Tag!

My friend Shannon tagged me for this post where you share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself. You're supposed to tag 7 more people, but I'm lazy. Or my lunch break is short. Take your pick. Either way, feel free to tag yourself. I always find it interesting to see what people are willing to share about themselves!




1. I get on these kicks where I like to eat the same thing a lot. Right now, I'm into cereal.



2. Mark's and my wedding is less than 2 months away! I have fooled people into thinking that I'm on top of things and organized. So much so, that it might now actually be true. Fake it till ya make it?



3. Sadly, I've only been to 2 zoos in my lifetime. I need to get out more.



4. I think my verbal filter is on the fritz. I also believe this to be both chronic and hereditary.



5. It has come to my attention that I am the owner of a lot of stuff. Some of it is very nice stuff, and will be available for purchase, barter, or give-away soon. If you're interested in any of these options, let me know. I have already pre-sold my couch and oversized chair....



6. My latest addiction is checking our wedding registries online to see what's been purchased. I've rationalized that this is okay because it helps me plan better. And besides, it doesn't tell you who bought what, so it's still a surprise. I might need professional help.



7. I was thinking recently about how I don't really know people who aren't Christians. Some folks call this the "Christian cocoon." I wonder, do you find yourself in the same situation? If not, how have branched out?

Catching Up -- Nutshell #2

Christmas comes but once a year -- which is probably a good thing as I might need those 365 days to recover!

Mark and I traveled to Harlingen to spend the holiday at Pa Gary and Gram Ava's house (aka: The Whittingtons). Thirteen of us were present and accounted for!

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun we had. We spent the morning of Christmas Eve at South Padre Beach. Let me tell you, it was c-o-l-d! We saw all kinds of stuff from shells to beached portuguese man-of-wars. Very fun! We also went to a candlelight ceremony, which was my first ever. As a side note, it was so strange to be at a church other than Mac and to participate in something I had nothing to do with planning!

As you can see by the presents, not a one of us was lacking come Christmas morning. We had presents for hours -- literally! I haven't been at Christmas with kids since I was one of the kids, so this was a very new perspective for me. And of course I ate it up. Those kids are a hoot!

And these are the kids in question: Hallie, Cassidy, Reed, and Vivian. My life is already fuller with them in it and I can't wait to spend more time together!

Catching Up -- Nutshell #1

I wish I'd documented all the food I ate on my birthday. Mark picked me up from the car shop that morning and took me for breakfast tacos at Bill Miller. And then before I went to Christian Heritage to read at their Christmas Story-A-Thon, he took me for blueberry pancakes at the Magnolia Pancake Haus. And then for dinner, I had the best steak ever, plus yummy potatoes and bread (I tried asparagus, but...oogey) at Ruths Chris Steak House downtown. I even got this delicious key lime pie for dessert!


Of course the other birthday excitement revolved around the news that the major repairs needed to drive my car out of the shop would cost as much as the value of my car. Since Mark and I had already planned on me getting a new vehicle in the spring, we decided to not waste money in fixing Old Black. Our friend Hershel got us hooked up with a guy who owns a salvage yard and was willing to pay what we'd hoped for my car. Plus, he took care of towing it! All's well that ends well. And I am now the proud driver of a Honda CR-V!

Oh, and in case my parents are reading this: I promise not to discard you so casually when your repairs get costly. :)