We've been celebrating Valentine's Day and will continue through tomorrow. It's actually been a lot of fun around here.
Friday night, we had a double date with our friends Katy & Boyd. It's always fun when you're friends with your friend's husband/wife. We all four get along really well and this year, Katy and I thought it'd be fun to let the boys pick the date. This was our third year celebrating Valentine's with them. The Dallas Bicycle Cafe just opened right behind their shop so Boyd thought it'd be fun to do a Friday night ride around White Rock Lake and then eat there afterwards. Reluctantly at first, Katy and I agreed. We kept a watch on the weather. It was COLD on Friday night and the organized ride didn't start until 7:45. We were determined! The four of us got bundled up and actually left a little earlier. It was so much fun and I am surprised that I enjoyed it so. My hiney is still a little sore from the "saddle" but that was my only complaint. We got to talk and enjoy the scenery of a night ride. We saw a coyote, beaver, and raccoon. It was great. We topped the night off at the Bicycle Cafe and just had a great time. Definitely one of the most memorable Valentine dates. And, I love that Levi had fun and he loved that I had fun. Perfect night!!
Tonight, we went out as a family to Carinos (1/2 off family platters on Mondays). We really just enjoyed each other. We told each person something we loved about them. It was a lot of fun.
I just got to play Cupid and lay out the goodies for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, I got each kid a toy on Walmart's clearance rack a few weeks ago. I also hit up Target's dollar spot 50% off sale and we always get an edible treat and balloon from the Dollar Tree. Both sets of grandparents sent goodies and Mimi (great grandmother) also sent a card for the kids. They racked up!! There's even a card for Levi and I in there...woot woot!! I think I spent $10 on each kid. I love a deal.
Levi and I usually don't buy gifts but....we've been wanting a juicer. Levi found a great deal on Amazon and I've been saving up my rewards points on my Scentsy card so we paid $11 for a juicer that is now sold out and selling for lots more than it was selling for last week when we bought it. Woohoo! Again, I love a deal. Our juicer should arrive tomorrow so Happy Valentine's Day to us!
Tomorrow, we will have a nice, quiet (ha), candlelight dinner at home and maybe enjoy a freshly juiced drink for dessert!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Meal Plan for this Week
Here is our Meal Plan for this week (thank you emeals, click banner on side for more info)
Sunday: Red Beans & Rice, Tomatoes & Cucumber Salad
Monday: Sirloin Steak with carmelized onions, cheesy broccoli, steamed potatoes
Tuesday: Island Chicken with tropical salsa & rice pilaf
Wednesday: Honey Garlic Pork chops with peas & strawberries
Thursday: Mac N Cheese Pie with romaine & orange salad
Friday: Greek Tilapia, Lemon Pepper Green Beans, & Spinach Salad
Saturday: Cheesy Vegetable Chowder with Cornbread Muffins
I might change the days around depending on weather. We celebrated Valentine's Day last night (another blog to come). We were given some hockey tickets so we might have an impromptu date night but this is the plan.
And, another blog entry down. (thank you April for your encouragement & inspiration!!)
Sunday: Red Beans & Rice, Tomatoes & Cucumber Salad
Monday: Sirloin Steak with carmelized onions, cheesy broccoli, steamed potatoes
Tuesday: Island Chicken with tropical salsa & rice pilaf
Wednesday: Honey Garlic Pork chops with peas & strawberries
Thursday: Mac N Cheese Pie with romaine & orange salad
Friday: Greek Tilapia, Lemon Pepper Green Beans, & Spinach Salad
Saturday: Cheesy Vegetable Chowder with Cornbread Muffins
I might change the days around depending on weather. We celebrated Valentine's Day last night (another blog to come). We were given some hockey tickets so we might have an impromptu date night but this is the plan.
And, another blog entry down. (thank you April for your encouragement & inspiration!!)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Anxiety vs Hemlines
It's 11pm....I'm usually pretty wiped out by now but for some reason I'm not. I'm listening to our worship music for tomorrow's service. I'm surfing facebook, such a time sucker. I'm thinking. The older I get, the more I am learning about myself but the more I realize I need to work on. I hate that part. I feel like at some point, it should be easy. It's not. As a wife, I struggle to be selfless and loving and I don' always recognize all the positives that are around me. As a mom, I struggle with making little things a big deal and being joyful and savoring every second with my kiddos. As a pastor's wife I struggle with worrying about what others think and wanting everyone to "get it" and to do what they're supposed to in our community to show the love of Jesus. As a friend, I struggle to stay connected to all the people I want to stay connected to. As an individual, I struggle with wearing all the hats that I feel like I "should" wear and staying with it, I struggle with what others think and how I measure up. So all that to say, I'm feeling a little anxious.........
And then I read in John 14: 27, I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left-feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
So, we're to have peace, we're not to be distraught or left feeling abandoned. Now contextually, Jesus is talking to the disciples. He is comforting them in a way. So, I know that right, I get it. I get that we are supposed to relinquish worry, anxiety, fear, etc. It's so much easier to write that and say it but living it out is a challenge. I read that chapter and I'm reminded that the very men who literally lived life with Jesus still questioned and asked "stupid" questions. They lived with him and they still struggled with understanding. I can kind of let myself off of the hook. The truth is that Jesus was a mystery of sorts. It seemed that He always shocked those around Him (His followers and those that were not so much followers). But he was captivating. People who encountered Him knew He was a big deal. When He touched them, they were forever changed even without understanding all there was to know. I love that.
I love the image of the woman who had so much faith that the thought of touching the hem of His robe would heal her. That's crazy faith. I love it.
And I realize that I fall short all too often, as you read above. I want to be a hem grabber. I want to go to the Father with every ounce of my being. I want to live carefree (not in an irresponsible way) but in a worry free way. I want to let God be in control of all the parts of me, wife, mom, pastor's wife role, friend, me...all of me. I love that He wants the same. He pursues me. He wants me to let go and grab His hem. That's such a cool visual to me.
I needed to get all of that out. I've been thinking about this a lot this week. Thanks for reading.
And then I read in John 14: 27, I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left-feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
So, we're to have peace, we're not to be distraught or left feeling abandoned. Now contextually, Jesus is talking to the disciples. He is comforting them in a way. So, I know that right, I get it. I get that we are supposed to relinquish worry, anxiety, fear, etc. It's so much easier to write that and say it but living it out is a challenge. I read that chapter and I'm reminded that the very men who literally lived life with Jesus still questioned and asked "stupid" questions. They lived with him and they still struggled with understanding. I can kind of let myself off of the hook. The truth is that Jesus was a mystery of sorts. It seemed that He always shocked those around Him (His followers and those that were not so much followers). But he was captivating. People who encountered Him knew He was a big deal. When He touched them, they were forever changed even without understanding all there was to know. I love that.
I love the image of the woman who had so much faith that the thought of touching the hem of His robe would heal her. That's crazy faith. I love it.
And I realize that I fall short all too often, as you read above. I want to be a hem grabber. I want to go to the Father with every ounce of my being. I want to live carefree (not in an irresponsible way) but in a worry free way. I want to let God be in control of all the parts of me, wife, mom, pastor's wife role, friend, me...all of me. I love that He wants the same. He pursues me. He wants me to let go and grab His hem. That's such a cool visual to me.
I needed to get all of that out. I've been thinking about this a lot this week. Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Quick Thoughts
So the last week and a half have been crazy and emotional and excruciating and endearing and stressful all at the same time. So, some of our great friends mother died last week very suddenly. This was a first for me on a lot of different levels. Fortunately, I have not had a lot of run ins with death. This was unexpected, it was unexplained, it was unfathomable. It was a first to walk with my friends through this. It was a first as a pastor's wife. As we walked in the hospital the morning that they were taking her off of the respirator, Levi looked at me and said, "Like it or not, today you are the embodiment of Christ in the form of a pastor's wife." That felt very weird to me. I'm not sure I can live up to that...it sounded like a big job. I didn't/don't have words to say. I cried with them and hugged them. I'm not sure I've felt pain that intensely for someone else. I'm not trying to be overly dramatic but it's amazing to me that you can hurt so much for another person. I did. After that event, I've been very reflective and emotions have come out in a variety of ways. There were some positives for me from the last week.
- I want to be a wife, mom, and friend who loves hard. I want to laugh a lot and have lots of joy.
- I want to appreciate the people around me and every second that we have together.
- 4 years ago, when we had no one in Texas, Levi looked at me and said, "Heather, one day we'll have people who love us and people we can leave our kids with." A week ago Sunday when we had friends who took care of our kids so we could be with our friends in Houston, and when we received numerous texts from other friends offering to take care of our dog, kids, and thanking us for making the trip, I knew that moment was now.
- Living life with people is hard because not only do you get to do the fun stuff like parties, girls nights, brisket cookouts, New Year's Eve, Christmas dinners, it also means you walk with them at funerals and when they are grieving so hard it physically hurts.
- My husband is amazing. I am so proud of him. He is wise and he is knowledgeable. He knows the right things to say at the right moment when I turn into a blubbering fool and say all the wrong things. I was so proud of him during the funeral service, it was his first and he did a great job. I fall more in love with him each Sunday as he preachers (that's not weird is it?). I love how God is using him and so thankful he is willing to be used.
- I want to learn to shut up and just smile and nod with people instead of having to be right.
- I love our church and am so glad they are part of our family. I am constantly and consistently amazed at their generosity, their authenticity, and their love. We are blessed for sure.
- I miss my parents and sister more than I can express with words.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Chill
This morning has been very chill for me. I wrote myself a cleaning schedule for the week, loaded & unloaded the dishwasher, started a load of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, took A to school, read my Bible, cleaned & started the roomba, fixed breakfast & two snacks so for for K, took pics of our fridge to post to craiglist, and fixed myself a cup of hot cocoa. Now, I'm sitting and I'm reflecting. As I type all of that, it doesn't sound very chill but one thing that has consistently been missing for me is my Bible time in the morning. I'm hit or miss. I'm really going to try this year to be HIT. It makes such a difference in my outlook and my attitude. Lots of days, I go go go. And most of the time it is necessary going, errands, grocery shopping, meeting people to eat lunch or play with K (maybe those last 2 aren't TOTALLY necessary but they are important). Some days, I'm reminded that I just need to chill. I need to take time to take care of me and my house and not feel so rushed. When I do, I find myself reflecting more...I'm not so good at that these days. I'm sitting here reflecting on my time with family over the holidays and how lucky I am to be the wife of Levi and the mother of A & K. I'm lucky to have the friends that I have. I am truly blessed, not with things but with people and with love. I'm also thankful for forgiveness and mercy and grace. Ashamedly, I admit that I want to harbor and not give mercy and compassion freely to all and that's wrong. I was reminded during my Bible reading this morning that when I am weak, HE is strong and I can rely on His strength not my own. That was good way to start my morning. As moms, I think we put ourselves last and take care of everybody else and do all the running and fixing and taking care of and we go on empty so much of the time...let me say I do at least. I'm trying to reprioritize myself, not to take care of me in a selfish way but to take care of my spirit and soul so my outlook and attitude is more reflective of Christ. That's my prayer today!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Groupon-alicious
So, I love Groupon, Eversave, and all the other "deal" websites. I love them and at times, I get a bit addicted to them:)
Getting my nails done is a TREAT. I am a once every 3 or 4 month mani/pedi girl and I usually go to nail places where there are 10 chairs, nothing swanky, and I'm reminded of Bon Qui Qui skits every time.
So, today April and I enjoyed one of these deals to celebrate my birthday (back in May). It was at the Spa at Willowbend in Plano. There was a wreck on the interstate so we were late. I called and told them we'd be late. The woman who answered the phone told me if we were 10 minutes late it was fine but if we were more than that, our pedi/mani would be shortened. Okay so we go there between 10 and 15 minutes late. We filled out our paperwork and the receptionist who had a very strong European accent informed us that because we were 15 minutes late, we would lose 15 minutes of our services. April and I looked at each other with a confused expression. April asked, "What does that mean exactly?" At this point, I'm thinking, "If 10 minutes was acceptable to be late but 15 minutes meant we lost some time, wouldn't we only lose 5 minutes? " She explained that there was a client right after us and she couldn't make them be 15 minutes late. Okay so I understand and I think we lost a massage. We got the pedi/mani with paraffin which was wonderful. Our nail techs were fine but April and I both felt like we were inconveniencing them a bit. As we sat and let our nails dry, we fully expected clients to fill our spots, no one. We let our nails dry, paid, and left without any other clients filling our spots. And as we were leaving and paying, the same receptionist tried to upsale us another mani/pedi for a great price of $55. No offense, I would not pay $55 for what I got today. Doesn't she know we're Groupon-alicious? We bought the 3 mani/pedis a month ago for $55!!
My review:
PROS:
Getting my nails done is a TREAT. I am a once every 3 or 4 month mani/pedi girl and I usually go to nail places where there are 10 chairs, nothing swanky, and I'm reminded of Bon Qui Qui skits every time.
So, today April and I enjoyed one of these deals to celebrate my birthday (back in May). It was at the Spa at Willowbend in Plano. There was a wreck on the interstate so we were late. I called and told them we'd be late. The woman who answered the phone told me if we were 10 minutes late it was fine but if we were more than that, our pedi/mani would be shortened. Okay so we go there between 10 and 15 minutes late. We filled out our paperwork and the receptionist who had a very strong European accent informed us that because we were 15 minutes late, we would lose 15 minutes of our services. April and I looked at each other with a confused expression. April asked, "What does that mean exactly?" At this point, I'm thinking, "If 10 minutes was acceptable to be late but 15 minutes meant we lost some time, wouldn't we only lose 5 minutes? " She explained that there was a client right after us and she couldn't make them be 15 minutes late. Okay so I understand and I think we lost a massage. We got the pedi/mani with paraffin which was wonderful. Our nail techs were fine but April and I both felt like we were inconveniencing them a bit. As we sat and let our nails dry, we fully expected clients to fill our spots, no one. We let our nails dry, paid, and left without any other clients filling our spots. And as we were leaving and paying, the same receptionist tried to upsale us another mani/pedi for a great price of $55. No offense, I would not pay $55 for what I got today. Doesn't she know we're Groupon-alicious? We bought the 3 mani/pedis a month ago for $55!!
My review:
PROS:
- my nails look great
- the mani/pedi was very good
- I loved the paraffin treatment on my feet and hands. It was great.
- greeting from receptionist wasn't very understanding or forgiving
- didn't feel welcomed or appreciated as a customer
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