I'm An Elf!

Christmas Elf Name


My Christmas Elf Name is







Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

I did it!

I did it!! I joined a gym! Tonight I go and get myself weighed and measured and we'll talk about what I need as far as work-outs are concerned! I'm a little excited! :) I just hope Omaha doesn't throw my plans too bad!

Most of the Christmas presents have been purchased. Very excited about that! I don't think I've been this prepared for Christmas in a while!

God is really good, you know? He continues to surprise me. When I think I know what He's doing... He does something so amazing that it throws me for a loop.

I pray that you see the blessings in the small things today. Have a great one!

Sondra

Christmas Music and Working Out

WOO-HOO!!! It's Christmas music time!! :) I am a firm believer in letting Thanksgiving have its time, so in my house we can't listen to Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. And this year - that was hard! The day of Thanksgiving we were driving home from Mimi's in the cold, sleet, yucky weather and I really wanted to listen to some classics. But! I refrained! And now - I can listen 24/7! :)



We've started dieting. Again. And by we, I mean... me. I think I might be past the starving, emotional, no one understands, I'll never be able to eat again part... maybe. :) Donnie is being a trooper. He is being very supportive in all my crazed behavior. Tonight I make an even bigger step than counting calories again. I have an appointment to check out Lady of America. That's right. I'm thinking about joining a gym. What has this world come to??


The Omaha party is coming up!! Lots to do to get ready... with very little time to do it!


I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving!

Sondra

Thanksgiving

God is really good - do you know that? A blog I like to read challenged the readers to list things they were thankful for. So here we go!

1. Freedom
I am very thankful for all of my freedoms. They become so common that I am guilty of overlooking them. I am thankful for the freedom to worship, the freedom to do what I please, and the freedom to open my mouth and insert my foot!!

2. Family (and my husband!)
They drive me nuts, and I am so glad! :) I am so thankful for the heritage that was passed down to me. I am thankful for the love that is shown in so many ways. I am thankful that I still have most of my family still with me. And I am so very very very thankful for one of the best things that has ever happened to me - my husband.

3. Forgiveness
You may think this one is a little silly, but reference #1!! I do have a tendency to say things before thinking and to do the wrong thing. But! I have a most forgiving husband who somehow overlooks most of my slip-ups! And oh how sweet is the forgiveness of God! Every time I struggle and, again, open my mouth and insert that not-so-tasty foot of mine - He is there to forgive!!

4. Friendship
I am thankful for mi amigos! They keep me on teh straight and narrow. True friends who aren't afraid to tell you "umm, you got a pepper flake riiiiight there - no to the left", who aren't put off by the layer of dust on the picture frames, and who will listen to you complain and just ask for more coffee. They are God's gifts. And I love each and every one of them. In spite of their college football delusions. :)

5. Good food
Do I really need to explain this one??? :) What can I say? I love to eat!!!


I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Be thankful for all the little things. They add up. :)

Sondra

Superhero power!

Sondra's results:
You are Spider-Man!

You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have greatpower and responsibility.


Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Bring The Rain by Mercy Me

I heard this song one day and thought "that's a good tune." As I listened to it again, the words just really grabbed me - "Can circumstances possibly change who I forever am in You?" How many times have I been guilty of thinking that the struggles and the storms in life affect my status as a child of God?? If we, ok - I!, can remember that he is still God through it all and that He is holding us in the palm of HIS hand, then we can truly say - "Bring me anything that brings You glory!!"


Bring The Rain by Mercy Me

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds
That may loom above because
You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
Suffering your destiny
So tell me whats a little rain

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is the lord God almighty
Is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing

Fun at the Museum

Donnie and I went to the Fort Worth Museum of Natural Science and History. Is that what it's called?? Anyway... we had a blast!


Donnie felt the need to tackle the giant FAKE turtle outside the building. I think he was feeling threatened.


I, of course, had to console the poor thing!

We (meaning Donnie) took more pictures... but they are mostly of the bugs, crocs, and other such yucky creatures that were embalmed in jars. The way I see it, I'm doing you a favor by NOT posting them. Trust me. ;)

Sondra

Slacker, School, Scary!!

I know that it's been oh-so-long since I've blogged. The link in my Favorites has been taunting me "you, bad blogger, you!" My sincerest apologies in not blogging before now!

The church remodel has started! They pulled the pews out last night and ripped up the carpet in the sanctuary. I must admit, I am a little sad. Lots of memories in that church with the way it is. Don't get me wrong - it is a great change, and a needed one! But it's like an old pair of shoes. You've been together so long it's hard to part with it! :) The church will look beautiful when done.

Donnie is getting in to the heavy part of school. The time when professor's are trying to fit everything in that hasn't been covered, and doing it at warp speed. Sleep isn't really a priority with him right now, it's all about studying and getting homework done. He's doing a great job, and I'm really proud of him. Four days no Dr Pepper either. I'd be living on the caffeine if I was him!!

Omaha is coming up within a month! That means we're trying to get ready for the COLD and for the formal. I went "window shopping" with Kerri this weekend. Man it's hard to find a MODEST formal dress! And it's just not pretty trying some of them on! lol I'm going again this weekend... wish me luck!

Have a blessed day!

Sondra

Tired, Allergies, and Rai... zzzz

Oh so tired today. Yesterday's services were amazing. God moved in a very deep way. Lots of life-changing stuff.

My allergies decided to make their presence known after the evening service, lest I had forgotten they were there. I sneezed so much I couldn't even polite sneeze anymore. Just the blowing your head off stuff. Needless to say, I didn't rest very well last night. The rain this morning, ok - the torrents smashing our windows this morning - didn't help the wide awakeness that needed to be there in order to function.

Good news? My back-up is training today and doing my job for me. My purpose at work today? Filing.

My purpose at home tonight? Laundry. :) Poor Donnie... maybe I'll get it all done this time before he runs out of clean t-shirts.

"I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalm 18:1-2

God is everything you could possibly need. With Him on your side - there is nothing to fear or dread. Isn't that just awesome?

Have a great week!

Sondra

P.S. Hope you had a great birthday Steph!! :) Thank you for sharing your peanut butter cheesecake!

Short, Sweet, To The Point

Good afternoon readers!! :)

I hope everything is going well with all of you. There really isn't much to blog about. Life is pretty normal. Which is a great thing. I've been able to spend some quality time with my hubby here lately which has been WONDERFUL. I love just being with him. Whether it's just reading while he studies or going on walks together.

Have a most blessed week. Remember - life is short. Make the most of it.

Sondra

Satisfaction or Disappointment??

I just want to say for the record for those die hard fans out there.

I was disappointed in the play of the Longhorns this weekend. They came into the game heavy underdogs. Everyone, even my staunch Horn fans, believed that we were in for a beating.

Aside from a few sloppy plays, Texas came to the Shoot-out with heart. They showed their critics that they wouldn't be the push-overs everybody had penned them to be. The blow-out was overted. Way to play hard Horns!!

Am I disappointed in the loss?...Yes.

Was I satisfied with the result?...Absolutely.

Do I look forward to next year?...Bring it!!! :-)

Donnie

Red Rover or Red River?

Final Score

28-21

Sooner... Oops, I mean, Sondra

Realizations (Well, duh! Moments)

Well, God is still good and life is still BUSY!! :)

I have had a few realizations of late. Or well, duh! moments as I like to call them.

First, I don't like wearing shoes. The first opportunity to take them off and be free - I take it! Of course this is all contingent upon the surface that I will be walking in said freedom. Nonetheless, I do enjoy walking/sitting/standing barefoot!

The second realization I had was how much I don't listen. The Lord has shown me a few scriptures throughout the last month or so. Powerful scriptures. I wasn't sure how they applied exactly to my life at the time, but appreciated them anyway. Over the last couple weeks, I must admit that I was letting life get to me. Life was just bringing me down and I was to a breaking point. Wednesday night was a healing service, one that I desperately needed and am very grateful for. Saying all of that, I happened upon the scriptures God had given me. Low and behold - they were concerning the very issues I had been allowing to rule my life the last couple of weeks! It makes me wonder - how different would I have approached life and situations had I actually applied those verses rather than simply writing them down and storing them. Hmm.

And thirdly, I love coffee. I've been trying to stay away from it, ofr at least a little while. And last night I had a cup of that sweet, wonderful, yummy nectar. Oh how I've missed it. Three words: Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sigh.

Hope everyone is having a great October thus far!!

Sondra

I belong...

he he he :)

You Belong in 1950

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Sondra

Coping Skills

September 20th - and I've only posted twice? This must be remedied! It's been a bit of a hectic month and blogging has been far from my mind.

When I am stressed, I find myself blocking things out only focusing on matters that aren't really important. Anything to keep the "real" thoughts from invading my mind. Those thoughts that will make me sad, force me to be an adult (yucky!!), bring the cruelity of reality to my doorstep. If I don't think about it, it isn't there - right?? Can't I just bury my head and it go away for good?? Wrong and, umm, no. All I end up doing is postponing the inevitable. Don't get me wrong. I think that you shouldn't worry and dwell on the negative. However, I do think it is unhealthy to not process what is happening in your life. I do believe what I'm missing are... coping skills. :) Oh, I'm working on them - believe me. And I probably am better than I give myself credit for. It's just so much easier to go numb. But, that's not how God wants me to live my life. And it isn't how I want to live my life.

So, tell me - how do you cope? What is your release? How do you process things that are going on in your life? Do you talk to your honey? Do you write? Or do you simply pray? I'm actually really curious - so, please, leave some comments!

Thanks for stoppin' by! ;)

Sondra

Team DUH!

Something Donnie has a tendency to do... a lot... is state the obvious. :)

One day after stating the oh-so-incredible obvious, I replied "Why THANK you Captain Obvious! Without you I would have NEVER known!!" To this my quick-witted husband replied in his best super-hero voice, "You're welcome Sidekick Sarcasm!"

Creating? Team Duh. And we are here to SAVE the day!

Smell the corn yet?

Sondra aka Sidekick Sarcasm

Do I get a costume now??? SWEET!!!!!

Week in a Nutshell

It has been quite the week. Let me start at the beginning...

The Luau last Thursday went beautifully! Not a single complaint was heard. One thing I didn't realize though, was that my mother wasn't feeling well that night.

Saturday OU beat Miami. :)

Brad and Kerri's shower was Sunday night, and it was great. Very pretty and lots of cool stuff. :)

On Monday I called my mother and she was still sick. She had violent chills that would swing to sweats and was running a temperature. I took her to the doctor that afternoon and he suggested we go to the ER. The reasoning was to get some fluids in her (she was dehydrated) and to get a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. While they could give her an IV in the office, they wouldn't be able to run the x-ray so we went there to "save time." When she sat down in the bed at the ER, her heart started to race. Her pulse was jumping back and forth from 180 to 220. And it was beating in an irregular rhythm. This had the doctors and nurses very worried. They got her started on an IV and did some x-rays. Due to the medication they started her on, she had to be moved to the ICU. Her heart rate came down to the 130-150 range, but was still irregular.

Tuesday was much of the same until about 3pm. Pastor and Chad came by and prayed with her. After they left my father was sitting with her and noticed that her heart rate dropped to 82 and stayed. Solid. And was regular. It's called sinus rhythm. Look it up - it's an interesting read. This was right after they got the call telling them they got a house they were praying for.

Wednesday she was moved to a regular room and they ran a stress test on her. There was something on the stress test that had the doctors worried, so they ordered an angiogram for Thursday morning. Needless to say, we were all pretty worried at this point.

Thursday morning they ran the angiogram - NO BLOCKAGE!! After having to lay still for three hours, she was able to get up and move around. At seven-ish they released her!

For those who are wondering about the possibility of pneumonia - they had been giving her antibiotics for it and it is gone. The concern now is her blood thinness so she won't have a clot in the future.

God is so good. And He truly answers prayers. Sometimes it's so easy to forget all that He's done. But then He does it again. Oh, what an awesome God we serve!

Labor, Luau, FOOTBALL!

Oh, what a slacker I am! It was brought to my attention that I hadn't blogged in over a week. For shame! :)

Things are going fairly well in the Gandee household. Labor Day weekend was so relaxing! We left the apartment once to run to the bank and QT. And that was it! The apartment is very clean as a result. It was nice to just stay home and get things done!

Tonight is the Luau for the ladies at the church. I am nervous! I want things to be so perfect. We are praying for a fun, relaxing night for the ladies.

College Football season is upon us! I'm excited, but it's definitely going to be interesting this year. I want to support my husband. Too bad we support opposing teams!!! Sorry honey! ;) Saturday was the first game - 79-10 against UNT. Poor Leah... of course, I don't think she's really there for the football anyway...

Sondra

BOOMER SOONERS!

Officially a year older

So - I had a birthday. And it was one of the best birthdays. Thursday night Donnie gave me my presents. YEA! Loved them ALL! I got a large muffin tin. SO EXCITED! He made breakfast and took me for a pedicure and to get my eyebrows done. I was putty when I left. Then he took me for lunch to Buca di Beppo. I love love love love this place. The food is just amazing. Then, to walk off our lunch, we walked around the mall. I got new black heels. :) That night was a Youth Rally that we praise sang for. And let me tell you. God moved in such a powerful way. He moved in our youth group and I pray changed some lives. The youth needed it before heading off for school.

Saturday we had dinner with my family. Awesome presents, oh-so-yummy steaks, WONDERFUL pie and cake, and lots of fun playing games. Nathan isn't that good at Pit. Poor guy. hehehehe I have a few pics - I just need to download them from my camera!

Over all - it was a really good birthday. I think the best present was being able to spend so much time with Donnie and my family. That and watching those girls pray on Friday night and Sunday, and being able to pray with them. I'm thankful for the blessings God has given. Isn't He awesome? :)

Sondra

Differences

Isn't love grand? :) This was from rehearsal night. Everyone wore their teams colors. The back of my shirt says "BRIDE" his says "GROOM". It was a really fun night. We still get comments when we were our team colors, "You're married?? To a (Longhorn/Sooner)??" "Wow... that's love!" I think Donnie gets a little too much of a kick out of it. Planning it out. "Honey - why don't you wear your Sooners shirt?" Like it makes him look like good or something... let the crimson get all over you baby!! ;) Love you?

Sondra

Love transcends all college football affiliations... at least until October...

Perseverance & Pure Joy

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

I don't know about you - but when I'm going through a trial joy is not my knee-jerk reaction. It is something that has to grow on me. I don't shout when I realize that money is going to be tight. I don't start praising God when my car breaks down. And I definitely don't start worshipping when I am working with difficult personalities. But the Word says to consider it joy when you face trials. My faith must be tested so that I can develop perseverance. To persevere is to persist in spite of counterinfluences, oppostition, and discouragement. Now, that doesn't exactly spur joy in many hearts. However - if you read on the Word also states...

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

Wow! Now THAT! That is worthy of joy! I want to be one of those Christians that lives these verses! You've seen them. The strong saints that seem like nothing shakes them. A storm blows in to their life - and it just makes them dig their heels in more. They see the big picture. They know that if they can get through the trials, God has promised them eternal life!

Remember - God is good - no matter what the situation is. We may not see His hand - but He is working nonetheless. If we will just hold on - the reward is a crown of life!

Sondra

Joy

A blog I like to read posed the question "what brings you joy?" So, I decided to answer! :)

What brings me joy...

Joy: 'joi Function: noun
1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion
2 : a state of happiness or felicity
3 : a source or cause of delight

Music - Good quality music. Whether it be jazz, gospel, country, alternative. Anything that is true talent, not just good mixing skills on the producers part. But when an artist can sing, purely. Or when a musician can play that instrument in just a way that you feel the song. Not just hear it, but you can feel the words. Feel the music. THAT brings me joy.

Organization - Sad, is it not? But when I've worked hard (or not so hard) and things are all in order and organized. I get a sense of joy.

Moments with my loved ones - falling asleep in my husband's arms, having breakfast with my husband, the moment Krista gets a joke (love you girlie!), the long talks with my mother, the inside jokes with my sister (do YOU know WHY?), the inside jokes with Mandy (RUUUUNNN!!)...

I've noticed that the things in my life that bring me joy are not things at all. They are people, moments. It's the feeling that I am in the will of God. It's when I am listening to song and I feel God speaking to me. It's when I am spending time and building relationships. It's the feelings of accomplishment.

Psalms 51:10-13 says "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."

As I think about it - yes, all of the above things bring me joy. They are all wonderful in their own right - but what brings me a true joy? God's salvation. The peace of His love. For when I have a Godly joy... oh how wonderful! It is the only thing that will help you through the storms of life and will give you the strength to lead others to His sweet love. The joy that comes from Him will give you life!

Sondra

Busy Life

Busy busy busy!! There is a lot going on right now.

Kerri's shower is Saturday, so I'm really excited about that. We, hopefully!, are going to have loads of fun! I'm hoping a lot of people show, but not more than what I've bought plates for. lol

The next event will be the Ladies Night. If SisB wants me as involved as I hope - I will STILL be busy! :) Lots of great plans for that. Keep your fingers crossed!

My birthday is next FRIDAY! I'm not sure whether to be excited or depressed. I've gotten the comments "well - wait til you're 30" or "wait til you hit 40" and higher. People. How did you feel when you turned 26? How did you feel when you turned 25? Let me have my moment! It's an odd time in life. I wish I could say that 25 was the best year of my life, but I can't. It was hard. Very, very hard. There were a lot of trials, a lot of tears. Yes, I got married and that was one of the best things to have happened in my life. But the journey up to that day, and the journey after that day has had it's very rocky moments. 25 was a turning point. I'm a little excited, that nervous kind of excitement, about what 26 has in store. It's not that I feel old (though I kind of do) - I just feel... like I'm turning a new leaf. 26 has to be good... it adds up to 8! :)

Enjoy your life. Don't waste a single day saying "what if" or "I should have". Live saying "this is what I have done".

Sondra

Hooray for MUFFINS

I got muffins!! :) Donnie got up this morning and made me blueberry muffins. Not only were there muffins - but sliced strawberries and cream cheese as well! I have the best husband in the world. And no, not just because he makes me muffins. That's just icing on the cake! :)

It will be a busy week. Kerri's shower is Saturday (I'm so excited!) and there is still some to be done! I'll be busy baking and making. Two things I love to do. I went shopping last night and got her present - I do hope she likes it. If not, I'll keep it! ;) j/k!! It is super cute and looks super comfortable though.

Thought for the day:

If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment!

Sondra

Muffins & Keys

My alarm went off this morning at 7AM. Now, this is a daily occurrence for me so there shouldn't have been a problem with it... right? WRONG. I remember snuggling up to Donnie asking him to make muffins (yes - it was a conscious request. I wanted muffins!). The next thing I know Donnie is booming "BABY!! It's ten til EIGHT!" Somehow, in my muffin-consuming thoughts, I had inadvertently turned my alarm OFF instead of snoozing. I came flying up out of the bed and was dressed (including my hair) in ten minutes.

After this marathon dressing I walked in to the kitchen and on the counter sat cinnamon toast. Not muffins, but equally tasty. He had made breakfast, and put together my lunch for the day while I was rushing around. Through all this - I am not fully awake. (In fact, I don't think I really woke up til about 10am. But that's beside the point.) Donnie walks me to the car like he does every morning, kisses my goodbye, and I pull away.

When I pull up to the stop sign by the apartments I do the dutiful look left, look right. Except when I look left, what do I see? My husband running full speed down the sidewalk. My first thought was, "he didn't tell me he was planning on running this morning." My second thought, "why is he barefoot?" A few seconds later it dawns on me that he might be running towards... me. Evidently in the trip to walk me to my car he had locked the door. With my keys. The very ones hanging from my ignition.

We are brilliant.

The good news? I was only 5 minutes late. :)

Sondra

Joke of the day:

Two muffins were in an oven. The first muffin says to the other muffin, "MAN! It's getting hot in here!" The second muffin turns and replies, "AGH!! A TALKING MUFFIN!!"

Overcoming!

It has been an interesting week!

Thursday I woke up with a sore throat, no bueno. I ended up leaving work early - what can I say? I'm weak.

The Shift Conference was the next night and I was on the praise team. Poco did a beautiful job when my voice decided to start giving out! God gave me enough strength to get through the service - and a wonderful service it was! Sis Angel played and sang with us since Julie was out of town. Man - God really blessed her with an awesome voice. She rocks. Danelle has formed a fan club for her. Danelle is the pres, I'm the VP, Mandy is the Treasurer. Donnie ended up getting off work just in time for Sis McLaughlin to grab him up to sing. He's so good. Instant in season and out, huh baby? ;)

Saturday was FULL! I helped Mandy and Krista pack, and when Donnie got off work we headed over to my mom's to help her pack. By the end of the day we were both worn out!

When Sunday rolled around I felt worse. The services were amazing though. God is pouring out His spirit!! We had four baptized and two received the Holy Ghost!! Sunday night Jason was supposed to preach - but the choir decided to preach instead. I enjoyed the service, but I was a little bummed. I'm excited to hear Jason preach! I am confident that he and God will do an amazing job.

Monday? I only worked a half day - I was SICK. Krista came through her surgery with flying colors - WOO HOO! But Donnie ended up having to cook dinner. It was good though. Not that I'm surprised or anything... ;)

Tuesday - I'm better!!! :) I feel so much better today - and I know it's because of prayer. This kind of things lingers in my body for some reason, but today I feel alert and ready to face the world. Of course - this lingering cough wants to face the world too!! Stupid monkey.

Please pray. My former pastor suffered a heart attack Saturday night and is in a coma. By the time his wife found him he had stopped breathing. The doctors are saying that there is brain damage and that the future is not looking good. But. I know a healer - and whatever form of healing God sees fit to perform - we ask Him to do it!

Sondra

Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen

I, once again, have been shown just how much of a competitor I can be. Even when comes to a simple game of scrabble, I find myself on the losing end.(rarely ;-)

I had the evening off last night. A rare thing, in and of itself. She made the most incredible dinner last night. She also made cinnamon rolls for dessert. Let me tell you something, these were some melt in your mouth goodies too!

Anyway, we had a bit of down time last night so we took advantage of it and challenged one another to yet another game of scrabble. In a previous game, I had claimed victory. I was feeling bold, over confident, and arrogant perhaps... Guys, I lost my shirt in that game. She came back with pent-up aggression and just completely creamed me.

She is such a graceful winner. She could have rubbed it in but no. She simply said two words..."next time".

I love you baby

Donnie

Friends and Baseball

Donnie and I joined a couple of couples for a Frisco Roughriders game this past weekend. I don't think I watched much of the game, too much talking that needed to be done! But it was a LOT of fun - in spite of Marley's driving and trying to freeze me out of the vehicle.

I am thankful for the leadership that God has placed over our lives. He knew just the right time to bring me into my church, He knew the right time to open my eyes to Donnie, and He knew just the right time to place me in the job I have. Even though we may not see what all He has in store - we can rest in the knowledge that it will be for our good.

Sondra

Dork

My husband is a dork. And I absolutely love him. :) There is just no one else that can make me laugh and smile like he does.

Oh, and he's a pretty good bass player too. Isn't he handsome? :)

I love you starshine.

Sondra

Scrabble

He beat me! I can't believe it! Donnie felt brave enough to challenge me to a Scrabble game last night. And I think he cheated. My father has taught me a rule for Scrabble. Always keep a U in case the Q raises it's ugly head. Well - my lovely husband had drawn the Q, and I had drawn every last U in the game. I felt safe in using them all. A hand or two later he only has consonants, so he dumps his hand, pulling a new one. I just so happen to pull the Q on the next go around! Let me tell you - it is very difficult to form a word using Q without the letter U! Needless to say, he went out with me holding the Q. Final score? 230 to 228.

Babe - 2 out of 3? :)

Sondra

Weekend Bliss!

Well, we had a filled weekend! And it was a lot of fun. Friday night was the Youth Rally at Bro McGaha's. The place was packed! Lots of young people, and the minister did a phenomenal job. He spoke on commitment to God and I know it touched this "old married lady's" heart. :)

Saturday was FULL! Don went off to work and I headed to my parents. Steph, my mom, and I printed, rolled, and tied invitations until Donnie got off. We had lunch, I made potato salad, and we headed to Brad's. There we addressed invitations with about 12 other people. I got to hold little Brianna - and she is a doll! She's incredibly sweet and just the cutest when she yawns!! :)

Sunday was amazing. Church was PACKED! God moved in such amazing ways in both services. One was baptized!! And I know many, many more were touched. We are starting to help out with breakfast in Kidzone the 3rd Sunday of the month. Let me tell you, it wasn't fun being at the church at 8am, but it was fun once I woke up! :) It's a great ministry that I'm starting to get excited about!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Don't waste your week looking forward to next weekend though. Look for ways to be an encouragement to people around you. You'd be amazed what it will do for YOU. :)

Sondra

Yum, Fun, Yawn!

I got ICE CREAM!! We went to Braum's last night after service and I got a single scoop of Cookies n' Cream ice cream in a waffle cone. And my was it good. Worth every stinkin' calorie!

I am very thankful for the friendships I have. God has put wonderful people who are filled with Godly character into our lives. It is so nice and uplifting to be able to sit and talk with these friends. Knowing that the conversation will reflect Him, even though we may just be sitting telling dumb jokes! coughChadcough :)

I woke up extremely tired this morning. Again, not sleeping well. Please say a prayer. I need to be able to function at work and not have a short fuse with my husband. But the lack of sleep is making it increasingly difficult to do both! Rest. All I need is true rest.

Today is what you make it. Act that way.

Sondra

Allergies, Chicken, Ice Cream

I love my husband's cologne. And I should, since I picked it out! And I really like the perfume that he has picked out for me. However. On the days that my allergies are screaming - they both drive my nose in to a TIZZY! Today is one of those days. My allergies are driving me NUTS! It is like a thousand little hairs are tickling the end of my nose. I can't stop sneezing and I'm squinting. Not sure why I'm squinting, but I am! :)

Yesterday was our 4 month anniversary! So what did we do to celebrate? I tried a new recipe! Chicken marsala. It was actually really good. I only had minor problems with the chicken browning. I don't think I had quite enough butter in the pan. The mushrooms soaked it all up. But it is definitely a keeper recipe. Donnie even liked it, and he's not a huge fan of mushrooms. I served it over penne pasta that was tossed with a little olive oil, garlic powder (didn't have any real stuff!), and parmesan cheese. And on the side - broccoli with lemon juice, fresh ground black pepper, and (of course) a little garlic powder. A successful meal in my mind! The only problem - no dessert! Of course, I think Don and I are a little desserted out. I made a chocolate cake that we've been munching on for a couple of days. Needless to say, I was tired of cake last night. So... no dessert! :)

Ice cream. I just want some good ice cream. Not the frozen yogurt stuff. Not the fake. I want Braum's. Butter Pecan. Mint Chocolate Chip. The good stuff. Maybe I can talk Donnie into going to Braum's after church tonight. :) hehehehe

Sondra

Desk!

Life is pretty normal right now. And that is a good thing! Donnie and I are currently looking for a cheap desk. Stephanie and we are thinking about swapping computers for good, which would mean a desktop for us. We love the thought and having one (we just didn't use the laptop as a laptop!) but right now it's just sitting in the floor! So, if you know of a cheap desk (preferably a dark wood) :) let us know! We did find one at BB&B that we really like, and - bonus! - we still have a gift card there! Tell me what you think of it...

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/EnlargeProduct.asp?SKU=14553924&ZMPHT=380/6368014553924P.JPG

Sondra

What Dreams May Come

Captains Log...Stardate 71207

I've learned a new language to this human masterpiece called marriage. It is interesting how your wife's dreams can totally affect her mood in the mornings. There are times that I want to crawl back into the bed and wake up again. It's only when I hear the story behind these dreams that I begin to understand exactly what makes her function.

Sondra and I enjoy spending time together in the mornings. With our complicated schedules, it really has become a source of strength for both of us. Its when you awaken to icy shores of a conversational Antarctica that things become interesting. It doesn't matter how much clothing you attempt to put on, it doesn't seem to help.

Its only when you can look her in the eye and sincerely ask her what her dream was about that the ice begins to thaw. You'll find out, that while in her dreamland, you did or said something, or even looked at her in a way displeasing. You did something to really torque her over. I found out that I did that very thing. It was only after breakfast that I got the story straightened out. I would have been upset at me too.

With each passing day, I learn a little more about the female psyche. It truly is the final frontier.

Donnie

Please forgive the Star Trek references. I was in one of those thought patterns.

Sleep, Exercise, Food

Good MORNING! Today is a great day. Nothing special about it really... just woke up in a fairly decent mood. I've been having trouble sleeping and for the past two nights, I slept the ENTIRE night!! :) It's very exciting, at least to me!

Change MUST occur! Since the wedding I have put on almost 15 pounds. I'm thinking I might be the typical newlywed... Donnie is attempting to motivate me to exercise. I'm hoping he will actually succeed this time. I know, I know... it's up to me to want the change and to want to exercise. But tell me - who really wants to exercise? You sweat, you hurt, you sweat some more... it just doesn't sound appealing to this chica. Oh well!! No pain, no gain I guess!! I'll keep you guys updated on how the progress is!

On the flip side - we had a date last night. :) We ate at Bone Daddy's and then went grocery shopping. lol Great date, huh? It was actually a lot of fun. The food at Bone Daddy's is incredible. Great brisket. Though the pecan pie was just NOT as good as my Aunt Leota's. ;) Everything else was super good.

Sondra

The Joys of Family!

Welcome to the new Gandee blog! Our first post!! And Donnie isn't even around... :) I figured we might as well succumb to peer pressure and get one. I'll try to post more frequently than my previous attempts at blogging!

This past weekend was the CNR Reunion at Canyon Camp in Hinton, OK. Donnie's first Nickell Reunion as an OFFICIAL Nickell! It was loads of fun but we are both VERY worn out. After the four hour drive up there we talked, ate, hiked, sang, played games (I whipped them in Phase10!!)... it was a lot of fun. But there was very little sleep in the midst of it all. And then there was of course - the four hour drive back! :)

For those who are acquainted with the Nickell clan - you know I have some family members that are... interesting. They can be loads of fun and yet test my patience at almost every turn. And while I love them dearly it is sometimes difficult to be around them. Perhaps we are just a little too similar. :) In one of those more stressing moments this weekend, I responded in a way that I shouldn't have (i.e. rashly and with a little bit of an attitude). In my reading the next day God showed me this scripture:

"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Prov 12:16 & 18

Proverbs is full of wonderful words of wisdom - each one stepping on my toes at some point!! I long to be closer to God and bring others closer to Him, but that small member seems to have other plans!! My "wisdom" is quick to judge and faulty, in a flash of annoyance or anger my tongue can cut and destroy those whom I truly love. God, help us... ME... to reflect you and be full of YOUR wisdom. Bridle our tongues so that through Your word and wisdom we may minister Your true healing.

Sondra