Cecelia and Leyla

This is a message I received the other night on my phone.



Translation:

CC:
(gibberish)
"Auntie Charlotte"
(shrieking gibberish)

David:
"Ok, Leyla's turn"

Leyla:
"Hi"
"Hi. I love you!"
"Uh-oh"

David:
"Hello?"

Leyla:
"Hello?"

Re: Operation Christmas Child

See if this doesn't inspire you further:

Operation Christmas Child

One of the many things I love to do every year is pack up a shoebox for a ministry of Samaritan's Purse : Operation Christmas Child. Every Christmas, Samaritan's Purse ships thousands of boxes to children across the globe who otherwise would not have anything for Christmas.

This year, Nate helped me pack up a box. We chose to give to a boy aged 10-14. Check out the goodies!

This is a really fun thing to do and in the end you can be confident that you will make one child's Christmas brighter. Hurry! You can still make a box through Nov 23.

Samaritan's Purse also offers a gift catalog for the Christmas Season where you can purchase items such as a goat, mosquito nets, or contribute to needs such as education and medical aid for those in need. What a great way to make a charitable donation this Christmas!

Milk Maid Caramel Candy Corn

Nate and I hit the clearance Halloween candy aisle on November first and stumbled across Brach's Milk Maid Caramel Candy Corn. I admit, I am not a candy corn person (or a candy person in general). I can manage to eat about two, and then I'm on to something else. But oh man, these things are good. Perhaps it's partially due to my love of hard, chewy caramel. It reminds me of Caramel Krispie Treats, which I'll have to make very soon.

Laughing Matters #4- Mad Scientist in the House (and it's not me)

Last weekend as Nate and I awoke from our slumbers, I was my usual perky self and popped right out of bed and was already heading towards the kitchen. Nate tends to wake up more slowly so I didn't expect to hear a peep out of him, but then as I stepped out of our bedroom I heard him yell something.

"Polypeptide!"

Yep. The first word out of his mouth. This guy has science on his mind. And I like it!

Speaking of Nate and science, I have been occasionally taking his quizzes/exams and I am currently failing Earth Science, have a B+ in Chemistry, and an A- in Biology...

2 seconds of fame

I was recently informed that I'm famous.

On the front page here is a video about Ben Hayes' efforts to start a new church in the medical center. For a brief moment, you will see me with my friend Kim, who also helped to start this growing church. Although I don't attend Church in the Center, I do attend weekly lunch/devotionals with this great group of people.


Read the full story about Ben's efforts to reach out to the medical center community.

Caffeine-free

I gave up coffee/caffeine near the end of 2007. It was the best decision I ever made.

Ok, not really. But it was a good one. I've decided I don't really like the taste of coffee... it was really the flavored dairy creamers that I liked so much.

Even though I have avoided caffeine for 2 years now, that doesn't mean that I never have caffeinated beverages. Once in a while I'll treat myself while I'm out or in social situations. Often I will ask for the decaffeinated version if it's available. But if not, I prepare myself for a racing heartrate, more energy than I really know what to do with, and a sleepless night ahead.

Here are some of my favorite occassional drink substitutes to coffee:

1) Iced sweet tea. I could drink a gallon of this stuff in a week. Decaf option: No.

2) Coke. Of the Dr. Peppery variety. Decaf option: Yes.

3) McDonald's Vanilla Iced Coffee. A must-have on any road trip which Nate and I embark on. This makes for a hyper passenger to travel with. Decaf option: No.

4) Herbal teas or decaffeinated black teas. Decaf option: Yes.

5) Starbucks alternatives: Decaf vanilla soy latte, Calm Tazo tea with lots of honey, and recently, Caramel Apple Spice Cider, and Decaf PEPPERMINT MOCHA (can't wait for this to be available!). Decaf options: Yes.

6) Plain iced tea. I have to be in the right mood, but I could certainly down this stuff in a hurry. Decaf option: Not that I know of... is this served anywhere?

And that, my friends, is how my body has remained virtually caffeine-free for two years. And I feel great.