justaylor.blogspot.com

Uncommon Objects

2011-06-23T21:53:00.001-05:00

Love this super neat store in Austin
and found some goodies to make a new keychain. :)

Tada!!

Comforts

2011-04-29T15:12:00.002-05:00

Going to miss the many comforts of this place...but finding comfort in the new adventures that God is calling us to (even though it's sad and scary right now).

Happy Birthday, Brogan!

2011-03-23T15:30:00.002-05:00

Isn't he just the cutest [littlest] brother ever?!

Happy 7th Birthday, to one amazing kid!! :D

Still looking for gifts? Give meaningfully...

2010-12-17T09:34:00.001-06:00

Featured Item: Shoes

This Christmas season, give the gift of hope to a needy child. For $5, you can help protect the sensitive feet of 25 children as they run and play.

To order, visit www.chfus.org/catalog ,or call1.800.708.7589.

Watch a Video

Watch a short video about an orphanage in Haiti that CHF supplies with shoes, food, and other aid.

Haiti: Shoes

Buy a book, get FREE [awesome] Christmas music!

2010-12-15T22:08:00.003-06:00

Need some awesome new Christmas music? Well, some students in California need some books!

Watch this [funny] video to get more details...

So what are you waiting for??? Hop on over to the Richmond Book Drive and get those kiddos a book! Gonna go enjoy my new FREE music! ;)

Merry Christmas Music-listening!!!

My kind of Christmas Tree!!!

2010-12-14T20:43:00.000-06:00

Randolph Air Force Base

Tour of Homes 2010

The Candy Tree!

Completely decorated in 100% yummy and edible goodness!

With candy canes and strung popcorn,

candy dot paper chains and little bags full of goodies,

popcorn balls and gingerbread men,

and of course a candy star for the top!

And behold, the coolest gingerbread "house" I have ever laid eyes on...

The Gingerbread Taj Mahal

With lit sugar-glass windows, intracately carved door ways, and the cutest little gingerbread stairs I've ever seen! (And please do notice the mirror adorned with candy garland behind!)

Happy Advent!

2010-12-03T11:25:00.002-06:00

I just love this picture and the creativity behind it!

I found it in this post by my friend, Chris Morton! He gives a great short little list of simple ways to celebrate Advent!

Compassion

2010-10-14T15:57:00.004-05:00

"Compassion is not crying over a sad video. Compassion changes things."

~Cindy Godwin

(I'm out a tight schedule today and I haven't posted on here in forever due to lack of not only time, but Internet access as well, but today I've just gotta get this out there real quick and maybe talk about more some other time.)

I just quickly read through my Mom's last 3 blog posts over at oneblessednest.blogspot.com and was quickly reminded of this quote that I heard two weekends ago, attending a Women's Conference, "Chosen", at Summit Christian Center. In between my Mom's updates of all the spectacular things God is doing in the lives of her adult children, aka "Bigs", was a little post with two little precious faces waiting to come home to their Forever Family. I teared up at how wonderful the work of God is in this story and my heart melted over their two cuter than cute faces and the love of their Mommy and Daddy who are working to bring them home. But this post is a call to action. Just being emotional about the situation is not enough. I believe God uses the things that pull at our heart strings to do the work of those things that are close to His heart as well. If you realize yourself getting emotional about issues, then do something about it. Feeling sorry for the least of these is not compassion, but it can cause you to be compassionate when you chose to let it move you to action. Need an example? Read the post here and see what I'm talking about. Then see if it leads you to do something, to be compassionate.

Meet my friend, Addie!

2010-09-13T14:13:00.003-05:00

Wanna read a cute blog about a cute mommy and her cute family fun?? She's in the process of adopting so we stole her from my Mom's list of bloggy friends and now she's ours for the sharing! ;)

Love her heart and love her blog! Follow along at Blessed Impatience and enter the giveaway!

Highlight of My Day!

2010-07-23T15:51:00.003-05:00

Guess what I got in my email this morning... a $5 off ANY purchase at Toys R Us! ANY purchase! Toys R Us is such a fun place to shop so I had a hard time thinking of what I should buy...I had plenty of time to think about it though as I waited over 2 hours for an oil change this afternoon! But as I pulled into the parking lot I had the perfect idea- Silly Bands!!! And look what I found!

These will make great prizes for the little carnival that we will be having at this year's ALS Benefit! And I didn't even pay a single penny! So excited!!!

Wordless Wednesday in Michigan!

2010-07-07T10:20:00.002-05:00

Kids. On vacation. Up waaay too late.

2010-07-05T23:29:00.002-05:00

Mom and Aunt MeMe went out tonight (to shop of course!) and left us at home. Us= Me, Brogan, Teddi, and cousins Thayne, Taryn, Landon, and friend Zack. The kids have been crazy since they stepped out of the car- chasing, wrestling, chatting, laughing, tickling, etc, etc. C.R.A.Z.Y. So tonight was not any different! Us "big people" watched Leap Year (a good movie, but a little suprised by the rating- PG my butt!) and the "little people" watched AstroBoy (Brogan's review was good!).

Ok, I'm rambling here- it's late, I'm bored...but anyways- after the movies the kids came upstairs and waited for mommies to come home before going to bed...hmmm...good idea?? prob not. but this is what happened...

They don't even know what to do with themselves. My favorite part is at the end when Teddi talks to no one, cracks up, then continues to talk to no one.

Ok, there was a ton more, but seriously these things take for.ev.er to upload! Laters.

Happy Independence Day!!

2010-07-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." ~2 Corinthians 3:17

Thank you, Jesus for our FREEDOM!!

Fireworks with the cousins and their friends tonight to celebrate! Because John Adams said so:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

And a picture of me in my new cute 4th of July dress! :) [Mom took a really cute one of me, Brogan, and Spiderman ;) but we can't seem to get them off her camera, and I had to show off my dress!]

(Sorry for the total lameness of the quality of this post...the computer is being all funky, and like I said, I just wanted that cute pic, but I guess I had to just upload a couple of semi-cool pics to make up for it...Happy 4th!)

Happy Birthday, Kathy!

2010-06-30T10:46:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday to my favoritist Sister-in-Law! Who was first a good friend, in 8th grade 8 years ago! Thanks for being my friend and thanks for being my sister! :D

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there." ~Amy Li

Pretty proud of myself.

2010-06-29T15:12:00.005-05:00

Frankie and I bought this DVD two weeks ago at Target. It took me a day or two to work up the nerve to start it, but I haven't stopped! I did it for three days in a row, took the weekend off, Monday-Friday last week, and yesterday and today! I'm pretty impressed with myself. (It actually only suggest that you work out 5 days a week.)

I'm also pretty impressed with the workout! I figured if I was actually gonna get into a workout DVD that my best bet would be Jillian, since she's "The Healthiest Woman in America!". It's pretty tough, but she suggests lots of moderations to each exercise, which I definitely take advantage of! And I am already noticing results! [Not much, but hey, noticeable results after 1 week? I'll take it!]

So if you're looking to get healthy I totally recommend this! She has a couple of other ones for different purposes and they only cost just over $9 at Target (without a coupon! lol!)

So here's to my continued healthifying and dropping a few pounds! :) Now if only I could get enough fruits and vegetables!!!

Couponing 101

2010-06-28T22:48:00.001-05:00

This isn't official or anything, but a friend asked for my advice so here it is. I want you all to have the best tips ;) but I'll try to keep 'em simple! If you're new to couponing or just curious of my techniques read on and good luck!

$ My first recommendation is hip2save.com. This is the main website I use to find out about free stuff, coupons, deals, and other miscellaneous goodies. It may be a bit overwhelming at first because of the variety and quantity of posts (on my good days I check it 2-3x/day) so take advantage of the tabs at the top to help narrow your reading.

$ I also use a couple of other websites: coupons.com and shop4freebies.com. The first is a wonderful and organized supply of free printable coupons that Hip often links to. The second is updated daily with new freebies each day! My tip here is to request all kinds of freebies that you can get your hands on! Not only do you get useful stuff (travel size toothpaste, shampoos, conditioner, etc, socks, snacks, makeup, and much more!) but usually these free samples come with coupons! Good coupons! So take advantage of freebies!

$ A good couponer always knows coupon policies. Usually store websites have their coupon policies available online (here's Target's). Knowing your store's coupon policies (as well as the conditions of the coupon as stated in the fine print) makes your couping experience much more worthwhile!

$ My favorite stores to use coupons at are Kroger and Target. You gotta find the quirks of couponing at your favorite places! Kroger doubles and triples all coupons (up to $.50 and $.39) and Target allows stacking coupons! This means that you can use a Target coupon and a manufacture's coupon for the same item! Genius! Target always has new coupons on their site, free for the printing! (Actually some Target Gift Registry kiosks will allow you to access their site and print coupons in store!) I find a lot of great deals this way, especially when combined further with sales and clearance items!

$ Signing up for E-mail clubs/newsletters/etc. is another great way to get free stuff as well as great coupons! Some of my favorites I listed here in my Birthday Freebie post!

$ My favorite part of couponing is sharing! When I shop, I take all my coupons with me and leave behind the ones that I'm not using. I love setting them right by their advertised product for the next person that just happens to be shopping for that particular item! How fun!

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T18:53:00.004-05:00

A blessed Memorial Day to all of those who have given their all in service, who are currently serving, and who have retired from serving our country! We love you and appreciate you more than can be celebrated in a day! Thank you!

Bryce and I after his graduation from Basic Training, April 2007

Dad and I at SeaWorld, Memorial Day weekend, May 2010

Happy Gotcha Day, Ted!

2010-05-19T21:00:00.004-05:00

Two years ago, today, I saw my little sister for the first time. I hugged her for the first time. Listened to her chatter for the first time. Listened to her giggle like crazy for the first time. Fell in love with her forever.

Today we celebrate two years of Teddi becoming a part of our family forever! What a wonderful two years it has been! She has grown so much! And that craziness that I mentioned back when we were in China? Yeah, it's still there! She laughs like crazy, is pretty loud, and kinda crazy, but she's Teddi and we love her dearly!

Here's the post from May 19th, 2008 - Teddi's Gotcha Day!

This is my favorite pic of Ted and I in China!

And this is just one of the many favorites since she's been home!

Such a big 5 year old! So tall! So sweet! And so proud of her loooong hair! :) Love this little girl!

Birthday Freebies!

2010-05-14T15:38:00.007-05:00

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, Nerd's Ropes, H2O $$, and other fun gifts! I had a terrific birthday!

I actually just finished up the last of my bday freebies and I want to share them all with you! Follow the links to sign up for your own birthday free-ness!!! Enjoy! :)

Free cone at Baskin Robbins!
Join the Birthday Club to get your coupon.

Free cone at Marble Slab! He gave me a free add-in, too!
Join Marble Mail to get your coupon.
(You also get a free smoothie on your anniversary of joining Marble Mail!)

Free cone at Ben and Jerry's!
Sign up for ChunkMail to get your coupon!

Free Pretzel Bites at Pretzel Time/Pretzelmaker!
Join the fan club to get your coupon.
(Plus, get a free pretzel just for signing up!)

Free burger at Red Robin!
(Frankie and I shared ours, and filled up on the delicious endless steak fries!!)
Join the eClub to get your coupon.

Free 1/3 lb burger at Fuddrucker's!
(Frankie had the sliders instead, below.)
Sign up for the Fudds Club for your coupon.

Free Grand Slam at Denny's!
No coupon required! Just go in on your birthday, with ID.

Free waffle at Waffle House!
Sign up to join the Regulars Club for a coupon.

Free dessert at Jack in the Box!
Print this coupon and use it on your birthday!

Free $10 coupon at World Market!
Become a World Market Explorer to get your coupon.

Free $5 giftcard from Academy!

Join their Birthday Club to get your giftcard in the mail.

My Birthday is coming up!!!

2010-05-03T17:52:00.012-05:00

And all I've asked for is this...

Really, that's what I want.

Those of you who know me know that I don't need much. And you know that I don't want for much. I really can't think of one thing that I need. A new hair dryer would be nice, because mine is a hand-me-down and slow, but it works just fine. Yeah, I like new shirts, but I have plenty right now. And I really don't even need Nerds Rope, but some people insist on buying me gifts. ;)

But those of you who know me and are likely to be buying me birthday gifts, well you know what I really want. Something I always want...

Clean water.

This means so much more to me than getting presents for my birthday.

Can you imagine the joy behind this picture?! I can't think of any birthday present that would make me happier than this little boy is...

Frankie and I have plans to build a well. He says this year. I say that's bold. But we know God can do big things. So we're working in lots of different ways to raise money to go towards the cost of a well. Receiving money for my birthday for this cause is exactly what is on my b'day list! :)

Weekend Shopping

2010-04-30T11:41:00.005-05:00

Brady was in town this weekend so we hit up some clothing resale stores and made a couple of trips to the mall. It was a lot of fun and I found some great deals!

I got the first shirt at Taxi,Taxi for only $3! It was one of the cheaper priced shirts and the only one that I saw that was actually on sale for 50% off! I'm pretty much in love with it (not because it's Hollister, but because Hollister makes good quality clothes!) and it has my alltime fav number on it (which will also be my age in 7 days!!!). :)

The second shirt I found at Mint, a funky chic clothing store. The price tag originally read $49.99 and their were some on the rack for around $20-30? but this one was in a "Need Some TLC" bin for only $1.95 because of a small tear in the back! I'll take it! ;)

The third shirt is from Aeropostale and was also on the sale rack for $4.50! With a coupon for $10 off a $10 purchase (thanks Hip!) I got it and the $15 cami (on sale at 1/2 price) for a total of $3.52! :D These are my favorite T's and the only cami's I wear!

I also hit up Claire's! :) I love when they have their redline 10 for $10 sales! (All clearance items originally under $10 are $10 for 10!) Granted their prices are high to begin with so you really have to pay attention to the quality of what you're buying...I use the Taylor's Dollar Tree Comparison technique- would I buy this at the Dollar Tree for $1? Works well and I'm pretty pleased with the selection I snatched up!

I'm so excited about the yellow bracelets with my new yellow shirt! The rest of the stuff is for Christmas shoeboxes, gifts, and some goodies for Teddi. :)

Fun, fun!

Surprises!

2010-04-30T09:31:00.002-05:00

Some recent surprises I received in the mail last week... So much fun!!

Totally forgot I had signed up for their club! Surprise! FREE $5 to spend at Academy! :D

This sweepstakes ended awhile back I think, but Surprise! I won! A FREE box of cereal up to $6!!

This was completely unexpected from my friend Debra who knows how much I love free stuff! Surprise! A FREE sandwich from Sonic!

Happy Earth Day 2010

2010-04-26T23:09:00.009-05:00

Happy 40th Anniversary, Earth Day!!

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." (Genesis 1:1, 31)

I took a hike on our trails here at the apartments to celebrate and photograph the beauty God created. :)

Here come the posts...

2010-04-26T23:05:00.002-05:00

Ok, I've been out for a bit:

Frankie's been working late nights, so I've been catching up on lots of school projects and staying up way to late!
Brady came to visit for the weekend and we had tons of fun away from the computer! :)
I'm down to the final couple weeks of school!!!
And my laptop shut down last week! Oh no! Thankfully, we found out today that we just need a new charger!

For now, I have Brady's laptop until I can pick up an extra charger from Kathy!

So I have a lot of posts coming in that are a bit overdue, be fair warned!

Toys R Us Game Deals

2010-04-16T16:18:00.007-05:00

After a lot of this...

And just a little bit of this $$$...

Finally came this....

With coupons, sales, and rebates, each game came to a total of only...

$2.05 each!! Plus two free super cute plush!!

This project was so much fun and finishes my game shopping for the ALS benefit. I'll post a pic of that final product when the time comes! :)

Menu Monday ... Oops!

2010-04-12T07:44:00.007-05:00

Ooops! I accidentally posted on the wrong blog!

Check out our Menu Monday post at The Adventures of Taylor and Frankie!

Houston Children's Festival

2010-04-10T22:27:00.006-05:00

I spent most of today at the Houston Children's Festival, volunteering and hanging out! It was so huge and so much fun! What a great way to benefit Child Advocates! :)

Here's my day in pictures!

Volunteering at the "Tag Your Tot" table, in case the parents get lost! ;)

Don't mind if I do! Yum!!

Self portrait of Larry and I! :)

Festival Fun

Goodies!!

Silly little slide show! Has some more pics but wont sit right on my blog without being tiny! Click to actually see it!

Target Giftcard Freebies

2010-04-09T13:59:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, my totally rad Mom sent me a couple of these...

She sent me two, worth $5 each and a note:
"Taye- These were my "free" GiftCards from last trip to Target. Sending them to you 'cause I love to see how far you can make $5 go...and go...and go at Target!"

So I've been shoppin it up at Target!! And I did make that $$ go and go and go!! I've really outdone myself this time!! Little did Target know that when they gave my mom those two little freebie giftcards, they were actually giving me all this...

Isn't that incredible?! The total value is around $105!! Thanks to sales, deals, clearance, and coupons [and those 2 free $5 giftcards] I didn't pay a dime!! Well, actually, they paid me!! Yes, on two separate purchases where I was using coupons to get free stuff, Target paid me $.39 and $.25!! Don't know how it happened, or why it was different each time for the same stuff, but I received money for purchasing games! LOL!

The biggest deal here obviously were the Pictureka Penguin games. I love this game! We have actually owned one since Black Friday ;) and it is so fun! For awhile now though, they have been on clearance at Target for $4.77...super cheap to begin with! Then there was a deal where if you bought a select Hasbro game (including my penguin friend) then you got a Monopoly or Scrabble card game free! Notice the card games pictured above and how they have a $5 off select Hasbro game coupon inside (again, including my penguin friend here)...do you see where I'm going with this yet? Using an internet coupon, I bought a Monopoly card game for a total of $.24 to start my deal. Then I used the coupon inside to get a free Pictureka Penguin game and with it a free card game (that has a coupon inside). I used that coupon to buy another Pictureka Penguin game and to get another card game free...you see it now?! It was brilliant! The best loop hole ever! :D The games were free and free and free!

Thanks, Mom for all the fun! These games will be great additions to the ALS silent auction and the other little goodies will complement some Christmas shoeboxes nicely! :D

Extreme Makeover Home Edition and CVS Deals!

2010-04-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Back in January, I was priveleged to watch an Extreme Makeover Home Edition live house reveal in Galveston! It was so exciting! The recieving family attends the church we go to, Ecclesia, and from what I hear, they are a very VERY kind and deserving family! I'm so excited to watch this episode! (It airs this Sunday on Easter at 7p Central - 2 hour special! Watch for me and my sign!)

I was there for lots of hours before they actually brought the family in in the limo to reveal the house! (It was the real deal!) So to keep the crowd entertained, they kept throwing stuff at us! I enjoyed some Starbucks (handed, not thrown) and also caught a CVS giftcard!

The giftcard was worth $10 and I just haven't ever been able to figure out what to buy with it. Well, this week we decided to pick up some eggs and icecream and look what we found for $10!

Most of this wonderful stuff was on clearance, around 90% off!! The ice cream was on sale 2/$3 and the shampoo was actually free with an in-store coupon! How cool right?! Perfect timing! :)

Now we can have an ice-cream party when we watch the show this Sunday night! Thanks CVS!

Art Projects

2010-03-29T16:31:00.006-05:00

Another reason I wanted to start blogging again was because I'm taking a class right now, Art in Elementary Schools, and it's really cool! We do a lot of projects so I thought I'd share them. Here's the latest one. We were learning about collage and had to draw a picture of a dragon, then recreate it in collage form.

I didn't realize until half way through class why my dragon looked more like a dinosaur than a dragon...dragons have arms and legs, dinosaurs have just four legs (like my "dragon"). But I think it turned out pretty well regardless. We'll just call it a winged, fire-breathing, lives-in-the-sky dinosaur! :)

FREE Connect4 and Other Game Deals

2010-03-25T09:37:00.007-05:00

Lately I've been stocking up on a lot of cheap Hasbro games for a silent auction prize at this year's ALS benefit! This is a great use of some of the good finds we pick up since we are spending only a little on something that will raise more money to fight ALS! Hasbro has some awesome coupons that work really well paired with sales at Toys R Us and Target!

Right now, Connect4 is on sale at Target for just $7!! (That's more than 1/2 off!) Also, Target has a coupon for $3 off select Hasbro games (click here, go to "Kids Spring Savings" tab on left) and Hasbro has a coupon for $4 off Connect4 (click here, page 3) Use them both for a FREE game!! **But hurry, the sale is only through Saturday!!**

Other great deals with these coupons:

Use the $5 off Monopoly game (page 4) for a $.24 Monopoly Deal Card game at Target!
Use the Hasbro Coupon+Battleship Coupon (page 3) for a $2 Battleship game on sale at Target!
Use the BOGOF My Little Pony Coupon (page 3) for 2 cheap ponies on price cut at Target!

Today's Free Goodness

2010-03-23T19:47:00.004-05:00

Haven't posted on this blog since I discovered, Hip2Save, an awesome Freebie/GreatDeal blog that I check multiple times a day. :) Responsible for saving me lots of $$$! :D Love it!

Here's what I picked up for frees today...

~$18.00 Value
Large bottle of OlayQuench: Sale $7.99
Small bottle of Olay inShower Lotion: free with purchase of above
Dish Soap: Walgreens Coupon for BOGOF at $1.99ea
+Walgreens Coupon for $3 of a $10 purchase
+Full Rebate by mail for OlayQuench lotion
(follow this link for stinkin free lotion!!)

So actually it was free and I'll bank +$.43 after the rebate comes in. :D

Yep.

2010-03-23T19:46:00.002-05:00

Think I'm gonna try and blog more. Definitely gonna need a little blog makeover though. Yep. Here goes! :)

My 50th Post! Small milestone, amazing video!!

2009-07-24T14:09:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this yet? It is so much fun! I believe this is who I am in my heart...I'm just to quiet to let it out sometimes...if Frankie would have agreed to this, we would have totally done it!!

Pizza??

2009-06-26T15:11:00.005-05:00

Um, note to selves: no more ordering large pizzas!! (It was a good deal, we didn't just do it for no reason, but...) Eating pizza for us is a junk food indulgence every once in a while. But it's kinda like cheating if you order a ton of pizza and eat it for weeks...I just came to this realization, while throwing out the last couple of slices from two weeks ago, but couldn't fit it in a Twitter!

Stoked about a new movie...

2009-06-09T16:29:00.002-05:00

Toy Story 3!!! And it's in 3-D!!! But, too bad they started showing trailers already and it doesn't come out for over a year! [June 18, 2010]

Get excited anyways! Click here to see the trailer.

Can't Sleep...(just kinda rambling)...

2009-06-03T23:06:00.006-05:00

Can't sleep, so I'm playing with my new computer. From my picture editing program you can select pictures and click the "blog this" icon. It opens blogger with the selected pictures. It's kinda cool. I haven't uploaded any of my own pictures yet so I picked the coolest sample picture. I like clouds. And I like the ocean.

I could live in this picture.

Time for Patient Endurace

2009-04-06T20:29:00.004-05:00

Golly, I don't have a lot of time anymore for blog posts...
But I really liked this verse and wanted to share and put it here for reinforcement and safe keeping.

Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36

If this life were all that existed, how would we keep going? Thankfully, we have hope in a future life with God in heaven, so we can stay strong until the end.

If you need more details of my life, just ask! Give me a call or talk at me when you see me. I'll be glad to talk about me. :D

Word[s]

2009-02-25T22:49:00.006-06:00

My daily scripture verses with mini-devotionals from Living Water for the Soul have had an array of themes lately (see below), most specifically relating to what God is doing in my life presently and my plans for the future. One main prayer lately has been for God's guidance in my future endeavors and in those of my family and future family. :)

My dad came home with word today that possibly (and with the Air Force, everything is "possibly" until something actually happens) he may just be staying here for another year! On his way home with this word, two songs came on the radio back to back- "Revelation" by Third Day (ok- I know it's kinda cliche, but I have been hearing this song a lot lately, and praying through it, and even Bethany just prayed it over me this week!) and "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns. He said this is what his heart has felt like in the midst of all this decision making- torn between work and family expectations while trying to figure out where to move...or if to move I suppose, which wasn't really an option until today...so...

God is working...and I am continuing to look to Him for guidance and continuing to trust that He will work things out as long as we continue to seek Him in all we do and live for His glory. I know He has a plan for His people and I pray that He will make that plan clear so that we may follow in it and grow closer to Him as He desires.

---

I know, LORD, that a person's life is not his own. No one is able to plan his own course. So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. Jeremiah 10:23-24
Don't be afraid to let God correct your plans.

We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:7
He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. 2 Corinthians 1:3
Many think that when God comforts us, our hardships will go away. But we must understand that comfort means receiving strength to deal with our hardships.

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. Psalm 126:5
Be patient--God's great harvest of joy is coming!

When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3
We know that [trials] are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Romans 5:3

How will you know the depth of your character? God allows pain to help his people mature. The key is to turn to God and rely on him for endurance.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Feeling unsure or insecure as you face the continuous onslaught of change? Plant your feet and your faith on a solid foundation--your unchanging Lord.

---

One more word (and a pic to go with, taken a couple days ago- before the quote)...a recent quote from my mom's daily calendar of random quotes...

You are valuable just because you exist.
Not because of what you do or what you have done,
but simply because you are.
Just think about the way Jesus honors you . . .
and smile.

~ Max Lucado

Only 3 months 'til forever!

2009-02-23T22:12:00.005-06:00

Just 3 months from today and Frankie and I will be man and wife!

I am so incredibly exicted!

There aren't a whole lot of big things left to do except to:

contact a cake lady
send out invitations
meet with our photographer

But there are many a small tasks for the wedding...

I am thankful, however, to not be overwhelmed or stressed throughout the planning process and also thankful for a man who loves to design [and has amazing skills to do so! ;) ] to compensate for my lack of girliness in this matter!!

It's coming along well and I can't wait for the day [May 23!] when we join with our friends and families before God to celebrate each other and love!

***Prayers are appreciated as we continue to prepare and as we wait on guidance from God as to what and where our future is together. Thanks!***

The Dress!

2009-01-30T13:13:00.004-06:00

I finally took some pictures of my dress!

If I have your email address, they are on their way!

If I don't, let me know, and I'll send you the pics!

Com'on to the hitchen!

2009-01-26T20:43:00.004-06:00

Last week, I sent these mock, but awesome, homemade Texan Wedding invites out to my Michigan relatives. They are convinced that the attire for the wedding will be chaps, boots, and cowboy hats, and that the decor will consist of longhorn skulls, horseshoes, tumbleweed and such. They are hilarious!

These were the RSVPs that I recieved this week:

(from my Grandma Camp, aka "Cranma")

A handwritten poetic verse:

"I'll be there with bells on spurs and chaps to boot.

I'll roll up in my grey hound coach a carryin' all the loot.

My silver spurs and belt buckle will sparkle in the sun.

Bring along your brandin' iron, C'mon lets get 'er done!

You can crepe paper the bunk house, hang a steer skull in the hall,

Be brushin' off your ten gallon hat, I'll be with all y'all.

Your big bad buckaroo Cranma will be with all y'all!

Get cuttin' up the bar-b-que, make sure your knife don't go dull,

And when you're finished doin that, best brush up on your yodel!

Time goes fast and before you know, we'll all come ridin' in,

So glue up the holes in your nylon socks,

And show me your best grin!"

The next day, I recieved this, from my Aunt Amy:

(a "Cow-pie reply")

These folks sure are creative! And even though they are completely insane, I still love 'em, and can't wait 'til they are all here in May to celebrate with me!

Isaiah 55:8+Romans 8:28

2009-01-22T22:40:00.005-06:00

I started this post a couple weeks ago on the Friday before classes started. Being my fifth and final semester, I was posting my class schedule and also the actual title of my Associate's Degree I will have, but when I went to look up the title of my Associate's degree, I realized that the Sign Language class I was signed up for was not in my degree plan and would not satisfy my foreign language credit. If I had not been blogging, I would have totally missed this.

To back up, I was also posting about how awesomely God had worked out my scheduling of classes for this semester. The Thursday before classes started, I received notice that my online Math for Teachers II had been cancelled. Being two days before classes started, there was very little selection for me to rearrange my schedule (which I had organized perfectly months ago!) So, I worked on what seemed to be the next best option, having a difficult time fitting in Spanish (which I was not thrilled about taking) so decided on Sign Language (which is only offered at the SAC campus).

Back to Friday- after much frustration, I had figured out another schedule that would work...until I realized the problem with SNLG. I decided to just go to SAC to see what I could do about this...only to turn up yet another problem! I needed another Kinesiology credit for my Associate's Degree! I would have finished the whole semester thinking that that was it, all the while needing one credit hour of PE! So the counselor signed me up for Jogging (again, all that was left, but what I needed). She also told me that the SNLG issue was minor, but it was out of my hands until Monday (when classes started). I really had to trust God here that it would work itself out, to avoid having to change my entire schedule agian.

So- Monday- back at SAC. SNLG works. I just have to drop and add the same class (different course numbers) to make it a transferrable credit. Sounds easy enough except that the course I needed to add was full. It was literally the same exact class/room/teacher/time-everything, but technically I couldn't do it...but God allowed, and the nice man behind the counter overid the system on my behalf...this nice man then preceded to tell me that I had a balance of $50 that needed to be paid ASAP or they would drop me from all of my classes!!!

Oh snap! This balance showed up somehow, I'm guessing, during the canceling and adding of my Math course. I had checked it on-line, but hadn't seen that I owed anything. So I quickly and thankfully walked down the hall and paid the balance. Whew!

In short:
Math class cancelled=swtich to Sign Language, not Spanish -->
correct Sign Language class full=Kinesiology credit filled, balance paid.

*Through all the frustration, stress, and complaining, God was working things out for the better on my behalf. Romans 8:28
*Looking back, had I been more prayerful and careful about what I was doing, I wouldn't of had to go through all this. Isaiah 55:8

I praise God for working all this out and for knowing what is best. He knew that I would have dreaded Spanish, and I am really enjoying Sign Language. He also knew that more than likely, I would not have found the time for jogging to get into shape before the wedding, and so saved that last appropriate kinesiology credit for just the right time!

I know this post is long and rambly, but it helps me realize, give credit to, and fully appreciate all that God has done through this situation to reveal his power and faithfulness. There were so many more little details that he worked through that I cannot even enumerate-our God is an awesome God!

Interstate Battery and God's Love

2008-12-21T00:21:00.001-06:00

Countdown!

2008-11-18T18:47:00.002-06:00

at least this blog is good for brain-dumps!

I have only about 5 class days left (including finals) and I have begun to countdown assignments. Most classes I can count the assignments on one hand...as it should be...others are just a little more ridiculous...

Families, Schools, and Communities (a Child Development/Education basic)
-2 or so days more of lecture
-a project as a final exam (yet to be announced)
-2 days of project presentations
-2 full days of interning/observation hours (non-class days) at Olympia Elementary

American Government I (my least threatening class)
-4 days of lecture
-2 quizzes
-1 final: only half comprehensive (really not hard)

Environmental Biology (the most ridiculous college class ever!)
-4 days of lecture
-1 make-up exam
-1 take-home exam
-1 make-up quiz
-1 take-home quiz
-3 other quizzes (possibly take-home, possibly in-class)
-10 page paper about hypothetical oil spill in Corpus Christi
-comprehensive final (covering about 25 chapters!!)
-possibly a 10 article newspaper review project...

Children's Literature (pretty decent, but Writing Intensive :P )
-3 days of class (not actual lecture)
-1 Harry Potter research paper, including summary+evaluation/compare&contrast of 2 articles
-1 essay about a children's chapter book of our choice
-1 assignment, after reading another short story, write a lesson plan to teach lit. and creativity
-final= putting together a portfolio in class of completed assignments! yay!

Math for Teachers I (on-line)
-3 lectures/reading assignments
-3 quizzes
-1 final, partly comprehensive (covers about 4 weeks/sections)
-1 project: read a kid a book about a math concept, do an activity (not to hard, but takes time)

So this is the craziness of my life for the next 4 1/2 weeks! I'm trying to be positive about it and keeping the end in sight, but please pray for my stress levels! I am actually looking forward to next semester; it's the last one before I transfer and will only be 12hrs instead of 15!
Can't wait 'til this semester is over!!!!!!!

Being a Kid

2008-11-02T20:35:00.002-06:00

The kids are making me play dress up before going to bed...I'm not gonna lie - it's pretty fun being a kid again.

Current Life Overview

2008-10-23T01:44:00.003-05:00

listening to:
Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold"
Taylor Swift's "Love Story"
class is:
frustrating
intense
unchallenging
ridiculous
at school:
water bottle ministering
forming awesome relationships
moving forward
work:
swell
I wish I had time for:
running
learning to play guitar
reading more good books
spending more time with my family
praying for weekly:
church
community groups
school & friends
family
the nation & the world
struggling with:
caring for orphans and widows
providing water for the thirsty
finding time to do everything important to me
God is helping me with:
realizing I can't do it all
staying focused on His plan & not letting the world distract me
spreading His love and growing deeper in my relationship with Him
excited about:
Frankie and getting married in May!
amazing friends who share God's love with me
every next line of my story that God writes daily
feeling comfortable being me :)

Prayer of the Nonbelievers

2008-08-25T22:37:00.003-05:00

So we went to the new campus of Northeast Lakeview to pray on Sunday before school started. Kimmi, Christi, Blayne and I (the officers of Campus Crusade) plus two random people Tim and Sara* (who I am pretty sure aren't Jesus followers). Kimmi had invited them and when they showed she said "Woah, they actually came! I didn't think that they would!" Now I'm not saying this as a bad thing- just that they are unlikely candidates to come and pray for the students and the school.
So we stood in a circle and prayed a hand-squeeze kinda prayer (if you don't want to pray, squeeze the next person's hand). And everyone prayed. Some long and drawn out and some short and to the point. I love to hear other people pray. All kinds of people. Even if they say "Hey God, it's me Tim" like they haven't spoke to God in a really long time, or "Ummm, hello! It's Sara!" like they haven't ever prayed in their life.
It was really cool to just listen to people say what was on their hearts to a God that none of us can fully understand.
I'm really looking forward to what God is going to do on this campus this semester through our willing hearts.

*names changed

and it's a great daaaay to be alive!

2008-08-08T09:46:00.004-05:00

I know the sun's still shinin' when I close my eyes...

Ahh...Mango Jamba Juice smoothie and fresh Cranberry-Orange loaf, brand new American Eagle jeans and Aeropostale solid maroon polo plus fresh new $2.50 white flip-flops from Old Navy, a beautiful ring on my left hand, and a sweet new cell phone in my pocket.

If I didn't know Jesus, life wouldn't get any better than this.

I'm basking in materialism right now, but tomorrow will be even better - tomorrow I will be on a plane to Michigan to see my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who I haven't seen in a year and a half!

Sweet life, sweet love; I will treasure both.

Edit: I also have a new scrunchie on my wrist. It's gold and it's the skinny kind (due to peer pressure from Rachel and Jaime- it really is better!)

One Step Closer to Forever...

2008-08-05T21:22:00.011-05:00

The love of my life proposed to me on Saturday morning! After 5+ years of dating Frankie and I are happily engaged!

~newly engaged!~
August 2, 2008

photographed by Tina Winder

It wasn't totally unexpected, but this particular Saturday caught me quite off guard...Rachel, Jaime, Trevor, and I had planned to roadtrip to Houston to see John Mayer with Frankie and then stay the night at his apartment. So when I got a phone call at 7:30am, I was a bit thrown off. Frankie told me to get up, get ready, that he had a suprise for me. I was little angered, I must admit, because I still had 15 minutes to sleep before getting ready to meet at Trevor's at 10, and what kind of suprise could be that great, that early in the morning. Little did I know that Frankie had driven home to Devine late Friday night, planned the whole thing with Kathy (his sister, my friend- thanks Kat!), and then came back to SA early Saturday morning to set up a scavenger hunt all around town (another post later, when I get more pics)!

So I ended up at the park, where he had written in sidewalk chalk "Will You Marry Me?" and then got down on one knee with the most gorgeous ring I've ever seen!! I was so excited and so happy, I couldn't stop laughing and I almost forgot to say yes! But I did and I couldn't be happier!
We proceded to Trevor's apartment where everyone was waiting and after I shared my news, Frankie and I were quickly congratulated with huge smiles and huge hugs - and I just have to say that I am so thankful to have such amazing friends to share this excitement with!

The rest of the day we spent shopping and eating in the Woodlands, and then we watched the beautiful Colbie Calliat and talented John Mayer jam out all night!! It was such a fun day!!

~on the grass at the show~

photographed by TSHarrison

Thank you, my love, for the perfectness of the day! I love you!

Family Portraits

2008-08-05T20:54:00.001-05:00

We took these months ago when Bryce was here, but I have been slow to post. So here they are...Aren't they beautiful?!?!

Monterey, Mexico Mission - Team 9

2008-07-29T02:08:00.001-05:00

Summer, O' Summer

2008-07-20T02:41:00.004-05:00

[Where art thou?]

I'm back from Houston [great fun, amazing cabin, and overall a relaxing getaway]
and now I will sleep for about 3 hours [ :( ] before leaving to leave for Mexico for a week.
Next weekend after that is John Mayer [back to Houston]
then Michigan!!! [totally psyched!] for two weeks.
then school starts. [yay-i guess].

I'm pretty excited. But so, so tired.

Wish I could catch up with everyone. [Next week= storytelling!!]

Peace guys. See ya in a week or so.

When all else fails...

2008-07-14T10:31:00.003-05:00

There is some bisquick, but there's no eggs; some mac 'n' cheese, but the milk is a week past its date and the butter looks even worse. Houston is fun, but I forgot the supply-my-own-lunch part. At least there is Ramen, and all you need for that is water - plus I've got my munchies that I picked up for the road trip! Someone needs to go grocery shopping...

Life Quotes

2008-07-09T01:01:00.001-05:00

Read them. Enjoy them. Live them.
-T

"I don't want to survie; I want to live!"-Captain, Wall-E

"What you do with this life is important."-Principal Gardner, Charlie Bartlett

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." -George Bernard Shaw

FW: Malachi 3:3

2008-07-07T16:59:00.007-05:00

I normally don't pay much attention to the various forwards I recieve in my inbox, but this one was interesting, and I hadn't seen it before so thought I'd post it. (Thanks, Art!)
-Taylor

In the Old Testament book of Malachi 3:3 we read: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

I can't wait until I reflect God! And I am so thankful for his grace in not letting us be totally destroyed, even when take too long.

Wall-E = Incredible

2008-06-30T21:14:00.003-05:00

I highly recommend that everyone see this movie, now, in theaters - it's great. It was just over all remarkable the way they made the trailer's with just enough insight into the greatness of the movie, but not a lot about the plot. For me, it made it that much more intriguing.

The movie was funny enough for kids, but intelligent enough for adults. And great enough for anyone in between! I don't want to give away any details, because I don't want to ruin anything.

Just trust me- you need to see this movie and you will enjoy it. If you don't fully enjoy every second of it, contact me and I will reimburse you for the full price of your ticket*.

(*I may or not reimburse you for any or all of your ticket purchase.)

Possibly the most important essay in my life!

2008-06-27T02:04:00.002-05:00

Well, here's my 500 words (exactly! excluding the title. :)
I just finished it and will review it a few more times before I turn it in, but I usually don't change much after I finish. Hope they like it!

Air Force Scholarships Program 2008

“The Most Important Person in My Life”

The most important person in my life is not anyone that I know, yet. He is someone that will help me accomplish my most important goal in life, someone who will shape me as I grow into the person I want to become, and someone who will allow me to make a difference in the world I live in. The most important person in my life is my future student.

Once I become a teacher, I will have many students and they will be my passion and my purpose. I want to make a difference in my world, and my students will be the instruments for change. One of my professors shares this same vision- as she instructs class after class of eager students, she equips world-changers: students who will become teachers and make a difference in our community and in the lives of the students we will teach.

The first day that I am in my own classroom with my very first set of minds waiting to be molded I will have such an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. It will only be the beginning but I will have finally made it. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, to influence the lives of countless children. I will hold the responsibility of helping each and every child reach their full potential. I will have begun my calling and I couldn’t do it without them. Because of my students, I will be a teacher.

I believe that through teaching, one can learn a great deal about life. I cannot wait to learn what each of my students will teach me. Will they be lessons of kindness, friendship, or courage? What about innocence, leadership, or just pure intelligence? I know that each student will teach me in his or her own way and that we will continuously learn from each other. We will grow side by side as I intentionally shape their lives, and as my influence on them overflows right back to me.

As I teach my students, I hope to instill in them hope, passion, and a dream. I want to not only instruct them in academic subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Science, but to teach them important life lessons- to believe in themselves, to strive for their goals, and to make a difference in their world. When my students grow up and move on, my teaching will reflect in their lives as they influence the people they come into contact with and the world they live in. The difference that I make in the lives of my students will impact the whole world.

I cannot think of a more influential person in my life than my student. He will have the biggest impact on my life, and will be the most important part of me becoming who I am to be. I look forward to becoming a teacher, to learning as I teach, and to being part of a ripple effect of world changers.

Making the Connection

2008-06-26T00:02:00.002-05:00

Being a new person many times, I have repeatedly had to connect to new groups of people. Sometimes it takes awhile to get adjusted, but it's easier when you can build one relationship right away to make the connection then go from there. Whether that relationship ends up lasting or not is quite irrelevant as long as it bridges that initial gap. It's a crucial part to getting adjusted, and I'm happy to know that I have blessed someone in that way. :)

"Sisters"

2008-06-25T23:59:00.002-05:00

Wanna read an awesome post about Me and Teddi with some great pics?
You should.

Incredible Deliciousness

2008-06-24T05:54:00.003-05:00

Strawberry on one side, Blueberry on the other!!
These Pop-Tarts are awesome!! :D

Mail for God

2008-06-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

[A conversation between me and Brogan (my 4-year-old brother)]

Brogan: "How do you draw God?"
Me: "Why?"
Brogan: "I wanna send it to Him."
Me: "Okay."
Brogan: "But I don't know how to mail it to Him."
(Brogan: thinking...)
Brogan: "What if when we go to church, I can put it in the money box and then when they send the money to God they can send the picture to God." (said with a huge grin) :)

Kids blow my mind sometimes.

So Happy to be Sisters!

2008-06-20T13:59:00.004-05:00

Important

2008-06-20T00:14:00.004-05:00

[Disregard the last two posts - I'm on a blogging high.]

I just figured out that the most important person in my life is my student, my future student. (There really are more important people in my life, but for the sake of an essay this will make for a creative work.)

Because of him:

I am able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a teacher.

I can learn/grow while teaching.

I can shape him to change the world.

These are my rough, initial thoughts at least.

What do ya think?

Time Test

2008-06-20T00:08:00.001-05:00

I fixed the time stamps on my blog. It was set to Pacific. :P

Goodnight Moon

2008-06-19T23:30:00.001-05:00

The moon looked amazing tonight! I would post a picture but it just wouldn't do it justice.
Goodnight moon, goodnight friends, goodnight my love.

Edit 6/20/08:
Google captured it rather well!

Adjusting Rather Well

2008-06-18T14:35:00.000-05:00

Teddi making faces and then laughing at herself for making faces!

Quite entertaining!

Playin' some old school Tinker Toys!

Tomorrow will be one month that we met Teddi in China and she became part of our family! How time flies when God works so mightily! :D

The CandyMan Can

2008-06-17T16:42:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago at Community Group, we answered the question "What did you used to want to be when you grew up?" This was my answer:

(Not exactly this man though, because he's kinda funny looking.)
But if we really could be anything that we wanted to be - I would be a CandyMan. :)
And I would definitely give poor little Charlie Bucket some candy, too!

Disclaimer 6-12-08

2008-06-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

I do struggle.
(I just don't always feel comfortable sharing what about with 10 other people.)

Amazing Because It Is: Photo Edition

2008-06-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Some pictures of some of the things I listed in my Amazing post:

Seriously, aren't these clouds amazing?!

It's so beautiful!

Brogan was so proud that Bryce fixed his hair!

The new street sign named after the church - pretty cool!

(Except it says Journeys instead of Journey...is that even proper?)

Facing My Fears

2008-06-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

I just killed a -.
Not only did I kill it but I managed to get its smashed self to the trash can.
This is a major feat for me.
All without screaming, crying, or running in fear.
I feel accomplished for the day.

Amazing Because It Is

2008-06-09T16:28:00.000-05:00

-my God
-my life
-my friends
-my family
-my job
-my Summer

also:
-the music
-the clouds!!

simply amazing.

"Why is it upside down? Why is it upside down?"

2008-06-08T13:29:00.000-05:00

Church was great this morning! Everything about it was different and out of place and would have, on any other Sunday, made me crazy, but today I think I got a glimpse of what it should be like.

The sermon was about having things upsidedown and about the Beatitudes, and we were challenged throughout the service to figure out what we were doing upsidedown. This morning I faced one of my "upsidedowns"- my focus. My focus in life often seems to be upsidedown- I decide what needs to happen in order for God to do His work, then I pray that it be done. I realized this morning, the problems with thinking like that and that if I could only flip it, things would be much better - I need to pray first keeping my focus on God in every circumstance, and then do what needs to be done to glorify Him. It works better that way, putting God first. He knows whats up. I keep hearing His words in my head that we discussed some time ago in our community group:

"My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8

I like the Message version also: "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work."

This reminds me when I am trying to take control of situations, that I need to flip my focus rightside-up putting the goal of the Kingdom first and then life will come along greatly.

PS- Thanks for the encouragement! I appreciate you guys!

1 a: to bring into concrete existence

2008-06-07T22:19:00.000-05:00

"Realize"
It's one of my favorite words right now. : )
(and not just because of Colbie Caillat's song, although I do love it.)

Congrats bro!

2008-06-07T14:06:00.001-05:00

Bryce graduated SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School and is coming home tonight for two weeks!

Reaping Doughnuts

2008-06-06T22:49:00.000-05:00

Many a Thursday nights ago, I came home from community group with some extra food (not unusual.) I had a large cinnamon role sitting in my passenger seat and as I drove on base, the gate guard asked "Is that for me?" So I said yeah. It was a bit odd, but I handed the cinnamon roll over to him. Well, tonight I reaped what I had sown- he had a fresh box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and as we pulled onto base he offered - so I took. Sweet, delicious doughnuts - oh how I love thee.

Woot Woot!

2008-06-06T09:44:00.000-05:00

The Red Wings won the Stanley Cup!

Ice Cold Cereal

2008-06-05T10:24:00.001-05:00

It makes sense, right? I like to have ice in my milk so that it stays cold, so why not put ice in the milk that goes on my cereal? I have thought about this before, but this morning I actually tried it - and it was delicious! Never again will I not be able to fully enjoy my cereal because of warm milk.

(Monetary) Tipping

2008-06-02T21:56:00.000-05:00

(Just in case you thought I was going to talk about cow tipping or any other kind of tipping that doesn't occur in a restaurant.)

Daniel Clark wrote an interesting note on Facebook about tipping. I enjoy reading these notes because they focus on scripture-based insights to life situations. And I just thought I'd give my 2 cents about the topic. I agree that as Christians we should be generous [Luke 3] and so, generous tippers. And, I don't belive that we should leave bad tips for bad service. But there is a difference between bad and poor service. Bad service deserves at least a fair tip. Poor service, however- being that the food was bad, the server wasn't smiling or pleasant, he/she didn't refill your drink fast enough, or take your order on time - is still worthy of a generous tip. Not extra generous, like I would for excellent service, but a generous tip from a generous person. I would not like to reward or enable bad behaviors with a generous tip (although some would disagree with even that), but I do not want to be known as an arrogant, non-generous Christian when service isn't perfect.

Outraged

2008-06-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

I finally had a chance to watch the season finale of The Office. (I said I was going to watch it in China, but I couldn't get the videos to load online.) It was a great episode, but how could they end like that?! Seriously, that's awful. Everyone is so sad, and Pam and Jim, and Angela and Dwight and Angela and Andy, and Michael and Jan and Michael and Holly. Oh, distress. So cruel.