Let's start at the very beginning....

...a very good place to start!  (You all know you were singing that song)

We are starting a new series in our Jr. High youth group & its going to take us from Genesis to Revelation!  Will these kids be married with children of their own by the time we get to Revelation?  Nah... but we just started it, so this past Sunday, we got to start at Genesis 1:1.  Everyone was quick on that Bible race!

Something struck me really funny though as I started once again at the beginning of the Bible.  Well, you all know I love books - everything about reading - a great story... (which reminds me - one more day before the drawing of a free book - so go visit my "book blog").  I usually will finish a book & as I take the book to put on the shelf, I'm pulling off a new one to start right into it.  The thing with that - it gets sorta confusing when you jump from one book to the next because I'm all about the characters.  I'll start the next book & remember Jim from Texas & wonder how he fits in a vampire novel in the 1800's... I get characters mixed up so easily from book to book...

So, when I start a new book... I'm going to let you in another secret that I do that once again, yes, once again - confirms why I'm a nerd!  I will take a piece of paper & write down the characters as I start a new book.  Who they're related to - who's the main character - what the beginning details are.

I really have to pay attention to those beginning details because if I get a few chapters in & see a name & I dont know who it is, then I feel like I'm lost - I dont feel like I'm in the story or grasping it - so I'll have to go back & find out who that person is.  The little notes at the beginning of the book take care of that!  Especially when there are characters that have similar names - it REALLY helps!  (Dear Authors - there are millions of names - why have a charcter like Rilley & Rollie in the same book.... why??)

Its also neat to have that little note with basic character info in case I am reading two books at once - its a way to look & remember who is in this particular book... it works for me...

So we're starting in the beginning of the Bible & I thought - wow... how do we really need to pay attention to the beginning of THIS book!  This is the beginning of it all... how important are these details?  It made me really want to pay even more attention to the details, more then ever before...& even though there are hundreds of people in this book - the note taking would be INSANE - I am paying more attention... I'm ready to really let it set in one more time & see it with fresh eyes...

FYI - In the beginning, God said "let there be light"... but the sun wasn't created until day 4... hmmm... see, new details!

May we all start have fresh eyes to notice details of God's word....

Nobel Peace Prize...

No - I'm not going to talk about the President receiving this award... personally, I dont really care...

What I do care about is the story of the man who created the Nobel Peace Prize - Alfred Nobel. I read a story about him the other day & it just was so interesting to me.

Mr. Nobel has been an inventor of dynamite & many other explosives. Well, he was going through the local paper & saw in the obituaries HIS NAME!!!! Could you even imagine? But what made the whole situation even worse - he had been portrayed as a villain!

The obituary writer penned Nobel as the "Merchant of Death"... Mr. Nobel saw what people thought of his inventions & the way he conducted his life.. & it wasn't in the best light.

The words depicting his achievements in such a defamatory manner caused Mr. Nobel to reconsider his legacy & he set out to change it! He took large sums of his wealth & established the Nobel Peace Prize, honoring those who made major contributions to bring about world peace. Many other fields were recognized including medicine, economics, & literature (Go BOOKS!)

When Mr. Nobel did finally pass away, he ended up leaving a major part of his financial estate to the Nobel Peace Prize institute. How different do you think that second obituary was?

What an opportunity for this man to have a second chance to change his legacy left on this earth... & look at the legacy! Its still relevant in today's time! The Nobel Peace Prize is still an honored - & much debated - topic of conversation.

Reading his story though, I thought of what my obituary could look like... would it be words that I wouldn't want to hear? Then I thank God that I have a new start to a day to leave the best legacy that I can possibly leave....for a fresh start at a another chance...

A Guest Blogger knows ALL about dancing!!!

OK - so I had some things come up where I missed Dancing with the Stars!! Yes - two weeks in a row!! GASP!!! But I have the coolest bloggy buddies that know my love of all things dance & even better - SHARE that love... so the coolest friend emailed me an update & is not making an appearance here on my blog!  Go say hello to AuburnChick - she's FANTASTIC!!! Besides her love of God - her knitting skills - her AMAZING coupon savings talents... she's just an amazing mom & beautiful woman!  Thanks friend for keeping me updated on all things Bruno, flying fringe & shaking hips!  hehe!... (& even though I havent seen it - I'm even going to add comments here that are mine... so the blue are my words... be warned!)
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Last night was all about Two-Stepping, the Charleston, the Bolero, and the Lambada...dances that the stars don't regularly boogie to.


Chuck and Anna - Two Step - Can I just say that Chuck was AWFUL?! His charm did nothing to detract from his inability to dance. Anna was practically turning herself during the spins. I think Chuck may have just had his last go in the ring.....I have not seen dancing skills from him at all this year.. & Anna - BLAH.. & I hate I dont like a redhead!

Melissa and Mark - Charleston - The costumes were great! The dance started off in black and white, for television viewers, making me think of the silent movies of old. Melissa was in her element...a dance she could use her acting skills in. She was having fun and did well with the amazing choreography Mark came up with. She was hoping for a score in the 20's. She got a 28! Her first 10 of the season! Go girl!... I cant imagine her getting a 10... anxious to see this dance now!!!!

Natalie and Alec - Bolero - She unwrapped to reveal a stunning white beaded gown. It was heavenly...sparkly...very sexy. The dance was ... WOW! But the judges didn't agree with Your's Truly. They expected more, I think, but how could you? She was amazing! Sometimes I wonder what the judges are drinking from those cups....totally agree friend... the judges are so NOT consistent with ALL the people... irritating!!!

Before they showed Aaron and Karina, we saw a clip of Michael consoling Aaron after last week's dance. Mr. Football Man actually hugged little singer guy and offered him wise words. It was very endearing and reminds you of the bigger picture...keep on trying...just do your best....aahhh - love to see different people become good friends on this show!

Another comment about pre-dance stuff...Karina looked lovely in her interviews (while they were training last week)...hardly any makeup and hair pulled back simply. Why can't she look like this all the time?

Aaron and Karina - Lambada - Well, Aaron toned down his over-exaggerations from last week, but he still wasn't good. Karina danced all around him. The Lambada is supposed to be raunchy. The only thing "bad" about it was the way Karina draped herself on him. It was like a school marm ogling a student. Blech. I was not impressed. The judges were a little more positive than I would have been, but Carrie crushed his spirits by telling him he was still trying too hard. Agreed, Sista..... I dont like Karina... & REALLY didnt like it when they said after week one they knew they were going to win... too cocky!!!

Mark and Lacey - Two Step - Oy. This show is killing me! Mark did not look good at all. I'm starting to think that maybe I was wrong about his natural talent. He is very uncomfortable on the dance floor. Trying to talk all cowboy doesn't make you a cowboy. I don't like when people try to mimic a Southern accent. We don't sound that stupid, people. Off the soapbox... The dance was not good. Poor Lacey. She looked cute and tried to make up for Mark's lack of skill. It wasn't enough.... I had high hopes for him too! Maybe we were under the Kung-Fu influence that first week!

Kelly and Louis - Charleston - I expect great things from this girl every week, and she didn't disappoint! She looked stunning in her 20's get-up. Louis' face was weird...white makeup...red lipstick. I didn't like it at all. But, the dancing...OH MY GOSH. Girl can dance! She had FUN! She didn't look miserable during rehearsals, and that transferred to show night. The judges were all gaga over her too....Love to see her doing well!  She just seems so honest & real... Love Louis too - after all, he's on BOTH dancing shows - this & So you think you can dance!!!

Joanna and Derek - Lambada - I was all set to poo poo this one. I like Derek...I have issues with Miss Pursed Lips Model Person. When she came out, I've gotta say that I was not likin' the neon green get-up either. She glowed and could have done the dance with the lights off. But, she surprised me and managed to keep her footing as she and Derek gyrated themselves around the floor. For his part, Derek was SMOKIN'! But then again, he always is. His expertise allowed Joanna to shine. Kudos to her for surprising me. She'll probably stay.... She ranks with Karina for me... so I'm anxious to see if she sways me with this dance.  I do like Derek though..

**By the way, this is when the show started getting really raunchy. I'm so getting tired of the off-color comments. Dances are naturally sexy. Why keep pointing things out? Especially when you have children in the audience (Mark's) and families watching at home?** .... Preach it sister... I totally agree!

Ok...back to the show...
Donny and Kym - Charleston - You knew this was going to be good simply because the Charleston is all about the presentation. Donny didn't disappoint. You've gotta feel bad for him though. He's so hard on himself! Show business is tough, I guess...always wanting to be perfect. The Charleston is one of those dances in which a man cannot hide behind a woman, and boy, he didn't need to hide! He held up his own admirably. The judges agreed with me. Finally! Oh, and Donny and Kym had a classic conversation. Kym to Donny: "You just learned this." Donny's response? "I just forgot it." Something I can identify with!... I gotta find my purple clad Donnie barbie doll!!!

Michael and Anna - Bolero - Personally, I thought it was his best dance. He came out in a silky shirt, looking dashing when paired with her silky dress. He moved smoothly...albeit not much. The judges blasted him for the lack of dance in the dance. Um...isn't that the dancer's fault for choreographing it that way? Whatever. I think Michael will stand in the bottom two with Chuck.... anxious to see if you're right!!! :)

Louie and Chelsie - Two Step - Ok...isn't he a snowboarder? Doing the Two-Step? For inspiration, Chelsie took him to Ty's house (from last year), where boy child played ranch hand. Did the work transfuse into his being? Nope. Snowboarder boy must be from the city. All he did was walk behind Chelsie and lift her a couple of times. I've liked him for so long, but it hurts to watch him dance. This guy might just be in the bottom two as well. In fact, it will probably be him to leave.... he doesnt seem to have musical rhythm - it'll be back to the slopes soon, I'm sure

Mya and Dmitry - Lambada - HOT, HOT, HOT!! She's a natural! After watching her Lambada, I'm thinking Joanna's wasn't so good. Mya looks like a professional dancer. She's that good. However, Len was in one of his moods and gave her an 8 against two 10's. What is that man's problem? Someone check his pulse!...he just seems to not like her... or Dmitry... he's got an issue something between them.  These is where the judges irk me!

Results show should be good. Shakira is the guest singer, and I'm getting my hips ready. My children have the unfortunate blessing of a mama who loves the song "Hips Don't Lie." The kids' reaction to the guest star? Loud groans of "Oh no." Oh yeah, baby. That's it for now. I'm sitting on the edge of the couch...waiting eagerly for tonight!
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So I dont know about you... but AuburnChick has me ALL excited about the show!  I havent seen it yet, but feel the happiness as if I saw the glittering rhinestones myself!  I gotta go vote now just to pat my Donnie & Mya on their backs...& maybe Kelly... & maybe Natalie... another fun season!

Wanna book?

Do you want a free book? Then check out my Book Blog right HERE .... I get to give away a copy of a book I just read. Check it out!!!

Six Word Saturday

Planning on going on SLOW MOTION!!!!

These are the things I need to do this weekend:
*Its the twins birthday party today
*I have a MOUNTAIN of laundry... not even joking! That's what happens when all you want to do is love on a cute baby while they're in your house!
*I have to make out my bills
*I need to make a trip to the grocery
*I'm teaching Jr. High tomorrow so need to review the lesson
*Need to clean out my garage to get my car in before the temp starts dropping & I dont wanna have to scrap windows




But you know what....I'm planning on just going in slow motion! Dont want to rush - dont want to stress... So my slow motion schedule is this:

*Enjoy the twins & their little faces in front of their Tinkerbell cake
*Enjoy the cool weather & the beautiful trees & the amazing color they are turning - so I'll take my Jr. High lesson out on my front porch & put my rocking chairs to good use!
*What laundry gets done - gets done - it aint going anywhere
*I want to go to the pottery place & start making some Christmas presents
*May make it a late night grocery trip when all the "rush" is over with....


I just wanna take it easy this weekend... how about you? You running at full speed this weekend or are you able to go into slow motion mode yourself?

Friday Fragments

*Guess who's birthday it is today! Nope, not my mom & not Isaac's... its only the birthday of the two cutest, sweetest, smartest, puppy loving twins I know! Yep - my nieces birthday! October is a busy month for me in celebrations! But today is their day! Seems like only yesterday they were like this....

And today - they are the big 5 years old!!!! Amazing... where does the time go? Happy Birthday Sophia & Madi...your Aunt Bec loves you more then anything!

*I went home yesterday after work & there sat Isaac's basket of toys in the middle of the floor.... it about broke my heart. Yes - I sat there & cried... then forced myself to get moving so I wouldnt wallow... I did 4 loads of laundry, cleaned my kitchen - my house is shining... at least I didnt sit & cry....missing that little cute face! Funny how you can feel like a piece of your heart is missing...

*SPAT OF THE WEEK: Oh, you can already tell what the spat was this week... who does Isaac love more - his Nanny or his Pappy? It can be the cause of many spats... & I'm only saying it here because I would never give Ricky the satisfaction, but I do think he's a little more partial to his Pappy....I think probably because he thinks he's magic on skates & his Nanny has a hard time walking across a floor... I'll still argue that he loves me more... just for arguments sake.

*We're having flooding around the area again today! I grew up never hearing anything about flooding & I think this is the third time in the past two months that we've had severe flooding ... I know we're not the only ones too around the US... what the heck is going on? I'm expecting to see Noah's ark any day now!

*What's your favorite version of the Bible? I am partial to the NIV but lately, I really am loving the simplicity of the Message Bible... it just breaks it down so easily. My buddy Dawn uses the Message version on her blog & I just am loving it more all the time. Thinking I need to go get a Parallel Bible

And I'm wondering why this guy's picture comes up in the midst of all these bibles on Google Images with the words "Message Parallel Bible" under him...weird...

*Anyone see Nancy Grace RIP into Jon Gosselin? I dont normally watch her - but I will say - I wanted to high five her for telling him exactly what everyone thinks about him...

*Lets talk TV!!!! I havent been able to watch all my "normal" shows due to Isaac-week... but trying to catch up... lets DISH!

So You Think You Can Dance - I officially hate you judges! How can you get rid of Ryan???? They had it against him from the beginning - they knew Evan did so well & that everyone already loved Ryan - so get him out of there... hate you judges!

The OFFICE - did you all see Jim & Pam's wedding? Oh my gosh - the first five minutes - when the whole office was PUKING - I had tears coming out of my eyes & my stomach hurt from laughing... I've never seen anything more funny in my life!!!! I'm STILL laughing about it!... & isnt Jim just the sweetest man ever... when he cut his tie for her & the look he gave at the end when he was married to her on the boat... aahhh! One of the funniest episodes ever!

Dancing with the Stars!!! OK Auburnchick, you gotta give me your breakdown! I've only caught You Tube clips of the dances...quick thoughts. Why would they put Aaron in a baby blue Hugh Hefner robe when he looks like a 10 yr old-creepy! .....I thought Tom Delay was awesome for sticking with it - but didnt it seem like Cheryl just wanted to give up on him because she knew he wasnt going to win?...... Do you think Chelsie & her little extreme snow boarder are falling for each other?.... & what was with Kelly kissing Louie at the end?.... Mya & Donnie are still my favs! Though I am loving the swimmer!

GLEE.... is anyone else into this show as much as me? I just hang onto every word that Sue Sylvester says - I'll actually rewind & listen again because you miss what she says sometimes. HILARIOUS! They had a video up with a future song & it was AWESOME... but they already took it down!! But this is still one of my favorite that they did...

Happy Friday everyone!!!

The AMAZING SKATING BABY!!!

Its true - Isaac is a skating fool! If you know anything about the Vincent gang - you know they are a skating family! Seriously - Ricky just blows my mind on skates. His sister & her husband - and his brother - they just make my jaw drop in awe when I watch them! Ricky's mom even pulls on the skates every time we all get together! Ricky had his daughters on skates right when they could walk - so you can imagine how good they are too! Its in the genes... so time to introduce Isaac to skates!

Ricky rented the skating rink for a private party so it was just friends & family to celebrate. Julie thought for sure Isaac wouldnt even DARE put on the skates that Ricky got him for his birthday. But we got there & everyone started skating & Isaac just stood there watching his Pappy & you could see the wheels churning in that mind... it was like the skating-gene power was taking over... (here is his with my dad - his Great Papaw- watching everyone)

Next thing you know - he had the skates on! No fear at all!!!!! His Pappy took him in the floor & showed him how to move those feet & it just came naturally... he was on the MOVE!

You think I'm joking? Look at this little man!!! He was all about it... didnt want to come off the floor. When someone would take him off - he'd just point & want right back out there! Yep - the Vincent gene is strong in that one... (said in my best "star wars" voice)

Then time to inject more sugar to keep him going... BIRTHDAY CAKE TIME!!!! It was so funny because I lit the candles & he instantly blew them out. Julie couldnt see his face & she said, "What happened?" - I told her he blew them out - she didnt even know he knew how to blow that good! So I had to re-light & keep him from blowing them out so we could sing!

Then it was time to DIG IN!!!! And I mean DIG IN!!!! I kept saying "Look at those hands" - & he would hold them up, so proud of his icing covered fingers. He was having the time of his life.

Then next thing I hear are gasps & "Rebecca - get her off skates!" - I look out & see Julie on skates. I was so happy for her! All she wanted to do was skate just a lap or two! After all - she's a Vincent - she's got it in her blood to put wheels on the bottom of her feet! Everyone was so nervous - but I wasnt' at all.. the girl knows how to skate - & Ricky was by her side... he wouldnt let go of her & I knew he wouldnt let her fall... he only let her go a few rounds & they went slowly - but she did it... got a few laps under her belt!

And Isaac was done with cake & back at the skating... with fresh sugar running through the veins - he never came off the floor until the lights came on. And then, he was just getting mad that the skating was over. We ended up letting him skate to the car & he fell asleep on the drive home so then we could slip off the skates...

The cutest thing... Isaac couldnt take his eyes off of his Pappy while Ricky was skating... Isaac would literally just stand there & turn the whole time Ricky went around the floor... He's seeing his future...he's going to be the next in line for master roller skating...

Here are two videos - the first one of Isaac first getting on the floor... sorry its so dark - it didnt look that dark on my computer at home...

And then here's a video of a taste of Ricky skating... I've said it before & I'll say it again - I fall in love every time I see him on wheels! He's the one following the guy in the green shirt...

Birthday weekend! ... Part ONE!

Finally - I can get up some sort of pictures from our weekend - the BIRTHDAY WEEKEND of that cutie pie, Isaac!

Saturday, the "official" birthday - we got to start the day off with a parade! Two little twin girls were in this parade & they were so good waving! So good in fact that every picture I got, has their hands in front of their face waving! I gotta work on their Princess wave with them! (There's Sophia with her hand right over her face - & Madi is behind with a sorta-princess wave going on!) Little Princesses to me on that float!


Isaac enjoyed the day & watching all the fun stuff going by!

Then we were off to a day at Huber's Orchard & who cares about anything Orchard-y when a playground is around! Its a good thing Pappy is agile enough to run on playgrounds with Isaac...

Off to a corn maze! Isaac led the way, having fun running & taking the turns on the path. Ricky, of course, being the kid he is, would hide in the corn even though the signs said "Stay on path"... & then Isaac was off to run THROUGH the corn too... what's a Pappy for, but to break the rules?

It was a long day at Hubers... enough to wear a baby down. And because he is now two years old, he is due for a good fit - & Nanny is always there with a camera. I think he's cute, even when he throws himself on the floor, screaming for bloody murder!

It didn't last long though... he was up chasing dogs within the next few minutes & talking on the phone to Yaya! Here he is pointing to his Mommy... We found out, my mom was asking where everyone was & he was pointing to us all every time... He knows his Nanny!!! He'd point to me every time... heart melt.... & notice Julie's cute little belly???? You ask Isaac where his baby brother is & he points to his OWN belly!!!!

Sunday - we started the day with a cook out for the Stephanie's Hope Mission Fund!!! My buddy Lynn is just amazing organzing it & pulling it off again, along with some INCREDIBLE people from church! Smoked pulled pork... YUMMY! And a cornhole tournament! Steve & I teamed up- & for someone who never played before - that would be Steve, though people may have thought it was me - we did pretty good! Isaac on the other hand wanted to play too & when he was told he couldnt - we get another cute pouty face!

But he occupied himself with bean bags... until someone took one away from him... Thanks Kay (HEHE!!!!)


And then we finished up & was off to the BIG EVENT... the BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!! I'm going to show the rest of those pictures tomorrow... I know we're on Isaac overload right now - so want you all to take it in doses! Believe me - tomorrow, you're going to smile & go AAHHH with the birthday pictures...

But I gotta leave you with a picture of my little red-headed buddy from church! Everytime I see this little girl, I just want to pick her up, & hug her & take her home with me... she's the cutest little thing! Tell me that face isnt just adorable... Her's - not mine! hehe!!!

Hope you all are enjoying your day... today is my last day with Isaac - they leave bright & early tomorrow morning... so if you hear sobbing in the distance - that will be me....

On Hold...

Dancing with the Stars has been put on hold... why? Because I'm still spending every minute I can with the most adorable little boy in the world...Birthday videos & pictures are still to come... off to go kiss a spaghetti covered face...

Six Word Saturday

Happy 2nd Birthday to our Grandbaby!

Today - we get to celebrate the birth of our beautiful blue eyed grandbaby! And we're so blessed to have him with us this birthday. But I gotta show you how the day went yesterday with the first day of the visit....

We started off our visit with some french fries - or what we called - KETCHUP HOLDERS! I think Isaac ate a whole cup of ketchup & ate probably one fry.... anything that makes him happy!

Then it was a trip to Target. Little dude can push a basket. It was getting heavy & he could handle it. And he pushed it through the whole store! I dont know how many people stopped & looked at him & gave a big "AHHHH" when they saw him pushing the cart!

It was time to head home & for Isaac to watch the doggies play. This about knocked the air out of me though because if anyone knows Ricky - they see this pose everytime. Ricky squats anytime we're at someone's house - that's how he's comfortable. He literally squats in front of the TV to watch a show... I dont see how he can do it... when I saw Isaac squatting, it almost brought tears to my eyes!

Zoe wants to be the favorite dog.... so what better way, then to pull out the "cute factor" on Isaac. It worked... he laughed at her every time!

Pappy got home from work & Isaac went right to him... Pappy took him for a little walk & I guess they had a little talk... I love this picture... just the two of them alone chatting it up. I dont know what Ricky said to him, but I saw alot of "knuckle bumps" going on with Isaac laughing - so he must have remembered his Pappy pretty good!

It is a beautiful day with wind, so Pappy & Steve decide to try a kite. They were cracking us up because they were running all over the yard -& the neighbors yard. It kept Isaac entertained for HOURS....
....that is until he took a face plant on the concrete drive way. Oh SLAM - you could hear his face hit! I just grabbed him up & Julie just screamed "Is his teeth all there?"... they were. He just had a bloody lip - so what does any blogging Nanny do? Take a picture - with fresh tears - all for your enjoyment... (I may need help)...

But the tears didnt last long. He got all cozy in Pappy's lap & watched his daddy try the kite some more. Laughter was back on his face in no time.

I ended up making dinner & Isaac ate up - so I got the best approval! And then the total highlight of my day... possibly my year..... he kept wanting to go outside but it was really cool. I grabbed a blanket, wrapped him up tight & went on the front porch. The moon was SOOOO bright & after hearing "Moon Moon Moon" from the twins growing up, I just kept singing it over & over... & next thing I know, Isaac fell asleep in my arms in the rocking chair... We sat outside while I rocked him for about 20 minutes... I dont think anything could have ever been more perfect of an evening...

So today, my camera is refreshed & recharged & we're celebrating another day the Lord has made.. & this day includes our little man's 2nd birthday!!!

Happy Saturday everyone!