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| Laura, Anna, Elizabeth, Adrienne, and Bridgette |
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| Family |
Saturday, February 26, 2011
David and Laura's First Bridal Shower
Today was David and Laura's first bridal shower. Debbie, Tina, and Melody, three of my mom's dearest friends hosted it, and the morning was beautiful! From the flowers to the mimosas to the display of the food-everything was gorgeous and just perfect. This shower was mostly Mom's friends from church and moms of friends of David's from when we was growing up. Paula was in from Exxon Exile in Calgary, and it was so good to visit with her and her step-mom Margaret.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
STS-133
Today *will be* the launch of STS-133, the final mission for Shuttle Discovery. Our friend Steve Lindsey is the commander, and our former Sunday School teacher from our college days. We think his family is just the best, and we're so excited for Steve's 5th shuttle mission.
Isaac is with some of our other family members at the Cape today for the launch. Oh, how my heart aches that I'm not there too! In my book, shuttle launches are one of the most exciting experiences God has made. We tried to see 133 launch in November, but fuel tank leaks sent all of us home.
Isaiah 26:4...just for when I'm feeling nervous about the launch.
If you want to watch the launch prep and the launch live, go here.
Isaac is with some of our other family members at the Cape today for the launch. Oh, how my heart aches that I'm not there too! In my book, shuttle launches are one of the most exciting experiences God has made. We tried to see 133 launch in November, but fuel tank leaks sent all of us home.
Isaiah 26:4...just for when I'm feeling nervous about the launch.
If you want to watch the launch prep and the launch live, go here.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
New Creation Ministries
While I was in Zambia, I met the Vaughans who are from Louisville (Go Big Blue!) who know the Murrays who are from the States but live in Lusaka ministering to folks there. The Murrays quickly saw the need for mostly uneducated people to have tangible income to break the uneducated/poverty cycle from which they so desperately want to be free. Thus, the Murrays launched New Creation Ministries.
Thanks to the Vaughans' urgings, I am now helping the Murrays sell what is brought back home with returning missionaries. In one week, we sent $290 of pure, unadulterated profit back to the faithful workers of NCM. No, I don't get a penny of it. I don't want a penny of it. I'm so excited to know that these amazing men and women are seeing their work bloom. I also love how modern technology allows me to take cash to the bank and it gets wired to Zambia in a matter of moments. There's no fear of it being stolen or misused. Praise You, Jesus, for the wonderful ideas you allow to be birthed!
If you want to see what I currently have in stock to sell, go here. The album is constantly being updated as I sell/receive new stock
Thanks to the Vaughans' urgings, I am now helping the Murrays sell what is brought back home with returning missionaries. In one week, we sent $290 of pure, unadulterated profit back to the faithful workers of NCM. No, I don't get a penny of it. I don't want a penny of it. I'm so excited to know that these amazing men and women are seeing their work bloom. I also love how modern technology allows me to take cash to the bank and it gets wired to Zambia in a matter of moments. There's no fear of it being stolen or misused. Praise You, Jesus, for the wonderful ideas you allow to be birthed!
If you want to see what I currently have in stock to sell, go here. The album is constantly being updated as I sell/receive new stock
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hey! You!
Hey! You! Yeah, you! The one who frequently reads this blog but haven't become a follower or left a comment so I know that you're reading, today's the day to de-lurk. Yep, that means show yourself. Thanks, and Gig 'Em!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Perfect Valentine
I am not perfect. I'm hardly even creative enough to be crafty. Regardless, Isaac gave me a huge smile when he came home to see his Valentine card.
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19.
What thrills me on this holiday is that Christ is our perfect Valentine. His love is so pure for each one of us, that He would have still chosen to die even if there was only one human alive on the planet. How glorious is our Savior. May every decision each of us makes day in and day out be to the glory of the Father.
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Surprise Day
Isaac isn't just huge on Valentine's Day since it's so incredibly over-commercialized, though we both like the idea of a day set aside specifically to show love to those in our lives. Regardless, Valentine's Day falls on Monday this year, and that's the night I lead Bible study, so I wasn't expecting us to do much in the way of celebrating. However, Isaac told me this morning that he had our day all planned, so I was excited to see what all would happen.
He at first made me think Bailey was being left behind, but I saw him trying to sneakily make his lunch in a to-go cup, and I saw a beach towel on the counter, so I knew our sweet little boy was going with us somewhere. Isaac also thought he'd throw me off the trail by taking the bypass to Galveston instead of directly getting on the freeway, but I'm smarter than he thinks. We stopped at Subway to grab us some lunch, and then headed to our favorite pre-Ike beach spot. The bath house and snack bar haven't been rebuilt, but it's still the best stretch of untouched sand that isn't state park, and we love it. There was little breeze and the water was so calm. It actually looked blue (no thanks to you, Mississippi River!), and the sand seemed to have been untouched for days. Bailey loves the beach. No one can quite figure out why since he despises water, but there is something about the feel of the sand in his paws, the salt air, free reign to terrorize seagulls, and no leash laws that thrill this little boy to pieces! Since Bailey's birthday is in two weeks, our beach trip made a perfect early birthday party for the little guy. He was not happy about sitting in the truck bed with us while we ate our lunch, so we let him on down to explore. Despite his excitement, his listening ears were still turned on, and he did a great job of doing exactly as he was told all day long. Isaac and I enjoyed our time walking, talking, and exploring all the tide brought our way, and Bailey was just as happy as a calm, pun intended. :) We were a bit chilly in the 55 degree air, but the sun was gorgeous and the lack of clouds made for a stunning day. After three miles of walking, Isaac and I were ready to head back to the mainland, though Bailey made sure we knew he wasn't thrilled with out decision. He made several new friends, both human and canine, and he wasn't quite ready to leave yet.
After Bailey was settled back in at the house, Isaac took me shopping for frames for the canvas oil paintings I brought home from Zambia. He's in the process of mounting them for me, and he wants to frame the smaller of the two. We had fun wandering Hobby Lobby and talking about what he should build me next. I love that Isaac wants to build me things with his own two hands, and he loves that he has excuses to buy new power tools. It works out beautifully!
I don't like clothes shopping, but I hadn't bought anything new since the shorts I found during the summer, so Isaac took me to buy some Spring time things. After spending time in Costa Rica and Zambia, it's hard to justify buying new clothes, but Isaac is so good with our budget, and he set aside money specifically for this shopping trip as a surprise. While I still feel guilty going shopping because of what I know 98% (yes, literally that number) of the world does without, it was peaceful knowing my husband takes care of us and that it was ok for me to make a few purchases without hurting our long term goals. I loved having my husband tell me when he liked an outfit. It's even fun watching him roll his eyes when something looks hideous!
We ended our day with a long, laughter filled dinner at a local diner called T-Bone Tom's. Yes, it's the one that's been on the Food Network, and it's one of few places that isn't a tourist trap in our area thanks to the ruination of so many old classics by the Landry's Corp. We don't think to go there very often, but we had a blast sitting 'outside' (the plastic walls were down and the space heaters were on), eating a crazy mix of bbq and seafood, and just enjoying time together. We haven't had a day like this in ages, and it was such a blessing. It was a perfect Valentine's celebration, and we didn't even need flowers or cards...just a piece of chocolate silk pie to end the day!
He at first made me think Bailey was being left behind, but I saw him trying to sneakily make his lunch in a to-go cup, and I saw a beach towel on the counter, so I knew our sweet little boy was going with us somewhere. Isaac also thought he'd throw me off the trail by taking the bypass to Galveston instead of directly getting on the freeway, but I'm smarter than he thinks. We stopped at Subway to grab us some lunch, and then headed to our favorite pre-Ike beach spot. The bath house and snack bar haven't been rebuilt, but it's still the best stretch of untouched sand that isn't state park, and we love it. There was little breeze and the water was so calm. It actually looked blue (no thanks to you, Mississippi River!), and the sand seemed to have been untouched for days. Bailey loves the beach. No one can quite figure out why since he despises water, but there is something about the feel of the sand in his paws, the salt air, free reign to terrorize seagulls, and no leash laws that thrill this little boy to pieces! Since Bailey's birthday is in two weeks, our beach trip made a perfect early birthday party for the little guy. He was not happy about sitting in the truck bed with us while we ate our lunch, so we let him on down to explore. Despite his excitement, his listening ears were still turned on, and he did a great job of doing exactly as he was told all day long. Isaac and I enjoyed our time walking, talking, and exploring all the tide brought our way, and Bailey was just as happy as a calm, pun intended. :) We were a bit chilly in the 55 degree air, but the sun was gorgeous and the lack of clouds made for a stunning day. After three miles of walking, Isaac and I were ready to head back to the mainland, though Bailey made sure we knew he wasn't thrilled with out decision. He made several new friends, both human and canine, and he wasn't quite ready to leave yet.
After Bailey was settled back in at the house, Isaac took me shopping for frames for the canvas oil paintings I brought home from Zambia. He's in the process of mounting them for me, and he wants to frame the smaller of the two. We had fun wandering Hobby Lobby and talking about what he should build me next. I love that Isaac wants to build me things with his own two hands, and he loves that he has excuses to buy new power tools. It works out beautifully!
I don't like clothes shopping, but I hadn't bought anything new since the shorts I found during the summer, so Isaac took me to buy some Spring time things. After spending time in Costa Rica and Zambia, it's hard to justify buying new clothes, but Isaac is so good with our budget, and he set aside money specifically for this shopping trip as a surprise. While I still feel guilty going shopping because of what I know 98% (yes, literally that number) of the world does without, it was peaceful knowing my husband takes care of us and that it was ok for me to make a few purchases without hurting our long term goals. I loved having my husband tell me when he liked an outfit. It's even fun watching him roll his eyes when something looks hideous!
We ended our day with a long, laughter filled dinner at a local diner called T-Bone Tom's. Yes, it's the one that's been on the Food Network, and it's one of few places that isn't a tourist trap in our area thanks to the ruination of so many old classics by the Landry's Corp. We don't think to go there very often, but we had a blast sitting 'outside' (the plastic walls were down and the space heaters were on), eating a crazy mix of bbq and seafood, and just enjoying time together. We haven't had a day like this in ages, and it was such a blessing. It was a perfect Valentine's celebration, and we didn't even need flowers or cards...just a piece of chocolate silk pie to end the day!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Book-a-holic
Hello. My name is Laura, and I'm a book-a-holic.
And admitting my addiction is as close to recovery as I care to come. :)
Since Christmas vacation began, I've probably read close to 20 books. If I wasn't teaching full time, that number might be upwards of 30 or more. I can almost read a 300-400 page book in a day during the summer. I was the kid that had the book in my lap while the teacher/other students talked. I'm still the person who has to read at least a few pages before I can fall asleep at night. I don't read books; I devour them. There's something about the knowledge that comes from learning what's between the two covers that is invigorating and intriguing. The world can turn upside down, but nothing will take away what enters one's mind through a book.
Isaac estimated that I read over $1000 in books in 2010. I don't think we paid a penny for them though because I use the library or gift cards students and friends give me. I don't like collecting most books, so the library suits me just fine.
Janette Oke has been a favorite author of mine since I was in 6th grade. I read her books as quickly as I learn a new one has been published. Somehow, I managed to miss a series she is co-authoring with Davis Bunn until December. The Acts of Faith series takes place right after Jesus' crucifixion in Jerusalem. Typically I don't enjoy fictional books set during the early Church days, but these intoxicated me from beginning to end. I love how Biblical characters I know and love have been so well portrayed as they interact with the well developed fictional characters. I read the first two books in December and was first in line to receive a copy of The Damascus Way when it was released in mid-January. I highly recommend these three books if you want an encouraging, faith-building, adventure filled read.
And admitting my addiction is as close to recovery as I care to come. :)
Since Christmas vacation began, I've probably read close to 20 books. If I wasn't teaching full time, that number might be upwards of 30 or more. I can almost read a 300-400 page book in a day during the summer. I was the kid that had the book in my lap while the teacher/other students talked. I'm still the person who has to read at least a few pages before I can fall asleep at night. I don't read books; I devour them. There's something about the knowledge that comes from learning what's between the two covers that is invigorating and intriguing. The world can turn upside down, but nothing will take away what enters one's mind through a book.
Isaac estimated that I read over $1000 in books in 2010. I don't think we paid a penny for them though because I use the library or gift cards students and friends give me. I don't like collecting most books, so the library suits me just fine.
Janette Oke has been a favorite author of mine since I was in 6th grade. I read her books as quickly as I learn a new one has been published. Somehow, I managed to miss a series she is co-authoring with Davis Bunn until December. The Acts of Faith series takes place right after Jesus' crucifixion in Jerusalem. Typically I don't enjoy fictional books set during the early Church days, but these intoxicated me from beginning to end. I love how Biblical characters I know and love have been so well portrayed as they interact with the well developed fictional characters. I read the first two books in December and was first in line to receive a copy of The Damascus Way when it was released in mid-January. I highly recommend these three books if you want an encouraging, faith-building, adventure filled read.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
"Snow" Day
Thursday afternoon our school district made a very poor decision. They decided to cancel school for Friday without first waiting to see if the forecasted freezing precipitation was going to make it as far south as we live. This is hilarious to me because when Ike was heading straight towards us and the area was under mandatory evacuation, our school district still didn't cancel school until the very last second possible. Talk about frustrating if you're wanting to evacuate but think you might have to show up to work in a hurricane. Anyway, point is, the district messed up...BIG. Waiting until Friday morning to make a call would've been smart. There wasn't even ice on the plants at our house. The roads were as dry as the Sahara on Friday morning. Granted, on the north side of town, even just 10 minutes up the freeway, it was a mess. But, kids from the north side of town don't come to our school. I'm just frustrated that Houstonians get so bent out of shape at the idea of ice, and now we have to make up this school day at some point, probably in June.
On the plus side, Isaac and I slept in until 9:23, which means Bailey slept until 9:23. What a treat! Our weekly grocery shopping trip was a breeze because everyone just assumed that what they saw on the north side of town on the news was true for us (look out your front door, folks!). We had a nice fire all day and I was able to finish one book and start another.
The only picture worth posting from the day, since all the anticipated snow pics were naught, was this one of Bailey. He put himself in his daddy's coat after the one walk he asked for Friday afternoon:
On the plus side, Isaac and I slept in until 9:23, which means Bailey slept until 9:23. What a treat! Our weekly grocery shopping trip was a breeze because everyone just assumed that what they saw on the north side of town on the news was true for us (look out your front door, folks!). We had a nice fire all day and I was able to finish one book and start another.
The only picture worth posting from the day, since all the anticipated snow pics were naught, was this one of Bailey. He put himself in his daddy's coat after the one walk he asked for Friday afternoon:
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