Captain Random

-Zac and I were watching Nacho Libre on TV the other day and Zac said he wanted to dress like Nacho for halloween, and wear "stretchy pants." I just realized that for the last several years, about once a month, Zac tells me what he wants to be for Halloween. We have NEVER dressed up for halloween or even gone to a party, so it's pretty funny that he puts so much thought into his "costumes." I do have to admit that he is pretty darn creative though...if you ever need an idea, hit him up!

-Did you see this article on MSN about redheads? Interesting!!

-I'm going to Houston this weekend for Carrie's wedding! I can't wait. It will be so much fun. Saturday, Madeline has a birthday party to go to, so Andy is going to take her to that and then pick Zac up from the airport. Zac's flying in because he has a scrimmage Saturday morning. My dad won't be able to go because he has his Midland High class reunion...I can't believe he graduated from high school 40 years ago!! So that leaves just me, Mom, and Liz to have a girls day Saturday. It will be fun! I think we might go to one of my fave Houston restaurant, Barnaby's. (Even if you don't care where we eat, you should click on that link to see how precious the website is, and see why they named it Barnaby's!) Here is a pic from Carrie's bachelorette party, which was a few weeks ago...
-I started watching the "True Blood" series. I like it a lot, but I have to admit that I like the "Twilight" version of vampires much better. Maybe it's just because Edward is way hotter than Bill. Anyways, I still love True Blood, and I plan on posting all about that...later.

-I can not wait to see this movie! Not only does it have Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite actresses, but it is about high school football. I can't tell y'all how many times Zac has wanted to bring a player home, knowing that he had a bad home life. This movie looks so touching, AND it's a true story!


-Here are a few of my favorite songs right now. (*Disclaimer-I like the song, not neccesarily the video. I just include the link to the video so you can hear the song. But most of you ignore this section of my blog anyways. Are you even still reading this? If you are, leave me one or two of your fave songs in a comment, and I PROMISE I will listen to it, beginning to end!)
Knock You Down by Keri Hilson (featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo)
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
You're a Jerk by New Boyz (this song is awful, but for some reason I LOVE IT! I turn up the radio everytime it comes on!)
Love Drunk by Boys Like Girls
Best I Ever Had by Drake
Down by Jay Sean and Lil' Wayne
Please Don't Leave Me by P!NK (what an awesome name! hehe)

Mailbox Delight

I have always loved checking the mail. When I was a kid, everyone in our house knew that I got to check the mail. If I was home and heard the mailman coming, I would meet him on the porch. If we were all getting home at the same time, they all knew not to touch that mailbox...that was my territory. My sister and I each had a few magazine subscriptions, plus I always loved reading the church bulletin, and my mom always got cool catalogs from stores. I just loved it. Anyways, now that I am an adult, let's just say that I do not find checking the mail nearly as fun. First of all, we have community mailboxes, so it's not right in front of our house. I think these are kind of annoying, but I know that more and more subdivisions are going to these. Secondly, our mailbox usually just has junkmail and bills in it...neither are what I call "fun." Well, imagine my surprise the other day when I went to check the mail and had a pretty package waiting for me! It had a heart right above my name and everything! :) It was from a college friend Katie, a beautiful Christian and Mom to a sweet and adorable little redhead, Cameron. We haven't talked in quite awhile, but started following each other's blogs about a year ago, and have been keeping in touch through that and facebook. (TGFT...thank God for technology!) I was so tickled and happy, I could have just stared at the package, thinking about what a thoughtful friend I have. When I opened it, I was even more moved. A simple post-it note read "Julia, Hope this book touches you. Highly recommended by a friend of mine. Love, Katie" The book is about a Ethiopia (specifically Addis Ababa) and the battles they are fighting daily. I have already learned SO much about the country that I didn't know. (Which I will share in another post...this book deserves it's own entire post dedicated to it.) This post is about the generosity and kindness showed by a friend who I haven't seen in over five years. (Or is it six?) Katie-not only will I be touched by the book, but I have been touched by your sweet thoughtfulness! I am blessed to have you in my life. Thanks so much for the book! You're the best! :)

I'm gonna be an UNCLE!

Haha, I just realized that I said that wrong. I will still be an AUNT, but I am going to have a NEPHEW!!! :) My sister is pregnant, and will be having a little boy at the end of December! I am so excited! Here is his first pic on my blog...

I'm feelin so energetic, don't think y'all will ever get it...

Have you ever found an artist that you LOVE, and you're like "how are they not HUGE?" "When are they going to blow up?" because you know they have massive potential and a mad amount of talent? Well, that is how I feel about BoA! If you don't like pop, you won't like her, but if you do like pop, or you are curious as to what I would buy stock in, if you could buy stock in performers, here she is!

Now, don't you want to "Report to the dance floor?!"

Blue Skies for Everyone!

Thanks, Bob Schneider! I LOVE YOU!!!
This is a really old song, but the trusty ol' iTunes shuffle played it for me today, and put me in the best mood. I think I listened to it nine times in a row. (yes, literally) It is cheery, even though it sounds like it would be kinda dark. Anyways, it has a nice message...one I could use when I am finishing up projects due tomorrow and studying for summer school finals, and I literally want to poke my eyes out! ;) Enjoy!

Spit on the ground, hold your breath
Try and scare yourself to death
Bury your bones under the dirt
Tear your heart out, rip your shirt
Stomp your feet in disgust
Curse the gray sky if you must
But you'll find when you are done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Drink your wine, break your heart
Give up the race before you start
Drop your drawers, roll around
Burn your house right to the ground
Go to sleep, hit your head
Scream until your face is red
And you'll find when you are done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Blue skies, setting suns
Cherry pies, bubblegum
Lullabies, to come undone
Blue skies for everyone

So get right down on your luck
Spin your wheels until you're stuck
Wring the blood out, let it dry
Stick a needle in your eye
Dry your tears and drop your drink
Let me tell you what I think
I think you'll find when you get done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Bob Schneider is an Austin guy who pretty much RULES! His music is awesome! Zac and I danced to "The World Exploded Into Love" at our wedding reception, as our first dance. If you are not familiar with him, you should check him out! ;) Fun sidenote: he dated Sandra Bullock for a few years, and I saw her at one of his shows once! 2nd funny side note...I usually like preppy jock-type boys, but I think Bob's hot in a dirty-rocker-soulful kind of way. haha!
Okay, and come to think of it, I love the words to "The World Exploded Into Love" too much to not share with y'all! It's a sweet song, and extra special and meaningful to ME! :) It's "OUR SONG!"

There is a universe that can't be seen
It's just a feeling if you know what I mean
A delectable dimension, undetectable by sight
It'll fill up your heart in the dead of the night
Some say its an astral plane
Can't be described, can't be explained

The world exploded into love all around me
The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

Oh is our life just an illusion
There is no need to figure it out
The separation exists not in your love filled heart
But only in your mind
The real story's all around you
Even now it surrounds you
Even now I feel the power

The world exploded into love all around me
The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

90s on 9

My parents just returned from a week in Canada. While they were gone, we kept Rusty and also their car. I drove it all week and came to LOVE the satellite radio. Mostly, I loved one particular station..."90's on 9." Listening to all that fun 90's music brought back so many memories. I heard so many songs that I had not even thought of in forever! I am sure it will do the same for you...
Tub Thumping by Chumbawumba
Lump by Presidents of the United States of America
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something
Wonderwall by Oasis
I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys
Genie In A Bottle by Christina Aguilera
Waterfalls by TLC
Losing My Religion by R.E.M
This is How We Do It by Montel Jordan
Ironic by Alanis Morisette
Jump Around by House of Pain
Tearin' Up My Heart by 'Nsync
Plus, lots of fun songs by: Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, En Vogue, The Fugees, Hootie and the Blowfish, Matchbox 20, Naughty by Nature, Ace of Base, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Cake, Dave Matthews Band, and more...
We think that decade probably had more one hit wonders than any other time. Zac and I also started talking about all things 90's. Sports, News, and my favorite...FASHION! :) We started comparing our high school trends with what is in style now.
We wore Doc Marten's...they wear "boots with the fur." We wore polo shirts tucked into high-waisted jeans...they have low rise jeans. You get my point. But I want to know what YOU miss about the 90s. Or do you despise the 90s? Either way, leave me your thoughts! Also, are there any MAJOR songs I missed? What songs take you back to the 90's?

Karma

So I have been known to throw my gum out every now and than. (I know, I know...it's wrong! But I promise that I always do it under a bush or somewhere nobody should ever step.) Zac always tells me that one day I will step in the biggest wad of hot sticky gum ever, and he will laugh so hard when I do. (Sweet right?) Well, that day finally came, and I am lucky enough to have had a friend capture the moment...or at least a recap of the moment. haha! Enjoy...at my expense! :)

Madeline in Midlo

A few weekends ago we had the awesome privilege of keeping my niece Madeline. We met my parents and grandmother in Waco for dinner on Thursday night, and got Madeline from them.
I set my alarm to go off at 7:30 Friday morning, so we could get to the Dallas Zoo when it opened at 9am. Silly me! Madeline woke US up at 6:30. I forgot that kids have their own internal alarm clocks! (Luckily, that was the earliest she woke up the whole time she was with us.) We arrived at the Zoo right at 9 and walked around a bit until Ellen and Nati and Claire arrived at 9:30. Madeline was so excited to see her cousins, and they seemed happy to see her too! Of course Claire was thrilled to see her best friend Zac! :) It was very hot, so we left by noon, but it was lots of fun!!




When we got home from the Zoo we all napped and then played in the sprinkler. We gave her this fun little sprinkler attachment for her birthday back in May, and she really liked it. Afterwords we came in and showered and got dressed to go out to eat for ME AND ZAC'S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY! :) We went to Outback, and it was scrump-deli-ump! (does anyone else say that, or just me?)

Saturday we made some cupcakes, went to the park, hung out at the house doing puzzles, and playing Candy Land & Hi Ho Cherry-O. She is at such a fun age! She also loves to read books to us. It is pretty accurate and very entertaining! That afternoon we went to Cody and Rheanna's house to see some Boston Terrier puppies, donkeys, cows, and horses. Madeline even fed a donkey!



Sunday we went to the park, got a snow cone, went swimming, and did a lot of hanging out. We had so much fun with her, and I think she had a blast too! :) She has such a sense of humor already, and kept us laughing with her little personality. She is one cute little lady!!

13

useless and random facts about me...

1. I always talk about how I am obsessed with and addicted to Dr. Pepper...the secret truth is that I actually like Pibb Extra (formerly Mr. Pibb) better. It is just harder to find Pibb, so I usually drink D.P. At the grocery store when both are available though, I have to get Pibb! :)

2. I have no phobia of public restrooms. My friends swear that when I have kids this will change, and I know that I should be scared of all those germs, but I think I am too grateful to be able to go to worry about germs. BUT...I have this really weird thing that when I use a public restroom that I've used before, I have to go in the same stall I used last time. I KNOW, that is so weird, but like at the movie theater we always go to, I have to use a certain stall.

3. I watch Ellen every day. If I am not home, I tivo it. I think she is a beautiful person, and if everyone had her giving spirit, sense of humor, and pure heart, the world would be a better place.

4. I have this nagging fear that I will not be able to get pregnant when I am ready and wanting to. It scares me, and the older I get, the stronger the feeling is.

5. Speaking of getting pregnant, I feel like I was born to be a mom. It is all I am passionate about. I was the girl who turned down a movie with my friends to babysit when I was in high school. I love kids. I wish I cared more about a career, but I just want to be a mom. Is that so bad?

6. Sometimes I secretly despise sports. I grew up around them, with parents who love them, I married a coach, cheerleading is all about sports, but sometimes I just hate sports. I know, it's horrible. Sometimes I love them, don't get me wrong, but there are days I resent the sports world and the obsession with sports. (risky admitting this, I know!)

7. People have always told me that I'm mature for my age, or that I have an old soul. I get that, because I had to grow up fast due to all my health problems as a kid, but the truth is that I feel younger than I am. Like sometimes I am like, I'm 26?...I'm married?...I have a house? Surely I am not old enough to have all that, right? I don't know...it's hard to explain.

8. I want to adopt a little boy from Ethiopia. I have always thought adoption was awesome, but the Ethiopia part is new, and now it's the most important part to me.

9. I always wish that I had studied abroad for a year in Spain. Not only for the culture and language exposure, but to prove to myself that I can be independent. I have never lived alone or had to provide for myself. I think that being in a country by myself would have forced me to do it.

10. Zac and I talked about baby names very early in our relationship. As fickle as we both are, it's surprising that we still like the same baby names we chose seven years ago. We have one boy name and two girl names we like. We want two kids...hopefully it won't be two boys, or else we will have to get creative for that second boy name!

11. I like cold showers. Hot showers make me grumpy, and they're not even refreshing to me. I have dry skin and hot water hurts it. Cold showers are so rejuvenating! Yes...I know I am probably alone in this one. Most people think I am so weird for liking cold showers!

12. I'm allergic to erythromycin, chlorine, and mostly caviar! Once I ate caviar (and loved it) with my cousin Matt, and the next day the skin behind my knees, on my wrists and elbows was swollen and red and itchy. Luckily I had taken a benadryl to help me sleep the night before, or it would have been way way worse! I went to the doctor and had to get a shot and then be on steroids and anti-biotics for a week! Aw man...guess I shouldn't have "champagne wishes and caviar dreams!"

13. I am an open-minded person, but my biggest intolerance is towards people who are intolerant. Isn't that hypocritical? I am trying to work on it, but I just get so frustrated when people are narrow minded and unaccepting of other peoples beliefs. The worst is when people use their "religion" to back up their views...we are not here to judge, and Christ asked us to love our neighbors. ALL of our neighbors, not just the ones who have our same lifestyle and opinions! (yes, I am telling this to myself too)

Independance Day at The Ranch

For the 4th of July we headed to Zac's family's land in Oklahoma with Ramsi, Tatem, Scott, and Eliza. It was a fun weekend at the ranch, as they all are, but it seemed like we had some extra adventures this time around. I wouldn't change a thing, as it made for lots of laughs and some great memories, but here are a few of the funny things that happened:
-We got a visitor from a little mouse the first night we were there. I named him Mr. Jingles and we made a pact not to hurt him...just to get him out of the house. Tatem had a good point: he lives there more than we do...we were just visitors for the weekend! :) Haha, you should have seen five adults working together for 45 minutes trying to get this poor little guy out of the house! :) We had lots of laughs, a few squeals, and a few people stood on chairs...but I won't name any names, hehe.
-When we went to bathe Molly that first night, we realized that the cold water didn't work in the shower. It seems like it would be better for that to go out than the hot water, but at least you can take a cold shower...this water was so hot (pretty much right away) that you couldn't even put your hand under it, much less your body! Zac and Scott had a smart idea...to turn down the hot water heater, so that the water would not be scalding, but just warm. The only bad thing, was that the hot water heater is in the storm basement (totally underground! It's Oklahoma-tornado country) which is dark and eerie. I kept thinking that scorpions and tarantulas would come crawling up, haha. Of course they didn't and everything was fine, and the guys' idea worked! :)
-We went to Lake Eufaula for July 4th and it was really pretty and cool! I definitely would like to go back there again! Zac and his family went there alot when he was a kid, so he has childhood memories out there. Surprisingly, it was not too crowded, especially for being a holiday. Part of that might have been that it was storming on our way out there (which might have scared away some people, but not us!). When we got there it was not raining, but it was still pretty overcast. The water was a tiny bit cold, but mostly felt good. It would have been better if the sun was out, but we still got a good little swim in, and some top notch people watching!! One man was swimming in a t-shirt and overalls! I think Ramsi, Tatem, and I were the only girls there above the age of 16 without a tattoo! ha!
-Scott bought lots of fireworks on the way up to the ranch, so that night we were treated to a show! Since it rained that day, the ground was wet, which took away my paranoia of starting a grass fire. It ended up raining again that night after the fireworks, so it was extra safe.
-We spent a lot of time just hanging around the house, cooking, eating and visiting. Eliza was a blast, and fun to watch, no matter what she is doing. It was definitely a weekend I will never forget! I did decide however, that I like the ranch a hundred times more in the winter. It's just so hot in the summer, and there are SO MANY bugs...it's like camping! Molly even got a few ticks, which really grosses me out. Zac had to pull them off of her. Yuk! Also, in the winter you can walk around and enjoy the nature much more because it's not 105 degrees! :)
Tatem, Scott, Ellie, and Ramsi-will you please come with us again in the fall or winter? I promise it will be much less eventful...in a good way! :)
Molly's sniffer goes crazy when we turn onto the dirt road that leads to the ranch!
Eliza and Tatem going for a dip in the pool...
Scooter and Ellie on a stroll...
Me, Ramsi, and Dollar!!!
Eliza liked the horses better when they were on the other side of a fence! ;)
Ramsi and Eliza
Walking amongst the cattle
Best Friends! :)
Molser and the old barn and the pond...she loves to explore!
Uncle Ken, Tatem, and Eliza
If you look closely (you might have to click on the pic to enlarge it) Mr. Jingles is chillin' in the background. We tried to get Molly to help us chase her, but she was like "Me? A rodent? Your kidding, right? I'm going back to sleep!"
Eliza was so super cute at the lake.Best Friends!! (notice the patriotic swimsuit! The bottom has stripes!)
Lake Eufaula
Zac and Tatem love this front porch! It's a great conversation station! ;)
Eliza letting me hold her for a bit. Zac telling Eliza all about Blue. He's the horse that bucked me off! But I still like him. I just like to remind him about what a bad boy he was that day.

Cute family photo with the ranch house in the background.
Molly was a tired pooch by the end of the trip!!