Bon Voyage: Shopping Editon

I might've gone a tad overboard (that's right...already snuck in a pun!) shopping for this cruise. Chase said I could, so that's my defense! My general philosophy on clothing is to buy it cheap, take good care of it, and by the time you're tired of it, it's probably out of style anyway. You won't catch me buying anything designer because I just don't care about whose name is on it if my body looks good in it.

Some of my favorite cruise-specific purchases:

This hat (which is now 30% off, and I'm kicking myself for paying full price and not saving my receipt!) from Target (you can't buy it online, so no link)

If you're pale like I am, you need sun protection in all of its various forms! High school and college were times of some not-so-judicious choices for me where my skin is concerned. Did I mention my parents owned a boat? To keep from ending up like Mama Elsa (thanks, Bravo, for this one)...

...I wear a sun hat. And LOTS of sunscreen. 

Recently, I've decided a black bikini is a staple because you can mix/match it with ANYTHING, and I've loved doing that this season. I bought this duo from Kohl's a couple of years ago:

I couldn't find an exact pic of the top, but it's basically like this one

Bottom 

My tops of choice to add this season are also from Kohl's

Apparently this white one is sold out online, but I found mine in a store

Turquoise is in both tops, so I decided to get a turquoise bottom too

Coverage is of utmost importance these days, so I splurged on a few things:

Dress or skirt cover-up (I've tried it on, and it really is good as either)

My biggest splurge of all...gorgeous white, linen pants (from Kohl's again! They always get me!)

Of course, what's a great skirt or pant without a wedge?! This time, I went cheap so I could wear them to the pool guilt-free. Payless. On sale and BOGO. Plus, sign up for member rewards and get a 20% off coupon.

Is it Sunday, yet?!

Sibling Day

With all of this Facebook hype about "Sibling Day" yesterday and today (y'all know one person posted one picture, and now it's officially Sibling Day), I thought it'd be a good excuse to brag about my awesome family.

This was the only picture of all of us I could access today.

My big brother, Danny, aka Bubba, aka Deputy Barnes, is a hero. Seriously. He fights bad guys every day. Just a few weeks ago, he kept a real bad guy from hurting his fellow officers (and anyone else) by taking him down when he didn't respond to directions. Even though no one got hurt, he could have been seriously injured. One of our favorite things to do is chat over all the interesting things about his job. Those stories fascinate and worry me simultaneously. I've been privileged over the last couple of years to see the strong and gentle way he's led our whole family. There have been some rough times for us, but he trusts in the Lord for his strength. He's a fantastic father, son, husband, and brother. I don't know what this family would do without him. I'm so proud of him. 

Deborah, my oldest sister, practically raised me...so you know she has the patience of a saint. She is smart, athletic, and has always been my role model. I remember, when she was valedictorian of her class, that I thought I should be so smart just like she is. She inspired me to do my best and work hard in school (as trite as that may sound). A wonderful mommy (probably since she had so much practice), she has raised two pretty awesome kids. When times get tough, and they've been tough, she doesn't quit. She just keeps seeking her peace in the Lord. I mentioned it jokingly before, but she is so faithful in waiting on the Lord's timing. She does not lose her temper easily and is rarely flustered. She has a gentle and quiet spirit, and the unfading beauty of that spirit shines through her.

It's no secret that Susan and I had a rough start. Knowing how stubborn I am now, I can only imagine what her ten-year-old mind thought of my two-year-old self. When she begged my mom for a baby, I'm pretty sure she had in mind a perfectly peaceful little doll who would let her do her hair and dress her. She got me. Now, when I look at my strong, intelligent, hilarious sister, I see so much of what I'd like to become. I admire the way she goes at life with passion. She never stops learning, and every time I'm with her, she surprises me with some other interesting thing she knows about the human body or her profession as a speech therapist. I can't tell you how accomplished she is. She loves a good practical joke...don't I know it? I will never forget Susan and Deborah dumping freezing water on my head once when I was in the shower. My horror-movie shriek must've left their ears ringing for days! We always laugh when we're together. She's also a great mommy (she's come a long way from her "Slapdancing" days...let's just say a hairbrush/microphone across the face stings), and her kids' lives are full of fun and giggles. Her passion for the Lord has also inspired me, and she always has a new, challenging perspective to change the way I see the world.

This turned into a bit of a long post, but I am blessed with more siblings than most people! Thanks to my mom and dad as well for raising such great kids to help raise me! Love you all!

The Good News

This Easter, as I considered what I'd wear (we all know I spent way too much time on that!), where we'd have lunch, what I'd take for breakfast to our ABF, I really desired to spend time in the Word understanding exactly the reason all of this takes place. 

I know the Good News. The Gospel. I have been given a blessed ministry of reconciliation wherein I get to share this life-giving news with others in hopes that they will understand the depth of God's love for us. 

I think the Church sometimes makes this complicated or convoluted...we have to get past the egg hunts, Easter dresses, and special performances to remember why this day is holy. I'm part of that. Lately, Chase and I have been asking ourselves often how we can get past those "churchy" norms...the "Stuff Christians Like." Most of the time, we're stumped. Those traditions, "the way we've always done it," are hard to shake. One thing I know: God is everything. Without Him, there is no purpose, no hope, no joy. All is meaningless...a chasing after the wind. 

The Good News is a journey to discover joy in a relationship with God that isn't based on what we do for God or how we can use God to fit our agendas. It's based on everlasting, earth-shattering, rule-breaking love.

Hope. 


John 3:16
-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

God of the universe became man.

Philippians 2:6-8

Who [Jesus], being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Knew no sin, but became sin. For us.

Isaiah 53:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Romans 5:6-8

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Death conquered.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

I Corinthians 15:54

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

Know Him. Be known.

Romans 8:35, 38-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:14, 27-28

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me […] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Returning. Soon.

John 14:1-3

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.


Jesus paid it all. 


All to Him I owe.


Sin had left a crimson stain;


He washed it white as snow.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It's been almost a month since I blogged...I hate to say it, but we're just so busy! One of the things I like best about the spring is all the unscheduled time to get things done. I take great joy in lazy Saturdays, long naps on Sundays with baseball on in the background, and long drives on Texas highways gazing at fields of bluebonnets. The fall is always so packed with football and the holidays that it's a race from August through December. The spring is time to catch your breath and have your breath taken away by the beauty. While we find joy in everything we do, lately we've hardly had time to sleep! Between work, Chase's study time for the PE, hobbies, and social commitments, our heads are spinning. Things will really slow down after Chase takes his test, but I feel like we have something going on every night.

Each week we lead a Small Group on Wednesdays and Chase has rehearsal on Thursdays. Because I have such a flexible job, I have taken on the role of Activities Coordinator for our HOA, and have recently started up three new groups for our neighborhood. I have loved every minute, but it has been much more time consuming than I thought it would be in the beginning. It has also been a huge learning curve about how to plan things. Someone introduced me to doodle.com, and it has changed my life!  Look into it, people...you won't regret it.

Recap of our past few weeks:
Hosted a Mexican Scramble night for our ABF (Read Amy's blog and Katy's blog)
Neighborhood Supper Club gathering at Eddy's Pizza
Tree trimming...followed up by a nice sunburn
Backyard patio dinner with dear friends
Chase taught our ABF
Hosted neighborhood Book Club gathering (reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn this month)
VM recording night
Hosted neighborhood Bunco Night
ABF Name that Tune (Read Alicia's blog)

I really wanted to take pictures of all of these things and blog about each one, but I'm sure you know how that goes!! Especially when you're hosting!

Did I mention we're leaving on a cruise in less than a month? I've already started looking at packing lists and buying swimsuits (love shopping...hate "that kind" of shopping). I'll definitely post more about cruise planning since this is our FIRST CRUISE. Yes, it's Carnival...No, we're not worried at all. Our ship is brand new! The Magic had her maiden voyage last spring, and our only worry is that we'll get too much sun!

Jane's Birthday!

Last weekend we got to spend sweet time with some of our favorite people in the whole world! It was our niece, Jane's, birthday, so we drove to League City and stayed for a few days with Chase's brother, Dustin, and his wife, Michelle. Laughter, video games, yummy food, chit-chat, reading, and sometimes Saturday morning NPR characterize our visits with the Houston Goodings. And, of course, we spend lots of time snuggling, kissing, and crawling on the floor with "Baby Jane." 

My in-laws would also add to that listening to "The Human Music Box," AKA me, singing children's songs incessantly to entertain the wee one. They're obviously jealous. Ask Jane, "Whose girl are you?" and she will answer, "NeNe." I rest my case.

OK, I guess I can share. She loves her "Oh Chets" (Uncle Chase) too. He's usually the one who gives her what she wants when all the rest of us have said, "No." Who could say no to this sweetie pie?

After Saturday morning cuddles and nap time, it was time for the party! Baby Jane is two adorable years old, and loved opening her presents. Michelle made amazing cupcakes with buttercream icing that were delicious, as can always be expected from her kitchen!

Jane had a time with the cupcakes. She dove right in, wrapper and all, when she first got her chance. She then decided that she was thirsty, took a long drink break, and went back for more...with passion! Getting her hands messy is less than acceptable, so she tried out a fork. Cupcake-sicle...that'll do!

Every little girl needs a crown and a tea set, and this angel is no different. We actually ordered her a play kitchen with Dustin and Michelle's help, but this little tea set was something in her hands on the day, and she loved it more than I could have imagined. These pictures are priceless!

I forgot to really take any pictures of us...who could with that gorgeous little subject walking around?! We enjoyed every moment, though. So. Very. Blessed!

Good Bull (Part II)

I just couldn't fit everything into one post...it was an action-packed weekend!

Per Colin and Amy's savvy suggestion, we enjoyed dinner at Fish Daddy's on Saturday. As first-timers, Chase and I had to try the hush puppies. They were delectable and perfectly complemented our margaritas (we might've celebrated National Margarita Day all weekend). 

My favorite food of the evening was the fried catfish. I normally don't love the texture of fried catfish...it can be too chewy and just boring. This. was. perfect! The strips just fell apart...all flaky and steamy. Hungry yet?

Over the years, many, many hours have been spent at our next destination: The Hoover House. Chris and Christine (and their beautiful, amazing children Madison, Landon, and Colton) are family to us. They have helped us through the best of times and the worst of times, and we could not be more thankful to God for their presence in our lives. When we've been with them, we feel closer to the Lord every time. This visit was a bittersweet time to say farewell to the home that hosted one of our wedding showers, and has seen so many of our smiles, tears, and Sunday dinners. The Hoovers are moving on to God's next big plan for them in Huntsville soon, and it's a bit like the end of an era. We're selfishly happy that we'll get to see them sometimes on our way to and from Houston every once in awhile. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this family!

It was one thirty before our heads hit our pillows to end our  first fun-filled day. The warm sunshine of Sunday morning woke us, and we had breakfast and headed back to campus for what else? MORE PICTURES!

Responding to the rumbling in our tummies, we swung by Northgate before the baseball game for some Antonio's Pizza. The pizza was perfectly unchanged, and we all approve of Northgate's new, safe look.

Temperatures were in the mid-seventies. Basking in all the gloriousness of the day, we couldn't wait to get to the ballpark! None of us had visited the newly renovated Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, and we were stoked. 

Starkly contrasting the atmosphere in Reed Arena, the atmosphere at Olsen was unchanged (as with most good things in Aggieland). The students still heckled the pitcher by name (we got up to 10 balls in a row at one point...Aggies understand what that means). We still heard humorous, appropriately-timed responses from the press box when something unexpected happened. Most importantly, the crowd seemed engaged and hopeful for a win. The Twelfth Man was a factor at Olsen. Loved watching the game even if the Ags were outscored.

We grabbed a quick bite at Sully's on our way out (hardly worth mentioning), and spent the ride home mulling over some thought-provoking road trip questions. We couldn't have enjoyed it more! Praise the Lord for sweet friends and a place to feel at home.

Good Bull (Part I)

We Fightin' Texas Aggies are a breed of our own, and we love our Aggieland! Blessed does not begin to describe how I feel about our road trip last weekend! 

Still rubbing sleep from our eyes on Saturday morning, we hit the road to College Station with a few of our favorite Aggies, Ray, Alicia, Colin, and Amy. Music was playing and the sun was shining on our girls car. 

As girls do, we chatted about everything we could possibly cram into the far-too-short, three hour ride. Amy could hardly get a word in edgewise with chatterboxes like me and Alicia.

Blue Baker was our first stop for a light lunch...a bread bowl and red velvet cupcake later, not quite as light as I'd hoped.

 Making our way to campus, it was a miracle neither car got in an accident with all the rubber-necking at the changes in the town. Even campus itself has a new building at every turn. We all thought the new designs were sleek and classy additions. 

Of course we had to stop by the Century Tree...

And visit the remodeled MSC.

Yep, those are gaming stations on the lower level of the MSC. Pretty cool.

If you know anything about Chase, you know he does not discriminate based on sporting event. He has attended just about every possible Aggie athletic event, and he doesn't mess around. When we were dating, we actually got into real arguments because he wanted to attend so many. And if you know anything about me, you know I enjoy watching sports myself (if failure to breathe, increased blood pressure, and sudden onset of involuntary shouting are what you call enjoyment). 

Check out this group of good-lookin people right here! 

Unfortunately, our Ags ran out of time (even though they had four overtimes!!!!!!!!) <- see what I mean about involuntary outbursts? Those exclamation points were completely out of my control. Reed Arena's atmosphere left much to be desired. While a student, my Aggie basketball experience was one of richness, excitement, and a lottery for conference game, student tickets. Not only were many seats vacant on Saturday, the people who did occupy seats didn't seem interested in making noise during a game that was within a bucket or two for much of the second half and overtimes. Empty seats could suck the life out of any arena. Complete lack of intensity from the coach and players seemed to do the rest for the Aggies. I wanted to see more fast breaks, penetration in the paint, and drawn fouls. Sorry for all of you who just lapsed into a comatose state as I pined for the days of Joseph Jones and Acie Law...maybe you could lend a hand as I step off my soapbox.

Ray and Alicia had to say goodbye after the basketball game so Ray could go kick the Cowtown Marathon's tail on Sunday Morning. Loved that we got to share these memories with them!

And all of this was only day one...stay tuned!