Have a Good Weekend!

The LPM blog is good today.
Naturally, Beth has a way of saying it much better than I did in this post.

3 Cheers for Big Brother

28 years ago today, this guy stepped into the world.

Happy Birthday, Bub

Just a quick entry (I know, 3rd one today...don't I have a job or a life or something?) to say thank you so much to everyone who is sending me their slow cooker recipes, book recommendations, etc! I never thought I would say that because it sounds so lame.

Anyway, you guys are so fun and make my life so much easier...not that it isn't easy...

I have a Rebecca Wolf Steinbach paprika-rubbed whole chicken in my slow cooker as we speak, and if Devin doesn't go back for seconds, I am blaming her. Or the Crock pot. Or anyone but myself.

You Think You Know Someone...

[Driving with Lu in the front and Kay in the back. I won't say where we went...it was a journey and a fiasco]

Lu: Look at that bus in the grass. I've never noticed it before.
Me: I think it's been there a while.
Kay: When I was younger, our neighbor had all of these old cars in his yard and he had a bus just like that just sitting in his yard.
Lu: My grandpa lived in a bus.

The Secret Life of Bees: Review

I love to read. I love to read so much that sometimes I have to hide from Devin so I can get a few pages in to get my fix. It's an addiction that I am not willing to find a 12 step program for.

I just finished The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd this weekend.

I'm not one to give a lengthy review about the books I read, but, in short, it was one of those simple, weird like "who thinks of these things" weird, slightly educational reads. I recommend it for anyone who has just read something very heavy and wants a break. I don't remember much language, but there are a couple graphic (I guess that depends on your imagination) and violent parts. Nothing too draining though.

If you're looking for something else to read, check out the 2 links on the left under the Nerds tab. Both sites have recommendation sections, or you can browse.

What are you reading these days?

Mama Mia Jumbo Shell…a

I recently discovered jumbo shells. I saw a recipe for them on Meg Duerksen’s blog, and they looked so fun. My mom is probably reading this like, “How do you just now know about them?”

I just sort of skimmed Meg’s recipe and decided I could improvise. I was right. How do I know? Devin got a second helping.

WIFE POINTS!

(I am by no means a food photographer nor a chef nor have I set up our camera to the computer, so, alas, you get iPhone pictures)

I boiled the pasta as directed. Don’t they look like cute little cartoon clams?! No? Ok…

Then, I just mixed things I had: fat free cottage cheese, fat free grated mozzarella cheese, sprinkle of parmesan, and a thawed and drained block of spinach. Just stir it up and spoon it in…

Do those look so good or no good? SO. GOOD.

Then, just pour a jar of spaghetti sauce on top, and sprinkle with cheese…

VOILA!

I baked mine at 350 for about 30 minutes but that is because I have a ghetto apartment oven and you never know what it will do. I think you can do it for about 20 minutes normally.

Devin told me I am a really good Italian cook. I felt like that was God telling us to move to Italy and buy a scooter, but I doubt Devin feels as led.

Arrivederci!

Uhhh Yay Yay Yay Yay Yaaaay

I saw Britney last night.

I like her.
I have been singing her stuff since I got the tickets Monday.
Devin almost left me, I think.
We had amazing (free!) seats
and some great old and new friends came
and it was so much fun.
She sang old school Alanis. So good.
It was a fabulous show.
Britney concert: check.

Fall Into Fall

Back in my sophomore year of college, Jinna and I celebrated Fall by sky diving. We called it Fall into Fall...annnnd…the rest of the title is irrelevant.

Check us out

My mom almost disowned me for that. Oops.

I love Fall. Or Autumn. Or Harvest. Whatever you prefer.

Houston is a hot-as-sin, as Devin would say, city. In the summer (summer meaning May through September), we average at around 100 degrees every day. I walk from work to the train, about a 45 second walk, and I am gross and outside-smelling by the time I am boarding. And I don’t even sweat as much as a normal person. Because I’m not normal? I don’t know what I meant by that. Regardless, it is miserable. So, when fall comes around, the temperature is just right, the humidity is not nearly as harsh, and even though it starts to get dark much earlier, Texans come out of the woodwork and frolic throughout the outdoors like a bunch of little girls wearing new tutus.

Come to think of it, if you want to put the blame on something for making Houston one of the fattest cities, let’s go ahead and blame the heat. Or the Mexican food.

Autumn brings colors that I cannot take my eyes off of.

Don’t think for one second that I took this picture. My brother, Alex, is a fantastic photographer. A natural. No training. Just talent. That’s what happens when you’re the first child. You get to pick the genes and talents you want and the other 2 get the leftovers. I am convinced of this. He is amazing. This is Central Park…in the fall of course. Gorgeous. Fall is my favorite time to visit NYC. Convenient for Kstan running the marathon this year? Yes.

I want to scoop all of those leaves up and leap right into the middle of them. Or pile them on top of Frisky.

Fall means Pumpkin Spice.

It’s not when school starts, or when new TV shows come on…It is when Starbucks busts out the Pumpkin Spice Latte in August. Then, you know it is fall.

If I may be very honest, I used to L*O*V*E this bev. I was reckless with excitement when I saw that it had arrived, but I tried it twice already this year, and it is not to my liking. I’ll have a Dirty Soy Chai please. Or just HEB Taste of the Hill Country. Delish.

William Sonoma makes really really simple and delicious baking mixes. I do not know this from experience. My coworker makes this every fall.

It is the most delicious bread to have your coffee with. I don't make it 1. because she makes it and why would I steal her thunder and 2. because Devin would eat it all and I probably would never get a bite, so at least I get one at work. I’m kidding. Sort of. Anyway, like I said, I don’t know how easy it is from experience, but I have checked it out when Devin wants to go in William Sonoma for samples and not to buy a single thing, and it looks super easy.

Fall clothes are my absolute favorite, especially the light sweaters. Thank you Jesus for a new light sweater. And coats. I love me a new coat. But, I don’t like just any fall clothes, meaning, a store can’t just make the same sweater they always make, in 3 colors (gray, brown, and black), and expect me to be excited for their “new and innovative” line. I need some variety. I need vintage. I need color. I need creativity.

I need (want?) J.Crew.

I need (want?) Anthropologie.

I apparently need more money for my taste. Actually, I get most things I love from these places on sale OR at the J. Crew outlet in San Marcos. I cannot bring myself to pay full price for anything at either one of these stores. But, I do know I love them.

Fall means Christmas is almost here. Which means my family will all be together again, and it will be my first Christmas as a Carroll. That makes me warm and fuzzy…like a new sweater.

What's makes you fall in love with Autumn?

P.S. I love your comments. All of them. Thanks for reading.

Rain Delay

Sorry for the delay in Devin's promised blog post.
He had every intention to do it.
He even took the camera with him to work.
On his bike.
To get one perfect shot for his post.
but it was cloudy and rainy and he couldn't get it.
It's coming very soon.
(We hope)

I have some good news and some very, very upsetting news

The good news:
1. Devin and I had a really great time at Camp Eagle this weekend despite the rain. I tried mountain biking, and it was really fun even though I crashed twice. Thank you, Better Bikes, for loaning me a sweet ride (I think it was a 2007?) .
2. Even though I crashed twice, it was nowhere near as embarrassing as the guy from this post.
3. Devin is going to write a race report sometime this week, possibly with pictures I took on our Canon (hint hint). I love when he writes on the blog.

The very, very upsetting news...
I will be out of town until Friday afternoon for a conference in Dallas.
I have a feeling you aren't as upset as I thought you'd be.

A quote from Devin last night...

"You know, I was thinking...you could really get hurt this weekend".

I am so excited for Camp Eagle all of the sudden.

Yep. Really excited to be this guy.

What I am Filling My Head With

We have to be so careful what we show our eyes and let our ears hear.

He said it himself here.

So, I really strive for this, and I usually fail for whatever reason, and sometimes it is out of our control. I don’t even bother watching the news, or TV at all, because you never know what will flash before your eyes.

So, this is what I am filling my head with…

Roger Cullins leads worship at our church, and he led it with Tommy Lynch at MetroLIVE. His cd is phenomenal…just my style. Very simple, profound lyrics, deep down emotions. My favorites are Follow and Rain Down…but those change pretty much every week. I dig him. And I don’t know if he’s single…that’s always the first question.

“I have 2 brothers”…”are they single?”… “yes, but they’re too crazy for you”

“We’re going to see Devin’s friends” … “any of them single?” … “Yes but unless you want to be a cougar like me (don't you dare burst my bubble), they are way too young for you”

“We have arranged for a new neurosurgeon to take your mom’s case”… “is he single?” … “um, it’s a she.”

It’s weird. Ok, how did I get off on that? To get Roger’s cd, go to his site and there is an itunes link at the bottom. Or, if you are in Houston, you can snag it at First Baptist Church’s new bookstore. Tommy Lynch is also fantastic, and I think his cd is due out this year.

The next thing I am filling my head with:

Only the greatest Bible study teacher ev-er slash one of my favorite authors:

Ms. Beth Moore…

I love this picture because that is SO her. If Beth read this, she would probably croak, but I am 94% sure she doesn’t read this, so we are in the clear.

Speaking of Beth and what we fill our heads with, ladies, listen up. Beth taught me something way before I met, or re-met, my husband that will stick with me forever. Prayer…diligent prayer…is so vital. You should be WORRIED about what is getting into your boyfriend/husband/brother/son’s head. Because when the Devil finds a weak spot, a gap where his mind isn’t guarded, he will use it. So, as the wonderful woman in their life, you should be diligent about praying for their minds. I pray for Devin’s everyday- for his eyes, ears, mind, and heart to be guarded from things of this world. And then I trust that it will be taken care of. Done and done.

Anyways…Beth is starting a study on Revelation at First Baptist (where we just joined last Sunday!) starting next Tuesday (for more info: go to Living Proof). I am stoked except I will miss the first week due to a work conference in Dallas. I fell in love with Revelation and learning all about it when my dad taught my 3rd grade Sunday School class in Amarillo. He taught us some very mature things, and they are things I still remember. None of that make a craft, sing a song, play a game, read a story type stuff. 3rd grade Sunday School was the real deal Holyfield. A full hour of teaching. I loved it.

Dad, will you come teach another class for me? I’ll bring the coffee…

I fell in love with actually deeply studying the Bible and its history and where it all came from and why and from who, etc etc etc when I took Beth’s LIT class last fall. We are called to be competent Christians, you guys, not just Christians who are present in the church, but Christians who know their stuff and can spit it right back!

I am very, very, VERY, VERY blessed to be a member of Beth’s home church, to sit in front of or next to her every Sunday and adore her cute outfits, but most of all, to get to hear and experience her teaching every Tuesday, every semester, face to face.

I will be there every Tuesday night except the 8th. If you want to go, email me (link on the left sidebar)! I am super excited that seester Haven is going to meet me there...anyone else?

For those of you who aren't in Houston, Beth has some great books and studies. If you’re interested, email me and I can give you some suggestions!

Lastly…

Devin and I are leading a Bible study group for our Sunday School class and will be studying Colossians. It’s a small group of people in our boat (newlywed or close to it) and we are excited for the friendships and the study itself!

And somewhere between all of that, I am reading books I have gotten from my lovely bookmooch friends constantly. Devin and I are headed out on a 6 hour drive this weekend (each way)…and I am SO excited for reading time.

That whole garbage in garbage out thing…so very true

Lu! We’ve hit the big time…

I am a blog hog. I have about 8 that I love: my daily reads, my weekly reads, my daily check-to-see-if-they-updated-even-though-they-haven't-in-3-months reads...and I don't like to share them.

If I share what I read with everyone else, how am I going to astound people with the abundant knowledge that I have acquired? How would I have unique inspiration if everyone else was inspired by the same writing?

One of my favorite blog authors ever read my blog and I feel pretty guilty that her blog is not listed on my list on the left with the other blogs I will share.

She saw my blog a couple of weeks ago, coincidentally when I had just posted the hot sauce post. She asked for some salsa, and, well, ask and you shall receive.

And today, we are the first picture on Whatever! That’s the big time to me. She has thousands of readers!

Even though it’s terribly hard for me to share her, I hope you are all inspired by Meg through her blog the way I am every single day.

HOORAH!

The doctor told Devin he had a bone bruise, should heal in about 6 weeks, and he is clear to play bikes and water things.
He is a happy man.
Especially since Camp Eagle is this weekend.

Thanks for your prayers.

As you can see, he is feeling MUCH better.

PS Devin has the same disease as my mother- when there is music playing a store, they canNOT stand still.  I was trying to get his absurd dancing on video but he wouldn’t have it.

At least there was none of this THIS time at the store…

she said she was feeling pointless, worthless, feeling flat out stupid, feeling idle, like she'd settled or compromised her purpose, or was without a purpose all together, and she was tired of the meanness in people, of the exhausting meanness in people, and waking up and loving the world over and over again, but there's a point to her, a point more than what she thinks, and she is good at many things, and there are a lot of people that would like those things too, and her, and it's just the waiting part, waiting for those things to show up, so she can climb out and move on to next season.
- Author Unknown