Tuesday: I Know this Much is True

Today's entry will be short, but since I have missed a few favorite things entries I figured a short post is better than no post at all! The favorite things today is my five favorite blogs/websites I have visited today. I am a website/blog regular, so I manage reading blogs on Google Reader. These are just my favorites TODAY, check back with me tomorrow and it would all be different. Click on the name to follow the link.

1. Paul Matthies' blog: Paul was a former pastor at The Village, and he now lives and works in Korea. He is an amazing man of God, and I was encouraged by his most recent blog entry. Happiness and joy...a good reminder/lesson for me.

2. Kimberly Hughes blog: Kim is married to Beau Hughes who is the campus pastor for The Village in Denton. They love the Lord, love children, and want to reach unreached people. Her blog this morning left me reminded that I am chosen by God, not because of my goodness but because of His love. Christ alone restores me and reconciles me.

3. The Pioneer Woman: I check her blog and use her recipes frequently. If you haven't made her Lasagna, I highly recommend it. However, she recently did a post about Christmas cookie decorating. One of the Christmas traditions that Kent and I have enjoyed for the last 3 years is making and decorating Christmas cookies, decorating our Christmas tree, and watching our favorite Christmas movies. The cookies we make are good, but they are not pretty See picture below for proof. Maybe I will try some of the tips on PW's blog.

4. Project Nursery: I like looking at how people decorate their nursery, and this website allows regular people to upload pictures of their nursery, birthday parties, and showers. It is a lot of fun to look and get ideas.

5. Samaritan's Purse: This is an easy way to give a Christmas gift to someone less fortunate. I created a shoe box in less than 5 minutes, and I was able to even write a personal note to the receiving child. If you have $35 and 5 minutes visit this website and make a gift box for a less fortunate child this Christmas.

I could keep listing blogs/websites for you to check, but I will not overwhelm you today. Enjoy reading...I hope you are either encouraged, inspired, and provoked to deeper thinking/living. Oh, and if you haven't read Matt's blog from last week..you definitely need to read it as well.

Did I mention...

I wasn't blogging this summer, and I wasn't taking a lot of pictures. These two things are being worked on, but it means that several major incredible events were not documented well. So, did I mention that I went to London and Paris this summer? 


Going to Europe was one of my mom's dreams, and she needed a travel partner. I gladly volunteered. I found out 2 weeks before we left that I was expecting Drew. So, at 6 weeks pregnant and with a lot of prayer, some nausea meds (just in case), and my doctor's blessing we flew to Paris. After several days in Paris, we took the Eurostar train to London. It was absolutely incredible.


Just a few pictures

Boat Tour/Dinner down the Seine River in Paris

Mom and Mona Lisa at the Lourve 

The Eiffel Tower behind me

Inside Shakespeare and Company

Notre Dame

Versailles

Hall of Mirrors in Versailles

Gardens in Versailles

Bike ride from main palace at Versailles to Marie Antoinette's Chateau

The Chateau

Mom in front of Harrods

At Her Majesty's Theatre (we saw Phantom of the Opera!) trying a sip of Pimms

Big Ben

Eating fish and chips and watching a cute old English man stroll by

3 story amazing Anthropologie with a LIVE plant wall!

Paris was everything and more that I thought it would be. My 5 favorite things about Paris: 


1.  Rue de Cler: It's the street where our hotel was located. Rue de Cler is a famous, quaint Parisian street. It was filled with sidewalk cafes, gelato, cheese shops, and boutiques. I loved it. 

2. Museums: The Lourve was great, but crowded and difficult to really see everything we wanted to. My favorite Paris museum was the Orsay. It was created from an old train station and filled with paintings from Monet, Rodin, and Renoir. 

3. Boat Dinner Tour: Mom and I took a romantic boat dinner tour down the Seine, which was incredible food and a great introduction to the city. 


4. Shakespeare and Company bookstore: The bookstore has housed struggling writers in the apartment above since World War II. It is filled with unusual books in a crowded, small atmosphere. It reminded me of something Kent would salivate over, so I tried to take it all in for him so I could describe it when I returned to Dallas. 


5. Palace of Versailles: I watched Marie Antoinette before I left on my trip as well as read a little history about the Palace, so seeing it in person was incredible. The palace, chateau, the gardens were vast and breathtaking, but it also gave me a visual picture of what I think Solomon acquired and said that it was all meaningless. Ecclesiastes 2

"I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. ⁵ I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. ⁶ I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. ⁷ I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. ⁸ I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. ⁹ I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.¹⁰ I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. ¹¹ Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."


My 4 favorite things about London (I would do 5, but I need to get dressed to work in the preschool at church):


1. Eurostar: Mom and I splurged and sat in 1st class on the train between Paris and London. It was divine, complete with warm towels, champagne, comfy seats, and delicious food. I think I was meant for first class :).


2. Shopping: We stayed in a hotel just off Oxford street, so every store was just walking distance away. We loved Liberty of London, Anthropologie, Harrods, H&M, and all sorts of small boutiques. 


3. Theatre: We saw Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. I loved it! The story, the music, and the acting was fabulous, and I could have watched 5 more shows in our short time there. 


4. The Underground: After living in a large city that does not have very good public transportation, I was so impressed with The Underground. It was a lot of fun learning the subways and feeling kinda like a local. It was also fun hearing, "Mind the Gap" in a perfect British accent. 


Overall, it was a wonderful trip. Next time I go to Europe I hope not to be pregnant, so I can eat more of the cheese and drink more of the wine. It would also be nice to not feel so tired or nauseous. My mom is an incredible woman. She walked and walked all over Paris and London without a word of complaint (I think I complained more than she did) and was willing to do and try anything. I hope that wasn't our last trip together...maybe next time my sister will be able to join us, and the mother-daughter trio will be complete!

Baby Showers!!

November feels like a blur, and that is my reason for not posting much this month. I am attempting to post at least 2 times per week and I failed this month. I will try to get back to regularly posting.

November was the month of my two baby showers. One was in Flower Mound at my sister's house, and the other was in Corpus at one of our family friend's house. Both were absolutely lovely and we are overwhelmed at people's generosity. Before you see the pictures I want to note that I am wearing the exact same outfit in both pictures. If you have ever shopped for decent looking maternity clothes, you know that they are expensive!!! Therefore, in order to justify paying for something I really liked I wore it to both showers.

Flower Mound shower with the hostesses

The gorgeous table!

Sign in table

My special helper-Addie 

A few of my beautiful friends that attended

Opening presents

The Flower Mound shower was my "big" shower. My mom and my two mother in laws came in from out of town to celebrate with us. It meant so much to have all of Drew's grandmother's there (Cita-my mom, KK-Kent's mom, and Gigi-Kent's step mom). My hostesses are some of the most beautiful people I know.  They have all touched my life in various ways, and them helping with the shower meant so much. Briefly, a word about each of them starting from left to right in the picture below:

Marianne Lagerstrom: We met the Lags when the hosted a Sacred Marriage book study at their house. We instantly fell in love with them, and soon began going on double dates and fun couple outings. The Lags marriage has survived the storm, and they have a testimony of God's redeeming power. The Lagerstroms have a love for the arts and good food, so most of our time with them usually surrounds one of those things with amazing deep conversation.

Lauren Williams: Lauren and I have been friends since 2004. We lived together spring 2004-spring 2007, so we know each other well. I love this girl more than words can express. She possesses a wisdom that could only come from the Lord. Lauren has a wonderful sense of humor with great timing...she is one of those people that is subtly witty. I love Lauren, she is truly a great friend.

Lindsey Brittain: Lindsey and I went to Liberia, Africa together in the summer of 2005. We became fast friends on that trip, and have remained great friends ever since. Lindsey is truly one of the most dependable and loving people I know. She will do anything for a friend and longs to serve others well. Lindsey also truly loves people. She calls out sin in my life even when it means an uncomfortable conversation. Lindsey is a true, true friend to me.

Megan Seidel: It's hard to know where to begin talking about my sister. This woman loves me and knows me, and I am so thankful that she is apart of my family. Megan prays with a heart that longs to know the Lord more. She is a wonderful mother and she puts up with my many questions about pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. I am beyond thankful for my sister, and I hope that we grow old together.

Glo Gaddis: Glo and I met in a bible study in the fall of 2005. She exuded wisdom and love for the Lord, and I instantly wanted to know her more. She began mentoring me shortly there after, and we have remained close through the last 5 years. Glo prays for Kent, Drew, and I probably more than anyone else. She has been there for me when I needed a place to live, a person to confess to, a stand in mom when mine is far away, and an example of a godly woman. I hope to love my husband and children as well as Glo loves hers. 

Now for the Corpus Christi shower. I didn't have anyone take any pictures of this shower, so there are only a few.

The CC hostesses

 The Corpus shower was hosted mainly by my mom's friends. These women have seen me literally grow up in front of their eyes. I love the thought of how cyclical life is...having children in a community of people, watching those children get married, and then supporting them as they have children of their own. These women are gems and I love each of them so much. Melanie (the cute blonde next to me) and I have been friends since elementary school. We spent many, many nights together calling into radio stations to request songs, sneaking into our older sister's things, laughing until we cried, and eating corn nuts and drinking cokes (sounds gross, but it was the best combination at Mel's house!). It's so weird to me that we have literally been friends for over 20 years! I hope that we remain friends for 20 more!

Two of my fav friends from High School-Melanie and Lanna

Drew is loved from places all over Texas, and that makes my heart full and joyful. Thank you to everyone that supports and cares for our family. We'd probably be in a ditch without each of you. I pray our son is blessed with rich community as we have been. 

Monday: I know this much is true

I missed last week's favorite things post, so I thought I would throw one in on a Monday and maybe do another one later in the week. Today's I know this much is true is all about my five favorite television shows (not including those that are now off the air like LOST). These are in no particular order:

1. Friday Night Lights: I am a recent convert to Friday Night Lights thanks to the persuasion of Lindsey Brittain and Netflix. I love this show for so many reasons, primarily because of the way they really develop each character to draw you into the story (ok, the drama). The football obsessed town reminds me of my home town and love of football in some ways (Go Calallen Wildcats!), when it was most important to date a football player, be seen at the games, and cry at the end of a loss with everyone else (seriously, why do all the cheerleaders and other girls cry after games...they probably didn't even know what was happening most of the time). Anyway, if you haven't watched FNL, definitely catch up in time for season 5.

2. Project Runway: I go in and out of watching this show, but I tuned in for this past season because I went to high school with one of the girls on the show, Valerie Mayen. Valerie didn't win, but she was in the top 6 and is an awesome designer. Check out her shop here. I remember Valerie as early as elementary school being an amazing artist and extremely creative. The Lord has definitely allowed her to refine those talents and be successful by doing what she loves! Anyway, this past season is over and I didn't agree with who the judges chose as the winner. Maybe I will tune in again next season.

3. Biggest Loser: Some people hate this show, but I love everything about it. I love to see the transformation of people once they have lost a lot of weight. I love the way Bob and Jillian work out the contestants and get into their heads about why they're so fat. I usually cry at a few episodes every season, as well as fast forward through some of the drama/game playing. I love Tuesday nights..first amazing Bible Study at The Village and then coming home to watch Biggest Loser!

4. How I Met Your Mother: Kent introduced me to this show on our honeymoon. It's funny and enjoyable, and typically end up laughing out loud.

5. America's Next Top Model: I think I am the only person alive that still watches this show, but I love how they take these normal girls and turn them into models and I love the photo shoots. I know the eliminations are overly dramatic and I know that the girls are even more dramatic. But, if you DVR it you can fast forward through the silly parts and just watch the creative ones.

Ok, that's all for now. I need to go get ready for tomorrow...lunches need to be packed, coffee made, and a shower taken!

More Jonathan Adler lamp love!!

Check out the two giraffe sconces on either side of this abacus. Now, if you read my previous post, you know how much these little Jonathan Adler fun, stylish, unique, lovely lamps run...now multiply that by two! Whoa, somebody has more mula than me to spend on their nursery. A girl can dream! Meanwhile, just enjoy the eye candy and take whatever decorating likes get you going from the photo below. For me, it's everything...the unusual decision to use an abacus as a feature on your wall, the two giraffe sconces, the bright yellow dresser as a changing table, and using yellow and gray as the main colors. So fun...I need more babies to have more rooms to decorate...oh, and I guess more money too. See the whole nursery here (I am not a fan of the pictures they chose for above the crib, but love the morrocon pouf they used instead of an ottomon!).

Found on Odeeoh

Meal Plan Sunday

In February of 2008, my husband and I were engaged and began working out together and eating healthy. We called this our LGN (look good naked) plan before we were to be married in July 2008. We were diligent and disciplined, and as July came around...we looked really good. So much to the point that my wedding dress was too big (yay going down a size), and Kent's suit jacket was too small through the shoulders (yay muscles!).  Since we have been married, I maintained my regular 3-4 day per week workout and ate moderately healthy. I have done enough to maintain my usual weight and size. Kent is blessed with amazing metabolism, and doesn't really have to watch what he eats or doesn't need exercise to look good. 

Then, enter pregnancy season. I, by no means have let myself go, but now I only workout lightly 1-2 days per week and allow myself more treats than normal knowing that I only have a few months to enjoy food I don't typically eat before having to return to my typical diet to get the pregnancy weight off. 

Even more importantly than how we look, we know the importance of treating our bodies well and eating healthy. Kent has recently been convicted on the importance of eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle especially as he enters parenthood. He is beginning P90X in a few days, but meanwhile we are implementing more healthy foods into our diet (while not going crazy and only eating lettuce). So, here is our meal plan for this week

Lunch: 

M: Grilled chicken salad (I make it w/ a ton of veggies: red pepper, edamame, avocado, lettuce, tomato, green onion, etc.)

T: Chicken and broccoli 

W: Turkey Wrap with avocado. lettuce and sprouts, barbeque pop chips, fruit

TH: Leftover flank steak/snow peas

F: Salmon with salad

Dinner:

M: Kent work dinner, Kristen: Quinoa with black beans and tomatoes

T: Pasta in olive oil with lots of veggies

W: Beef with Snow Peas

Th: Salmon,  asparagus, brown rice

Our breakfasts will include oatmeal, eggs, fruit. Snacks are going to include protein bars, yogurt, fruit, and nuts (within moderation). I still will have my occasional pregnancy treats (sweet stuff, Fuzzy's tacos, etc) for the next few months, and then once little Drew is here I will kiss most sugar and other treats goodbye as I work off the excess weight. Haven't decided what my workouts will look like come February or March, for the first few weeks it will be whatever I can handle between lack of sleep and learning to be a mom. :) Our motivation is no longer LGN, but maybe NHL (normal healthy living). 

Between Notes Teaser

My husband is brilliant in a million of different ways. He sees things differently than I do, absorbs a ton of information on a daily basis about a variety of topics, and he can communicate ideas through words effectively and intelligently. He is also creative, and he has a desire to see stories come to life on film. Last spring, him and several others made a story about music and relationships come to life. In August, I and about 300 others were able to watch this story in a theater. It was magical. Not just because the story was good, but because I knew the hours and hours that these men put into creating this film, and now there were people were seeing the fruit of their labor. Currently the film is being submitted to several different independent film festivals, but below is a link for a quick teaser to make you salivate and want to see more of this film. My prayer for Kent and the others is that Between Notes is only the beginning, and that many other films will be brought to life. I will keep you posted on when the awesome soundtrack is available, as well as when the incredible film is released to the public.

Between Notes Teaser: http://on.fb.me/a7tmbE

Menu Plan Sunday

Last week I actually stuck to the menu exactly. On Wednesday I was tempted to do takeout from somewhere, but resisted knowing that we had food we had already paid for at home. Here's this weeks menu:
Dinner: 
Monday: Parma Pizza (dinner with new members from church)
Tuesday: Leftover Pizza or Left over spicy baked chicken
Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner
Thursday: 6 can tortilla soup, chips and salsa

Lunch:
Monday: Left over spicy baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans (what I made for Kent's bday)
Tuesday: Kent-business lunch; Kristen-Left over pizza, salad
Wednesday: PB&J sandwhiches, fruit, chips
Thursday: Grilled chicken salad
Friday: Kent-lunch out; Kristen-left over soup

Warning: PDA

In August of 2007, a friend of friends walked up to me and asked me out. Three years later we are married and expecting our first child. I couldn't be more blessed. Today is his 32nd birthday.

Dating fall of 2007

Engaged in February 2008

Married in July 2008

Summer 2010

Fall 2010 (expecting our 1st child)

32 things I love about my sweet husband:

1. He love Jesus Christ more than he loves me

2. He is passionate 

3. He has a sweet tooth and loves to eat yummy treats

4. He lets me put my cold feet on his legs to warm them up

5. He loves the Baylor Bears and Dallas Cowboys through thick and thin

6. He likes coming home

7. He leads me well and calls out my sin

8. He loves watching movies and the whole movie experience

9. He is excited to have a son, and hopes great things for him

10. He doesn't expect me to cook every night

11. He thinks Valentine's Day is silly (and so do I)

12. He longs to help hurting/broken people

13. He takes care of my car

14. He loves a variety of music and makes great playlists

15. He looks good when he doesn't shave for a few days

16. He answers my theology questions

17. He exposed me to the greatness of LOST, How I met your Mother, & The Office

18. He tells me he loves me at least 10x per day

19. He sends thoughtful text messages and emails just because

20. He is creative

21. He has lots of nicknames for me

22. He begs the Lord for Drew's salvation

23. He goes to bed at the same time as me, even though he would prefer to stay up much later

24. He is an amazing cook, especially on the grill

25. He was open minded about sushi, and now loves it as much as me

26. He is great with children

27. He yells at the TV during football and basketball games

28. He gives his opinion in decorating our home, but let's me make the final decision

29. He judges every mexican food restaurant by their salsa and beef fajitas

30. He serves in our home and church

31. He is an excellent communicator, and asks great questions

32. He walks in the truth, freedom, and hope of the gospel, but longs to know more daily

Tuesday: I know this much is true

I decided that I would do a "favorite things" post weekly. I like the title I used last week of I know this much is true, so that will be my weekly title for favorite things. The title is appropriate because the things I use/enjoy/like probably change, so this is all I know true today (on a surface level..not the real truth that never changes). Today's I know this much is true is all about beauty products. The top 5 today are:

1. L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara: I have tried MANY other mascaras that range in prices from cheaper to much more expensive, but in my opinion you will always have great lashes with this $6.99 product.

2. Kiehl's Body Balm: Now this item falls in the pricey range, it's about $40 for a giant tub of amazingness. I had a fear of the itchy skin and potential stretch marks that potentially accompany pregnancy. Some of the itchy skin has reared it's head and stretch marks may follow (TMI?) later on, but so far this stuff leaves my skin feeling amazing. In my first trimester I thought it smelled like minty pickles, which was a definite issue if you know how much I loathe pickles. But, I think that was all in my head, because now I look forward to putting it on nightly. It's amazing, and the tub will last you several months.

3. Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo: There is some controversy about this next product. Many people have experienced (me included) the dry shampoo actually evaporate in the bottle without using it. However, in it's defense this has only happened to me twice and if you buy it at Ulta and this happens they always replace the can. Anyway, this product allows me to only wash my hair 2-3 times per week, which will be very useful once the little bambino arrives.

4. Moroccan Oil: My previous hair dresser introduced me to this lovely product. Add a quarter sized amount to your hair before blow drying and wa-lah..your hair is fabulous. I mean, you still have to go through your normal styling routine but this product cuts your drying time and adds something fabulous to your hair.  I suggest buying the bigger bottle, you save money in the long run.

5.  Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: In the past I only used powder, but felt like I needed more coverage. I was hesitant in making the jump to foundation in fear of looking overdone or cake-y (if you use foundation, no offense..this is just how I felt for me). So, this tinted moisturizer was a great solution. After I wash my face in the morning and use just a dab of my regular moisturizer, (which I also love, but more on that later) I use a very small amount of this. It provides enough coverage to give me the look I want, but not so much that I feel like I am overdoing it. Also, I bought this in August and I have only used about 1/4 of it. If you use it sparingly, it will last a long time! I am sad I am already on my final product, so maybe next week will be beauty products part 2.

Anyway, I know that I have had a sudden revival of my blog, but it's been so fun. Everyone that hasn't posted in over 6 months...start posting today, we all want to read your lovely thoughts!!

Menu Plan Sunday

I saw on someone's blog that she post her menu plan each week for other's to get ideas and to hold her accountable for actually cooking each week. I am going to try it out.

Lunch:

Monday: Kent/Kristen-Grilled Chicken Salad

Tuesday: Kent/Kristen-Leftover Sesame Noodles/Veggies

Wednesday: Kent-Jambalya from Tom Thumb; Kristen-Sliced avocado/tomatoes

Thursday: Kristen/Kent Quinoa Curried Salad

Friday: Kent lunch out; Kristen leftovers or frozen pizza, salad

Dinner
Monday: Pioneer Woman's Sesame Noodles/Stir Fry Veggies
Tuesday: Chili/Cornbread
Wednesday: Quinoa Curried Salad
Thursday: BLT for Kent/Kristen-Bunco
Friday: Dinner out

Will post to see if I actually followed through with everything. Stay tuned!!

Trees

I am drawn to trees...in art, in jewelry, and in real life. As I was praying this morning, I started to think about why I love these things. Here are a few examples of the trees in my life :)...

Picture above our couch

My journal (that I purchased at Liberty in London, but they now sell at Anthropologie)

My favorite necklace

As a believer and worshiper of Christ, I want all things to bring glory to His name. I want to reflect on my likes and my attractions, and see if they "stir my affections" (term made popular by our pastor) for the Lord or if they just begin and end on me. One of my all time favorite verses is in Jeremiah 17:5-8

"Thus says the Lord:“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Psalm 92:11-13

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,  

they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 

¹³ planted in the house of the LORD, 

they will flourish in the courts of our God."

Isaiah 44:22-24

²² "I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." ²³ Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. ²⁴ "This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself..."

I want to be like the tree that he talks about in Jeremiah, that has roots that are deep in the Lord and bears fruit no matter what comes my way. I want to flourish like a palm tree in the house of the Lord, and worship Him because He is a good God. I want to remember daily that He has swept away my offenses and sing for joy with nature, knowing that He has conquered death once and He will return to conquer it and sin once and for all.


I have such a long way to go in learning to reflect on the Lord in all things, but maybe today with this reminder I will take all my affections, likes, and personality and give glory to His name alone since He is the one that created ALL things. May it play on repeat in my head today, "worship the CREATOR, not the creation!"