The Great Burger Debate

vs.






For awhile now my brother, Hollis, and I have been debating about the best burger. He talks about his beloved 5 Guys Burgers and Fries like God formed it himself and I admit I could eat my Smashburger almost daily.

I had not had the 5 Guys experience until today, after church, but lets say it took a little convincing. I was really craving a Smashburger but due to the distance away from our house, Ben and I decided that we would just get Whataburger on the way home. The topic of 5 Guys came up and I reluctantly agreed to try it.

1. I knew that if it wasn't like Smashburger I would be disappointed.
2. I didn't want to ruin what would have been a pleasant afternoon with our reliable Whataburger to try something new and not like it.

The condition however, was that if I didn't like 5 Guys Ben would take me to TCBY so I figured it was a safe bet.

Upon arriving I immediately noticed there were bags upon bags of sesame seed buns...really? Ordinary buns? They immediately lost points in my book and I hadn't even ordered yet. However when we walked in the staff did say "Howdy" to us so for the sake of College Station nostalgia 5 Guys gained a point back.

I ordered my usual cheeseburger with mustard and extra pickles (wanted to be fair in my judging so I ordered something I knew I should like) and Ben ordered a Bacon Cheeseburger with BBQ (what Hollis orders).

We did not order any fries because despite 5 Guys apparently being famous for their fries I heard they aren't so great and to not waste the money. This however doesn't make a difference in my decision of the best burger place because I don't care for Smashburger's fries either.

Upon eating my burger I was pleasantly surprised that my 5 Guys burger tasted very similar to my usually preferred Smashburger. HOWEVER, the bun (as mentioned previously) was not my favorite. I knew from the beginning of the experience that the ordinary sesame seed bun were not going to cut it. Smashburger has egg buns and they are just the right fluffy buttery texture and have a small crunch from being thrown on the grill. YUM.

So my verdict... came down to the bread... carbs always make or break a meal. Smashburger is the winner. It was a tight race and I will admit that 5 Guys came in at a close second. I will be eating there again, but if these establishments were in the same shopping center I would have to support Smashburger every time.

Philip's Aggie Ring Day

After the last post I realized I didn't get to post about Philip's Aggie Ring Day!
Here are a few pictures!

Whoop! Congrats Philip! I know you will treasure your ring as much as I treasure mine!


The whole family came in to celebrate!


On the Quad, before the A&M game


Dinner after the game, we were exhausted, but still so excited for Philip!

So I am incredibly behind where to start...we are going in list form yall





- Katy and Patrick (now Figer) tied the knot! We had a great time celebrating with them at a ranch in Refugio, TX. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding for an absolutely beautiful bride! Don't you agree? Patrick looked pretty handsome too :) Ben and I agree that this wedding was definitely one of our favorites. Congrats guys! Can't wait to make it up to Ft. Worth for a visit!







- Allison & John (now Ellis) also tied the knot! We went to our home town of Portland, TX to celebrate with them. I was a bridesmaid for this wedding and Ben and I had a great time dancing to her live country band (hence the boots). They are both finishing up law school in San Antonio, TX.









Our first Couple's Bible Study baby was born. Welcome Felicity! She is so perfectly pretty and pink! Congrats to mommy and daddy, Taryn and Kenneth!













Our Godson, Jackson was born! He has grown so much in a month, and is so handsome! Ben and I are certainly proud and honored to be his Godparents!






Here is a more recent picture of the two of them :) They are going to be such great friends!











- I had the honor of being a Matron of honor at Ashley & Kyle (now Holland)'s wedding this past weekend in Clear Lake, TX. This picture is from their rehearsal dinner. From the moment the rehearsal started to the very last dance this was one of the sweetest most heartfelt family weddings. We can't wait for them to come back from Hawaii so we can hear all about their honeymoon!







Last weekend I had the privilege of attending a baby shower for Jessica! She is the last of the known pregnant ladies in our bible study. We had a lot of fun guessing whether she would have a Levi or a Mia Beth and when he/she might arrive. As well as writing well wishes for the baby. Can't wait to meet you in November.

I think this brings us to the present. I am sure I left something out and if I did for anyone I apologize! I will update more often on the day to day for us. Hope everyone has a great Columbus Day weekend...I had no idea that people had off for this holiday. To all of you that do...boo...just kidding have a wonderful weekend!

Prayer for Jackson

This is my prayer for you if you need a little encouragement today. The chorus is also my constant prayer for my new Godson, Jackson. More on him in a future post.

Jack-

Be strong in the Lord
And never give up hope
You're gonna do great things
I already know
God's got His hand on You
So don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don't forget why you're here
Take your time and pray
And thank God for each day
His love will find a way

Love,
Aunt Jenn

I know I have a lot to catch up on blog wise but this song has been on my heart all morning and I thought I'd share the chorus. If you want to listen to it the band is Sidewalk Prophets.

You can listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N_21z_kEA8&feature=related

Brian and Gina's Wedding

We had the pleasure traveling to San Antonio to attend Brian & Gina's Wedding a few weekends ago and it was so much fun. We left Houston after work on Friday and headed to San Antonio to spend the weekend on the River Walk. It was so nice to get away for a weekend and what better excuse then to attend the wedding of some great friends. We wish them all the best and cannot wait to welcome them back to our bible study as a married couple.





Bible Study Ladies


Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Langford!

Concan 2011

Just wanted to post a few pictures from our trip to Concan, TX with the family.

The View


Rollie enjoying the water


Getting out


After rolling in the dirt to dry off


A weekend at the river makes for one TIRED puppy.


We cannot wait to go back!

New Car

We got a new car! It's a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. We were trying to replace Ben's car before we had to do any major repair work on it, and I am happy to report, by the grace of God, we succeeded.









We had to get a shot of our A&M stickers too


Both of our cars with their new stickers.

Things I'm Loving Friday

It's time for another things I'm loving...!


My bible study girls! It has been so much fun to get together with these girls (and their husbands) over the last year. It has really made a difference in the way we view Houston. There will always be someone you can call to hang out with or say a prayer for you. We meet monthly but it is fun to see each other outside of our normal meeting times. Here we are at Gina's wedding shower, she and her husband Brian are getting married next month, can't wait!

There is also a song that has been on my heart lately that I especially love. The verse that truly resonates with me and where I am right now is as follows:

Everything that I am
Everything I long to be
I lay it down, at Your feet. (Matt Maher)

I find myself singing it in my head all day long.

Finally for today I am in love with Pandora Radio...it's the only thing keeping me going til five!

Did I mention I LOVE Fridays?

Easter with the Nephews

I had one of the best Easter's ever, this year! I got to spend it family, and had a great time playing with my nephews all afternoon. Here are some pictures of the fun. I just love these boys.

My Heart is in Aggieland

Some may boast of prowess bold, of the school they think so grand
But there's a spirit can ne'er be told, its the Spirit of Aggieland

Today in Aggieland, and all around the world for that matter, there is a ceremony called Muster. It's held every April 21st, to honor all Aggies who have died in the past year. It is said that “if there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” We are called to not only gather and remember our time in Aggieland but to remember those Aggies who are no longer with us. A Roll Call of the Absent is read and as a name is announced those loved ones or fellow classmates of that person answer "Here". Its amazing to me that there are over 400 of the ceremonies held worldwide and someday I will be remembered, and someone will answer "here" for me.

The following are two poems read at Muster.

"Roll Call for the Absent" -Dr. John Ashton ‘06
In many lands and climes this April day
Proud sons of Texas A&M unite.
Our loyalty to country, school, we pray,
and seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore
on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill
Fond memory brings a sigh -- but nothing more;
Now we are men and life’s a greater thrill,

Before we part and go upon our way,
We pause to honor those we knew so well;
The old familiar faces we miss so much today
Left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,
Let comrade answer, “Here!”
Their spirits hover ‘round us
As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts.
We’ll meet some other day
There is no death, but life etern
For our old friends such as they!


"The Last Corps Trip" -P.H. DuVal Jr. '51
It was Judgment Day in Aggieland
And tenseness filled the air;
All knew there was a trip at hand,
But not a soul knew where.

Assembled on the drill field
Was the world-renowned Twelfth Man,
The entire fighting Aggie team
And the famous Aggie Band.

And out in front with Royal Guard
The reviewing party stood;
St. Peter and his angel staff
Were choosing bad from good.

First he surveyed the Aggie team
And in terms of an angel swore,
"By Jove, I do believe I've seen
This gallant group before.

I've seen them play since way back when,
And they've always had the grit;
I've seen 'em lose and I've seen 'em win
But I've never seen 'em quit.

No need for us to tarry here
Deciding upon their fates;
Tis plain as the halo on my head
That they've opened Heaven's gates."

And when the Twelfth Man heard this,
They let out a mighty yell
That echoed clear to Heaven
And shook the gates of Hell.

"And what group is this upon the side,"
St. Peter asked his aide,
"That swelled as if to burst with pride
When we our judgment made?"

"Why, sir, that's the Cadet Corps
That's known both far and wide
For backing up their fighting team
Whether they won lost or tied."

"Well, then," said St. Peter,
"It's very plain to me
That within the realms of Heaven
They should spend eternity.

And have the Texas Aggie Band
At once commence to play
For their fates too we must decide
Upon this crucial day."

And the drum major so hearing
Slowly raised his hand
And said, "Boys, let's play The Spirit
For the last time in Aggieland."

And the band poured forth the anthem,
In notes both bright and clear
And ten thousand Aggie voices
Sang the song they hold so dear.

And when the band had finished,
St. Peter wiped his eyes
And said, "It's not so hard to see
They're meant for Paradise."

And the colonel of the Cadet Corps said
As he stiffly took his stand,
"It's just another Corps Trip, boys,
We'll march in behind the band."


Today, as always, my heart is in Aggieland. Say "Here" for me at Muster when my time comes too, cause that's what we do when we bleed maroon.

Things I'm Loving Tuesday (Birthday Edition)

My mom came up this weekend and we had the chance to spend all day on Saturday shopping. She also brought me some gifts from home. The biggest gift and the one I am most grateful for besides spending the day together is having my car detailed, thanks Mom! Can't wait to see how new my car will feel once this is done.

I am also realizing more and more how incredibly blessed I am to have the husband that I have. He is supportive and kind but he is also thoughtful when gift giving.
I got an early birthday present a few weeks ago...first on my list of things I am loving...Sperry's. I have wanted these for a few years now but would not spend the money on myself to get them. But, Ben was confident that I would get good use out of them and that I deserved to indulge myself every once in awhile.


We had discussed that those shoes were going to be my birthday present so I wasn't expecting anything else. Then today he had flowers delivered to my office at work. Roses and Calla lilies. The sweetest part was that he said he looked for daisies (my favorite flower) but none of those looked good enough. Sweet Boy.


To round out the rest of my birthday and to add to my favorite things we are going out tonight, with friends, to watch the Texas A&M Women's Basketball Team compete in the National Championship game! Whoop! This is the first time the women have ever made it to the final four round much less the title game. Gig'em Ags! Beat the Hell Outta Notre Dame!


One more thing, Rollie (the puppy) had a birthday about a week ago and she turned 3! I cannot believe it has been three years since we brought our puppy home to become part of the family. She wanted me to add a few things to the list. Ben and I got her some cow marrow bones that kept her entertained for hours on her birthday...yum!


And, my mom also brought a few gifts for her. She had a blanket monogramed for Rollie so she could lay on the couch without covering it with hair (thanks from me too Mom) and she also got a car seat cover for the backseat so after my car gets detailed it can stay pretty. She really likes the one my mom has in her car so I am sure she will love this one once we put it in (and remove the other puppy).

Quick Recap of Spring Break

Well since we are now "adults" we no longer have the wonderful holiday known as Spring Break. However, we felt like we partially got a break because Ben's Grandma from Alaska, Ben's Mom, Ben's brother Philip and Philip's girlfriend Amanda all came to stay with us for a few days during the week.

We had a great time shopping and just catching up. They all got here on Tuesday evening, we went out to eat with them after work and then went to buy Philip a suit for an interview he had the next morning. What great timing it was, the interview was in Houston and he just happened to already be here with us. I took the day off on Wednesday and all the girls went shopping in the morning while Ben was at work and Philip was at his interview. We went to Borders, Pottery Barn and Macy's. By the time we were done with those we met the boys back at the house for a subway lunch. That afternoon we went to Lowes to get some chairs for the back patio that we had been looking at...since we both have cars we had to wait til a visitor with a bigger car was willing to let us borrow it to go get them. I had to go to a dentist appointment after our chair trip and then met up with everyone after for some burgers at the house. That night we had ice cream and then everyone left the following morning.

So nothing too exciting, but it was great to have everyone over to see the house and we had a great time visiting with our guests! It was a great relaxing couple of days in the middle of a work week. I can't wait to have them over again soon! We love being able to share the house and the area with visitors.

Just a few pics...

Here are just a few pictures from Jeff & Kristen's Wedding we attended last weekend.

The bride and groom leaving the reception.

Jenn & Ben

Ben & Adam

Jenn & Jordan

Jenn & Ben

Ben's 23rd (A Little Late)

Well I was going through pictures on my camera and forgot to upload these from Ben's Birthday back on January 31. So here they are. Happy 23rd Birthday baby.


Let me just say...this is no ordinary hat or cake. Ben had been talking about getting this hat for forever. He would make comments every once in awhile that we should make a trip up to College Station to get it. But he didn't want it bad enough to drive the 2.5 hr round trip to get it if he didn't have another reason to go. Well I had another reason so I got it for him. On our anniversary we did not eat the top layer of our cake that we DID keep frozen in our freezer for a year. (that counts right? it made the move with us multiple times) Anyway, since we did not eat our wedding cake on our anniversary (Jan 9th) Ben kept mentioning how much he wished he could have another piece of the cake we had at the wedding...more times then I think he realized. So I called our wedding cake lady and she said she would make us a cake in the same flavor/icing for his birthday. I usually bake him a cake myself but I thought this would be a good exception. So I took a half day from work (without Ben knowing) to drive to College Station to buy him his hat and cake. He was very surprised and happy to see this when he got home from work.


Look at his very convincing "I love my wife" expression ha.


He couldn't believe I was making him blow out candles...I thought by now he would have known me better then that :)

Before cake, we went to our new favorite restaurant Grimaldi's for Ben's Birthday Dinner. And after dinner, our good friends Haley and Zack came over to help us celebrate/eat his cake. What a great night