No, I'm actually not referring to my feline roommate this time. Allow me to explain... Amber played this game at a work party the other day, so we decided to see how it would go over at our Small Group Get-Together last week. (I had previously played it at a church retreat). It was hysterical. And (I think?!) everyone had a lot of fun with it. I never knew the name of it, but Amber called it 'Telephone Pictionary'. So I googled that, hoping to find a link to the directions so I wouldn't have to type them all out. (Corner-cutter, I know.) Apparently, the game has many names, one of which is 'Eat Poop You Cat', which just makes it all the more hilarious in my opinion.

All that to say, I shared this game with my family this weekend, and I think it was a hit. There were only the 5 of us, so we passed our card stacks twice. Doesn't work quite as well that way, but still pretty funny. Here's the best one – from delayed airline flights to cautious waterfowl! (Identities of artists and writers are under protection at this time.)

Remember those paragraphs we'd have to write in grade school after returning from the holidays? "My Christmas Vacation" would be the title and each kid would try to outdo their classmates with the biggest tale and best gift. If you were lucky, you'd get to share your account last so that you could hear what you were up against and try to top Sally's trip to Disney World and Danny's new video game. I think I got that out of my system way back when, so I'll spare you the monologue.

All in all, a good week:
Travel time. (Fill up on gas in Roswell if you're making the trek on to Ruidoso. Especially if it's windy. Oh, and the gas gauge in a 4Runner will dip well below the white line before you run out. Just so you know.)
Tasty food. (Moose meat was pretty darn good.)
Snow fun. (The dogs LOVED it; Wyatt LOVED it... the day we left! 'More? More? More sled?')
Family adventure. (Oven doors sometimes fall off their hinges without warning. And yes, dogs can sled too...)

We are continually blessed. Here's a glimpse:

I feel like I should write something before abandoning ship for a week or so; here are as many random thoughts as I can cram into about 10 minutes of the evening...

I would like to make it know that listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks will always be one of my favorite Christmas memories growing up. Classic.

Headed out on the next Nickson family adventure tomorrow. Abilene, Canyon, Ruidoso, Abilene, and back to Dallas in 6 days. Lots of car time. Check. But no worries. I am armed with Stephenie Meyers (don't you dare judge my book selection!) and ready to make some miles. Looking for a little snow. Definitely looking to get out of the city. Activities should include: eating Dad's sausage pinwheels, contemplating the idea of church, trying moose meat for the first time, listening to good music, playing in the snow with Wyatt, helping paint Emme's room for her arrival, and fireplace time. Not necessarily in that order.

Today there were 3 of us at work. Well, 3 plus Jim's poodle wearing a jingle bell collar. Speaking of which, I tied some jingle bells around Harrison's neck yesterday just to see what he would do. That cat went postal for a good two hours trying to get them off. Hysterical.

Book report #39846954876. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore. Read it. Also, my friend Tim sent me an interesting link last week. Check out the EDAR. What do you think?

Our "Old Small Group Christmas Party Get-Together" was Friday night. Venison taco soup and telephone pictionary. It's been a while since I've laughed that hard. Missed a few people that couldn't make it, but had a great time.

It got cold here yesterday. 28º at the moment. But a beautiful day was had on Saturday before the front hit. I celebrated the warm temps with a little jog... or two... around the lake.

One of my co-workers brought in Ritz cracker peanut butter sandwiches dipped in chocolate. Reminded me of track days in high school. One of the girls would bring those to every meet, and we'd each have one as we laced up our spikes for the 800 relay. There's my daily moment of nostalgia.

That's all I got for now. Brownie points if you've read this far. Enjoy your Christmastime, and tell your friends and family how much they mean to you. I don't think we do that enough. Blessings on your week~

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

Well, bad news I suppose. There are no openings at Crayola that seem to be good possibilities. While there are listings for art interns (which would actually be really cool), I'm overqualified. And they are based out of Pennsylvania. Granted I could maybe live in Scranton and drive in each day, but I just Google-mapped the distance and it's a good hour and twenty minute drive. Too bad.

However, don't be disappointed; I have come across some incredible crayon history that I think you ought to know about. Here is my bulleted version. For futher reading, visit here.

•1903: The 8 color set is born.

•1949: Goldenrod, Mahogony, Brick Red, Cornflower, and other colors of my childhood are introduced.

•1990: Shocking Pink is named. Crayons become a little less cool.

•August 7, 1990: 8 retired colors are enshrined in the Crayola Hall of Fame, including Maize and Orange Red. How does one color a picture without an Orange Red?!!

•1993: 16 new colors are added, named by consumers. They include Macaroni & Cheese and Purple Mountain's Majesty. Try explaining to a young child that he/she is not allowed to eat Macaroni and Cheese...

•1999: Indian Red is renamed Chestnut in response to educators who felt that some children wrongly perceived the crayon color was intended to represent the skin color of Native Americans. The name actually originated from a reddish-brown pigment found near India commonly used in fine artist oil paint.

•2003: To mark Crayola's 100th birthday, consumers name new colors and vote four out of the box. The count is now up to 120. How would you like to be one of the crayons voted out of the box?

•To date: Brick Red is a surviving color, and we also now have Beaver, Fuzzy Wuzzy Brown, Inch Worm, and Piggy Pink.

Conclusion? Maybe I will look into a career as a crayon namer...

So at the end of last week, I wrote a scathing report of my ugly work week.* It was ridiculous. But I calmed down, got through the weekend, and didn't feel the need to post the devious thoughts. Started things out pretty good yesterday... worked straight through lunch and got a lot accomplished. Came in today, finished up a 20 page layout project, got it ready to send. And the phone rings. Never a good sign in my opinion as it typically means 'stop what you're doing, we have changes'. Funny, those were the exact words used, followed by 'redo the layout'... that took me three days to complete. So here I am with the scathing report. And I'll leave the details at that.

But, I've decided that I need a career change. Not just a job change, a career change. My first thoughts included the following possibilities (and their limitations): work on an oil rig (probably not the best idea for several reasons), move to Flagstaff to train with some Elite athletes (ha! hahahaha! right...), become an ice cream taster for Ben & Jerry's (way too risky of an eternally expanding waistline), work in a crayon factory (hmm....), join the circus as a tiger tamer (I'm not really the perform-in-front-of-people type, nor do I relish sticking my hand in the mouth of a beast), or research penguin behavior in Antarctica (are you kidding? I hate being cold!).

So I pursued the crayon factory. Stay tuned for my findings.

*I am glad that I have a job, so this is in no way a reflection of financial ungratefulness.

Good weekend, very relaxing and restful. Can't beat that. Not much else to report, but I came across a post from Mike Cope's blog, via another site where it was linked as well. Random. But I think it's really good and convicting, so I thought I'd share it.

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WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME?

* When was the last time a Christian college named a blue collar worker with a modest income to its Board of Trustees because he or she was a devoted follower of Jesus with much wisdom to offer?
* When was the last time Robert Schuller bumped a celebrity from his television program to interview an elderly widow who gives generously from her Social Security check?
* When was the last time special visits were made by the ministers and elders to an unemployed family, encouraging them to "place membership" at their congregation?
* When was the last time one of our institutes of higher learning named a building for someone who never was able to give $100 but who modeled the life of costly discipleship?
* When was the last time the shepherds of a church confronted someone over a covetous, materialistic lifestyle?
* When was the last time a brother or sister was disfellowshipped for being greedy (1 Cor.5:11)?
* When was the last time a church moved from the suburbs to the heart of the city to try to reach the poor?
* When was the last time a Christian family "downscaled," not because they couldn't make their high payments any more but because those high payments stretched them to the point of being unable to contribute to the church or to help people in need?
* When was the last time a confession was read at church confessing love of money?
* When was the last time a Christian "made it big" without it affecting the size of their house of the model of their car?
* When was the last time a Christian college named as their "alumnus of the year" a single mother who, out of great love for God and her children, had managed to juggle both a secretarial job in the marketplace and a parenting job at home?
* When was the last time we really listened to the haunting words of Jesus: "a person's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15)?
* And when was the last time we faced up to the piercing implications of James 2:1: "as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism"?

Well, there are only a few pictures to post from the 'ole Turkey Trot. However, I assure you it was fantastic. Perfect weather, a man dressed up in a turkey suit, good route around Thompson Park past the bears at the zoo, and purple t-shirts. That's right, purple.

...in route...


...getting ready to go...


...the troops, minus GT...please disregard the ridiculous look on my face...


...the runners...


...the 'strollers'...


...post-race cooldown...


...and breakfast...



The rest of the break was good, fairly uneventful. Lots of time spent in front of the fireplace, eating Mom's buttermilk chess pie, and hanging out with Wyatt Cody. For much we give thanks!

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Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

So I just got an email telling me that I have entry into the Chevron Marathon in January. Seriously? I was #2456 on the waiting list. Pretty sure it's 8 weeks out and too late. There's just nothing cool about that.

Let me know by Sunday if you want my entry. I think it works for the half too...

Happy 28th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Ruth 1:16-17

"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless – cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus." 1 Peter 4:7-11, The Message

If you're in Dallas this Saturday morning and don't have plans, come join us at City Hall for the Dallas Help the Homeless WalkAThon to raise awareness and support steps being taken to end chronic homelessness in our city. Find out more here.

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Also, if you haven't seen this video, take 8 minutes and watch how God has changed the lives of these individuals.

Cardboard Testimonies

Little Man is growing up!

Here's to many more memories of a
bug collecting...
dog chasing...
yak hunting...
dot eating...
bathtub splashing...
juice drinking...
backyard running...
book reading...
tractor riding...
hug giving...
hallway dashing...
Hermie watching...
body tackling...
family visiting...
big smiling...
bed bouncing... Wyatt Cody!

Love you! Aunt Gretch

Gua·ran·tee [gar-uhn-tee], noun, verb:
1. a promise or assurance of a particular outcome or condition
2. to secure
3. to ensure for another
4. to engage or protect
5. to promise

There are no guarantees in this life. No, that's not a startling revelation, but one that I have observed many times this week: I have several friends that have lost their jobs: income and stability are not guaranteed. I have a friend whose family is battling sickness and pain: healthy bodies are not guaranteed. I have a friend who may be uprooting and moving to a completely different town within a short time period: future plans are not guaranteed. I have a friend who is spending his life savings on a lawyer in order to retain custody of his two daughters: rights are not guaranteed. I have a friend who continues to struggle with unanswered questions from a relationship that ended months ago: worldly promises are not guaranteed. I have a friend who is fighting the balance of witnessing to his family and choosing to distance himself from them in order to live a Godly life: family is not guaranteed. And that's just THIS WEEK!

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

"When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:13-14

But I have a friend who sent His Spirit as a promise of what is to come, an inheritance and a home: and that is guaranteed.

This has been a weird week... and there's two more days left of it.

Low-fat Pop Tarts are not as good as the regular ones. Sometimes you just can't cut corners.

I've recently come into some 'forced vacation time'. Figure that one out... Therefore, I'm looking for an adventure to embark on. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Stipulations? Affordable (by affordable I mean C-H-E-A-P; no out of the country excursions just yet). Somewhat purposeful (perhaps another Bucket List item? I should post that...).

I'm very greatful for friends that know the stupid things I've done... and don't judge me.

I totally rammed a shopping cart in the Target parking lot today. Bummer. (No worries, not a mark on the Stealth.) But it reminded me of the episode on the Office where Dwight runs into a fence in his rush to go save Michael from the George Foreman 'grill burn'. He receives a concussion from the impact, and thus begins the all-time funniest episode, The Injury.

Know those moments when things seem so overwhelming that you think you might be crushed from the weight of it all? Yeah.

I'm a huge fan of hand-me-down clothes. Especially anything that expands my wardrobe to something other than jeans and tshirts. (Thanks, Emily!) Now, what goes with corduroy? 'Everything' is not a valid answer.

And finally, today is my 1 year anniversary working at Vertis (not including freelance time). How have I survived that long? A question I ask myself daily. Cheers!

One day I will stop bragging about how cute my nephew is. Today is not that day. I don't think tomorrow will be either (while we're being honest). Here are some pics from the Birthday Bug Bash in Abilene this weekend.

caterpillar cupcakes


bug juice and bug catching jars


Grammy T and Grandma Jen setting up the table


story time with Miss Katy


hunting bugs




face painting by Grammy T


the grasshopper dance




the Bugland book


a new ride




some family shots

Ahhh... the week is finally over. (Yes, in my head, the week is over come Thursday night.) Here's the rundown, in no certain order:

High point of the week: It's a girl! DM and Em went to the doc this week and found out they are having a girl come March. Watch out Wyatt Cody, little sis is coming to town!

Low point of the week: The more I 'work' every day, the more I question my need/desire to be there. Today I copied a font onto a flash drive. That is all.

Something to look forward to: weekend in Abilene! Seeing friends and family and Wyatt's birthday party on Saturday. Pictures to come.

Something to be glad to have over with: Halloween. It has no good purpose. None whatsoever. Can you trick or treat for ice cream? Didn't think so.

Discovery of the week: 7-mile running trail close to work. Now I can bring my clothes with me and run while traffic dies down. Love it.

Catastrophe of the week: I broke the handle off the microwave. How does that happen, you might ask? I'm still wondering myself.

Accomplishment of the week: getting to work on time 4 out of 5 days

Purchase of the week: a new battery for the Timex

Prayer of the week: Lord, I believe in You; help me overcome my moments of unbelief.

Bad habit of the week: staying up way too late for absolutely no reason

Saying of the week: "Destiny is a fickle _____" Watch LOST to fill in the blank.

Will I continue this on a weekly basis? Don't count on it.

Alas, I have found it. I have found that which quite possibly tops the 'most ridiculous thing ever' list. At least for this week. Rival at will.

Preface: If you know my family, you know we're hard-core dog people. At least where the German Shepard is concerned. And where 'overboard on the pup' is measured, we score a perfect 10. But these items cross all boundaries...

I present to you, Exhibit #1: Palladian Pet Estate


Would you like to spend more on a mansion for your dog than you do on your house payment? Would you like your doggy crate to remain inconspicuous with "eggshell acrylic enamel"? For a small fee of $1990, this "Renaissance-inspired architectural masterpiece" can be yours! Ask us about custom sizing to fit your furry friend.

And then we have, Exhibit #2: Small Doggie Den


Are you tired of little frou frou nipping at your heels all day? Wanting to entertain guests without the pooch running laps around the ladies? We have the solution for you! Throw the little trotline bait in the pup cupboard! Features a "soft black doorknob and door latch" and "ample space inside". For the low price of $600, you too can enjoy a quiet evening at home.

Um, do yourself a favor and get a large dog.

I went exploring this evening and found some old abandoned tennis courts set back from the road a bit. The nets were torn and tattered. The court surface was cracked and crumbling. The gates were hanging on their hinges and paint had flaked off the wooden benches and boundary lines a long time ago. But oddly enough, the lights were still working. It was a good place to go and sit.

God has some pretty creative ways of humbling us. Sometimes it comes in the form of a specific encounter, through another person or eye-opening experience. But then there are times that God chooses to reveal Himself to us in ways not based on anything concrete. It just sorta happens, rather subtly.

So have I been humbled today. I think God's been waiting for me for awhile now. Waiting for me to stop trying to be in control, to stop trying to fix things that I can't. Waiting for me to grow weary of trying to make things happen as I think they ought. Waiting for me to listen and trust. Waiting for me to turn to Him and surrender what should've been left in His hands long ago.

Whew. That's a lot of waiting. And I wonder sometimes why God would care to stick around. But that's just it.

He's a God who cares.

He's a God who loves.

And He's a God who heals.

And that's worth trusting in and seeking. That's worth the moments of hurt. That's worth admitting our faults. That's worth letting go when we need to.

Because in His goodness and patience, God continues to make beautiful things out of broken people. And that's worth it all.

So today we had a mild monsoon. I say 'mild' so as not to attempt a comparison to recent hurricane activity. Cause there is none. But it poured and poured and it was fantastic. I think we're supposed to hit a low of 50 tonight, in which case I might possibly freeze to death. I think I'm turning into that fair weather person I never wanted to be. Hmmm... Bust out the SmartWool socks!

I'm on the final pages of Jesus for President. This one is L-O-A-D-E-D, but oh so good. It's refreshing to read something that puts into words some of my thoughts/views on politics, war, America and such. Not to say that I agree with everything in the book, but I think it's certainly right up my alley. The book also details the political atmosphere back in the good 'ole Bible days, much of which I didn't know. Very interesting. (Side note: I think it's cool that Mike Cope and Randy Harris, two of the Bible profs at ACU, are using it as their textbook for their freshman Bible classes.) If you want to be challenged, this is a good place to start.

There's not much else to report, so I guess I'll have to do a little bragging. How cute is he?!