Confession Time.....

I gotta confess guys.  I know I'm in the very small minority here, but I'm sad about the Tom Cruise  and Katie Holmes divorce.

I was one of their biggest supporters when they got together.  I watched Tom Cruise go crazy about her on Oprah and yet, there was something about him that made me think, "He really does adore her!" and I STILL think he does.  I told all my friends and family that and they all looked at me like I had two heads, but even now, I think they still love each other....Their religious beliefs were just too different.

I know a lot of people thought they wouldn't last, and I'm really sad that they didn't, but IF the reports are true and Tom's involvement with Scientology had to do with the split, then I think Katie did what she had to do for her sake and her daughter's.

I wish things had gone differently for them.  I really do believe Tom's feelings (and hers for him) were genuine and I was hoping they would prove the naysayers wrong.  Only they know what really went on and what the real reason behind their divorce was, but my heart goes out to both of them and I wish them all the best as they move on.

Ten Years Later: I Remember.

I remember..... where I was that day. I had just gotten to my dorm. Like usual, I set my breakfast down on my desk, turned on the "Today Show" as I set about making sure I was prepared for a speech I had to give that morning. Matt and Katie kept me company in the background as I went over my notes.

I remember.....I got up and walked over to my fridge and had opened it and bent down to grab a Dr. Pepper when I heard the words, "We have breaking news that a plane has crashed into the World Trade Center...." I stood up, thinking I MUST have heard wrong. And then pictures started popping up on screen of a smoke filled NYC. I stood there frozen. The door to my refrigerator wide open and a Dr. Pepper in my hand. This couldn't be real, could it? No idea how long I stood glued to my kitchen floor with cold air still escaping from my fridge, but eventually I snapped out of it long enough to close it, and sit down at my desk turning up the volume, and watched in horror as news reports came pouring in with horrific images to accompany them. I remember gasping as I watched the second plane hit, and thinking, "How much worse can it get?" My answer came shortly after when the buildings collapsed.

I remember.....My speech was forgotten. Getting ready for that seemed so incredibly inconsequential compared to what was going on. I looked at the clock and noticed that I'd been glued to the T.V. for close to an hour and it was well past time for me to leave for class. I gathered up my stuff, made sure I had my phone with me and hurried out the door....The T.V. was still on.

I remember.....Getting to the Dan Rather building and barely being able to get to my class because people were gathered outside an office glued to a T.V. seeing everything unfold.

I remember.....Two girls in my class had relatives working in NYC and they were beside themselves.

I remember.....Getting up and numbly giving my speech. What usually made me a nervous wreck was something I just did on that day....I didn't care HOW I did either, all of us were on auto-pilot (you could tell from the dazed look everyone that got up to gave a speech had on their face. We all just wanted out of there).

I remember...... leaving that class and going directly to my second (and final) class of the day....It was canceled.

I remember....Heading straight to the LSC and looking to see which line was shortest (pizza). I grabbed one, paid, and headed back to my dorm as quickly as I could get there.

I remember..... that being one of the few days I didn't make my usual trip to the library to study.

I remember....My T.V. and more nightmarish images of that day still blaring as I unlocked my door and went inside. It wasn't a dream, it was a nightmare and people were living it.

I remember.....America changed forever that day, WE ALL changed forever that day.

I remember. I have never forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers are with those that lost loved ones ten years ago, and that ache every day because of it. May God continue to comfort those who mourn, and protect those who serve. God bless America!

Update on Escapee

Click HERE to read the details of his capture!

Thanks to each and every law enforcement officer that has worked tirelessly to catch this guy!

Short Night, Long Day!

When your cell phone rings at 4:30 in the morning and you roll over and glare at the screen to see your sister calling, you're heart seems to drop into your feet. However, when you find out she's calling you with THIS NEWS and tells you "Go wake up Mom and Dad...He's in your neighborhood..." Your heart seems to drop, and speed up at the same time.

This was my reality this morning. Growing up in a city that has more prisons than anything else, you sort of get used to the occasional inmate escape. You're alert, but not paranoid. And being the daughter of a cop, being aware of our surroundings is nothing new, it's our lifestyle. So, I wasn't really worried as I hung up with my sister and got out of bed. However, As I exited my room to wake my parents, I was greeted with the flashing lights of blue and red reflecting off our front door pane. I literally ran down the hall and woke my parents, telling them about the situation and that it seemed a police car was in our driveway. Dressing quickly, my Dad went to look out the window. There were indeed TWO police cars stationed right outside our house. Our neighbors across the street were out of town and we had been watching their house for them. Next to their house was an empty heavily wooded lot.

Dad, being a retired police officer knew protocol and didn't want to be in the way. It wasn't until a third car showed up that he ventured out to identify himself to the cops and make them aware that our neighbors hadn't been home for a few days. He was told they were waiting for the search dogs to arrive. So, we all sat in the living room and listened to radio updates. Soon, our subdivision was in full lock down, and we heard a search chopper overhead. As daylight broke, we noticed police walking our street with search dogs and several police cars surveying the area. At one point we had four police cars parked along our curb. Despite the seriousness of the situation, we felt like we were the safest people in the neighborhood at that point. LOL!

As I write this entry, the inmate is still at large, but things in our area have calmed down. It's not known where he is, but it's apparent by the diminishing police presence, that our neighborhood is no longer a huge point of interest (at least not right now).

Days like today have made me grateful for several things:

- Our local law enforcement. I grew up with a cop, so I've always had an incredible respect for them. They've done an amazing job at keeping us informed and just their simple presence in the early hours of this morning was a comfort.

-The fact that I don't live alone. Seriously, it was REALLY nerve wracking this morning. I would have HATED being alone under those circumstances.

- A big sister that calls in the middle of the night to make sure we are aware of what's going on.

-Our local radio station for the great job they did of keeping everyone informed.

-Facebook. Laugh if you must, but this was a great tool that allowed us to what was going on in other parts of our neighborhood.

-The fact that I no longer work on Tuesday's. It would've been a nightmare trying to get out of here this morning, and I was happy to be able to stick close to home today.

It's been a whirlwind day, no doubt about it. But in the midst of so much uncertainty today, there was a lot to be thankful for.

My prayers tonight go out to those still searching for this person. May all of this come to a peaceful conclusion very soon!

Today, Her Prince Has Come!

Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a Princess. My childhood best friend and I spent hours together pretending to be Royals going to a ball, and I spent more than one Halloween in a fake crown and dress going door to door telling my neighbors,"Trick or Treat! Princess Natalie needs candy!"

This morning, I was up at three a.m. along with two billion other people, and watched as Kate Middleton wed her Prince, and in doing so, became a true Princess!

I drank in every single thing about the ceremony. From Prince William arriving to the abbey in his royal garb, to the absolutely beautiful bride walking in with her father, her incredible gown and train flowing behind her.

I smiled as Prince William whispered, "you look beautiful" to his bride upon her reaching the alter, and my ears drank in the accents as the couple spoke their vows to each other (because you know my love for accents--Especially, British accents).

I took in the glances and smiles they gave each other during the ceremony, and my heart loved the phrases spoken by the archbishop when he said, "Be who God meant you to be, and you can set the world on fire!" Everything in me loved how it was stated that all weddings are Royal because we are all children of the Creator, and I loved how the Creator was deeply woven into the entire service.

The romantic in me loved the way William gently helped his new wife as they kneeled to pray, making sure she was settled before bowing his head, and how he held her hand securely and confidently as they exited the church to throngs of well wishers and helped her in the carriage. Once settled, Kate looked to her husband and appeared to say, "I'm so happy!"

*I* was so happy about an hour later when the new Duke and Duchess appeared on the balcony to wave to the crowd. Upon giving each other the traditional balcony kiss, they seemed to respond to the crowds chants of "Kiss again! Kiss again! Kiss again!" William appeared to be coaxing his wife playfully with a few words as she laughed, and a few seconds later, their lips met again for an unheard of SECOND balcony kiss! The couple laughed at the roaring applause, gave a last wave, joined hands and headed back inside once more.

Yes, I've always dreamed of becoming a princess, and today, my dream, became Kate's reality! I pray for them as they begin this journey together. May they be protected, blessed, and guided by the One who joined them together!

Congratulations, William and Kate!

*Disclaimer: NONE of the images in this entry are mine.*

Help For Haiti

I think most of us are feeling pretty helpless right now as we look and see the devastation caused by the Earthquake in Haiti. As a friend of mine said earlier, "I wish I could do more." The good news is, God CAN do more! If we do what we can, I fully believe God will do what we can't! Below are just a few ways you can help if you feel inclined.

Help Compassion Children Affected by Earthquake

Donate to the Red Cross

World Vision

Mission of Mercy

All of these are great ways to help. Most importantly though, please pray for those affected and those going to help with the relief efforts. Thanks!

Pray big, believe big, because GOD IS BIG ENOUGH!

One Year Later....I Remember

One year ago today, hurricane Ike made landfall.

I still remember SO clearly being glued to the television at my Aunt's house in Dallas watching the continuous coverage of things as it made landfall early that morning and watching the coverage all the next day as image after image showed the power of Ike and the devastation it caused so many. I remember coming home and on the way seeing truck after truck after truck of electrical companies and such heading south to do whatever they could to help. I remember seeing how blessed we were when our house sustained no damage and how quickly our power was restored when the people across the street had no power for close to a week. Take a look back at my post from a year ago HERE. My prayers continue to go out to those still trying to rebuild and put their lives back together.

I remember how God sustained us then and how He continues to sustain us a year later. I remember....And I'm thankful!

Dear 2009 Hurricanes....

Dear 2009 Hurricanes,

Today marks the beginning of yet another hurricane season. It seems like just yesterday that you left us with Ike aftermath to clean up. So, may I ask that you take it easy on everyone this season? As much as I enjoy watching Frank Billingsley, I'd rather NOT see him have to do 24 hour coverage an approaching hurricane as we all sit glued to the t.v. wondering if we'll be evacuating or "hunkering down." Yes, hurricanes, please make it a very underwhelming season this year....We'd all appreciate it!

Respectfully,

Someone who's glad that at least she doesn't live in Florida

Hope

"While we breathe, we hope." ~President-Elect Barack Obama.~

As I sat and listened to his victory speech last night, it was that line that struck me and that is still with me this morning. I love it!

We hope. Yes, we do. We should be filled with hope because the alternative.....The alternative can't be an option.

My hope is in Christ. He's on the Throne, He's in control, and He has a plan. A plan FILLED with hope!

We breathe. We hope. We believe. We trust Him to lead us and our next president to GREAT places!

I pray YOU are full of hope today!

PSA From Yours Truly

Those of you that know anything about me, or have read even just a few posts on this blog know how firmly I believe that one person can make all the difference. Your voice matters!

That being said, I ask that all of you get out and vote on November 4th if you have not already participated in early voting.

Thanks, and God bless America!

Earthquakes in Texas

Sounds crazy, but it's true! Here's the story.

I'm going to keep this article and when my parents try and talk me out of moving to L.A. "because they have earthquakes there" I'll be able to say, "we have them here too!" ;)

Hurricane Ike Has Come and Gone...

My family and I are present and accounted for. We arrived home from Dallas (In Coppell...Yes, Clayton, I thought about you and would have called but don't have the number) just a short while ago after being gone since Friday morning.

We made the decision to leave after watching the news and deciding that hurricane Ike wasn't going to do what Rita did at the last minute and turn. Thankfully, we had relatives up in Dallas ready and willing to let us stay there as long as needed. So, my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew, Tazzie (our dog) and myself left Huntsville early Friday morning and "hunkered down" in Coppell.

The hurricane made landfall at 2:10 a.m. Saturday morning in Galveston and came through Huntsville as a Category One hurricane around four. Our neighbors across the street kept us updated on things with our house and how things were around town. We were glued to the news channel in Coppell (which had been gracious enough to allow channel 11 news from Houston to do continuous coverage of the storm/aftermath). So thankfully, we were able to stay up to date through that as well.

As we were coming home this morning, we passed 56 AT&T trucks all headed south and 21electrical trucks headed the same direction. It brought tears to my eyes knowing that they were headed to help people in such great need. And it was especially moving because as we were seeing these convoy's the song "Home" by Blake Shelton was playing on the radio and I was thinking about all the people who wished they could go home!

I was surprised how much we DIDN'T see as we came into town...Sure there were trees down here and there and yes, the lines at the gas stations (those that have gas) are forever long but I was expecting more. Well, when we turned down our street...We got more. It looks like a war zone. Trees down on houses, yards are a mess, trees on power lines. It's unbelievable! There is NO DOUBT whatsoever that God had an army of angels surrounding our house and that His Hand was over our house and us during this time...Here's a few reasons why:

* A tree of our neighbor's fell across our driveway. It missed our house AND my dad's truck by six inches.

* We are one of the few residents that have power in our neighborhood. We were originally told it could be out for as long as four weeks. It was restored last night.

* None of the stuff in our refrigerator or freezer spoiled.

* Besides a mess in the front yard and the tree that fell, that was the only damage we sustained.

We were not lucky. We were BLESSED. God's gracious Hand was and is upon my family. My sister and her family are still without power but they had no damage to their house and are just dealing with things in the yard.

Thank you SO SO SO much to those of you who sent texts and made phone calls to make sure I was okay. Darenee, Kim, and Kristi, you guys are THE BEST. There's a reason you guys are called my best friends and I know a couple of you were being hit with this as well and to get texts from you and phone calls meant so much. Thank you for the concern and for the constant friendship even in the midst of madness.

Please continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Ike. Darenee, I know you were hit especially hard. I love you and I'm praying constantly for you guys. If you need me, please call me.

Thank you once again for you all concern and prayers. We are here. We are safe. And we are so so SO thankful.

A New Favorite

Any of you who have ever gotten those "getting to know you" surveys from me will know that my answer to the question "favorite sport to watch?" has always been gymnastics and is usually followed with a comment about my admiration for gymnast Shannon Miller.

Seeing Shannon perform and win in the 1996 games in Atlanta really got me into the games as I rooted for her and her team mates that year.

Since her "retirement", I have to say I haven't found another favorite to root for the way I did Shannon...Until the 2008 games....

can tell you now that my answer to the question, "favorite sport to watch?" will now include another sport and another favorite:

Michael Phelps and his quest to make Olympic history during these games have given me reason to be excited again. Not since Shannon Miller have I rooted for someone so much. What he does in the water at every competition has blown my mind and his humble attitude and the credit he gives to others has given me even more reason to like him. I have found that I look forward to the swimming competitions more than any other. It's been great to be excited about the games again and to have another favorite to root for! And I'm already excited about the 2012 Olympics in London to see how many more medals Michael Phelps will win there!

Congratulations Michael on making history and showing others what can happen when we DREAM BIG!

Rest in Peace Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch who's known for "The Last Lecture" passed away this morning. He was truly an inspiration to so many people. Please keep his wife and three children in your prayers.

The news article is HERE.

Rest in Peace, Randy. The lessons you left here will continue on.