A Post of Posts

I know I've been a little MIA lately. Here's what's on mind:

There are just some answers to important questions that you need to have in your back pocket. Just so you know, if I had to choose to come back into this life as a vegetable, it would be as spaghetti squash. Now you know.

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I'm getting into yoga. I love it. I started with a very basic intro yoga class that my friend Christy encouraged me to try with her on Friday afternoons. It's a Christ-centered yoga class so I knew it was a little different and it feels more like a support group that stretches, which is just my style and what I need to ease into it. It was quiet and relaxing. People talk in hushed, lilting voices. It's like nap time for adults.

At the very end of class the instructor has you lie down on your back and she rubs lavender on your temples. If you choose to fore go the lavender you are supposed to keep your hands on your abdomen. I thought I would file that little piece of info away as I'm a rule follower by nature. Sure enough, the next week it came in handy as we were working on leg strength and instead of lavender, the instructor said that she would give each person a leg massage. What? I wasn't prepared for this! What happened to the lavender? I panicked! I had had a very rushed few days and had not shaved my legs in two days. Plus my feet had been in work shoes. Thank God for the abdomen rule! I confidently placed my hands on my tummy and breathed a sigh of relief. And guess what? She did it anyway. What part of hands on the abdomen do you not understand?! I'm just hoping I'm not known as Prickly Leg Girl among her and her fellow yogis.

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Our pastor and his wife invited us over to watch American Idol. Joey received a text that day from Mitch that literally said "Do y'all watch Idol?" Am I the only one who thinks that this is a hilarious statement coming from a pastor?! We had a great time!

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I am so excited about Beth Moore's Bible study on James. This is maybe the fourth or fifth Beth Moore Bible study that I have attended and let me tell you, it's always worth it. That place is packed! There is just something about thousands of women coming together to worship God that just blows me away each time.

I thought I would be going by myself because my usual Beth Moore buddy, Becky, isn't going to be able to make it this semester. But, God placed a few new buddies in my path right when I walked through the front door that I haven't seen in a while! It was a great time to catch up and fellowship together!

I am ready to see what God will reveal to us through James. I've always loved the book of James, but have never done an in depth study on it. Beth explained that James is one of Jesus' brothers and was an unbeliever until after Jesus' resurrection when he appeared to him in the flesh. One thing I always enjoy about Beth Moore's studies is that she asks the same sort of questions that I have running around in my head on a particular text. They are usually the pretty obvious questions, but just not something I would always ask out loud.

Such as, how in the world is it possible for Jesus' own brothers to not believe in him? I have always been disturbed when I read about this in the Gospels. I mean, you LIVED with Jesus and you don't believe in him? If one of my brothers were Jesus, I think I would have figured that out a long time ago. (not to be sacrilegious in saying this, just trying to put in terms of real life)

But that's just it, I'm putting it in terms of my culture and today. Beth explained that the Jewish life during Jesus' time was so filled with religious ritual that many people appeared holy on the outside (enter Saducees, Pharisees, etc.). She gave the example of Paul who said that he knew and followed the law to the letter, but never truly grasped it until God him over the side of the head in the middle of a Damascus road.

Thank you that we have a LIVING GOD that breaks us free of a strictly ritual life!

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On a pathetic note, I am no longer on the yeast-free eating program for the month. I know, Arshunda's going to kill me as I was for a brief moment a compadre in the pain of eliminating dairy and grains. BUT WAIT! I have a good excuse, I promise. I volunteered to be a guinea pig for a new type of food allergy testing at work, but I really didn't fully know what I was getting into until the day before (which was two weeks ago now). You can't eat a diet that's different from the norm before testing. AND, the testing goes on every Thursday for four weeks. So, of course I made the sacrifice for the advancement of medicine and stopped the yeast-free diet for the time being.

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Don't think I'm getting off easy. Yes, I was dancing around like a little leprechaun when I found out that I had doctor's orders to not be on the eating program for now. But remember that this is because of FOOD ALLERGY testing. Well, guess what? We only got through two "foods" and I'm two for two. Apparently, I'm sensitive to glycerin, which is in EVERYTHING cosmetic. We're talking soap, shampoo, lotion, etc. Lovely. And get this, I'm sensitive to WHEAT/GLUTEN. That's right, I get the free pass on the yeast-free diet only to find out that I should basically be on the yeast-free diet for the rest of my life. The irony. Sigh. So, I need to fore go using bathing products and if the trend continues, not eat. No biggie. Even a caveman can do it. Again, the irony.

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I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend! I'll leave you with this pic. Someone was ready for me to get up from a Sunday afternoon nap and play.

De-Hibernating

Well. Today is day 1. Day 1 of the the yeast-free eating program and Day 1 of getting back into the swing of things at the gym. I am just now starting my resolutions. Too busy from the holidays and I tend to want to hibernate when it's freezing outside. Do you get that way? I seriously don't want to move and could roll up like a doodle bug on the couch when it's cold.

But I've gotta start sometime!

Joey and I do the yeast-free eating program about twice a year. This time we're doing a modified version. I know all of our friends and family think we are totally weird. It's okay, we're used to the funny looks. I would probably look at me funny too. Here's the skinny:

What we can have: meat, veggies, fruit (usually after two weeks on the strict diet, but that's one of our modifications), legumes and nuts.

What we can't have: dairy, sugar, grains, simple carbs, alcohol, vinegar products (another one of our modifications that Joey and I are going to allow).

The goal is at least 30 days following this diet. There are some places that I will be cheating however, such as at book club which is being held at Oh La La. I mean, like that's going to happen. For me, the biggest effect of this eating program is de-puffing. That's the only way I can describe it.

For a day in the life of Joey and I on the diet, we had egg cups for breakfast (yummy, ask me for the recipe), I had a throw together lunch of celery and peanut butter, carrots and hummus, and dark chocolate almonds, and for dinner we had meatloaf with cauliflower and broccoli. Not bad, huh?

Now, on the gym side of things I didn't do so well. I did make it, but it didn't go as planned. But it's not my fault I promise! I can't help it that I'm a sucker for older men.

Here's the deal, the elderly gentleman who checks people in at our gym had my ear. He wanted to talk tonight and I just couldn't say I had to go. So, I missed my class and talked to Bill instead. I settled for a vigorous 30 minutes on the elliptical. Let me tell you, I worked my butt off for those 30 minutes. Or at least that was the goal. I thought I was still feeling the burn when I got in my car, but a block later I realized that I just left my seat warmer on. A girl can hope!

Now, if only the temperatures stay above freezing maybe I can stay motivated!

Houston's Best Culinary Experience: Chateau de Perot

When you come to dine at Chateau de Perot, you will be served the special cuisine of the house.

If our friend Casey would have stayed for dinner long enough, she would have been able to taste the delicacy herself. She would have also discovered the source of the mysterious smell that permeated the air two hours prior to our enlightenment.



No, it's not dark chocolate brownies.




Or chocolate cake.



Actually, not chocolate at all.




But rather, it is Blackened Jalapeno Cornbread Briquettes, which give off a lovely eau de charcoal aroma. Guests may use leftovers to balance a wobbly table, as a brillo pad, or if skilled in the art of charcoals, a self-portrait maybe done during the meal.

You may want to place your reservations to Chateau de Perot immediately before word of this culinary coup gets around and we apply for a Groupon. Bribes are accepted. I like chocolate.

We may be able to get you a table in the back around mid-April. But don't get your hopes up.

Sunday Drive

I am wearing Sponge Bob socks. I just thought you would want to know. They have little sponges (is that little Bob's?) at the heels like those strange socks with cotton balls. Except mine are cool. As cool as Sponge Bob socks can be. Nothing screams attractive to my husband more than Sponge Bob footies. He's a lucky man, what can I say? I won't post any pictures because there has been enough of that stuff going around in the media lately and I don't want it to come back to bit me later especially during my political campaign. Oddly enough, this has nothing to do with this post except that I'm looking at my crossed feet from over my laptop screen.

Here is something of slight increased importance:

We sold Joey's truck this weekend. I might have well just said "We sold Joey's only child this weekend." Goodness, he loved that truck!


But it was a wise decision. In June we will have (or would have) both of our vehicles paid off. Ugh! So close! My goal is to not have a car payment and to buy a car with cash. I've had a car payment since I was 17.

Joey's truck was having problems. My car was having problems. Our birds heads are falling off. (Dumb & Dumber reference) All this equals the need to make a vehicular (you know what? I didn't know that was a word, but spell check didn't say anything so if I have just said something lewd, please excuse my ignorance) decision.

(side note, I promise I will not include a parenthetical phrase after every sentence.)

However, we were not quite at the point to buy a car with cash - or at least not one that would get us around the block - so, we made the disciplined decision to finance a small amount and get something practical. Practical ended up being a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which is quite a bit newer than I expected!


Joey seems to have a bit of a grudge toward this poor little car because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Black Beauty, so naturally I have taken shine to it because I always like an underdog. I think it's a pretty car! So, Joey and I will probably switch. I just need something to get me to where I need to go with air conditioning and preferably no squealing. He'll drive La Fonda the Honda III (my baby) and I will drive Sunday the Hyundai. That's my name for it, I think. I'm still trying it out. I think all cars should have names, don't you?

Ch-ch-ch-anges!

Happy Monday! How was your day? Bogart and I are just hanging out on the couch waiting for Joey to come home from his new J-O-B!

That's right, that's one of the big changes for 2011. Joey's first day was today or IS today rather, as he is not home yet. He is now officially in commercial insurance. I am so excited for this new opportunity for him! It will come with a few much needed lifestyle adjustments while he gets his footing, but I'm actually excited about them! There is no better time in our lives for taking chances than now, so we are embracing them! God has worked in both of our hearts to make this a smooth and peaceful transition. Thank you, Lord!

Oh, the new employee just walked in. I need to see how it went! As long as I'm not getting any The Firm vibes, we're good to go! ;) I'll check in with you tomorrow!

2011 & Away We GO!

It's New Year's Eve morning of 2010. What am I doing? Sitting in my jammies and yesterday's hair with Bogart (who I guess is also in his jammies too as he is sleeping). Drinking a big cup of Chic'fil A coffee. I finished the chicken mini's about 1.5 hours ago. Yeah, that's right. I had to get up at 6:10 on my day off to take Joey to work because we've got to get to Kristin's wedding on time and he's working! I've got to pick him up at work on our way out. So me and Bogart are just chilling on the couch. And reflecting.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE this time of year. There is something about starting a new year that is refreshing and invigorating! Don't you agree? I get in a crazy organizing and cleaning out mood. But I also get really reflective. 2010 has been a doozy (sp.?)! Lots of love, laughter, some loss, top of the world moments, in the valley moments, its had it all. Here are a few of the things I'm reflecting on from 2010.

1. Year as Married #3. What a blessing! I love my husband more than I ever knew it was possible to love anyone! I am thankful for his leadership in our family and patience toward me when my strong-willed nature comes out. Not that this happens often, but you know, for those rare moments when I am stubborn and selfish. Ha! I kid. This is pretty much all the time. I'm working on it. God definitely refines within marriage. It's lovely.

2. My changing family. Brothers with girlfriends. Sister with boyfriend. Weddings. Births. I get kind of sentimental. To think of how it must feel for grandparents to see the family that they started grow and compound in love with each addition. I love big families, do you?

3. Changes at work. We lost some wonderful co-worker friends for various reasons. I love them so much and it's been hard to see them go. It's like losing a part of your family. I miss them.

4. Life changes. They're coming. I'll tell you about them next week. And no, we are not expecting, but good try! :P

5. Finding a new church home and family. Making new friends. We love it!

6. My wonderfully free 2010 work calender that contained these beautiful photos below:

Truly, could they have picked a more uninspiring turkey?

And nothing says Christmas like a ravenous bobcat staring down at you while you work.

That's an overview. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in 2011! Come what may!

Joey and I are setting our 2011 goals personally and for our family. The biggest change I want to make is for 2011 to not be all about me. My goals all too often fall in the self-focused category. Get a hot body, go the gym, eat healthy, travel, save money, etc. All great goals, no question (maybe the get a "hot" body is a little overboard). But again, they're all about me.

My challenge to both you and me is to get out of our "me" resolution boxes. Maybe you are already way of ahead of me on this one! In addition to the self-improvement goals, add this question: how can I make impact in the lives of others?

It's about time that Bo and I get out of our jammies and pack for our trip so I wish you a blessed and impact-filled 2011! Happy New Year!

Christmas time is still here

Would you believe that we are still Christmasing? Yup! This will make week numero tres. We have my cousin Kristin's wedding on New Year's Eve and then we will be traveling to Crockett, Texas on Saturday to participate in Christmas festivities with my Paw Paw Hanks and family.

This may be a long post because it has been a crazy busy three weeks and I didn't tell you one thing about it. Well, except that we have been doing a lot of traveling. With my moth ball smelling wrapped presents. I don't know what the deal was with my wrapping paper, but it stunk! Literally. You would think I wrapped up an old attic coat and stuck it in a box. Lovely Christmas scent.

The week before last we celebrated Christmas with my Mom's family: the Butler clan. As usual, I forgot my camera. I have actually done this for all Christmas' this year to date. I know, I'm a photographic loser. I did take a few on my phone.

But see how grainy some of it turned out?

Kristin's grandmother Patsy, Kristin and Maw Maw

Kristin's wedding shower was Saturday morning and I was in charge of the cake. That is, completely in charge of making it AND decorating it. Did I tell you I took a cake decorating class in the fall? It was interesting. I'll tell you about it sometime. In hind sight, volunteering to do my first shower cake ever and entering in complexities like transportation and doing much of the work in someone else's kitchen was probably not the most wise idea. I baked the cakes at my house the day before with some issues (another note, one should not try to bake shower cakes that require attention while baking for neighborhood Christmas goodie bags. There are no winners in this arrangement.) Then, I found out the next morning that I left half of my essential ingredients and items in Katy.

So, several trips to Wal-Mart, one gigantic powdered sugar explosion and a few meltdowns later, I did have an iced cake. But no time. There were a few times where I was about to give up and go buy a cake, but I pushed through. I scrapped everything I learned in cake class and just camouflaged all my mistakes with rose petals and sparkly sprinkles. I got there right as the shower began. Everyone said it was a nice cake and the bride wasn't worried about it so that's what mattered. It's one of those things where you know you can do better, but no one else seems to mind but you. :)

Here's a snapshot of my camouflaging:

Ok, ok, I don't mind you seeing it up close:

Let's just say that it's most likely that I will not be the next Ace of Cakes.

We then spent the evening Christmasing with the my Mom's family. The biggest gift hit of the night was when my Aunt Gail (My Grandmother's sister) gave my Mom, two aunts, uncle and grandmother each a big copy paper box to open. As each person took off the top, we saw that the boxes contained linens, photographs and family heirlooms from my Nanny and PoPo, my great grandparents. Needless to say, there were few dry eyes as they pulled out needlework from many generations old. Here are my Aunt Lisa and Uncle David playing a game that they played at Nanny's house when they were little. Nanny's toy room was the stuff of childhood memories.

Aunt Lisa & Uncle David facing off

Next comes Ruston, Jonesboro and Natchitoches, Louisiana. The Perot family Christmases. We had sweet time with Joey's family. Mr. Petey made a huge pot of gumbo which was amazing as usual. Mrs. Kate and I spent time with Grandmama on Christmas Eve while Joey and his dad ran errands. We had a fun time setting the table and getting her house ready for Christmas lunch. Christmas lunch with Grandmama and Uncle Butch in Jonesboro, then off to Christmas dinner in Natchitoches with Mr. Petey's family. Did you know that Natchitoches is where they filmed Steel Magnolias? I got the fifty cent Steel Magnolias' tour from Mr. Petey on this visit. Yes, Mrs. Kate actually took Joey and his brother to audition. Apparently, Joey was too big and his hair was too dark, or something like that. Hmm...what could have been...

I'll have to post the Perot pics when I get them from Mrs. Kate. So more to come.

On our way back to Katy on Sunday, we stopped in Livingston for Christmas with my immediately family.

You want to know something my Dad loves? Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar Moisturizing Hand Lotion. He orders it online. Isn't that funny? So I figured I would save him the shipping and handling.

Mom and Dad

Jo, angel posing

Joey in his characteristic pose with Mom

And of course, we all participated in Dad's Annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Dad has been doing this since we were kids. Growing up, we had to work for our gifts. Dad had us jumping through hoops and running all over the place to find our presents. It could be in the backyard. It could be at the church. It could be at the cemetery. There seem to be no real limits. The first year Joey and I were married, one of the clues for Joey's gift was frozen in a block of ice. He had to wait for it to unthaw before he could read the next clue. This is typical of Dad's scavenger hunts. I think he has the most fun out of all of us!

Our first clues

An example of one of Dad's clues

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I just thought this one was funny of Tyler and Stephen

Clue hiding place

Dad watching the wheels turn

Another clue found at the old anchor

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There was one clue in the middle of these that I did not get a picture of because it was in the Grecian statues outside of our local library and involved hopping a fence. Leave it to Dad. We all felt like we might get pegged as vandals so my picture didn't come out because I was on the lam.

I think this is the final clue

My final prize was an Anthropologie gift card!!

We look forward to Dad's hunts every year!

One of my most favorite gifts this year were three little cardinals that Mrs. Kate passed on to us from Joey's great grandmother. She made each one of the boys hand stitched cardinals every year. I love them!


We have one wedding and one Christmas left before we truly start the New Year and we can't wait!

I hope you and your family had a very merry Christmas!