Carmen or Snow White?

I recently sent my grandparents some pics they requested of me. They wanted updated 2009 picture. My grandpa (aka Opa) gave a classical response to two of the pics and I couldn't help but share what he had to say.

"What a contrast between picture #212 and #1387!

212 reminds me of "Carmen" , the vicious temptress,"




"1387 is more like Snow White waiting for her "Prince Charming" , or one major flower among many minor flowers."


Temptress or Innocent? Hmmmm....

Special Day of Fasting & Prayer

I preface this blog with an apology. Perhaps this is not the correct forum for such an invitation, but I had the thought to do it, and I am one for acting when prompted, so here goes...

The Austin Texas, Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will be participating this Sunday in a Fast together. For those of you who do not know, a Stake is made up of several congregations of members of the church that live in a geographical area. Each stake is directed by a Stake President, the priesthood authority who receives counsel and revelation for his stake. Our stake President, David Hollingsworth, has asked that the stake join in fasting and prayer this Sunday in regards to the drought that Central Texas is experiencing. So why is am I making this my blog? Well, we were specifically asked to extend this invitation to friends and neighbors. I decided that because I have been given so much, and because I have gained an even stronger testimony of fasting recently, I would feel priveleged to invite my friends (both of my faith and of other faiths) to join me. I know there is power that comes from combining faith.

So what is a fast? Isaiah 58:8-9 says...

"Then shall they light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily:and they righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and they darkness be as the noonday."

What this means to me is that God is willing to pour out blessings upon His children, especially those that seek light and ask Him. Fasting is a way to supplicate to the Lord for desired blessings. Let us fast on Sunday, as President Hollingsworth said, for the animals and the fields that have gone without rain for so long. Let us fast for relief from the drought. I think Isaiah 58:10-12 is especially meaningful in regards to this fast...

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."

If you have never fasted before, here is a pattern I follow. Open your fast with a prayer stating the purpose of the fast. Keep that purpose in your mind and a prayer in your heart all day. Fast for two meals, and close your fast with another prayer of gratitude. If you are unable to fast, please join me in prayer.

God Bless!

That time of year again....

Anybody know what time of year it is? Oh yeah- football season!

Now I don't pretend to know everything that is going on on the field. Every year I have to ask for an explanation of "off-sides". I do know the basics of what a shot-gun formation is and I can tell you that UT has a great running team. What I am very confident in spotting is a good arm...and by good arm I don't mean how accurate a quarterback can pass. I mean the right combo of biceps brachii, middle and anterior deltoid, and triceps.

Can you just invision where the web-space between my 1st and 2nd metacarpals would fit nicely as I slow dance with the man of my dreams?



Saturday kicks off college football season. In addition to actually enjoying watching football for football sake, it is bonus to be able to watch the athletes...such as this fine looking man...


Okay, so he is way younger than me, but who cares, not like I'll ever meet him anyways. But if I did, I'd say to him- Colt, will you flex and can I touch your nicely sculpted arm?

Whether you say "Hook'em" or "Ra-ra Ra-ra-ra Ra-ra Ra-ra-ra, goooooo Cougars!" or both, have a great week getting geared up for kickoff!

The best thing I have to offer anywhere is a happy person.

Funny how some people are happy all the time and others are miserable. Perhaps "funny" is not the best adjective. It is interesting to say the least. Just like everybody else out in the world, I have good days and bad days. Some days go just great from start to finish. I'm easy to please, just give me a well planned out day, let me work out, and give me something yummy to eat...and I am a happy girl. Other days, things seem to hit me just right and the tears come easy. I'd say more times than not, I am a very happy person. I've been told I have a great attitude. Let me say, it is no easy task! To be happy you have to choose it every day...every single day. It is hard yes, but it is worth it. I read a quote today in the book "A Single Voice" by Kristen Oaks. I thought it sums up a good motto to live by.

"The best thing I have to offer anywhere is a happy person. Unhappy, I have nothing to give; I become part of the problem instead of part of the answer. Only by choosing from my own sources of good can I be a credible...woman". (Emma Lou Thayne)


I am happy eating Devin's Fried Rice (aka yummy food)


I am happy when I run and work out....


I am happy acting goofy- 3D Harry Potter with classmates


I am happy with my friends (aka...sister)