Tis the Season to be Jolly...

So I listened to a sermon Ryan and I missed a couple of weeks ago. One of the things our pastor challenged us to do during the service was to think of five things you are thankful for.
1. Jesus Christ
2. Ryan
3. My beautiful family
4. Our friends
5. Our health
Easy cheesy. Then the sermon went on. He challenged us all to make a list of 25 things we are thankful for during the next week...on top of the five we had already named. That gets a little sticky. I pulled out a sheet of paper and wrote out the numbers 1-25 and put it in my purse. And there it still sits. And every time I open my purse, I see it. So tonight, I'm going to pull it out, and start to think of all the blessings I have in my life. And then, start praying for those blessings. And now, since you are reading this...I challenge you to do the same... :o) Don't you just love reading the blog...now you have homework! Pull your kids in too! Maybe it is their favorite pillow they sleep with at night, or your favorite robe you put on in the mornings to shut out the cold...
Another cool thing I got this week was an email from a speaker I heard at the SAFY Foster Parent Conference. She labeled it "seventeen words that changed my life forever." I highly recommend the article. I am subscribed to a daily email she sends out, and I know she is a Christian, one thing I think is sorely absent from her memo, but anywho, with that in mind...please go read it. And talk to me about it next time you see me...we'll see if it has impacted you like it has impacted me.
"http://www.coaching-forlife.com/documents/Articles/Seventeen%20words%20that%20changed%20my%20life%20forever......pdf"
And if the link doesn't work, go to google and type in Coaching For Life Juli Alvarado Seventeen Words. It'll bring it up.
I printed the phrase out and hung it up in my cube. If you let it sink it, it'll make an impact. Our pastor also gave a sermon in the Spring about praying for ACCEPTANCE. Not praying for specific things, but for acceptance for what life gives us. So there is number one on my list. I am thankful God has given us acceptance of events that have transpired in the past few weeks. See, I'm already on my way. Okay...I'm on a roll...off to go start filling out the list I have been carrying around for two weeks.
Love to all...
Dayna

O Christmas Tree(s)

Unwrapped the package Uncle Robert :o)

Today we spent the day over at Larry and Rita's. We helped them put together a slide show depicting the building of their house. So for anyone interested, email Larry and he'll send ya the link to it. Oh, and Rita had made chex mix and fudge for upcoming Christmas parties...I think after all we ate, she'll have to make another batch of each!

Since I was little, each year, my mom has gotten me an angel ornament for Christmas. They are all part of a series. The blonde headed blue little angel right in the middle of the picture was the first one I ever received. Anywho, because Ryan and I did a red and silver themed big tree this year, I didn't have anywhere to display my angels. Until tonight! I ran by Big Lots this afternoon and purchased a four foot, pre-lit mini tree. I put it up as soon as we got home from church tonight!

Speaking of which...tonight was the "Candlelighting Service" at church. We had never been to this particular service before so kinda expected there to be carols by candlelight or something. We were mistaken. The best way to describe it would be a Christmas pageant for adults.... Ryan really liked it. At one point I looked over at him and he was holding his mouth like he was just going to burst into laughter. I enjoyed the orchestra...and when we sang two stanzas of Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee...that's about it. Anywho, they have been doing some version of this service for 72 years! We'll be sure all you folks join us for year 73...it'll be the topic of your conversation for at least a few days I'm sure.

the reason for the season...

Thanks be to God for his beautiful son, Jesus Christ. As we decorated Sunday night, I had "O Holy Night" in my head (so as you read the blog, please indulge me by humming it yourself). I am so grateful for all our family, friends, and colleagues. When you feel bah humbug this season, remember what it is really about and trust me, it'll change your mood entirely...well, maybe not until you've left the store, but try humming a tune you associate with how you celebrate Christ's birth.

Party Hard...

Here are a few pictures from our breakfast party this morning! We had so much fun with everyone and were extremely pleased with the turnout! Ryan is going to create a flicker account I think and upload all the pictures there so folks can go see all the pictures. I think this might become an annual happening folks! Oh, that also means that if you have some menu change suggestions, to let us know that as well. We do have a plethora of fruit, scones, and decaf coffee left. I think first change for next year is to tone down on those items! Happy fall everyone! Have fun and be safe as you go shopping and get all your decorations up! Love to all!

Pansies and what not

Things have been a little busy, so I have a lot to update folks on.  PANSIES!  Last weekend we planted pansies in the front flower bed.  Purple and white with kale planted every once in a while in between.  Then we went over and celebrated Trisha's birthday!  Yahoo, wahoo!  

We recently joined First United Methodist Grapevine as well.  Last Sunday we had our "learn about the church" class.  Informative and we're really excited about getting involved.  

This weekend we got to keep Matt and Trisha's boys (even Wesley for a little bit).  They have sooo much energy!  We went to the playground down the street Saturday morning and played for about an hour.  Here are a couple of things we discovered.

1.  Jungle gyms look a lot bigger when you are three foot tall instead of five.

2.  Ryan and I are both pretty out of shape.

3.  Crocs allow you to walk up a slide rather easily.  

4.  Metal playground equipment is really really cold in the winter. 

Yesterday afternoon we went with Jennifer, Bryan, Melanie, Justin and their new son Aaron to the TCU football game.  Well...kinda.  We went to Pappasito's beforehand for lunch and headed to campus, parked in front of a friend's house and walked over to the stadium...it was already halftime by the time we got there.  So we walked around the tailgate parties for a while, chatting with each other, seeing a few people we knew, etc.  We didn't want to have to pay to get in for only half of a game.  We had every intention of walking around the TCU campus since they have addedso many new buildings in the past year, but just ran out of daylight.  So  we headed back to The Colony to Melanie and Justin's for dinner, Tech/OU watching and to visit.  We had so much fun and it was really good to get to hang out with the TCU gang :o)

Today we went to visit our friends Jennifer and Erik.  Erik made some mighty tasty tortilla soup, we watched the Cowboys, and just caught up with one another.  I made my menu for the week on the drive up and my grocery list on the drive home.  The grocery store was suprisingly not crowded.  About the same crowd there is normally.  Got everything we needed for Thursday and we're starting our grocery list for Saturday's festivities.  That grocery trip will have to take place on Friday...not enough fridge space to buy everything today.  So that's what has been going on in our world!  Have a great week everyone!

Veterans Day

A very humble and sincere thank you to all the Veterans in the military and those active serving our country. Your sacrifice is more than any of us could ever imagine. So thank you. Thank you Larry (Dad). Thank you Uncle James. Thank you Uncle Robert. Thank you Gene. Thank you Jon. Thank you to all veterans. To all those brave men and women who truly embody what it is to be American. I am extremely proud and thankful for you. Thank you for putting yourself on the line for all of us. For our freedom and so much more. We all love you, appreciate you, and pray for you daily.

it's the broncs and the blood, steers and the mud

For those of you that have been Garth Brooks fans at one point or another, the title of the blog will make sense.

So last Thursday, I was given two free tickets to the Texas Stampede Rodeo at the American Airlines Center. We went today. As some of you can recall, back on the 4th of July, Ryan bought me a hat down in Luckenbach which I have not worn since. You may also recall that the whole reason Ryan got into making jewelry was to make me a new hat band. So on Saturday evening while watching football, he made me my hat band, earrings and bracelet so I could be all "cowgirl" for the rodeo. They are so pretty! He has decided he wants to put the stampede strap back on, so it is not done yet, but look! Isn't it beautiful :o)

I haven't been to a rodeo in a really long time. I went with Jennifer a couple of times during college to the Houston rodeo which was a lot of fun, and I've seen a few bull riding events at Billy Bob's, but a true rodeo, I had not been to in quite a while. They did not have a great turn out, so our nosebleed seats were exchanged for first tier seats. We were on row D, section 117 if you want to look it up. Anywho, due to the weird staring of the guy next to me, and the odor of the guy next to Ryan, we moved about ten rows up...where we actually could see a little better. All those animals were so pretty. And really cool to get to be so close to them all. We got there about 12:15, got in the doors about 1:00, rodeo started at 2:00, and we left about 4:00. They had eight contestants from all the different events compete, and the four winners from each event were going on to a final...which we did not stay for. Could have, but didn't want to spend money on food so came home. One thing for sure, those bronc riders and bull riders are brave fellers. Several were wearing helmets instead of hats, and the announcer would tell the crowd about a recent injury, etc. Just amazing. OH! And only one of the bull riders stayed on for 8 seconds. So I think they said he automatically advances to a Las Vegas event, but they let the top four from the previous rounds all advance to the finals tonight. Anywho, it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed it. Bare Bronc riding, calf wrestling, barrel racing, mutton bustin, saddle bronc riding, team roping, tie up, bull riding...and I think I might be missing a couple events in between. Good times and very family friendly...have a great week everyone!

Funny

After a beautiful day perusing around Southlake Town Square and a wonderful lunch at Anamia's, my mom gave me five boxes of stuff that have been crowding her garage.  So I came home and needed to find a spot in my garage to put them :o)  This started a mini project.  Our garage isn't dirty, just cluttered and unorganized.  I put a couple old chairs (one of the legs was broken and the once burnt orange chair was now a light tan) by the curb along with several old empty boxes we don't need, couple trash bags with actual trash in them, etc.  And success!  Garage is MUCH cleaner, not very organized yet, but at least now we can move around in there to start organizing.  So it was still pretty light outside...I would say about 5:15-5:30ish when I see a man walk up, take one of the old ratty chairs, then open an empty old tent box we had (which I had put a bag of grout that had gotten wet and was now a solid rock) just to make sure there wasn't anything in it.  I couldn't help but chuckle.  I mean, he lives two doors down...and I was still outside in plain view.  Isn't proper "taking someone else's trash" protocol you at least wait until the person has left sight?  And if you do decide to take it, you say something to your neighbor?  Not in Irving my friends.  Not in Irving.

Truck Donation

We finally got rid of Granddad's old truck.  This is the first time I have been without a pick-up since Dad and I went to the police auction and bought the ole red Ford.

Charity Motors came this morning and picked it up while Dayna was at her SAFY conference.

It had 86,179 miles on it.

Very Serious...

I am very lucky because Ryan and I carpool and I get to enjoy the scenery most days from the passenger seat. Friday night I started looking at drivers. Lots of people on cell phones, some people singing, some smoking, but most…frowning or VERY SERIOUS! I mean, you would have thought some of these people were in a staring contest with a rival. So I paid attention again this morning on the way in. This time I saw one person on a cell phone, but everyone…I mean EVERYONE else was frowning. So I consciously made myself have a half smile the whole way in. I mean, not a big goofy grin as we drove past people or anything (which I have been known to do before…Ryan usually will honk and we both wave…it’s quite funny really), but just a half smile. I found it odd that once I put that forced half smile on my face, I started thinking about all the things I am thankful for. Thankful for Ryan. Thankful for my wonderful family. Thankful I have a job that I drive to each morning. Thankful we have a car that takes us to work each morning. Thankful for beautiful autumn mornings. Thankful I have warm clothes and a coat to put on. Thankful for so many things. And then I caught myself with a full smile. No longer forced. So I encourage each of you to this week watch yourself in the car…on your way to work, the store, dropping your kids off at school, on your way to the doctor’s office…to remind yourself to smile. You may just end up in a completely different place than you started.

Restful Sunday

Yesterday I volunteered out at the Dallas Race for the Cure. It was a really really early morning...I left the house at 3:15 am! Yikes! I stopped by Taco Cabana and got two bag fulls of breakfast tacos, because as you all know, I am not very easy to be around when I am hungry. Our first volunteers started arriving about 4:15 and kept coming until about 10:15. All went really well and our booth was pretty well cleaned up by 11:15. So amazing seeing this giant sea of people out there supporting such a wonderful cause. I am honored I was able to be a part of it. The last figure I heard yesterday was about 26,000 runners/walkers, but I bet they beat that...and we had about 1,000 volunteers come out, along with all those who just came to support their loved ones, etc. I bet there were about 30,000 folks out there. Not to mention it was a BEAUTIFUL day so I'm sure that helped participation quite a bit. I came home and needed to eat, so Ryan drove me over to Fuddrucker's at Irving Mall for a burger. I'm suprised I made it home before falling asleep (about 2:30)! Finally woke up about 4:30 and had to get out of the house in order to wake up. So Ryan and I headed up to Linen's and Things to see if they had any good specials for their going out of business sale. Things weren't extremely cheap yet, but we did buy ourselves a comforter, shams, etc for fear if we waited too long, they wouldn't have any queen size stuff left. Sage green Damask set. Simple and looks really nice in the room. I got the new pillowcases and dust ruffle washed, ironed and on the bed about 9:00 and immediately got in bed. I didn't even hear Ryan come to bed...I'm sure it was after the end of the UT/Mizzou game though.
So after several busy months, it is about time for a restful Sunday. What a beautiful day today too! Woke up at nine, headed to church, stopped by the grocery store, we grilled, and I've been cleaning/relaxing since. I'm kinda in one of those meandering moods...maybe I'll go walk around Big Lots or Target...
I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

More Pumpkin Stuff

We went to visit Krystal, Howard and their kids this weekend. I believe carving pumpkins on Texas/OU weekend has now become tradition...at least, according to Krystal :o)

Oh...and how about those longhorns! Have a great week everyone!

PUMPKINS!

So yesterday my coworkers were kind enough to indulge me. We all headed off to the Farmer's Market for lunch and pumpkin hunting! HUNDREDS upon HUNDREDS. I did better than I did last year and only picked up what Ryan told me to. I could hardly wait to get home and show Ryan...but what...I get home and see that Ryan couldn't even wait for me! He had gone to Kroger on his way home from work and bought a couple himself :o) Here is what he carved for me. For those of you that don't know, the little green turtle in the picture is my new obsession. I love him! There is something about it that is so cute, I just can't help but stare at it! I know...it's weird. But, I fully contend he brings luck with him wherever he goes...maybe he'll visit you soon :o) Happy Autumn!!!

Golf Anyone?

So SAFY's 2nd Annual Golf Classic was last Thursday.  It went great!  We doubled our participation from last year, and hopefully it will only get bigger.  Such a gorgeous day too.  Could not have asked for better weather!  

This weekend was really nice too.  Ryan and I found this new Tex-Mex place over in Southlake called Anamia's.  I think we concluded that it is our favorite outside of Austin.  Anywho, for anyone who ends up going to church with us sometime in the next few months...you'll probably get coaxed into eating there for lunch afterward!  

And to celebrate Rita's birthday tomorrow (and Larry's birthday back in June), Ryan baked a half chocolate, half yellow birthday cake.  I forgot to take a picture, but it turned out pretty good!  He used a pastry cutter as a divider in the pan.  Now, he does understand why bundt cake pans have the hole in the middle...the middle of the cake wasn't quite done...but it tasted pretty good!  With that said HAPPY BIRTHDAY RITA!!!  A little early :o)  

Busy Busy

So we finished off a great weekend this past Sunday with our final Ranger game of the season. Mom got Jamey Wright's autograph on Granddad's ticket, mom let us bring her binoculars so Ryan could scope out all the action in the dugout and in the outfield...there was funnel cake...and there were cheese fries...not to mention a Hank Blalock three run homer! No we didn't win, but we had a great time at the game and really really hope we get these seats for our mini plan next year!

On a more somber note, our thoughts, love and prayers go out to all those just now realizing the full effects of Hurricane Ike. If there is anything we can do from here to support you, please let us know. We love you all very much and pray for your courage and strength.

It's that time of year

I am thankful for many things...here's a few. God and his love, Jesus, my husband, my mom and dad, my in-laws, all our sisters and their families, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and coworkers. I am thankful for cool fall evenings, wildflowers (especially bluebonnets), music, laughter, my family's health, my home, ranger games, Fredericksburg, memories and countless more things.

The first day of Autumn is on Monday. Every year I get so excited about this time of year. I usually round up Ryan and/or a few coworkers and go to the Dallas Farmer's Market to buy gourds and pumpkins! And with these cool Autumn nights already beginning, I can just taste the soups of the fall...corn chowder, vegetable, butternut squash, tortilla...

What the fall does mean is the end of baseball season. We once again loved our time this year at the ballpark...and the Rangers were pretty fun to watch too. Our last game is on Sunday. We are taking my mom and granddad and are going to sit in what we hope will be our mini-plan seats next year. I think Ryan and I both are pretty sad the season is over. To fill the void, I think we might start going to Friday night football games around the metroplex. Cheap and Ryan gets to scope out the UT talent for next year.

Planes and Clothes

About 2:45 yesterday we headed off on a "mini" vacation at the Hyatt DFW Airport.  It is really nice getting away and only having to drive five miles.  We stayed on the floor below where we stayed the night we got married.  Ryan packed us carrots, celery and some healthy snacks and Domino's delivered us a pizza...we had to go down to the lobby to get it, but who knew they'd deliver pizza to your hotel!  We walked all around the newly renovated hotel.  Really nice.  Very modern now.  The "heated" pool was cold so we didn't get to swim.  Oh well.  What we both really enjoyed though is watching all the planes take off and land.  So amazing to watch these huge jets lift off the ground.  This morning we ate at the hotel breakfast buffet then went to church, which was a madhouse because the parking lots have to be monitored because of Grapefest. 

We got home and I started going through some clothes.  The Leukemia Society called last week and their truck is coming by on Tuesday.  When we got new furniture a month or so ago I had put together two huges bags full of things to give to the first group that called.  Ryan was worried I was in one of my "clean up" moods and required I go back through the bags before Tuesday. So I start.  The dress I wore to our rehearsal dinner... keep or give away?  I mean, it doesn't fit anymore, but it is still pretty in style and someone could get good use out of it.  But it has special meaning...it goes in the keep and make a pillow out of pile.  My first gray suit...definitely doesn't fit, and  the skirt is far too short...that goes in the give to family to look at pile.  As I made my different piles, I started wondering was I being too selfish...should I give away some of these items in my keep and make pillows out of pile that is now knee high?  What is protocol on this?  I think I'm going to start an "on the fence" or "in danger" drawer...

Timer just dinged...off to make fall cutout sugar cookies...

High School Football

So Ryan and I decided to go watch a little high school football today. Kinda neat going to Texas Stadium knowing it'll be the last year the Cowboys are there. Brought back all sorts of memories from when we were in high school too. Today we went to watch Trinity. We got there just in time to see the "haka" too. Fun to see the guys get pumped up and the crowd go wild. Trinity beat a pretty good team from Louisiana. Those boys are a lot bigger than I remember our guys being. Ryan was excited about seeing a UT prospect play, but I don't think he was very impressed with him. Dropped an interception and was always initiating contact after the play was over. Big guy though. Seemed really athletic. Maybe just needs to mature a bit. The second game of the day was cancelled because one of the teams was from an area in southern Louisiana. Colleyville is playing tonight, but we didn't make it back out. Had some errands to run and work tomorrow. I'm off to make us something to eat.
Also saw the movie "College" yesterday...I don't recommend it...at all. I do recommend Studio Movie Grill though. It was our first visit and both of us would return.

Barack Obama is running on leadership and change. Sound Familiar

Diet Coke & Mint Mentos

So the other night a few of our nephews got to come over and spend the night. We thought it would be fun to set off some diet coke and mentos after dinner. Here are some of the pictures from it. Ryan and a couple of the boys needed baths after six containers of soda and a whole package of mentos :o)

We also attended two Ranger games this weekend. I'm starting to get sad about the end of the season approaching. Something about the smell of garlic fries, hot dogs, and nachos. Kids with blue cotton candy covered fingers and mouths. Adults acting a fool and someone getting hit, wait, I mean catching, a foul ball. Seems like the team has lost their spark a bit. That isn't stopping rps and I though. We have started scouting out where we want to get seats next year.

We are praying for all the students, teachers and school staffers who returned to school (or at least started the fall semester) today. Love to all!

Jewelry Making

This is my new hobby, my wife gets matching, custom bracelets and earings while we watch the Olympics.

Let me know if anyone needs earing and bracelet sets or a bead necklace.

Men eh sew duh

One of the coolest parts of going somewhere else in the country is getting to meet new people. Accents change, common terms change (in TX a coke, in MN a soda pop), but best of all...the weather changes! Yesterday morning it was a gorgeous 57 degrees! The streets downtown were clean, and people were all over, but it never was crowded. And, since their winters get so cold, you don't have to go outside when getting about downtown either. Everything is connected via skyway. Mall worthy stores around every corner. Also cool was the light rail there. It runs from the Mall of America, to the airport, to the Metrodome (where the Vikings and Twins play), down to the Target Center (where the Timberwolves play). There was never a need for a cab. And there was hardly any pollution! I could actually breathe instead of gasp for breath as we do here in Downtown Dallas during the blistering summer heat.
Monday night we got in, barely had time to put down our bags at our hotel (the Marquette) then wisked off to dinner at the Loon Cafe. I partook in the veggie burger, but was not overly impressed. We had training all day on Tuesday, and Tuesday night a couple of co-workers and I went to a neat place called the Local for happy hour. Such a neat building. After a drink we headed for dinner at a great little Italian place called Zelo. I had the grilled pork tenderloin and it was fantastic! The bread was perfectly cooked, and the sweet pepper bruschetta is almost worth the plane ticket back up to Minneapolis! Wednesday we trained, then headed for the airport. We ate a restaurant there at the airport called Ike's which one of our trainers had recommended. I had the sage roasted turkey pot pie. Wow. First of all it was the size of a small pizza and second of all it was wonderful. I could only make it through about a third of it (I didn't want to be too full on the plane).
And by the way, I had never even heard of a Walleye, but it is on every menu up there. Ryan was waiting for me at the baggage claim when we got back into DFW. Got home about 10:00 and got to sleep about 11:00.
On a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best on the scale, I would give Minneapolis an 8. And it only gets an 8 in my book because apparently the winters are just awful. Neat town. I'd return for sure!

Truck for Sale

Granddad Bill's old Dodge truck has finally started to cost more than owning a new car.

So...



I guess the benefit of high gas prices and carpooling to work in a Civic is that you can take advantage of Nissan dealerships not being able to sell Pathfinders. It takes about 5 and 1/2 hours to buy a car these days, luckily there are people with more animated negotiation styles than Dayna to entertain you while you wait for the "wizard" behind the curtain. We saw the "get fed up and walk out" move, didn't work and he had to come back in about ten minutes later. The sales person made sure everyone knew he came back.

Dayna's sharp eyes make for pretty good negotiations without having to go out to the parking lot.

Come by and get a ride when you get a chance.

A mighty wind is blowin...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom Debbie and sister Becky! I hope you both had a fantastic day!

Last night we went with my sister Trisha, her boys, my mom, and another family to the Fort Worth Cats game. We were all a little worried about the heat, but really, it wasn't bad at all! Trisha got us great seats right behind home plate. The field is sandwiched between beautiful downtown and the stockyards. Those boys are precious. It was batting helmet night for kids 12 and under. They all got their little helmets signed by the FW Cats, Harold got his glove signed, and they got these little bean bag baseball things signed by the GP Air Hogs (yes, it was an in the metroplex rivalry last night!). Anyways, we found it quite amusing when the row of 14 teenagers sitting behind us figured out they were giving out free caffeinated energy drinks on the main concourse...of course, this was at like 9:15 or so too. Those poor parents...

Today we got to celebrate my mom's birthday with her. Becky had to settle for a singing phone call from me. Now we are back home watching the end of the Ranger game. When the wind picked up trash was all over the field. Looked crazy! Goodbye 107, hello 84...at least that is what our thermometer says.

And for anyone who hasn't seen "A Mighty Wind," you should...

FiOS

Our internet at home has been getting increasingly frustrating. To the point it takes about five minutes to pull up one page. So, this afternoon during lunch (yes, it took an entire hour on the phone...and yes, I am physically and mentally exhausted) we took the plunge. We get our FiOS installed next Thursday! Apparently the installation process takes 7-8 hours! We bundled our home phone, TV, and internet. Sure we'll be paying about twenty dollars more a month than we are now, but at least now we'll actually be able to use our home computer. I have a feeling this will catapult us into the market for a couple new TVs and a new laptop sometime soon. Geez we are good at spending money. I hope Ryan's right and we win the lottery Friday night.

Mamma Mia!

So after Ryan left at 6:45 this morning to go help a group put a new roof on a church, I cleaned the house then headed off to the movies for the earliest showing possible of Mamma Mia. Such a fun movie! I loved the acting, colorful wardrobe, beautiful setting, and the songs. Definitely will be buying it when it comes out on DVD. If you are looking for a fun, feel good movie, I highly recommend it :o)

And in the beginning...

We'll see how well we do at keeping up with this thing.

It's official. Our house is off the market. We decided after having it up for sale for a year and only getting a couple horrible offers to stay put and wait for better days to sell.

The day it went off the market we went out, purchased new bedroom furniture and bought new paint for the bedroom! Yeah :o) Our once purple room is now a creamy khaki. And the furniture looks really good! Who knew finding bedding for our new room would be harder than finding the furniture itself though. We've tried many many places and finally just bought a navy blue blanket that will work until all of the college kids have gone back to school and more "normal" stuff goes back onto store shelves.

Other than that, our world is pretty much work, volunteering and Rangers baseball for right now. I've been volunteering with SAFY of Texas, a foster care and adoption agency now for close to four years and just recently started working with Susan G. Komen as well. Both extremely worthwhile agencies. And we're in our second year of having a Ranger mini plan and we love it. So nice to spend time outdoors after you spend most of your day in an office.

Off to finish up watering the lawn...