Voting

Well, I woke up this morning at 5:30 - so I could shower and pack a few things before Abi woke up (she didn't get the memo on daylight savings, so is still waking up at"7ish" - aka 6-too early-o'clock). I'm finding that packing is the easiest when Abi is sleeping - so the morning is work time now. BUT, I got out the door at 7:30 - abi goes to donald's parents' house on tuesday mornings so I can go to bible study, and donald drives her up there on his way to work. I went down to the school around the corner to vote - and then proceeded to wait for 1 1/2 hours! It would have been longer had I not been saved by my last name. I probably had another 20-30 minutes of waiting when this wonderful man came around the corner shouting "S-Z??" HOORAY! So I voted (even cast a few libertarian votes) - and couldn't believe how many people were still in line. Never have I had to wait that long - how great! I'm a big believer in voting, no matter what my wonderful husband says. Go Vote!

Lessons in Contentment

This has been a crazy time of life.  Donald and I comment frequently on how we don't ever think that we've been this busy.  Through the house (8 days away from move-in!), preparing to move in general, donald's job/school decisions, and learning how to be parents to our sweet gift - life at times seems out of control.  I become so easily frustrated with house issues, which leads to me feeling guilty that I'm not being calm and content enough for our little lady, and that then leads me to needing to be still before the Lord.  It is amazing how all things in life are so interconnected.  To be content and aware always that His grace is present and abouding - and enough for my every need.  And in that to be content with my wonderful life.  For it truly is.  There will always be something.  Some sort of a distraction, something for me to be jealous of, an area where pride will creep in.  I so hope that in those moments I will be able to pause and then reflect on how temporary things are, my constant need to set aside myself, and then to enjoy this life!

I'm sure I'll need to post on this in another month or so :)

Because she's just so darn cute:

House, House, and more House (and a visitor from the North)

To say that Donald and I are anxious to get into our house would be the understatement of the century. I cannot wait. However, that energy has been recently channeled into priming, cleaning, painting, cleaning, making decisions that are both exciting and scary, and cleaning. Preparing a house that hasn't been lived in for ten years to be inhabited again is quite the project. We can't wait for all of you to come to the city of Dallas and stay at our abode - we would be so excited!

What used to be on either side of the wall:

We knocked down the wall and opened up the space - the back area will be where the kitchen is! Kind of an older picture...the doors are now all in, all ceilings are painted, all walls are primed and some are painted with actual color! Move in begins 2 weeks from tomorrow!

My Uncle Bob was in town for business, so we were able to have him as our next to last guest at the apartment (my Dad comes tomorrow). His visit allowed for some good times with my brother and his family, which is always great! Unfor. Uncle Bob had to leave the beautiful 75 degree weather and return to Michigan where it is getting into the 30s at night. In this case, point for Texas.

3 years of love

Donald and I recently celebrated our three year anniversary. It was really different than what we would have imagined 3 years ago! But, it was insanely wonderful. I am so thankful that I am married to a man with whom I celebrate our marriage daily, but I am also grateful that anniversaries are remembered. Having a day to cherish, laugh, cry and be joyful over memories is fantastic. Being married has proven to be the most difficult and amazing gift I have ever been given. (Difficult in a self-refining way, not a bad way!) My husband is a wonderful man who loves the Lord, earnestly loves me, desires to serve people, wants us to love the world better, a phenomenal father, and my bestest friend EVER! I am so thankful for the past three years, am grateful that we are part of the honeymooners-for-life club, and can't wait for the rest of our adventure together.

Why 80 degree weather rocks!

The arboretum has a fall concert series every Thursday for the next 8 weeks. It was only 6 dollars for members and you can bring your own food - what an enjoyable way to spend an evening! We had our dear Hurricane Ike survivors with us as well. The concert was on the lawn right by the lake - fantastic. Awesome music, excellent food, wonderful family. Quite the evening! To make the night even better - we've been enjoying a week of awesome weather and it was around 70 degrees - yahoo!

Our daughter loves Waterdeep

Well, one of our parenting hopes has been fulfilled - our daughter coos along to and then is comforted by the poetic genius of Waterdeep. Awesome. We really discovered this on our way back from Houston when we had quite a bit of car time and we would sing lots of songs to Abi, but the ones that really did the trick were Waterdeep's songs! We know that many of you are rejoicing at this discovery as well!

Donald & I dancing at our wedding to Waterdeep

Full circle: Abi sleeping to Waterdeep

Hunger 101

September is Hunger Awareness month in North Texas.  This link from the North Texas Food Bank's website gives a slight insight into the frustration that so many people in our community face.  It was eye-opening for me.

http://www.ntfb.org/h_hunger_101.cfm

I highly encourage those of us living in North Texas to check out their website and find ways to be involved during this month specifically and beyond.  Donald and I have found at times that it is as easy as being specific about where we go grocery shopping.  After being in the "Mother Club" for about 2 months now, I can only imagine the pain and grief that a mother or a father must have at not being able to provide their babies with adequate nourishment.  Those of us who love God and love others can do more!

Encouraged

So, this is totally stolen from Jenny & Brian's blog, but it has sparked so much conversation between donald and I and our family, that we had to post it too. Following this link and watching this speech is definitely worth it. You will be encouraged and singing "Oak Cliff" when you're done. BUT, we're still glad that our house feeds into Richardson ISD and not Dallas ISD. Note: The Zoo is located in Oak Cliff, so I feel a special bond to the jingle.

http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm

War of the Libraries

For about a year now I've been saying that "I need to get a library card!" I have such fond memories of going to the library growing up, and was kind of hungry for that fun all over again as an adult! Plus, there's something rather exciting about being downtown and walking into a large library and seeing the thousands and thousands of books.

Well, I didn't go downtown - but I plan on doing that sometime soon! But, I did visit the local branch that is near our house. It had certainly been a long time since I visited a library. The people there are AWKWARD. I tried to sign up with our house's address, not our apartment's address - that was not OK. After about a three minute discussion with the man, I finally got a library card - but he won, and my account has an address that will only be good for another month or so. Abi started to make a little bit of noise while I was waiting - and he asked if I wanted to walk around outside so that she wouldn't make noises! It's 100 degrees outside! No, thank you. Oh, and then the dewi decimal system - sadly, it's only been 3 years since A&M, but I had to give myself a quick refresher as I was walking to the catalog!

Also, found out that I'm a bit of a library snob! Growing up, my local library had just been built, and it was awesome. Very high-tech, so many books, tons of reading nooks, a coffee house, and then floor to ceiling windows that face a river and beautiful woods. Not the case with the Dallas Public Library. Plus, it's never 100 degrees in Michigan, and the people were never awkward, only delightful. In addition, the library in Michigan had a huge salt water aquarium...the only animals I saw today were mosquitos.

Oh well, point for Michigan.

Jersey Boys

Last night we went to go see Jersey Boys! It was really a fun and amazing time. Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical telling the stories of Frankie Valli and the original four seasons. We were really surprised by the music, there were so many hit songs created by this group. Here's the list:

Ces Soirees La'

Cry For Me

Sherry

Big Girls Don't Cry

Walk Like a Man

Oh What a Night

My Eyes Adored You

Bye, Bye, Baby

C'Mon Marianne

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Working My Way Back to You

There were many more hits too, but those are some of the most notable. The music was fun for us, but not half as fun as it was for the more senior crowd in attendance! There was a woman in front of us who we were sure thought she was really at a Frankie Valli concert! She was getting accidentally up close and personal with the poor guy in front of us during every song! That's right... full out dancing at a musical. It was hysterical and rivaled the outstanding production we were there to see for the most entertaining event of the night. For the DFWstonians, we also tried out MoMo's on Knox (seafood appetizer, the trio, and the dessert with the cherries in it excellent... everything else, average).

Deliciousness

The above picture is the creation of our neighbor, Peck. To be kind and help us out, he made this treat the other night for us! He's a chef, so we knew it would be good - but we really can't tell you just how wonderful it was. Yummy, yummy, yummy. Donald and I were literally having a very intense discussion on who would get the last pieces (victory = Angela, I have a really kind hubby). Best homemade pizza EVER. In running for the top 5 pizzas that we've ever had.

August 8th - A Great Day!

Well, this is a day we've been looking forward to for two main reasons:

1) Abi is one month old today! WHAT??!! I can't believe that is true. One month. Our lives have completely changed in this month. Sounds quite dramatic, but they really have! We are thinking about someone constantly who wasn't even in our physical lives before! It is so amazing, we are someone's parents. Our house now has these funky and adorable baby toys and gadgets everywhere (very strange), and we find ourselves being concerned about things that were such distant conversations before our sweet baby came into our lives! We can't wait for the next month of life.

2) The Olympics begin tonight! We've had lots of conversations and torn hearts regarding the games being held in Beijing. Our hearts break at the tragic events that are occuring in Darfur. Such sadness. This began a train of thought of whether I would even watch the games this year. But then we had the fantastic opportunity to visit our friends Steven & Jodee in Beijing and we saw the games in a different light. While the practices of the Chinese government supporting the Sudaneese government is contrary to what we would hope; we had the opportunity to see the Beijingren (the locals of Beijing) have such excitement and pride over the games coming to their city and country. And it made me get excited for the games all over again! So, tonight (and for the next 2 weeks) I will be anxiously awaiting the 2008 Olympic Games!

Helmet Clash!

Our dear old Ags are in a Helmet Clash! Follow the link and vote for A&M's helmet to beat Georgia's. Donald sent this to me...I would never have found a helmet clash on my own!

http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=helmetsgeorgiatexasam

WHOOP and Gig 'Em!!

Fond Memories

I don't know what it is... but I have been thinking about our trip to Europe lately. Maybe it was seeing Steven a couple of nights ago, or maybe it was playing phone tag with Kristian for the last week or so (he was on the phone a certain someone at least 17% of the time we were in Europe). Anyway guys, thanks for the awesome memories, and the awesomer love we still share.

Blind.

- Waterdeep Lyrics

Below is a comment I posted on a blog called Downward Spiral ( http://mikewhitenton.blogspot.com/2008/07/following-jesus-and-social-justice-3.html). I just saw the post today and felt it was in rythm with my concern this afternoon.

It is both a confession and call for prayers. Thanks friends.

Donald & Angela said...
I was wondering about this today on the train

Paul says to Ephesus that he is praying for them that they would have the wisdom and understanding to see the hope of their calling, to see the riches of their inheritance, and the greatness of His power.

I started to realize that when I picture myself as "a man who helps the homeless" I see myself more poor and hopeless than rich, hopeful, and flowing with a greater power.

I need this prayer (sorry for the numbers, pasted from NET Bible):

I pray that43 the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,44 may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation45 in your growing knowledge of him,46 1:18 – since the eyes of your47 heart have been enlightened48 – so that you may know what is the hope of his calling,49 what is the wealth of his glorious50 inheritance in the saints, 1:19 and what is the incomparable51 greatness of his power toward52 us who believe, as displayed in53 the exercise of his immense strength.54

Good thought from a magazine

Haha, well I read this in my Real Simple magazine. But, there was something about it. It's stayed in my head much longer than most of the quotes that they give at the beginning of each month's edition. Very honest.

"I love living. I have some problems with my life, but living is the best thing they've come up with so far." Neil Simon, Last of the Red Hot Lovers

So, here's to living!

Power of Prayer

It's a miracle! Katy and Kristian, I think if you try really really really hard, you will find the memory of the five us in DC. I know, its hard to believe, but clearly it is true. Doubting this would be like doubting the existence of big foots, loch ness monsters, and celebrity affairs. The camera never lies!

We still miss you!

littleabiwallace.blogspot.com

Now that Abi is here, so is her blog! Check it out:

Abigail Kirsten Grace

Love

Well, friends and family, we are so pleased and overjoyed to show off pictures of our little bundle of love. The past 4 days (AHHH, unreal, she is already 4 days old) have been such a mosaic of love, emotion, great joy, and love. I know we're saying love a lot, but really, there is not much else to say. We are in love.

A bit of a catch-up

Last weekend was so wonderful. Family, old friends, relaxation - not too many things can rival this on hot, Texas summer days. As I've been off of work on maternity leave (which is suprisingly easy and amazing to get used to!) I've been able to truly soak up each day, mentally and spiritually prepare for Abi's arrival, and treasure these last few times when it is just Donald and I. He is such a wonderful man, I am thankful for the man that he is and the father that he will be. We are so anticpating the arrival of our beautiful daughter, but being reflective and in a way, semi-sadly saying good-bye to the blissful and free days of the past two and a half years. I feel as though our lives will be exceedingly enriched by our wonderful gift, but that we truly are closing a chapter in our marriage as we begin the crazy adventure of the next.


Here's why our weekend was AWESOME!!!

The manly Wallace/McGown men demoing the house:

Joshua's First Swim in the Pool!

Happy Birthday!! Everyone was in town to celebrate Malia's wonderful life.

Josh is very anxious for his cousin to get here soon! (Us too, Josh!!)

Meeting my good friend Katye for coffee, and if you needed any more proof that Abi is going to be a big girl, look no further...

Deconstructing Criticism

Someone recently said this to me (Donald):

"Its unfortunate that you have the personality that you do, especially considering the way you look."

Please don't feel sad for me (well, okay, maybe you can a little), I think this quote is really funny, I just have no idea what to do with it.

Another Video...

I had to get another post up. I was getting creeped out by our own blog every time I pulled it up! So, I thought I'd combat my "creeped-outness" with a video that I find myself watching quite a bit when I'm at home / listening to the song as a prayer for our family.

Chris Tomlin didn't write this song, but it is his voice in the video. We heard this song for the first time a few months ago in church, and I feel as though it has served as a gentle reminder of what the hearts of those in His church should feel drawn to and hopeful for as we reside in areas surrounded by those who are lost and desperately seeking love and acceptance. I am encouraged and amazed by the greatness of our God and his consistency in my life.

Speechless

Well, sorry Anne. I logged onto YouTube to check out Jason Upton and what I found... unbelievable. He does seem really cool... these kids, do not.

Maternity Leave (sorta)

There they are, my wonderful wife and baby on their way to work at the zoo... for the last time! Now, I am sure that they will be back at the zoo a lot as our little Abi grows, and we still don't know if Angela will be back at the zoo working after her FMLA runs out... so the separation is not quite as intense as you might expect... but come on, she works at the zoo! Yesterday she pet, PET!, a rhinocerous for work. Anyway, it is still certainly a milestone and it is bittersweet for Angela for sure. Not only does she work at a super-cool, super-fun place... but the people she works with have become very dear to her (and visa-versa). But today, we celebrate as our due date is only two weeks away! Next week, Angela will work from home... and then its all baby, all the time! This is a wonderful feeling!