2007, A Year in Review

2007

What a WONDERFUL YEAR!

Here's our year in review. . .

Christopher went for his first haircut 1/07
Christopher started walking in 2/07
Adrianna turned 4 in February!

Christopher had his first "Easter Morning"!
Morning of Christopher's FIRST BIRTHDAY!Adrianna had her FIRST Dance Recital (sick and all, she still wanted to go!) 5/07


We went to Daddy's WhichWich? Sunset Valley Opening all Decked Out! 6/07
Adrianna had her first "Slumber Party" with her cousin Bella 6/07Adrianna went to Vacation Bible School for the first time! 7/07

We visited out local Fire & Police Stations, met both the Fire Chief & Police Chief! Summer 07

We went on our FIRST FAMILY VACATION out of the state to Disney World!!!! 9/07
Christopher went Trick or Treating with his Adrianna,Kylie and Kat!
Thanksgiving Dinner

Christmas

My Sister and her little dog Scooter moved to Texas with US!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYY

And last but not least. . . the new additions to our lives in 2007
Ryan Matthew 3/2007

Kathryn Finley 8/2007
Avery Elizabeth 9/2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Results of My Friends

Okay my friend/family results are...

Chris: ISFJ The Defender
Beni (my sis): INTJ The Strategist
Cat: ENTJ The Chief
Erika: ESFJ The Supporter/Protector
Kyle: INTJ The Strategist
Cindy: ESFJ The Supporter/Protector
Brandon: ISTJ The Examiner
Sabrina: ESTP The Pursuader
Jon: ESFP The Entertainer
Sonya: ENFJ The Mentor
Ruth: ENFP The Advocate
Jay: ENFJ The Mentor

Come on guys...let me add some more names!

Wow, as I keep adding I realize how lucky I am to have such diversity among my friends!!! :)

My Personality Results

I was talking this morning to Ruth about the personality test I blogged about and realized I only looked at the chart and was too "busy" to look more into it, says something about my "personality" already, LOL!

Anyway, here are the facts about Gina! :)

ENTJ - The "Chief"

ENTJs are strategic, organized and possess natural leadership qualities. They are master coordinators that can effectively give direction to groups. They are able to understand complicated organizational situations and quick to develop intelligent solutions. ENTJs are outspoken and will not hesitate to speak of their plans for improvement. They are decisive and value knowledge, efficiency and competence.

"ENTJs contribute a wealth of energy directed toward the goals and those of the organization. Their sense of identity is closely tied to how they carry out their responsibilities. They are curious about new ideas and theories, evaluating them in terms of their goals. They are very efficient, competitive, strategic, and task focused."

"leader, ambitious, hard working, dominant, prepared, hates to be bored, confident, opinionated, analytical..."

Real ENTJ People

Al Gore - former American Vice President Benny Goodman - Jazz musician Bill Gates - Microsoft Founder Candace Bergen - actress (Murphy Brown) Dave Letterman - TV show host, comedian Edward Teller - theoretical physicist Franklin D. Roosevelt - American President Harrison Ford - actor (Indiana Jones)

Jim Carrey - actor, comedian Margaret Thatcher - British Prime Minister Newt Gingrich - Speaker of the House Patrick Stewart - actor (Star Trek's "Cpt. Picard") Richard Nixon - American President Sigourney Weaver - actress Steve Martin - actor, comedian Whoopi Goldberg - actress, comedian

ENTJ Career Matches

ENTJs are often happy with the following jobs which tend to match well with the Chief/Intellectual personality.

Business Administrator Computer Consultant Corporate Executive Officer Entrepreneur

Judge Lawyer/Attorney Manager Mortgage Banker

Politician Scientist Systems Analyst Teacher/Professor

(WHERE'S SAHM ON THERE? MAYBE THAT'S EQUIVALENT TO "ENTREPENEUR"! HA!)

Details . . . . . . . . . .

Preferences

Extraverted

iNtuition

Thinking

Judging

Temperament
NT (Intellectual)

ENTJ Population
Total: 3%
Male: 4.5%
Female: 1.5%

Primary Function

Extraverted Thinking

Secondary Function

Introverted Intuition

Tertiary Function

Extraverted Sensing

Least Function

Introverted Feeling

Well there I am on PAPER! I know some people HATE to be "labeled" by their personality type, since it's ever so revolving as we age and mature. But it is very helpful to get a better understanding of where people are coming from. You are able to see things a little more clearly more than going based on YOUR feelings or perceptions of what the other person is like or the reasons you think they do something or react in a certain way.

I took a disc personality test and initially loved it! Loved the results until I questioned them based on other peoples thoughts or ideas. But here as I do another one of these tests and get pretty much the same results just explained a little differently, WOW it's so motivating for me! I do love to lead, I do feel fulfilled when I'm doing what I love and believe in. And I love that my friends and family are motivated by me and don't think I'm just a neurotic person who can't ever relax! I am who I am, but am always open to enhancing some of my weaker parts of me! And being a mom, and growing daily in my relationship with God, those two things alone are building that part of me that takes a little bit of a back seat to "getting the job done" but as they develop within me, WATCH OUT!

As my 30-something birthday approaches in a week I am realizing more and more how fulfilling my life is and how much I've grown since being "open" and "less selfish" , more opportunities have risen, more "good" people have been brought into my life, and I've experienced more "success" than I ever have. It's amazing what maturity can do for a person, not just age or emotionally but spiritually too!

I'd love to hear some of my friends' results so send them along to me!
xo

Our Family Video 2007

Oh yes, my husband is the MOST thoughtful, AMAZING guy ever!!! He surprised us all on Christmas Eve with this little video collage of family photos. (There are definitely some I would have left out, but HE loved them so I can't really say anything THIS TIME) I'll be sure to delete photos I DON'T like before leaving them on the computer, LOL!

Well, enjoy...

(Oh yeah and it has music so if you need to, mute first)

MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER!


Just a quick drop in to wish you ALL a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! The virus has left our Home, we had a wonderful dinner with our family last night....Baked Cod Fish, Fried Fish, Fried Shrimp, Shrimp Cocktail, Octopus Marinara, Baked Ziti, Broccoli with Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil, Antipasto Platter and yummy baked goods! We opened all our gifts with all the Aunts,Uncles, and cousins! Everyone left about 11 and then Chris and I were up putting presents out and stayed up till 3am putting together Christophers Radio Flyer Big Wheel and talking about how lucky we are to have such an amazing circle of family and friends. Chris led his first AMAZING prayer before dinner and made a Family Video Montage that made us cry!

Now the Ham with Mom's Special Glaze is about to come out of the oven, Butternut Squash Casserole is almost done and all the other sides are about to be complete and leftover ziti reheated. I've probably gained about 10 pounds this holiday season, but I DON'T EVEN CARE! LOL That's what the New Year is for, right? :o)

OKAY, now back to work!
Merry Christmas!
xo

You've Gotta be KIDDING ME!!!

THE STOMACH VIRUS HAS HIT US ALL!!! Not even a joke! Chris was sick all last week and it's just tapering off, my sister was up all night puking and today I feel HORRIBLE! We had to reschedule dinner for next weekend, I spent the morning dragging my feet through HEB getting odds and ends for Christmas Eve and the Ham and sides/desserts for Christmas Day. Not fun. Thank goodness my mother in law is here helping out and will totally do most of the cooking along with Chris since he's getting back to normal. It just bums me out! BUT the most important thing is that we are all together and I finally get to spend a Christmas with my sister!!!! :)

Presents will get wrapped (somehow) desserts will be prepared (doing fudge and canolis, super easy) and everyone else will help with all the other details. I'm going to enjoy lounging in my pjs, napping when I can, filling up on hot peppermint tea and chicken soup and feeling comfort in remembering what Christmas is REALLY about. We've been watching all the traditional Christmas movies, rented The Santa Clause 3, lit the fire place and I haven't worried once about how the kids are dressed, how my house looks or how it's all going to fall into place . . . I just know it will! :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF MY FAMILY AND DEAR FRIENDS!
LOVE YOU!
XOXO

WOW, ENTJ!

Kyle did this on his blog and I caught the bug. I impatiently went through the 76 questions, and here is what I got.... couldn't believe I was SO close to his! DON'T DARE CONSIDER ME A NERD! (sorry Kyle)

Joe Dimaggio's Italian Chophouse

Okay so we are being taken out for dinner by Chris's bosses tomorrow night to Joe Dimaggios Italian Chophouse.....I CAN'T WAIT!!! It's located in The Domain, very fancy and elegant and I am just WAY TOO EXCITED! Here is a pic I found on Austin's CitySearch website along with the description.... In Short
Originating in hilly San Francisco, this second location in the Domain offers up a high-end taste of the 1930s supper club experience. A sophisticated color palette of dark-hued tones decorates the plush leather booths, club-chaired tables and elegant bar, creating a luxurious, almost nostalgic, atmosphere with dramatic lighting and aging period photos. Chef Brian Moran concocts classic dishes (lamb chops, chicken Parmesan) as well as some with unexpected touches like salami and egg pizza.

I'm just dying for a steak, some martinis, wine and Irish Coffee! (just for you Sabrina, LOL) I've got my little black dress, new HOT black pumps and a cute little black clutch along with my French Tips courtesy of my little sis, hair colored and cut and I'm ready to hit the town!!!!! :) We have had quite a crazy month and now I GET TO RELAX, well for a night at least. Sunday will be full of baking, sauce making, seafood preparing and grocery shopping. Yes, I am going to be one of those looneys out shopping at the grocery store the day before Christmas Eve! HA!

At least my Christmas Shopping is done, my spirits are as high as ever and I couldn't be more grateful than I am today.

Chris's Blog

I have my husband's blog as a link on my sidebar but he doesn't write very often so people don't bother checking as much so I just wanted to share some of his wonderfully put words with all of you right before the holiday is kicked off!

Chris's Blog


His words are always moving and motivating to me, Thank God I married him! :o) Anyway tonight is Delivery Night and I am still all emotional from last night's pickups so I will probably share the experience of them both tomorrow sometime.

Have a Great Day!

Another One Bites the Dust!

Okay so now it's Wednesday morning, 5:00 am . . . where on earth are the days going????!!! Yesterday was spent unloading the Uhaul, unpacking LOTS of clothes and shoes (man the girl has some shoes!!), making phone calls for dr. appts, finalizing details regarding Orange Santa Gift Pickups and Deliveries and having some yummy dinner that my sister cooked for us. Not to mention topping it off with some home made cookies that Erika baked for us.

So today is Orange Santa Pickup day and I'm looking forward SO much to it! This entire week is exhausting, but so EXCITING at the same time. I am so happy to be part of something so wonderful! Tomorrow will be the really exciting day, DELIVERY DAY! From what the police officer and fireman who led it all up for the past couple years told me, there is just nothing better than the joy we will see in the little kids' faces as Santa pulls up in the FireTruck with all the bells and whistles with their Giant Bag full of gifts for the family! I get the chills just thinking of it. I almost don't want the day to come because it'll all be over! :(

But come Friday, time for a mani and pedi so I can be ready for a fancy dinner with Chris's bosses! They were talking about some place like The Four Seasons, WOW! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to dine and it's been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long so I just cannot wait! Wow!

A 14 Hour Day?!

My 14 hour day has come to a close! I woke up and ran out the door this morning at 8:30 to arrive at Council Chambers for the BIG Wrapping Day for Orange Santa!! I was completely amazed at the amount of toys and the great quality of toys that were donated by our local citizens. We had so many wonderful women, men and children there today wrapping, wrapping, wrapping away! We had Christmas music humming in the background, baked goodies from volunteers, hot coffee and Lots of Fun! There is just something about being in an environment like today that just feeds so much of my soul! Everyone was smiling, humming, laughing and besides the music, you could hear the scissors cutting, paper crinkling and tape being pulled and torn.

We had to leave around 3:00 to go shopping for gifts that were on wish lists that we didn't have any donated items for. NOW THAT WAS FUN! Erika, Cindy, Catherine and I were running through Walmart like little elves filling four shopping carts with everything from makeup and Longhorns Tees to CD players, Scooters and Bikes! We had about 70 families we served and approximately 200 children. Each child was given about 5 gifts, the older ones 3-4 gifts. I've NEVER seen so many presents in one place. We turned the Council Chambers into a little workshop and by the time we all walked out of there tonight and shut the lights off it looked just like it did when we arrived and seemed like it was all a dream!

I've wanted my whole life to be part of doing things like this and finally at 31 years old I really am! It should be harder to do it, especially having two small children and a hectic schedule but it just isn't. When you are doing such great things for other people, everyone wants to jump in to help in whatever way they can. Adrianna even came and wrapped a couple gifts all by herself today and that made my day even more terrific! What on earth did I do to be so lucky to be living a life as fulfilling as this? Don't get me wrong, I have financial struggles, worry about everything "women" love to worry and obsess about, and other things going on , BUT none of that even matters when you're filling it with all the "good stuff" and don't waste your time on the petty things or the things you just can't change.

Going through the applications for Orange Santa and reading the reasons why people are applying, getting a glimpse into their hardships, reading little kids' letters to Santa, ABSOLUTELY BREAKS MY HEART! I will tell you, this is one of the best things to do during Christmas time. It helps you get out of the "BUY BUY BUY" mindset and more into the meaning of the holiday. For any of you that have always wanted to be part of something like this, PLEASE get involved in your local community "Santa" programs next year. You will be totally amazed at the joy it will bring into your life! It's always so easy to say that you think it's such a wonderful thing to do and you would love to do it, but the reality is that in order for these things to be successful, YOU need to be there volunteering in some way or another. Every person counts. We had two little girls around 8 and 10 with their mom today for HOURS, just shopping along, sorting, and wrapping...those sweet little girls, so giving so young...I hope and pray that Adrianna has that same heart and I will do everything to encourage her and guide her in the right direction and definitely lead her by example.

That is why I am so thankful to Resonate for being the avenue to get me to this place and provide me with the tools to do what I've always wanted to do, the things we ALL deep down desire at some level.

I'm sitting here with sore feet and a sore back wondering how everyone else is feeling as they lay down and end their day. Do they feel as wonderful inside as I do? Are they just so ridiculously happy and amazed at what went on today? Women, Men of all ages, children, pregnant moms, moms with babies that didn't sleep through the night, dads at home going nuts all day without mom there to take over, all the givers, all the supporters, facilitators, You are ALL amazing! There is NO place I would have rather been today! Now, we have photos with Santa at McDonalds tomorrow, gift pickup on Wednesday and Delivery Day on Thursday! The next few days will be crazy, but I THRIVE on crazy!

Chris got home after driving 25 hours, and sleeping only an hour and a half! I met him and my sister at home for some spaghetti and meatballs that my mother in law made for us for a very quick dinner, put the kids down set showers and towels up for Beni and Chris and went back to
wrap things up with the other volunteers so I can't wait to wake up with my family which now includes my sister every morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, life is great!

The Ball is Rolling...

To save me from making a bunch of calls today, I figured I'd write a quick post letting friends and family know Chris arrived safely in Orlando last night and is at the Uhaul place putting my sister's car on the trailer right now. They will spend the day loading up and are planning on leaving tomorrow morning around 4am.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! I can't believe it's really happening!!! I can't wait to welcome Beni "home"!


And just to show you how great the friends I have are, last night 5 of us girls hung out at my house sorting and organizing applications for Orange Santa over coffee and cookies, and well my friend Cindy brought over a "Welcome to Texas!" gift bag for my sister!!!! This is a person that I've been friends with for only about a year, and am totally grateful for her being brought into my life. How many people go out of their way to shop for a gift, make a card and package it beautifully for someone they don't even know?!?!? She is really good at doing those thoughtful little things that let you know she cares! (I could see her owning a Hallmark Store, LOL) And WOW, how blessed is my sister Beni coming into a great group of women and families who are excited and can't wait to meet her!

My heart is full . . . .

Going Out With a BANG!

Alot of things are starting to fall into place for me and my family these past few weeks. I've received an amazing outpoor of generosity from all the friends brought into my life by God, my church has helped with the difference in what I need to help my sister get here safely before Christmas, our leadership team has been "relaunched" , "refocused", and "remotivated", my family life is great, things with Chris's job are getting better and better and I honestly couldn't ask for a better way to end one year and begin a new one.

I've been under alot of stress this past month with the worry and concern over my sister and some family issues which has thrown me so off track and has made me lose a little bit of focus. I've made some decisions that probably weren't the best, but the best for me at the time I made them. I don't have any regrets since my motivation has never been ill-willed or malicious. Sometimes change is hard and can hurt, but needs to happen to get to the "good stuff". I've experienced this many times before and thankfully I can look back and see the results of my actions when those decisions were made with good intentions and with a good heart and the results when they were made coming from a not so good place. I feel some freedom today for the first time in a long time and most of that is due to the pressing on my heart all day and night yesterday from God. I am finally starting to be able to "listen" and "feel" Him working through me. There is nothing better or more empowering that THAT. What I've worked through these past few days I just know is the right thing for me and my family BECAUSE I listened to Him. Kyle mentioned these verses a while back and they have stuck with me so I wanted to share them with you. Being known as "smart" or "knowledgeable" isn't exactly what I want people to think of ME as, but striving towards being "wise", wow, now that's a goal worth working towards. :)

Proverbs 2:1-9
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.


Kyle's blogposts during August2007 before baby Kat's birth were focused on Leadership and I suggest you read those posts, they were inspiring to not just me, but even friends of mine out of the state both "churched" and "unchurched". These were some of my favorites of his.

In our group settings I don't ever speak up to pray in front of other people, I'm just not comfortable doing that yet but I would like to pray today because I'm just SO full of joy and thankfullness!


Thank you Lord! Thank you for giving me Kyle and Erika, thank you for all the friends that I've found through them and for the impact each and every one of them has made in my life. Thank you for continuing to show me that YOU love me and will take care and provide for me and the ones I love. Thank you for giving me the gifts of life through my children, thank you for showing me forgiveness and how to forgive, thank you for giving me the personality I have, the strength that empowers me when I'm walking in your Spirit. Thank you for an amazing life partner and best friend, my one true soul mate that I can call "husband". Please keep Chris healthy and strong, help him in the places that ONLY You and He knows needs healing. Help me remain a strong, loving wife and mother as well as friend and confidant to those who need me. Provide me with wisdom to know the decisions I make are in the best interest of the greater good. Help me spread Your Good News, use me in the ways only you can to help others out there who are lost or just need help getting back on the right path.

Today is a new day and my eyes and heart are once again open, Lord help to keep them that way. And it's in Your name I pray, Amen

Our First Christmas Party!

This weekend was full of birthday parties ( a close friend and Chris's brother Jay), fattening food, a block party, and an awesome Resonate Community Christmas Party! We had alot of fun yesterday. I totally have to share it....

We started by dropping the kids off at Kyle and Erika's for childcare with two of the sweetest teenagers you could ask for. Those two girls watched 5 kids under the age of 5! Oh and just wait till the end of the details for the GRAND FINALE! LOL

We headed on over to Chili's with our friends at a huge table laughing, eating, story telling and all WITHOUT KIDS!!!! Usually everything we do that is church oriented has the kids right there with us, distracting us mostly, bless their little hearts, BUT we can't have REAL conversation and last night it was SO wonderful to actually talk about US and not being centered around kids, which most of us parents well, just can't help of course! So, dinner was awesome and we then went over to Brandon and Cindy's while another one of our couple friends joined us over there for some WONDERFUL DESSERT and a gift card exchange. It was so much fun, I can't wait to spend my Amazon GC! Cindy baked the most DELICIOUS Boston Creme Pie, little did she know it's one of my FAVORITES!! She also made a yummy spice cake and TRUFFLES! Can you believe it, TRUFFLES!!!! I was in heaven, and the girl never even talks about her baking, she has some hidden talents there that she's been keeping secret!!! (You have to watch out for the quiet ones, LOL) I was too full to devour them and couldn't stop drinking the home made eggnog our friends Jon and Sabrina brought over, so luckily we will have them at our team meeting tomorrow so I can continue to pack on the pounds. :)

Last night was a wonderful relaxing way to end one week and prepare us for the crazy two weeks to come. Orange Santa will be very time consuming this week, but will be the best payoff when we are giving out gifts next week, My sister will be giving me a pedicure and fake nails this time next week (she doesn't know that yet) and I will be getting ready to do the shopping for all the fish we will eat on Christmas Eve!

Oh before I get off track, the most AMAZING part of last night?????? ALL 5 KIDS WERE ASLEEP ON SLEEPING BAGS WHEN WE GOT THERE AT 9:30!!!!! I ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK!!! It was hilarious and we know who needs to be watching our little ones a little more often!

Check out my other two Blogs...

www.orangesanta.blogspot.com

www.personalkeepsakesonline.blogspot.com

Crowes Nest Farm Trip...

AND SOME PICS....

I'm Amazed....And Thankful of Course!!!

I am completely amazed by the people that are in my life! Whether they are close family members, members of our "church", or loosely connected friends that we are just starting to get to know. People have been reaching out and "giving" to help us get my sister here and I can't say anything except that I'm totally amazed! I've never been around people besides my immediate family that just want to extend a helping hand without hesitation.

So I just want to say "THANK YOU" to all of you for your help and support. I truly get what it means to live in a community of giving people, people who put others first, people who really love people. These people definitely represent what it means to be a follower of Christ, living and loving just the way he did, and one of the funny things is, they don't all call themselves "Christians".

I am praying today, thanking God for blessing me the way he has and for the strength to continue on these next couple weeks until we actually get my sister here.