a thankful heart

This Thanksgiving was so wonderful! The food, the fun, but mostly the family. I've always loved being a part of such a large and loving family. This year, everyone was there except Adam, Alisha, and their kiddos. They sure were missed by everyone! I drove in late Monday night and was joined by my hubs on Wednesday. Scot was sick the whole time, so that kind of stunk, but I never got it, so hoorah for preventive medicine! Now I'm getting back into the groove of things until we jet off to Tulsa for Christmas. Amber's baby is due in a few weeks, so I'm praying she comes a little early so I can be there. I'm also very excited to hear the girl's name. I'm sure it will be a sweet one!

Anyway, here are a few pictures that we took over Thanksgiving. Here's my mom not wanting her picture taken. She ended up laughing at a joke she told. This is SO my mom. Her meal was so delicious this year! My favorite is always the mashed potatoes.



Fresh rolls from the oven...Tessa seems happy!



The kids were so much fun this year! Mary Alice and I made these cute little cupcakes that looked like Thanksgiving dinner. I didn't have my camera at the time, but imagine mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and peas and carrots! My favorite was the mashed potato cupcake. Delish! Maj joined in with the big boys this year and played lots of ball.



Here's the beautiful centerpiece and table settings! I have always loved how my Mom makes everything special during the holidays. Setting out the china and laying beautiful linens....this is a tradition that I want to carry on in our family. I'll take china over paper plates any day!




Oh pies! My favorite! Mom's pies are the best :) I almost ruined all the pies this year because I put the wrong kind of flour in the flour canister. Luckily, they tasted just as good as they always do.




Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ken came down to visit this year which was so great! The kids thought Uncle Ken was especially funny. At first they didn't know when he was joking...but they figured out pretty soon that he was just silly.



Tessa and Dustin went to see "Home for the Holidays" at Bass Hall. I'm sure it was fantastic! Dustin had never been to the symphony, so we got Tessa all dolled up and took a few pics before they left. What do you think of her hair? Aunt Barb and I fixed it.



Last, but not least, brother Ben took a few pics of Scot and me for our holiday card. Any votes for which one we should use?




Hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving filled with lots of things to be thankful for!

pies + family = best time of the year

Hey all! My Mom is resting at home after her surgery and getting ready for chemo. Keep praying for her strength and that she gets plenty of rest. We picked up some very cozy pajamas at Soma for her to romp around in. I've never been in Soma, but after getting those pjs, they're going on my Christmas list! The past few weeks have been a blessing, even with the rough news, because I've gotten to spend so much time with my family. On Halloween, I got to trick-or-treat with all my little nephews and sweet niece--sometimes I call her my nice, cause she's just so nice--in their precious costumes. Mary Alice has been so concerned with her Gran (my Mom). She's such a caring and considerate little woman. Also, my older sister and I have been at my parents' house cleaning up and happily eating the delicious food many very sweet people are bringing to my parents. I love my family! We're getting so big that it's becoming hard to schedule holidays. Christmas is with Scot's family this year, but Thanksgiving will be in grand 'ole Cleburne. I'm so excited that (almost) the whole family gets to spend Thanksgiving together. Even my Aunt Barb and Uncle Ken are joining in on the fun! I just can't wait for this wonderful time to spend with my family.

On another note, I desperately need to clean my own home. It's a MESS! I guess this is what happens when I'm gone for a week ;) What would Scot do without me? Just kidding. But I really do need to clean up around here. I smell something funny. I think the kitchen is calling my name.

Cancer

God,

Today satan is trying to rock my world. I got a call this morning from Dad telling me that Mom had bad results from her colonoscopy and has to have surgery today. Cancer. Such a horrible word. It grounds even the most strong in faith. So as I type, my mom, my dearest and best friend, is having surgery. My Mom has always been one of the most amazing people to me. She seriously is so passionate about so many things. I just pray that right now, she's calm and remembers that we serve You, a good God that is loving and gracious and kind. I also pray that I'm not anxious in my thoughts and that I will continue to look to You for your comfort and calming Spirit.

In the Name of your precious Son I pray this very heartfelt prayer.

our state fair is the best state fair in the whole wide world!

So this weekend was pretty busy, but SO FUN! On Friday afternoon, my Dad and I went to the Kimball Art Museum in Ft.Worth and looked at the impressionist exhibit. I love stuff like that! We had so much fun seeing all the amazing art on loan from Chicago. Afterwards, I met my sister and her family at the botanical gardens and had a fun photo session of all of them before their little bundle arrives. It's a girl, and we're really excited! When the photo session was over, I left to meet Scot so that we could have dinner with the Flemings. By the time I met Scot, I was starving! Yum, Tiff...the baked ziti was wonderful! We all watched Ironman and Thursdays' episode of The Office (our favorite show). We were pretty much pooped when we got home.

The next day, I worked on a few Barefeet things while Scot studied. He's in the big middle of the CPA and is in a constant state of tired. While you're thinking about it, say a quick prayer for him. He's extremely stressed. Everyone needs a study break every now and then, so we went to the fair that night with the Browns. We ate so much! Here's a list of all we ate: two foot long corny dogs, a diet coke, a carmel apple covered in nuts, a turkey leg, fried pineapple covered with whip cream and strawberries, a funnel cake, and cotton candy. Now most of that was consumed by Scot, but I definitely ate a lot more than I ever have at the fair. It was so much fun though! I even got a kiss from the top of the ferris wheel! That was my favorite part.



On Sunday, we had a pretty relaxing afternoon. I just worked on some Bible Hour stuff for later that night and watched the Cowboys get slaughtered. I hope their season isn't over. Who loses to the St.Louis Rams? Anyway, I'm off to fix supper.

Early to rise

Scot has been getting up very early lately. I'm not really an early riser. If you know me at all, you know that I love to sleep. On this particular morning, Scot woke me up at 6:12, after he had been up for an hour, and said, "Can I take you to Starbucks?" What a treat! I was so tired, but going on a fun morning date with my hubs was worth being tired. As we drove up to Starbucks, we stepped out of the car to the noise of thousands of birds. Scot asked me if there were speakers in the tree that were playing bird noises. It was dark, but speakers? You're silly, Scot. I got a passion tea and a pumpkin scone. Yum! So now Scot is at work...sad day. He'll be home for lunch though!



Speaking of lunch, yesterday I made the most delicious vegetable/potato soup! It was very hearty as well as low in fat. Let me share the recipe. Sautee the chopped onions and green peppers together with the butter. Add the flour and stir. Pour in the chicken stock then add in all the other veggies and herbs! Cook until the potatoes are soft - about 30 minutes.

1/4 cup of chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped green peppers
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 box Rachel Ray's chicken stock
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
8 medium red potatoes
pepper to taste
dash of salt
sage to taste

In other news, Scot and I went on a bike ride last night. Usually, I'm a little hard to get out the door for a long ride, but I wanted to spend time with Scot. It was beautiful outside and not too cold and he told me it would only be thirty minutes. An hour later, my hiney was sore and I was pretty tired. Scot decided to go the long way around Arbor Hills and we got home just in time for the debate. That cheered me up a little. I ran and took a super quick shower and we ate supper as we watched. I don't really know what to think about that debate. I wanted so badly for McCain to do as good of a job as Palin did on that last debate. She really ripped into Biden. I think she made him look childish and whiney, which is good. If only Palin could debate with Obama...what a wonderful world. Regardless, I know who I'm voting for, come November. I figure if Obama wins, God will use this awful choice of the American people for good.

Fireproof

The other night, Scot and I went on our "date night." We were trying to decide if we were going to go see a movie or just go grab a bite to eat. I absolutely love going to the movies, so that's what we decided to do. I had been hearing about this Kirk Cameron movie, "Fireproof," for a while and it really interested me. Scot had never even seen the previews, but he said we could go. I think he might have been expecting something a little different. It wasn't quite the action movie he had prepared himself for. Yes, the cinematography was not the best I've ever seen, however, this movie was truly a blessing. Through the whole movie, Scot held my hand and kept saying sweet things to me like, "I love you" and "You're really special." It was just a really great date and a very neat movie. If you have not yet seen it, I highly recommend it! It has such profound truths that really touched us.

My Scot Jackson

Today is my sweet man's birthday. I'm so glad that 24 years ago on this day he was born so that I could be blessed by him. He woke up really early this morning and went to run. He's so committed! As he was getting ready for work, he was singing, "Happy birthday to me..." My Scot is so silly. Him and his cute dimples. I asked him if he'd told anyone at work that today is his birthday, but he said he wasn't going to. I'll just spoil him instead. I've got big plans for today!

Anyway, so now I'm going to list just a few of the hundreds of things I love about Scot:

1. Scot can make me laugh more than anyone in the world. Honestly, I don't really know where his humor comes from, but he's always so silly. He makes every day fun and laughable. He's never a downer and always looks to find the positive in things. That can be really helpful because sometimes I'm a Debbie Downer.

2. Scot takes care of me. I remember the first time I realized what a special guy he was. We had been dating only three months and I became horridly ill. I was so sick that I didn't even care that he saw me with my nasty bed hair and no make up face. It was the most sick I'd ever been. My room mate had called him to pick me up at 6:45 in the morning to take me to the doctor. Missing his own class--which if he had had perfect attendance, he wouldn't have had to take the final--he came and carried me down the stairs with a bowl in my hands. I hurled several times in his car and he gladly cleaned my bowl. After being at the doctor all day, he carried me up to my bed and left me a little note saying: "Medicine is in the kitchen, drinks are in the fridge. -- p.s. you're the kind of girl I want to take care of." That's when I knew that I was in love him.

3. Scot is a leader. He always is willing to lead a prayer or singing--even though he's not the world's best tenor ;) At Harding, we went to a devo where there were tons of able guys. Scot would always tell Tim he would lead singing because nobody else was willing. I love this about him. He doesn't care what people think of him, he just wants to serve.

4. Scot is a hopeless romantic. Read the post about Celine. You'll get the picture. Also, he writes poems for me...and they're really good. He sends me text messages all day that give me butterflies all over again. The other day, he asked if he could wash my hair for me! He makes me melt like butter. I constantly feel like we're still dating, which is a good thing.

5. Scot is very generous. Even when our own budget is tight, he never fails to give to those who are in more need. He also never wants anything for himself. He's way more likely to send a check to someone than get the running shoes that he REALLY needs.

6. Scot tries so hard to be better every day. He's constantly wanting to grow closer in our marriage and closer to God. He hates mediocrity. I love that he's making me a better person too. We're perfect for each other.

7. Scot is extremely driven. To get up and run for an hour before work takes someone with a ton of motivation. I can barely get myself to run for five minutes a week. He's the same way when it comes to completing any task that takes a lot of effort. He motivates me in ways that I could never do myself.

8. Scot can really cook. I will be the first to admit that I'm not the best in the kitchen, but Scot is so sweet about it. He really helps me out in this way. He actually loves to cook! Scot makes a mean loaf of turtle bread and is always serving up fun coffee drinks. I don't know what I would do if all he could make was cereal. I am so blessed by someone so talented!

9. Scot is very hospitable. He's always willing to have anyone and everyone over for some home cooked goodies. He doesn't care if our house looks perfect--which I kind of do--but he just loves for people to come over. I'm really glad he sees the benefit of bringing people into your home. I think that's really how to build relationships.

10. Last but certainly not least, Scot never talks badly about people. He's constantly telling me to shut my pie hole. If ever I'm griping about someone, Scot's the first to say, "That's not very sweet." He keeps my big mouth in check. I'm glad that in my struggles, I have a husband that's constantly helping me to be better. He tries to see the good in everyone.

As you see, I have the most precious, special guy around. He's just a true blessing in my life. I love him so much, and my love for him grows even more with each passing day. On this very special day, I just want to let everyone know how great he really is. I love you, Scot!

Go Boys!

I think I'm in a bit of a slump. I don't know exactly what kind of slump, but I have the feeling I need to start exercising. My job is such that I'm sitting in front of the computer pretty much all day. I find a cozy place on the couch, turn on HGTV, set up my work space, and begin trucking away on editing and making beautiful wedding albums. Last night, Scot and I went on a mini-date and took a thirty minute walk around the apartments. I can't tell you how much better I felt! It's amazing how much a little walk in the evening will do for you. This next weekend, Scot is running a 5k. I think I'm going to participate. Maybe I'll go on a little run this morning. It's SUPER nice outside.

Speaking of cool weather, I'm so excited for the weather to change. I have a cute little black coat that I've been dying to wear. I love bundling up and I love that we'll finally get to use our cozy fireplace. The holiday season is approaching! Start getting your Christmas music out and brewing the cider!

In other news, I think I'm actually becoming a Dallas Cowboys fan. I never would have believed this could ever happen, it's just when the game comes on, I'm hooked! Last night, I even had more enthusiasm than Scot! Part of that was because Scot brought home this coupon that read "The number of points that Cowboys score in a game, is the percentage you will receive off your pizza order on game night and the following day." I'm not really a pizza fan, but the Cowboys scored 41 points! That's a really good deal. Also, Scot said this pizza is really fresh and yummy. He even said there were fresh oregano leaves on the pizza top! Back to being a Cowboys fan, I think the reason I'm so into it is because I just love a good competition. Last night's game was so fun! So here's a little picture of me that Scot snapped last night during the game...

09.11.01

This morning, I'm ironing while watching President Bush talk about the horrible events that happened on this day seven years ago. It's really hard to believe that it's been that long. I remember changing out of my gym clothes inside the ACU girls' locker room my freshmen year of college. At first, I don't think we really knew what was going on. We thought that it was a terrible accident. As we kept watching the TV, it became evident that this was something much greater. There were people praying and crying all over campus. There was a girl in my psychology class that was from New York City and was waiting to hear about her uncle who worked in the twin towers. In chapel that day, we talked about what had happened. The whole service was basically a prayer and an urge for us to pray for our country.



I think that there's a need of prayers for our country at this time.

My very sweet hubby :)

So, I've been a part of the blogging world for a while, but I usually only post a little blurb about the past week's photo shoot and a few of my favorite pictures. I guess my life is semi-interesting, so I guess I have decided to be a blogger.

First things first, I have the sweetest husband ever! Last night, I was pretty tired and not really in that pleasant of a mood. I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed, and Scot comes around behind me and says, "hey, I think you should take a look into the freezer..." I thought that maybe he had gotten some ice cream and wanted to share some with me. Ice cream didn't sound that good. It was late. To humor him, I went into the kitchen and popped open the freezer. What did I find??? CELINE DION TICKETS!! I started crying. I love Celine! I've always told Scot that if I could see one person in concert, it would be her. I guess she just reminds me of a more simple time in my life: high school. I remember falling asleep to the song "I love you," number 9 on the blue and white cd, if you're not familiar. And when Titanic came out? I was there...three times I was there. You might be asking, was this for your birthday? No. Anniversary? No. This was because my husband is such a sweetheart and could tell I was having a rough day. Of course, he tried to play off the sweetness and say that we didn't really do anything for my birthday, so this was a makeup present. What a nice one! I love him, and can't believe I am so blessed!

So here's a preview of what's to come:



I'm so incredibly excited I just can't help myself.

Secondly, I'm a terribly bad person and have never gotten my wisdom teeth removed. I know what you're thinking. Didn't I know that it's much harder to get them taken out later in life? I did. But I just really don't like the idea of surgery in my mouth. I'm kind of a baby when it comes to that whole process. Now they're starting to bother me and I can't help but blame...myself. My mouth has been slightly hard to open and the corner of one of my wisdom teeth is rubbing up against my cheek. Tomorrow I think I might stop by my brother-in-law the dentist and see what he thinks.

On a third note, I've been trying to cook on the cheap, but occasionally, I make something that is pretty disgusting. Scot's usually nice about it. I'm very excited about this broiler technique that I've learned from my friend Tiffany. Cooking moist chicken is now a breeze when all you have to do is marinate for 20 mins and cook for 15! Who knew that the broiler setting on the oven isn't just for cinnamon toast? Maybe I'm showing my lack of knowledge in the kitchen, but I can't lie, I'm not the world's greatest chef. Anyway, if anyone has some good tasting and healthy recipes that are a snap to make, please share!