tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27115228100260763212024-02-18T23:00:44.918-08:00Welcome to life with the Lamberts!!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-28093202952767572752010-06-06T15:48:00.000-07:002010-06-06T16:32:44.234-07:00He's COMING!!!Well friends,<br /><br />Life has been a whirlwind since I last wrote. I attended the rodeo two nights in a row, or a school night....crazy if you know how early I go to bed. I had spring break, where <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Apollonio</span> [my precious yard guy] made my yard beautiful, and installed sprinklers to keep it beautiful! During spring break, my precious nephew turned 1!! Then it was my daddy's birthday, and then Easter. It has been hard to celebrate so many holidays and special <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasions</span> without the hubs, but God has provided me with the greatest support network. As the end of April was approaching, I began to get in a funk again, for as many of you know, Russell and I have the same [exact] birthday. We were turning 25 on the 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. I, knowing Russell would not have family in Iraq to surround him with love, wanted to show him how loved he was from afar. I had 25 individuals/groups of family/friends each sign up for a day of April, with me signing up for the 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. On their assigned day, these friends/family members prayed for Russell. This blessed Russell because many sent him cards/emails of encouragement. What I didn't expect, is how it would bless me. I had many of these same friends sending me notes of encouragement, and letting me know how Russell was special to them. It was amazing. Then a week before my birthday, since my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">roomie</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Linds</span> would be gone the next weekend, She and Mandy [with the help of Mandy and my families] threw me a surprise birthday party. I was in total shock, and when I got over my fear of [why are there so many legs in my living room...yes legs, and not people], I had so much fun. Fast-forward 6 days, and Mandy turned 25 on the 23rd. We decorated the bathroom to surprise her when she woke up, and then I accompanied her family to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chuy's</span> that night to continue the festivities. Saturday I had my usual <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">skype</span> date with Russell [where he told me he would be unable to call me on my birthday]. It was a great conversation, though I was a little sad knowing that I have talked to him on every birthday that I have known him [since our19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>]. Sunday morning, I am getting read for church and my phone rings amid text messages. I was currently putting hot rollers [literally from the 70's in my hair] when my phone rings. I assume it is a family member confirming birthday lunch plans. It is a family member, RUSSELL who lied and <em>knew </em>he would be calling the next morning. I just love that man. I had a yummy hibachi grilled lunch with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">fam</span> and a couple of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">bffs</span>, and then laid out with Mandy at mom and dad's. The past month has been a whirl-wind of finishing up school [which is so hard to do when the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> graders you teach are <em>so over it</em> and you want to be as well, but as the adult, you have no choice.] I was very proud of my kids when their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">TAKS</span> scores came in, and then when they took benchmarks. The day after their final benchmark, we had field day. It was STINKING hot, but praise the Lord the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade got a morning slot, and we got <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">popsicles</span> at the end. Mrs. Lambert's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Looney</span> Tunes won a few events, got third place over-all, but our proudest feat was winning the Spirit Award. I constantly drill into my students that they need to be nice to everyone, cheer for the kid you really don't like as well as your best friend, show character, etc. It was very exciting when one of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coaches</span>, who is a christian man talked about how having spirit involves having a good character. I was thrilled for my [mostly] sweet, sweaty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Looney</span> Tunes. School ended with many fun events for the 'seniors' of the school. Their fifth grade dinner/graduation/awards night was particularly sweet. The hugs, and words of what you meant to them melted my heart. My partner and I read them the Dr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Seuss</span> book 'Oh the Places You'll Go" We were crying from the get go, and so were they. I cannot lie and say I loved everything about my first year of teaching, but I have learned and grown so much. On the last day, when nearly all of my 47 students were crying, I was bittersweet. Happy to have a year under my belt, and happy they had finished, but sad knowing those kiddos split to 3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">middle schools</span>, and knowing I will be teaching at a different school next year [I was on the excess list]. Wednesday night we went to dinner for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lindsee's</span> 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, and bless our waiter's heart, but the way to a girl is not by shoving whipped cream into her face. Unfortunately the night's festivities were cut a little short for me. Russell called and said his leave [that was scheduled for 10 days from then] had been canceled. His unit is returning 1.5 months early, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">YAY</span>, but therefore no more soldiers were getting to go home on leave, BOO! I was crushed. My sweet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">roomies</span> hugged and loved on me, as well as stopped on the way home to get me some goodies. Friday, my first official day of summer, I spent cleaning. I have grown to enjoy cleaning, or at least the result of cleaning. Friday night we had a birthday party for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lindsee</span>. Jenny and Jenn came to our house where we noshed on some snacks. We then met <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lindsee</span> and Jenny's friend Heather for some bowling, then went to B.J.'s for some YUMMY food and met <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Linds</span>' and Jen's parents, and a couple more girlfriends. The night ended back at Grove Brook Lane for some cake [<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">funfetti</span>, no less for our girl ;)] and drinks. By this weekend, I was sad that I would still have to wait 2.5 months to see Russell, and that I would already be back in school and not off when he was. Saturday morning I went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chimelewski</span> Farms in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hocklyish</span> [a mere 10 minutes from my house] with Adriana [oldest sister] and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lindsee</span>. We met Bonnie, Russ, and Noah. We then had ourselves a blast picking blueberries and sweating....we enjoyed only the former. I also am super excited about the honey I purchased for Russell. It is made at the farm [he loves local honey] and has a slight blueberry taste to it! I then went to lunch with my fun <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">bunco</span> girls as we were saying farewell to Lindsay. She is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">jr</span> high friend who I was able to reconnect with this year at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Postma</span>. She is currently driving to Colorado. After a quick dip in my parents pool to cool off from our lunch on the patio, I went to Mary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Haddad's</span> graduation party. She is one of the Senior girls in the youth group. She is in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lindsee's</span> 242 group, and has hung out with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roomies</span> and me on several occasions. It was great to celebrate her and to see so many friends from church, as well as have some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">delish</span> homemade <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mediterranean</span> food. Russell calls Saturday nights, and did not tell me that he would be calling at a different time, even though he works the night shift now to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">avoid</span> some of the heat. Around 8:30 I noticed he'd tried to call 4 times in the past hour. A few minutes later he called again as Mandy and I were leaving. He says he has more bad news, which I just can not take right now. The bad news he proceeds to tell me is 'you will have to drive to the airport sometime next weekend'. That's right, his leave is BACK ON!!!! I am just thrilled, though slightly guarded knowing there is a slim chance it could get canceled again. <br /><br />Wow...I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">realize</span> I just posted a book...with no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apparent</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">organization</span> or pictures [which I <em>might</em> remedy later]. I am now off to the gym to get out some of this giddy energy I have :)<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">CDL</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-71555930544357051392010-02-22T16:16:00.001-08:002010-02-22T16:30:37.525-08:00The February BluesLately I have been really overwhelmed with just about everything. I feel like my life is in perpetual count down mode. I snap at my kids more often than I'd like to, I get frustrated in one of my oh-too-short calls with the hubs, etc. <br />I have been feeling a bit convicted about all this. God tells us that in Matthew 6:25-34 that we need not worry. We gain nothing from that, all we do is lose faith. How can we question what happens when we know that God has it all under control. I'm not saying that I always understand His plans or always love them, but I do know that His will is perfect.<br />Now for a Russell update- he is doing better than he was a couple of weeks ago. Some things have been changed and this is helping take a little stress off Russell. He is working 6 days on and 1 day off [most of the time...] so extra prayers for his endurance are always appreciated :)<br /><br />On another note, our church had a vision [missions] conference this Saturday. I went and between <a href="http://www.cypressbible.org.php5-3.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/sermons.html">Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Muarry</span></a> [click to listen to two of his message's] being such an amazing speaker, and the Robbie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seay</span> band, it was a great day. It was also awesome to see so many young people [<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">jr</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">sr</span> high] excited about missions. Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Muarry</span> challenged us with the fact that 2 billion people will never hear the gospel unless we bring it to them. I am currently praying about a summer mission trip and will update <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ya'll</span> when a decision has been made. <br /><br />I hope you are all well! Sorry I haven't been in much contact with most of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ya'll</span>, this year has just been keeping me MUCH busier than I ever imagined it would, but this [the lack of contact] is something I hope to rectify soon!<br /><br />Love,<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">CDL</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-78305452796654034502010-01-29T21:57:00.000-08:002010-01-29T22:09:02.102-08:00New year new blogger?!?!Umm, probably not, but I do promise to maybe blog more frequently than every seven months. A LOT has happened since my April post. Summer happened, Russell trained for a month and I painted much of the downstairs in that time, I passed my content tests, It became August and school was about to start, and then I got a job [which you really all should already know :)]. It was completely God's timing. He was teaching me to wait on Him. He provided Russell's great job over a year ago at Cameron, provided an amazing first house, me roommates to share that house with while Russell is gone, and then a job. Three weeks to the day before school started, I was offered a job. I am a fifth grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher. Most days I love it, though I am completely ready for my first year to be over. This year has been a one of so many firsts, and as fun as some are, most are SUPER stressful. This has definitely been a year that has already stretched and grown me. I have been teaching for over half a school year, Russell has been gone for 4.5 months [and I have survived!] I am so looking forward to June for more than one reason. I will be a veteran teacher as of June 3rd, and a weekish later, Russell will be home from Iraq for his 10 day leave...!!!! We previously had big plans to go to Hawaii or something, but Russell has requested that we just take it easy and enjoy each other and take the big trip later. Either way, I CANNOT wait to see him, though my biggest countdown is to October, when Russell will be home for GOOD! <br /><br />Well enough serious updates. I am off to bed after a fun evening of seeing When in Rome with Mandy and Lindsee. It was hilarious and quite cute. We have since being home relaxed, watched the end of High School Musical Three, and then begun to call each other by our school mascot's [like Gabriella calls Troy 'Wildcat'] We have decided that 'Bear cat' really works, 'Longhorn' really is an animal ;) and that 'Aggie' sounds best.<br /><br />love and hopefully more soon!<br /><br />CDLClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-46065331726993957892009-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:002009-04-30T09:39:27.249-07:00Do you find that when you have lots of free time is when you get the least done? As of late I have had lots of days where I am not working. Most of the time I am decently productive, with my alternative certification program [to become a teacher], keeping up with the house, errands, etc. But last week Russell was gone all week at an army training, and I thought that meant I would get SO much done. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HAH</span>. I did get all my online teaching stuff done, got some new furniture, etc, but I did that in only half the time I had during the week. I also came down with a sinus infection by the end of the week, which I am still trying to get over. Unfortunately that meant I was sick on my [and Russell's] 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> birthday :( Luckily though, Russell got to come home from his training a day early, so he was home on our birthday!! We had a pretty low-key day, but it was great, cause we together all day. We had a yummy dinner with my family that night, so all in all it was good day. This week is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TAKS</span> week in the district, so that means they don't need substitutes. Which is a plus and minus. Plus, because up until today, I was still feeling under the weather, minus, because a couple of weeks of no work means less money, and less productivity. Hopefully next week I will be well, and back on a productive schedule.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning Russell leaves for his once a month army drill, which stinks, but luckily I will have some friends around to keep me company. My sister Bonnie is coming over tomorrow with my 7 week old nephew Noah. I saw them briefly on Tuesday, and Noah is smiling now, I LOVE IT! He smiled at me for about a minute straight :) This will be the first time Bonnie sees my house. [Which we have owned for almost two months!] She went into bed-rest the first week week we owned it, then had the baby early, then had her in-laws in town, etc. I know the life of a new-mom is tiring and busy, so I am glad we get tomorrow all to the three of us!<br /><br />As most of you have heard now, there is a reason that Russell has had so many army trainings. His unit is set to deploy this August. It could still change, though that's highly unlikely. We have been trying to just enjoy the time we have together, before he leaves, though it's hard not to be emotional. I will have the best possible situation next year, under the circumstances though. My sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lindsee</span> will be living with me, as well as possible two other girls. The house will be full, and hopefully distracting. I will hopefully be teaching my own class, and am currently in the application process with the Cy-Fair School District. Also, I am so blessed to have so many friends and family close by, that will help immensely.<br /><br />Well I'm off to clean and go get my license renewed!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CDL</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-27316936739009832962009-04-11T06:33:00.000-07:002009-04-11T07:10:03.338-07:00I'm BACK!!Well friends, SO much has happened since my mid-February post. I am now and Aunt, we have been living in our NEW house for over a month, we've seen good friends, etc. If you start at the bottom of the post and work your way up, the pictures will be in chronological order...<br /><br />Here are some updates without corresponding pictures :) I am on my way to being certified to teach. I am going through a program called iteachTexas, and am enjoying the process. I have also been substituting part-time in elementary schools, and just itching to have my own class [hopefully next year!] We have been settling into our new house and it actually looks lived in! Well, the downstairs does at least....we have too many rooms upstairs with nothing in them, I guess we just need to collect some more furniture! Two of my sweet friends that have helped so much with the moving process, are Lindsee and Sarah. They spent their days off helping me move my clothes [not an easy task], cut fringe off a rug, hang pictures, brought me meals, etc. They, as well as other friends, have been such a help and joy in our lives. We were able to have our small group over to our house this past Wednesday for a home-cooked meal to try and say thanks for all they help they have given us. <br />Russell is still loving his job as a project coordinator at Cameron, and really being able to have a sense of accomplishment. It was such a blessing he interviewed when he did, and God made us wait for His perfect timing. Cupcake is doing well, and not living in her crate anymore! She can now be trusted to stay in the house, not in the crate, when we are gone. The only thing she likes to eat is shoes, especially boat shoes [I think she's eaten 4 pairs of Sperry's.... :(] <br />We are relaxing this morning after a late night from going to the Aero's game, which they unfortunately lost in over-time, but we still had fun. I am about to make Russell pancake's for breakfast, then we are heading to my parents. They heated their pool, and we are having a pool party, with everyone, including Russ's [Bonnie's hubs] parents, who are in from Florida for Easter :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC6xCKD0FQ5aW3sr_YcQw06KV16eMk1xtPy5fSh8hIfQ97LRx6UVeEnTITG4DpFFi7jv6YKOFLa-WKOciFNFTljWo7iU2u-0tXAHWER4izgjZi-9rTv56jrqWz_PY0BcbXDPaEmHSdmCQ/s1600-h/IMG_1570.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323430040223242466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC6xCKD0FQ5aW3sr_YcQw06KV16eMk1xtPy5fSh8hIfQ97LRx6UVeEnTITG4DpFFi7jv6YKOFLa-WKOciFNFTljWo7iU2u-0tXAHWER4izgjZi-9rTv56jrqWz_PY0BcbXDPaEmHSdmCQ/s320/IMG_1570.JPG" border="0" /></a> Uncle Russell holding his nephew for the first time after my dad's birthday celebration<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4SXWCpeliuohjfIEZBqvUu0b8WjdZ8Og-j8uG1uYE8rD4DVkvfDX3DhION4GHEKl8k4FjI2U9AZu4glaap5jtBrdFTHWAUOT-YLMZIXeQ-N5MjcLo4R5uFiKI5AeBCCFu7XkVvmr81pK/s1600-h/IMG_1569.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323430035035915762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4SXWCpeliuohjfIEZBqvUu0b8WjdZ8Og-j8uG1uYE8rD4DVkvfDX3DhION4GHEKl8k4FjI2U9AZu4glaap5jtBrdFTHWAUOT-YLMZIXeQ-N5MjcLo4R5uFiKI5AeBCCFu7XkVvmr81pK/s320/IMG_1569.JPG" border="0" /></a> Noah is the sweetest 2 week old I know!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_2U2B-Szc9ty6L2VZAs0m5epW_drPzabJpw5V9GwLjYl2XsDkhG4z7e-B3aEjhYuwVqs7EKACCu3vlisZqXlGYNmP22a5nKQ_O-nDG0J_DmkhY33FIz3KlgTivpQksyFAKzAvWUreSLd/s1600-h/IMG_1565.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323429629526233970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_2U2B-Szc9ty6L2VZAs0m5epW_drPzabJpw5V9GwLjYl2XsDkhG4z7e-B3aEjhYuwVqs7EKACCu3vlisZqXlGYNmP22a5nKQ_O-nDG0J_DmkhY33FIz3KlgTivpQksyFAKzAvWUreSLd/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gary dancing with Holly after the senior belle's were presented.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnWUi1M24pLia0aj5EiMRvMvsNPsGHN7Lnbip156Pmoh9GLjgOU4IC6PHaTDXGO3aLJQxIV23sN6igp_fppHZyXzMZhK-qNehlfy6H-dENRMJkqHuc-3FdQA5pR92WEESoKseFF3q5qDp/s1600-h/IMG_1559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323429629012747474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnWUi1M24pLia0aj5EiMRvMvsNPsGHN7Lnbip156Pmoh9GLjgOU4IC6PHaTDXGO3aLJQxIV23sN6igp_fppHZyXzMZhK-qNehlfy6H-dENRMJkqHuc-3FdQA5pR92WEESoKseFF3q5qDp/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" border="0" /></a> Holly looking gorgeous [in the dress I helped her pick out!] with her date Scott.<br /><br /><div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuIVgZLQzdDnBHBH2paqzVxID_9qqkkQzqlWaJBmjBak2gk7L7lc-jOYa1FJK4xPMvln7i3qoqcz2FhPOcoUwYCsbYDO841wbEfv-FDfNxlsuFmaXquc9njCQyCI4sULH6jUStpSs_HUb/s1600-h/IMG_1555.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323429621844517778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuIVgZLQzdDnBHBH2paqzVxID_9qqkkQzqlWaJBmjBak2gk7L7lc-jOYa1FJK4xPMvln7i3qoqcz2FhPOcoUwYCsbYDO841wbEfv-FDfNxlsuFmaXquc9njCQyCI4sULH6jUStpSs_HUb/s320/IMG_1555.JPG" border="0" /></a> Russell and I at Holly's Symphony Belle's </div><div> [a community service organization] senior presentation.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sck5wzuU9svxRJfb95cDXBzpcNOwETVr4I2HnNn9STuWXtpt0H01ywHaLPwmoIcOfHRUY1Oz6A6ptI-66o1a7HIXle0mFIpOBeDrpqiw5V5jht9yLYnCpHjADncMR5uL-KeFQOlSFdDL/s1600-h/IMG_1553.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323429620539480690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sck5wzuU9svxRJfb95cDXBzpcNOwETVr4I2HnNn9STuWXtpt0H01ywHaLPwmoIcOfHRUY1Oz6A6ptI-66o1a7HIXle0mFIpOBeDrpqiw5V5jht9yLYnCpHjADncMR5uL-KeFQOlSFdDL/s320/IMG_1553.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gary and Mary Alice came to our house on Gary's birthday, and I made a birthday meal. They were our first two dinner guests at our new house!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoeDocBWBVrNnORYtTjcomJgKzqaNSyrvd8Y4bzjPusA4c_uqAKvbf64jJCQhDI2Li3nh67FgSrK6Timfpy3xWHcvWO0lIqJYXC_0dvZNWbKMs8FR8TwQUnHigj8zOAZS3XcIk7xzHcbm/s1600-h/IMG_1547.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323429614141654162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoeDocBWBVrNnORYtTjcomJgKzqaNSyrvd8Y4bzjPusA4c_uqAKvbf64jJCQhDI2Li3nh67FgSrK6Timfpy3xWHcvWO0lIqJYXC_0dvZNWbKMs8FR8TwQUnHigj8zOAZS3XcIk7xzHcbm/s320/IMG_1547.JPG" border="0" /></a>Me holding my 20 minute old NEPHEW!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV-e2T8op7Nz5w2qi2NZAt1V8eWUCTjCORDwMAqzegqj61bTJIDh_hGZw-udnD5sUTI-tzPWZmKXf8j93UXFIQRFxtyY7hwSNNgq1VvuaVgFyvO5HwdKusbTVfzcNmjaOxwHtw4YwUVsQ/s1600-h/IMG_1545.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323429001465853490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV-e2T8op7Nz5w2qi2NZAt1V8eWUCTjCORDwMAqzegqj61bTJIDh_hGZw-udnD5sUTI-tzPWZmKXf8j93UXFIQRFxtyY7hwSNNgq1VvuaVgFyvO5HwdKusbTVfzcNmjaOxwHtw4YwUVsQ/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" border="0" /></a>Daddy holding his grandson, while my mom makes sure he doesn't drop him :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ga49BaOLVJeQFyBU8CVwhU_qknGSTsl9U8Ry7bGbBjs8MqpFyhbbbki8J5WfbnTyuV4EkuvW9D3hjc6wdkqqTDERcPn2ueE8Amqk7cTEX-DRE1aKguMR76N-IrKOQmgSSuMkDSnD96ff/s1600-h/IMG_1542.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428995043541842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ga49BaOLVJeQFyBU8CVwhU_qknGSTsl9U8Ry7bGbBjs8MqpFyhbbbki8J5WfbnTyuV4EkuvW9D3hjc6wdkqqTDERcPn2ueE8Amqk7cTEX-DRE1aKguMR76N-IrKOQmgSSuMkDSnD96ff/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" border="0" /></a> The happy Moncrief family, just 30 minutes after Noah's birth!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cs-138t8dBirlr7K7OHpM-iGqWYWviEEU_U1y9jileDIYmONGUyWrAn9W4ow1xUTjCx93MSnfugZfl5kMiJ7vbGDntX91yS9MjlMZ6quegdhBWZdIZzq1G0JQeCW14dlHcgU9kt0pJrE/s1600-h/IMG_1537.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428987616468098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cs-138t8dBirlr7K7OHpM-iGqWYWviEEU_U1y9jileDIYmONGUyWrAn9W4ow1xUTjCx93MSnfugZfl5kMiJ7vbGDntX91yS9MjlMZ6quegdhBWZdIZzq1G0JQeCW14dlHcgU9kt0pJrE/s320/IMG_1537.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bonnie about a month previous at a shower, looking all sweet with her pregnant self.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFqfpIRWxyvODuYHnxori9b-lT90_FjXDIi7wIgI6dTS4omjcogA8WBWCKyiS_SpKpQANjLOx_KOQXikR99ZrFxEgejQM4WGYGhiH6PomBH-0I0sDc3jktRUL3IpCueSdt7_KCkJqeMry/s1600-h/IMG_1534.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428984468081074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFqfpIRWxyvODuYHnxori9b-lT90_FjXDIi7wIgI6dTS4omjcogA8WBWCKyiS_SpKpQANjLOx_KOQXikR99ZrFxEgejQM4WGYGhiH6PomBH-0I0sDc3jktRUL3IpCueSdt7_KCkJqeMry/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mom, Sarah, Adriana, Bonnie, me, and Mary and Bonnie's shower.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbeP2sSove09PSCWcKXcqOv9_w3t4usZ3wavlRcVYFw2PlqQRpyvxgRSxsN3JnQgBScFyXQlX-3khyiD9KWCq8sFb3lghhqPCk8dcO03QMEqEPCe1f8Z-WJo5r1M71EHuTCZ5xZoLHwtW/s1600-h/IMG_1532.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428977992553618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbeP2sSove09PSCWcKXcqOv9_w3t4usZ3wavlRcVYFw2PlqQRpyvxgRSxsN3JnQgBScFyXQlX-3khyiD9KWCq8sFb3lghhqPCk8dcO03QMEqEPCe1f8Z-WJo5r1M71EHuTCZ5xZoLHwtW/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" border="0" /></a> The sisters' at Bonnie's shower.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_8YC3hrYz5313hI6_wkO9J2rFR3kQ5KWJzKRnML5kagZquhKn5ivkAcrsZFOwONQPxFmnUnIHbwBZZuSK5k0VeUu6_7ScR5QGEhcuENhzTULDpvhXMk8dl_AEnpWRc9ceLq1xgOmIC19/s1600-h/IMG_1531.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428263347620530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_8YC3hrYz5313hI6_wkO9J2rFR3kQ5KWJzKRnML5kagZquhKn5ivkAcrsZFOwONQPxFmnUnIHbwBZZuSK5k0VeUu6_7ScR5QGEhcuENhzTULDpvhXMk8dl_AEnpWRc9ceLq1xgOmIC19/s320/IMG_1531.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Przybyszewski's!</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLTwiCYLhQ21EUIoVeCFD_lE8iGRV5DuMZtXuefbN1xXctCKm42boWnJlR4NAkolQDLRk9MHoxlgNBqex9Zdw-7q-rp5sG2xZnnBvhUraF-As68FhngTUFoNimnbsYoULWDO0Ve8xwW4q/s1600-h/IMG_1527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428261275126546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLTwiCYLhQ21EUIoVeCFD_lE8iGRV5DuMZtXuefbN1xXctCKm42boWnJlR4NAkolQDLRk9MHoxlgNBqex9Zdw-7q-rp5sG2xZnnBvhUraF-As68FhngTUFoNimnbsYoULWDO0Ve8xwW4q/s320/IMG_1527.JPG" border="0" /></a> On our Valentine's double date in San Antonio with the Roberts'.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcePKaBaTVgpvaoSQldJfNnGummxRxYb2-_MxPz1iRgTXjej-90TG9JIJxJHVsKX1wd965sLzoKfaiJ4ezCr_abvNerfjwjz09CPG9AjSp9OO8RH6XB0vZUAplZ76R8FgrROuzTORImvf0/s1600-h/IMG_1525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428258007084274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcePKaBaTVgpvaoSQldJfNnGummxRxYb2-_MxPz1iRgTXjej-90TG9JIJxJHVsKX1wd965sLzoKfaiJ4ezCr_abvNerfjwjz09CPG9AjSp9OO8RH6XB0vZUAplZ76R8FgrROuzTORImvf0/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our cute hubby's<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmImeo75gNgVuhmoMSDjzS7eShmm31FOaAvCZr7-ZV6sd8W369OCU76mdDhltu64qxUA7yvRB5sp2fUgtyp7L7yEKJjAF5sLqOafE005TwuUE6aDHI7wSoi9Dfh5bpORbYoCOvVz5zHBz/s1600-h/IMG_1524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428254353256642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmImeo75gNgVuhmoMSDjzS7eShmm31FOaAvCZr7-ZV6sd8W369OCU76mdDhltu64qxUA7yvRB5sp2fUgtyp7L7yEKJjAF5sLqOafE005TwuUE6aDHI7wSoi9Dfh5bpORbYoCOvVz5zHBz/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" border="0" /></a>waiting to be seated for drinks and yummy desserts. Our husbands, while Courtney and I went to go see Confessions of a Shopaholic, had made us a candle-light dinner. We ate just the four of us at Courtney and Josh's house, so it was more intimate, and we wouldn't have to fight the crowds.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9hIFELy9mxNiLSSaD59xJSsQbLgKr8egGLi9zvOhlY-Pz2yVN8wIeWp9RMJ7HRtF8q-oRiQpqRlz-P0aN-wcgtw01w7i0Nmh7fq4lfwDlb249zTfNJk4Tw8WRBwIUG5Btvz_FeXZkQlj/s1600-h/IMG_1523.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323428247312685010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9hIFELy9mxNiLSSaD59xJSsQbLgKr8egGLi9zvOhlY-Pz2yVN8wIeWp9RMJ7HRtF8q-oRiQpqRlz-P0aN-wcgtw01w7i0Nmh7fq4lfwDlb249zTfNJk4Tw8WRBwIUG5Btvz_FeXZkQlj/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" border="0" /></a> Earlier that day at the San Antonio live stock show.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL5m1eqM7yYl4sO1EqDpGEj-4LL1BOCVygkIUR9Uq-2arIfxXZkiELrTbe2TYn8h8NUONKW4-r4-Rvfq-3J-Kl1C0oz52qnolYqEErOUm_Go0SvKroGpFw_R17i7ygErTrFWPMMkwpcTv/s1600-h/IMG_1522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323427293450953346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL5m1eqM7yYl4sO1EqDpGEj-4LL1BOCVygkIUR9Uq-2arIfxXZkiELrTbe2TYn8h8NUONKW4-r4-Rvfq-3J-Kl1C0oz52qnolYqEErOUm_Go0SvKroGpFw_R17i7ygErTrFWPMMkwpcTv/s320/IMG_1522.JPG" border="0" /></a> unhappy Russell cow.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvXaZR_SfazN2vRamr47yBumxAYH8aNt-btpMVC6vKmLXod3W_T-Rn2Ktcw_UtLur_LtzyMfG2viEjRamyH_-BFy6vknLFcCdEiXzQYjBI1kmNJGKIFlbtCeT5UKCHhEjVHq4s7y3-3__/s1600-h/IMG_1520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323427289618782354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvXaZR_SfazN2vRamr47yBumxAYH8aNt-btpMVC6vKmLXod3W_T-Rn2Ktcw_UtLur_LtzyMfG2viEjRamyH_-BFy6vknLFcCdEiXzQYjBI1kmNJGKIFlbtCeT5UKCHhEjVHq4s7y3-3__/s320/IMG_1520.JPG" border="0" /></a> Courtney and I LOVE cows, they are so cute! We wished we had known someone at the livestock show so we could have petted their animal. As it was, we got as close as we could to all the cute animals :) Russell and I loved getting to visit the Roberts. It had been almost a year since we'd been to their house, and it is just looking great. Court has done such a great job painting and decorating, it is making me itch to paint our house...though first we need to decide on colors! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-32189501715945806342009-02-18T07:06:00.000-08:002009-02-18T07:20:38.789-08:0018th anniversary!Well maybe not 18 years, but 18 months! Today on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> we have been married for 18 months. So that almost makes it like a golden month-a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">versary</span> or something too ;) The picture that is my profile picture for this blog was taken a year ago, on our half-a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">versary</span>. We went out to one of our favorite restaurants [<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TX</span> Roadhouse..yum yum!] and then just spent the evening together. It was hilarious cause when we asked the waitress to take our picture, and we told her the occasion was our half-a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">versary</span>, she was so confused. We forgot that most people don't know what that phrase [that we made up] means :) This year, there will be no celebratory dinner, cause we have bible study. We are beginning a study on couples in the bible this week. We, as couples, will take turns researching and then teaching about the couple that we have. This week is Gail and Jose's turn, with Adam and Eve. <br /><br />This past weekend was a fun one, spent in San Antonio, and an update will come soon complete with pictures!<br /><br />Next weekend I [and Russell] will be leaders on a High School Retreat called Dive. I will be with the girls that I lead bible study for, and am so excited to be with them for a whole weekend. Russell will be with 11<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Th</span> grade guys that he doesn't know, pray that they will like him :) Also, pray we will be able to connect with them and that God will use us this weekend in these high <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">schoolers</span> lives.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-68594910099436639042009-02-13T14:49:00.000-08:002009-02-13T15:01:34.739-08:00Cupcake chronicles part 2Well Cupcake strikes <em>again. </em> Cupcake is overall a very well behaved puppy, but occasionally she sees something that she wants that she shouldn't have, and takes it, and eats it. earlier this week Russell left his newest pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">topsiders</span> [<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sperry's</span>] out, and Cupcake and/or Lucy had made both of them their afternoon snack. Today I went to the gym and left my sunglasses [gorgeous Vera Bradley sunglasses black on the front and a pink pattern on the inside] on the bench by the door cause it wasn't sunny. I came home and the sunglasses were missing. I found them chewed to bits on the floor. Let's just say I got the maddest I have ever gotten at Cupcake at that instant [she had a piece of plastic hanging from her mouth further stating her guilt]. As I was frustrated with her, she came and laid her head in my lap to get back in my good graces. I still love her, and always will, so I couldn't stay mad long. This reminded me of God's great love for us. We mess up constantly [way more than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cuppie</span>] and He still loves us. And not only does He still love us, but it's unconditional- nothing we can do can change or take away God's love for us. This is something that is hard to grasp sometimes when we feel like we are unlovable for whatever reason [things we have done or failed to do] . We are children of a BIG and Loving God.<br /><br />On another note, I have started subbing this week. It has been fun getting back into the classroom and interacting with kids. I have subbed all week at a school that is one of the closest elementary schools to our new house, so that is nice. <br /><br />Also, this weekend we are GOING TO SAN ANTONIO!!! We are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sooo</span> excited to get to go see the Roberts. We are even bringing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cupcakester</span> so she gets to meet her Aunt Court, Uncle Josh, and cousin Sage :) This will be a fun weekend to get away, have a Valentine's double date, and catch up with good friends. I hope all of you have wonderful weekends!!<br /><br />Love,<br />CClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-16380941469209610292009-02-05T13:46:00.001-08:002009-02-05T13:47:58.159-08:00Our house!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnt5rSPtqcfb7aLeMVlINGNTsB4u7pMNWhCw4wr3KXpSbirLK0S_5befBokOaG7OFJRG8JycCakWjVafm5OfKiqLA5GAKL5ses-YDf4Ex-dvItBvRf4YCV0_xk1t2p83VtK4GgCYpxXWH/s1600-h/IMG_1518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299433157768769874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnt5rSPtqcfb7aLeMVlINGNTsB4u7pMNWhCw4wr3KXpSbirLK0S_5befBokOaG7OFJRG8JycCakWjVafm5OfKiqLA5GAKL5ses-YDf4Ex-dvItBvRf4YCV0_xk1t2p83VtK4GgCYpxXWH/s400/IMG_1518.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here's a picture of the front of the house! More to come when they are more than just empty boring rooms :)</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-65763558151460212009-02-03T11:34:00.000-08:002009-02-03T11:48:18.542-08:00the Mustang gameToday as I was driving out to Champions for an interview, I started to play the Mustang game with myself. If you are wondering what this game is, let me refresh you of a game you probably played as a kid in some form or fashion. As you drive you look for [in the version I recently played] mustangs, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">VW</span> bugs, and Japanese box cars [Scions]. You want to be the first in the car to see it and call it out by color and style. If you are wondering why I decided to play this game, well it just felt like I should be, cause I kept seeing so many of the cars in those styles. Last week I had the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">privilege</span> of babysitting for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Blom's</span> for a few days while they were at MD Anderson where <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/treystephens">Trey</a> was having surgery. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Blom's</span> have 4 kids ages 5-almost 12. They are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">home schooled</span>, but the older two belong to a co-op where they attend classes till about noon 4 days a week. The last time I did this [<a href="http://cr-lifewiththelamberts.blogspot.com/2008/09/take-me-to-st-louis.html">baby-sit for 4 kids for several days</a>] it was rather intense and downright scary. The baby for one, could crawl out of her crib, which the mom forgot to tell me, so while napping she climbed out, and pulled her dresser on top of her, which blocked the door, she's screaming bloody murder, etc...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">PS</span> this was hour 3 of day one. Well fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. Julie asks if I can watch her kiddos for a few days so they can go with the Stephens to Md Anderson for Trey's surgery. And guys, I know the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Blom</span> kids, I've watched them before. They have manners, know the meaning of the words NO, etc. So I agreed, though I had a nightmare the night before driving to College Station involving kids and fallen down dressers. I thoroughly enjoyed the few days I spent with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Blom's</span>, though was totally wiped out when I drove back to Houston. This now ties back to the Mustang game, which we played any time we were all in the car. At first Josh and Sam [the older two] were owning the rest of us, but once I got the hang of it, we [me Kaitlyn and Zach] gave them a run for their money.<br /><br />An update on the house, I took lots of pictures...But I misplaced my camera cord, so I can't upload the pictures to my computer :( We close at the end of the month, possibly sooner. All the financial paperwork is done, the inspection is done, and now we are just getting jazzed about moving in! SO, if you don't live in Houston, but you love us and we love you...you should plan on being a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">house guest</span> soon!!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-7891214289484709182009-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:002009-01-27T15:03:16.327-08:00BIG NEWS!!!After over a week since Russell and I put in our original offer, we just now [4:45 on Tuesday afternoon] got word from our realtor that our offer was accepted. WE HAVE A CONTRACT ON A HOUSE!!!! As long as everything stays on schedule we will close on the house on February 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, just 4.5 weeks from now. We are THRILLED!!! This house is everything and more we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">would've</span> wanted for our first house. I'll post pictures and more details later.<br /><br />Thanks for all your prayers!!<br /><br />love<br />CClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-36495981828520833152009-01-25T13:59:00.000-08:002009-01-25T14:25:20.649-08:00The Cupcake ChroniclesCupcake, as I am sure I have mentioned, is very addicted to food. She thinks she needs to be eating if she's not sleeping or playing. She is our seven-month-old [as of tomorrow] Labradoodle, who is somewhere in between 50-55 pounds. She is by no means overweight because she LOVES to play with Lucy and her Daddy [Russell]. Yesterday we bought large bags of food at Petco for Lucy and Cupcake. As in 40 pound bags, heaven in a bag if you asked Cupcake. We left one of the bags in the kitchen <em>near </em>the pantry, but unfortunately not <em>in </em>it. The opening we had cut was taped over, and <em>eventually </em>the food will be transferred into a food container. This morning I was walking to the kitchen to get breakfast and I heard LOUD crunching. I thought it was odd since all of the dogs had all already eaten. I came in an Cuppie had knocked the bag over, chewed a hole, food was strewn on the floor, and she had her nose buried in the bag. It was a hilarious sight, but one that deemed a spank and reprimand necessary. Life is never dull with three giant dogs having the run of the house :)<br /><br />I just realized I have not written an update since I went to the <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/">girls night out</a>. It was WONDERFUL!!! Lysa Terkeurst and Renee Swoopes [the hosts of P31] are just amazing Godly women/wives/mothers, as well as is Kate Gosslin. I loved hearing the different experiences God has brought the women through. Where Lysa learned what it means and looks like to have absolute <strong>obedience </strong>to God, or Renee who shared what it looks like to wait on God's perfect timing, and how we find our worth [in God, not men/relationships], and Kate who through her infertility was taught to give all things over to God and His <strong>perfect will </strong>and <strong>timing. </strong>I had such a fun time hearing these women speak, as well as hearing the beautiful voice of Ayiesha Woods sing. She has a great voice and desire to use it for God's glory. It was fun to bond with Lindsee and I am so grateful to my sweet husband who Got these tickets as a surprise Christmas present for me!<br /><br />I wish I could give ya'll an update on our house contract, but I have nada. We have heard nothing since we made our 'highest and best' offer. We are praying we will hear soon, and I'll keep ya'll posted!<br /><br />My sweet hubs has finished his first week of work at Cameron, as a project coordinator [a company and position he has hoped to work for/in since he graduate college], and we are just in awe of the Lord's perfect timing. How He was having us wait on a job/situation that was the best for our family. We are so thankful for all the prayers and encouragement we have gotten from all of ya'll!<br /><br />Love,<br />CClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-12845507110869593502009-01-22T11:21:00.000-08:002009-01-22T11:33:46.723-08:00Gainfully employed and all that!Well friends, I have been missing a little longer than I planned from blog world, but we have been REALLY busy. The last two weeks since Russell got his job offer were spent getting him work clothes, getting things in order, and best of all, LOOKING AT HOUSES!!! We as of Monday have made an offer on a house that is everything we could want. Unfortunately [maybe] we found out another offer was made before we were in contract. We have both been told to bring our best offers by 5 pm tonight. We are just praying for God's will, be it that we get this house, or we keep looking.<br /><br />On the job front for me, I have gone to substitute training and am getting my Alternative Certification to teach. It takes a few weeks to get into the Cy-Fair school system to sub, so hopefully I will beginning working in early February. I am also now the 9Th grade girls co-bible study leader along with Staja. We have met twice since the beginning of the year and I just love Staja and the girls. I am also excited that since they are freshmen, I will get to go along their entire high school journey with them! :)<br /><br />In other news, Cupcake has FINALLY learned to shake hands. She is almost 7 months old, but stubborn as the dickens and just <em>refused </em>to shake. She would look anywhere but at you when you asked her to do it, she would just zone out. But as of Tuesday she began shaking hands in earnest, therefore she is now getting lots of treats because we are such proud parents :)<br /><br />Tonight Lindsee and I are going to a Proverbs 31 ministry Girls Night Out. The guest we are extremely thrilled about hearing speak is KATE GOSSLIN from <em>Jon and Kate plus 8</em>.<br /><br />love you sweet friends!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-19601732638181295332009-01-07T08:20:00.000-08:002009-01-07T08:24:55.838-08:00God is good!!!We appreciate all of your prayers concerning our job[less] situation. I felt that ya'll should know that our prayers have been answered!!! RUSSELL HAS A JOB!!!!<br /><br />He went in for an interview on this past Monday around 2. He got a really good feeling from the interviewer. Two hours later he had recieved an official offer in an e-mail, he faxed it in, and starts work on Monday January 19th. Once he has actually started working I will mention more details. <br /><br />This is probably jumpping the gun, but we are going to go look at houses with a realtor today....you' ve gotta dream right ;)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-61190777072272100512009-01-05T12:07:00.000-08:002009-01-05T12:37:41.620-08:00it's been a long time comingHello sweet friends...I am FINALLY updating after a month an a half of a stagnating blog. My life has been busy, but really not busy enough to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">warrant</span> no blog posts. I will sum up what has been going on in the last month and a half or so. Russell and I have still been looking for work...it has been almost 3 months of living in Houston [at my parents...more on that later] without an income. This has definitely been something that has grown Russell and I closer and increased our faith. With the economy, the changes that will be soon <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">occurring</span> in our government, and Russell possibly deploying next summer, we have been pushed to grow and rely on the Lord. I can tell you I never thought I would live at home again, especially since graduating, getting married, and living on our own for a little over a year. We love my parents, but we would love them even more if we didn't live with them ;) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">JK</span>!! Really we want to live pretty close [we have found a house and are waiting for a job or two with which to pay for it with!] and see them often, just not every day. Currently I am getting ready to begin substitute teacher training here in the Cy Fair School District. If no jobs in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mktg</span>/business world open up in the next few weeks, then I will begin an alternative certification program in order to be able to teach elementary school starting next fall. We have really been praying about this, and feel this is where the Lord wants me working. Russell has had lots of interviews, but between the recession, election, and holidays, he has been put on hold and told they will let him no soon [as in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">yay</span> or nay on hiring him] He is also currently at a job interview as I type this. I am praying hard for my sweet husband that he will have a job in the next couple of weeks. I know, especially as a man/husband Russell is really feeling the pressure to provide, etc. <br />In other news, we have been busy with the holidays in general, spending time with my family, and Russell's family, Russell was in one of his best buddy's wedding a couple of weeks ago [Jonathan and Kerri] will be in another this weekend for Stephen and Michelle, we are looking forward to being an Aunt and Uncle this spring, I got to see my sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Joebellina</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Blairebear</span> when Jo made a trip down to Houston last month, we saw snowflakes in Houston, caught up with some friends, etc.<br /><br />This past week though, we were saddened because <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Russell's</span> sweet Poppa [his mom's dad] went home to be with the Lord. He was 77 years old, a sweet man who welcomed me in from the first time we met [when I had only been dating Russell for a few months]. He loved music, playing the harmonica, piano, and guitar, he loved to dance, hunt, go to coffee with his friends almost every morning. He had 4 daughters Mary Alice [my mother-in-law], Sylvia, Belinda, and Lisa. The wake/Rosary/mass of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Resurrection</span>/burial were all very sad but good. He had so many friends and relatives that attended and said many good sweet things in his memory. He is now in heaven with his wife <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Chella</span>. The whirlwind time we spent down in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Harlingen</span> [in the valley] was bittersweet, but still was good family time.<br /><br />I promise my updates will be more frequent and some picture hilights from the last month or so will be coming soon. I love and have missed you all!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-68642588045947182012008-11-19T08:21:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:34:09.512-08:00REAL girls retreat!!This past weekend CBC had a girls retreat for junior high and high school girls. It was so great, and I totally wish they'd had retreats like this when I was in the youth group. Sometimes to minimize distractions [ie no boys] you really just need to have a girls only retreat. It was all organized by miss Lindsee, and she did a fabulous job. She got two of her fabulous blog-friends. Shelly and Abby to come be the speaker and the worship leader. Shelly spoke on the Ephesians 1:1-14 focusing on reminding the girls that they are chosen, adopted, blessed and one more thing that I can't remember...let me know if you remember what it is. I feel these are truths that we need to be reminded of, that we don't find our worth in our appearance, a boy, our insecurities, etc, we find it in the Lord, we are His daughters. Abby was the worship leader and has such a beautiful voice, you can tell she is just earnestly praising the Lord as she sings. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0Ud0q2bYm7y1UWRciAzfiIBn5kQDgabnXFMt5UzqNUATn4n6u9OIv7WfGR97mrYUXDMt9W7YCST1fJrCBfZV1l1e6s_bfRSaqYWepEbzqehNFe78AVHhn2ibXbQ7hfEKN0j3NaPp3nIz/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270405000198809586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0Ud0q2bYm7y1UWRciAzfiIBn5kQDgabnXFMt5UzqNUATn4n6u9OIv7WfGR97mrYUXDMt9W7YCST1fJrCBfZV1l1e6s_bfRSaqYWepEbzqehNFe78AVHhn2ibXbQ7hfEKN0j3NaPp3nIz/s400/024.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of course sweet Linds and I had to get a picture, and we even matched!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU41VPFFZDrPMWIVjKihI5UUzdCKpP3Ome4CljCB8GzRVEpp93gJXQz-FO6GAMOat0oaFOFA7damgPGro-IfF97ZVxp_n5HAFRBr-x4D85hSU4UBH3Qk-9Gjac2eyj6_syJsz2OlygQC3/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270404998132780082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU41VPFFZDrPMWIVjKihI5UUzdCKpP3Ome4CljCB8GzRVEpp93gJXQz-FO6GAMOat0oaFOFA7damgPGro-IfF97ZVxp_n5HAFRBr-x4D85hSU4UBH3Qk-9Gjac2eyj6_syJsz2OlygQC3/s400/021.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was the small group leader for the senior girls. They are so great, and some are so biblically wise, wiser than I was when I was their age!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5PVqi8Wn-td2zk2eqi4-FwmTRjFCZcwLDzcL3BOxI8HVNUorbEOcx4ojKT593mrSrXKFP8_70L8g7qYzURWGKV1gCkukCL7b8zS_fccliAxI3_ox_1oWSl00B4BgkdcvAVjz9NuUMp8r/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270404994681106386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5PVqi8Wn-td2zk2eqi4-FwmTRjFCZcwLDzcL3BOxI8HVNUorbEOcx4ojKT593mrSrXKFP8_70L8g7qYzURWGKV1gCkukCL7b8zS_fccliAxI3_ox_1oWSl00B4BgkdcvAVjz9NuUMp8r/s400/018.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was us at the end of Saturday, a little sleepy and silly, but filled with knowledge and truth from Him!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-57929626457371614342008-11-17T16:51:00.000-08:002008-11-17T16:53:41.512-08:00tail gate contd'Alas, unlike I thought, there were no pictures taken of at least my momma and me, but there was a super cute one that Karin took of Russell and I :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeHtbcB4XjJOaJAjJjRcgc3Rodol44Ul8O3M8U4LAffgfAYtjqL7gm_pi44oIQskiVi3964LBBKrnGzXCkN0-UEpTT9BwbcTJMXAOAoZBzMzly5d6ZIoj0ayYSu0sfS66CHcz16XEjs8B/s1600-h/2008_aggie_tailgating_party_C&R.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269794156295484450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeHtbcB4XjJOaJAjJjRcgc3Rodol44Ul8O3M8U4LAffgfAYtjqL7gm_pi44oIQskiVi3964LBBKrnGzXCkN0-UEpTT9BwbcTJMXAOAoZBzMzly5d6ZIoj0ayYSu0sfS66CHcz16XEjs8B/s400/2008_aggie_tailgating_party_C&R.jpg" border="0" /></a>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-5152573024410289182008-11-16T17:01:00.001-08:002008-11-16T17:22:18.002-08:00The A&M vs OU weekendThis fateful weekend that we went to Aggieland to see a game, the only one of the season, and it just <em>had </em>to be the OU game...a game we knew we would lose. And LOSE we did. We still love our Aggies, but we aren't really that proud of their playing this year...case in point yesterdays loss to BAYLOR....Baylor people, I mean seriously! The church I grew up in, as well as the church that Russell and I are currently attending has an annual A&M tailgate. Sweet Karin and Greg Monson have been in charge since Matthew [their oldest son ] and I started school, and cause they still have two kids going there [luckily for the rest of us!] this uber fun tailgate occurs annually. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunlxz5QvuVamUO0Dse3QtjWodCUeeD-4iP_OKTGcZG8f0S8bJvxiAP_fm6mhpRNNU2Zv0GXxrq2UO8aH_ceKXcDNaH6bTa1dEVxoM7W5ARHeSve5mVqiSRU7xGCnGhnm8NDYMzvWZIcK-/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269426048715681794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunlxz5QvuVamUO0Dse3QtjWodCUeeD-4iP_OKTGcZG8f0S8bJvxiAP_fm6mhpRNNU2Zv0GXxrq2UO8aH_ceKXcDNaH6bTa1dEVxoM7W5ARHeSve5mVqiSRU7xGCnGhnm8NDYMzvWZIcK-/s320/009.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a picture of Russell and I before the game, while enjoying conversation and BBQ :)<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-82x5KhfnvsYHk9e9Im7ikCxTYEa6VZgWZbJvELvJB3z5S7gg4zmSyIx4ZOdwgc9Jmi_imVqqBAl4AXGNWrXI59KfQntj-NHqwKyMtO-caYoFk3U4oSA-61yTDi2fszgmXknXTIm5vob/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269426044519643522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-82x5KhfnvsYHk9e9Im7ikCxTYEa6VZgWZbJvELvJB3z5S7gg4zmSyIx4ZOdwgc9Jmi_imVqqBAl4AXGNWrXI59KfQntj-NHqwKyMtO-caYoFk3U4oSA-61yTDi2fszgmXknXTIm5vob/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /></a> A very small picture of a lot of the 'kids'. And ya'll , I just have to be honest and say other than the few bunched right around me, I don't even recognize some of these people. I know they were at the tailgate, but I don't know them from Adam!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz43N1E0utCATJuYes461WJNOFIv6DE-GL-BARxog1Hdhn-8NFoIxYbBshRezopYVsmZXkNdM4nUGqWxRhwdhdkwhb_GSMvLLwqnQUMQ1QNWmBJsugty35dfttbyzIMeg5rsFsi7pMnbfA/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269426039951341346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz43N1E0utCATJuYes461WJNOFIv6DE-GL-BARxog1Hdhn-8NFoIxYbBshRezopYVsmZXkNdM4nUGqWxRhwdhdkwhb_GSMvLLwqnQUMQ1QNWmBJsugty35dfttbyzIMeg5rsFsi7pMnbfA/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /></a> CHEESE!!! Being silly with my girls Lindsee and Kirsten :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9Rtxl5nReQ5I7HZW9hdQQyf9WF5bZPRs3hEd33ww4uq4unPcTfU1AQ-v01qtO4qRqvcqjEayAfDyDdT4COFXLw4W4VGGjwKfzPRUxgs7TZduRqeWd0s7gBsIqofjAhA3v4Nbp4NhrUTi/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269426037107624386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9Rtxl5nReQ5I7HZW9hdQQyf9WF5bZPRs3hEd33ww4uq4unPcTfU1AQ-v01qtO4qRqvcqjEayAfDyDdT4COFXLw4W4VGGjwKfzPRUxgs7TZduRqeWd0s7gBsIqofjAhA3v4Nbp4NhrUTi/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /></a> With my Lindsee Lou Love ;)</p><p>I am sad to say that this is it of the cute blog worthy pictures, and am also sad that I don't have any pics snapped of me and my cute padres...though I think Karin took one, so I'll have to see if I can snag a copy... </p><p>I would love to tell you that being the dedicated Aggie Alum that I am ;) I sat [cause alums get to SIT!] and cheered the Aggies on to that horrible defeat, but alas I did not. Mom and I decided that we <em>really </em>didn't want to go to such a hopeless game, that we got rid of our tickets and let Russell and dad go on their own :) I mean really, we just go to the football games for the socializing anyways. SO, mom, Lindsee, and I just chatted it up all 4 hours the game was going on, which in my opinion was time well spent, cause they are wise and I love em :)</p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-26374648571361999472008-11-14T08:25:00.000-08:002008-11-14T08:51:20.502-08:00surgery, retreats, and waiting oh my!This week has been a long week of waiting on the Lord's timing when it comes to finding jobs, a house, etc. It was so apropos that last weeks sermon that we further discussed in small group on Wednesday, was on Patience. How God has patience with us and how we need to have patience with others, ourselves, and situations. Russell and I know that everything that is happening [or for us not happening] is all in God's timing, which is perfect. We know He knows better than we do, for that matter, when it is best for us to be resolving all of these situations that are currently waiting in the balance. <br /><br />Yesterday Cupcake [our 4.5 month old puppy] was spayed yesterday. They heal best when they are puppies, and she had begun displaying impolite body movements a couple of weeks ago, which clued us in that it was time to get her 'fixed'. She was adorable when we took her to the clinic yesterday, just in love with everyone she met, and forgot about us the minute she got excited by seeing new people. When we took her home last night she really didn't want to sit calmly. We have had to put her in the kennel more often, or keep her in a room with just us so she will be calm. She has lots of energy and wants to play, but can't for the next week while her stitches heal. So consequently, we have the cutest little invalid puppy ever :)<br /><br />Last night I had a coffee date with a good friend from growing up as well as college. Becky and I though, hadn't seen each other in almost a year. It was really fun to catch up and hear about her wedding [since I didn't get to go :(] Talk about being a wife, life, etc. It was great to just be able to talk really open with someone that knows you, this is why I love that we live where I grew up, because there are still people that live here that I know.<br /><br />This weekend I am going to be a leader on a girls retreat called REAL [respect, encouragement, acceptance, and leadership] and I am really excited, I love retreats, and I love getting to know girls. SO updates an pictures will come soon, as well as I'll post ALL the pictures and stories from last weekends A&M tailgate/game!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-47927844446008461352008-11-03T15:02:00.000-08:002008-11-03T15:06:17.541-08:00EASY caramel filled cake cookiesThis recipe is REALLY easy and tastes OH so good!<br /><br />1 box devils food cake mix<br />1 egg<br />1/2 cup slightly softened butter or crisco [crisco makes for a fluffier cookie]<br /><br />mix ingredients together and form doughballs slightly bigger than a teaspoon, or however big they need to be to wrap around a chocolate. Use Dove caramel filled chocolates. Wrap the dough around the chocolate, making sure you seal it well inside the dough.<br /><br />Bake for about 12 minutes at 350 degrees.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy with a tall glass of skim milk so it's healthy and all ;)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-66210637216889945582008-11-02T15:39:00.000-08:002008-11-02T15:52:49.831-08:00busy busyThis week has been filled with lots of activities. My mom's birthday was on Tuesday, so Russell and I made her a homemade lasagna and cake, for the family celebration. Wednesday I had an interview with a staffing agency, and will hopefully find out more information this week. Wednesday evening we drove to College Station for a brief family visit, to vote, and go to the Career Center on campus. A highlight of the trip was getting to have dinner at the Blom's [Russell's military ministry boss from last year] and catching up with them, as well as getting to know the two new interns and their wives better. It made me excited to get more plugged into our church here, so we can experience community here like we did in CS. Friday night Russell and I manned the door and oohed and awed over the cute kiddos in their costumes. On Saturday my parents, Russell and headed over to Bonnie and Russ's house to paint ALLLLL day with them. By the time we left the kitchen/living room area no longer looked like a cave, and we had earned laborers to paint in our future house :) That evening we made cookies and just relaxed while watching the DRAMATIC UT vs TT game. The outcome was a shock, and I surprisingly felt bad for UT and their fans. Today our Sunday school class began a month long series taught by Greg Despres [current missions pastor, and former youth pastor when my sisters were in HS]. It was about evangelism, not the hokey kind [tracts, fire and brimstone, etc] but by forming relationships and having genuine conversations and not just trying to evangelize to people, but actually getting to know THEM and what is going on in their lives. Russell and I left really excited about getting more involved in our class and ministry. We think we might have found our niche here :) <br />After class, we went to a picnic with other couples from our class and enjoyed the nice summer, oh I mean November day...<br /><br />Now I think I'm going to go soak my sore back [from painting] in the hot tub :)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-1295717183443737022008-10-27T10:48:00.000-07:002008-10-27T11:11:31.199-07:00fall is in the air!This weekend was full of celebrations. On Saturday my church had its annual Fall Festival. It is such a great community outreach. My parents as well as three other couples cooked and wrapped 1200 hotdogs...needless to say my mom didn't want to see another hotdog for '35 years' [which is what anniversary the church was celebrating this weekend :)] Russell and I enjoyed seeing the precious costumes, catching up with people we haven't seen in a while, as well as he continued to meet people I've grown up with at church. Sunday marked the church's 35th anniversary. Which might not seem like that many years to you, but what made this year even more special is the church building debt was paid off. In 2001 they broke the ground to build the sanctuary [where Russell and I got married!] and took out about $3.5 million dollars in debt. Fastforward to Fall of 2008, with interest paid the total is close to $4 million. It was completely paid in FULL the week of the church's anniversary. Now the church has almost $20,000 a month that was going to pay off the debt, now freed up for various ministeries and projects. I have been going to this church almost 15 years. I have loved it so much, it was the church where I first felt challenged and began to make my faith my own, where I met some of my best friends, where I got married, and now where my husband and I might attend now that we are back in Houston. All in all it was great to be there for the celebration :)<br /><br />Later on Sunday afternoon we went to Bonnie and Russ's house where they were having a pumpkin carving party. Russell LOVES holidays, and decorating, so this party was totally up his alley. We carved two pumpkins and enjoyed drinking cider and eating festive goodies and getting to know their friends more.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlsWD0-51KsYy6IaYAsMZtqXmEbreEICt8XTN_BLzl2hUy19EP5F2f6dlBvQuI1uL0Zaosq8flaPttxHSLnRSRJACt_nZm6acjzf0JfO2dfYjhPfkrN6QL6U0-4ny9PJr7TIa1jP7P3Ab/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261893990184135522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlsWD0-51KsYy6IaYAsMZtqXmEbreEICt8XTN_BLzl2hUy19EP5F2f6dlBvQuI1uL0Zaosq8flaPttxHSLnRSRJACt_nZm6acjzf0JfO2dfYjhPfkrN6QL6U0-4ny9PJr7TIa1jP7P3Ab/s320/001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The pumpkin I carved is on the right, it is a ghost in the middle, with 'BOO' written below it, Russell's is the large mouthed pumpkin, and he did get another pumpkin so he can make another attempt at a jack-o-lantern :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbzh1MvNtKGg1BLQGcCQpfzX6yP0ox1IpoS5pBLaaTJ1Jf14L1BsdoWKTe7fQAUyrqsX8_RM7thsp-J2iv9x4-devZLjwNxNs4gYpZGr2QRp_gck6DKNJv8tDi9UVvGv2NW5g7OIppI-Y/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261893986125356130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbzh1MvNtKGg1BLQGcCQpfzX6yP0ox1IpoS5pBLaaTJ1Jf14L1BsdoWKTe7fQAUyrqsX8_RM7thsp-J2iv9x4-devZLjwNxNs4gYpZGr2QRp_gck6DKNJv8tDi9UVvGv2NW5g7OIppI-Y/s320/003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-43616828811619659022008-10-25T07:33:00.000-07:002008-10-25T08:04:53.206-07:00oh those Cypress lovesThis week Russell and my days have consisted of applying for jobs, working out, eating, and sleeping. PRETTY boring in our opinion. So, on Thursday when both Lindsee and Jen had the day off I jumped at the chance to hang out and catch up with my sweet friends :) We had ourselves some yummy Olive Garden [since we love it, and since Grant (Jen's husband) and Russell are not the biggest fans of Olive Garden]. This was a picture that took about 5 tries to take, as we awkwardly all squished onto a bench while we waited to be seated.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZncFmqzITeAbU-LvmPVfKlIrPvrNU3AeGP5jt33SRT0S62lxM-wy7mxB5dggX5IJnK9Z0qOWMZlDqmINHrazxTE8x4fvg5-Hm_hcQpl6KRhMMa69KVRwGlgDsxPFlsRJZMvs2qviFkbC/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261100615894341522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZncFmqzITeAbU-LvmPVfKlIrPvrNU3AeGP5jt33SRT0S62lxM-wy7mxB5dggX5IJnK9Z0qOWMZlDqmINHrazxTE8x4fvg5-Hm_hcQpl6KRhMMa69KVRwGlgDsxPFlsRJZMvs2qviFkbC/s320/044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is us seated after filling our stomachs with bread sticks, salad, diet cokes, and our meals :) MMMM MMMM!<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO4IbQUwpLPbnmDO79jGU7t9dtVzRkPXmjNVeSCHNEU5xTzmW7VuwnfA9zReAv7YXQxoeAS9mZeyHa5r9oZGiTsGrmJxrNVj3NfdFyGOtbiAkLGoI0s4tfXO3bdnrqivncd3pYwNLeLfb/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261100610821934898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO4IbQUwpLPbnmDO79jGU7t9dtVzRkPXmjNVeSCHNEU5xTzmW7VuwnfA9zReAv7YXQxoeAS9mZeyHa5r9oZGiTsGrmJxrNVj3NfdFyGOtbiAkLGoI0s4tfXO3bdnrqivncd3pYwNLeLfb/s320/045.JPG" border="0" /></a> JENNY!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFzFPbS3mqwRKVIobnSM_0vwtmJYWEVgIsBgXZZ8ZPeLKKjYoUFvvB8iS4AJ7typ2bVypdAIRvxmSYPMUgnNk9DeHcVfgokXvUJmdERrexZrI1tnR9ks3hNb2HJsiEc18SfAM0uJ_Y9g9/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261100605182332450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFzFPbS3mqwRKVIobnSM_0vwtmJYWEVgIsBgXZZ8ZPeLKKjYoUFvvB8iS4AJ7typ2bVypdAIRvxmSYPMUgnNk9DeHcVfgokXvUJmdERrexZrI1tnR9ks3hNb2HJsiEc18SfAM0uJ_Y9g9/s320/046.JPG" border="0" /></a> After our gabfest/food fest, the off-center picture this precious lady took for us.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPQ9ZqM3hkfdU9ZOC9K_ycFbGrIdLMwNhW8yWgDjw_ehd01s36LnAf0oHoJo8LAviKX4ml6efSh6seATC5oxmgTS3cRrMAjr_ewLRtVuln5ytelvMmueRJDwZOQR86aGFgPH3USKUFAOY/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261100603554528274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPQ9ZqM3hkfdU9ZOC9K_ycFbGrIdLMwNhW8yWgDjw_ehd01s36LnAf0oHoJo8LAviKX4ml6efSh6seATC5oxmgTS3cRrMAjr_ewLRtVuln5ytelvMmueRJDwZOQR86aGFgPH3USKUFAOY/s320/047.JPG" border="0" /></a> After Olive Garden, we headed to the Martins house to see Jen's adorable niece Grace Parker. She entertained us for quite a while. She loves to dance and give high fives, it makes me want to be an aunt to be around kids like Grace :) After chatting with Cheryl and Jaclyn [Jen's mom and sister], we went back to Lindsee's house where Lind's and my cars were. We encountered sweet Dana and her people ;) at the Eddy's and enjoyed chatting with her and venting about the corruption of kids these days ;)</p><p>Later on Thursday night I was in a picture taking mood still and was snapping pictures of our almost 4 month old puppy Cupcake. Here she is nibbling on her bunny stuffed animal.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduOvF2NsUXrXKgSkveEb9Ne5YRMWScz9F92Quo4tA4H8fOG1cfZJ0Rg56as8GSZhik3H2uB0TA1BdJ5Mn7cNnetUa3XPB6FbllGdEUg7hYmV3diWe_CKI7eT5f0AFZpTw3gbD1G0-hS1J/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261100599866136114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduOvF2NsUXrXKgSkveEb9Ne5YRMWScz9F92Quo4tA4H8fOG1cfZJ0Rg56as8GSZhik3H2uB0TA1BdJ5Mn7cNnetUa3XPB6FbllGdEUg7hYmV3diWe_CKI7eT5f0AFZpTw3gbD1G0-hS1J/s320/051.JPG" border="0" /></a> Friday afternoon we had a ball playing with the dogs in the yard, the weather was great, and Russell is a kid at heart and loves to run around the yard with them. Towards the end of the afternoon, I convinced Russell to let me shove him into the freezing pool. It was hilarious! Cupcake normally likes water, but fell into the pool accidentally when my mom had her back turned, so yesterday, while she was curious about what Russell was doing in the water, every time he went underwater and then rushed to the surface, she would run away. It was HILARIOUS!</p><p>Last night, cause we were hankering for cheap pizza and the yummy cinnamon rolls, Mom, dad, Russell, and I went to Cici's pizza for dinner. It was a yummy indulgence that I recommend for all to take every now and then :) After dinner Lindsee came over to meet Cupcake and we just hung out and relaxed.</p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-50726495350190968692008-10-19T20:13:00.000-07:002008-10-19T20:24:38.764-07:00it feels like home to meI just realize how nice it is to be where you know and are loved by lots of people. Even though Houston doesn't have the greatest weather, or the prettiest landscape, etc, I just love being where things are familiar. Russell and I loved going to CS and seeing his family, though it wasn't nearly enough to have all the quality time we wanted with people, especially Holly, since she has that whole inconvenience of needing to be at school, so we couldn't hang out all day :) <br />Also while in CS, I got to see one of my dear friends Kalese. I just love her to pieces. We have been friends since freshman year, she was the first that knew about my crush on Russell, and then we lived together our Sophomore year. She got to see Russell and my relationship grow, and then we got to see her and Ryan's relationship grow. They got engaged [exactly] a month ago today, and I am blessed to get to be involved as a bridesmaid. We love both of them, and love them even more together. We had fun catching up in person and just talking about the future, etc.<br />This weekend we participated in a garage sale, it was fun but exhausting. Later Saturday evening my sisters and Bonnies husband came over, that was fun to see them, but then they ruined it by turning on the TX game [Bonnie and Russ went to <em>that</em> school].<br />Today we went to CBC and got to catch up with some couples we knew at A&M as well as some sweet folks we've known for a while. It was great showing up at church knowing people and feeling like you already belong.<br /><br />well, we are pooped from our 4 mile run and need rest to continue our job hunt...so GN!<br /><br />ps, I finished the 4th and last book in the Twilight series. It was GREAT, lots of happy endings, which I LOVE! I feel she left the series open for more books, so I hope she is writing one now :) Joelle, you better read this book soon so we can discuss!!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-2621240120959850452008-10-15T17:06:00.001-07:002008-10-15T19:00:49.013-07:00Home sweet home Texas!!Well friends, the Lambert's have made it back to Texas, puppy in tow. We have been busy the past couple of weeks, entertaining Cupcake while trying to keep her hidden from the other tenants, [the landlords requested we do this :)] packing, getting Russell ready for graduation, etc. We are thrilled to be back home and near so many of our loved ones. The 14 hour drive was tedious, but Cupcake is a great car rider :) and the drive was well worth it because it means we are no longer in the middle of nowhere. Currently we are temporarily staying at my parents house while we figure out where we will be working and living. We have spent the last few days unpacking, sorting, and APPLYING for jobs!! Please keep Russell and I in your prayers that we would find jobs quickly and have discernment while searching for positions where we would best fit. We can't wait to hug and see all of you wonderful folks in Texas, so if we haven't given you a call yet, then call us, we would love to get together :)<br /><br />we love you!<br /><br />R&C<br /><br />PS We are traveling to good ole' College Station, TX tomorrow to visit with our in-laws!!! YAY. We haven't seen them since my sister's wedding, which isn't nearly enough.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711522810026076321.post-38851656131709767492008-10-03T16:35:00.000-07:002008-10-03T16:56:08.743-07:00Oh, Hi OThis past weekend I got to see my lovely former roommate Joelle [<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Joebellina</span>, Jo, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">etc</span> :) ] It was I believe my first trip to Ohio, and it was definitely my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fave</span>. I hadn't seen her since May when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Paigers</span> got married, and we all know weddings aren't the best place to really catch up, cause you are all stressed/excited/busy.<br />Jo showed me around the Town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Maumee</span>, where her family lives, as well as precious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Perrysburg</span>. It has a charming downtown <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">main street</span> with fun boutiques and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">kitchy</span> shops. On Saturday we had wonderful <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Greek</span> wraps at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Zingo's</span>, drooled over designer duds at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Meigs</span>, and were gawked at while we walked by the river :) We relaxed that afternoon and caught up on season 4 of the office and 'cuddled' on the couch like old times at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pintail</span> house. That evening we got cute and headed to the Docks for dinner at this great Italian restaurant called Zia's with her sweet friends. It was hilarious because I have been hearing about these girls for a while, and have seen some pictures, but this was the first time I would meet them. Jo was quizzing me the entire drive there using descriptors such as "Amber the newly-wed with short dark hair, Alissa, with cute <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">blond</span> hair, etc. It was fun, and I knew them all as we met. They are such sweet girls, and it was so fun to feel a connection to Joelle's life in Ohio.<br />Sunday we went to Jo's church, volunteered in the nursery, and headed to Star Diner for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">lunkfist</span> ;)<br />All in all it was a great weekend that flew by too quickly, I miss my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Jobell</span> [as well as all my former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">roomies</span>], so it was great to catch up and relax together like we did in college :)<br /><br />I have to tell you all about my newest obsession. I love reading, and found out about a series for teens/adults. While subbing last year in College station, I always had a spare book on hand for downtime. Many of the high school girls <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">recommended</span> the Twilight Series [by Stephenie Myers]. They are about a teenage girl that falls in love with a vampire. I thought they sounded SO dumb, so I soon forgot about them. Well, they have been a huge hit, so before I flew to Houston, I got the first book as something to read on the plane....<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">fast forward</span> to now: I have just finished the third book [which I bought to keep me busy since Russell was gone in the field ALLLLLL week :( ] and can't wait for my fourth to come in the mail [amazon.com is the cheapest place to get these books]. They are so compelling, romantic, adventurous, etc. I've even read them all twice...dorky I know. I am done with my rant, but I totally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">recommend</span> you to all go get these books. [<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">PS</span>, Joelle is reading them to, so it was great to have a discussion buddy last weekend!]<br /><br />Russell and I come home in a week!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">OMGOSH</span>!!!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07104471428804972042noreply@blogger.com5