the long-awaited winner is....

Always look on the bright side!
I don't know how long I've been using the phrase and meaning it, but I truly do. The older I get, the more I realize how many blessings can be wrapped up in the hard times and how many lessons can be learned through the struggle.

6 word memoir

Several of my friends have done the little memoir and I've been thinking for a few weeks about what mine would be. Truly, the title of my blog might say it all -- variety is the spice of life. But since that would be boring, and also not offer any variety, I knew I needed another.

I had a few contenders:
shake it like a Polaroid picture
jump, shake your booty, jump jump
life, laugh, love -- wash, rinse, repeat
you'll never know till you try
always carry your passport...in case...
why do today? why not postpone?

Stay tuned for the next post when I unveil the winner. I'd post it now, but I'm looking for a picture. :)

7 Things

Dara tagged me for a "7 Random Things" post. Since I have posted numerous random things about me in the past, and in the spirit of another ode, I submit to you "7 Random Things About Mark."

1. "Conjuncture" is one of his favorite words. I contend that he means "juncture," but he refuses to yield to my verbal prowess.

2. One word: lefty!

3. He believes expiration dates to be an economic stimulus conspiracy. This could, in all fairness, be true. But I, for one, am happy to spend an additional $4.59 for Benedryl that is in-date.

4. He feeds and waters the deer in the greenbelt, and has taught me to do the same. Unfortunately, I have grown to love these deer as pets. He warns me against naming them anything more than "Venison 1", "Venison 2", and so on. (Okay, so that's not true. But wouldn't it be funny if he did?)

5. He detests paisley. I don't think he's realized yet that the shower curtain he picked out for our guest bath actually has a slight paisley print.

6. For being the avid hunter/fisherman that he is, he actually doesn't like going to Bass Pro.

7. And, last but not least, he has one of the biggest servant hearts around.

Sisters, Sisters....

Well, well, well....my how time flies!

I had a friendly request from my sister-in-law for a blog update. Since it's Mother's Day today -- and I mailed her card late -- and her birthday is Tuesday -- and I haven't sent a card -- I decided to oblige. Arwen, this blog's for you!

I have to tell you, marrying into a great family isn't a guarantee. But God has granted me blessings beyond measure in my new circle of family. One of those blessings is Arwen. If you don't know her, you should. She is so sweet, but has a touch of sass to her, which is endearing to me. She is smart. She can multitask. She is raising two of my favorite cuties (Reedo and Cass) with grace and laughter. And she loves the Lord in a genuine way. There are plenty of other great things about her, and plenty of great things I've yet to learn about her.

So, in conclusion....I'm

Anticipating a
Reunion
With my
Extra-special sister-
N-law, ARWEN!

Oh, and...

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday (a little early), Dear Arwen!
Happy Birthday to you!
And many more....

...and we're back!

It's been a few weeks. I've meant to blog. I've intended to blog. I've planned to blog. But life sometimes gets in the way, as does laziness, exhaustion, and a number of other things.

Of course you handful of loyal readers know I got married, so why I felt I couldn't post anything till I did a wedding post is a mystery to us all....

a quiz!

I saw this quiz on Shannon's blog and decided I needed an update. Plus, I love quizzes. :)

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

valentine's came early this year...

I was sitting at my desk, working diligently on about a million projects (or 3) when suddenly, Mark appeared in my doorway with these beautiful roses, chocolates, and the sweetest card ever.

What a delightful surprise!

I thought my flower quota had been met already with the pink roses Mark gave me on Saturday.

Am I raking it in or what?!

There are 30 days to go till THE BIG DAY and I just can't wait to marry this wonderful man. I am blessed beyond measure!

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. :)