Praise!

Happy Saturday morning, everyone!

If you head on over to Ronda's blog, you will learn that Chase's platelet counts went way WAY up! :) Praise the LORD! I am so relieved and thankful to God for His mighty healing and provision. Please continue to pray that the treatments continue to work and that he is fully recovered by the time the little additions to our family arrive!

Grant is on his way to Baton Rouge right now. Sadly, I am not. I started getting a mild cough on Wednesday that has turned into something AWFUL. Last night I hardly slept from all the coughing and nose-blowing and my sinuses feel horrible. I feel like someone is pinching my head like a grape. So, clearly, I chose not to go with Grant so that I would not get Chase sick. I also didn't wanna get the Baby Mama sick so close to the arrival! :)

Praise the Lord for healing. Keep praying for Chase!

PRAYERS PLEASE!

Calling all prayer warriors!

We got a call last night about Grant's brother Chase. I know many of you read Ronda's blog and know that theire twins are due in just a few short weeks. This is a very happy and busy time for them, but things just got a bit more stressful.

Ronda explains things more clearly on her blog, but basically Chase's platelet counts are alarmingly low, and seem to be decreasing when they should be increasing. He is not feeling poorly but they are admitting him to the hospital if things don't start to go on the up-swing.

Please pray for wisdom for the doctor's and for a quick and speedy recovery for Chase in the event that surgery is in the near future. He will be a daddy VERY soon and those little ones need his undivided attention!

Thank you for praying.

I Don't Even Know What to Call This

Two nights ago I had a dream.

The dream was that a bunch of our family and friends were congregating at my parent's old lakehouse. One of my dear friends brought with him his pet goat. Yes, I said goat.

So, this goat was making me uncomfortable and I told my friend, "please don't let the goat near me". At this moment the goat jumped up onto the bench next to me, and he looked at me and made a goat noise.

When he made that goat noise, white letters appeared at the bottom of the "screen" in my dream and said "I'm Nervous".

Yes. The goat had sub-titles.

I am really concerned about myself and my mental health.

In the same dream, I sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for Simon Cowell.

I was trying to analyze this dream with Grant to find out what it could mean and asked him, "I mean, why would the goat have sub-titles?" to which Grant responded "Cause how else would you understand the goat?".

Please pray for me and my mental health.

And also, please pray for the goat and his nerves.

It's a Christmas Miracle

I would like to announce....

That I dried a LARGE load of clothes in my dryer....including TWO towels....
and it dried....

in 1 HOUR and 10 MINUTES!!!!!

Grant should break things more often. SERIOUSLY!

:) I am just thrilled.

You know what else I'm thrilled about?

Katie & Mo are moving here.......

TODAY!!!

Husband Lends a Helping Hand

On Monday night when I got home from work, I immediately put a load of clothes in the washer. The reason I have to do this immediately is because, as I have stated before in previous posts, my dryer takes 3 hours to dry clothes and that is NOT an exaggeration.

So Grant got home from work, we went to the gym, and when we got back I started to cook dinner.

As I was making dinner, sweet Grantley came up and asked me if I needed any help with anything. Precious. So I told him that if he wanted to help me, he could transfer all the clothes from the washer into the dryer. "Sure thing" he said.

I wasn't paying attention to what he was doing (I was focused on the stove) but all of a sudden, Grant said "Well, the dryer's broken".

"What do you mean?"

"I broke the dryer".

"How did you do that? I just asked you to put clothes in it and press start"

"Well, I know you're always complaining about how long it takes, and it looks like the hose back there is all twisted, so I wanted to untwist it for you. But, I broke it instead".

".... okay.... so I can't dry those clothes tonight? They just have to stay wet?"

"Uh huh. I'll call maintenance tomorrow."

"Okay...." (inhale. exhale. He was trying to help. inhale. exhale.)

Sweet-darling-pumpkin-head is trying to help, I know, but this morning I cringed when I saw those wet clothes in there. The maintenance team is supposed to come sometime today. :)

Nice. Maybe it won't take 3 hours to dry clothes anymore, though!

I am thankful for my husband and his helpful, servant heart. :)

On My Mind....

Friday night we had a great "date night" with some friends. Some brand new friends, some really old friends, and even a little bit inbetween! We met Ben & Lynn, Charlie & Kristin, and Russell & Claire at Willie's Icehouse for burgers, and then all 8 of us headed over to the bowling alley. The guys played about 3 full games, while us girls played 1 game and then spent the rest of the time chatting! :) It was so nice.

Saturday I got to go help my mom watch Miss Grace. That little punkin is hilarious. We about lost it when she came up to my mom and called her "Cheryl" instead of "Grammy". I think she even called her "Honey" at one point. So grown up!

Saturday night was too too fun. My cousin Katie was proposed to by her sweet James and we were all there to see it happen! We are so glad to welcome James to the family and excited for Katie to be a bride!

Yesterday we went to church, where Pastor Gregg did an entire sermon on homosexuality. Ya'll, it was amazing. God does great things through that man. I have never heard it discussed so tactfully, sensitively, and honestly. Truth was spoken over our congregation. It was amazing.

Now... I have to share with you what has been on my heart all weekend. When we got home from bowling Friday night, I quickly got online to see pictures of baby Harper. I just knew that Kelly would have 15 pictures of her in a precious dress and a big bow on her head. I was so sad when I logged onto google reader and saw about 8 posts from other ladies begging for prayer. My heart sank. I read Kelly's blog and then immediately went and got on my knees for this sweet baby. I cannot imagine.

I pleaded with God to allow Harper to make it. I think we all did. And she is better than she was, praise the Lord. But she isn't out of the woods and my heart is so heavy. Jaclyn and I were talking about it and Jaclyn said it best: "I need to see a picture of Kelly holding her". I agree.

I will say though, there is one part of this entire situation that just warmed my heart. A random reader of Kelly's just happens to be a nurse at the Tulsa hospital that Harper was flown to. This nurse and her friends had already been praying for baby Harper before they even knew that they would end up taking care of her. If for no other reason than that, Blog land is amazing. I love how we all look out for each other and pray for each other. I know that if I were in the same situation, I would feel such comfort knowing that one of my blog friends was taking care of my baby, even if I had never met her. Believe me, if I was given the choice between a random stranger or Kim and Fran, I would choose Kim and Fran! :)

Please remember to pray for Kelly, Scott, and Harper this week. Let's just pray that little one all the way to that precious nursery that her mommy made for her!

Sweet, Sweet Sound

I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning and heard this new song. I just sat in my parking garage and praised His name! I LOVE this song. I think it just might be my new anthem! It is written and performed by a newcomer named Sarah Reeves. And according to the DJ, she has red hair. LOVE. HER.

I am here in my office now but I decided to do a quick blog post...I just had to share these lyrics!

Sweet, Sweet Sound
by Sarah Reeves

I am an instrument of the living God
My life a melody to His name
More than the songs I sing
Worship is everything
I live to glorify my King

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Through all the mire and clay
You're washing me with grace
You carry me, oh Lord, through it all
So I will testify
even in the fire
I live to praise my Savior

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Let everything that has breath
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
And all creation will sing Hallelujah

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Have you heard this song yet? Don't you just love it?!

Have a great day, my friends!

Honoring my Commitments

I have really had something on my heart lately. And you know, when something is pressing on your heart, you have to blog about it. That's just the way it goes.

I tend to get really busy, really fast. I have all kinds of places to be and things to do, and it isn't always smooth sailing. Inevitably, things will begin to conflict. And that is where I have panic attacks. (And by panic attacks, I mean laying in bed, pulling the covers over my head and asking Grant if we have a snack that is a combination of sweet and salty).

For instance, as of right now, there are no less than 3 things that I need to be at on Tuesday nights. One is rehearsal for the children's chorus. One is our Sunday school class' small group Bible study. And lastly is a weekly class taught by our beloved Beth. All three of these things, all at the same time! What to do?!

I had committed to the children's chorus office back in August that I would be there on Tuesday nights till the end of the school year, as in May. So clearly, since I told them they had me through May, I need to be there through May. But I started to rationalize with myself. "But I want to go to Beth Moore! I mean, she is teaching the Bible! I think that is much more important than assisting at a rehearsal!". And then I started to think about small group... and my thoughts went to "Well, at Beth, it is just for me. But if we go to small group, that is something we do as a couple, and Grant and I need to be in a small group. We need to socialize and make friends with people". But I just kept hearing the Lord press on my heart, "Honor your commitments".

Wednesdays are crazy for me. I go straight from work to church. From 6:00-7:00, I help teach the preschool choir. I know it is only an hour, but ya'll, it is EXHAUSTING. (I love the 4 year olds, but I can only say "don't throw the bongo drums, please" about 3 times before I want to start crying). Then, at 7:00, I move downstairs to adult choir rehearsal. We sing praise songs for about and hour and a half. The whole thing ends around 8:30. When all is said and done, I leave my house to go to work at 7:30am and don't get home until 9:00pm. I am often tempted to just say "I am going to skip choir tonight" cause I am just so gosh darn tired that I think I may fall asleep in the middle of a song! (And, let's face it, American Idol has started again. Thank you, Lord, for Tivo).

Again, I begin to rationalize. To be real honest, by the time I get to adult choir on Wednesday nights, I find it really hard to put myself in worship mode. So I begin to think that maybe if I'm not worshipping, that perhaps I just might as well not be there.

HONOR YOUR COMMITMENTS, He will say to me.

I don't ever want anyone to be disappointed in me. Or find me untrustworthy or irresponsible. I want to be true to my word! And the last thing I want is to be overwhelmed or useless to the people that are depending on me. I want to serve with a joyful heart and a positive attitude. I don't want to be there because I have to be there. I want to be there because I am serving the Lord with the gifts and talents He has given me.

And while I am sad to miss Beth Moore's new Bible study, and sad to miss a great time of fellowship with other couples, I know that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be.

Also, the Lord gave me a little surprise last night at the children's chorus rehearsal. The director gave me this semester's music and I was so excited to see one of my favorite pieces in the mix. I had not heard "Gloria Tibi" since I was in about 7th grade, but I remembered every note and every entrance. I kept telling the kids, "This is the coolest song! This song is so fun!". The kids just looked at me like I was nuts.

And let's face it, I kinda am!

Golden Globes 2009

Alright, ya'll know how I am about the award shows. And you know that the Monday morning after the award, it is time for me to do my Best and Worst post. Please keep in mind that this is merely my opinion and you are free to disagree!

Here is Eva Longoria Parker. I think this is a FABULOUS color for her.

I was SO happy for Kate Winslet last night! She looked so beautiful and she was so gracious and happy!
America is adorable. She looked stunning. NO, Renee! NO! I can see your bra! And I think someone tore your sleeves! And why are you holding your head like that? Is everything okay?

Eva Mendes is so flippin pretty. I would like this dress if it weren't for the big napkin on her hip.

I don't know what is going on with this dress.

Not impressed. And Brad, take of your shades. You don't look that cool.

Yay for Anne! I love this color of blue on her. She is definitly in my Top 5 from last night!

I don't even know who this girl is. Apparently she is on that show "House" which I don't watch, but I LOVE HER DRESS!!!

Isla Fisher may have been my fave. So elegant and unique!

J-Lo, please put some clothes on. Also, just because it is called the Golden Globes doesn't mean you have to look golden.

Drew, what happened to your hair?

I wish I could show you a close up of Christina's necklace. It was incredible.

Marisa is a pirate, apparently.

I love Amy Adams. LOVE. HER!

I really like the detail down at the bottom of Miley's dress. That underlayer part is really pretty. I don't know why her mom chose such a short dress though!

Alrighty friends, there you have it! Please feel free to share your opinions!

Chatter Box

1. Thank you all for your comments about my dad's cake. It is hilarious because my dad cooks something once a decade, but one night he was watching t.v. and this infomercial comes on.... and he just decided that he really needed to try that thing! For the record, the contraption is called a Bake'n'fill. You can get more info on it here. In other news, I am seriously considering purchasing a SHAM WOW!

2. I can't handle it anymore. I feel like everyday they play that darn Sarah Mclachlan SPCA commercial... you know the "Angel" one where they show all those dogs looking at you with those sad "I'm dying and you don't care" eyes. I cry EVERYTIME that thing comes on! I guess it is effective but I really have just about had it!

3. It's been awhile since I talked about our nieces and nephews! Quick update on all the kiddos:

Scarlett & Juliet, the twins, are 2 1/2 and are as precious as could be. They have extremely intelligent conversations with you and are quite logical. Scarlett is the problem solver and the planner. Juliet is in charge! We are absolutely loving watching them grow.

Grace will be 2 in May and is such a pumpkin! She likes to put on a show and giggle and love on everybody. She is very expressive and says things like "There, that's better" and "It's so funny!". She melts my heart. My mom says it best when she says that no one expresses joy quite like Grace Parker. That child will clinch her fists, close her eyes, and squeal with delight. I absolutely adore her.

Mr. Dean Jackson will make his debut on March 24th! Jaclyn has to have another caesarean due to Grace's dramatic entrance into this world. But we are so glad that Dean will be here soon. He is a growing boy and we can't wail till he is done cookin'!

And.... Chase & Ronda's twins should be here NEXT MONTH! I cannot believe it. Grant's brother and his wife are going to be amazing parents and we are thrilled to be adding some babies to that side of the family! We are not yet sure of their gender (Ronda has excellent self control) or what their names will be (again, with the secret keeping. Well done!) but we are anxiously anticipating their arrival. When I saw Ronda over Christmas, I "talked" to her belly and told those babies that weekends are best for Aunt Jenny & Uncle Grant. A Monday morning would not be ideal and I would appreciate it if they would cooperate! ;)

4. My new job is going really well. It seems to be less stress and more money, so that is AWESOME! I like everyone here and the office has a great atmosphere. The girls watch The Bachelor so we immediately had something to talk about! :). Grant's office is about 2 minutes away from here so we have had lunch together everyday this week! Typically we just go home for lunch but yesterday we went to California Pizza Kitchen. It was such a treat.

5. Tonight I am going to see "Bride Wars" with my Lindsee. I am super excited for a girl's date!

6. Katie & Mo move here in TWO WEEKS! I am so excited and am eager to have them just a few mere miles away from us!

7. I have gone to the gym THREE times this week. I really like the place, actually. Every cardio machine has its very own television. I bring my ear-phones and watch Entertainment Tonight while I power walk. It makes the time go by so much faster!

8. I've been keeping a food log this week as well. You don't want to know how many times since Sunday that I've had a meal that involves peanut butter. It is unreal.

9. I feel like I don't get enough pasta in my diet. 4 times a week is not nearly enough.

10. I've been practicing my memory verse every day since the 1st. I chose Isaiah 33:2. "Be gracious to us, O Lord; we long for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress". I'm loving it. I repeat it back to myself several times throughout the day!

Have a great weekend, ladies!

He Takes the Cake!

My Dad is a business executive. He is a salesman. He is a manager. He hires people. He fires people.

He also makes cakes using some kind of Betty Crocker contraption that he bought off of some TV infomercial.

Exhibit A:

(Yes, he decorated it himself. We are so proud)

Exhibit B:

Yes, there are 2 different kinds of cakes. One is chocolate. One is Funfetti.

I absolutely love my dad and am so proud of his cake that he made all by himself.

Your comments of wonder and awe are much appreciated! :)

2 Year Anniversary

Happy 2009, Everyone!

Monday night, Grant and I left for a mini-vacation/anniversary trip to San Antonio to celebrate 2 YEARS of marriage! I am so proud!

We stayed at this really awesome hotel on the riverwalk called the Hotel Valencia. It is a small hotel and very "hip" and contemporary. It was great and we had a view of the riverwalk.

This was our room as we walked in the door. We got room service both nights we were there. I felt so spoiled!

Here is the room from the otherside. I just noticed that my sunglasses are on the floor. I'm glad no one stepped on them!

The oh-so-pretty bathroom. Please note my Chi iron on the left, and my ever-so-pretty Vera Bradley cosmetic bag on the right, which I got as a Christmas present from my sweet mother in law!

Tuesday morning we woke up and walked downtown. We had breakfast at this place called GM Steakhouse. It looks like it has been there forever, and it took FOR-EV-ER. It was an hour before we got our food. But it was entertaining. We love to people watch! And the food was really good.

We walked right across the street and did the little Alamo tour. We have both done it before but it has been years and years.

Next, we walked a bit further and went into this Mirror Maze place. It was the freakiest, most hilarious thing I've done in along time. I can't tell you how many walls I walked into. Then we did this laser room....think Catherine Zeta-Jones in that movie "Entrapment". Yes, I was doing the slinky move over and under the laser beams. I think Grant almost peed in his pants.

This was a really pretty church that I needed a picture of!

Then we walked the riverwalk for a long time. We stopped at Rita's on the River and had chips, queso and margaritas. We had a little table for two right on the river! It was so fun. Here is my hubby of two years enjoying some fantastic chips and queso. Note: I see in this picture that Grant is actually eating chips and salsa. I must have been hoarding the queso.

This was our little ducky visitor that kept approaching our table. He enjoyed some chips, courtesy of my husband.


Me with the riverwalk behind me. I am super in the foreground here.


Grant took a real pretty picture of our view from our table.

After our lunch we took a looooong nap back at the hotel. Then we finished out our evening at Fiesta Texas! We love Six Flags and rode alot of fun rides. We even rode a Ferris Wheel! It was great weather and I had some pretty great company! :)

Yesterday morning we woke up and drove to Austin. Grant had a golf game planned with his friend from college and I had lunch with his wife, Abby. Then we headed over to spend the night with my sister and her sweet family, and made the drive back to Houston this morning. I am so tired and so glad to be home. It has been a long few weeks of traveling!

I've missed you, blog friends! Let's get back in the swing of things and pray for a wonderful 2009!