Joel Osteen

Last Saturday night, 6/26/10, a few of us wives set for some inspiration. We had heard that Joel Osteen was having a Saturday night service at his arena-style Lakewood Church. Growing up in Texas, I had heard a lot about him not to mention he's been on Oprah and on Barbara Walters list of the top 10 most fascinating people. He had to be good, so why not?!


When we got there, we were trying to figure out where we should sit and this usher asked if we wanted to sit up front. So we said sure, thinking we would just be somewhere in the front of MANY sections in the church. She literally walked us to the very front...3rd row, right in front of him to be exact. And then here come all the lights, the band, the clapping...haha. You could definitely tell I was a visitor because I was tired of clapping after the first 10 minutes! It was really entertaining though! I honestly loved the music, especially the lyrics-it was really a great service!


Joel and his wife, Victoria talked a lot about getting rid of people in your life that weigh you down. As harsh as that sounds, it really made sense! Our life is too short to drag others along who try to tear us down along the way. Our lives and circle of friends should include those who will help build you up, help you reach your goals and motivate you when you hit a rough spot. One thing that really has stuck with me is just a simple phrase that is beneficial to all of us in any endeavor we are pursuing- "Today is the Day!" Whether it's obtaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting addictions, stopping any negative self perceptions...anything! Whatever you want to work on, "Today is the day to...(insert goal here.)" I took quite a bit of notes, well quotes really. After the service, our usher who sat us, asked if we wanted to meet Pastor Joel. So we met him after the service at his book signing for his new book that was recently released. I didnt want to buy his book (don't worry, I didnt tell him that) so he signed my journal instead! How cool!

Tomato.Tamato.

We have our first tomato!!!

My Idea of Heaven...

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=

My dessert every night this week

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5 days

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A much needed workout and regret of ever starting this



(On second thought, I only eat a spoonful as my serving so really, I don't think I do regret this.)

An addendum to my previous post...

So I previously posted about my Top 10 Favorite Things but then realized that my list wasn't quite complete. In fact, my MOST ABSOLUTE favorite thing isn't actually a thing at all...it's my husband.

I decided that I wanted to do a TOP 10 FAVORITES list about him and why I am so in love with him. (in no particular order)

#10- I don't consider myself to be very humorous but I love when I make him laugh. I love his laugh and especially his "crows feet" wrinkles around his eyes when he smiles. It's a trait of a happy person and I never want those to disappear.

#9- I love how selfless he is although it sometimes turns into an argument. Haha! He always wants what I want because he knows it will make me happy. Don't bother asking him what he wants though because he'll just say "Whatever you want babe!" Then I get frustrated...but really, he just wants me to be happy and I appreciate that.

#8- I love his cooking! I've gained a few pounds since we've been married but he seriously is like an undiscovered gourmet chef. He loves to cook, in fact he IS the cook in our family until the summer's come around. He makes real food, none of that boxed or bagged crap. Which I'm so thankful for...I love fresh, healthy food. I feel bad though because during the summer's he loses weight. He always says it's because of all the walking and sweating he does everyday but honestly, I don't think I can make enough food for the boy! My dinners of veggies, salads, chicken, fish, etc doesn't quite work for my little carnivore.

#7- He gets so cuddly when he's sleepy, I love it!

#6- He loves my family. It's as if my parents have been his parents all along, they have such a good relationship. I think he talks to all of my family more than I do! (Sorry Mom and Dad, I'll work on that...)

#5- Most days I don't feel so beautiful. I wake up with my hair all over the place, kinda grumpy and haven't brushed my teeth yet but that never stops him from telling me how beautiful I am. He is so full of compliments and is very thoughtful. There have been a few days though that I've been so gross that I almost think he's full of crap when he tells me. I'm sorry babe but it's okay to be honest, lol! <3

#4- He's just like a big kid! He cannot go to the pool without his goggles. I love it too, he always makes me laugh! Any opportunity he has in the ocean, I have to kiss him "goodbye" before he gets in because I don't see him again until it's time to leave. He loves "exploring" and collecting things he finds! When we got home from the Caribbean, his entire backpack and swimsuit pockets were full of sand, shells and rocks. As mom always said, "check the pockets before putting it in the washer!" I now understand...

#3- Josh is such a hard worker! This job opportunity with Platinum may sound like a good deal with only having to work during the summer but it is probably one of the harder jobs anyone can have! Extremely hot, long days. The only day off is Sunday and mentally, he has to overcome a lot of obstacles each day to be able to achieve his goals. He sets high goals too which shows his amount of motivation to earn the money we need to provide for a family someday. That's his main focus and I completely respect him and adore him for all of his hard work for us.

#2- I give him such a hard time for this and I shouldn't because it's his hobby but he loves to hunt and fish. Don't get me wrong, I love to fish too. I have really had to adjust my perspective on this and it has kind of opened my eyes to another layer of who Josh is. He is just like his grandfather who is prepared for the Apocalypse! If there was war on U.S. ground, he is totally prepared to find shelter in the middle of nowhere and would know how to live off the land and provide for ourselves. I feel safe in knowing that if it really came to that, our family would be perfectly fine!

#1- My number one, FAVORITE THING is that he makes time for "us." We love spending days together whether its a rainy Sunday and laying in bed watching movies all day or going on a little road trip. We have so much fun together and are completely content doing anything or nothing at all.

I couldn't have asked for a better man to spend my life with and can only imagine the adventures we're going to have. I know that no matter where life takes us or how rough it may get, we have each other and that's all we need.

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

So as some of you may know, I am a product "junkie..." I LOVE trying new products that come out like new shampoos/conditioners, makeup, lotions, hair stuff; I love it all! I've been trying really hard to get control of this lately but I have yet to figure out my logic as to why I find something that I absolutely love but yet the junkie inside of me says, "Oooh more new stuff, let's try it!" So here, I have compiled a list of my TOP 10 FAVORITES of all time!

#10- Loreal ReFinish Microdermabrasion
(no longer in stores)(...at least the ones I've checked!)

I did, however, find this on Amazon.com though! It is FANTASTIC! My skin has always been a little sensitive but this is gentle enough and seriously effective in polishing up your skin. It gets rid of discolorations and makes your skin so soft. AND, the moisturizer that comes with it; best I've ever used!! Seriously!

#9-Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo/Conditioner

Dove always makes my hair so soft and it does what it says about "Weightless Volume!" I wake up in the mornings looking like a puff-ball instead of a frizz-ball. Josh even loves how soft his hair gets, I think it's so cute! We love this!

#8- Benefit High Beam Highlighter

I've been using this stuff for a couple years and have NEVER NOT LOVED IT. Especially in the summer when you want a dewy and not a "made-up" look. I hate wearing foundation in the summer; not the best thing for your skin especially in Texas but this just gives you a subtle glow that makes your skin look so fresh and healthy.


#7-Dolce and Gabbana '3' Imperatrice

This is a new scent by D&G and I'm so glad they made it! I was IN LOVE with this scent since the first time I laid my nose on it, haha! I tend to get migraines with most strong perfumes but this one is really fresh and light but strong enough that people can smell it. My husband loves when I wear this perfume!

#6- Got2Be Glued

So originally this was my husbands hairspray that he used everyday. When I ran out of mine, his was all I had...and most days, I cannot go without hairspray! So upon using it, I was literally HOOKED on this stuff! With hair drying, curling and flat-ironing, I tend to get split ends and fly away hairs (which I sweetly call my "baby hairs," lol) But I'm convinced that there is seriously glue in this stuff, my "baby hair's" stay put all day long and even through the night, not kidding!

#5- Aldo Handbags

I LOVE handbags!!! But I sure as hell will not spend tons of money on one. My last few bags that I've bought from here have looked like they were a decent amount of money but I have yet to spend over $50 bucks for one! They are thick, durable leather and have QUITE a variety! Here's my last two bags that I've bought from Aldo that happen to be my favorite bags I've ever owned...



#4- Snuggle Blue Sparkle Fabric Softener

I'm a sucker for crawling into a warm, clean bed that smells of Snuggle! I've been a Snuggle fan since I was a baby, LITERALLY! My mom used to tell me that I would get so excited with the Snuggle bear was on tv...I even had my own stuffed Snuggle bear. I LOVE the smell of clean laundry!

#3- Naturally Victoria's Secret- Honeysuckle and Patchouli

This lotion smells SOOO good! It isn't greasy and leaves your skin so soft! My favorite thing is taking a warm bath and putting this lotion on before crawling into bed. Not only do I have to bathe EVERY SINGLE NIGHT to be able to sleep good, I have to smell good too. It's a slight complex I have, I know...but I'm pretty sure Josh appreciates it. ; )

#2- Biosilk Hair Serum

This is my magic potion. I have naturally wavy, sometimes curly hair (depending on what time of the month it is...weird, I agree.) But by putting this serum in my hair before I blow dry, it works miracles for frizzies. It smells really good too!

#1- Yankee Candle- Spiced Pumpkin

I know this is a seasonal scent but I do happen to love the Fall very much and the Fall wouldn't be the same if my house didn't smell of Spiced Pumpkin. There's just something about it that reminds me of home and gets me excited for cloudy/cool/breezy temperatures, pretty leaves and family time on the holidays.

These are in no particular order because I OBVIOUSLY love every single thing on this list. I thought that just maybe if I ended up with Amnesia or Alzheimer's, this list will make it easy for Josh to pick out gifts in case I don't remember what I like...a little far fetched but Josh's motto for our family is to "always be prepared!" :)

Just my thoughts on this BP chaos...

First off, I am definately not the most qualified individual to discuss environmental issues but as far as this BP issue goes...it does not take a genius! My heart goes out to all the people, animals and areas devasted by this disaster. This should have never happened and most of all, should not be STILL HAPPENING!

It's been 50 days since the explosion on the oil well and everyday since then, it has spilled... (I don't think this deserves a drum roll...)



This is so sad! Not only will our country be affected by this but this has become a global matter that we will be dealing with for YEARS to come. I hope BP goes bankrupt and Tony Hayward has to live in a cardboard box. Just my personal opinion. My prayers are with those volunteers who truly care about our environment and doing all they can to make up for what BP isn't doing...