Books and Tramps

I got to "quench a thirst" of mine this summer with all of my free time. I read about 10 books--I LOVE to curl up anywhere with a good book, wether it be laying out in the sun, inside with a blanket or in bed...just not in cars (I get nauseas!). Here are my top picks:




This book made me laugh, made me hungry and kept me interested the whole time...she has quite the story- but be prepared for some language ha!







Divine is a christion inspirational book. Now- let it be known that I don't mind cheesy christian novels, but even if I did mind, I would still like this book. Unlike some of Kingsbury's work, this one is heavy, and purposeful. I read it and felt encouraged to be a light in this dark world.



This last one, Marley and Me, I haven't even finished reading but its so good that it made my top favorite list. The whole book is true, and the stories couldnt have been better if they had been made up. Every night since I started reading it, I have read exerpts to Dillon as we sit in bed because the content is hilarious, and we can so relate to having a naughty embarassing dog!


In honor of Marley, here are some pictures of our devil dogs over the years

Here is Polly back when we were in college, I had prepared dinner for Dillon and I one night, when were just dating, and came in to find her drooling over the chicken...can't blame the poor deprived thing!















This bath was after Polly had a hayday racing through the mud at a friends backyard- notice the brown water!















So...I don't have any pictures proving the ways in which Penny is a menace, but let it be known that Polly is an angel compared to Penny's uncontrollable hyper-freakiness. When we walk Penny, she will choke herself as she plunges ahead, sniffing anxiously all around. If she sees a moving creature of any kind (squirrel, dog, cat, frog, even a leaf) she will scream...if company comes over, more delighted screams. Still working on potty training (most days are good days). But we love her. Here are some favorites:




























And here is a shot of sweet Sunny, the lab that I grew up with.

















Dogs are work. They cost money. They are often too spoiled by their owners. Having said that- they can bring excitement to dull moments, make people feel special when they walk in the door, and are good experience for learning responsibility. With Polly and Penny, they have brought us more laughter than heartache, and more fun than frustration (though its close sometimes hehe) and therefore, we find them to be worthwhile in our lives. Everyone must weigh it for themselves~

My New Clinic

I think I've already mentioned it, but this year I am working for a new district much closer to where we live. We are saving money in tolls (I spent about $60 a month on the tollway last year driving to work!) and gas. Another fun perk is that I'm at this school 5 days a week, whereas last year I was split between 2 schools. So far I LOVE it- the kids are middle school so I can go a little deeper with them, and my school has lots of young teachers that I'm looking forward to getting to know. Here are pictures of my clinic (I have my own personal room inside the actual clinic, its nice to have my own haven), me on the first day, and the beautiful pillow my mom made~

Weekend with Momma!

This past weekend my mom came in town to have a Girls Weekend. I had called her a few weeks ago to see if she was interested in attending Women of Faith, and of course she loves Dallas and me, so she said yes. Friday she arrived and we enjoyed dinner at Patrizio's, and then went to the American Airlines Arena for some GOOD music (Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa!) and lessons. We had floor seats and Mandisa actually walked right past me, and waved at me. We kept thinking how we wished Cindy could have been there with us. The next day we got there late because we were enjoying sitting at home with our tea in our PJ's catching up. It was a short day, as we had to leave the event a little early. That night we dined out with the boys (Dillon and his dad), and then before we knew it, Sunday had come =( It was a wondeful little weekend though, my mom always encourages me and is so fun to be with. She made me a beautiful pillow to match my clinic which is just one example of how she is so good as showing she cares! Sunday night we were able to see my niece Sloan Everly, who is still in the hospital, but getting bigger everyday!

Tommorow I'll post some pictures from today at the first day of school in my clinic~

Life these days

I love fresh beginnings, new goals and changed perspectives....

The start of this school year, for me, almost feels like the start of the new year! As my summer chapter closes, a new chapter is being written. I am still doing school nursing- this year however I will be with a new district closer to our home; its a junior high (one of my favorite grade levels oddly enough), and I will be there 5 days a week, as opposed to being at 2 different elementary schools like last Spring. Dillon helped me paint my clinic this weekend and today I had several people peek in to see it.

My dad (and maybe mom and Dillon) are training again for a 5k...this time we are doing the White Rock lake marathon, which is in December. So awful, but I kinda went on a hiatus after the 5k last April so getting back into my jogging shoes actually hasn't been terrible easy, although I am more in shape now than I was when I started training last time.

My mom is coming in town this weekend and I am SO excited! We are going to the Women of Faith conference on Friday and Saturday. This event looks amazing and I'm looking forward to just hanging out with my sweet momma! She did her thing and managed to get us floor tickets even though online it showed they were sold out- she's good!

Please pray for Dillon and I. This blog may give the illusion that our lives are perfect but just like everyone we have challenges, and right now our challenge is finding the right church. We have tried over 10 churches (all wonderful) in the area- Bible, Baptist, Anglican and Presbyterian....our problem is this: Dillon needs to go to a church that is the denomination that he wants to be as a pastor (he's in seminary and will soon start the ordination process). For several months we were unsure of the direction God was leading us, and at the moment we feel a little clearer vision...but finding a church of that denomination is proving difficult. We are very much ready for a church home, and would appreciate your prayers~

Grateful

Two parents who love

Two Sisters so sweet

Double the blessings

My God has given to me

A husband who makes

My days so much fun

Laughter or sorrow

He’ll always be my one

A job, home and family

Grace underserved

Christ is the giver

From the beginning, the Word

His hope everlasting

His Love so complete

When it seems you have nothing

Know, He’s all you need

For it is written

“He will quiet you with his love”

Take in every gift

That He offers from above

As you go in your joy

Do not remain the same

Be transformed to be like Him

Name above all Names

Fun Times

I can't believe its the end of summer! This past year my sister Mollie and I had been discussing how she would come down and stay with me this summer and then before we knew it we only had 1 week left before I started back to work, so she squeezed in a weekend trip in the Big D!

She arrived Thursday evening, but her plane got in late so we ended up eating at 9:30 haha- for the record Papasito's disapointed. The food was ok but service was not!


























Friday we got up (me at 8, Mollie at 11 haha) and headed out to shop. We actually found some really cute things at T.J Maxx, then we went to the mall by our apartment, Willow Bend. Friday night we dined at Mollie's all time favorite restraunt PF Changs. I actually came down with a high fever (102!) that night and felt puny so we after dinner we had a chill night and watched Troop Beverly Hills, and Dillon made cupcakes =)


Saturday I woke up with my temp back down to 98.5 so all was well again. More shopping fun was had, clothes and candy were bought. Saturday night we had dinner at one the Ferguson favorites, Fireside Pies at Legacy, after which we saw 500 Days of Summer at the Independant Theatre- really funny!





This morning we went to church, then lunch at Corner Bakery. Mollie showed me how to make bracelets then off to the airport =( I love Mollie and can't wait for her next visit! We had fun taking these last pictures before she left (notice Polly squished in the middle!)