A LONGGGGG time together...

Look at that young couple... arent they cute?

Can you see that picture & think that they'd be together 48 years later...

& that's my brother... & no, he didnt come until a year after they were married

Dont be starting any rumors from my blog...

I just dont have a picture handy to upload of my parents on their wedding day

I really should too - my mom's dress is classic & BEE-U-TIFUL...

I actually tried on her dress when I was getting married & thought about incorporating it somehow... but the years had colored it yellow.  And you never want to see a bride & think of the color of pee... it ruins a wedding day...

but today is my parents wedding anniversary!!!!

I was trying to figure it out... my brother was born in 1965, so they had to get married in 1964... right mom & dad?  If that's not right, you got some 'xplaining to do...

Nearing that Golden Anniversary of 50 years... wow...

(I love always showing this picture because its one of the rare pictures where she doesnt have on blue... & it drives her nuts... she only wore that shirt because I bought it for her... & she gripped about it NOT being blue every time she wore it)

So today, let's give a hip-hip-horray to my parents...

48 years together & havent killed one another... yet...

Weekend Wrap-up

(You can click & join in with others sharing their weekend0

Whiizzzz.... that was the weekend that just went by...

Friday

* We got mail... (love an old Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan shout out)... but no really - real mail.  From our World Vision gal.  We've had the same girl since 2007 & it  blows me away to see her growing up.  Here's her picture from last year (on the left) & this year.  She's getting so big.  She says every year though, "Please pray for me to live in peace"... how does a child think to ask THAT to pray for?  Breaks my heart

* FINISHED WEDDING PICTURES!!!!  Now, its just time to go through for final edits & then get the proof album together.  I think I did a little happy dance.

* Friday nights for me lately end with me & my Kindle....


Saturday

* Up early to drop another doggie off at the groomers

* Headed to Kohl's with a 30% off... makes shopping so much more fun.  I ended up getting a new purse.  I'm weird about purses.  They have to 'speak to me'... this one said, "you HAVE to have me"... I listened.  I've been trying to find a 'pretty' metallic purse.  This picture makes it look really silver.  Its not.  Its like a silver/gold mix.  & its one of those I can put across my body.... free hands... love that

* Stopped to get some dog food & got caught in a MASSIVE STORM!!!!!  Glad to see the rain - but WOW, didnt know the past 2 months of drought would catch up in a few minutes.... We waited & waited.. & waited... & waited... It calmed down enough for Ricky to take the dog food to the car & as soon as he ran back, soaked to the bone... the rain stopped.  Timing is not our thing.

* Stopped at Goodwill to get an umbrella

* Got our baby girl... they told us her face is like a puppy... we know... she's beautiful.  & we love when she gets shaved down - she seems so happy & LIGHT :)

* Headed to a friend's graduation party... the rain had us under tents, but it was fun sitting & gabbing with friends.  Great seeing some faces I hadnt seen in awhile.  (Carly Sue, it was so good to see your face is as beautiful as ever)

* We found a toy earlier at the pet supply store for Buffy... she had a water-toss toy that she LOVESSSSSSS... she carries it around everywhere & has 'loved' it enough where the ends are gone.  We had to take it away from her because now, she's tearing the plastic off & eating it.  So we found a new one... hadnt seen one like it for years.  We snagged it up & Buffy was one happy old girl.  She doesnt look happy here, but this is after she's caught it 25 times & needed a break
Right after this picture was taken, that old one was in the garbage...

* Our wonderful neighbor brought over more yellow squash... I'm in produce heaven..

Sunday

* Merge!!! I was up to teach ... love when I tell the kids things like, "Transistor Radio" or "Mork from Ork" or "3D movies in 1977" & they just give me strange looks.

* Headed out to lunch with some friends... I actually snagged someone's debit card of their hand & took off running... but I apologized before I did it... & I did it out of love... you never know what's going to happen at a lunch with me & Ricky

* Checking out my new cookbook that came in the mail the day before... a great EASY recipe for an orange glaze to put over anything sweet... Oh yeah!!!  I turn always directly to the desserts in a cookbook

* The Hubs & I took Syd & Bruno for a quick walk.  On a mission to slim down our "Chubby Boy" ... but the sun came out & YAZZZAAA - it got hot.  We made it about a half mile.  But Bruno was huffing & puffing like he did a full marathon.

* THRIVE!!! Got to teach Senior High too... ended the night with watermelon! YUM... & an iPad that was switching everyone's faces.  There are some UGLY people in our group when you change faces with others.  I'm including myself in that.  My face does  NOT look right on other's bodies.

* BIG BROTHER.  Ricky & I relaxed & ended the busy weekend... whew... it was tiring.

Here's to a great week ahead!!!

Friday Fragments

I'm going on a little over 4 hours sleep today...

what day is it? ... what time is it? ... can I go to bed yet?

No... not yet... so I'll frag to try & stay awake...

(Yawn)

*****

Its Friday the 13th...

I dont normally care or give it a second thought....

But this morning, I pull into McDonalds for breakfast at 5:50 am

(My kitchen is EM-PTY... I was desperate)

No one is there at 5:50 am - right?

So then, why did they JACK UP my order so badly?

I asked for a Egg McMuffin with NO CANADIAN BACON & an unsweet tea.

My egg mcmuffin had a slap of SAUSAGE on it (...gag...)

& my tea was SWEET...

Might as well put a straw in a container of syrup.

I couldnt even drink it

You mess with my food?

Gotta be Friday the 13th curse...

*****

BIG BROTHER!!!!!

Its back!!!!

& we have a guy from Louisville, Kentucky on there!

Source: bbinsider.com via Big Brother on Pinterest

I just want to know his secret on keeping his hair this straight....

humidity in the area is killer & my hair looks like a finger went in a light bulb as soon as I step outside...

I'll root for the local guy

... until he does something stupid...

*****

Speaking of which

...does anyone watch ... or even care about...

The Glass House?

What night does that even come on???

Those poor people inside have no idea that no one cares - do they?

*****

Steven Tyler is not coming back to American Idol?
BOOOO!!!!!!!
I dont care if Jennifer Lopez is or not...

... I think I'm over the show now anyways...

*****

Its my turn to teach in Youth Ministry this weekend

... when its my turn, if someone sees me driving, please know that I'm not insane

I'll practice my lesson everytime I'm driving

so it looks like I'm totally having this crazy deep talk

... with myself...

*****

Look at our Bruno...

We had taken his "Piggy" away from him because its falling apart

but I said the word PIGGY & he was freaking out, running everywhere looking for it

... so we gave it back to him...

(Look at those big ears!!!)

He cleans its head & sucks on the top like a pacifier

He did that to this poor animal's beak ....until it came off

... I still need to sew up the torn places...(see the torn spot on the butt?)

This thing has GOTTA be full of germs

*****

Found some new apps yesterday for my phone

One - from a friend - who told me of a cool editing tool... Aviary

Its nice - like that it cleans up skin & brightens teeth

You can also download free stickers for pictures with it

..I also found a Gas App that shows the price of gas all around so you get the lowest price... its called Gas Buddy

... & a Notepad app (Color Note) where you can jot down shopping lists, to do things & whatever you want to mark down... I'm all about notes

Any other good apps out there I need to know about?

Send 'em my way

*****

Funny of the day
..& with our house being grocery-inept, I can totally use this line

Source: imgur.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

*****

I'm 40 years old
& I just learned to put my hair in a bun..

... a whole new world just opened up for me...

*****

Spat of the week:  Down Comforter

We have a stand up revolving fan by the bed...
(not one of those round ones, but one of those long ones that stand 4 ft tall - like a building)
Well, its on the side that Ricky sleeps on
& he's also got an air vent on that side of the bed - so he's getting good air flow

His body blocks the fan from getting me
& the air vent on my side?
Sydney lays right OVER TOP of it
... she's no fool..
but she sure makes me hot since it cuts off all air from coming out

So Ricky has this HUGE down comforter he uses at night
Now, this is the blanket that I swear by when its winter because it holds the heat in so well
... when its 5 degrees outside...
So I'm constantly kicking it over on his side & its like a
MOUNTAIN O'BLANKET
on top of him

... even Bruno cant lay down with this massive blue heap around Ricky...
but Ricky loves it & needs it to sleep with

its like totally opposite of every idea of "hogging the blankets"

(haha... found this comic while looking up "hogging the blankets"...
our life kinda is like that)

*****

Hope you all have a Fantastic Friday!!!!

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge Time!!!

1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?

I check the weather constantly... I have it saved in my favorites on my computer, at home & at work... I have 2 different apps on my phone.  I like the 'hourly' feature from "The Weather Channel" site.  As a runner & a photographer, the weather each hour makes a difference.  Its when I can schedule a run between rain bursts... or its when I can figure out a perfect time to take a good shot with the camera.

My parents used to always say they could ask me what the weather was going to be because I always knew... even as a child... weather intrigues me.




2. Since this is Volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend, it only seems right to post something related here.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life." Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Agree or Disagree? Why

(NOTE: These are questions from Joyce - the awesome Moderator of Hodgepodge... I did NOT get married in 1984.. I was still in middle school then... way harder then marriage)

All I will say to that is... I now see why I dont read Jane Austen

...I'm so confused...



3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

Um... I LIVE to dance...

I dance in my car
I dance at my desk
I dance standing waiting for my tea to brew
I dance while brushing my teeth
I dance even while I run

No dance lessons needed... it was instilled in my DNA by the Dance Spirits of the universe

You cant be grumpy or in a bad mood when you're dancing



4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or homemade peach ice cream. Pick one.

I dont think you can ever go wrong with the anwer of "pie" ... ever...



5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?

I always say... like daily... "Life aint fair"

I dont think anyone can ever say that life is fair in everything....

so if you dont learn to accept it, life is going to be even more full of gloom & pouts

Suck it up
Rub some dirt in it
Shake it off
Get over it

....All those fun sayings... the same as saying "make the best of it"



6. The top five all time summer blockbuster movies (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and E.T. Which one's your favorite?

Beauty & the Beast isnt in this?  .... SO UNFAIR!!!! (like how I tied that back to the last question?  I'm witty like that)

Well - I've never seen Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, or Ghostbusters... its true...

I think I saw E.T. once when I was young, but was so disturbed by it (he DIED!!! & then came back & then LEFT!!!!.. Emotional stuff messes me up)

I guess I'll say Star Wars... I'm not a Star Wars junkie... but I did have a Princess Leia doll.  Always wanted my hair in those "cinnamon rolls" on the side of my head... & loved when I'd visit my cousin (who is a boy) & get to check out all his Star Wars action figures.  Wonder if he still has those... they'd be worth some money.


7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?

I would have panic attacks flying to Texas to see beautiful grandbabies... why would I WANT to fly to someplace that has no oxygen to see nothing but dust? ... No thank you...


8. Insert your own random thought here.

We got some beautiful tomatoes in our co-op basket last week. 
I went to make grilled cheese last night & asked the Hubs if he wanted me to put a tomato slice on it when I grilled it... he was like "ewwwwww"...

I assured him it was great... "ewwwwww" was still the response.

I go to cut the tomato though & he sees how good & red & fresh it looks.  "Go ahead - let me try it" ...

He ate it & said it was the best grilled cheese he's ever had...
& woke up this morning & said, "I'm craving another grilled cheese with tomato"

Score one for me in the invisible, score keeping things we mark up in marriage
(Is that what the quote from Jane Austen meant in question #2?  ... I'm still lost)

Its really about banana bread & a touch of the Bachlorette

I keep having bananas that are going bad & someone suggested I make banana bread.

Yes, I confess......I'm 40 years old.. & yes, I've never made banana bread.

At least not 'real' banana bread. 

I'm good with box-mix stuff...

& we've always been blessed with friends that make amazing breads - banana, pumpkin, apple... No cooking on my end, just blessed with great friends....

But I was tired of throwing away bananas so I went to the wonderful world of Google & Googled-up "EASY BANANA BREAD" ... I wanted to stress the word EASY!!!

& also like to say "Googled-up"

Boom... Google is cool like that... instant recipe on my screen

& I'll even admit this... a few years ago - I wouldnt even have had the basic ingredients at my house.  Sugar?  I, of course, have.  Flour?  Maybe not. Baking Soda? NEVER!  But not today people.. I am growing in the world of cooking & baking... & I had every ingredient there.

Ricky just stared at me when I got all giddy & excited about my new adventure...

To the mixing bowls I go...

But first, I even had to make sure I had a 'loaf' pan... which I somehow found in the back of the cabinet.  (Thanks mom - I think its yours)

Look at those hunks of bananas... I did smash them up, but left some 'chunks' because I like when food has 'chunks'... & that only applies when 'chunks' are fruity ... or chocolatey...

The batter was amazing so I knew I was onto something good. 

I even made Ricky put his finger in it & taste it...

I however, did NOT let him lick the bowl.. that was my reward

So into the oven it goes... & I'm waiting anxiously for an hour to pass by.  I had no idea it took an hour to cook. I probably wouldnt have made it so late if I knew that.  Damage done though, so I sit in the kitchen watching "The Bachlorette" while my kitchen turns into smells of heavenly goodness.

By the way, I was so sad for Emily... her sobbing sobs were tearing me up... Let her have a new show on TLC called Brother Husbands & let her marry all 3.... & for the record, Jef is my favorite still

Back to the bread...

I check it about 30 minutes in & its starting to look brown on top & told Ricky, its going to burn - it'll never make it 60 minutes.  He told me to just trust the recipe - afterall, I just messed up a batch of Steel Oats from guessing myself what to do (that story is on yesterdays post)

So I just stay engulfed in Emily & her sobbing instead...

I did pull it out with 7 minutes left on the timer - it has to be right.. right?

No - I put a knife in the center & it was still liquidy... so back in the oven while I watch Emily finally make her choice.... (I thought for sure Sean would be the winner so I was shocked)

Feeling like I have been caught in an emotional roller coaster, I went ahead & pulled out my banana bread...

... & its PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was already past my bedtime so I just put it on the counter, covered it & let it cool.  After all, 4:30 am would be there quick enough & probably be just the right amount of time for it to cool down...

This morning, I cut a slice & Ricky & I just ate a piece & stared at each other & said, "MMMMMMMMM"

His words were also, "I'm gonna tear this UP tonight"...

good thing I get home first....

So yeah,  I just did a post on banana bread... with a touch of The Bachlorette.

I know this is something all you super moms & super wives do all the time... but it took me 40 years to get to this point... its exciting times in my life...

what next?  An applie pie from scratch?  ... I'll turn that post into a week long series!

Weekend Roundup

Friday

*More bridge issues... luckily, it isnt botherine me too much (I'd loose my sanity if I had to go through bridge issues again)... but the poor Hubs has to deal with it.  He takes a co-worker home & to work, which makes him cross this messed up bridge.  It took him over an hour to get home Friday. BLAH

*Ordered "Bean Tacos" from Tumbleweed - take out the meat, replace it with refried beans... oh my... I'm happy to have a new veggie dish. YUMMY!

*The night ended like this... I just didnt feel like watching TV & wanted to read some more on this adorable book I'm reading right now.  The Hubs had to work on Saturday so he was already snoozing & the dogs were all comfy & ready for bed too... a nice way to end a week.

Saturday

*The hubs went to work but that doesnt mean I can sleep in - not with 6 dogs.  All the commotion had me up at 6:30... sigh...

*Tried to make steel oats in the crock pot overnight... FAIL!!!! I woke up in the middle of the night & thought the liquid was going to run out so I poured more water in... shouldnt have.... in the morning, it was a grey, sludgy mess (Had blueberries in it causing the grey color).  I've learned to just follow the recipe.

*Time to take 2 of the dogs to the groomers... I always feel so bad when they are excited to go 'bye-bye' - only to know they're going to be FREAKED out when we pull in the parking lot.  They know too where we're at...

*Stopped at the grocery to get some 'old' bananas to make banana bread. I just discovered they bundle up bananas that are turning & sell the bundle for 39 cents. Nice!

*I cant find any good oranges anywhere!!!!  Is the weather messing up oranges everywhere?

*Editing more wedding pictures while Ricky was at work.  I'm making great progress.  I'm probably 85% finished at this point - with over 300 pictures already edited. (Here's another sample... these groomsmen were the FUNNIEST group of guys EVER!!!)

(Look at the 2nd guy from the left - doesnt it look like he's in a sky-diving position?)

*Ricky came home & was EXHAUSTED... the heat had finally caught up with him - so he napped the day away.

*I caught up on Real Housewives... OC, New York and New Jersey.. probably had 8 episodes to watch. .... (OC) Heather is just classy ... (NY) I love Heather didnt give in to inviting Ramona.. & Ramona is INSANE. I can hardly stand watching her talk with her hyperness & spastic head turns & hand movements & eye buldges... (NJ) Teresa is even more insane.  I'd love to see an argument between Ramona & Teresa.  That'd be some epic TV

*Time to pick up the dogs... I didnt even recognize Bruno... they cut off his beard.  His body looks 4 times his head now... its weird looking

(Keeping that face towards the air vent in 110 degree weather)

* Took Bruno over to my parents house to try & convince them we got a new dog. My dad actually believed it for a few minutes.  My mom wasnt fooled.  That body of Brunos' gave it away.

* Ricky & I are on a "Sequence" kick right now... I love any game.  Someone wasnt happy though.  He was still pouty from the day.

Sunday

* I walked in to see one of my favorite kiddos leading worship... LEADING WORSHIP for BIG CHURCH!!! It made me actually tear up at how much she's grown. 

* It was Grad Sunday... the graduation class got honored & prayed over.  I was teary eyed again.  I remember these kids as little 6th graders ... & have been with them the entire journey.  Blows my mind. 

* The kids will be transitioning soon to new classes - which means we're getting a big group coming to middle school.  Some of the kids are so excited about it - they come up before & after class... these 2 girls?  I already love 'em bunches!!! Looking forward to this new class.

(These awesome ladies also dance in the "Backyard" program... such fun girls)

* We headed after church to see "The Amazing Spiderman" ... I liked it - it didnt blow me away though. 

* We came out of the movies & it was like night & day.  The temperature had dropped probably 15 degrees- it was windy, ready for a storm... havent felt temps like that in forever.

* Ricky went to Five Guys Burger & Fries & I ran next door to pick up some Jimmy Johns.  We sat on the patio & enjoyed the cool breeze. (The missing part of my sandwich? I was taking the bread & feeding birds)

(Ricky's giving the Spiderman web slinger hand)

* My brother & SisIL came & picked up their doggies.  We were a little sad to see them go.  Our house now feels empty with just 4 dogs.  Strange how that works.  But the doggies were glad to see their family back from vacation.  One of the dogs crawled into my nieces lap & instantly fell asleep. 

* IT RAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The clouds finally broke & there was a steady rain... We sat out on our back porch & just enjoyed the sound & smell of it.  I think I heard the grass always sing out "Hallejuah!!!"

Hope everyone had a great weekend... now onto a great week!

Friday (I think) Fragments

Its TUESDAY... no - Friday.  That's right.. Friday.  The day after Thursday.  But it feels like the day after Monday. 

..whew... that day off in the middle of the week has MESSED ME UP!!!!

But I'll never turn a Friday away - so let's enjoy it & frag the day away.

*****

Anyone else melting?
Today, the normal, every day temp is going to be 105
...with the humidity of the area added on
that means its going to feel like 184 degrees... or 113
it all feels the same when you get in 3 digits

I think I've actually set my oven to some of these temperature for slow cooking
... that's scary...

*****

So America lost Dick Clark this year &  now Andy Griffith?
We're loosing all our All-American-Days-People
.... & left with Snookie & Kayne West...
what is the world coming to?

I posted it on Facebook & Twitter my deep rooted secret
Yes - I've never seen a whole episode of The Andy Griffith Show
I remember my parents having it on in the house,
but I cant tell you a thing about it.
People look at me crazy when I tell them that
But remember - I'm the girl that's never had a peanut butter & jelly sandwich either

*****

It's been DOG CENTRAL at my house

We've been dog-sitting my brother's 2 dogs & with our 4, we've been taken over
...taken over by kisses & body heat...
These 2 new dogs love to cuddle & sleep next to you
... the same place where my dogs like to be...
so now, every night, the race is on to get next to me or Ricky first in the bed
& once we're there, there's no moving

It'll feel funny going back down to 4 dogs this weekend
..the house will seem empty..

*****

With all the extra commotion, SOMEONE wanted attention

Zoe keeps grabbing my yarn,
which she KNOWS is a no-no
& makes me chase her

She's gonna make sure she gets her attention in the midst of additional dogs

*****

Anyone seen the new Spiderman movie yet?

We'll be catching it sometimes this weekend
Ricky's have Spiderman-anxiety-attacks right now
that can only be cured by sitting in the theater making those "SWISH" sounds like webs are coming out of his hands

*****

Have you seen?
Some of the wedding pictures are posted on my Facebook page
(you can click on the sidebar & see them)

I've also got a new site up that will have ALL of them in a few weeks
but there are also some of the latest sessions on there if you want to check 'em out
http://rebeccajophotography.zenfolio.com/#

Make that beautiful bride stand out

(That was ONE BIG Bridal Party)



*****


Anyone else watch "Breaking Pointe"
I fell upon it on Hulu & LOVED it
Last night was the season finale & now I'm hoping they bring it back

Source: bing.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

I love all things dance...
I think there are only like 6 episodes & they're on Hulu so check it out
if you like that kinda thing


*****

Spat of the Week: PEE &WATER!!!!
(we really spat over anything, dont we?)

Yes, we know its close to the temperature I imagine Hell to be
& Yes, the Hubs works outdoors in this mess
so what happens when you work in heat?
You get dehydrated!!!!

How can I tell he's dehydrated?
Let me give you a hint...

(You too can use this wonderful tool)

(there's really a site called "Urine Colors"?)


So needless to say, I can tell Ricky isnt drinking his water
& he tells me he's too busy to drink

& that he drinks a glass of tea at lunchtime
TEA?  That's going to dehydrate him!!!!

This time around, I'm spatting with him because I care
...not because I'm right about something...
which is usually the case :)
& actually, I'm right about this too

DUDE NEEDS HIS WATER!!!
I'm going to hold him down in some torture scene I've seen in war movies & pour water over his face until he gets some in his system

*****

Whew - this was a long, busy frag - wasnt it?
Told you I'm messed up on my days... this is full of days worth of info

Hope you all have a Fabulous Tuesday Friday

Nike: Voices

If you have daughters... especially ones that are "sporty" & love to get dirty & sweaty..loves to really PLAY...

then you MUST watch this... & show this to them...

GIRL POWER!! :)





Man oh man... I cant wait for the summer Olympics!!!!

Speechless?... its ok...

So you know we were in Nashville this weekend.

I put on my favorite shirt...

My Steven Curtis Chapman shirt...

He lives near Nashville & you just never know where he's going to pop up.  I even told Ricky, if someone sees my shirt, they may say, "Hey, that guy is just around the corner"... & then I'd freak out & probably cry & then fall on the ground with a heart attack...

...maybe its better I dont see him roaming the streets of Nashville...

but that's my dream

& as soon as Julie saw my shirt when we got there, she knew exactly why I had it on! ... girls are so good at reading other's minds...

But because while I was enjoying the grandbabies and being on a SCC-watch - I've had his songs in my head...

right now, the one that keeps coming to mind is Speechless...

Speechless... something my hubby will attest to that I'm not very good at...

But sometimes, there are moments where we're speechless, isnt there?

When you see a child with chocolate all over them & you ask them if they've eaten anything? ... usually they're just quite... speechless

When you're so mad that you know if you say anything, you'll regret it... so you keep your mouth shut... you stay speechless

When you're so upset that you know if you open your mouth, you're not sure what will come first, the words or the tears that are behind your eyes... so you stay speechless

There are moments when we stay speechless...

I do that sometimes with God... get so angry, mad, upset, in awe...feeling numb...
... & I dont know what to say...

So I'm doing a challenge where I am reading all of Romans 8 for 8 days... its been wonderful - finding new things that stand out to me...

But I loved that while I'm singing "Speechless" in my mind, I see in Romans that its OK to be that way with God.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we out to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

-Romans 8:26

& even more, a few verses up, we see that Jesus is also interceding for us (verse 34)

Whew... I dont know about you...but I'm glad to know that when I'm speechless, I've got someone whose got my back with the perfect words... someone who knows my heart & takes what my heart feels & puts it into words for my Heavenly Father...

... its OK to be speechless...

Weekend WrapUp

Oh - get ready, because this is a photo heavy post... that's what weekends with the grandbabies do to me... & this isnt even my CAMERA photos - just off the phone!  More photos are to come.  Especially one of the cutest pictures I've ever taken of the boys together :) (how's that for a tease?)

Friday

* In my co-op basket - I've been LOVING the yellow squash.  Been getting that, sweet onions & potatoes... & am addicted to making them all together.  Olive oil & this little goodie right there... homemade bourbon red pepper flakes.  Its made by a family in Kentucky that comes to the farmer's market.  It makes ANYTHING taste good.

* We got 2 more dogs added to our house... my sister in law brought over her dogs for the week while my brother's family went on vacation... so there is a total of 6 dogs in my house right now.  As you can imagine - its hard to get 6 dogs together for a picture.

Saturday

* What do we do when we have 6 dogs at our house?  GET OUT OF TOWN! :)  ... joking.. not really... but kinda.  We headed to Nashville.  We were supposed to go last weekend but it didnt work out, so we HAD to go this time.  There was a little boy waiting for his Pappy


* Thank GOD for my parents, who came & stayed at my house to take care of the 6 dogs.  I'd be afraid of what my house woulda looked like otherwise.


* We're in the door & Ricky had some Ironman goodies for our boys... he knows what they like... it was a toy-fest of boy proportions...

(Can you please open these boxes faster Pappy?)

* The heat was miserable... I ended up taking a nap on the couch, while Luke took a nap in his room (with his Ironman) & Ricky & Isaac sat on the couch watching "The Avengers" cartoons on his phone.

* Isaac tried to tell me some things about Ironman that I thought for sure he had wrong & he was talking about Spiderman... I was wrong.. I just got comic-schooled by a 4 yr old

* Yep - it was MISERABLE in Nashville... that says 108.8 degrees... (the next day, it said 110)

Source: web.stagram.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

* We went out for dinner at the neatest little place called "The Pharmacy".  Bad thing?  It was CROWDED.. but we ended up sitting outside on the patio.  & yes, it was 107 at that time.  We were under fans.  It was warm, but the food made up for it.  I had a "Falafael Burger"... I just like saying it... it was chickpeas, with goat cheese.  DELISH!!!!  Julie had a black bean burger... & they also make old-fashioned drinks & malts.  We shared a Cream Soda & a Dreamscicle drink... Heaven in a glass.

(Isaac was OUT.. until Julie put the Creme Soda straw to his lips... INSTANT WAKE UP)

* With all the talk of superheroes - we discovered that Nanny's super power is SUPER KISSES!!!!!! ... the boys would try to knock me out with Ironman's lasers, but my SUPER KISSES CONQUER ALL!!!! :)  (I want my own action figure... & a killer costume)

* Got to pick out more toys... the choices?  Luke went with Spiderman this time around... Isaac?  Yet another Ironman.

* I was trying to convince Isaac I looked like Belle... he wasnt buying it.  But he did ask, in the SWEETEST voice ever, he wanted to watch Beauty & the Beast.  He knows how to get to his Nanny's heart.

Sunday

* Julie made us some amazing pumpkin pancakes... girl can COOK!  I could wake up to that every morning.

* While we're getting ready, Luke was playing with his own iPhone.  Its an old one but they charge it & let him play games on it. This kid is 2 yrs old... & maneveurs around on that thing like nothing... I couldnt even get the games he was playing... kids today

Source: web.stagram.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

* Had to give attention to our first "grandson" ...

Source: web.stagram.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

* We headed to the Opry Mall... right next to the Grand Ole Opry.. my new favorite place to shop.


* Time to go to the movies... BRAVE!!!!! (so good.. .I cried) ... I tried to convince Isaac that all that red hair, surely THIS girl looks like Nanny?  He said, "No... it looks like Pappy" .... haha!!!!

* We thought Luke would konk out... nope - both the boys loved the movie.  Isaac got a little freaked out by the 'bad bear' but even I had my hands on my face, anxious at times.

* Time to head home... one little boy was not too happy.  Isaac doesnt really realize that we're only 3 hrs away now - instead of 15... he was tired too from a long day, so we got a pouty face when we left.

* On the road again...& saw a sign at a farm that said, "For sale: Used Cows" ... what does that even mean?

* Open the doors to 6 happy dogs... now THATS a welcome home

* IT RAINED!!!!!!!! ... not much - more grey skies & lightning then anything... but it rained for a few minutes... it still exists!!!!

So it was a busy hectic weekend - lots of miles on the road - lots of cute faces to kiss... now onto a new week!  Let's hope its a good one!!!