the land of cotton

Happy New Year and Hotty Toddy from Jerry World! That's right, the mr. and I are at the cotton bowl for a second go round. This year is a repeat of the 2004 matchup against oklahoma state. But there are two key differences: 1) jevan instead of eli 2) the brand spanking new cowboy stadium instead of the old faithful cotton bowl. This stadium is AAmazing. You can't turn a corner without seeing a flat screen and being offered an ice cold margarita. Anyway, we're excited for kickoff. Are you ready?

Showing our Gratitude

This is the time of year, I like spending time celebrating with family and friends. Today, I have been hit with the hard fact that the men and women serving in the Armed Forces don't have that luxury. Yes, luxury. Until now, I thought of the joys of this festive time of year as a right. The truth is, that I am able to travel, cook, work, relax, and celebrate this season thanks to living in a nation that believes in personal freedoms. But more importantly, I have men and women that are willing to sacrifice their luxuries and comforts to protect them.

My dear friend's oldest brother is currently serving his third tour in Iraq. I remember watching the coverage of the first offensive on Iraq with Jenny and her mom in the spring of 2003. Then, they thought David might have to go. Now, that thought is a reality times 3. This year he is missing Christmas with his beautiful wife and three adorable children.

This thought has prompted me to action. And I'm telling you (my faithful readers), so that I have to follow through.

My challenge to myself: starting today through the New Year, I am collecting thoughts, thanks, and notes from any and everyone. I will mail these, along with some goodies, to David. He can enjoy our sentiments and gratitude and share them with his fellow servicemen.

My challenge to you: comment, email, or mail me your thoughts, sentiments, thanks, pictures, art, homemade happys, and what have you to share with those serving in Iraq. This can be whatever you want- including but not limited to name, age, location, everyday freedoms you enjoy, inspirational verses and quotes... The sky is the limit! If I see you in person between now and then, I'll have a little notecard for you to write on, so be ready!

Bring it....

The newest addition...

So we bought a house. Yessssss. After a few months of open housing on Sundays, we found this little gem right near where we currently live. We had probably driven past it a few times, but never really paid much attention. It doesn't really grab your attention from the outside and the pictures don't really do it justice either. We actually put it on the bottom of our list on the open house circuit that day, but we happened finish and decided to check it out since it was still open. I could tell it was a winner with Mary Margaret as we walked through it. We have walked through several houses together, but this one was different. We left both feeling excited and realized that we didn't really look critically at it because of the excitement we both felt. It's an old house, built in 1917. Surprisingly, it's in really good shape. The yard needs some TLC, but the house is livable as is. I'm sure we'll make some updates, but the house has a lot of charm already, including old pine wood floors, 12 foot ceilings, a nice front porch, and bead board walls in many rooms.

The kitchen.....

Guest Bathroom....
Our bathroom.....
The porch....
The Den....
The entry....

We've actually been holding off until we closed to post about it, but we did this morning and now it is ours. Sure it doesn't look as charming without the previous owner's nic-nacs, but we are going to get some of our own. And sure, I left out some of the rooms, so I guess you'll have to come visit to see it all. But we are very blessed and happy to have a place of our own. So come hang on our porch sometime. We'll be glad to have you.