Taking One for the Team

Last night Jeff and I went with our good friends to hear Sara Groves play. She is one of my favorite Christian artists. Her music speaks to my soul. :)

I didn't know if Jeff was going to enjoy her music and on the way over gave him a bit of warning regarding her style. Her style of music is very mellow and for a guy who loves Van Halen I just knew that Sara may not hit the harmonic chord it does inside of me.

He looked at me and said, "I guess I am taking one for the team tonight?"

"Yep. Pretty much."

This conversation got me to thinking last night as I was sitting in the concert. Marriages are all about taking one for the team. There has to be a give and take from both parties in order for the marriage to thrive.  My moment of taking one for the team occurs every fall during football season.  I have no problem watching football but I don't often get to watch my hometown team, the Cowboys.  Jeff refuses to watch any football other than Chargers on the off chance we mistakenly see the Charger score before Young family kick off.  Game time at our house is 8:30 Sunday night so the TV and computer stay off most Sundays.  This my friends, is my way of taking one for the team.

Jeff gladly accepted the invitation from our friends to attend this concert. I think he knows that his way of taking one for the team involves anything with music. (Remember my Phantom of the Opera birthday present?) As we were sitting listening to Sara, I started to realize that he was no longer, "taking one for the team" but fully enjoying himself as well.  What's not to love about Sara Groves?

Thank you Jeff for being such a good sport last night.  It means so much to me that you are willing to embrace my love for music and good lyrics. You are a great team player!

And I close with our favorite Super Bubbie who found the music so relaxing that he passed out in the middle of it.  Nothing like a sleeping "baby"!

Celebrating Fall

How do you like my pumpkins? I try to add one thing to my fall decor each year and these are the newest arrivals. I love fall, it really is my favorite time of year.

I love pumpkin patches, fall leaves, Halloween candy, cooler temperatures and Thanksgiving.

There is just something special this season, don't you think?

Things I Am Looking Forward To During Fall 2009:

1) Young Family Road trip 2009 with Jeff (Balloon Fiesta, Las Vegas & Grand Canyon)
2) New Carpet (coming on Monday--excited doesn't even describe it)
3) Football, Football and more Football
4) Visiting friends
5) catching up on my reading
6) knitting my first scarf
7) Cagle Cousin Thanksgiving (it's going to be a packed house in P,TX)
8) Fame & New Moon out in theatres, both of which cause Jeff to tease me endlessly
9) pulling out my comfy socks and pants
10) Turkey Trot 2009 with great friends


And here are some of my favorite pictures from Fall's past

Cheering on my Alma Mater at last year's homecoming game

3 of my favorite little friends at the pumpkin patch two years ago. Aren't they adorable?

Faith's first time jumping into the leaf pile. A Cagle Cousin tradition

Jeff and I @ the Turkey Trot 2008, we were super sweaty when this picture was taken

Goofing off with my BF Susan during the race


The other Susan

Here's too another great Fall season! Let's make it a good one :)

Help Me Decide...

I am on a hunt for seat cushions for our dining room table and I need your help deciding.

Tell me which one you like best.

I am going for the love at first sight feeling---so which one do you love first?


Is it the red, blue and cream?

Or is is the yellow, cream and black?



Seriously, your opinion matters.

J has already said, "I don't care, you decide!" So I really, really need the chicks in my life to cast a vote.

Apparently Green is My Favorite Color

A few weeks ago, I was shopping with a friend who made a very astute observation.

Susan, is green your favorite color?

Um, I dunno, why?

Apparently, our last three shopping trips I had bought something in the shade of green. The most recent purchase being this green purse.



That is when it hit me that green has played a major role in my color scheme.

1) The Bridesmaids Dresses in our wedding-Green (sorry bridesmaid friends)



2) My Scrapbook Albums-Green



3) I have redone our bedroom in a Tommy Bahama style decor and the accents are green.

Curtains from World Market-Green



Accent Pillows on Bed from World Market and Pier One-Green


{Side Note the two floral pillows were from Pier One, I got them both for $12, originally $24 each. That right there is the #1 reason I never buy anything full price}


My favorite colander that I use for every meal, you guessed it...Green!


It's funny to me that without my friend's observation I probably would have never realized how much green showed up in my day to day life.

What can I say, I heart green. :)

The Supporting Role

Above is Jeff, teaching Children's Church. Sadly I did not have the camera with me to illustrate the story I am about to tell.

A few weeks ago I was practicing with the praise team before church, while Jeff sat out in the pews. It's the same scenario every Sunday I sing. We arrive together two hours before church starts and Jeff sits and watches us practice. I do not expect him to do this but he says he doesn't mind. As I was practicing the other day, I looked out into the audience and saw Jeff sitting contently on the sidelines. I stopped and said a quick prayer to myself for God to reverse the scenario--Jeff serving in his ministry and me sitting on the sidelines, supporting him.

This same Sunday we were teaching Children's Church. During the Hug & Howdy time, I saw Jeff walking behind the row of chairs where the children sit during praise and worship. As he walks, he is smiling and talking to each of the children. A few he is having to quiet down but most are behaving. As I watched, I realized that Jeff is where he loves to be, the back row surrounded by a bunch of children. Later we take the kids out to the playground. For a few minutes, he and I are both sitting on a little bench that allows us the perfect viewpoint of the children at play. One child comes over and Jeff begins asking him about his recent family vacation to New Jersey. This little boy is laughing and enjoying telling us every detail, Jeff is actively listening to every word. While they continue to talk, I realize more and more kids are coming over to talk to Jeff. At this time there are probably 5 kids standing in front of us. I was perfectly happy to sit back and watch the kids and Jeff interact with each other. A few minutes goes by and Jeff says, "Who wants to play a game?" I kid you not, every single child came running over to join in the game.

The game consisted of Jeff taking the kids through an made up obstacle course on the playground. Each child had to finish each stage in order to move ahead. What made me laugh was watching Jeff demonstrate each obstacle for the children. He was in his element. As I continued to sit on the bench, I realized for the first time that during Children's Church I was the supporting player. There is nothing more rewarding than to see your husband thrive in the ministry that God has given him.

Even on Sundays that we are not teaching Children's Church, the kids still come up to Jeff to tell him about their week or the upcoming events in their life. The supporting role is really one of my favorite ministries that God has given to me.

Thank you Lord for all that you have done in our lives.

My New Summer Style

I have been on a hunt lately for some cute summer skirts. I am not usually in the mood for skirts or dresses but have found them to be quite comfortable lately. It also could because Clinton and Stacey (What Not To Wear) were telling someone the other day how practical a skirt can actually be and I wanted to be practical too. Although, let me go on record by saying I do not agree that you need to wear a skirt while walking the dog nor do I think there is anything wrong with wearing running shorts and a tee shirt while grocery shopping at Wal Mart. If you could see the people that shop at my Wal-Mart, you would realize I am many steps above the typical patron's attire of pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. Call me crazy but there is something not right with that.

I am happy to report that after a few weeks of trying on dresses and skirts, I found this dress **that I adore at my favorite store. I also scored a sweet deal on these shoes from my other favorite store. Tomorrow I plan on heading to the mall to see if I can find a good flowery skirt like the picture above. I am also looking forward to sporting the dress and shoes to church on Sunday because nothing says "Happy Sunday" like wearing a new dress. :)

**the link is not working for the dress, it's the blue trapanuto dress at the bottom of the page (you will understand when you click on the link)

A Friendly Little Rivalry

Jeff and I went to eat at Bosses pizza tonight. If you haven't been there you should go-super yummy.  Every Tuesday night is $10 pizza night so if you are looking for a cheap date-Bosses is the place.

The one thing I love about Bosses is that they have old school video games.  My favorite being Ms. Pac-Man.  Jeff threw me a quarter tonight and headed to the arcade room.  He played first and then it was my turn.

Look at my score...

Yep, I am now the high score player at the Hurst location.

Don't mess with me and Ms. Pac-Man. It's my favorite.

Don't believe me? Here is a picture from our trip to Florida this summer. We stayed at a KOA in Pensacola, FL and they provided Ms. Pac Man entertainment for free. While my cabin buddies slept in, I played Ms. Pac Man.


And yep, I got the high score there too. 



This post proves that I am either a very skilled Ms Pac Man player or should have spent more time outside as a kid instead of playing video games.

Inspiring Places

It should come as no surprise to you that I CAN'T! WAIT! TO! DECORATE! OUR! NEW! HOME! Over the past few months I have stumbled on a few blogs that also like to decorate their home. Today I wanted to share a few with you because what kind of friend would I be if I didn't share the good stuff? Many of these ladies have links to other inspiring blogs so grab a Cup of Joe and enjoy browsing these sites! Happy Friday!

Little Red House

Cherry's Jubilee Home

The Cottage Nest

Whatever

Chatting at the Sky

Nesting Place

I Heart Spring

The above picture is the pear tree in our backyard that is starting to bloom. I think it is beautiful, don't you.

We also have two plum trees in addition to the pear tree. That right there is one of the main reason we wanted to purchase an older home-mature trees. Score though on the fruit trees. I see a lesson in preserving in my future. Many of you should see a jar of pear and plum preserves in your future too since there is no way I can eat them all by myself.

Anyone know how to do pear and plum preserves? I am going to need a bit of guidance there.

On another note, our apartment office was broken into the other night. Nothing says "It's time to move like a burglary!" Sigh.

We turned in our 30 day notice the other day. The leasing office called said we had to give a 60 day notice. My question is what's the point of going month to month if we have to stay an extra month?!? Sigh.

Jeff is helping me see the bright side of this, we can take our time moving. He wants to do a bit of fixin' up before we move into the house. Things like laminate flooring and painting are easier to do without furniture. The extra 30 days will help us get these things done. See, I can see the bright side of things too.

This weekend Jeff and I celebrate 6 years of marriage by going to a gun show. FABULOUS! I am wishing and hoping he will let me take the car and shop at the antique mall down the street. I know he will because it allows him to browse as long as his little heart desires. I still don't understand how a bunch of men can stand looking at the same gun for 45 minutes. The last time I went with him, I sat in a chair against the wall and watched the men shop. There was one gun that must have been a real beauty because at one point I counted 15 men standing in awe of it. It was like they were looking at the Holy Grail or something. Men are funny creatures.

Enjoy this beautiful spring day if you are in Texas.

I Heart Spring!!!

Being With The Kids On Christmas Day

I loved Christmas this year because I was able to spend quality time with all FIVE of my nieces and nephewS. Uncle Jeff and I were talking the next day about how everyone of the kids has a unique personality. What a joy to watch them grow and change over the years.

One of the things Jeff and I love, is our time with the kids. It is what has kept us going this past two years as we have continued to trust God's timing for positive plus sign. I won't lie, the last few weeks have been the hardest yet but we aren't ready to give up either. Nor do we allow Satan to steal our joy, although I feel like he has been working overtime on me the past few days....cried all the way home the other night, scared Jeff to death. God bless him for not asking me to "talk it out" since it was one of those times that my tears really could not be explained but I couldn't stop them from falling either.

God continues to bless me through His word. I read in 1 John 5: 14-15 on Christmas day it says, "And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for." This was soothing words to my restless spirit. As hard as it can be sometimes, I am trusting that He does hear our prayers and will answer us.

A big thanks to everyone of you who have prayed for us this past year. We truly are blessed to be surrounded by a community of prayer warriors. No words can express the gratitude in my hearts for each one of you. God is faithful. God's word is true. God is alive and active in each one of our lives.

I Heart Saturdays

The weather is cold.
The coffee is hot and fresh.
The house is warm.
My table is covered with scraps of paper while I create a scrapbook master piece.
Later, I am heading to the matinee with hubs, who looks hot in his new glasses.
Life is good.
I heart Saturdays.

How I Could I Forget This Show?!

I love The Office. It makes me laugh every time. I love Dwight. I love Pam and Jim. And I love Michael's funny one liners. Last night's show was super funny to me. I found myself laughing out loud, very loud. (I am sure some of you are hearing my laugh now in your heads)

How could I have not listed this show? Hmm....

Here is a recap that BooMama does every week, so if you are a fan of this show too and watched it last night, you should read it.

"I am your wing man!"

I Love...

• listening to the rain hit my windows as I type
• soft music playing in the background
• warm coffee by my side
• a husband sound asleep in the bedroom ,who is on vacation this week
• answered prayer at church yesterday, we have prayed for another male guitar player who can sing...God blessed us with a great fit.
• awesome morning of worship yesterday
• the wonderful sermon yesterday that lead to Jeff saying on the way home, "I love it when all the little pieces fall together and you can understand the big picture."
• seeing Jeff's spiritual growth and leadership in the home and church (Praise You, God!)
• the peace that passes all understanding
• the joy that flows through me
• my friends who I can laugh with, pray with, cry with and just be me with.
• knowing that it is Monday and all my work is done at 11:00 this morning (this is a miracle in itself)
• my family
• reading the story of Jesus in chronological order
• knowing that I am a sinner, saved by grace, not by works so that no one can boast

Kids Say the Darndest Things

This past weekend Jeff and I had a few of our favorite little friends tell us a few things that are worth blogging about.

1) Mackenzie (5 years old) overheard her parents talking about the mail. I was sitting eating pizza with her when she looked to me and said the following.

Mac- "I don't get mail."
Me- "You don't get mail?!?"
Mac- "No, but you can send me mail if you would like."
Me- "Okay, I will see what I can do."
Mac- "But please put something in it because I want more than a letter."
Me- "All righty then."

2) We happened to run into the same family again at Costco on Sunday, the place of choice for Sunday lunch. Mackenzie's dad had gone to get the kids a snack at the snack bar. Jeff and I were teasing Mackenzie and her little brother Brady about what the snack would be. Jeff suggested broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. To which Mackenzie replies, "They do not sell lettuce Mr. Jeff, I can promise ya!"

3) And then last night we were at our friend's house for small group when Andrew (age 3) came running into the room to tell us some quite exciting news.

Andrew: "Hey guess where I went today?"
Jeff: "Where?!?"
Andrew: "ALBERTSON'S!"


Who knew a grocery store could bring so much enjoyment. I believe that Disney may have a bit of competition for the title the happiest place on earth.

Weekend To Do List

1. Dinner at the Burger Box with my Dad and Hubs.
2. Laundry and other household chores
3. Read Belong to Me
4. File New Catalog Pictures that are sitting in my living room/office
5. Enjoy the nice weather
6. walk a mile or two
7. small group at this chicks house (can't wait to see the new walls A!)
8. Rent a movie at the Red Box
9. Sunday afternoon nap
10. And last but not least Charger football

See you on Monday! Have a great weekend

Life: Beautiful

I found this pillow yesterday while reading the latest issue of Life:Beautiful. If you haven't seen it, take a moment to click on the link. This is a Christan magazine by James Dobson, Joyce Meyer and Dr. Gary Smalley. I love it!

One of my favorite features is an advertisement by this woman. I love to browse through her online portfolio. Last night when I saw this pillow and quote from Eleanor Roosevelt I decided to adopt her quote as my new motto. I know I am not perfect by any means and fall into the small mind category way too often but my goal is to be a great mind at least 95% of the time.

I think that is a goal worth striving for don't you?

Sprucing Up the Blog

I stumbled on a great find to help me spruce up my blog without costing me a dime.

Click here to spruce up your own blog and it's FREE.

Try it out and let me know I would love to see your blogs new look!

Happy Tuesday!

My Weekend In a Nutshell

Walking 6 miles on Saturday
attending an Upwards soccer game
Garage sale browsing
Tomato and cheese sandwiches
Fell asleep during a rented movie
taking a long nap
catching up on laundry
Dinner with family celebrating MIL
Reading a good book
Sleeping late on Sunday
Enjoying Jeff's homemade pancakes
Singing at church
Eating yummy pot roast
Laughing with good friends
coming home from church with the sunroof open and windows down
stopping to get a cold beverage at the local gas station
reading more of my latest book
falling asleep for my weekly Sunday nap
waking up super late
eating at Spring Creek-shutting the place down
enjoying the cool spring night
falling asleep super late and waking up even later on Monday morning
Now I am enjoying my morning cup of coffee and reading all the blogs

Life is sweet when you live in the moment and go with the flow instead of against it.

Happy Monday to You!

It's Official...I'm a Freak

My in-laws have this wonderful box of pictures in thier dining room just waiting for me to take them home and organize them. Every week, I walk past this box and I swear it says, "Sort me, organize me and file me away in a pretty little box." One day we were cleaning out the garage for the big garage sale, I decided to take it upon myself to load them in my car and will bring them back all fully sorted, in matching boxes, with labels.

Why? Because I am a freak.

Organizational Freakiness set aside, they have some great pictures.

1) My in-laws were high school sweethearts so there is many pictures from thier days in high school. There is one black and white picture of my father in law with his buddies from school and I swear it looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch add before the adds became less about showing off the clothes and more about shcwing the models without the clothes.

2) Jeff had the cutest button nose as a child, I have enjoyed wondering what our child will look like one day. I hope they have his head of hair because I was bald until the age of 2. True story. And I hope they have his sweet little button nose.

3) I love seeing pictures of Hayley as a baby. I came into her world when she was 3 so I haven't seen too many pictures of sweet Hayley Bailey as a baby. She is precious.

And now you know what I have been up to at night while Jeff is at work.

I am in organizational heaven.

Positive Reinforcement from A Coffee Cup

There is nothing like a cup of coffee calling you a Bad A&& to kick start your day.

Or....

Driving by a deserted parking lot yesterday, I saw a lady in full Statue of Liberty attire walking in the parking lot. I wish I had my camera because she was decked out in Lady Liberty gear. I thought she may be one of those people businesses hire to stand out on the curb and wave you in but there were no businesses anywhere near where she was or where she was heading. Maybe she just couldn't find anything to wear. Or maybe she just felt like playing dress up and walking along a deserted parking lot. I give her props for being an individual.