*A*N*N*I*V*E*R*S*A*R*Y*

Three years ago today, Kevin and I were pronounced husband and wife at Webb Memorial United Methodist Church in Clay, Kentucky. Surrounded by a throng of loved ones, we joined our lives, along with our families, in holy matrimony. The day was beyond amazing, it was extraordinary.

Decision-making 101: I've made my decision....and my decision is "YES!"

Have you ever had to make a really important decision? A decision that would not only impact you, but your spouse, your family and friends, and others to whom you're not related?

I've made a decision to pursue something. My decision is "yes." I think God is leading me in the direction of His will; toward doors that are opening with specific purpose. This is driven by the Holy Spirit, there's no other way to explain it.

Depend on the Lord, and he will take care of you. Psalm 37:5

One year ago this month, I took a tremondous 'leap of faith' to pursue a career in education. Today, I am qualified to teach English, Language Arts and Reading, and Social Studies in grades 4-8; a frequently requested substitute teacher; and employed as an 8th grade reading tutor at a nearby middle school. Professionally, life's pretty good...if I could just get that full-time teaching contract!.

Our wedding day - 03.31.07

Personally, my life is beyond blessed. I will celebrate three wonderful years of marriage to the love of my life, Kevin, on Wednesday. I have incredible friends, and I consider them all to be family. Neama and Stephanie's son, Cameron, turned two last week; he was the best one-year anniversary present I could have ever received. His hugs fill my soul and he melts my heart when he says Uncle Kebbie. He really is the cutest kid in the world!

Kimberly and I sip Shirley Temples and solve the world's problems; we both want to make a positive impact and that includes eliminating the 'stupid' and 'tacky' factor. Thanks to Rev. L's desire for an organic garden and eliminate-the-less-than-industrial-and-boring wall color in her office, I've discovered my dirt hauling and painting skills are way-above-average. However, my OCD-ness tend to surface excessively when it comes to paint lines and blue tape.

I created an online community and Facebook group, Busy Woman's Book Club, for friends, family, colleagues, and those who just want to read good stories and participate in regular discussions. I'm looking forward to the adventures of discussing books and general life topics with such a diverse group of women. And, it gives me an excellent excuse to spend even more time (and money!) at the bookstore.

Cameron and 'Aunt Co' - 03.20.10

Spiritually, I am growing and maturing in my faith. I am becoming more aware of small things, moments of miracles, that cause me to catch my breath and express thanks and gratitude to my Heavenly Father. I have very special and dear friends - I like to call them mentors of faith - at First United Methodist Church of Joshua. I appreciate their hugs, handshakes, laughs, and fine examples of what it truly means to be a Christian. I feel empowered by them all, to become greater and serve others better. 

Two weeks ago, I submitted application materials to become a Hunger Justice Leader with Bread for the World, a Christian organization dedicated to supporting legislature to end hunger and poverty in the United States. I am deeply moved by this organization's mission, and encouraged to serve the community in whatever means possible. If selected, I will join other Hunger Justice Leaders in Washington D.C. for a four-day advocacy training workshop. Again, doors of opportunity that I did not know existed have opened. I appreciate Rev. L's introduction to this community program and Dr. Bob Holloway for his letter of recommendation from the Fort Worth District of the United Methodist Church. It's not everyday you get a personal letter from the District Superintendent. He is a great guy and the greatest fan of chocolate I know!!!!!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: to whom much is given, much is expected. Next week is Easter, a time of celebrating Christ's resurrection and a rebirth for ourselves. During this Season of Lent, I pray that God will pour his renewing Spirit in all of us; that we will become the people that He created us to be.

If a door opens, I will boldly walk through it with unwavering faith. I am walking...boldly...and with faith that God is with me always. 

Grace,

Nicole

101 Daily Pleasures (from Yahoo!)

1. coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too)

2. crisp cotton sheets
3. soft skin
4. old family recipes
5. the first daffodils of spring
6. sleeping in
7. an exercise endorphin high
8. window boxes
9. a perfect cup of coffee
10. a genuine compliment (giving or receiving)
11. the way babies smell

12. a handwritten letter
13. waking up in a good mood...for no real reason
14. singing in the shower
15. finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket
16. doing something nice for your neighbor
17. a home cooked meal
18. laughing
19. movie theater popcorn
20. playing hookey
21. a bubble bath
22. swimming
23. an afternoon nap
24. street musicians
25. your favorite song
26. saying thank you
27. helping someone in need
28. old fashioned photo booths
29. fresh whipped cream
30. inspiring blogs
31. a glass of wine
32. rainy afternoons

33. the funny things kids say
34. a novel you can get lost in
35. finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale
36. clean laundry
37. the wind in your hair
38. treating the person behind you at the drive-thru
39. sharing an umbrella
40. the smell of lavender
41. a long walk that clears your head
42. a bear hug
43. The Beatles
44. smiling at a stranger
45. eating with chopsticks (Chinese food optional)
46. butterflies
47. staying in your pj's all day
48. singing along to the radio and knowing all the words
49. fresh herbs
50. ordering in pizza
51. happy endings...even if they're fictional
52. flying a kite
53. puppies

54. root beer floats
55. holding open the door...
56. ...or having someone hold the door for you
57. fountain soda
58. white, fluffy towels
59. sunshine
60. spending an afternoon at a museum
61. really great advice
62. green lights all the way home
63. the sound of rain hitting the windows
64. sitting in a booth
65. holding hands
66. a great hair day with no effort
67. building a fort with your kids
68. when someone falls asleep with their head on your shoulder
69. fireflies
70. the perfect taco
71. geraniums on a windowsill
72. slow dancing

73. the smell of fresh-baked bread
74. cheesy, uplifting musicals
75. great stories
76. the smell of gasoline
77. the cold side of the pillow
78. love letters
79. old friends...
80. ...new friends
81. a pull-through parking space
82. a baguette -- crisp on the outside, airy on the inside
83. when a dog licks your hand
84. sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner
85. using your favorite dishes
86. reading your child a bedtime story
87. Girl Scout Cookies
88. flossing
89. kissing someone you love
90. the smell of onions and garlic cooking
91. hot chocolate

92. jumping in puddles
93. old photographs
94. birds hopping on the sidewalk
95. Ella Fitzgerald
96. a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar
97. your softest t-shirt
98. a new magazine in the mail
99. fireplaces
100. having exact change
101. bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning

Laundry - it never, ever, EVER ends!!!!! - a case of cow manure - and a sunny day in North Texas

Housework......it never, EVER ends!

I have sooo much I should be doing right now, but it's so peaceful and quiet and nice just to sit here and watch some March Madness basketball and hang out with my husband. The kitchen was a disaster this morning, beyond embarassing. I had to unload the dishwasher before I could re-load it with another full set of dirty dishes, handwashed pots and pans, and scrubbed the countertops. The dining room table is still not clear or set for tomorrow evening's dinner. 

Seriously, whose laundry/utility room looks this perfect? Definitely not mine! Our utility rooms looks like a war zone, a shoe store, a hardware store, and a clothing outlet. If you ever need anything, just look in that room. I've done two loads of laundry and have at least two more to go. Kevin roped last night while I was painting at the church and came home with lots of cow sh*t, I'll use manure instead. At one point in the night, Kevin's rope got the steer's two back feet and it's tail, which was covered in manure. When Kevin re-coiled his rope, he got covered in manure and it landed on his jeans and shirt. Later, when he had unsaddled Blue and was getting ready to come home, he went to change his boots and stepped in a nice pile of manure with his bare, sock-covered foot. Needless to say, I soaked his jeans before putting them in the washer and I gladly tossed the socks in the garbage!

It's the end of my Spring Break and Kevin had today off too. What a beautiful, sunny day. We slept in (which was very nice) and did some errand-running. We ate lunch at Firehouse Subs - mmm mmm good! - then went to Tractor Supply, Lowe's, feed store, and to the sub-courthouse to pay vehicle registration. Tomorrow is supposed to be a different story: highs in the mid-30s and a chance of snow. SERIOUSLY!!!! Texas weather should be considered a "World Wonder" because it can literally change from one extreme to another. Crazy stuff.

Random Updates........shoveling a bunch of dirt, directory is nearly complete, a visit with Prego-Mama-to-Be Lindsey, more painting, and a quick visit with Cameron

This week is Spring Break and I have yet to 'break' from any activity - but that's how I like my life! Here's just a few updates on random parts of my life that I want to share with anyone who's listening:

Please pray for my friends Lindsey and Matt Williams, and their unborn daughter, Avery. Lindsey was put on strict bed rest orders from Dr. W after she started having continuous contractions. She's had multiple visits to the emergency room and NICU, but she's home and resting comfortably and keeping the stress down. To help with the situation and to keep her mind off the obvious, I took her a bag full of books for her to read in the next couple of weeks. However, she's breezed through the books she had so I might have to make a weekly book drive-by at the Williams' residence! Anything for them though, they are dear friends and I keep Lindsey, Matt, Avery, and their entire family in my prayers. I am excited to meet Miss Avery, but I do not want to meet her just yet - she needs to "cook" several more weeks!!!!

The church directory is nearly complete (hallejuah!) except for a couple adjustments to the roster of names and addresses. The First United Methodist Church of Joshua has suffered several deaths the past couple of weeks and there is another funeral this Friday. Unfortunately I did not know any of the people who have passed, but they were part of the FUMC-J family, so they're part of my family too. Hopefully the directory is on the road to its final production.

Speaking of church family, I've had a BLAST with Rev. L the past couple of days. We went to northeast Fort Worth on Saturday for two yards of dirt - if you don't know how much that is, it's a BUNCH!!!! - for her garden in the backyard. We had way too much dirt left, so we filled every flower pot we could find. At the end, we resorted to big coolers to store the dirt. Too funny. We were so sore at the beginning of this week, neither one of us could hardly move. All in good fun. This morning (Wednesday) I went to the church to help Rev. L begin painting her office. The space has an array of colors but the pale sage green she chose is perfect. I'm not sure of the exact color name, but I really like it. I never thought I would say this, but: I really enjoy painting - and my tape lines are awesome!!!!

When I left Lindsey's house I decided - since I was in the neighborhood - to drop by and see Stephanie and Cameron. Steph was busy painting the upstairs bedrooms. Neama and Steph have recently bought a new home and are preparing their current home to put on the market. My hat's off to Stephanie, she has a gift for home decor but when it comes to de-personalizing a space to sell, she's a professional! I hardly recognized the place when I walked in the door. Granted they are painting and hauling loads of stuff to storage, but they're working their tails off. Cameron was still at daycare when I got there, so I got into one of their vehicles with a carseat and went to get my Peanut, or Little Britches. I walked into the classroom and Cameron comes running at me with his hands raised, yelling, "Uncle Kebbie! Uncle Kebbie!" Ummm, no. Sorry it's just me, Aunt Co. That little stinker!!!!!

My body cannot get adjusted to the new time - we turned our clocks up an hour last weekend and I'm dragging. I started a couple more books this week too: "Little Bee" for an online book club I've joined and "Honeymoon With My Brother." Both are great books, completely different, but wonderful reads. I need to get my journal out, I haven't written - handwritten - anything in a long while. But I guess that's what this blog is for!!!!

Another day of painting at the church tomorrow. Peace and love to you.

Nicole

2010 Hunger Justice Leader Summit, Bread for the World; Washington, D.C.

Recently I viewed a painting called Ecce Homo, depicting the crucified Christ along with the caption, “This I have done for you - now what will you do for me?” and I was deeply moved. Christianity calls us to action…and I am ready to act.

My great-grandmother once told me to whom much is given, much is expected. I accept the opportunity and responsibility as a Hunger Justice Leader. I am ready to be a voice in action against hunger in Joshua, Texas, my hometown with a population of more than 5,000 and a poverty level nearly 10-percent. In a nation where voice has influence on government and legislation, remaining silent is not an option. I choose to act. I agree with John Wesley who said communities will transform when believers are filled with God’s Holy Spirit and walking obediently to His Word. I am a believer who is willing to take action.

Luke 14:12-14 says, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, don’t invite only your friends, your family, your other relatives, and your rich neighbors…Instead, when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then you will be blessed, because they have nothing and cannot pay you back.”

God doesn’t need the wealthy, powerful, and affluent to accomplish His will. He uses all people! God will use anyone - including me - who is willing to build His kingdom.

First United Methodist Church - Joshua

My connection to the community has been intensified by the services provided by my church, the First United Methodist Church of Joshua (FUMC-Joshua). The congregation’s humble hearts and servant spirit has inspired me to become more involved in special projects, including their food pantry, providing supplies to school-age children, and supporting the Angel Tree program by donating clothes, toys, and other goods to families during Christmas.

As a Hunger Justice Leader, my training and knowledge would improve my ability to encourage participation in existing programs and the resources to develop new ones. I want to participate in a more productive role at local non-profit organizations. FUMC-Joshua has Helping Hands Food Pantry that serves 600 families annually and the Angel Food Ministries program provides food to more than 60 families each month. The Harvest House in Burleson serves more than 5,000 families and individuals annually, while the House of Hope in Crowley provides assistance to more than 7,000 families and individuals. I would like to see a program established in Burleson and Joshua similar to the “snack sack” program in Crowley, which provides take-home snacks to students.

The highest compliment of character for anyone is to be “Christ-like,” there’s no better adjective to describe someone. I am very excited about the opportunity to become a Hunger Justice Leader. Christianity goes beyond the walls and doors of a building, it goes to the most unexpected places. I want to go to those places with the Holy Spirit leading and guiding and directing me to do God’s work. I have a gentle spirit and a loving concern for others; and I have a passion to see people transformed by the love and grace offered by Jesus Christ through His humble servants. Instead of asking, “what’s in it for me?” I will ask, “what can I do for you?” I want to be a servant for Christ, just as Christ was a servant. The Bible says very little about self-enrichment; but it says a lot about giving our life for the enrichment of others.

Bread for the World is an opportunity for me - an ordinary 26-year-old - to incorporate Scripture and personal experience, and realize God can do something special as I serve His people. I say, “Here I am, Lord - I will use this opportunity for your honor and glory and praise!”

My desire is to serve those in need. I have prayed for this opportunity and as a Hunger Justice Leader, I will proudly represent my community and commit to using the knowledge and resources provided in Washington, D.C. God is alive and His spirit is at work; He is changing and redirecting my thoughts, interests, attitude, and behaviors to become more like Him. I have a desire to nurture those in need. My message, and my mission, is filled with hope, encouragement, and possibility. With God’s help, I can do this! I want to do this. I want to do this for my community.

Too cool for school....so I went to the zoo!!!!!

I did not work today because the middle schools had an early dismissal - not sure why, but I didn't argue. So what's Miss H to do? GO TO THE ZOO, OF COURSE! The day began with morning showers but the sun peaked through the clouds and by noon it was an absolutely gorgeous, cloud-less day...the perfect day to visit the Fort Worth Zoo. Being Wednesday, it's also half-price admission! Sweet deal.

On Saturday, the zoo opened it's $20 million Museum of Living Art (MOLA) and it is AHHH-mazing! This place holds some 5,000 species of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, many of them endangered, and is an architectural masterpiece. Among the scariest, creepiest, and slimmiest animals include a 15-foot-long saltwater alligator, a King cobra snake (that lost it's layer of skin yesterday and it's still in the cage - cool!), and a kimono dragon. Thank goodness for three-inch-thick plexiglass, this place houses some scary creatures!!!!

 

Of course, a trip to the zoo wouldn't be complete without lions and tigers and bears - OHHH MYYYY!

The highlight of my zoo trip occured at the cafe while standing in line to get a drink. Two small boys, I assume brothers, were standing next to their Mom, who was ordering their lunch. While waiting, they took each others hands, bowed their heads, and prayed, "Thank you, Jesus, for our chicken nuggets. Amen." PRECIOUS!!!!!!

The desire to lose weight - vs. - desire to be a couch potato

Today I did something I never thought I would: shop for home exercise equipment. Kevin offered to purchase an elliptical machine for me, if I find a good deal and agree to use it. Sounds like a good idea to me. I find it, he pays for it! There's a slight twist to my adventure today, I also went to Haverty's and looked at couches.

Stephanie M. said it best - it's the best of both worlds: "The couch is the perfect place to crash after a good workout on the elliptical. But the elliptical will be a constant reminder to get off the couch!!!"

The furniture that I purchased two years ago when we moved into our home, excluding Kevin's recliner and the ottoman, are showing extreme wear. Why I thought buying furniture at The Dump would be a good idea I'll never know, why didn't somebody stop my madness?!?!?!

Our couch's cushions are sagging really bad. After further examination, the couch has a poorly constructed frame and there is not a support system for the cushions. No wonder they are sagging! I should have known the deal was too good to be true.

The couch that I originally thought I wanted at Haverty's is very similar to the couch we have now, except it is a recliner couch (the two outer seats recline but the middle seat is stationary). I like the couch and it would match Kevin's recliner perfectly, it's a soft, microfiber material in a saddle brown color. It's a great color for our living room, and goes well with the existing furniture. However, I saw a similar model made of leather and fell in love. I've always preferred leather, but Kevin isn't much of a fan. I think I might have to be a "spoiled brat" on this decision and get what I want. Afterall, I'm the one who sits on the couch - he's got his own chair! I also want leather for the day - hopefully sooner than later - that I get a dog or cat. The cleanup is a breeze and the maintenance is easy. There's also less worry with accidents (i.e., spilling a drink). Hmmmm....

As for the ellipitical machine - if you knew me in high school, then you know that I began an intense strength and conditioning program at a fitness club and lost 75lbs. I was 17 years old. It was great for my golf game and excellent for my health. Fast forward to today, nearly ten years later, and that discipline is long gone.

I've used the elliptical machine before and prefer it to any other cardiovascular activity, including walking, jogging, or running on a treadmill or using a cycle. The elliptical is very low impact and extremely easy to use. The Precor EFX is perhaps the best, but they are mostly commercial machines and many other brands and models are available for household use. I've been looking at several makes and models, but I want to be careful about price, durability, and dependability. The "better" brands offer warranties on the frame and equipment, which is a selling point. I'm cautious about the cheaper models, and the reviews I've read, because I do not want to purchase a machine then several months later it breaks. You get what you pay for, I learned that lesson with the couch and oversized chair! I don't want to repeat that mistake again.

So, thanks to Craigslist, eBay, and Amazon I've researched and reviewed different models within a reasonable price range and now I've settled on four brands that have the highest recommendations: Sole (or Spirit), Smooth Fitness, Eclipse, and Schwinn.

My search for an elliptical machine will continue until I find the "perfect" deal (yeah right!) and before I buy the leather couch I have to sell the one we have now. Thus, our furniture is posted on Craigslist and I'm hoping to get "reasonable" offers this week. I've had lots of interest, but no serious inquiries. Kevin can post something ridiculous and it'll sell within an hour. No joke. He has sold trailers, tractor implements, and tack like an entrepreneur!!!!!

What a great weekend: delicious food, great friends, and a visit from Mom

What's better than Mom spending a week in Texas with us? A Sunday afternoon with delicious food and great friends!

This past week has been wonderful with Mom visiting and yesterday we had a fun-filled Sunday. Mom and I went to church (great service Rev. L) and then home so I could fix a big lunch for everybody.

On the menu: hand-breaded chicken strips, BBQ brisket, green bean casserole, skillet corn, mac-n-cheese, cole slaw, and wheat rolls. My food is tasty, but everything tastes better with Sweet Tea!!! Of course I was so busy feeding my mouth that I forgot to take pictures of the "spread" that I prepared. I also forgot to take pictures of everyone. I did manage to snap a couple of pictures of the table and Cameron's new placemat with Elmo.

Kimberly, my roommate from TAMU-Commerce who now lives in Los Angeles, arrived at the house just in time to eat lunch. She's visiting Texas and graciously stopped at Ropin' H Ranch for the night. We solved all the problems of the world......Kim and I are a force to be reckoned with!!!!

It was awesome having a full house and all the bedrooms full. After we ate lunch, Cameron took his nap and he's so precious when he sleeps. Well, he's precious all the time, but you know what I mean!!!!

Rev. Lara also stopped by for some lunch. She finally got to meet everyone that I talked so much about!.

Overall, it was a great week - but it went by so fast. Kevin drove Mom to Dallas Love Field early this morning for her 9:30 flight to Nashville. Before I left for school, I saw Kim for a few minutes. She left for Paris to stay a couple of days with her family in northeast Texas. I'm hoping her next trip here will include her beau, Berke. I can't wait to meet the special man in her life!

Thank you, Lord, for my family and friends. I'm so blessed.

Peace and love,

Nicole