Merry Christmas!

This is what we've been watching all day. I love it. OK - not exactly that version... ;)

Engagement Pictures

Check out the link to my wedding photographer's blog (on the left). Courtney and her husband, Mike, took our engagement pictures and we are so pleased with how they turned out. They're some talented folks! :)

Veteran's Day

I'm stopping to take a moment and thank all the men and women who are serving and who have served our country. My cousin, Michael, is in the Army and I know what a sacrifice it is. He has been overseas with little ability to contact his family (thank goodness for email) and with us only hearing snippets of what is going on during the evening news. When serving in Iraq, I would pray daily that the attacks did not hit him or the camps where he was staying. I prayed that when he was jumping out of helicopters or planes that he would land safely. I prayed that he would come back to us. And he has. He is so proud of this country.

I think back to my grandfather's funeral last year. He served in the Coast Guard and they had current and previous members of the Coast Guard there to fold the flag and do the gun salute. It was very touching. As he got older, my grandfather talked about his service a little more, but didn't say a whole lot. I almost feel like that time is incomprehensible to outsiders - those of us who haven't served.

Michael, I am proud of you and your continued willingness to serve. I am also thankful for my cousin Kristin's husband who is a Marine. Trevor, I will pray for your safety as you are away from your family. Again, thank you to everyone who serves in this way. We owe you more than we can ever express. God bless you all.

Sigh

So...the election happened...and did not turn out the way I'd hoped. Though I think I secretly knew what the outcome was going to be. Here's to the next four years!

Stupid Sinuses *kick*

Along with Sunday's cold front came a sinus infection. Awesome. However, I know what these things feel like now and got to the doctor as soon as I could on Tuesday. Y'all should have been there. I tensed up during my flu shot and nearly passed out afterward. You want to see fun times? Get me around needles - it's like magic. ;) Daniel made me fresh-squeezed OJ and we are going to watch "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" this evening (DVRed from Tuesday). I could get used to this sick thing, if just for the pampering. :)

Sick

I am at home today after being up half the night with some weird acid-reflux thing (thanks ever so much to my Thompson genes) which turned into a splitting headache this morning. Does wedding stress cause this? Or is it our lovely weather which is 40-50 at night and a scorching 84 in the afternoon? Either way, I think I need to find me some Pepcid AC...

The storm's coming and it's a BIG one!

For those of you who don't know, Hurricane Ike is about to hit the Texas coast. Of course, this caused great panic in Austin earlier this week when we were told we would have 100 mph winds, thunderstorms and possible tornadoes spawned. Great times. I cannot tell you how excited Krista and I were to possibly squeeze ourselves and our dogs into my tiny downstairs closet in the event of a tornado. It turns out that we may now only get some rain and 35-40 mph winds. My lawn needs the rain and you won't find me complaining about that! I just have to laugh at the panic that is still over Austin. Schools had half days today, everyone seems to have left work early, HEB sold out of its water and my florist canceled my appointment for tomorrow. But my eyebrow wax is still on for the morning. That's right - beauty trumps mother nature every time! ;)

Exhausting

Saturday was perhaps the biggest wedding planning day yet. After getting my eyebrows done (what? I have priorities), I rushed off to meet with a florist. After that appointment, I had a nourishing 1/4 white chicken lunch at Boston Market and delivered a savory chicken pot pie to my fabulous fiance. Once Daniel was done with work we met at his house, went to look at rings (we found one for him!) then went to drop off our contract and deposit at the reception site. Next we looked at three venues for the rehearsal dinner. Whew! After that, we tucked into some delicious crack bread and pasta at Macaroni Grill.

I tell you what, I'm all for planning, but another Saturday like that and I may head off for my honeymoon early... ;)

Mmmm...

I am sitting enjoying some Silk vanilla soy yogurt with banana circles and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heavenly! It would be a tiny bit better if they were mini chips, but I can't complain because it's chocolate.

I also have two dogs begging for a bite because there are bananas in my bowl. (They already got banana ends.)

Oh yeah, Krista - I corrupted your dog. He is now a fan of bananas. :)

Click here to help the rainforests!

For my adoring fans

You can check out some pictures of Daniel & me taken over the weekend by my roomie, Krista McCaleb, right here. :) (Kidding about the adoring fans part!)

Stole this from Kelly

But I thought it was so fun! Here goes!

i am: so happy right now
i dream: of living in a foreign country
i think: there is no purpose for scorpions
i know: that God is faithful
i want: to make a difference in people's lives
i have: a very sparkly ring on!
i wish: for happily ever after
i hate: hearing about all the injustice in the world
i miss: my sister
i fear: sleeping with my closet door open (seriously)
i feel: deeply
i hear: the A/C running
i smell: my dog and he smells like Fritos
i crave: Uncle Eddie's vegan cookies
i search: all over the Internet on a daily basis
i wonder: what it would be like to speak 5-6 languages fluently
i regret: not learning to ski
i love: Daniel
i ache: when my friends hurt
i care: about the environment
i always: put moisturizer around my eyes in the morning and night
i am not: a pushover
i believe: in true love
i dance: whenever I can!
i sing: in the car
i cry: a LOT
i don’t always: floss every night
i fight: hurtful words from the past
i write: when I am inspired
i lose: my iPod earbuds a lot
i never: thought I would like fried pickles
i listen: to wise counsel
i can usually be found: out with Daniel
i need: more sleep
i am happy about: planning my life with Daniel
i desire: to know God more fully
i hope: for things unseen

Elizabeth Bennett

Thanks, Krista, for this quiz. I'm sure we're all surprised at this result! ;)

Take the Quiz here!

I'm a fiancee!

Well, folks, it happened! Daniel proposed on Sunday when we were in Santa Cruz. The proposal went something like this:

Daniel: Talking about our relationship, how great it's been, traveling together, making dinner for people, how much we have to talk about, etc.

Me: Interjecting fun stories and thinking he's being really sweet.

Daniel: Thinking back on all this, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Me: I want to spend the rest of my life with you,too.

Daniel: No, I mean, I want to marry you.

Me: I want to marry you, too. (CLEARLY I am a little dense!)

Daniel: OK, I guess I should get down on one knee. (Gets down on knee) Amy, will you marry me? (At this point I have my hand over my mouth and, evidently, a completely shocked look on my face.)

Me: Are you serious?

Daniel: Of course I'm serious!

Me: (Shake head "yes" and start bawling.)

Classic story, right? ;) How could you expect anything less from me?

I can't get the pictures to post right. Oh well! I'll try to include some soon!

California dreamin'

Greetings from Davis! I'm sitting at a little cafe having just enjoyed a panini (more like a glorified turkey sandwich, but still good) and listening to a little Peter Gabriel over the speakers. I have a cushy chair, a bottle of water and my work. I think this is the life - at least if I have to earn my keep! I think I now have my sights on a raspberry linzer cookie... Yum! :)

Does the punishment fit the crime?

Read this first.

I know people in the US and the UK are outraged over this story. My personal take? If you are going to be stupid enough to 1) blow off a warning from a police officer, no matter the country and 2) have sex in public, then you need to face the consequences for your actions! I'm sorry that these people were too intoxicated to heed the warning, but if they removed themselves to a hotel room after receiving the warning, I doubt they would have been arrested. And, really, no one wants to have their nice beach experienced ruined by the indecent exposure of some other people nearby. We expect people traveling in our country will obey our laws, so why shouldn't they expect the same of us? I think the man and lady involved in this incident deserve some form of punishment.

She's Everything

I heard this song on my iPod this morning and I love the lyrics. It makes me smile every time I hear it - Brad Paisley is a great story-singer. :)

She's Everything
Songwriters: Brad Paisley, Wil Nance
She's a yellow pair of running shoes
A holey pair of jeans
She looks great in cheap sunglasses
She looks great in anything

She's 'I want a piece of chocolate'
'Take me to a movie'
She's 'I can't find a thing to wear'
Now and then she's moody

She's a Saturn with a sunroof
With her brown hair a-blowing
She's a soft place to land
And a good feeling knowing

She's a warm conversation
That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad
And she's a lover when she's loving

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me

She's a Saturday out on the town
And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck
And a cuss word 'cause it's Monday

She's a bubble bath and candles
Baby, come and kiss me
She's a one glass of wine
And she's feeling kinda tipsy

She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
And my unborn children's mother

She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me

She's the voice I love to hear
And someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair
I want rocking right beside me

Everyday that passes
I only love her more
Yeah, she's the one
That I'd lay down my own life for

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me
Yeah, she's everything to me

Everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
And she's everything to me

C'mon - you gotta love 'em

Even the staunchest weenie-hater has to love this cute face.


see more dog pictures

For real, yo.

It is now 4:46 a.m. in Texas (3:46 a.m. where I am) and I am still up. I have been up since 7 a.m. Can we all say AWESOME?! Man, I love litigation...

Lucky Guessing!

Daniel, Tim and I are tied for first on Facebook for our Euro2008 picks. Considering I hadn't watched any of these teams before this tournament, I think I am a darn LUCKY guesser! But I will enjoy my first place status nonetheless. :)

Lest you think I exaggerate...

I had to take this picture after I found Quincy neatly squatting over a little plant in my backyard. I kid you not, folks, he pooped right on the plant. You can't teach this kind of talent.

Arizona and Deutschland

Daniel and I went to AZ this weekend for my friend's wedding and to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. Oh, and to watch the Euro Cup. (That was really at the top of DK's list.) ;) We had a great time seeing everyone and Daniel got to meet Christian for the first time. They hit it off instantly, being German and all. Seriously, I think I am going to have to put a rule in place that they can do whatever they want together (jumping off cliffs, chasing coyotes) I just don't want to know about it until after they're done. I'm a terrible friend and forgot my camera at the wedding - but I did remember my wedding-themed Sniffs, so at least I had the important stuff down. Here are some pics from the weekend. I got my dad Bobby Flay's grilling book, so that's what he's holding. Also, in case you missed it, Germany won on Sunday! We had an awesome time cheering them on at a local pub. And, yes, we were there at 9:00 a.m. to watch the first game. I tell you, we take our soccer seriously around here.

7 things about me...

OK, I got tagged forever ago by a few people, so I am finally doing this! My apologies to those of you who tagged me - I seriously can't remember. I think Alexia, Lippy and CEB?

ME:
1. I gag really easily. It's a family trait.
2. I can do a 3-leaf clover shape with my tongue.
3. I love Rocky Road ice cream and if I could eat dairy for a day, I'd eat as much of that as possible.
4. I do my best work under stress (sucky, but seriously).
5. I am spatially challenged - that is - I have a really hard time visualizing how things will look (and fit into a space) when they are done. But I'm a visual learner - go figure.
6. I would love to live on an island somewhere. The beach is my ultimate place to relax.
7. I hate the flavors of orange and chocolate or raspberry and chocolate together. Sick!

Good Quote for the Day

"Every woman has to find out that her husband is a selfish beast, because every man is a selfish beast by the standard of a woman. But let her find out the beast while they are both still in the story of 'Beauty and the Beast.' Every man has to find out that his wife is cross -- that is to say, sensitive to the point of madness: for every woman is mad by the masculine standard. But let him find out that she is mad while her madness is more worth considering than anyone else's sanity."
-- G.K. Chesterton, "Two Stubborn Pieces of Iron" in The Common Man

Thanks to my friend for forwarding. :)

Reynosa

I went to Reynosa, Mexico for the Memorial Day weekend. It's right across the border from McAllen, TX, but it is definitely a world apart. We stayed at the Corazon Grande orphanage (such a great facility - God's love is definitely being shown there) and worked for two days in the colonia just outside of Reynosa. I cannot describe the poverty there - it makes me truly appreciate all the material blessings I have. Especially windows, plumbing and air conditioning! We had a great time, though, and were able to bless some of the families there. There were two houses started - one completed, a foundation poured for a second bath house, solar panels installed on a couple of houses to provide electricity, a roof and porch repaired for a woman whose had collapsed and, of course, VBS for the kiddos. I had such a blast doing that. I love being able to love on them, talk to them and just show them that they are loved and important. We had some bubbles for the kids and they LOVED them. Funny how such a simple thing can bring such joy. Here are some pics of the colonia. The kids loved my digital camera - the fact that they could take a picture and then see it right then was such a novelty for them! If you are interested in going to Reynosa or donating to the cause please check out the Rohi Foundation's website. Enjoy the pics!

Before (house with boards piled on as a "roof"):

After (new house nearing completion):

Where's my Aqua Net?

Evidently I have big hair today, according to a male co-worker. Hm. Last time I checked, I live in Texas - this is what we do. I guess it just comes naturally for me.

And you thought YOU had a fun Saturday...

This is what I did on my fun-filled Saturday night. Yes, I "helped" change radiator fluid in Daniel's car. I tell you - I don't know if I can handle the excitement.

Sick head

Literally. Daniel came over on Tuesday and told me he didn't feel well. He was really hot (and not just in the looks department) - he had a 102.4 fever. Good thing I have a thermometer and Advil at my house. Anyway, this is his rockin' hair on Wednesday after sleeping all day. I think we may need an MK v. DK hair-off, Al. ;) He must have been feeling a bit better, though, since he did manage a smile.

I didn't forget!

Alright, I've been a little busy, but for all you people who have demanded pictures (you know who you are), here they are! I'll also add a couple of the highlights for those who don't have time to peruse the entire collection.

This is what happens when Daniel gets bored on the plane:

Daylight Savings

Can anyone tell me why Congress thought it was a good idea to do daylight savings? What is the point? I think they just like to jack with our body's internal clock and our sleep schedules twice a year. Can you tell I'm a little cranky from losing an hour of sleep last night? ;)

Since I am in a posting mood...

Do you ever get stuck on an email string at work where there is so much drama/freaking out about hm...no one really knows what? And that original email ends up generating about 25 follow-up emails? Yep, welcome to my day. I literally emailed my co-worker at one point and said - "I forget what I'm even supposed to do with this license. Is any of this relevant?" Amy's brain = fried.

**I came home and had soy ice cream with sprinkles and chocolate syrup and, my, I feel so much better!

Scorpions must die

This is my first find of the season. I was so pissed that there was a scorpion in my house that I decided to forgo the hammer and step on the little (big) sucker. Ha! Of course, Quincy wanted to eat it afterwards. Dogs are so gross.

32 Roses

That is what was waiting for me in my cube when I got to work this morning. One for each year of my life. Evidently my sweet boyfriend and my co-worker plotted together and met up yesterday for the rose and card hand-off. I tell you what, his nickname for me is Princess and he sure treats me like one. I could get used to this... {|:oD <-- me with my birthday tiara

Aren't they pretty? This is a closeup.

One more thing

My webmail is so freaking slow right now. Annoying. Maybe it's a sign I should go to bed... ;)

Pre-birthday post (just for Mrs. Bost)

I've decided that David is probably my most favorite person in the Bible. The main reason is that he is SO incredibly honest with God (check out all the Psalms) and we get to see his struggles and his desires and his screw-ups and then see what an pivotal person he was in God's plan. And, really, there are times where I like to tell God that things really suck and that I don't understand and I really don't like what's happening. Thanks to David's honesty, I feel like I can do that. He doesn't speak Christian-ese and he doesn't sugar-coat things. Maybe it's a little of my personality, too, but I really appreciate that because it makes me see that I can be honest as well, all the while trusting that God's plan is perfect - even if it doesn't make sense or I really don't like where it seems to be going.

You Do

This is a song by my talented friends, Until June. The more I think about the lyrics, the more I love this song. Don't you wish we could all see things the way God does? And, I think what is hardest for me, don't you wish you could know how everything is going to turn out? I guess that's where faith comes in. Oh me of little faith (to steal from Nickel Creek)...

Mouths are moving
People talking slowly
In my ears
Another year goes

You stood up gently
Turned around
To face me staring back
"I'll see you sometime soon"
If only I could see the way you do

The midnight air it blows
Between my fingertips
So cold
As I walk back inside

It's hard for me to understand
How you could die for me
When I fall short sometimes
If only I could see the way you do

If only I could see the way
And if only I could see the way you do

Tammy

Tam - I am hearing that the surgery went well. You are in my prayers, friend! I will continue to pray while we wait for the pathology reports to come back. Praise God that he brought you through the surgery today! Lots of love to you.

Special Dedication

For friends that need it most right now.

So Small - Carrie Underwood

What you got if you ain't got love?
The kind that you just wanna give away
It's okay to open up
Go ahead and let the light shine through
I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out
And just be left alone
Don't run out on your faith

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
What you've been out there searching for forever,
Is in your hands
When you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big, at the time
It's like a river that's so wide
It swallows you whole
While you're sittin' round thinking about what you can't change
And worryin' about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count, 'cause you can't get it back

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
What you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands
Oh, when you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
What you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands
Oh, when you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Oh it sure makes everything else
Seem so small

I'm blue (times two)

Quite literally! I decided to take this quiz that has been popular among my friends and here is what it said about me. Think it's true?

People with blue Interests like job responsibilities and occupations that involve creative, humanistic, thoughtful, and quiet types of activities. Blue Interests include abstracting, theorizing, designing, writing, reflecting, and originating, which often lead to work in editing, teaching, composing, inventing, mediating, clergy, and writing.

People with blue styles prefer to perform their job responsibilities in a manner that is supportive and helpful to others with a minimum of confrontation. They prefer to work where they have time to think things through before acting. People with blue style tend to be insightful, reflective, selectively sociable, creative, thoughtful, emotional, imaginative, and sensitive. Usually they thrive in a cutting edge, informally paced, future-oriented environment. You will want to choose a work environment or career path in which your style is welcomed and produces results.

Update on the mouse

Willie is still out there. But I know Quincy will prevail! Here is the evidence:

I'm surprised you didn't know that hunting opportunities abound in a box full of poppy paper (aka bubble wrap)!

Where I stand so far...

I took a presidential candidate quiz on my friend's blog. (Shout out to Kim!) This is how I currently measure up. All I can say is...uh...Tom Who?

72% John McCain
65% Tom Tancredo
64% Mitt Romney
63% Mike Huckabee
62% Rudy Giuliani
60% Fred Thompson
55% Hillary Clinton
54% John Edwards
53% Barack Obama
50% Bill Richardson
49% Joe Biden
48% Chris Dodd
41% Ron Paul
40% Mike Gravel
34% Dennis Kucinich

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

I have a new friend

He scared the crap out of me the other day as I was going to my car in the garage. Daniel has affectionately named him "Willie." I, on the other hand, have little affection for him, although he is somewhat cute. I have to keep him separated from Quincy or I'm pretty sure there would be issues. Who is this fun friend? Here's a big (or little) hint:

Willie is gray, but otherwise looks pretty much the same. Just so you know how rational I am, my first thought after seeing him was, "Wow, I either have BIG bugs or there is a mouse in my garage." I'd like to chalk it up to being in shock, but I think it was probably denial. ;)

Sickness

I am a total baby. I want to be better. So what am I doing? Yes, sitting in front of my computer at 11:30 at night instead of sleeping. I also wanted to clear my memory card for my camera since I will need lots of space when I take pictures in Germany! Oh yes, that's right, I get to go to Germany in March. I talked to my sister about it tonight, so that may be why I'm a little hyped-up. I'm also adding a few pictures that were taken on my camera when it was accidentally left at Daniel's house. This is why I should keep a close watch on my things. It is also a confirmation that boys' feet are just not as cute as girls'.

I have a great boyfriend

Much to my dismay, I have relapsed and am back on antibiotics. For those of you who didn't have to hear my lovely, raspy voice, I had an upper respiratory infection at the end of December/beginning of January that took me down for about 10 days. Well, it decided to come back. (Maybe because I've been doing boot camp in 40 degree weather, but we won't go there.) Anyway, Daniel has been taking great care of me. He makes me tea and won't let me lift a finger until I get better. I even get to have dinner cooked for me tonight. I must say, I could get used to this... :) This is quite possibly my favorite video at the moment and I'd like to say that as of right now, at least in my life, the roles are reversed.

Maybe 2008 can start off right

OK, so I am the worst blogger ever. Sorry! I am going to give a chronological rundown of what's been going on...I went to my grandfather's funeral in October (it's OK, he knew Jesus and was in a lot of pain), had my 10-year college reunion in November, I went to the INTA Leadership Meeting in Orlando the next weekend in November, went to Phoenix for Thanksgiving, had a crazy time back in Austin (went to the River Walk in San Antonio to see the lights, too), went to Phoenix for Christmas (stole my friend, Gary's, clothespin Rudolph and ran errands with it), got sick for New Year's (hence, no pictures) and have a special surprise for everyone. That shirtless guy in the last picture? That's my boyfriend. I know - I didn't see it coming! But he is great. And he's German! Just don't mention that this picture is on my blog... ;)