My Anna Banana....

there are only a FEW things in this world that you would find me absolutely head over heels in LOVE with and one of them are the little GIRLS in my life! don't get me wrong, i absolutely ADORE my boys, too, but I LIKE...

no...i LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "girly, girl" stuff! the bows, the clothes, the ponytails, the shoes, the bling, the pink, the chic, and simply just the FUN!

this precious little girl stole my heart from day one of holding her in the hospital when she was born! her little brother (and dad) were smitten and i thought she was just simply gorgeous! as she's grown and come into her own little personality it's been so much fun watching her! last week johnna and i were talking after school one day and as you can see she was thoroughly enjoying her "Hollypop." one of the greatest rewards of having ALL "my kids" in life is being able to watch them grow up to ALL God wants them to be!

MORE than a blessing...God's true gift to my heart!

Shopping fun with Mom...

Last Friday Mom and I enjoyed our day at Round Top/Warrenton. We absolutely LOVE going shopping there when the Market Days are happening in the Spring and the Fall. As I'm walking around my brain is constantly working on the next "project" that I want to accomplish and sometimes my brain goes into overload because there's SO stinkin' much I want to do! This trip I had my mind set on something to add to my scrap room but NOT for scrapping. I wanted a shelf for all my paints, brushes, canvases, and everything else that goes with that. It was near the end of the day and I hadn't really found anything that caught my eye. Of course, I'm all about making a deal when I'm there but hesitant about asking for people to go "cheaper" if something seems priced right. My mom kept saying "what are you looking for" and I really couldn't explain it. On the other shopping front I was successful once again finding some new "flashy and trashy" necklaces that I'm famous for....I absolutely LOVE the ones I got this time.

They are BIG, BEDAZZLED, and UNIQUE!

As we were making the trek back to the lot where we parked we turned the corner down one isle...I looked up and there it was! I went straight to it and didn't even hesitate that THIS WAS IT! Even more than I had hoped for. It had a couple of extras on it that I hadn't even thought of (hooks on the sides). I got brave and asked the lady if she would go any cheaper and she knocked $10.00 off! IT WAS SOLD! She was all proud of her paint job and while I like the red it's a little too "fire engine" red for me. I'm planning on distressing it a little more to tone it down. As we were driving out of Warrenton, Mom and I drove through some of the side tents and there's this one that I absolutely LOVE their stuff! It's cheap and I always find something. The buckets were perfect for the shelves to organize my brushes and other things. I can't wait to get it in my room and get it all organized. I'll post pictures once I'm done!

While it may seem weird that a simple "shelf" excites me just keep in mind that it doesn't take much to get me excited over scrapping and crafting! Sometimes I'm so giddy over things that it's like a little girl on Christmas morning...it's just part of the obsession.

Rain, Rain Go Away...

Well, what began as a surprise for Mara and the boys has turned into a surprise for me. I came to the great town of Atlanta last Thursday for the weekend and am still here. Rain began and rain did NOT go away...Alf started making jokes saying we were going to need to build an Ark! What I've experienced this weekend is the closest I've ever been to natural devastation. Near 20 inches of rain in a given 4 day period. There is water literally everywhere. Schools are closed. Interstates have become ravines. Boat rescues are taking place in neighborhoods where people can't get out. Fires have broken out. Deaths. People missing. 17 counties declared disaster zones. And more storms possibly brewing.

One thing God has reminded me though is HE IS IN CONTROL. Of the rain and my life. There is a hope and a peace knowing AND believing that! My trip to Atlanta has turned into something I didn't expect but rather Jesus' PERFECT timing for me to be

refreshed and enjoy true rest.

Awhile ago I blogged about Crazy Love- Francis Chan's new book that had come out. I read that book twice and the Lord taught me so much about HIM! Things I had always known but this made it real all over again for me. I've had many friends who have gone through it and had the same experience in their hearts!

Well....Mr. Chan has done it again! His new book that I picked up a little over a week ago is even more anointed than the first. Forgotten God is powerful. It brings my blindness of the Holy Spirit to a clear and bright LIGHT going off in my heart. His words are profound and beyond comparison to what our flesh has done to the very Spirit that walks one foot ahead of us and many times carries us in this journey we call life. His book encourages ALL believers (and the church) to reverse the trend of neglecting the Spirit and rather pursue the

SPIRIT-filled life that God's very desire is for us.

Click here to see Francis Chan talk about his book...

The Eyes of Texas...

It only seems fitting to blog after an almost 4 month silence about College Gameday! Can't be MORE excited knowing that it is FINALLY here! I keep thinking I'll stop what I'm doing and "catch up" but to no avail it hasn't happened. I've had W-A-Y to much going on to even remotely play "catch up" so here I am just moving on. In a mere 4 hours the Texas Longhorns will kick off their 2009 Season. ALL Longhorns fans (AND non-horns) are anticipating watching what this season will bring forth. I'm from a family that bleeds orange, tailgates every game, has season tickets, and are true die-hard fans. Even when away games are taking place if we have a family gathering the game is on in the background and while we are talking we're screaming and cheering on our Horns! Most of them are graduates and even now have cousins that are students at UT. Throughout the entire year and especially on Saturdays during College Football season you won't catch ANY of them without wearing burnt orange. I, myself, have a section in my closet hanging and in a drawer of t-shirts that reflect ORANGE in the mirror.

One year ago we moved my sister into her dorm room at Texas Tech. She began her sophomore year one week ago and, YES, I have to admit she wears Red and does "support" her team but she will be the first to tell you that if you cut her she still bleeds ORANGE. You can often see her status on FB say, "Hook 'Em and Wreck 'Em" at the same time. She loves Lubbock but is from Austin. She loves being a Raider but was born a Horn. There is NO changing something that is in the blood. That's for sure.

We are PROUD of our team. PROUD of our coaches. PROUD of our city. PROUD of our school. And most of all PROUD to be a Horn! Here's to an AMAZING season...HOOK 'EM!

Seasons of Love....

Bass Concert Hall = 

AMAZING shows! 

I've always wanted to see Rent on Broadway. Going to NYC this summer I got a little giddy at the thought of going, however, quickly remembered that it's not on Broadway anymore. When I was reminded last week on the radio it was coming to Austin with two of the original cast members who also appeared in the movie, giddiness overtook me again. Jealousy quickly emerged when I found out my sister's friend asked her to go and I had not even looked up tickets to see if they were still available. 

Friday I went to dinner with Alf and Mara...

conversation began like this-

Holly: Hey, did you know that Rent is in town this weekend?

Mara: (sound of GASP) I know! 

Holly: I was thinking about going and looked up tickets today. They still have them.

Mara: Really? How much were they? (sound of GASP again)

Holly: $55.00 for Orchestra. I was surprised they still had them available. 

Alf: Why don't you go? 

Mara: (GASP and GIDDINESS all at one time) Are you serious? 

Alf: Well, yeah. 

Mara: It's not like I haven't already seen it 5 times! I would drive you crazy singing all the songs and saying all the lines.

Holly: Are you kidding me? We'll be singing TOGETHER! 

Mara: Alf, are you serious? Can I go? 

Alf: Yes, I'll keep the boys. You go. 

Mara: Okay! Well, you know I'm not going to argue with you if you say I can go. Let's look at tickets when we get back to the house. 

At approx. 9:45 tickets were purchased, secured, and even a parking space was reserved! YAHOO!!! We met my sister and Lindsay at Red Lobster beforehand for dinner and OFF WE GO to Bass Concert Hall! It was UHMAZING! I would have seriously paid for another ticket to see it today...

As the song says~ 525, 600 minutes...525,000 moments so dear....525, 600 minutes- how do you measure a year? For this one moment and for 210 minutes my heart was soaking in the wonderful show of RENT! 

Great memory! 

Catching Up.....

Well....here, I find myself again not blogging in over a month and WHEW....what a month it has been. I have felt like I've barely been keeping my head above water and one of our very wise Ministers (and my boss), Mark Matthews, encouraged

 me by saying that "floaties on each arm help his son, Joshua, stay above water."

As I think about it I should have started a new fashion trend! Although, there's another thought in my mind that it probably would not have caught on! They really aren't that attractive or flattering even on kids. 

Mom is continuing to recover well from Knee Replacement Surgery but is struggling with getting back into a normal routine....whatever NORMAL is! Is there "normal" for any of us these days- I'm constantly praying that life will SLOW down a little bit. I am thrilled, however, and looking forward to SLOWING down in July for 8 days. We have planned a Mother/Daughter trip to New York City! 

We are all 3 EXCITED with GLEE to say the least! 

In amongst all the craziness of the past month one thing I can say is that I have been able to keep up to date with all "my shows." 

**American Idol tonight was shocking to say the least....couldn't believe Adam was in the bottom two. He's definitely not my favorite but nevertheless surprising. 

**Dancing with the Stars was shocking last night as well, however, I'm selfishly excited to see Melissa Rycroft have another chance. I believe she can win this thing so I'm already anticipating to see her back and Dancing next week.

** The Biggest Loser....well, I just stand amazed of every single contestant conquering something that they struggle with. It's life-changing for them. 

**Celebrity Apprentice has been quite entertaining this season and admittedly has sucked me back in. I thought Dennis Rodman had "fits." I believe Melissa Rivers far surpassed them all this past Sunday including Joan as well. Wonder if she's really leaving?? 

Trust me- I'll tune in Sunday night to find out! 

My Sweet Jesus has been so extremely faithful to me over the past 5-6 weeks. I'm consistently overwhelmed with His undying love for me. He continues to show me and teach me so much that I need to learn about in this THING we call LIFE. Several months ago I encouraged all my friends to read a book by Francis Chan called "Crazy Love." I have continued to follow my life according to some of the principles laid out in that book. It forever changed my view of worship and my deepest desire to truly "LOVE" Jesus. Every morning as I'm getting ready I remind myself of this challenge I have written in my bathroom.

 I  encourage you to meditate on it. It has literally transformed my way of thinking. 

GOD:

-how does this word effect my every day?

-what does this word mean to me?

-where is my sense of awe in this word? 

Mumbai, India....

My dear friend, Vickie Arruda, is the founder of an International Retreat Ministry forWomen Missionaries serving overseas on the Mission Field. It's been so exciting to be a part of the Board and watch God bless and bless and bless this ministry far beyond our expectations. It is truly GOD's Ministry! Something I started years ago on one of Vickie's first trips overseas is make her something that she had everyday she was there with a specific verse I was claiming for her as well as my prayers for the day on behalf of her, the team, the missionaries, and anything else. I've been abundantly blessed to be a part of several teams myself and have first hand experienced the joy and refreshment myself as well as the other ladies. SO....off to Mumbai, India this time for Pure Joy. I wanted to do something a little different and honestly, didn't have much time to spend on anything so one day while standing in Hallmark the idea hit me. I LOVE the cards out now that when you open them it plays music. Well, when they first came out it was all about Birthdays. They shortly made ones for Celebrations but now they have them for pretty much anything. I stood in Hallmark probably annoying everyone in there by opening up 20 different Music cards for Friendship and Encouragement to find 8 of them (one for every day she was gone). Once I checked out off to my house to become creative in some way so she could keep them all together. I kind of copied the idea of those card rings that are out now where you can punch a hole in the top and keep your cards on there. My thought was she could hang it on her hotel door and pull out the respective one for each day. Below is the end result......it was fun and of course, something new! Now....off to think of something else- she leaves for Poland in May! 

My Sweet Sydnee.....

On Friday while in Ft. Worth I received a call from my sweet big sister about my youngest "adopted" niece being admitted into Dell Children's Hospital. Such a weekend to be away and not at home. They weren't sure what was going on but she had tremendous abdominal pain. Poor baby ended up spending 5 days in the hospital. Her Aunt Ha-Ha definitely took care of keeping her busy. As soon as I got home I went to the store and made up the biggest care package to keep her mind off all the "hospital" stuff. On Monday, we snuggled up in her hospital bed and watched a movie together. Praise Jesus everything is fine now.....and life in the Day family resumed back to normal quite quickly with Sydnee going home and celebrating Made's 11th Bday the same day. My kiddos are growing up! I've loved every minute of watching them become who they are and will continue too! 

Family Bonding.....

A few weeks ago I went to Fort Worth for a quick trip to visit my Wells family. Brooke had made some bags that I needed to deliver and I just needed a few days with my girls! Kent's dad recently passed away and so Kent has been going through his things. Well, when I was up there I help clean out and go through boxes and boxes full of coins. And I mean BOXES! Have you ever been up late at night and seen the infomericals for the State Quarter collections or any of the other Coins that were sold in special display cases with an official certificate?? That's what all these boxes were full of! Harold obviously knew what he was doing b/c everything was kept in "MINT" condition! Kent had located a Coin Collector on Craig's List and so on Friday the house became a "show and share" bank to see if any of it was worth anything. Much to Kent's (and Brooke's) surprise the guy walked away with a lot and left $1800 worth of bills in Kent's hot little hand. He also said he may come back for more if what he had sold. While there he told us that all the State Quarters were worth "about a quarter!" SO began the bonding.....each quarter was in a small plastic case and then of course we had to wrap them before taking them to the bank. I would guess probably 5 hours and $800 later we were done! Absolutely CRAZY to think we wrapped $800 dollars worth of quarters! Thanks for the memory, Harold! 

Call Me a Reality TV Junkie!

Well, today's been an interesting day. Yesterday, I came home not feeling good so I crawled into bed at about 4:00 and now it's almost six o'clock TODAY and I'm still in my PJ's! I have to say it has been nice because I rarely EVER do this. Now, don't think I was too sick to watch American Idol because that is definitely NOT the case. I was thrilled to see when they announced that they would be singing Michael Jackson songs because they are some of my ALL time fave! I have several that I'm still watching before I pick out exactly WHO I'm sticking with this season. But below were my top two picks from last night: 

On my way home yesterday I picked up the latest People magazine. It sucked me in when I read "The Bachelor Betrayal"on the front cover. Yes, I'm a PROUD Bachelor fan...always have been. I have friends who have not ever seen an episode and I have other friends that we talked EVERY Tuesday morning after the show on Monday night and talk about every second of the show. I have to say that I was a little disappointed....okay, really I was outraged at "America's Sweetheart" of Jason Mesnick this season because I really liked him and partly because I had Melissa pegged from the first step out of the Limo as my favorite  BUT after reading this interview it helped explain some things. I wish them all the best! Now onto the next reality show is me cheering on Melissa Rycroft on Dancing with Stars. She did AMAZING the other night! Go Girl! Show America what you're made of!!