25 Random Things

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a post with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged. A LOT of you need to update your blogs anyways...

25. I LOVE cheeseburgers. Growing up, I would probably eat them for dinner at least 4 times a week and often for both lunch and dinner. I eat them plain with cheese and ketchup only. If its not right, I won't eat it.

24. The beach, specifically Destin, FL, is one of my most favorite places on earth. (Granted I haven't been to too many places!) I think the beaches are beautiful and relaxing! On that note...

23. This past summer, I spent ten days at the beach half with my family and half with Michael's. During the half with my family, nearly half of my family drowned by getting caught in a strong undertow (spelling?) and being unable to swim in. I had to rescue my uncle and was then unable to swim in myself because of the extra weight. We were then rescued by a dude on a jet ski. In the meantime, my father was being rescued by the lifeguard...which I have NEVER seen a lifeguard at Destin until this summer...and I've been every summer of my life.

22. Speaking of family, I have the BEST! I talk to my mom and dad DAILY! I often find myself calling them with absolutely nothing to say except I love you and miss you. My brother is also amazing, even though we can fight with the best of them...I know he really loves me and would do ANYTHING for me. I also have the most fantastic sister-in-law. I call her my sister--I wanted one all my life and she is perfect for me!

22. Speaking of in-laws...I have the best "in-law" family. I have always felt like I "belonged" to their family from the very beginning of my relationship with Michael. I love them all very much, and they get along great with my family.

21. I adore children. I love to play with them, teach them, and watch them grow up. I hope to have a houseful one day. I want around 5, Michael wants 2, so we are currently at a compromise on 3. I am hoping when the first one arrives, he'll change his mind. (I think he is hoping the same thing about me!)

20. Speaking of children, I have a degree in elementary education. So I am certified to teach kids grade K- 12. I taught 2nd grade for one year before going on the get my Master's in Counseling and Christian Education.

19. Speaking of the Master's, I am working on my Master's in Marriage and Family Counseling and Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Until this past July, I have never lived further than 20 minutes from my parents. Unless you count...

18. The summer I spent in Thailand doing summer missions. I lived in a dorm of tribal children and taught English classes at their school. It was amazing. Changed my life and perspective on things. On my way home from Thailand...

17. A bird flew into the engine of the plane causing an explosion (similar to what happened in the miracle on the Hudson except we hadn't completely taken off yet) and we had to exit the plan on the inflatable slides and spend the night in Bangkok to start again the next day.

16. I have also spent a summer as a Children's intern at my hometown church and a summer working at Lake Forest Ranch, a children's camp in Macon, MS. The combination of these two experiences led me to pursue the Master's degree I am seeking.

15. I hope to get my PhD one day and would love to write books.

14. Speaking of books...I love love love to read! Mostly fiction, but I enjoy the non-fiction just can't sit down and read them in one sitting like I can with a good fiction book.

13. I have known how to swim since I was 2. I took swim lessons and in order to graduate you had to jump off the high dive, which I did...at the age of 2. My mom also says that during swim lessons, once I turned over on my back and started floating there was no hope of getting me to do anymore. That is ironic because now it is really hard for me to float on my back.

12. I am a big big big Mississippi State fan. Go bulldogs. I grew up 20 minutes away from the school, and my family has had season tickets to football, basketball, and baseball all my life. Even though I hated it as a kid, I love it now. I miss being there so much. Watching it on TV is NOT the same!

11. As such a big state fan, we have had English bulldogs my whole life. (team mascot) Our current English bulldog's name is TJ and he is actually the MSU mascot's son. He spent the first 6 months of his life in training to be the next mascot, but flunked out because of his stubbornness. Lucky for us, that is how we got him! Check my albums to see pictures of him.

10. I am easily addicted to reality TV, therefore I limit myself on how much I can watch. I am currently watching the Bachelor and American Idol. I will watch Survivor probably when it starts up in a few weeks.

9. I also am an avid fan of 24 and LOST. I love love love Jack Bauer and Jack Shepherd.

8. I was a cheerleader for 5 years in high school.

7. I took piano for 10 years.

6. I was the state champion in Bowling when I was around 2nd or 3rd grade. I can't remember exactly.

5. I was on the swim team for a few years in elementary school. That didn't last. I am incredibly athletically challenged. I am also afraid of balls.

4. I loved baked goods...cookies, brownies, cake, pie...YUM!

3. I can eat a LOT! Especially if its southern cooking...fresh from the field stuff like my Aunt Dot makes.

2. I have the most amazing husband in the world. He is incredibly patient with me and loves me despite all my bad qualities which I have failed to mention here. He laughs at my goofiness and listens to me when I need someone too. He was willing to pick up and move 500 miles away from his family for me to pursue my goals. I love him soooooo much.

1. I am grateful to God for all of these blessings I have been able to list here and for the salvation I find in His son, Jesus Christ. I hope to continue to grow in my relationship with the Lord and seek to follow his will for my life.

The Ice "Storm"

Below are some photos of the ice "storm" that kept me from work yesterday and canceled chapel today! You can read a rather humorous version of the events of the last 12 hours here at a friend's blog. In case you were wondering, I am Mrs. Mississippi Southern Belle. Enjoy!

Talking Points on Abortion

Here is a list of talking points on Abortion that I found at desiringGod.org

Fifteen Pro-Life Truths to Speak

Download:

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By John Piper January 24, 2003

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"You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." - Jesus Christ

1. Existing fetal homicide laws make a man guilty of manslaughter if he kills the baby in a mother's womb (except in the case of abortion).

2. Fetal surgery is performed on babies in the womb to save them while another child the same age is being legally destroyed.

3. Babies can sometimes survive on their own at 23 or 24 weeks, but abortion is legal beyond this limit.

4. Living on its own is not the criterion of human personhood, as we know from the use of respirators and dialysis.

5. Size is irrelevant to human personhood, as we know from the difference between a one-week-old and a six-year-old.

6. Developed reasoning powers are not the criterion of personhood, as we know from the capacities of three-month-old babies.

7. Infants in the womb are human beings scientifically by virtue of their genetic make up.

8. Ultrasound has given a stunning window on the womb that shows the unborn at eight weeks sucking his thumb, recoiling from pricking, responding to sound. All the organs are present, the brain is functioning, the heart is pumping, the liver is making blood cells, the kidneys are cleaning fluids, and there is a fingerprint. Virtually all abortions happen later than this date.

9. Justice dictates that when two legitimate rights conflict, the limitation of rights that does the least harm is the most just. Bearing a child for adoption does less harm than killing him.

10. Justice dictates that when either of two people must be inconvenienced or hurt to alleviate their united predicament, the one who bore the greater responsibility for the predicament should bear more of the inconvenience or hurt to alleviate it.

11. Justice dictates that a person may not coerce harm on another person by threatening voluntary harm on themselves.

12. The outcast and the disadvantaged and exploited are to be cared for in a special way, especially those with no voice of their own.

13. What is happening in the womb is the unique person-nurturing work of God, who alone has the right to give and take life.

14. There are countless clinics that offer life and hope to both mother and child (and father and parents), with care of every kind lovingly provided by people who will meet every need they can.

15.Jesus Christ can forgive all sins, and will give all who trusts him the help they need to do everything that life requires.

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

This last point is one to remember. Those who have experienced abortion, directly by having one or indirectly by assisting or encouraging someone else, can find complete forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ. These men and women need to feel the love of the Lord in their lives. They do NOT need to feel condemned and looked down on by the church. We are ALL God's children, and we ALL have sin in our lives that we struggle with. We need to come alongside them and point them to our Savior who can meet all their needs.

Random

I feel the urge to blog and have nothing really interesting to blog about, so I thought I would do this little survey about 2008:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? move to Texas
2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions in '08, and have you made some for '09? I didn't really make them in '08, and I'm not making any in '09.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? YES! Andrew was born on October 8 & Kaylea was born on Nov. 18
4. Did anyone close to you die? Michael's grandmother and aunt
5. What countries did you visit? NONE.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? a puppy
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Burks' Bumpin' Christmas--one of the best
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? getting an A in Dr. Jones' class
9. What was your biggest failure? I turned in an incomplete assignment accidentally and got a 75...that was pretty tragic.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? nope
11. What was the best thing you bought? a tie between the GPS and the Wii
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Michael getting his Master's
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? the press harassing poor Britney Spears
14. Where did most of your money go? Rent
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? babies being born and meeting them for the first time
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? You're Here by Francesca Battistelli (probably spelled that wrong)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? happier (b) thinner or fatter? same c) richer or poorer? same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? spending quality time with Michael/spending quality time with the Lord
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? whining and complaing/dinging my bell (Stephen that's for you)
20. How did you spend Christmas? with my family
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? I stayed in love with my husband
22. What was your favorite TV program? 24 and Lost!!!!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? well....hate is a strong word. Stongly dislike? nah...not anyone I can think of...the Devil? Does he count?
24. What was the best book you read? oooo that is tough! I read a LOT last year. probably the Harry Potter series as far as fiction reading goes...
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? yeah...none of those...
26. What did you want and get? a Wii...
27. What did you want and not get? a puppy
28. What was your favorite film of this year? yeah...nothing stands out as fabulous
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 23 and I taught 2nd grade
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? nothing my year was fabulous
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? blue jeans and a baby T
32. What kept you sane? Michael
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I've always been quite fond of Reese although I surely do love Keifer Sutherland now...
34. What political issue stirred you the most? well...it was an election year...but abortion is a big issue with me...I am Pro-LIFE
35. Who did you miss? my mommy and my daddy, Stephen and Ashley, Nanny and Pa, my kids from 2nd grade
36. Who was the best new person you met? Alyson Mansur
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. To be intentional in building relationships--with God, with my husband, and with others
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. I don't think a year of my life can be summed up in a song lyric...seriously? But a word? CHANGE

Baron

This is Baron, the puppy we are looking into adopting.

Potential New Addition

So, due to the break-in, Michael and I are seriously considering adopting a dog. Mainly to keep me company when Michael is away on business and also to bark at anyone who comes close to our apartment. Maybe the ferocious bark will be a deterrent. Anyways, we went to PetSmart today to look at some dogs that the Granbury Friends for Animals Adoption Shelter had there, and I absolutely fell in love with this big cuddly dog named Barron. He is a beagle/Australian Shepherd mix. He is big and black and furry and oh so soft! Plus he loves to snuggle! He just sat in my lap the whole time we chatted (and he's not small!) He is about 4 months old, so he still has a bit of growing to do. I am calling him Bear for short. He is real smart and can already fetch! I don't have a picture to show you, but if we adopt him, you can rest assured there will be a post featuring Bear.

If you think about it, please pray for us as we make this decision. It's a big responsibility financially and just in taking care of another living being. We want to make the right decision for us and Bear (or whatever dog we decide to adopt).

In other news, we discovered more missing items! Michael's toolbox and drill are gone. Luckily the insurance claim hasn't been finalized, so we can add those items.

School starts Thursday with 1 class and chapel. I think I have Monday off because of MLK day, so my 2 Monday classes won't start until the next week! I am ready to get back in the routine of school.

I can't think of anything else noteworthy to tell you! Happy Saturday!

Testing...plus news

Testing out this Scrapblog business. This one is kinda ugly, but I'm just testing it out and how to post it. I'll do better later.

FYI for those of you who follow the blog and family. Michael and I were the victims of a robbery Monday morning while we were at class and work. The bulk of our electronics including gaming systems and accessories were stolen. Thankfully, they were gone when I got home. Michael was out of town on an audit, but I was blessed to have a good friend, Alyson, come over and help me out. She and her husband hosted me at their apartment until Michael returned Tuesday night. Also, a very kind fellow student GAVE me a laptop. I was astonished. God never fails to bless even in the midst of trials! We have gotten all of the paperwork filed with the insurance company and should be able to replace nearly everything we lost. The door has been reinforced, so hopefully we are protected from further burglaries. We are also considering getting a dog although I just don't know if I'm ready for that kind of responsibility. We'll see. We are going to go "shop" for one at the pound on Saturday!

Due to the robbery though, I've lost ALL of my pictures from 2006 until the present unless they are posted on this blog. So if YOU have any pictures of us from the past 3 years, I would love for you to e-mail them to me. Especially pictures of Clara Beth, Matthew, Andrew, and Kaylea! You can e-mail them to meb88meb @ hotmail . com (remove spaces).

A Morning Exploring Downtown

Michael and I spent Saturday morning exploring downtown. We toured the Bass Performance Hall and walked through the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It really is amazing how clean downtown Fort Worth is. There is a free parking garage in walking distance of lots of great restaurants, entertainment, and a massive Barnes and Noble.

Christmas at the Ketchums

I promise, Christmas just gets better and better at the Ketchum's house as the little kids get bigger and bigger. As you know, we added two to our number this year--Andrew and Kaylea. Matthew turned 3 on Christmas day and Clara Beth isn't far behind him and will be 3 on March 3rd!

This year, Matthew has been obsessed with trains--especially Thomas. Santa brought him a train table and all sorts of wooden trains and tracks. Clara Beth was focused on being a princess and got lots of princess dress-up cloths and princess dolls! It is so crazy how different they are!

Matthew and Clara Beth also took on the job of distributing the presents as you will see in the pictures. Some of the presents were as big as they were! Then we all sat around and watched them tear into their packages, saving ours for naptime! Matthew was so cute, every time he opened something related to a train he just gasped in delight. Clara Beth's response to everything was "open it daddy!". We learned from last year NOT to open and assemble all the toys, but let them pick one to play with after opening everything. After the kids went down for their naps, the adults opened all their presents and played some Wii which was fun! We had a great time! I must say, I needed that baby fix! There is nothing--and I seriously mean NOTHING--in the world better than holding a sleeping infant. My only guess is that its better when it is your own!

Enjoy the pics!

Burks' Bumpin' Christmas and other Christmas Happenings

So I had every intention of writing a very witty narrative conveying the hilarity that was Christmas day at the Burks' household this year. But alas, my brother has beat me to it and done a far superior job than I ever would have, so visit their blog and read all about it.

My cousin Bryan and his wife Becca visited us for New Year's and the Cotton Bowl, and Bryan and I agreed that this was probably the most fun Christmas we can remember in the recent past. It was a wonderful day filled with enjoying family MINUS the tension that a day with the family often brings if you know what I mean!

My sweet darling husband was kind enough to let me go home to visit with friends early. I rode with Deanna to Mississippi the Sunday before Christmas and had three WHOLE days to visit with friends and family! WOW!

Monday morning--after stopping by the store for a visit with Dad which I miss SO much--I had a wonderful lunch with Lauren and Day at the Back Door with surprising conversation discussing theology concerning Mary (the mother of Jesus). I know! We're a little weird! Lauren will also be starting her second semester of grad school in counseling this January (at MSU)! Day will be headed for a 6 month mission trip to Germany in early January. I also swung by Pizazz Monday morning to check in on Lindsey! We had a good quick visit.

Also Monday afternoon, I was so excited to get to hang out with my cousin Carley! We had a blast just running errands and watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. It was great to catch up with her and reminisce over the trials of high school! (She is currently a junior at Pickens Academy)

Tuesday mom and I finished up shopping and wrapping. Then Tuesday night, Alan and Erica came over to hang out with me for awhile before Stephen's ENTIRE crew came over and invaded the house. It was so nice to hang out with Erica though. I forget how easy it is to hang out with a good friend. They already know how dorky you are and love you anyways, so you don't have to try. Good stuff.

Then Wednesday morning I got to hang out with two of my favorite people from high school and college--Day (yes again) and Jenna! We were brave and met early at 8 am for breakfast so we wouldn't make our parents mad! The time really got away from us! It was 10 before we realized it. Again, hanging out with old friends is truely the best. We can always pick up where we left off no matter how many months have gone by!

Then I headed over to Nanny's house to help make dressing (which has become a tradition in recent years....I am a slow learner). This year, my dear sweet mother tried to commandere (I probably didn't spell that right but am too lazy to check it) the operation! I had to remind her this was MY job and she could just watch! It didn't help much! We had a good time though. Michael FINALLY arrived Christmas Eve around 9! Boy did I miss him!!

Stephen and Ashley stayed at mom and dad's from Monday night on, so I had lots of good quality time with them (even though Ashley spent most of her time reading Breaking Dawn---I understand though, so I forgive her). Which included Stephen pitching a fit in the middle of making pancakes for breakfast and refusing to finish! He is such a baby sometimes! He was mad because Mom didn't have a griddle like he did but only a griddle that you set on the eye. It just wasn't big enough for him!

Anyways, all that was probably boring to you, but it was so much fun for me and each person I visited means so much to me! I wouldn't be who I am without any of them!

I will do a separate post on the Ketchum Christmas!