Mama Bear

On Friday night, at approximately 10:06pm there was a knock on our door. Who could it be knocking on our door at this hour? David and I knew something must have been horribly wrong. Naturally, Coach went nuts making sure that it was known that Coach was in the house and you better not enter. At times like this, I absolutely love that dog.

David went to answer the door to discover two Arcadia cops and two cop cars in our driveway. What the heck? The cop asked David if we had any dogs. Really? What would make you ask such a question? Anyone in town just heard the warning calls from the dog that is now sitting right behind David. The cop then asked David if that was the only dog we had? David was like why are you asking? The cop told David that we had been accused of stealing a dog.

*****HOLD UP WHAT?!?!?!?******

Oh how I wish I was kidding. David told the cop that we had 4 dogs. Each one we have owned since they were born and have papers on each dog. None of our dogs are stolen, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. David had each dog come out of our room (because they were all asleep - it was 10:06pm at night). The cop was most interested in Coach. Bring it on son. David asked some more questions (typically I thought it was the cop who did the question asking - not in Arcadia - the cops are idiots and I am pretty sure I would serve as a better cop than any one of them!)

The cop told David that someone had called in to the city to report us taking Coach (the dog they thought was theirs) on a leash and putting him in our jeep earlier that morning. Oh, I am sorry did I mention MORNING? And it is now 10PM AT NIGHT! Let's make one thing clear - the Arcadia cops are a joke - and the only thing they do all day is go from gas station to gas station getting different cups of coffee. So if you had a call come in this morning why has it taken you over 8 hours to come and 'investigate'? Just wondering. None the less, we did in fact have Coach out this morning on a leash, putting him in our jeep because we were taking him to the vet for his annual check up.

To make matters worse, the person who called in seeing Coach - is a friend of the owner that is missing their dog. Lovely. I didn't know there was such a protective nature that was in me, until this cop showed up on our doorstep!

Don't worry, the cop came equipped - he had a picture of the 'so called Coach look alike' AKA the missing dog. This is the best part: the dog was a TAN pit bull, with TWO balls, and CROPPED ears.

Clearly, one could see how Coach, who is a white American Bulldog with two separate patches of  brindle with NO balls, could be mistaken for this beloved dog.

I was livid.

A. that means someone was watching our house and B. I felt like someone was going to steal our dogs.

Once the cop realized we weren't idiots and we had a clue, he was like "oh this dog in this picture don't look nutin' like that one rit der" (looking at Coach). Well, DUH.

Both cop cars left.

I HATE Arcadia, and I HATE owners and their friends that are idiots! AHHHHH

Just for the record, please all, get acquainted with our babies. Yes, they are babies and no they are not yours in any way, shape or form. So, kindly please don't mistaken my babies for your mutt. Thank you much.

First: Father Wisdom. Commonly known as Willie. He is our first son. He will be seven this year, and while his breed calls him an American Staffershire Terrier, he is really a cat. He spends his days sleeping and isn't happy unless he is under as many blankets as we will let him have. He is our pride and joy. He is our beloved kitty cat.

 Next, we have Kate Spade. She is the house boss. She too, will be seven this year. She is a toy shih tzu weighing in at 8 pounds. She calls all the shots and will let any one of any size know what she thinks about you. IF she likes you, you are lucky, if not, sucks for you! She is our princess and knows she is special because she gets to watch her boys every night from her perch on our bed.  

Steve Madden, commonly known as Maddie. He will be four years old this year. He is a regular size shih tzu weighing in at just under twenty pounds. He is our special needs child. He is a couple bricks short of a full load. He has always loved my Dad more than either David and I. When we are going to Dallas, Maddie could drive the way - he LOVES his Frumpy!!!

Our youngest baby is by far the largest one. Really he could be a min. horse. This is Coach. Commonly known as Coachers. He is an American Bulldog weighing in at 95 pounds. He will turn three years old this year. He is a bundle of energy and I can't wait for him to get out of his puppy stage. However, Coach is by far the reason when David isn't home, I feel safe. As vicious as Willie looks, he is the world's worst guard dog. Coach on the other hand is a great guard dog. Oh and just in case you were wondering - he is ours and no we didn't steal him - we paid a whole freaking a lot for him!!

Moral of the story - don't mess with Mama Bear, she will do things that she didn't even know were possible if you try and mess with her cubs. This is your fair warning. Thank you for your understanding.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mama Bear

Month End.

Theose two words used to control our life. When I first met David, literally in the first night's conversation, he said to me, "I get the first two weeks of the month, and Countrywide has the last two". We had JUST met. I was googly-eyed over this man, did I really care about what that really meant? No.

Don't worry, I quickly learned - he was not lying. You heard people call Countrywide: a legalized sweat shop - we were in 2005 - is that possible? Yes. Our wedding date is December 2nd - it was planned around month end. Our honeymoon was the first week of January in the new year - it was planned around month end. David wasn't lying to me! I can't tell you how many "date nights" we had at Countrywide or that David's employee's became like family or his boss asking when I wanted to be hired to work there or I knew how to input loans and do submissions better than half the staff..... yep, those were the good ol' days of Countrywide Home Loans. While the money was 'good' Countrywide will forever rest in hell.

Haha. Just kidding, but seriously - isn't it funny that you think something is SO important while you are involved in it and couldn't imagine what your life would be like with out it? Even if it was so unhealthy - in so many ways? Crazy thought, right? Not so much.

What is an even crazier thought is when after all those long hours, years of dedication, working Saturdays, late hours every night of the week and the list could go on and on. When you are handed a box and said "thank you for your service - it's not personal, it's business" after 11 years of service, it seems unfair, unreal, unjust. Somehow none of what you thought was important or a priority, is anymore. Is there a world out there that we can live in that doesn't include Countrywide Home Loans/Bank of America? Much to our surprise, there is!

Totally ironic that now neither of us could imagine David still being employed at BOA! God really does sometimes go to drastic measures to help us. While we thought our life was over, (seems dramatic, but some days very real), God was smiling down on us, watching, and saying your life is just now beginning. It still amazes me to think about all the distractions that we allow ourselves to get involved with and then once those blinders at lifted - it is like WOW there is a whole, big, bright world out there! We have come to very much love this world and our life - without the company of Countrywide or BOA. :)

Month End.

Time heals all wounds, well sort of. Now those words are ones filled with delight and a sense of achievement. We get to look back over our goals for the month and see all the ones that we were able to accomplish! Instead of being beat down, we are continually encouraged. I love the freedom of not being controlled by a place of employment. That sounds like a very 'duh' statement, but you would be shocked at how many people still are very controlled by their work. David and I have incredible hopes and dreams of working in corporate in the future but we have learned some new words: boundaries, balance, priorities.

There will be so many things different when David graduates and goes back into the work place. He will have to work hard and probably pay some dues, but he will never be controlled by anyone or thing again - except God. Every month we are one step closer to being debt free, one step closer to graduation day, one step closer to accomplishing another set of goals we made for ourselves. Who doesn't want to be a part of that month end?! It is incredible to me that God really can do a work in your life and mold you to be a better person, wife, friend, sister, daughter and so many more. We are constantly reminded how wonderful our life is and how thankful we are for second chances.

Month End is now a time of celebrating successes. We will forever keep this concept of that small little phrase.

Humbled by a Tooth

Have you ever taken anything for granted? This morning, David had part 1 of a much needed root canal. While employed through Countrywide Home Loans he had incredible (we know that now) insurance - medical, dental and vision. We were both covered and you guessed it, usual check ups - especially David and especially for the routine dentist appointments, he always had something more important to do at work that he just couldn't get away.

Since moving to Louisiana we have both had medical insurance - praise God for that, but not any dental, or vision. Luckily for low maintenance, routine eye appointments that occur once a year, the local Walmart is good enough to check our eyes for glasses and contacts. We budget for that expense and can 'afford' to pay out of pocket.

Dental and everything about it, is a whole different animal. It is no secret that most individuals working in non profit are not in this career field to become millionaires. With that said, since the Mission doesn't offer any dental insurance for me, one of the 'perks' is that in the event you have a toothache you can be seen by one of the volunteer dentist that come in to the Mission's clinic on dental clinic day. Thankfully, we have not had to use this 'perk'... until today.

David had been complaining about a tooth in the back of his mouth for a while, he came into the clinic at the Mission and it was decided he needed a full blown root canal. Many dentists that come into the Mission's clinic will just pull teeth, put crowns on, things of that nature. Anyway, the nurse who coordinates all the dentist coming into the Mission, said don't worry - he will get the root canal done. I took her at her word, and went back to my office.

She scheduled through one of the dentist that come to the Mission to have us go to his office and get the work done there. We went this morning. While we were incredibly grateful for the dentist to allow for us to come and have him work on David - it was so unbelievably humbling. You want to appear grateful, because we both were, but both of us couldn't help thinking there is someone worse off than us, or about all those times David had to stay at work for whatever file to go through and now he hardly even talks to anyone that he spent all those dreadful hours with. It is just one of those experiences that makes you so thankful that people do still exist that have caring and giving hearts. While on the other hand, makes you so frustrated you didn't take advantage of the things you had, when you did in fact have them!

Aren't life lessons crazy like that? Believe me, David has already written thank you notes to everyone involved in the process, as well as personally thank them. However, eating a piece of humble pie is never easy.

Having said all of that, David's got a 'special mouth'. Really? Did you think anything less? He was in such excruciating pain because as the dentist was numbing his mouth, his tongue and check went numb but his tooth was still sensitive. How is this possible? Because you have two major nerves in your mouth, one to the right and the other on the left. If you numb it and your tongue/check are numb then naturally the middle (your teeth) should be too... right? Nope, not David's mouth. He apparently has secondary auxiliary nerves that come down from where his ear/jaw meets. WHAT? Ya, so the dentist had to numb literally his entire left side of the face. I can't even imagine how much pain he has truly been in. The dentist was amazed that he hadn't pulled out his tooth by himself! David said, that last night he was sure tempted! Anyway, the dentist got everything cleaned out and it is now medicated with a temporary cap on his tooth. David will go back in to see him in March to finish off the job. Poor thing. You know that has to be the worst feeling in the whole world.

Lesson learned: when you have good insurance - no matter what - USE IT! Make time for those annual check ups, or whatever.

We were just extremely blessed to have God's hand over us to help get David's tooth better!

Day 59

If you are American, I am sure you are no stranger to all the different 'reality shows' that are about morbidly obese people losing weight and making life changes.... Some such shows include Biggest Loser, Heavy, and I Used to Be Fat. I have varying opinions about these shows. I am all for lifestyle changes and healthy habits, but I am not so much a fan of watching disgust, laziness, contentedness, status que, acceptance of pity, or the inability to express oneself through nothing but food. I don't know if it is because of my background and my own personal struggles with food, but I feel as though it is a cop out for most people to be SO overweight.

With that said, this past weekend, David was studying for finals and I had completed all my 'to do list' for the day as well as my homework. (Yes, leave me alone, I am THAT person and slightly OCD). I was flipping channels and the show on MTV (which I hardly ever watch) was on I Used to Be Fat. If you haven't ever watched the show it is about high school graduates that have spent their high school days obese and commit the summer to making life changes, so that when they enter college in the fall they can say "I Used to Be Fat!"

My whole life seems as though I was harder on myself than necessary when it came to my looks. Since last November, I have lost about 25 pounds. I have set fitness goals for myself this year that I know will help me continue to my ultimate weight loss goal.



Watching this show, I felt as though I could relate completely. These kids weren't 500 pounds overweight, maybe 60 or so. One of the things they do at the very beginning of every show is put up a calendar that they look at every day. Each day they rip down the number and do it again and again until they are on the last day. They have 110 days to complete the fitness/weight loss goal they set for themselves. With the help of family and a trainer, this is made possible. Naturally, the person seeking change is the one who really has to do the work and if they do, they are almost always successful.



If I am really going to make my goals happen I decided I needed to pick my efforts up a notch. With the weather being so gross outside, I have pretty much just stuck to a modest portioned eating plan and really no physical activity. Last year, I was really getting into running and then ended up with horribly painful shin splints. After taking the time requested off, I have been anxiously ready to get back on the track. To motivate myself I would count down my days to a goal. While 110 days might be perfect for this reality show, I felt like that was a little too long for me and that I might loose interest. I decided maybe 60 days would be a better fit. I found a calendar and counted out 60 days. It landed right before Easter! I just smiled, it was though God was just sitting on the couch next to me - cheering me on - saying, "Hey! You are getting it! You will be successful! You really are understanding what I am trying to teach you!" (David and I have a lot of random things happening that by Easter they will be off our plate!) With that silent encouragement, I found a dry erase board and put it on the fridge. Monday, February 21: day 60.

Today, is day 59.

In the next 59 days I will complete three of the five 5K runs that I have set out for myself to do as well as get to my next goal weight. I am moving forward - slowly but surely. I realize that the very thing that I can't stand watching those 'reality stars' on TV do, is exactly what I was doing. No more self pity for me. Healthy life and eating habits are what I desire. I have the book smarts, now I just have to continue to apply it every day, now and forever and ever. When you look good, you feel better about yourself and when you feel better about yourself you have confidence that just beams from your core.



Moderation and balance are two of the key elements that I am striving to make sure become long term vocabulary.

Cheers. :)

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

**This is compliments from an email I received from LSU-Shreveport. Just thought I would pass it along. Too often people over look eating disorders....

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 20 – 26, 2011

Many of us know someone who is constantly dieting. Unfortunately, there are many cases which go beyond dieting, when the concerns become an obsession, with constant worry, restrictive barriers about eating, and compulsive behaviors. These patterns describe an eating disorder, a life threatening illness that affects many college age adults.

It is not dieting and it is not about the food. Eating disorders are a complex collection of emotions, attitudes, and behaviors related to a person’s self-perception and feelings of acceptance. Primarily women are affected; however, it is an illness that is increasingly impacting men and children of all races and in all cultures. According to recent estimates from the National Institute for Mental Health, up to 11 million females and 1 million males suffer from various eating disorders. Many more individuals will develop less severe, but still significantly unhealthy attitudes and behaviors toward food.

If these patterns describe someone you know, please take the time to educate yourself and reach out to them. There is help and recovery is possible. Here are some resources that may be helpful:

o National Eating Disorders Association (http://www.nationaleatingidsorders.org/)

o National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (http://www.anad.org/)

Rolling with the Punches

In the past couple of weeks, the weather has been OUT OF CONTROL. I had NO idea how much I do no like 'winter' weather and much of a tropical person I am! Once David and I get debt free, I really, really, really, want to go to Costa Rica! It is like Hawaii but less expensive. :) Volcanoes and beaches all on one island - how amazingly romantic! I am all in. When we go, this is what I want our view from the room to look like. No pressure Costa Rica!

Did I mention I can't stand cold weather? Well, I can't. Of course David has absolutely LOVED the cooler weather, as he doesn't get along with 10 months of summer sauna weather like I do. What can I say opposites attract? To make myself warm up, I stumbled upon an amazing deal of orange and pink flip flops! They were on sale for $3 and I just HAD to have them. I just so happened to have exactly $3 in change in my purse, so I totally got them. (And yes you just read that correctly, I paid with change). :) I instantly, warmed right up. BRING ON SUMMER. (OK, really like mid 80's and holding would be just fine). While the flip flops aren't exactly like this, they are very similar. Maybe they will help warm you up too if you are still facing dreadfully cold winter weather!

Naturally, while all the winter weather was coming through North Louisiana and we were both home and could do chores around the house, our washer went out. We had a technician come out and replace the pump - thank God for warranties! No charge. We have a very nice washer and it is our intent to keep it for several more years. Arcadia, doesn't have very good filtered water, and so that was the majority of the problem. We now have our washer back and working. Yes, I sure did experience what it was like to wash clothes/towels in the bath tub.... no, I don't have any pictures, but rest assured I am DEFINITELY more appreciative of my washer! :)

We also got a virus on our main PC at the house, and got it to the computer doctor. We now have (knock on wood, and by the grace of God) everything up and working with more memory and updated software for David and I to finish our courses needed for school and not have to drive or go someplace else to complete the assignments! Praise God!

We are slowly but surely, taking one punch at a time and are determined to win this fight! lol.

This is totally random, but I just would like to give a 'shout out' to SUCH a wonderful movie! David and I had dinner the other night with Aunt Char, which doesn't happen very often and we got the movie Secretariat to watch. It was absolutely, incredible. Amazing acting, and such a wonderful story. It was the perfect 'feel good' movie.

***Last thing***

One of the things that I have continued to struggle with is patience; having any for myself, others, life, etc. I come by it naturally :) and I know from watching people in my family that are older than myself, with time and prayer I will eventually learn how to calm down (essentially).

With that being said, I have been in constant prayer (or so it seems) about this sense of myself being impatient and unsettled. We have so many blessings upon us living here in North Louisiana, but for whatever reason I couldn't keep focused on those countless items, instead I was constantly being distracted by the few things that drive me nuts, or worse the daydreaming problem of 'the grass is always greener on the other side'.

This Winter Quarter for David - has flown by, for me it seems to have drug on with no promise to ever end! Dramatic I know, but this is truly how I have felt. Anyway, David was taking a test a couple of weeks ago and was really stressing. I was trying to be supportive, but I have no clue about Business/Accounting courses for college as I didn't ever take one during my undergrad! So really other than encouraging words and being quiet so he can study, that is really all that I could offer.

David was being advised a couple of days later after this big test and wanted to go over what courses he should take this spring. Naturally, I am all about planning and seeing what and how the 'future' will play out. So I was all game. We planned to make a date night out of it and figure his schedule out over sushi. Everything is better with sushi!

That day before our date night, while I was at work, something happened. All of a sudden it hit me, that while I wasn't vocally expressing 'hurry up', 'finish faster', etc. it was though God just made me realize that I was putting un-do stress and pressure on him because of MY own impatient issues and not being able to be content. After discovering this, I happen to come across this prayer:

I have heard this prayer a thousand times, but not until that day did I really understand and realize what it meant. I instantly had a calming peace come over me. It was as though God came down and hugged me. I was going to be OK, we were going to be able to live here and survive, be successful and could be 'content', while being able to enjoy ourselves living in North Louisiana.

That night at dinner, I told David what had happened. He just smiled and while not voicing the truth of me pressuring him, without saying it - I could tell he was relieved and grateful.

Don't we do that all too often to loved ones? Or is it just me? That we can be so consumed and wrapped up in our own thoughts, desires, etc that we unintentionally put pressure on our spouse. Maybe I am the only one. When all of this came to light, I apologized profusely.

David is taking 9 hours this quarter. He will be in class Tuesdays and Thursdays only and he is SO excited! We are both very much learning together. He wouldn't let me take as much of the blame as I wanted too, but I can honestly say, God touched my heart. Because of that, I have found myself having a lot more patience with people and life. I am continuing to embrace who I am called to be in Christ and moving forward. I don't have a deadline on us to move, but to enjoy. This season will be over soon enough, there is no sense in rushing it.

Everyday we learn something new and different about each other and something we like while others we don't. We aren't trying to change one another, but simply be able to lift each other up through Christ. While we may not understand things at the time, we have to believe and trust that we are part of so much more than our little box. God is over the universe, how dare we box Him in!!!

Love on A Shoe String Budget

Valentine's Day

February 14, 2011

After discussing that this year we wouldn't do anything expensive or elaborate to celebrate Valentine's Day, I came home to this note on the door.

David was still at work when I got home, so I went and finished my audio tape in the car. Once he got off work, he greeted me at my car door and escorted me into the house. He said he wanted me to feel as though I was a queen and we were fixing to eat a 5 star restaurant. :)

Lucky for me, I knew not only the Valet Boy, but turns out the chef was pretty hott too!!

He was working hard making a delicate dish called: spaghetti. He was so proud to use a spoon my Mom gave us while she was on one of her trips (I think to Canada) that has a slit in the handle to fit on the pot!

While I waited for the main course to be perfected, he gave me some reading material to pass the time..... it was a wonderful Valentine's Day card!

Apparently I have got one amazing man! (DUH) He got me potted tulips, which I love because then you can plant the bulbs outside once they finish blooming inside! He also wanted to make the evening romantic, and found a single candle. He couldn't find any candle sticks but compromised with a mason jar and filled it with dirt. I honestly, couldn't ask for anything more incredible. :)

He went all out with improvising a real table cloth with some pink sheets I had just washed. Our 'every day' dishes are Fiesta and so he collected all the red plates, bowls, etc to make the perfect color combo table display.

He worked hard at making our dear friend Josh's famous spaghetti sauce (homemade!) and a side salad, complete with Ranch dressing and Texas toast. It was a wonderful meal and time.

Just when I thought dinner was over, he pulled out dessert. He wanted to make my Dad's famous cheesecake, but ran out of time. So, he decided (which I completely agreed) that the choice of Cookies 'N Cream or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough would be just as good.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my Valentine's Day evening. After dinner, David had checked out from the Library World War II Love Songs CD and we danced in the living room. He is such a romantic!

We spent a total of $37 for the entire day and both of agreed it was the best evening ever: in and together. It was exactly what the doctor ordered!

Cliché

When I saw this picture, I instantly felt giddy and smiled. I can't imagine what it would be like to have your man away fighting a war, to return home and then to see him for the first time! OMG. How romantic.

Except, I feel this way every day when I get home. When I know he is almost home and sends a quick text to tell me he is "exiting", my heart beats a little faster. How is that possible? I honestly, have no idea. Let me point out,WE ARE HUMAN, however, I can't explain the love I have for this man, this imperfect human, that I get to claim as my very own husband. It absolutely floors me. I can't describe it, and I don't understand it, but I wouldn't trade my feelings for David for anything in this world.

David is my.......
laughing partner
voice of reason
best friend
lover
partner in crime
rock
security
better half
stability
safety net
support
future
soul mate

Top 10 things I love most about David:

10.Incredible sense of humor :)

9. Hard working

8. Trustworthy

7. Loving

6. Sincere, respectful

5. Heart of Gold - gentle, caring, kind hearted

4. Honesty, integrity, dignity

3. SMART!

2. Devoted

1. Man of God

So many people said when we got married, we were "in love" because it was the 'honeymoon phase' and it would fade....instead, the flame started growing.....

Then after we started to experience 'life' and overcame obstacles, people said it would fade....instead, we united IN love....

Now that we are going on 5 years of marriage, people say it will fade...instead, we have become professional Pyro's!

I am here to let all of you "faders" know I love my man, and my love continues to grow in new ways for him everyday. I love him more today than I did when we first met, and I will love him more on our 60th wedding anniversary than I do today. I have no plans of letting my love fade. Don't hate. Love is an incredible journey to be a part of and totally worth the wild ride!

Love,
Anna & David

A little face lift...

A couple of weeks ago, I had to report to jury duty. When I got home, I decided to make myself useful. It was the beginning of the year, I was feeling inspired to get my life in 'order' and clean - really organize our house. I HATE clutter and having stuff just stacked around with no purpose. When we moved into the place we live now, we downsized significantly. What we thought we really 'needed' to take all of this stuff with us - a year and a half later, realized half of it - we haven't even touched. Nonetheless, I decided it was time to go through some of these items. We donated a couple of large trash bags full of stuff, re-organized the only 2 closets we have, and then the rest was sent back to Dallas. We have a storage unit there that is hardly full. I couldn't help but think, we pay for this unit each month and why are we storing this 'stuff' here at our house when we don't have to stare at it in the storage unit! HELLO!!! Anyway, now that my 'spring cleaning' is done (in the dead of winter) I already feel better. I think reorganizing your closet is the best way to start out the new year. :)

So, when we were putting the things I had designated to go back to the storage unit, I stumbled upon the perfect weekend project....

I have been searching for some new 'office chairs'. The chairs I have right now are over sized recliner type chairs, that really are 'too comfortable' for my office... so, I have been casually searching for some new chairs. :)

Anyway, in our storage unit, I found two dining room chairs that I had - never really used the chairs for anything, but always had intentions of possibly recovering the chairs and then using them.

I decided these chairs would be perfect for my office! All I had to do was just recover the cushions. :)

Mom helped me pick out the perfect fabric. We went row by row, looking through all the different kinds of fabric. I had no idea how expensive some of these fabrics were! Mom made sure I picked something out that was professional - but I had to make sure it was cute, cheery and had to look like me!

This is material I picked:

It was on sale for $5 a yard! How awesome is that!?!

I had never recovered cushions before, but Mom said that it really wasn't that hard!

So...... this is the finished product of my new office chairs:


bottom cushion:


top cushion:


I had some extra fabric left over, and thought it would be cute to put the fabric over the the bulletin board and give some accent color to my office.

This is how it turned out:

Nothing too fancy....I have a couple more pieces of leftover fabric that I plan on making two smaller bulletin boards to put with the large one.

I can't wait to have these things in my office! I love the fact that I can personalize my office, but keep it professional. :) Growing up does have it perks.... well sort of. Bahahaah.

Word.

I have discovered audio books. For a couple of months I have been complaining to David that the worst part of my job is the commute. I travel 45 minutes one way. Some days, actually most days, that is just too long. Anyway, over the holidays and all the traveling on the road we did, David checked out a couple of audio books to help pass the time. I was instantly hooked. I am already on my 3rd audio book.

I am currently reading through all of the Debbie Macomber audio books that the Bienville Parish Library has in stock. At present, I am listening to Thursdays at Eight. It is a very cute novel about 4 very different ladies that find a real friendship and provide support to one another as they each venture through their individual life challenges they are facing. I wouldn't call these books 'inspirational' but you do get attached to the characters and their trials and triumphs they experience. (Am I the only one that does this?) Anyway, the book starts out giving a brief bio on each lady and all are trying to come up with one word that is going to be like their motto for the year. Naturally, we are in January, so I play along. That was in chapter 1 and I am now on chapter 23. I have finally come up with my own word.

With everything that is set before us in the year of 2011, I think I have had a million word(s) go through my mind as to what MY word is going to be. David and I have lots of goals, accomplishments, successes, plans that we are anticipating this year.... trust, all have been words that I have considered. It wasn't until this morning on my way to work that I finally agreed with myself on what my word is going to be.

Focus.

I am officially on my 3rd day of graduate school at LSUS and so far, everything is going well. I am thrilled to be back in school. The most amazing thing about the different courses I am taking, are all the people that are enrolled in these courses. Because this degree is offered 100% online, we have students in our classes that are from NYC, Colorado, Alabama, New Orleans, and of course Shreveport. It is as though, God just knew I needed a little perspective of the world from other geographical locations, and in each one of my classes - that is exactly what I have! I am especially interested in those living in or are from New Orleans. Why? Because that is one of my top law school choices there. I have been encouraged in a way I didn't even know I needed. I love school. I love more than anything, I really feel like I have found my purpose. I understand that life is full of seasons and the season we are in right now, allows for me to study in Shreveport, online at LSUS and obtain my Masters. How cool. I am giddy as to what I am going to learn and the contacts I am going to make this next year as I complete this goal. I am equally excited to know that I am making slow and steady progress towards the next season. One day at a time, one step at a time.

Focus.

I found this quote from Ms Dolly Patron yesterday, and felt as though it was completely applicable in my life right now.

When I'm inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I'll come up with next. ~ Dolly Parton

One thing I did the last 4 months or so of 2010, was write out what we could look forward to happening in the months to come. So a list might include anything from starting/finishing a quarter for David, going to visit someone or family, taking a trip somewhere, a multitude of different financial goals, personal fitness or weight loss goals, etc. I tried to make sure the list wasn't harping on one thing specifically so I wouldn't become obsessed with that. Anyway, we had the list up on our bedroom mirror and as we 'accomplished' something, we checked it off. OMG! It was so rewarding to be able to check off each thing we set out at the beginning of a month to do and then to be able to do it. :) Yes, again, I am sure I am headed towards the loony bin.

Realizing how helpful this was, I made a tentative set of goals or things we know and/or are planning to do this year and separated them by month, (so we wouldn't get SO overwhelmed by everything). We have already checked off everything but 2 things we wanted to do/achieve in January! I am planning to start a Couch to 5K program, but am waiting for it to STOP raining before I begin. LOL. The last thing on our January list is to spend the last weekend of the month in Dallas. Naturally, we are just waiting for the last weekend of the month to arrive before we can mark that off our list! David rolls his eyes by my OCD-ness, but he really does appreciate it. I know this because when there is something on the list that he has done he makes sure I know that he has marked it off. ;)

Focus.

I am no super human, and I still at times feel overwhelmed by everything that we have going on, but one thing I have realized in this season is that everything has to be kept in perspective. We have a million things we want to accomplish and do but broken down by 12 months, we are able to just focus on 4 weeks at a time. Broken down even further we focus on each day. Everyday we wake up, that is a day to be thankful for, it is a day that we weren't promised. You can do anything for a short amount of time. Sooner than David and I would like to think, this season of our life, will end. Where I can't wait, it will be a milestone for us, together. Perserverance is hard, but we are building character. One day at a time, we move forward. Period.

Focus.

Finding my Inner 'Suzy Homemaker'

I have fallen in love with making my own bread. Yesterday, David and I awoke to the sound of ice beating against our window. Pretty soon after, we got a text/email that church was cancelled and per the news media, it was advised to NOT get on the roads, naturally everything was closed anyway so that wouldn't be a problem.

What do you do when you have an unexpected day to do nothing? If you are in my house, you cook, bake, and clean. :) Luckily I got a head start on the cleaning Saturday afternoon, so I was ready to get my hands dirty in the kitchen! David loves helping me too, so that makes cooking all the more fun.

Back in November, my Mom and I took a girls weekend to New Orleans, and on our way home we stopped by a farmers market and found these amazing pottery dishes that you use to make small loaves of homemade bread. The dishes came with 6 different bread recipes. The first and easiest one is the Super White Bread. Anyway, Mom and I fell in love with these pots and had to get them! Naturally, I had to wait until Christmas to open mine. I couldn't wait. In the past year and a half, I have been a pretty lousy 'suzy homemaker' due to the craziness of our life. So, I felt that with this small bread dish I could begin to slowly but surely change that. :) I am definitely NOT a 'suzy homemaker' by any stretch, but I do like having more than microwave dinners, 3 times a day. :)

Yesterday was the perfect day to try our bread dish out. The bread turned out PERFECT! It was super easy to make, and made the house smell wonderful! This year will be just as busy, however, homemade bread will at least make our house smell good, as I am reminded of how wonderful the product of our labor tastes!

This is the gorgeous picture of our 1st loaf of homemade bread. As far as I am concerned, I think it was by far the best Christmas present ever! I can't wait to try the other 5 recipes. I think I have reconnected with my inner 'suzy homemaker' and I am totally OK with that.

Welcome, 2011

David and I are thrilled to start yet another year together. It seems as though every day we grow closer and closer together and our goals become more and more aligned. I love that man more than I have ever dreamed possible. Together we are unstoppable. It is amazing when you seek Christ separately, He unites you as one. I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone else, but it sure does me. We have reached a level in our relationship that quite frankly, I had no idea existed. It is incredible!
As much as I have found out that I am NOT a country girl, and that I NEED the city, I have come to recognize this incredible season of life we are in right now. God has totally done in a work in us. Our whole life, attitude, perspective, everything has changed... and for the better I might add! Don't get me wrong, we both still enjoy being spoiled and having nice things, but it seems that we have put boundaries on where that line is. A need versus a want are two totally different animals, and sometimes I think, especially pre-moving to the country, those two different animals were made out as one.
This year brings excitement to both of us. David is still busy and working hard at school, studying like a crazy man and making grades to kill for. I, too, will be working hard and studying this year. Starting January 18, 2011 I will begin my Masters in Non Profit Management. I simply can not wait to begin school! I feel like this is truly something God has put in my heart to do and because of it, I am just giddy to begin. Since I have previous graduate work, I will be able to complete my Masters from LSU-Shreveport, by December of this year! I think one of the biggest things I already feel such a huge accomplishment over is the fact that we saved, and are paying for it in cash, plus books! I feel like because of this achievement I have already won the prize.
Just a mere 12 months ago, David and I were not in horrible financial shape by any stretch, but there was definitely room for improvement. We enrolled in the course by Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace University. We feel in love. The program just clicked for us, together. We saw black and white what areas we needed to improve and made a road map of steps to take in order to achieve that. One of the steps - paying for my Masters in cash. Every day is a new day and every day together we have to commit to each other that we are going to continue to walk the road towards financial peace. We have come SO far. This year we will continue to make huge strides as well. Life happens and we are definitely not omitted from that, but together we are working through those 'life moments' and moving forward.
This year, David and I are also seeking healthier lifestyles. I start running last year, and had to stop for an extended amount of time due to shin splints, but after several months off the legs, I am ready to get back at it. My goal for this year is to run 5 5Ks. Last year, I did 2. By no means am I the first one to cross the finish line, but rest assured, I cross it. :) David and I also have several little "mini" trips planned. We will be attending a couple of weddings this summer, one being in Baton Rouge and hope to break away and spend a day or two in New Orleans. Also, we will be going to a couple of family reunions. Lastly, we are going to spend a weekend away with another couple towards the end of summer, to kick of the fall. Other than that, we will be working or having our nose in the books! I know 2011 is going to fly by, but I can't wait. David and I both are loving this place we are called right now in life. We are anxious to what the future holds, but know good things come to those who wait. :P Unfortunately, patience is still not one of my strong points. LOL.
We are so blessed to be loved and supported by so many. Hope each one of you had a wonderful New Year's and have bright, healthy and prosperous 2011's!!! Happy New Year!

Cheers for the Holidays!

Just like I seem to start all my blogs, where does the time go?!!?
The past eight to ten weeks has just flown by. In the non profit world, the last quarter of the year, is typically the busiest. It is when most people give their last tax deductible donation or want to get their time and volunteer. Rest assured, the Mission is no exception! We hit the ground running in November and hardly have had time to look up since, even though we are almost half way through January!
I had to work Thanksgiving Day, so David went with me to the Mission to help get the volunteers squared away and make sure the serving of nearly 1500 people went off without a hitch. Afterwards, we drove from Shreveport to Rayville, which is about 20 minutes on the east of Monroe. My Great Aunt Lennis turned 90 the day before Thanksgiving. All of the family came in Thanksgiving Day and had a birthday party for her. It was a great time and we couldn't have asked for a better way to spend Thanksgiving Day. Below is a picture of myself, Aunt Lennis and David.


A couple of days later, on December 2, 2010 David and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary! We actually went to David's work Christmas party that evening and had a great time. :) David had a gorgeous display of flowers delivered to me at work. To celebrate, we went and enjoyed an evening together eating sushi and Christmas shopping. Overall it was a low key anniversary, but it was perfect. I couldn't imagine celebrating any other way! I can't believe it has already been 4 years since we said, "I Do". It seems just yesterday I was planning our wedding! Crazy. This is a picture from our evening out.



In the middle of December, one thing I wanted to do last year and we never got the opportunity to, was go and see the Christmas lights in Natchitoches, Louisiana. We decided to not only go this year, but to make a Saturday of it. Aunt Char joined us. We started the day stopping for lunch in Shreveport, and taking Aunt Char to one of our favorite places to eat, Newk's. From there we headed down to Natchitoches. Even though we got there several hours before we could even see the Christmas lights, we had plenty of time to kill shopping!:) All three of us, absolutely loved walking through the different shops. David and I did some much needed Christmas shopping and really enjoyed the window displays too! For dinner we had to stop by this amazing 'home cooking' cajun food restaurant. It is to die for! Below is a picture of myself, Aunt Char and David at dinner. It was a wonderful day, and once the Christmas lights were on, they were amazing, complete with fake snow. :) I definitely think spending a day down in Natchitoches to shop and see the Christmas lights will become an annual thing!




Before we knew it, we were heading home to Dallas for Christmas! We didn't have much time in Dallas and yet had a jammed packed schedule to try to squeeze everyone in. One of the highlights of the trip was getting to spend the evening with some old friends I grew up with from church. I love that even though we don't get to see everyone all the time, when we do get together, it is as though we have never missed a beat! I treasure each one of these people so much. Each one of us is so completely different, and yet we all have something to offer. It is incredible to see how amazing everyone has turned out and to get to touch base and see where they hope to go in the future. I love each one of you so much. :)



Probably my most favorite evening of the entire year, is Christmas Eve. I absolutely LOVE the Christmas Eve Candle lit service. I don't know what it is about everyone singing as an entire church Peace, Peace, Peace and Silent Night and holding up candles in the darkness, but to me there is nothing more special. I know Christ, and I know Christ is in that place at that very moment. :) This was David and I before heading to the service.


After getting back from Dallas and spending a wonderful Christmas with lots of family and friends, we were headed to Indiana to see my grandparents. They aren't getting any younger, and well at this point, we are trying to spend as much time with them as possible. I absolutely love my grandparents and only wish we lived closer. We started our 12 hour drive after work on Wednesday and stayed the night in Stuggart, Arkansas. We have never driven to Ramsey directly from Arcadia, so I googled directions. Naturally, Google had us traveling back roads all the way through Arkansas. Just a word to the wise, Arkansas sucks at having road signs! We were taking the one way roads slow, knowing that deer being out and on the roads was a huge possibility. Never the less, we hit a deer! We weren't hurt, and thank God our jeep wasn't either, but I am almost positive the deer didn't get such a great outcome. :( Anyway, we had a good night sleep at our hotel and drove the majority of the next day. Once we arrived, we really enjoyed ourselves! We ran errands, cooked, laughed, told stories and cooked some more. I made three different chicken dishes that Gramps and Granny could freeze and have whenever they felt like it. I also made several dozen chocolate chip cookies (Gramps's favorite!) and made some Magic Bar candy. The Magic Bar has become a new favorite holiday candy treat for me to make, simply because it is so easy! It is just a layered cookie, pop it in the oven and let cool. Done! :) Ironically, I don't care for the candy, because it is too sweet, but everyone else who has tasted it, LOVES it! :) Below are pictures of myself with Granny and the other with Gramps. I dearly love them and we had a wonderful visit. We can't wait to go back in July for the family reunion. Love y'all!




Finally, that brings me to HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! David and I spent New Year's Eve celebrating at one of my second cousin's house in Corydon, Indiana. It was a great time of laughter and fellowship. We even got to learn some of the family secrets and some 'dirt' on my dad, when he was growing up! :) I couldn't think of a better way to bring in the New Year, than with family.

Mamasita and Daughter Weekend.... Away!

In the middle of November, I took some time off from work. Mom came over and we had a girls weekend! We decided to go to New Orleans for a couple of days. We stayed at the nicest Hampton Inn EVER on Saint Charles Street. We had so much fun! We walked everywhere and when we didn't walk we rode the Street Car. It was a $1.25 to ride no matter how short or long the distance and it just covered one way - mom and I both thought that price was totally reasonable. :)

I have only been to New Orleans and experienced all that the French Quarter has had to offer. This time the only reason we went to the French Quarter was for a quick visit to Cafe De Monde and that was plenty. :) We also toured Tulane and Loyola Law Schools! I fell in love with Loyola and totally could see myself as a student there.... time will tell! One of mom's old college friends teaches at Tulane and we were able to meet up with him and enjoy a nice lunch in the Faulty/Staff lounge overlooking the campus. I can honestly say meeting Benny for lunch was the best thing about Tulane! ;)

Mom and I enjoyed walking Magazine Street in the Garden District, too. Everyone we met were so friendly and helpful. We found a local farmers market in the Mid-City area and it was great. I am not a scone eater and they had some home made pumpkin scones to DIE FOR! I love supporting locals and I love eating where the locals eat. I am not a very good 'tourist' in that regards. Each night mom and I found a 'local' restaurant and dined there. For evening meals, both nights our meals were less than $20! I thought that was great! :)

Anyway, the drive to and from New Orleans was about 6 hours. We were able to catch up on life, love and everything in between. We had a great time together and seeing a 'new' side of New Orleans. I was so impressed with how clean everything was, how many gorgeous parks there are (that several people were enjoying) and dog friendly everyone and thing is! That was so great to see! We really enjoyed ourselves. If it is meant to be, I could totally see David and I spending a good 3 years there while I attend law school. If not, oh well, it was still a fun, fun weekend that I will cherish forever. It had been at least 4 years since mom and I had gone away together! Regardless of anything else, it was definitely time to spend some quality time together again! Thank you for everything you mean to me Mama - I love you SOOO much! :)


Hotel on Saint Charles St
Loyola School of Law
View of the Farmers Market
Us riding the Street Car :)

Ps.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Love,

Anna & David

Hellooooo Fall

First things first, I am officially attending LSU Shreveport this spring 2011! I met with my advisor this morning and I already have a projected graduation date for December of 2011!!!! HOW AWESOME! I can not wait!! I will walk across the stage next year with a Masters of Science in Human Services Administration, the short version - Non Profit Management. David and I have been saving up so that we could pay for my Masters in cash and not have any student loans.PRAISE God it is really coming to be. It is crazy, I used to wander about "what I was going to be when I grew up" and thought of being everything from a female cop to a professional cake decorator. I have finally found my calling. I love working for a cause. I have bigger causes I am wanting to fight and work for one day, but I truly have been in the FOG (Favor Of God) in having Him direct my path and am finally being obedient enough to follow. I have serious problems with trying to plan out our whole life, but I am constantly trying to seek God and ask that His plan be revealed. Every time a new stepping stone is uncovered it could not have come at a more perfect time. I am so thankful to serve such a mighty God. :) He never ceases to amaze me! David and I have a very bright future. :)

Speaking of David and I - we have been super busy. (What's new!?) David is doing SO freaking well at school it makes me sick. ;) He is studying like crazy. He has already been advised for the Winter Quarter and is looking at another full force course load. The one nice thing about the Winter Quarter is that it is split for Christmas/New Year's break. David has 3 weeks left of his Fall Quarter. The one awesome thing about quarter system is that he will finish with all of his Fall Quarter finals the week before Thanksgiving, so he really can take the week of Thanksgiving as a real break. Unlike the semester system - you normally go right into finals when you return from Thanksgiving break. It is the little perks in life that we find such great pleasure in. :)David is already being asked when and where he wants to begin different internships! I just think that is so cool, because in my undergrad I had to beg people to accept me (not really, but I sure wasn't having people approach me!!). He is excited because he can really start to see that light at the end of the tunnel! He has just 2 years left before graduation. That just floors me. I hope our kids get his "smart genes". Lol.

The past month we have really been enjoying teaching our kids at church. The class is like 30-40 kids every Sunday, but now that they know who we are and they really are starting to get into the activities that we have planned, etc. We love being with the children and just watching their young minds absorb Truth. It is awesome to watch the innocence of a child and see first hand what it means to have a child-like faith. We constantly wonder how and what our children will be like.

Work for me has been ever crazy, we are officially in our "busy" season and the phone calls, emails and daily work load reflects that. The last quarter of the year is the biggest giving time for most non profits. The donations are great but it always amazes me how much greater the needs are. Because of the federal grant I work with, I see it first hand. I just have to keep reminding myself constantly that I only have "X,Y,Z" tools and if the person/family is in need of "A,B,C" tools that I can refer them, but that there is nothing else I can do for them. Luckily, the Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission has great contacts with other agencies in the community so a lot of times we are able to refer someone to help elsewhere if we do not have what they need. It is a hard place to be when you know the needs are great of so many, but it is the most unbelievable feeling in the world when you can assist someone/family. It brings an indescribable joy that you can not experience any other way. This holiday season I would encourage you to research what kind of opportunities are in your local community that you could help out - and make it a family event! What better way to show your children how blessed you/they are than to help someone first hand, right in your own community! I think sometimes we think of "needy" individuals in foreign places or the wrong side of the tracks, but all too often they might just be your neighbor or the person who sits next to you on the pew each Sunday. Give back, doesn't matter how great or small, give back - it DOES make a difference!

Ok, off my soap box. ;) Did I mention I love what I do? Lol.

Things that David and I are looking forward to this November:
*Starting another running program (got some new extra bouncy shoes this past weekend!) :)

*Finishing up "odd and in" projects around the house. (Not looking forward to doing them - but looking forward to the finished result and being able to check it off our list!)

*Getting to take a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday off from work! We are not going to be able to go any where for Thanksgiving so we have peeps coming to see us!

*Seeing family

God is so awesome and I can't wait to see what other great surprises He has in store for us; knowing full and well that He has had the 'surprises' planned the entire time. SO COOL.

Last thing, here is a recent pic of David and me. He took me on a hot date night for sushi!

Playing Catch Up

I left off with the birthday party celebrations of August! The last weekend in August David and I went with some dear friends to the lake! We rented a house right on the water. It was perfect. We went fishing when we wanted to, we slept when we wanted to, we laughed non stop - it was great. That weekend we were celebrating yet another birthday - April's!! It was such a great way to end the summer. We had a fish fry on Friday night and grilled out Saturday night. We caught over 50 Brehm (or something like that) and yes, I caught the biggest one!!! :) Everyone said it was just beginners luck - I would like to think of it as skill. Haha.

Labor Day weekend David and I spent working. My family has these old stores that used to be a grocery store, general store, feed store, etc. Basically my family had the Walmart of the 1950's. :) Anyway, we got to clean out one of the stores - Durrett Bro General Store. It was definitely an experience that we hope to never repeat. :) However, we still have a long way to go to get it how we want it. We are hoping to get the stores registered to the National Historic Registry and see what happens from there - basically, LOTS of paperwork to be filled out. :)

The month of September has been busy as usual. David started his 2nd year of college!!! He is taking Accounting, Business Law, Biology 2, and Econ. He LOVES school! Tonight I get to go with him to his Business Law class and I am super pumped!!! In the past year that I have been at the SBRM, I have been really starting to contemplate law school. I am getting some crazy awesome networking connections and experience - so we shall see! We are talking a good 4 yrs before anything would be official or I could even attend.... A lot could change between now and then - but if it is God's will then I will go! David's bus law professor is excited for us and has no problem letting me sit in on some of his classes to see if the content would really be something I am interested in doing. Pretty cool if you ask me! His professor is the retired D.A. for Ruston. I can't wait. :)

At the beginning of the month I ran my 2nd 5K! It was at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport and the proceeds of the run went to support the SBRM! Naturally, I represented the Mission. It was really neat though, because David's brother Tim got to do it with me. I really enjoy running, however I do not enjoy shin splints. I have had to take 2 weeks off from running because of them. :( I hope to get back at it this week.

Also, I have been hard at work getting ready for our annual Got Heart for the Homeless Benefit. We had co-author Ron Hall of Same Kind of Different As Me and What Difference Do It Make? as our guest speaker. It was an incredible night! We had a total profit of 95K! Not too shabby and there still could be more coming in the mail!

October is vastly approaching and we have a jam packed month, but here are some of the things we are looking forward to:

*COOLER weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*David's Best Man in our wedding, Big Rob, is getting married again - and we get to see lots of old friends from Dallas at the wedding. :)

*Getting to go to Dallas, not one but two weekends!!

*Spending time with the padres. I know it is really sad that I will be 25 in March, but I do miss them.

*getting ready for SBRM's next event October 16 - Wheels for Meals Car Show and Chili Cook Off and we will be introducing a COOKIE CAPER (basically a cookie sale!)

*Aunt Nancy and Mike are coming to visit....

*My BFF from high school is getting married on 10/10/10 in NYC!

*Bonfire SeAsOn

*My girlfriend April is going to teach me how to make red beans and rice, gumbo and other traditional southern Louisiana food! Can NOT wait!!!!

Those are just to name a few. We are truly enjoying each other's company and finding pleasure in the simple things. We are making strides in our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace plan and looking forward to being debt free!

Happy Fall Everyone! <3