Randomocity at Its Finest

A few things I've learned this week, in no particular order:

1. You can make a camel stay in one place but you can't make him look at your camera.

2. My daughter is only up for pictures with her family these days if she's allowed to choose a dark alley where no one will see her enjoying our company.

3. Santa should never purchase the first wish out of a child's mouth because said child believes last minute requests must be honored because "the elves custom make everything."

4. Injuries sustained during high school never stop giving back through the gift of arthritic pain.

5. The Lady Bears are rockin' the house this season.

6. The men's basketball team just may be on a mission to bring the backboards down this season. And I, for one, think that's pretty funny. Of course, I'm also not someone who would have to replace a backboard so, you know, I'm probably not the best judge.

7. In a little over 48 hours we'll know for sure where our bowl bound football team is headed. Our little fam has a guess and we've already booked a hotel room. Hope we're headed in the right direction. Literally.

8. Life is short. Sometimes, it seems, way too short. So live, love, laugh and pray. OFTEN.

9. Friends and family are treasures and they can be gone before you know it. As our pastor said at the funeral of a friend earlier this week, let's "major on people."

10. I got nothing but just thought it would be weird to end on 9.

Happy weekend, friends!

The Clampetts Go To Town

I realize there has been no Thanksgiving post yet but we didn't celebrate the holiday with my family until Saturday and, honestly, that's a post entirely of itself due to some pet drama. Yes, it runs in the genes. We did celebrate with Dave's family by having breakfast at Whataburger (yes, you read that correctly) and lunch at his sister's house. It was delightful and I got to play with a 3-week-old puppy that still had puppy breath - can I get a hallelujah?

Anyway, I was so busy playing that no photos were taken. Tay took off with her dad after the Macy's parade and Dave and I just hung out. Kid-free. Now it's time for the amen. :-)

We did have dinner at IHOP (are you getting the idea we did no cooking?) and I can promise you that the Pumpkin Praline Pancakes will both rock your world and your taste buds. Just don't think about the calories and blame it on a holiday. And by "holiday" I pretty much mean any day ending in "y."

We did do something really exciting the day after Thanksgiving, though, and it involved no shopping, fighting over bargains or getting up at an unholy hour. We loaded up the newest member of the Puppy Posse and the girl and the Clampetts headed to town, y'all - The Big D.

Our high school football team was in the playoffs and were playing at none other than Cowboys Stadium. We thought this would be a fabulous way to see the stadium without paying Jones-esque prices. The girl had been really wanting to see the stadium. Why, you ask? Well, because she wanted to see the giant screen. Priorities, people.

Behold, the large screen...

It really is amazing and, quite frankly, if I had found a way to transport that cushioned and roomy seat back to Floyd Casey Stadium, there would be one missing in Section 231. Alas, though, they secured those babies really well.

My man just took in all of the names of legends around him in wonder. He was thoroughly impressed and I was so stinkin' glad he was able to see this monstrous venue because he does love the Cowboys. He even asked me to photograph some big names.

Anyone else think it's ironic they had "try a little tenderness" in a football stadium? I mean, I realize they were talking about chicken but still...

Anyway, it was about this point I had to remind my man about our 11-year age difference because the names were no longer familiar...

Anyway, back to what the girl came for - the jumbotron!

Before the game started they played what seemed like copious highlights for a team who's logged only three wins this season. But, you know, to each their own...

Someone was very excited. Why? Because her friend was finally arriving, which meant she didn't have to sit with the "crazy football people" anymore. Her words. Not mine.

They both posed for a picture. Can you believe it? Clearly football is magical.

But wait - there's more - the parent shot! Photography credits to the girl.

Then  it was time...

It was a great first half. A defensive battle, if you will. We were ahead 10-7 as the second quarter ran down. We battled our nerves with $10 popcorn (thanks, Jerry, for the souvenir bucket) and a delightful performance from the band.

By the beginning of the fourth quarter, we were still winning. Our opponent's mascot was a Red Raider and I was hopeful this battle against a Raider in the Dallas area would be more successful than our last. 'Twas not to be, though. We gave up a safety and a pick 6, which turned out to be the difference in the game.

I don't fault our team one bit, though, because they played with gusto and were so much fun to watch all season. And if I ever figure out what's in the water in Denton, Texas, you can get your bottom dollar I will bottle it up and sell it because they grow 'em BIG there, y'all.

Bless sweet Rambo's heart - he was such a good boy in his hotel room. Yep, you read that correctly as well. He had his very own queen size bed with a view while we were at the game and while we had dinner at Pappadeaux's. One word: YUM.

We won't discuss how my girl left her phone on the table at the restaurant. Or how we had to replace it via insurance on the way home. Nope, we will not.

I shall instead leave you with an adorable photo to bless your day.

And, yes, the Clampetts made it back to the country without incident.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Baylor Football 2010 was - for the most part - absolutely delightful. As with any up and coming program, there were a couple of hitches and our guys were bit with the injury bug more than most would know because, well, when one went down, someone else stepped up immediately. Without question. And with excitement.

That, my friends, is what I call a T-E-A-M.

Before I let you in on what I learned this season, please let me give you a recap of our last game: 1) We played OU. 2) OU finally began playing like OU. Lucky us. 3) We tailgated. 4) We scored some points. 5) They scored more. 5) Bob Stoops looks funny trying to pry his players, who looked to be ready for a fight of some kind, off of ours.

The end.

Now, on to some insight I've gleaned since we began play in August.

1. Some of our new recruits could star in a Pantene commercial.

Exhibit A: Robert T. Griffin 

2. Coach Art Briles (aka CAB) is quite the gambler. (On the field. Not starting gossip, friends.)

 And I like it.

3. Our defense is much faster this year. We also have a great defensive class coming next year. That sound you hear, folks, is the Pat Neff bells squealing in delight.

4. We have added to our family since the beginning of football season. Bittersweet. 

5. Bruiser is not afraid to aim his Supersoaker at fans from other schools who try to crash the March of the Bears line. Said fans' reactions are quite comical.

6. Robert Griffin III (RG3) is amazing. Both on the field and off. He is also a Heisman candidate. My prediction is you'll see him on some sort of stage in the next two years.

7. We are going to miss Jay Finley and Kendall Wright.

8. If I took Rambo's approach to football (instead of the one that has owned me this season), my blood pressure would be much more manageable.

9. My sweet girl is mortified by the behavior of her parents at football games.

10. My dad has a super sweet tailgating set up and makes a MEAN cheeseburger.

11. Leaders like Danny Watkins and Phil Taylor (pictured below) will be sorely missed. Also, I believe we've figured out which parent Phil got his football gene from...

12. President Starr "gets it" when it comes to both Baylor as a whole and the importance athletics plays in the life of our students. He also runs with the Baylor Line without breaking a sweat or needing a break on the 50 yard line, which is much more than I would be able to achieve.

13. The student body as a whole couldn't be more proud of their team.

14. We are bowl bound, y'all, and my family can't wait to cheer the team to victory later this month. We will then proceed to the next logical step, which is being obnoxious about our amazing basketball teams.

15. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Baylor family and have made countless - and priceless memories - with our family this season.

Sic 'em, Bears!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Card Tree

This year I decided to make a resolution before New Year's. If you've been reading this blog longer than a minute, you know that we've had a wild and crazy year (and have been blessed the entire way so please don't think I'm complaining) so I decided to handle the Christmas season a bit differently.

I made a commitment at the beginning of November to get all of my Christmas shopping by the end of this month, to get all of the decorations out on Thanksgiving weekend and to have Christmas cards ordered by December 1 as well.

Why?

So we can simply enjoy the month of December and truly reflect on what the season is about. To enjoy a magical season with the man, the girl and the Puppy Posse. And, for the most part, I've been wildly successful. I have exactly two Christmas presents left to buy, all of my decorations are up save the two aluminum trees and I'm really close to finalizing the Christmas card design.

This year I decided to use Shutterfly because I wasn't totally satisfied with the ones we had last year. They were cute but you have to remember that I do print advertising for a living so I'm spoiled with the quality our designers put out on a daily basis and the closest thing I've found to their quality for cards is Shutterfly.

Currently these are my two lead contenders - what do you think?

There are tons of designs and you can check out more by clicking here or here.

I'm also hosting a table at our women's Candlelight Christmas Tea this year. Each table is a different theme and I've chosen mine so I'm planning to use these invitations...

Again, there is an option for any taste and you can see for yourself by going here. 

I would like to note, though, that this is sample text. There will be no cocktails served at my table. :-)

As you can see, Shutterfly has great quality products at phenomenal prices. Please believe me on that one because I work with printers and bids every single day--this is a bargain, friends! They also have wall calendars (a great grandparent gift), photo mugs (hello, dad!) and other products that can make for one-stop shopping. Which may allow you to spend more time being merry and bright this season as well.

And that's always a good thing.

And, though I haven't fully decided on the design, I have decided on the verse we'll be using on our cards this year.

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!

Psalm 126:3

If you would like to learn more about Shutterfly's blogging opportunities for the Christmas season, which can allow you to get some of their phenomenal products for free, check them out here.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Laundry...

...has never...

...looked so cute...

Once upon a time...

...in Central Texas there was a football team determined to achieve what some thought to be impossible - return to a bowl game after a 16-year absence...

They were led into battle by their fearless quarterback - and Heisman candidate - Robert Griffin III.

And, ironically, Robert Griffin III would be guarded by offensive lineman Robert T. Griffin. As you can  clearly see from the picture below, the two are not commonly mistaken for the other by fair maidens in Waco.

They were aided by many teammates who believed they could achieve said goal regardless of what the naysayers might believe.

And they overachieved by logging not six but SEVEN wins throughout the first 11 games of the season.

They did so regardless of the fact that they generally play TWO (as opposed to the conventional one) teams on the field during each and every contest, which has caused their other fearless leader - Coach Art Briles - to have blood pressure inducing moments that are becoming more common as the season progresses...

But our amazing Bears continue to battle. Therefore, we will continue to join them in these battles. Each and every week. We shall also continue to pray a good wash in hot water will allow their jerseys to return to form as it has become evident holding calls are only called on our sweet team and most definitely not on a team wearing red/black or maroon/white.

And don't even get me started about the lack of a facemask call...

Because in this fairy tale those types of issues only add fuel to the fire that I predict will be 

B-L-A-Z-I-N-G this time next year.

Sic 'em! :-)

Operation Christmas Child

Happy Thursday, friends!

This time next week we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving all across this great nation but there are many others around the world who don't have much at all to celebrate. I've been really convicted of that this year as I've followed the trips of the Compassion bloggers and read their stories about children in other countries who don't have in a year a fraction of what my child enjoys in a single day.

To prove that point to my girl - and to get her more involved in helping others - we began packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child last year. We packed one for a girl and another for a boy and Tay really enjoyed it. The boxes are shipped all over the world through Samaritan's Purse.

What I didn't realize is that there are so many around me who don't know about this project and, more specifically, don't know how easy it is to help others through this ministry. So here's the deal - all you have to do is get a shoebox (or one of the plastic shoeboxes, which is what we do so the kiddos can use them over and over - 99 cents at Home Depot), fill it with items a child would enjoy, pay $7 for shipping and drop it off at a participating collection station or church.

Easy, right?

I took Tay to Dollar Tree last Friday while we were waiting to pick Davey up from work (he got called in while we were out for dinner) and we LOADED UP, friends, on crayons, coloring books, books, toys, hard candy, etc. We got princess dress up clothes for the little girl and "guy stuff" for the little boy. And toothpaste, toothbrushes and socks because they truly don't enjoy the luxuries we take for granted.

You can find out more information about what to pack, drop off points, etc. by clicking here. One other really cool option is to pay the $7 shipping online, which will allow you to print out labels that have a barcode on them. That way you can follow your box and learn where exactly it was sent.

Awesome, right?

So, let's get packing, friends.

Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.

1 John 3:18