Waco

After a two week stretch without seeing Flint, I finally arrived in Waco last night. The dogs and I survived the storms in Northwest Arkansas (again) and then hit road Thursday morning. As sick as I am of the going back and forth, I think the dogs are even more fed up! SO, I am down in Texas for a long weekend with my hubby and I am ever so glad to be with him. I have experienced so many emotions over the last several weeks and I have learned so much about myself and my marriage. But, I will save all of that for another day. For now I am enjoying every minute with him! That time is so sweet and so coveted.
I am, however, super excited about Big Mama's Fashion Fiesta. I am working on a post and on uploading my pictures, but I may be a little late. That topic is right up my alley...invading my closet and potential purchases!!! Big Mama was one of the very first blogs I started reading and from then on...I was hooked!
So, for now I am going to have to say adios. I am savoring my time with Flint...
I am hoping this afternoon, when the Masters comes on, I will have a little time to blog on the more fun things...like Fashion Fiestas!

American Idol

It is no secret that I LOVE me some American Idol! SO here are my thoughts on tonight's show. If you still have to watch it on your TIVO you may want to quit reading!

Michael Johns: Wanna-be, shunna-be. I kinda like him as a rocker. I also like him as a R&B singer. I would probably like the man singing opera or singing in the rain, too!
Syesha: Funny that she picked this song. It is one of the two that came to my mind when they told the theme for the evening. She may not be Fantasia, but I thought she was awesome! Why can't this gal get some R-E-S-P-E-C-T?!?
Jason: I really like this version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". It was as dreamy as his eyes!
Kristy Lee: In my opinion this was this cute gal's best performance to date (I actually agreed with Paula on this one)! Simon was so right...she actually looked like a star tonight!
David Cook: I got all geared up with my bowl of chocolate better batter ice cream in hand and he did not disappoint. It was not, however, my favorite performance from him. I am switten...He had me from "Hello". ( A fellow blogger used this line previously which is funny because this is exactly what I said after his performance of "Hello".)
Carly: For the first time, her hair and make-up looks awesome. The song choice...not so much. The best thing about her performance was the impression of Simon at the end!
David Archuleta: How cute is he?!?! Awesome performance.
Last but certainly not least, Little Brooke: I still just love this girl!

Best Performance: David Archuleta
Worst Performance: Carly

Still my favorites remain: Brooke, David Cook, and Syesha

Did anyone else think that, although Paula looked lovely, she also looked kinda squeezed into that dress?

Okay, so I mentioned that two songs came to me initially:
1. "I Believe" by Fantasia
2. "I'll Stand By You" by the Pretender

After thinking about it throughout the show some other songs came to my mind. All which I thought would be good choices for the theme.
1. "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini
2. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
3. "Faithful To Me" by Jennifer Knapp
4. "Happy" by Natasha Bedingfield

I am not sure which one would be my final choice...I would have to practice them all!

Enough about American Idol. Have you heard that the New Kids on the Block are BACK! I saw them on the Today Show on Friday! I hate to admit this but... what I had as a cassette tape I now have as a CD. You better believe that it is popped in my car CD player every once in a while. And yes...it still makes me dance just like it did when I was a teeny bopper! Girls, get excited! The boys we drooled over are back! And if you did not drool over them or if you were too young to drool over them...you get a second chance! I used to have their posters in my bedroom and read their interviews in Bop magazine!

one more thing...

I have been reading Angie Smith's blog for sometime now and I will never be the same. Her husband is a singer in the group, Selah. Angie's story about her precious little Audrey Caroline will touch your heart from the minute you start reading, too. Anyway, Audrey is scheduled to come into this world tomorrow (Monday, April 7th) at 4 pm. There are a lot of unknowns. This sweet family would really covet your prayers.

Visit their blog and read their story at: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Women of Faith

This weekend, while Flint sayed in Texas to go to the Baylor Football scrimmage, I made a quick trip to Little Rock. It was good to be home with my my madre and padre for a little while, dispite the tornadoes that ripped through town. I don't think it matters how old you are, everyone loves momma lovin!!! My mom and I went to the Women of Faith conference, and boy was it amazing!
I was so blessed by each of the wonderful women who spoke and sang. I had the opportunity to hear Max Lucado, Sheila Walsh, Nicole C. Mullen, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty (who I grew up knowing and loving), and my personal favorite- Patsy Clairmont! This is her picture below. She made me laughed until I cried and then I laughed some more! I want to be just like her! No, actually I want to be her best friend! Seriously, she is so much fun! Her stories are wonderful, but what really makes her beautiful, as well as all of the other gals, is their love for their Savior!

Nicole C. Mullen was another one of my favorites. I just love her music- her powerful and honest songs. Her voice knocks my socks off and she just makes you want to get up and dance with her. True beauty and true talent! One of my favorite songs is "When I Call on Jesus".

The chorus goes like this:

When I call on Jesus,

All things are possible

I can mount on wings like eagles' and soar

When I call on Jesus,

Mountains are gonna fall

'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call

I know that these are such simple words, but they really speak volumes to me. The past several months I have really been learning the power of prayer- through our transition with Flint's job and through Cilla's (my mother-in-law) illness. It is amazing to see God's work! I thank God that we have the privilage to bring our needs to Him!

Happy Easter

I hope that finds everyone well. Hopefully you have had a wonderful day with your friends and families. But more importantly, I hope and pray that you have taken some time to reflect on the true meaning of this day and why we truely celebrate. Thank you Jesus for loving us so much that you gave your life for us! The greatest gift ever given. Now I have hope for my future! I am so undeserving, but so grateful!

These are the words to one of my very favorite songs. I was listening to it this morning as I was getting ready for my day. My favorite part is "And as He stands in Victory, Sin's curse has lot its grip on me; For I am His and He is mine- Bought with the precious blood of Christ!" How perfect for today!

In Christ Alone
a hymn sung by many, but most people recognize it as Avalon's song

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

I am so terrible at taking pictures, but we had a wonderful Easter. We went to church and had a wonderful celebration service. Then, my long time friend, Mindy and her husband and daughter came over for lunch and to watch some basketball. My parents arrived late in the afternoon and are going to spend a few days with me! Unfortunately, our Hogs could not pull off a victory against the top ranked Tarheels. But, it was still a wonderful day!

What's Up?!

I have not fallen off the face of the Earth...I promise. We have just had a lot going on. I am still in Fayetteville, but not for much longer. We found a house a couple of weeks ago and we are closing on it the first of May. I will have to post some pics of it, even though their furniture is atrocious! I am looking forward to a weekend with Flint and my parents to celebrate the resurrection of my Savior!

Spring could not have come at a better time. I was starting to get the cold weather blues! I probably should not admit to this, but I will any way. In college, I would skip class on beautiful, warm, sunny days. I would go to the infamous Wilson Park right by the University campus with my friends. We would pitch a blanket and just lay there and nap or read or whatever else suited us at the time. It just briengs a huge smile to my face just thinking about it! I love so much about spring:

Easter.

Peonies.

Warmer weather.

Tulips.

Cadbury Eggs.

Long walks with my sweet puppy dogs.

March Madness.

Bright colors.

The start of sandel and flip flop season.

Easter Dresses.

Longer Days.

Yep. It might be my favorite time of the year. Everything goes from being so drab and dead and comes to life!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today my mom is celebrating her birthday! I want to wish her a very happy birthday and send her cyber hugs and kisses! I wish I could be there with her, but for now this will have to do. Mom is so giving and the most unselfish person I know! I hope I have an ounce of that when I have my own kids! Thanks, Mom, for all you do for Flint and I. We love you! This is a picture of us at my Granny and Grandpa Tapp's house a couple of Thanksgivings ago. Flint could not go because he was in bed with dry sockets after having his wisdom teeth taken out.

Sic'em Bears!

Well, it is official. Flint accepted a job with Baylor over the weekend. He will be heading southbound 35 in just a couple of weeks to start his new job. It was an opportunity he could not pass up! We are excited but, there are lots of other emotions as well. Of course we are sad to be leaving Northwest Arkansas, which has been home to us for 10 years. This is where we met, fell in love, and what we know. We will also be leaving behind some of our best friends, the house we built, and the HOGS! It is so weird to think about living in Texas and not being able to go to every Razorback game?!?! There are so many things I am going to miss, but for now we are looking ahead and are excited!

This has been such a long process, but it took this long for God to get us where HE wanted us!!! I am in amazement at His hand in this whole transition. It has been made very clear that this is where the Lord wants us for now a (although at times we were wonding why we have to pick up our lives here and go to Waco, TX?!?!) I am so thankful for His love and faithfulness. He even cares about the places that we live!

Friends

Best Friends and Roomies

Freshmen

"All I Want for Christmas"

Football Season

Halloween

Great Outdoors ;)

1998 Pledge Class

Line dancing at my Rehearsal Dinner

Lately, I have been trying to clean up some of the many piles that I have just put into a closet or pushed under the bed for so long! Not any more! I am turning a new leaf! In the process I have found all of my old pictures! There are some good ones!!! Since today is Laura's birthday, I thought I would share some of her and of our college years!

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Laura is celebrating her birthday today!!! I would try to tell you how much I love her and what she means to me, but I really do not think I could write the words to do so! She is the sister I never had and my best friend! So Laura, cheers to you today! I hope your day is as wonderful as you are! I can't wait to see you!

Four Things Friday

I was tagged by my friend Megan, quite some time ago. So, here goes...

4 Jobs I've Had:
1. Camp Counselor
2. Victoria's Secret Salesperson
3. Nanny
4. FSNEP Program Assistant

4 Movies Watched Over and Over:
1. The Holiday
2. Wedding Crashers
3. The Notebook
4. Sweet Home Alabama

4 Places I've Lived:
1. North Little Rock, AR
2. Branson, MO (for one summer)
3. Fayetteville, AR

4 Shows I Watch:
1. American Idol
2. Ace of Cakes
3. The Hills
4. Friday Night Lights

4 Places I've Been:
1. Peter Island, B.V.I.
2. New York City (with you Meg!)
3. Acapulco, Mexico
4. Jamaica

4 People Who Email Me Regularly:
1. My Dad
2. Cilla
3. Laura
4. Kelly Moore

4 Favorite Things To Eat:
1. Mexican Food
2. Chocolate- Cake (any kind), Chocolate Better Batter from Maggie Moos, and White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks
3. Sushi
4. Fried Macaroni and Cheese from The Cheesecake Factory
(It was very hard to narrow it down to only four!!! I could have listed fourteen!)

4 Places I'd Rather Be:
1. Huntington Beach
2. Peter Island
3. Acapulco
4. Jamaica
(notice the trend...I want to be at the beach basking in the sun with my hubby!!!)

4 Things I Look Forward To This Year:
There are lots of question marks in our future, but I look forward to what God has in store for us!!! I know His plans are better than any I could make!

People To Tag:
Many of you have already done this...but if you haven't...it is fun! You should do it! I would love to read about your "likes"!

Happy Friday to all!!!

28 Candles

Like I mentioned in the previous post, Flint celebrated his 28th birthday on Saturday! For some reason, Flint is not a huge fan of his birthday?!?! How can anyone not like a day that is about them?!?! SO, we do not have parties or do anything to draw special attention to him...which drives me nuts! I LOVE birthdays and making a big deal out of them! It is the one day of the year you can really feel special! I wanted to have "Flint's Day of Fun" and do special things all day for him. However, he had been out of town the two days prior to his birthday and with all the snow we had here in NWA, we were a little hesitant to make too many plans (in case flights got delayed or cancelled). So, we decided to go to the Razorback Basketball game and to just invite a few friends over for dinner. We had Flying Burrito cater the small gathering! It was a hit! And as always, the cake from Chuck's Cake Shoppe in Fayetteville was superb and it was fun to be with our friends. Flint got some fun gifts. He wanted two prints that we saw while we were in Lake Tahoe back in December. After several debates on where those could go in the house, I finally gave in and agreed to get them for him. I will post pictures when we get them. Here are a few pictures of Flint's (altered) day of fun! As you can see from the pictures, Katie really likes Paige and Paige is pretty fond of Katie, too! They were so cute! Randy and Krissy also came over. They have three of the cutest kids, too. I wish I would have gotten some pictures of them! Since I do not have any kids of my own to show off...I have to show off other people's kids!

Birthdays and Ball Games

Well, I know I am a little bit late on this. I still wanted to share. We celebrated three birthdays last week. My cousin, Rex, celebrated his 30th birthday on Wednesday. He and his wife, Haley, share their birthday... only Haley is one year younger! We went to Mad Pizza in Rogers to celebrate. It was a perfect place to have a party! There is a loft upstairs so all of the kiddos could run around and we (the adults) watched the Hogs BEAT Mississippi State in Basketball!


Then, February 2nd, Flint had a birthday! He hates his birthday. So I always try to do something a little special, but still not draw too much attention to the birthday boy! One thing he chose to do was to go watch the Razorbacks play the Florida Gators!!! The game was so much fun! We have not been to a basketball game in a few years and we even have season tickets! Pathetic, I know! But, Coach Pelphrey has really brought a new excitement to Razorback Basketball. SO, we took advantage of the opportunity! That evening we had a little get-together for Flint (It was NOT a birthday party it was a get-together!)


So, Sunday rolls around and we went to our friends' Max and Kelly's Super Bowl Party! We had a nice time. It made it that much more fun that the Giants won! Go Eli!


What a fun-filled week! Lots of exciting ball games were watched and some special birthdays were celebrated! I did not do a good job at taking pictures.

I Heart My Husband

You have probably all seen the "I heart My Wife" or "I Love My Wife" bumper stickers that are put out by Promise Keepers. I give Flint a hard time about why there is not one of those on his car?!?! I just have to say how much I love my dear Flint and how incredibly proud I am of him. Let me preface this story by letting you all know that we will NOT be moving to Georgia. The first offer did not work out and after a long series of events the job was not his for the taking. In order to protect Flint and everyone else involved I can't give out too many details or use any names. But, the most important detail is that the Lord did not want us in Athens, GA for some reason or another. We endured a long and painful month of drama and heartache to reach that conclusion. But, the Lord is so loving, merciful, and faithful and I know HE has a better plan than I could ever dream up myself!!! Flint has really handled the situation with grace. I know that it has not been easy, but he has continually exemplified what it means to be a man of integrity. I heart him so much!!

Congrats!!!

(I do not know why this never posted...better late than never!!!)

Today our dear friends Chris and Katie are celebrating their Anniversary!!! Whoo Hoo! It seems like just yesterday we were standing there with them watching them get married! They are such a cute couple and such dear friends! Congrats to Katie and Chris!







AND...

Hillary, a friend of mine from college, got engaged this week! She has such a sweet story. Check out her blog for the details and pics of her beautiful ring! Congrats Hill and Josh! I am so excited for you guys!