my so-called life.

So what's the happs these days, you might ask. Well, my so-called life has been pretty busy, work included, leaving me with not a whole heap of a lot of time to blog. I could just throw my hands up in the air and forget about retroactive updates, but I'll try to give you a brief synopsis...so here goes nothin'.

The south experienced not one, not two, but like forty-five snow/ice storms this past winter leaving me to work from home multiple days and I'll be the first to say, stir crazy doesn't even begin to cover my feelings during snowmageddon/lockdown. Apparently, we now have a real winter and the following is documentation.


Just as soon as the streets were cleared, I headed out of town on a little business trip to the Big Apple. Would you believe the weather was actually warmer up there than down in tejas? I felt like a real adult, traveling for work, and my trip was absolutely perfect from start to finish. There were dinners with friends, glasses of bubbly, coffees from Dean & Deluca, cupcakes from Crumbs, salads from Cosi (oh how I miss thee), walks in the park, rides on the subway, several trips to H&M...oh, and I did work at our NY offices, but that was a minor detail. I had a marvelous time and I really did not want to leave...







The very next weekend I headed down to the ATX for the 3rd (or was it 4th) annual fousin Valentine's weekend. We hit up the flagship Whole Foods for a wine tasting extravaganza, had tapas and wine at Malaga, dined on a fabulous brunch at South Congress Cafe and enjoyed great conversation throughout.








The following weekend was the baptism of my dear friend Hailey's son, Mr. Bryce Camden. It was only the second time I had seen this precious little love and I was so glad I got to be there. All her friends and family attended the service and then gathered together for a fun brunch at The Pub just down the street from the picturesque church. It was such a beautiful day of celebration and my heart is overjoyed for the blessing this baby has already been.





So that's it for now, dear reader. I still have some addendums on this, but I'll wrap this up for now as I grow weary of waiting for these blasted pictures to upload. Until we meet again...

it is well with my soul.

I almost hesitate posting at all, but I will not let my pride get the best of me. My pride would say that I don't have the proper words to articulate my sentiments in the most eloquent or deserving manner, but I will go ahead and issue the disclamimer that my words are a mere trifle compared to the life and love I wish to reflect on.

This morning, March 22, 2011, Mazie Lawrence (Grandma) passed away or rather, her living soul left her earthly body.

I shall keep this brief and simply say her life was one marked by selfless, unconditional love. In her actions, words and faith, it seemed the things of this world were not merely superfluous but almost not even thought of. Her character was utterly devoid of vanity and materialism. Though she never had much, she always had more than enough for everyone else, be it neighbors, friends, family, friends of friends, priests and the list goes on. She made a mean brisket and her roast was legendary, but I think I will remember her kisses to everyone that came through her door even more than her unmatched skills in the kitchen.





I could go on but I will close with saying she was an excellent example of dying to self to allow Christ to live through her. She loved her neighbor like herself and I know her reward will be great in God's kingdom.

Romans 8:17-1917 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

in Christ alone

"So come, my soul, come and let us go to God by self-abandonment. Let us acknowledge that we are incapable of becoming holy by our own efforts, and put our trust in God, who would not have taken away our ability to walk unless he was to carry us in his arms."
-Abandonment to Divine Providence

I am stealing this quote from my dear cousin, Elisa. It resonated so strongly with me when she passed it along to me last week. I've been meaning to post it on my blog, but alas, life has happened and time simply got away from me.

Nevertheless, I thought this quote was a marvelous thought to meditate on as we have entered the holy season of Lent. No matter what we are giving up, fasting from or sacrificing, we are absolutely incapable of becoming holy on our own efforts. As Paul reminds us, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that NO man may boast.

Please do not misunderstand or misconstrue my thoughts into one who does not participate in Lent or believe in the spiritual disciplines that bring us closer to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, as someone who has struggled with the idea that His grace is sufficient, that I am forgiven and that I am fully loved exactly where I am at this very moment, I find it necessary to reflect on the gospel and fundamental certainty that it is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me that allows me to receive salvation. For "I know there is nothing good that lives in me, that is in my sinful nature, for I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out" (Romans 8). Praise God for His saving grace.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand."

where would I be without my Savior?

The following was a little write-up from yesterday's "Join the Journey" which is basically just a daily devotional from Watermark designed to corporately "journey" through specific books of the Bible. It really spoke to my heart, so I thought I would share:

A song by Patrick Ryan Clark called "Where Would I Be Without My Savior?" keeps running through my head. Part of the chorus declares, "Where would I be without His unending mercy? I have life because His life was laid down."

God is absolutely perfect; so all my imperfections (sins) separate me from Him.

God is absolutely just; so my sins must be dealt with and not simply ignored.

But God is also absolutely loving; so He was willing to suffer and die in my place (and yours)!

What we must do is to admit we need a Savior and accept His free gift of grace. No matter what your life looked like in the past, God's love and forgiveness can and will save you if you choose to believe.

I am immediately directed to 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God." A love so amazing, so incomprehensible...it is no wonder many find it difficult, if not impossible to accept this free gift, but it is the only thing worth living for.

I do not know where I would be without His redemptive love and the knowledge that His grace is sufficient and His mercies are new every morning.

music and passion were always in fashion...

At the Copa, Copa Cabana. Last month (yes, I'm behind), we had our big company holiday bash which was dubbed the "Copa Cabana." It was to celebrate a very successful 2010 and served as a great excuse to get dressed up, have a little bubbly and get down on the dance floor.


The classy affair was held across the street from the Winspear Opera House and the venue was designed to be super swanky and very chic. There were little lounges set up throughout the room with all white couches and decor. The night started with cocktails and casino tables, but I wasn't so interested in "rolling the dice." I enjoyed some champagne, nibbled on the food spread and got to chat with my cousin, Molly!


Once the poker tables were put to rest, the band cranked up and the real party got started. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that the dance floor was on fire. It was a really fun group and the band could very well be the best I've heard. They really sounded like every artist they played and interacted with the crowd. I tore it up and may or may not have done a dramatic interpretation of "Bad Romance."

Before leaving the fiesta, we took advantage of the photo booth they had set up for all the party goers. I wish I had our pictures scanned, but maybe I'll update this post once I do. They are a sight for sore eyes as the photo booth was stocked with various props, hats, sunglasses, etc.


All in all, it was a really fun night and the "music and passion were (definitely) in fashion...at the Copa, Copa Cabana!!"

unspeakable joy.

I interrupt this blog to post a picture that fills my heart with joy that's overflowing.


To some of you, it may just seem like any other picture, but to me, it's so much more. On the one hand, it brings me unspeakable joy to see Haylee embracing her role as an older sister. For those of you who don't know, she wasn't exactly ecstatic to have to share the family's affections when Meredith came along. Slowly but surely, she has begun to come around and I know she will cherish their relationship as the years go by.

But...on the other hand, when I look at this picture, I see my older sister, Michelle (played by Haylee), pushing me (played by a much darker haired Meredith). It almost brings me to tears because in a strange way, I am getting to view myself as a child (hang with me here). When I look at them, I can't help but compare them to my sister and me. I go back to those innocent days as a carefree child...it is such a sweet moment.

for auld lang syne.

Well well well, it's nearing the end of January and I've finally decided to put up my new year's post. Gosh, what can I say? 2011 has been busy and/or I've been rather slothful in regards to my blog. Nevertheless, better late than never, so here is a brief recap of bidding adieu to 2010 and ringing in 2011.

My New Year's Eve consisted of a "Decades Party," i.e. come dressed as your favorite decade. I went with the old standby of my 20s flapper-esque motif...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Approximately 70-75% of the guests may or may not have been party crashers who happened to have no clue it was a costume party, so I was definitely in the minority, but I always love an excuse to dress up so I wasn't too concerned. It was a fairly standard shindig, not too much to note, but let's be honest with ourselves, who can actually count one of their new year's eves among one of the most memorable nights of their life? Feel free to comment.







Moving on, my new year's day was actually quite delightful and more than made up for my rather mediocre new year's eve. It started off with a mimosa brunch that lasted well into the afternoon. There was quiche, monkey bread, scones, muffins, yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola...we sipped and nibbled for the better part of five hours. There might also have been a few rousing rounds of Catchphrase and our other favorite party game which involves a combination of charades, taboo and catch phrase. We have yet to give it a name, but we definitely need to do that at some point. Either way, it was a perfect way to spend the first morning/afternoon of 2011.




But the day didn't stop there. We (Crystal and myself) kept the good times rolling and headed to Meagan and Bryan's for a little wine tasting and game night. Always the party animal, Meagan's Grandma from Wisconsin joined in on the fun and proved to be quite the feisty competitor in Scene It...really strange since the Cavanaugh aren't at all competitive - ha ha. We finally called it a night somewhere around 3 AM that morning and I was beyond wiped for the better part of the next day. I just can't hang like I used to...








All in all, it was a top-notch way to start off the new year. I have every faith in the world it is going to be a great year and I look forward to everything God has in store for 2011. Cheers!!!