The One about the Dog...........

So, if anyone knows me (Tonya), they know that I love animals and I have wanted a dog for a looooooong time. But, we knew (me not always agreeing), that it was not time to get a dog, while in seminary. Which, was very true. So, once we moved up here, I was ready to get one, then I saw the price tag (had to get a hypo allergenic for J's allergies), and the vet bills to come along. So I let go, and knew at some certain time, I would eventually get one. I had no idea, how much God would bless me, with my patience and waiting. Here is my story of Molly.

In November, I got a text message from our old neighbor Christy, she texted "are you still wanting a poodle?", which I said "yes, why?". She then went on to tell me that a friend of hers, daughter piano teacher, had gotten a puppy and was no longer able to keep her. I then texted Jason, he said, "lets go look at her", which made my day! So after a few more text messages, I was getting ready for a phone call from the owner. But that night, she didn't call. So after a couple days of not hearing, I thought maybe she was able to keep the dog. But then, I got a phone call, from a very sweet lady. She had bought the puppy 3 weeks ago, and was unable to keep her due to personal circumstances.

Talking to her, she said "I do not want money, just a good home for my puppy". I thought "wow" is this really happening? After speaking to her, I found out that "Mindy" had been fixed, had her shots, and would come with a kennel. This was overwhelming, all the major expenses were taken care of! Next, we set up to meet on Friday before Thanksgiving at Petsmart in Fort Worth. I spoke to Jason and he said "you can have her", I gave him a huge hug and said THANK YOU! He said "Well I told you, when the time was right, we could get a dog. The time is right." I love my hubby :).

That Friday, I was excited and nervous. I went and got my oil changed and called up Amy (sis n law), and asked, "do you want to go w/me to get my puppy?", she screamed, "you're getting a puppy?!", I said yes! We then went to Petsmart and I saw her, the cute lil fluffy bundle of joy. Her owner was holding her, and I went up and introduced myself, she then handed me "Mindy", and she had me at first lick :).

We walked around Petsmart, visiting, seeing how "Mindy" and I did. You could say we hit it off. So, if the offer was still standing, I was gonna take her, and I did! The owner, also blessed me with prepaid training classes, I was in shock. She truly loved "Mindy" and it was not easy taking the puppy away from her. We then went outside and loaded Amys car with the stuff she had boughten. Let me tell you, this puppy was loved! She had sweaters, shirts, toys, chewies, back packs, food, treats, a bed, blankets, and a few more I can't think of! After loading up, we went back in the store to get a refund for training. Last, the owner, gave me a hug and said "I have to go", she was crying as she walked out, and it was very hard to see.

I now have a puppy is what I though, wow, this is gonna be a big change. We got her in the car, got my car loaded up and I headed to back home to Irving. "Mindy" and I hung outside for awhile, waiting for J to get home. He saw her and had a big smile on his face "shes cute" is what he said.

That's my story of who I now call Molly. She has been a joy for both of us to have, a ball of energy. She has a shirt that says LOL "Lots of Licks", which is truly her! She has given me a reason to get up early and not focus on my RA, which has been needed. I love my puppy, and can truly say, even the smallest things you wait for, God will bless you. He may not always give you what you want, but He will give you what you can handle and need. I truly believe I needed Molly and she needed me. I thank God for her everyday.

Here are pics of our bundle of craziness:

First couple of weeks with Molly. She has decided its fun to steal our socks!

Molly "came with" little chewies. At Petsmart they were 21 bucks a bag fpr 6, but for 12 bucks, I could get a 2 ft stick, which J could chop down, well, she loved it so much, we kept it long! She is now about done w/it!

Walking at the park.

What a pair! Allegro and Molly, they have tons of fun together!

Molly after being groomed. I liked her fuzzy look, which came back sooner than I thought.

There are many more stories to tell of Molly. How she terrorized my parents dogs, b/c of her hyper self, how she likes to jump over the baby gate we own, how she has peed on my couch and chair (not good moments), from playing to Allegro to her new favorite hobby eating pecans. I will try to share the stories weekly. Each day is a funny day with this little pup, and I hope to entertain you all!

Blessings,

Tonya

Update on Us!

Our new life here in Irving has started in full swing! Jason has been busy with his job, his first assignment was going to camp, which he got a departing gift when he came home, Influenza type A. If only I had pictures of the good patient (HA). After that, we moved. We then painted the house, and Jason was starting up with the beginning of the school year at church. Which included, Sunday School, Kidstuf (a drama presentation done every Sunday morning, Preschool (nursery), RA's, GA's, Mission Friends, and thats all I can think of right now. He's a busy guy, trying to coordinate these programs with an amazing group of people, that without their willing hearts, these programs would not be functioning!

Jason and the church's 1940's firetruck.

At our local Sonic, the Sonic Guy is always showing up. :)

In the middle of all of this, I got invited to start a neat bible study, called BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). I have really enjoyed it. If on Sunday mornings, I'm unable to get to service, and get "fed" with the message, I get a "fed" on Wednesday mornings! I am so happy to be a part of this!

Fall Festival was a great time. It was J's and I's first time being involved and running this type of program. With the team Jason has at work (Brenda assistant and Sue Ann preschool director), the festival went great, and had a great attendance. Amy, Jason and I all dressed up as 80's/90's "peeps", some thought J was more 70's, but we had fun! Lynn did my updo, and helped w/makeup, all to say, I'm glad I'm no longer in the 80's! After the festival, J and I celebrated with FREE chipotle, a nice finish to a crazy evening. The next morning, J preached, he did a great job, and I was extremely proud of him for achieving this, after a crazy week.

Allegro even got dressed up!






Above is Lynn and her dog Darby. Darby was not too excited about the big crowd, so Lynn put him in his house. The funny part was his house was by the bowl of candy that Lynn and Amber were giving out, so each time the kids reached for candy, they heard "GROWLLLL" and each kid jumped. It was better then any haunted house! :)

Soon after that, we got to go my parents for Thanksgiving. We spent a busy week there, which I got to bring a third somebody w/me, my new puppy Molly! (which I will blog next about) So the week was spent w/family and intense potty training!

December was pretty busy with Christmas parties. We were invited to quite a few, and had a lot of fun!
The picture collage, is a group of photos, for the Christmas Party that Jason and I held for all the workers in the children department. With help from Sue Ann (and family) and Claire, who are such talented people! We had On the Border Catering, and played "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader".

We also got to be part of a Christmas parade for the city of Irving. Children workers rode the firetruck. (We have a 1940's Firetruck, it's pretty cool.) We then did a small KidStuf production for the Christmas Eve service, and immediately made a 3 hour trip to J'Ville (which is usually 2 hours or less) due to the snow. Had a great Christmas, then Lance and Elizabeth (my bro and his wife) came to visit! We made homemade ravioli, went to Central Market, and just enjoyed visiting.


January then showed up somehow, and we are now here. A lot has already happened, which will again, be another blog.

Thanks for reading an update on us!

~Curry's

House Warming Party

Jason and I thought a housewarming party would be a great way to meet our neighbors and church family. We had a great time meeting people and visiting. We feel that this is not our home, it is God's, and want others to know they are always welcome! Our new home is a dream, I didn't know would come true so quickly after seminary. One day, I may write more about closing day, but today is not the day. We had the housewarming the first Saturday of October, it was a beautiful day. My mom even flew down from Kansas for the event! She helped me prepared the place, set up the kitchen, and gave tours of the house so I could rest :). I have a good mama. Amy (J's sister) took a ton of pictures for me and helped me out as well, shes a great sis in law and I'm lucky to have her! My dad was unable to come, and so were J's parents and sister Amber, but his Grandmother and Aunt Gail were able to come. It was so great to see everyone.

To prepare for the housewarming took a lot of work! After closing at the end of August, my parents came down and helped us pick out paint, curtains and a few extra things. We then began the process of painting the entire house. Now, the house had newly painted walls and new carpet, but the walls were a bluish white (kind of like the hair color some older ladies have). I was tired of white walls, I wanted a warmer color. So I chose warm caramel for all over the house, besides the kitchen, which I chose an olive color. I think they turned out great. Rodney came down and he and I painted the guest room and the master bedroom, then the following Saturday, Jason (he was unable to help due to work), Lynn, Amber, Amy, and Cliff and Angie Walker came to join us. We are incredibly thankful for everyones help! In about 5 days, my house looked transformed. Then before the party, Jason spent his day off, helping me get pictures, mirrors, accessories out throughout the house. I think he's pretty great!

So all to say, it took a lot of preparation to get the house ready, and I think it turned out pretty good! Here are some pics to show ya'll.

Our New Home!

Front door, J put in a new floor for entrance.

Awww, My Chair :)

My favorite furniture, from my brother and sis n law :).

My new Kitchen :)

My mama helping!

Down the hallway, we had plastic down b/c of new WHITE carpet.

Our bedroom, its so big!

Guest room.

Office

The Big Move

Ok, so I realize this is about 7 months overdue, and I apologize. Life got really busy when we got here, and it seemed I never had time to blog. I am now scheduling a blog day, to at least blog at least once a week!

Here are some pictures, that my wonderful BFF :) Amanda took. The move and moving in days were crazy. Even with packers and movers, it was a bit insane. Yes, the church blessed us tremendously, with movers and packers, I know. They were informed of my RA, and said you don't need to be packing, they were wonderful to us! (and still are ;) ) Without the help of Rodney, Amy, and the Ericksons (David and Amanda), I'm sure it could not of been done.

This is a simple THANK YOU to all those that have helped us get to where we are, with the move, with the first 5 years of marriage. We know that it was God, who got us to where we are today, we never knew that we'd be able to buy a house. We are blessed!


Here are some pics (all courtesy of Amanda):


I'm surrounded!

Ericksons helping us move stuff!


Moving company.


The crazy old man who showed up
to help us, aka father in law :).


Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!




Saying goodbye to a
great house and friends!



Our New Home!


My BFF :).

I felt like a kid again!

Our church did an outreach event this afternoon. As we were driving by our last house to visit, we drove by Sonic, and what did we see?






I felt like I met my superhero!!!!

Anyway, thought I'd share, while I'm sipping on my Happy Hour Diet Cherry Limeade!

~The Curry's

We're Back!-- with new recipes!

Hello to all of those that read our blog (which consist of maybe 5 people :) ). I have a lot of blogging to catch up on. From the move, to settling, to our house warming party. A lot! But for now, I wish to share a recipe with you. Tonight we had over some very special guests. They were Linda and Jon (our Real Estate agent and her husband, which he did a lot too!), and our broker, Jeanette. I call them our friends. Well last night, I did not know yet what to cook. But I knew I had a roast to cook, and thought, Mexican food sounded good. So I decided to try a new flavor, I have a Weber marinate seasoning and added a lil bit to it.

Tonight's Menu:

Chipotle Lime and Cilantro pulled beef
Jalapeno Honey Lime Vinaigrette w/a nice side salad w/chopped romaine lettuce, sliced red onions, tomatoes, and avocado.
Amy's Salsa :) (super yummy, a chunky salsa)
Pico De Gallo
Cilantro Lime Rice (like Chipotle's)
Homemade Guacamole
Grande Tortilla Chips: Salsa Limon- J and mines new love :).

Dessert:
Strawberry Shortcake (not the best, but it was good)



Roast Recipe:

2 lb. Roast
1 pckg. of Weber Chipotle Marinate Packet
3 Limes
Oil- use the amount the packet calls for
Cilantro- a handful

You put the roast into a zip lock bag (easy cleanup), next I microwave my limes to get the juices flowing as Rachael Ray says, and then I slice it in two, and poor all the juice I can get into a container, then I add the oil and cilantro with a bit a of salt. Mix it and poor it over the roast. Shake it up really good, and I had mine marinate for about 10 hours (overnight).

Next step, put it in the crock pot on low for 8 hours, by pouring the entire contents of the bag (including marinade), and let it cook! (I also added a few tbsp of water).

I let it cook until it pulls apart (or when the guest arrive!). Very important for the meat to absorb most of the liquid, if it doesn't transfer to a pot and cook it on the stove stop until it does.

I hope you enjoy!

Next the dressing was amazing, here is the link.

The rice was great, here's that link.

My friends Amy's salsa is great, super yummy!

3 Bell Peppers (red/orange/yellow)- chopped fine
1/2 Red Onion-chopped fine
1 can of Rotel
2 cans of Black Beans (or I've used black eyed peas or kidney)
1 package of frozen or can corn
salt to taste
1 tbsp of cumin seeds (she toast hers)
1 tbsp of garlic
1 Lime Juices
Handful of cilantro---adds a lot of flavor! (chopped)

I think thats it! I just usually use what I have, this time I used a can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilis. It worked, thanks Amy for all those office partys you made this!

The pico de gallo was similar, just tomatoes, garlic, cilantro red onion, and lime juice. I added it to the rest of the salsa at the end.

Guacamole was about the same:

6 Avocados
Handful of cilantro, chopped
1 clove of garlic
1/4 cup of onion
1 Lime Juices

Mix it all up, and put it in the fridge, w/the avocado pits, the lime juice and pits, keep it form turning brown!

Well, the dessert was simple, already bought shortcakes (dry unfortunately) w/strawberries and cool whip.

They seemed very happy with the results. Which made me very happy because we wanted to say THANK YOU for all they did for us! So, if you want to try any of these recipes, let me know how it turns out!

Good night!

~The Curry's (Tonya :) )


P.S.-- Amanda I hope you are happy with the one updated blog entry ;).

Pretty Exciting News for the Curry's!!!

Ok, well the last blog shared how our life may of had a few bumps in the road. Through all the bumps, God has still been there. These past couple of weeks we have been overwhelmed. As I've told you before Jason's resume has been out since August 2008. There were times we've been discouraged but we knew God had something in store. Well what has happened these past few weeks, have been a whirwind!

Jason has had a couple of interviews with Search Committees from about 3 churches. (1 in Louisiana, 2 in Texas) We were excited about these and Jason felt good about each of them. Our prayer was to go where God wanted us. A church in Irving, called and asked for a third interview (Jason had two prior interviews with them, one phone, the other in person with just him, this third interview, included me), we were pretty excited, and the search committee team we met were great, including the Pastor and Executive Pastor. We were not sure how it went, until..........

June 23, Jason called me and said "How are you?", I said "Good, how are you?", his response "I'm on cloud 9, Irving offered me the job." My response "Seriously?!?!". We were overwhelmed and excited. The next steps would be prayer and asking a few more questions. Jason wanted to talk to Keith (chairman of the search committee), and ask a few questions. He called him on Wednesday and they spoke, after prayer and talking with each other, we thought "God, this is too much, is this where you want us?" We knew it was. Jason called on Thursday to say "I am humbled and honored to accept." From then on, confirmation after confirmation, told us this was where we were suppose to be.

The next step was to be prepared for a place a live. I say, prepared, because we still had a meet and greet with the church, and they had to vote on us. So we decided to go Apartment Hunting, not fun! We then, for entertainment applied for a house loan to see if we were approved, and we were.Which then started a new phase.........housing hunting.

Through the house hunting process, we found an amazing lady who is a member of the church, Linda Stone. Such a wonderful lady, who has made this process so easy. We could not imagine doing this with anyone else! She has helped us with every step of the way, including helping us meet another great lady, Jeanette, who has been working on our loan. We plan to use Linda each time we move, regardless where! :) After a couple weekends and many phone calls and emails, I am happy to say we have found a house and are under contract. And as long as all goes well, we hope to sign papers end of August.

So, to conclude this story, Keith came and brought us info on the church, it was good to start to see what and who the church was. Next we met with Larry the executive Pastor and his wife, Carrie, we went to Pf Changs (very good!) and had a great tme. We had a meet and greet, where we met with the church family this past Saturday, such a precious/loving/fun group. Had a tour of the church, signed a contract for the house and then went to relax!The church gave us a great weekend with putting us up in a room at the Embassy Suites, such a relaxing and fun time. We really needed it! Then on Sunday, we met with more workers and volunteers and Jason got voted as the new Minister of Young Families for Plymouth Park Baptist Church!

We are so excited and scared at the same time. Jason has already worked two days and is blown away at how blessed he is, we hope to move in about two weeks to temporary housing and then in September move into our house! In the meantime I am finishing up my job at SWBTS, my last day being July 22. I am asked if I'm going to find a job, currently not right now, going to focus on the move and my RA, as well as getting involved and knowing my new church family. I hope also to blog a little more with recipes and life!

We right now want to pinch ourselves, because life is pretty amazing. Thank you all for your continued words of encouragement and prayer! (felt those prayers all the time!) Please don't stop praying though, please continue praying for us as we enter this next step in this thing called life.....

Here is our future home

Blessings,

The Curry's :)