There'll be songs to sing, every family's a choir!

I've been inspired by BigMama and have decided to share a few of the Christmas songs that I've been playing over...and over...and over for the past few weeks.

I'm loving all of these songs. Some of them, like Natalie Cole's rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" bring back childhood memories. Some are guilty pleasures...namely Britney Spears! Many of them I simply love for the beautiful, simple melodies or for incredible vocals.

Enjoy...but please don't judge my taste in music too harshly!

Well, that's new.

I spent the better part of the morning in Walmart, waiting on that oil change. I did a little Christmas shopping, but then I settled down in the waiting room with a copy of InStyle, because it's much easier to ignore the snoring of the guy sitting across from me (not even kidding!) if my mind is filled with thoughts of Christian Lacroix, Valentino and Balenciaga. As I flipped through, this ad definitely caught my eye.

In case you can't read that little pink block, here's what it says:"The First Couture Fragrance for Dogs""Pawfum, Shampoo,Conditioner,Nail Polish"
And really, I have no words.

I'm in a really grumpy mood right now. My day started out great, but around 3:30, for no reason at all, the blues set in. And you, my dear friends, have the distinct pleasure of hearing about what has contributed to the grumpiness.

• My passenger-side headlight is out and I need an oil change, which means I get to sit in a Walmart waiting room in the near future.
• Some dumb Walmart employee refused to pick up the phone when I called to see how long I should expect to sit in their lovely waiting room.
• I really wanted Arby's roast beef and curly fries for dinner...but the nearest one is ten miles from my house.
• The belt that I chose to complete my outfit today and the fact that I was going for an hourglass figure meant that I didn't breathe for most of the day.
• All the telephone lines in Frisco are covered with birds. This happens every evening at this time and I hate it.

So, now that I've actually written these things down, I see how petty and stupid they are. Please forgive me for taking your time! But thanks for listening...I feel better.

Welcome Christmas - Bring Your Cheer!

There are several things that signal the start of the Christmas season to me. Early morning shopping the day after Thanksgiving, the lights going up on all the trees around my office and KVIL beginning to play Christmas music. These are all great, but the number one thing for me?

That's right! "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was on tonight...so the Christmas season has officially begun!

Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze! Welcome Christmas, come this way!

Makin' Whoopie (Pies)

A gorgeous fall day with nothing to do inevitably leads to baking. Today was no exception - time to make the baked good that epitomizes fall to me...pumpkin whoopie pies!

From this...
to this...and from this...
to this...
The finished product
Pumpkin whoopie pie and apple cider...I can almost imagine that I'm at Roots Market in PA!

I'm back

While I fully support the fight against breast cancer, I really, really wish that the Komen Foundation could have picked...say...green as their signature color. Although I guess that's being used by environmentalists. Because apparently I hate pink. I never realized this before, but the sight of my blog last month was so repulsive that...well, I didn't post. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Whatever inspired the absence, I'm back now and I'll try to come up with something semi-witty, humorous, and/or inspiring a little more often. For now, let me leave you with this - because it's Thursday and yes, I'm slightly obsessed.

Best Friday night in a while...

Last night Mel and I spent arguably the best $20 of our lives and went to see Dave Barnes and Matt Wertz perform at the Granada Theater in Dallas.

The concert was fantastic...both artists are incredible vocalists, songwriters and performers! I've loved both their music for a couple of years now, but have a newfound appreciation after seeing them live.

Check 'em out...all their albums are superb!

The REAL joy of being a woman

As I got dressed this morning, the thought occurred to me: "How empty men's lives must be - they have no closet full of shoes". This thought is not original to me...I know I've seen it on a Hallmark card or two.

But seriously. This morning, I put on a navy blue high-waisted pencil skirt and a navy-blue-and-white printed blouse. I added some gold jewelry, but the outfit was still slightly bland. But then I added a pair of red patent leather heels. And not only did the outfit suddenly look like something straight out of InStyle (I'm thinking next time my trench coat might complete the ensemble), but my mood suddenly soared!

As I went through the day, it just got better and better. The moment I walked in the door someone complimented my lovely red shoes. One girl even stopped her conversation and leaned out of her cube to watch the red shoes walking by.

One more thing...these particular shoes came at a price. I found them at Marshall's for $20.00, but in a half-size too small. Yes, I bought them anyway, because, yes, I am that vain. And each time I've worn them, my feet have screamed all day. Except today...thanks to a little trick I learned courtesy of the Rachael Ray Show. This morning, before leaving the house, I held my blowdryer to the inside of the toe and the heel of each shoe. The heat from the blowdryer, along with your body heat, softens the leather and allows it to stretch throughout the day. Give it a try...it really works!

It's a win!

I have spent very little time watching football this season. I've only watched one Panthers game...and only a portion of that one. I'm feeling a bit "fair-weather-fan-ish", but truthfully I've had something going on just about every Sunday afternoon.

But the Panthers pulled it off today...even without me watching! We beat New Orleans 16-13. My boy John Kasay (only original Panther still on the team...fun piece of trivia for ya!) kicked the game-winning 52-yard field goal with the clock running out, thus saving fans from a no-doubt nail-biting overtime.

So Carolina has now improved to 3-2, tying for the division lead with Tampa. Which means it's gonna be a fun season and our playoff hopes could come down to the very last game of the year - December 30 - at Tampa Bay.

Biting my nails...just a little bit.

Going pink!

Pink is not my favorite color. In fact, it's just above purple at the bottom of the list. But when I saw this website yesterday, I decided it was worth having a pink blog for a month.

So...my blog is pink for the month of October in loving memory of my wonderful Mommom, Dorothy Lee Stape Rider.

Laugh for the day

I saw Anita Renfroe perform this at Women of Faith in August and was excited when I saw it featured on the Yahoo! home page today. Enjoy!

Renaissance Man

My favorite boy was a junior groomsman in the wedding this weekend. He absolutely loved wearing the tux, especially since it was in Panthers colors. He is such a camera hog - constantly posing.

The wedding was at 1:30 and Evan's team was scheduled to play at 5:20. Mel and I left the wedding with him a little early and headed out to the field. When we got there, we found that the entire league was running late, pushing our game back an hour and a half.

The boys finally took the field, but it was pretty sad. I don't remember the final score - maybe 34-0? In any case, the boys still had a great attitude and Evan was given the defensive MVP for the game.

So, in the course of just a few hours, Evan went from a handsome tux to a sweaty football uniform. I have to say he looked just as cute in the uniform, though!

I hate this crazy state

I don't really. But there are about four or five weeks every year that I really think I do. And those weeks typically fall in the months of September and October. These are the weeks that everyone else is putting on sweaters and corduroys, going for long walks, baking pies and drinking apple cider.

But in Texas? Well, the stores are filled with those sweaters and cords, but everyone is still walking around in shorts and tank tops. Long walks? Only if you want to really work up a sweat. Baking pies? The air conditioner is already working overtime and turning on the oven will only make things worse. And apple cider? Ask for it in Kroger and you'll have people looking at you like you're crazy, telling you to check back at Thanksgiving.

I love this state. I love this state. I love this state. But today I hate this state.

My little brother's married!

My little brother is happily married to Katie as of Saturday afternoon! I'm very happy for both of them and wish them a lifetime of joy!

Here are a few pictures from the wedding...

The wedding party

Caleb and Katie with Mom and Dad

Three generations of handsome Deatherage men

Me, Mom and Mel

(Mom's dress cost $28.00 - doesn't she look great???)

And number one...

Really, is any introduction necessary?

"Sooner at heart"

I got an update on last Saturday's big game that I just had to share.

At one point in the game, a mom sitting behind us leaned forward to ask if we had noticed that my dad (assistant coach) had pulled a few of the boys aside and was talking to them. We really didn't think too much about it until a couple of days ago.

Come to find out, Dad pulled a very specific group of boys aside - those who had played for the Sooners in past years. As he did, he told them "You were taught to play better than this. You were taught to hold a tackle. You were taught to block. Your jerseys may say Saints, but you're Sooners. So play like it!"

How cheesy is that? It sounds like something straight out of Friday Night Lights or Remember the Titans! But it worked!!!! That was the turning point in the game. The boys started blocking and that's also when they scored!

Mint, Dwight?

In case you haven't guessed, this is my own personal countdown to the season premier of The Office (Thursday night, 8:00 CDT, NBC), featuring the greatest Dwight/Jim moments of Season Three. Looking forward to all the classic moments Season Four has to offer!

One last post for tonight

Man, this can get really addicting. Note to self...need to work on time management!

Just thought I'd share what I have to deal with anytime I sit down to the computer. Yes, the cat is on my lap. And while he's lost weight, that's still a significant burden to bear, as well as being difficult to maneuver around.

Edited to add picture. Sorry...not sure what happened the first time around.

Since money IS an object...

As promised, here's my supplement to Tim Gunn's essentials lists. Now I'm a firm believer that accessories are an easy and inexpensive way to add interest to an "essential" wardrobe, so I'm going to try to keep these budget-friendly. And what better place for budget-friendly style than...drumroll, please...Target!

#1 - Go-to earrings - love these! I'd probably pick them for an evening look, but could definitely make them work for day, too!

#2 - BIG bag! I like this one by Isaac Mizrahi.

#3 - Black heels. Please tell me when you find these. I have looked everywhere for a pair of basic black high heels, with a pointy toe (to elongate the leg, as Stacy and Clinton would say), preferably under $50.00. Until I find them, I'll have to make do with these. The toe isn't quite as pointy as I'd like, but it'll do.

#4 - Great flats. I have to say that this is as close to a flat as I can get...I've got too many tall friends! These are a shameless knock-off of Steve Madden...love them!#5 - Boots - a must-have, especially for fall!

#6 - Watch. This one's pretty darn cute,

#7 - Necklace - preferably long!

#8 - Scarf. This one looks so much more expensive!#9 - Sunglasses...the bigger the better.#10 - In honor of Sarah...an eye-catching pin or brooch. Are you ready for a shocker? Target doesn't carry too many of these. I know! GASP! Still...how about this one?

Bears. Beets. Battlestar Gallactica.

'Nuff said.

Week Three!

I couldn't possibly forget about the Panthers update. But you see, they hadn't yet played when I posted the Saints update. And I'm still working on my seeing the future abilities.

The Panthers managed to pull off a win against the Falcons (definitely struggling minus Michael Vick). I didn't get to see the game, choosing shopping with Mom and sis over football...can you believe it? I did have a few updates during the course of the game from my devoted father, though, who insisted that the Panthers only won because the Falcons "beat themselves". Either way...a win's a win. Especially when it's a divisional win.

The big question on every Panther's fan's mind is...who will start as QB next week? Jake left the game in the third quarter with an elbow injury and David Carr didn't do too bad as his replacement. Personally? Jake's been looking pretty good...hope that elbow heals quickly.

If money were no object...

One of my favorite tv shows is Project Runway. I've enjoyed it since season two, but I've actually not been a big fan of Tim Gunn. But I decided to give his new show - Tim Gunn's Guide to Style - a try anyway.

I'm hooked.

The biggest hook for me is Tim's list of ten essentials that should be in every woman's closet. It's got me taking a closer look at my own closet. And while I have something that will pass for most of the categories, I've been thinking more than a little bit about the essentials that I would buy...if money were no object and I could afford nothing but Nordstrom's. And lucky you...I decided to share! By the way, the essentials are listed in no particular order.

#1 - Blazer - Semantiks Suiting Jacket (note on this one - there are far cuter blazers out there right now, but I figured Tim probably meant something classic.)

#2 - Jeans - David Kahn Jeans 'Nikki K Pocket' Stretch Jeans (confession...I already own and love these)

#3 - Trench coat - Soia and Kyo Belted All Weather Chino Coat

#4 - Cashmere Sweater - Karoo Mark Eisen Sash Sweater

#5 - White Blouse - Elie Tahari 'Celia' Shirt (the tie is removable...but why would you want to?)

#6 - Skirt - Semantiks 'Item' Pleated Skirt (Semantiks must be a store brand, because this skirt is pretty reasonable...well under $100.00. I may be able to justify this one...take a look at the picture of the back and tell me you're not in love!)

#7 - Dress Pants - Laundry by Design Herringbone Cuff Trousers

#8 - Black Dress - Suzi Chin Maggi Boutique Drape Back Crepe Sheath

#9 - Sweatsuit Alternative - Karta Beaded Tunic Dress (imagine this over jeans...perfect for running errands)

#10 - Day Dress - Diane von Furstenberg 'Estovan' Silk Jersey Dress

Coming tomorrow...another top ten list that Tim apparently forgot - accessories!

It's progress!

I realize I've been missing from the blog world for a while. I wish I could say it's because I've had a super-exciting and busy social life, but really? I've been catching up on Grey's Anatomy.

More posts are coming soon, but I just have to share a little bit about...well, football.

This year Evan's playing for the MYFL Saints. Now in the past he's played for the Sooners and y'all...they rocked! Several "Super Bowls" and the playoffs almost every season. But this year it's the Saints. They have a new coach and several brand new players...I think nine boys that have never played football. So one would think that the MYFL head-honchos would put the Saints in the lower bracket. But no, they put them in the higher bracket, based on their past performance.

All that to say...we're gettin' beat up...bad. Our boys lost the first two games and were unable to even score during either game. The first week, they held their heads high, but last week, morale was definitely down.

Tonight marked some progress, though. We played the Longhorns tonight. Now we former-Sooners hate the Longhorns. Big rivalry...there was a MYFL Red River Shootout every season. And the fans! The closest I have ever come to murder has been at one of those shootouts...there's one mom-slash-fan with her burnt orange and her cowbell that just delights in screaming over us every time we try to encourage our team. Well, she was back tonight and I made it my personal mission to drown. her. out. As a result, I now have no voice.

But back to football. Our boys, with more than a little encouragement from the fans, managed to score a touchdown tonight...extra point and all. They still lost - 31-7, but it's progress, y'all! I told Evan that the goal for next week is to lead at some point in the game. The week after that, we'll start to think about winning!

Sorry, no pictures. I was a little too obsessed with outdoing psychotic burnt orange mom. I'll try to catch a few next week.

Let's play catch up!

I think I've been moderately good about blogging since I started this crazy thing, but I really blog about absolutely nothing. I feel it's my specialty. But every now and then I'll try to throw in a few events. Cause I do have a little bit of a life.

So...my weekend revolved around the Parrs. Yes, folks, believe it or not, I gave up the opening weekend of football to spend with them...is that love or what? (By the way...MYFL Saints lost, but did so with excellent attitudes. Carolina Panthers...27-13 over the Rams! As all other NFC West teams lost this weekend, we're in playoff contention!)

Okay, back to the Parrs. Saturday night I watched my precious baby girl...always fun! We discovered that she shares a couple of her Aunt Rach's loves.

#1 - Big Sunglasses

#2 - Hannah Montana (the girl loves to dance to those Hannah songs!)

Sunday morning marked my departure from K-Club. I have officially graduated from kindergarten and it's only taken three years! I'm now working with a different grade each month during the 8:00 service. This month, I have 3rd and 4th graders...quite a switch from kindergarten! We had a blast making Stars of David out of breadstick dough. Note to self...attempt to make a Star of David out of breadstick dough before attempting to teach a room full of twenty eight- and nine-year-olds.

Sunday afternoon...yummy lunch at Olive Garden with Sarah. Em, I had the pumpkin cheesecake...so good! Thanks for the recommendation! Afterwards, what did we do? Oh, yes...walked Stonebriar Centre (walking off the pumpkin cheesecake!) and then saw The Nanny Diaries.

Which reminds me that a confession is due here. I am guilty of movie-cheating. My very dear best friend is understandably quite upset with me because I saw not only Becoming Jane, but also The Nanny Diaries without her. I have apologized and promised not to do it again. But allow me to offer my deepest regrets here for all the world (or the three people who read this blog) to see.

Okay, so we're up to Monday. I started a new class in The Theology Program last night...Humanity and Sin. I'm excited for this one...I think it's going to be a great class. My only fear is that I'll be slightly lost because I haven't taken Trinitarianism yet. But I'll do my best to muddle through.

Work...y'all, I'm not gonna lie. It's been really rough the last few weeks. Keep me (and a dear coworker who will remain nameless) in your prayers. I know that we're not out of the rough waters yet.

That's enough for now...this got kind of lengthy. I'll try to catch up a little more often in the future!

My love for autumn

Autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Yep...I left that for TX!)

It's absolutely no secret that I love autumn. It's my favorite season for so many reasons. I love the scents, the flavors, the sights, the weather, the clothes, even the name. Autumn...it sounds so refreshing!

Just a few of the things I love about autumn...some of them covered in more detail in previous posts.

-Football - the Carolina Panthers and the McKinney Youth Football League's 5th grade version of the New Orleans Saints.

-The colors. Orange (see previous post for more details on this obsession) and green are everywhere. In nature, in fashion, you name it.

-The foods. My mom grew up in Adams County, PA, the heart of apple country and passed on a great love for all things apple. Among the best...apple dumplings filled with tons of cinnamon sugar and butter and topped with a generous scoop of Blue Bell (that's the Texan in me!) vanilla bean ice cream.

-New episodes of Grey's Anatomy and The Office.

-The clothes. Sweaters, great jeans, boots...what's not to love? And have you seen the velvet blazers at J. Crew? I'm in love.

-Cool breezes. Granted, these are not usually felt in TX in early September, but I'm holding onto hope.

Pumpkin

Y'all, I want these shoes so bad! How stinkin' cute? And in my signature color, too! There's something about September that makes me want to go out and buy pumpkin-colored everything. Clothes, shoes, pillows, towels, heck, even a Kitchenaid mixer!

Enjoy Labor Day! It may find me making some pumpkin whoopie pies...or pumpkin bread...maybe muffins?

Crescendo

Sarah responded to my last post with this comment, which reminded me of a scrapbook page I did a few months ago.

I have three or four scrapbooks going at any given time. Most of them I'll readily share and even force people to read, but there's one that is much like a journal. I usually hold that one a little closer and share it with very few. But I'm making an exception here. So...here's the text of the journaling seen on the page above.

"A tremendous musical crescendo never fails to elicit an emotional response from me. Consider the magnificent finale to the 1812 Overture, accented by an equally magnificent fireworks display. My favorite example, though, is Stonebriar's arrangement of 'A Mighty Fortress'. On the third verse, the orchestra slows on the last line, leading into a breathtaking bridge, which swells as it nears the fourth verse. The kettle drums sound and the congregation joins in with 'That word, above all earthly powers...'. And without fail, my eyes fill with tears and a lump forms in my throat."

'A Mighty Fortress' has been my favorite hymn for many years, not only because of the incredible musical possibilities it presents, but also for its profound lyrics, so rich in sound, strong theology. How can I fail to be moved by this - "The Spirit and the gifts are ours, through Him who with us sideth. Doth ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He. Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same. And He must win the battle!" - especially when it is sung to a full orchestra?

I Am

This weekend, I was unexpectedly blessed with the chance to go to Women of Faith. My joy was made full when I found that Nichole Nordeman would be singing at the conference.

I LOVE Nichole Nordeman! A friend introduced me to her through her "Woven and Spun" CD several years ago and that particular CD has topped my list of favorites ever since.

Nichole's music is beautiful, but her lyrics are what set her apart from other artists, in my opinion. They are completely authentic and consequently, thought-provoking.

My favorite of Nichole's songs is "I Am" and I was thrilled when she sang it on Saturday afternoon. If you've never heard the song, please go to ITunes and buy it. I promise you won't regret spending the $0.99. The song speaks about the stages of life for a woman, from childhood to the teen years to marriage and young children. At each stage, it speaks of God's presence at that place and uses several names for Him...from "Elbow-Healer" to "Comforter, Maker, Life-Sustainer".

While I've loved this song for several years, I heard it in a new light this weekend. I went home and in the course of my devotions this week, I've begun reading through the Psalms and underlining the names and attributes of God. It's amazing to me that He is all of these things. When I desperately need a Rock and a Fortress, He says "I Am". When I need a Shepherd or a Father, He says "I Am". He truly is all that I need.

My "no-longer-a-baby" brother

Sometimes it's hard to recognize this kid! Without waxing too nostalgic, I remember the day he was born, forever changing the Deatherage family dynamic. In some way, from that day on, all five us became invested in making sure that Evan James grew up okay.

And he has. He's not a perfect kid, but he's given us good reason to be proud of him.

This Monday, Evan starts fifth grade. The part that excites him the most? He's now old enough to volunteer in children's ministry at church. He puts many adults to shame with his enthusiasm.

He's begun practices for his fifth year of football. Every Saturday from September through November, Evan has his own little cheering section. (Actually it's a pretty big cheering section and usually attracts a little bit of attention!) Evan's a good player and he loves the game, but what's most fulfilling is watching his sportsmanship - the way he congratulates a teammate on a job well done or graciously (albeit not happily) concedes a game.

For our little family of five, our lives changed on December 4, 1996, but they've only been enriched. Our family would not be complete without Evan. In case you can't tell, I really love this kid!