are so loved!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Lately...
*I started my job this week after a MONTH of waiting around for paperwork to go through. I will be a school nurse for 2 elementary schools in Dallas. I am blessed to have been hired for a job during these times, and will not take it for granted. I cant wait to decorate my clinic and get to know some of the people I will work with.
*Our dogs were locked up today from 9am to 8pm, so when I got home I immediately got the leashes out and escorted them out the door. As I was running (because I knew they're bladders were surely about to burst) to the patch of grass that they always go to, I tripped on Polly, fell and scraped both hands and knees. They are still oozing blood as I type.
*I got to audit Dillons seminary class tonight and hear Sinclair Ferguson discuss Westminster Standards- way over my head!
*Even though I had such a long break from work, Im so happy that its the weekend now! I plan to sleep in tommorow, go to the grocery store, finish a book, and talk to Katie. Sunday we are going to try The Village with friends.
TGIF friends~
*Our dogs were locked up today from 9am to 8pm, so when I got home I immediately got the leashes out and escorted them out the door. As I was running (because I knew they're bladders were surely about to burst) to the patch of grass that they always go to, I tripped on Polly, fell and scraped both hands and knees. They are still oozing blood as I type.
*I got to audit Dillons seminary class tonight and hear Sinclair Ferguson discuss Westminster Standards- way over my head!
*Even though I had such a long break from work, Im so happy that its the weekend now! I plan to sleep in tommorow, go to the grocery store, finish a book, and talk to Katie. Sunday we are going to try The Village with friends.
TGIF friends~
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Recipe Exchange
A co-worker gave me this recipe last year and I have made it many nights since then.
So easy and GOOD
Baked Chicken and Rice
1 cup Rice (uncooked)
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
salt & pepper to taste
Mix together. Spray a 9x13 pan and spread mixture in pan. Lay frozen chicken breasts on top of soup mixture, cover with foil and bake @ 350 for approximately 1hour, maybe a little longer.
Enjoy friends~
So easy and GOOD
Baked Chicken and Rice
1 cup Rice (uncooked)
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
salt & pepper to taste
Mix together. Spray a 9x13 pan and spread mixture in pan. Lay frozen chicken breasts on top of soup mixture, cover with foil and bake @ 350 for approximately 1hour, maybe a little longer.
Enjoy friends~
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