You Say it's Your Birthday?

There's just something special about birthdays. OK, maybe you're one of those crazy people who doesn't put their birthdate on Facebook because you don't want all the attention...I'm not from that mold. My birthday was last Sunday, and having a birthday on the weekend of course means that you get a whole BIRTHDAY WEEKEND! You know it's true. I also think Sunday is the best day for a birthday because if it's Saturday, Sunday is already the day after your birthday...not nearly so exciting.

My BIRTHDAY WEEKEND started with two of the sweetest tiny people I know and their wonderful mommy. If you haven't heard, you probably haven't talked to me in two and a half years, because that's how long I've had THE BEST JOB EVER! Seriously, I love being a nanny, and I work for two of the kindest people I've ever known.

Brooke always spoils me on my birthday, and she took us to lunch at Sissy's Southern Kitchen...YUM!

Being the youngest by 8 years DOES have its up side:  all the doting. This year was no different, and I know how blessed I am to have family who will drop everything to surprise me for my birthday.

My "snnnnneaky mom" (if you get that reference, I love you; if you don't) whisked me away to get a pedicure. Since you probably won't see my beautiful pedi, here's a pic.

I'm IN LOVE with this color; I think it's Visions of Love by OPI, but I didn't look at the name on the bottle! I know, what was I thinking?! Anyway, it's much darker and more maroon than it looks in the picture.  

I kind of knew something was up when my mom showed up with my dad, and she hadn't told me he was coming. I asked, "Did Chase know Dad was coming?" Her response: "No, I just felt bad about leaving him home all day." She didn't miss a beat. Smooth, Mom...but A) that's never stopped you before, and B) he loves being at home. Hmm...

Chase had been acting strangely all week about the present he was going to get me. So really, any strange behavior he was having I associated with that. He was dressed up nice and had shaven that morning, but I just thought he had to go pick up some piece of my gift (yes, there are several components...it's a good one, folks). I was all concerned about that, and not really expecting the surprise.

When we got back, the house was filled with my sisters, cousins, and several kids...who all called me "Aunt Denise" whether I was their aunt or not (I love that!). Pink, zebra-striped streamers hung from the doorways, and there was a handmade banner for me. They had made a sweet card with photos lining every inch. Most importantly, it was hugs all around.

My first thought? "Good thing I convinced my lazy self to sweep and tidy up some this morning!" No, I'm not a good housekeeper. Yes, I'm at peace with that fact.

It was so sweet how much trouble they went to for me. We ate and the kids chased the animals around. We didn't get many pictures, unfortunately.

Now for the exciting stuff: presents!!! Actually, gifts are not a big part of my love language. Chase and I usually don't get each other anything for our birthdays or Christmas. We'll save up for a trip or electronic that we'll both enjoy, but not usually a gift just for the other person. We're both OK with that. I was so surprised when he said he wanted to get me a gift, and he wanted to keep it a secret. It was...drumroll.........

A TV for our bedroom! It's actually a computer and monitor, but I'll spare you all the details. I always tell him how much I love watching TV in bed when we go to hotels. I like live for fall Saturday mornings with College Game Day and a cup of coffee. He had really been listening, and I love that.

Sunday was brunch after church with Chase's parents! Two words: Whiskey Cake. If you haven't eaten there, people, get there ASAP! It's amazing. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures of our food to tempt you, but we had Chicken and Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, and Griddle Cakes. Holy cow...so good!

Love those people!

It was a fabulous weekend, and I can't thank my family and friends enough for making it so special!

Holy Hurt

An unexpected call into your boss's office leaves you jobless. A two AM phone call brings the worst imaginable news. Pain: paralyzing, sickening hurt. We spend a great deal of time worrying about the possibility of pain. We try to prepare for it, but when pain hits us, we're rarely expecting it. It's hard not to think, "Why me? Why now? Why this way, Lord?"

This particular moment in my personal life is relatively pain-free, and I was thinking about it the other day as I watched yet another person I know endure the pain of loss. As I sat, holding my daddy's hand, at the funeral for a dear family friend last Saturday, I could only think that three years ago it could've been his funeral. That pain that came with his brain injury was used by God in ways I'm sure I don't even know. I do know a small fragment of what it has taught me:

1. God is faithful. I watched as a doctor told my mom that my dad would either die or be a vegetable. No. Hope. That was not God's plan for us. If he had died, it would make God no less faithful, but my point is that God used his power to grow my faith. I have to be honest in saying that I did not believe that God was able to heal my father. Not really. I knew in my head that it was possible, but to me it was too big of a request to really ask God for healing. He did it anyway...for His own glory.

2. Family is precious. In times of the greatest pain, I have only had solace in my sweet family. In many ways, my family includes some dear friends as well. Where would we be without others to bear our burdens? This photo was taken shortly after my dad came home from months of rehab. 

We were all there, celebrating his 67th birthday...a day we thought might never be. I cling to these moments in my mind as the most treasured. My family united to care for each other, and I will never forget the way we grew closer through tragedy. Allow others to share in your burdens.

3. Sometimes a season of pain can last a long time. You may be out of a job for a year, lose your dearest friend, or have to care for a sick family member. God told the Israelites to set up tents in the desert. They were to make their homes in their season of pain. He was no less faithful. His plan was still perfect. Trust Him and wait for Him to supply your daily needs as He supplied manna from heaven. 

4. Worry doesn't change a thing. Worrying will not add a day to your life. The Bible says that fretting only leads to evil. The solution? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Ps. 37:4 As much as I want to worry about the future when I think about the jobs we've lost and people who have hurt us, I think about God's love and faithfulness and have to trust Him.

5. Pain has a PURPOSE. I can't count the number of times I've met someone enduring the pain that I endured, and been able to really say, "I know how you're hurting, but God has a plan." Every moment of hurt I've endured has been life-altering. God uses pain to make us more like Him. Sharpening us, refining us, molding us into His image, drawing us closer to him in our desperation.

I decided to write this blog because in the last few weeks I've deeply felt the pain of dear friends, and I've carried their stories in my heart daily. Last week, our church-wide devotional featured a passage from Eph. 3 that has impacted me, and I hope you know that I'm praying it for all of you:

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

You have a purpose in your pain, and it's not to put on a brave face and pretend that everything is fine in your own strength. Your purpose is to allow the Spirit to move in you so that others can witness "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." Allow God to turn your hurt into holiness.

Drumroll, Please...

It's been almost three months to the day since my last blog post. If you have seen me or Chase at all in those months, you know I haven't had time to blog because we took on a painting project. I had two weeks off at the beginning of July that I had planned to dedicate solely to painting our paneling in our living room, dining room, entry, and breakfast nook...and while we're at it, let's do the kitchen cabinets, too! I know I sound crazy, but I really thought I could get a lot knocked out in those two weeks. A few glitches came up: 1) My mom rented a house in Florida, and we HAD to go during my vacation time. 2) We used a primer that didn't cover so well...Kilz II...don't do it. Just don't. If I had anything to do over again, I would use ANY other primer. We ended up painting 5 coats...2 primer and 3 paint. 3) I had no idea how much more difficult painting the cabinet doors would be than painting the rest of the walls. Of course people warned me. Of course I didn't listen. Have you met me? I'm stubborn. 4) 80's electrical wiring was uncooperative for outlet and switch replacement...not up to code is a complete understatement.

Ok, you've endured my pathetic excuses. Here are the before and after pics I know everyone will just love. Some of the walls had actually been painted after my before pictures, but before this project. These before pictures are from the week we bought our house, so I think they're funny and ridiculous. They have all the crazy paint and original, 1984 light fixtures so you can see ALL the work we've done.

During the process:

Sanding/Priming

Painting

Finishing

Before and Afters:

Living Room

Dining/Foyer

Kitchen

Would we do it all again? Yes, most definitely! We spent less than $500 for this entire project, including hardware (www.doorcorner.com). I'd say it's made a huge difference, and we're very pleased with the outcome. There's plenty more to say, but the peer pressure to post these pictures is keeping me short-winded tonight...you're welcome.

Great Kids

Let me just say, we get to be aunt and uncle to some of the most amazing kids I've ever known. We only got to see four of the seven last weekend, but I hope to see the others at some point this summer.

Thursday night, while Chase was at rehearsal, my mom brought two sweeties over to our house. Levi and Lexi can burst into any room with smiles and energy and light it up. They had Alice going crazy and chasing them in no time.

They came bearing handcrafted artwork for me and Chase. So sweet that they went up on the fridge immediately.

Friday, the sweet kiddos went with me to work, and played with Holland. They were instant best friends. Holland called them Lee-five and Lekthee, and she is STILL talking about them! We played in her playroom and went to the park. The kids were even perfect angels while she was napping. Unfortunately, this is the only pic I took. They were only like this for a few minutes, so don't judge me ;)

After lunch at Chick-fil-a, Levi looked up at me and said, "This has been a good day for me." 

"Really?" I asked. "Well, I was trying to make it fun for you!"

"You succeeded."

Great. Kids.

Levi and Lexi had no idea that we had tickets to the Ranger game that night...so fun! After work, we went to get some supplies. I bought peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and their favorite sodas in bottles. They were clueless. I had them convinced that we were going to make coke floats and have a picnic in the park. It was hilarious. Levi said, "Man, Lexi can always guess surprises!" Yeah, she nailed it!

I got these great shirts at Academy. The jerseys were only $3! A steal (aaaand we have a baseball pun...yesssss)! Sometimes it pays to live next door to a photographer. Matt Nicolosi is our neighbor and very close friend. He was so great to snap some pics for us. Check out his work...he's FANTASTIC! Really...he's an artist.

Once we got to the game, we had some lovely folks behind us snap a quick shot of all of us (between innings, of course).

These sweeties really didn't want to smile much. Especially the little girl who has the curls!

But a silly face...THAT is easy!

I then had Lexi take a picture of us. Not bad...I think this was the third attempt.

Now, where do they get that silliness?

Oh, that's right...

Lexi Grace, do. not. smile.

She cracked!

Baseball games are pretty cool. Especially when those Rangers score, and there are fireworks!

Friday nights at the Rangers' games means a whole fireworks show at the end...it was spectacular as always!

Too many days of too much fun...they crashed almost immediately!

When Levi crawled into bed that night, he said, "Aunt Denise, if I were still in school, I would write about this. Because in school we kept a journal, and especially on Mondays, we would write about our weekends. I would DEFINITELY write about this!" Melt. My. Heart!

Saturday, the fun continued as we all joined my sister-in-law, Ronda, and our other niece and nephew, Taylor and Ty, at the Denton water park.

Lexi loved going down the slide! She climbed to the top of the tower all by herself. Because she's so tiny, they had her put up her hands at the end to be caught by the lifeguard.

Thankful for every chance to spend time with them, we're looking forward to our next family gathering!

Cruise: Food

The average cruiser gains seven pounds on a cruise. Awesome.

Chase and I have been trying to work out and sort of watch what we eat for months. I, especially, hit the workouts hard the week or two before the cruise. If you know me, I say this ALL THE TIME, but I'm going to say it again: I have the best job in the whole world. One of the amazing perks that leaves me no excuse for not being fit is that the house has a fully-equipped gym room. Elliptical, treadmill, pull-up bar/TRX system, weights, TV, audio system...the works. Chase and I even tried to work out on sea days (I think we ended up getting in three workouts...Chase might've done one more than I did). Per my mom's tip, we took the stairs everywhere (my mom, btw, is the only person you'll ever meet who loses weight when she goes on a cruise...she's amazing!). 

All of that matters only to say that we ate, and we ate big. I mean big...

When Chase and I are at home, we love to eat. There are a few places that we frequent (Babe's Chicken, Kelly's Eastside, Sauced Wings 'n More, Nico's Tex-Mex Cantina), but we love to try new places. It's a perfect date if we can try a new restaurant for dinner and end with a local coffee shop. Perfect. Needless to say, we were excited about trying all the food on the ship. There is so much variety that we didn't get bored, and we had fun finding the hidden gems.

Lobster night in the main dining room was fantastic. I thought it was cooked better than some of the fine dining restaurants I've visited.

We normally split our meals. It's economical and better for our waistlines. On the cruise, if we couldn't decide, our waiter would always say, "Try both." So we did. 

Soup as our first appetizer.

Spaghetti Carbonara as our second appetizer.

Prime Rib.

Of course, with each dish, we would share. Sometimes I would trade with Chase because I liked his better. Overall, I had two complaints about our food. It was under-seasoned. To be fair, I understand that most cruisers are probably 55+. It's easy to salt your food after you taste it, but people who like their food less salty can't take the salt out. I'll give them a pass on that one. My other complaint was the gravy. You can see it in the Prime Rib picture. They put that gravy on everything. I ordered a filet one night, and they put it on my steak! If I wanted a sauce on my steak, I would ask for it. They even served this sauce with "Southern Fried Chicken" and mashed potatoes with "gravy." If you say gravy with southern fried chicken, it better be cream gravy and not the same stuff you use as sauce for your steaks!

Our steakhouse night was incredible. We ate and ate and ate some more. I wish I had taken more pictures of the food because it was breathtakingly pretty. They even made my coffee pretty...although, I think I had already taken a sip at this point.

Bar-none, the best dish I ate on the whole cruise was the lobster bisque in the steakhouse. Oh. Em. Gee. It was seriously amazing. It was creamy with huge chunks of lobster, and I ate every last bite. My entree was surf and turf: filet (of course) and lobster tail. 

The desserts really stole the show. Chase had a quattro (I think that's what they called it) of chocolate desserts. He adores chocolate, and couldn't have been happier.

I got the biggest slice of cheesecake I've ever seen. We tried to save what was left over, but it wouldn't fit in our fridge.

A few other foods were worth mentioning. In the main dining room, I didn't get a picture, but they had a barbecued brisket that was tender and perfect. Also, the chocolate melting cake with ice cream was the perfect go-to dessert. Finally, the seaside barbecue, only served at lunch on sea days, was ridiculously good. Of our sea days, we only ate it once. We would've gone back on our last sea day, but we were doing the ship tour and missed it. They had sliders, quesadillas, pulled pork tacos, four different salsas...it was all so good! I wish I had taken a picture of that as well.

Overall, I'd give the food a 7.5 out of 10. If it hadn't been for a few really stellar entrees, the score would be lower. I felt like everything we got was tasty, but many things weren't worthy of a second try. Our servers really made the vacation for us, and we were so thankful for how kind and friendly the Carnival staff was for the whole trip.