Christmas Day 2009

It's sad that these are the only pictures I have to show from Christmas Day. We had a great Christmas. It was a quieter Christmas than usual at my parents' house since Krista and Matt were on their honeymoon. We had a great time though. Christmas at Landon's family's house was exciting, as usual, with kids running around, opening presents, etc. We headed to Lan's family's house after attending the Christmas Eve service at church. I love the Christmas Eve service - it is something I hope we'll always be able to go to together - a tradition that began in my family a long time ago. It just feels like in the midst of chaos, and family, and eating, it's a time to sit down and be still and remember and focus on the real thing. ANYWAY, then we headed to Lan's family's to open presents and eat together. Christmas morning we hung out with my parents and opened gifts, then headed to Lan's family's house for lunch, then back to my parents' house where we went to the Rave to see a movie. We got great stuff and had lots of surprises for everyone. It was a really great Christmas. Sometimes I'm a good picture taker...and sometimes not...so this Christmas was more...NOT. Here are two pictures I have of us...but they're not fantastic.

Here's Landon with his golf putting thing I gave him.

Here's me with a hilarious gift from my parents. It's a black apron that has a pearl necklace built in the top of it - haha - so you can look good when your husband gets home after slaving in the kitchen all day! HA. The apron also goes with a pair of rubber gloves for cleaning. These are hilarious because they are girly, girly, girly - they have toile and ruffles on the bottom. Isn't that wild? I LOVE them!

Christmas was a success...I'm still unpacking our stuff at home - we can only get so much done in one day! And....not sure if I should mention the tree in the picture behind me. This tree is quite a story. It's a new tree my parents bought last year to use for the wedding reception in a HUGE reception hall. My mom decided (after they'd already decided not to put the tree up at home this year) that she wanted that tree up, and she wanted to try to put it in the living room...not in the really high foyer. Well, the ceiling in there is 9 feet. Well, the tree is 9 feet. So, it looked sort of like the Griswald family Christmas tree....remember how it busted through their windows in their living room? It wasn't that crazy, and it actually fit a lot better than I thought it would...all in all...Christmas was good :)

Mia's, Other Eating, and my BF

One of my favorite things about going home to visit (besides seeing family, of course) is EATING at all my favorite places in town! I would say my top 3 favorites are: Coach n' Four, Hideaway, and Mia's. Oh, and if we drive to DeFuniak (where I went to elementary and middle school and where Landon's family lives now), I love to eat at Mom and Dad's Italian Restaurant and Ed's Restaurant (a.k.a. Tastee Freeze). This past trip home I was able to eat at Coach n Four, Hideaway, Mia's, and Mom and Dad's - definitely a success (but I was home a week and half, and you can get a lot of eating done in that amount of time).

On the Monday after the wedding, we met Steph for lunch at Mia's. Okay - I love Steph AND I love Mia's AND we used to eat there in high school all the time, so it's a nostalgic sort of place for me. I always have to choose between 3 favorite things when I eat there. Chef salad (without roast beef, olives, and something else I can't remember right now) with ranch dressing, Stromboli with ham and cheese, or small lasagna (because small lasagna comes with a side salad - large does not - and I always want the side salad). Oh, and no matter what you order, you have to order bread sticks. A large order - never a small. These are the best breadsticks I have ever had...anywhere...and I would challenge ANYONE who thinks they have had better somewhere else. Moving from Florida to Louisiana and to Georgia, I have searched for a comparable breadstick. No. It cannot be found. If you have found one you claim to be the best, I would love to try it out and see for myself. Here's a picture of the best breadsticks in the world.
And, see the two sauces? You must get ranch and then the hot sauce - not like "hot" like Tabasco, but "hot" like spaghetti sauce that is warmed up rather than cold. These things are amazing. I had not been able to spend any real time with Steph in uh....more than a year, I think. Probably more like a year and a half....I can't remember the last time we were able to spend a couple of hours together. Landon and I have had so much going on - we were able to tell her everything that's been happening. I realize now that I didn't let her talk very much (sorry!), and so we probably need another couple of hours so I could actually listen to what's going on with her. Steph and I have many memories together - not only in high school but also at UF. We lived together at the APT. Just remember, Steph, "Watch for Lizards coming and going out". We have so many inside jokes that we could not remember them all if we tried. Sometimes it's sad to become an adult. There are great things about adult life, but there is nothing like those high school and college days when you have no clue what paying a bill is like :) Steph, thanks for being my BF even though we're not as close as we used to be! I always know I can call you ANYTIME about ANYTHING and you will do whatever I need. That is a rare friend. You can call me anytime...my phone numbers are..."Hope to see you over the summer"...

Update #2: The Wedding

The Wedding weekend was packed, and I've realized that I have some very random pictures...but none while the wedding was actually going on. I had big jobs, you know, so I had to just put the camera down and take care of business. So...here are some random pictures I'll explain :)

When I arrived home, Krista's train was on our bed. So...clearly, if we were going to spend the night there (and we were), it was going to have to be moved. But, it was a painstaking process because you had to try not to wrinkle it or touch it or let anything else touch it....so...here it is on the bed when the whole process of moving it started...

So...Dad or maybe Landon - I can't remember which - gets the idea to hang the thing off the top of the staircase. He used straps to strap things down in the back of a truck to hang it in three places off of the banister. This was a very clever idea, except that the train kept reminding me of something every time I saw it...and then Krista told me what it was. It was like in Silence of the Lambs, where he kills that guy and strings that big banner thing up in the weird cell. I hate that movie. I have watched it twice in my life, and I have to have YEARS of a break in between because it's so scary. So...we had a weird Silence of the Lambs sort of theme going on with Krista's train in the foyer for a couple of days.

On Thursday evening, Krista and her bridesmaids (uh, not me - I am too old and tired) who have all been friends through high school and college went to Destin to eat out and have fun together. Here's a picture of three of them before they left. Look at these great crowns Krista made for them - cute, huh?

Here I am the morning of the wedding having my hair done...

Here's the finished product...I thought she did a GREAT job...

And, here's Krista's hair - halfway done - this was a funny look...

And, here's the front of her hair when she was finished...but still tiara-less and veil-less. I didn't get anymore hair pictures because by then I was in a huge panic about leaving and being late to the church. And, not just because I'm type a. But, because the hair thing took way longer than it should have! But, we were lovely...the price you pay for beauty, I guess.
And, here's the one picture I have of Krista in the bride's room at the church in her dress. Gorgeous, huh? Don't worry...I'll have more...soon...

The wedding day was BEAUTIFUL! I didn't realize how many responsibilities the dad gum matron of honor has. Ya'll, I had to keep the ring!!!!! Matt's ring! I was so worried about it that I took pictures before the wedding with it on my thumb. Can you even imagine if I had forgotten to put that thing on and the preacher went to get the ring from me....uh, hello, no. Then, the whole moving the train situation. How do you constantly whisk around and move the train, but also not be a distraction to what's going on with the wedding. For instance, they go over to light their unity candle. I go with them to help with the dress. I get the dress in position and then come back to my place. Well, guess what? They decide not to stand there the entire song and want to come straight back to their places. So, then, I had to bust right back over there and help with the dress again to get back to her place. But, I mean, what was I supposed to do? Stand there with them at the unity candle? Say, "Uh, hey guys, why don't you have a candle here for me to light?" Anyway, and then, the bouquet passing off....good night...it was a light to remember! I didn't fall down though, or do anything that was crazy embarrassing, or have any wardrobe malfunctions, so whew, it was okay.

Krista and Matt went on a western Caribbean cruise, and I'm pretty sure they had a great time. We were all so tired after the wedding and reception and clean up...we slept and napped as much as possible the next few days. It was very exciting though and a great, great time for our family to welcome in Matt!

Update #1: The Barbie Cake and Bridal Lunch

I think this Christmas may be the most stressed I've ever been trying to get home. With Krista's wedding and Christmas all at once - plus we were trying to buy a house and get ready for Landon to start a new job - wow, it's been a lot. The Thursday before the wedding, I hosted a bridal luncheon/lingerie shower for Krista at The Wild Olive at home. I really wanted to have one of those bridal barbie cakes for the shower. Well, I called our lady at home who usually makes our cakes, but she was so busy that she didn't have time to make it for me...so...I decided to have one made here, at Cakes by Darcy, and attempt to travel home with it. I talked with them about this decision when I ordered they cake, and they gave me some specific instructions of how to make sure I cared for the cake on the way home. I was supposed to work the Wednesday before we left to go home, but I had so much to finish up before leaving that I went ahead and took the day off. I don't know if "off" is the right word since I worked like a mad-woman until we left that afternoon, but I did not travel to Ronald Blue & Co. for my job that day, I mean. After running tons of errands Wednesday morning (this is Wednesday, December 16th, BTW) I picked up the cake. Well, guess what? I bought 2 different Rubbermaid containers hoping the cake, in the box, would fit in one of them. IT WOULDN'T. I stopped by Wal-Mart on the way back to Woodstock and got another container. STILL TOO SMALL. I put the cake in the fridge (after removing a shelf) and left it until Landon got home to deal with it (because Landon takes care of problems like that at our house). So, Landon gets home. He begins to load the car. We finally end up in the garage with 3 Rubbermaid containers, 2 coolers, a cooler full of ice, and a barbie cake. I know this is a long story. I want you to gather the agony I was in over worrying after paying a lot for this cake that it was going to get messed up. Finally, Landon took the barbie out of her box, and we cut some of the sides of the base of the cake off so that we could fit her down in the biggest Rubbermaid. that Rubbermaid had to fit down in the biggest cooler. We put ice around it and the lid would barely close, if at all. At this point, I've nearly lost my mind. Landon is more patient with things like this - I think he must see it as sort of a puzzle he's putting together. NOT ME. Landon, my hero of a husband, gets this cake all the way to Crestview, with not a strand of Barbie's hair messed up. The bridal luncheon went great the next afternoon...see pictures below :)

The infamous barbie cake with my beautiful sister...THE BRIDE

Here's Krista's maid of honor, Nicole, holding the gift Krista gave us all. SUPER CUTE monogrammed bags with our names on them!
Here's Krista and me - she's getting ready to open my present!

All the bridesmaids!

All the family - Krista, Grandma, Momma, and me

The bridal luncheon was a success! Krista got lots of stuff, and it kicked off the wedding festivities perfectly! Much was still to come though....

The Frymire's are moving to a NEW CHURCH!!

I know I have been EXTREMELY absent on our blog lately. I'm sorry! We've had a ton going on that I really couldn't talk about...but now, I can!! I sent an email out to our friends and family yesterday, and I think it probably best tells the story of what's been going on. So...here's the story!

It's been a VERY long time since I've sent out a Frymire Family Update...only because we've had no changes in our life for quite a while. I am super happy to report a HUGE change coming soon, and I wanted to share it with you. Landon and I are going to be the pastor family at Bethabra Baptist Church in Hoschton, Georgia. Hoschton is northeast of Atlanta, and is about an hour (in VERY good traffic) from Woodstock, where we live now.

As you know, our journey of waiting for God to give us a church has seemed like a long one (although really I understand that waiting a year or two is not very long at all compared to some longer waits....i.e. Joseph in prison for 9 years...), and while Landon's resume has been sent to many churches, we have only talked seriously with a couple. Sometimes it felt really discouraging and like it was never going to happen. A few months ago, Landon saw Bethabra's posting on the SBC website, and First Woodstock sent his resume. About a month later, Landon was contacted by Bethabra, asking him for a CD of a sermon and anything else that might help them. Landon sent a CD and a really long and in depth questionnaire he filled out for another church a while back. So...long story sort of shorter...they began to pursue Landon and then told him he was the only candidate they were looking at. They set up a time for Landon to come and preach in a Sunday night service at a nearby baptist church. After Landon preached that night, we went to eat with them at Cracker Barrel and just kind of small talked with the committee. We really, really liked them from the beginning. They then set up an interview time to talk with Landon in depth that week. We ended up staying from 4pm until very late that night. We told them all about our journey, our passions for ministry, and Landon answered every question they had. You know what? They seemed to still want us. We've had so much advice about what to say and what not to say in interview situations, and we probably talked more on the side of what people said "not to say", but we knew, we just knew in our hearts that God would have to open the door to exactly the right place for us - exactly the right place to do the ministries He's given us passion for - we just needed to be honest. And, boy, did God ever bless that honesty. Even that night when we left, we already felt so loved by them! They all walked us out, giving us drinks to go, and leftover dessert in ziploc bags, and Tootsie roll pops! We ended up going back a few days after Landon interviewed so that WE could ask our questions. We stayed just as long that evening, and at the end of that meeting, they pretty much told us they unanimously felt like Landon was God's man for their church. It was unbelievable. The things they said, and the love we felt from them and for them so quickly was only something God could have set up. Landon took a few days and prayed, and we both knew it was God's will for us to go.

We spent this past Saturday and Sunday at the church, meeting with deacons and staff (two bi-vocational staff members - a music pastor and a youth pastor), eating great food with deacons, search committee members, and staff and their families, having a reception and town hall meeting with the church members, and then finally, Landon preached Sunday morning. We left the service right after he preached, and they went into their business meeting time to vote. Guess what? They unanimously voted Landon in. I'm saying they voted 100% to call him - not even one "no". I'd say that was a pretty good confirmation.

So, we're about to set out on a new journey. I'm hoping to keep my job - I just may have to work a little bit of a different schedule since I'll have a longer commute. We're looking for a house to buy in Hoschton, and we're planning to rent our townhouse for now. How are we feeling about leaving Woodstock? Um, it's really hard to say. In some ways, I think we feel very ready to leave. God has given us 4 amazing years at FBCW. We have learned more than I could have even imagined we would when we began our time here. We're ready to take what we've learned and share it. We're ready to do what we believe God is telling us to do - and we're so happy He's opened this door. On the other hand...my dad always said it would be hard to leave the "mother ship"...and yes, it's going to be really hard. We have a family at Woodstock, a family who's supported and loved us through a lot of stuff, and there's no doubt we love it there.

So...please pray for us! We could not be happier to FINALLY get to share this news with you, and we cannot wait to see what God has in store. We know it won't be perfect, and we'll have to learn what in the world we're doing...but we know God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. That's what we're counting on.

If you want to check out the church, here's the website:
http://bethabra.org/

And, don't worry, I wouldn't have posted without PICTURES! Here are a few:

The outside of the building with the Sanctuary and Sunday School rooms:

Here's the inside of the sanctuary - isn't it beautiful?? And, look what a great piano they have (and they have a really great piano player!)

Finally, I just wanted to show the basket and poinsettia they had in our hotel room on Saturday night. This is only the tip of the iceberg to show you the thoughtfulness and love we've felt from their pastor search committee.
Alright, that's it!! And...that's enough! Big changes are coming...we're so excited about looking for a house, and starting a new journey!

Thankful

Landon and I are NOT traveling for Thanksgiving this year! We are staying home, just like we did last year. I am SUPER EXCITED about waking up late tomorrow, staying in my pajamas, and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We'll miss seeing our families, but things feel like they have been wild lately...and I'm ready for a couple days of rest....(and maybe a little shopping?). I'm thankful for a lot this Thanksgiving, and I just wanted to share my thoughts.

Bethany's Thankful List

1. I'm most thankful for the love I feel from the Father. I'm really thankful for how much He's shown me about Himself the last couple of years and how good and sovereign He really is. I'm thankful that I can trust Him - I didn't say it was easy to trust Him - but I think I almost finally believe I really can trust Him.

2. I'm thankful for Landon. I'm thankful for a husband who has done a job the last two years that has not been his favorite but has been necessary. I'm thankful for a man who is willing to do whatever it takes for our family.

3. I'm thankful for my parents and Krista. I've never felt such unconditional love from human beings as I do from them. I know they are for me...always.

4. I'm thankful for Landon's family. I'm thankful they love us and have continued to love us even through sorting out some tough stuff with them the last couple of years.

5. I'm thankful for our friends. Friends who we have leaned on harder than I could have thought possible in the last few years. Friends who didn't shy away when we needed them or when things looked ugly. True friends who stick around even when things get tough and sometimes uncomfortable.

6. I'm thankful for my job. Who knew RB&Co. would be such an awesome place? I had no idea. I'm thankful for my boss and co-workers. I'm thankful for being able to openly prayer together for each other at work.

7. Lastly, I'm thankful for a lot of exciting stuff that seems to be on the cusp of happening right now in our lives. Just reminds me how faithful God is....and that He has a plan.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Whether it will be a quiet day for you tomorrow or a day filled with lots of family (which is always a huge blessing - if we were home or at Granny's....we'd probably be surrounded by 20-30 people!), I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Gobble, Gobble! One more thing - I just realized that this turkey I put on here in the picture says, "Eat Cheese". What in the world does that mean? I'm leaving it because I think it's a great picture...but very, very strange...

The Weekend Update

We've had a busy weekend (shock). Landon's parents came this past week, and we did a ton of stuff with them (feels like). We started out Friday evening by having a Thanksgiving meal together at our house - we had roast, chicken and dumplings, dressing, baby lima beans, rolls, and carrot cake and pecan pie. I'm trying to think if there was anything else on my plate...but I don't think there was. Then, on Saturday, we drove around for a while, ate at Taco Mac for lunch (so we could watch the gator game), and then we went to see A Christmas Carol - at the IMAX 3D theater. It was super! I'll tell you this though. Landon and I have got to get some of our own 3D glasses.

This is what our 3D glasses looked like at the theater (maybe a little nicer than this). They are so uncomfortable! No matter how I tried to flip them up or slant them this way or that, they were just uncomfortable. Landon was right that we have got to research how to get our own pairs of those things! After the movie we came home and ate leftovers. We church'd on Sunday morning - and the service was great! Pastor Johnny shared with us that he has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. We are praying hard for him - it's in the early stages so they feel like it is very treatable. I can remember them watching his count for that even during the mentoring year, so I know it's been a possibility on the horizon for them for quite a while now. Landon's parents left after church and lunch at Cracker Barrel (where else would we have eaten?) on Sunday. We had a really good visit with them. After a quick Sunday afternoon and church Sunday night, we are back to another week....but GUESS WHAT? It's a short one!!!! I am off on Thursday and Friday....AND WE'RE NOT GOING OUT OF TOWN!!! I am NEVER, did you hear me, NEVER off when we are just staying in town. I am always off for us to go out of town. Because we're going to be home for the wedding and stuff around Christmas, I was thinking I would not decorate at all. Landon convince me I should decorate some...we just wouldn't put up a tree. I think I am finally ready to do some SHOPPING. My favorite part about Christmas though is wrapping the gifts. I would love to sit and wrap and wrap and wrap the gifts - but, only if I have cute ribbon and wrapping supplies! So...I just have to make it through Monday...Tuesday...and Wednesday....AND THEN OFF FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY! I cannot wait to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and go through the sale papers Thursday morning!

He Will Not Leave It Undreedemed

Landon and I have a lot going on right now. Not in a bad way...just in a perhaps changes are coming kind of way. It feels cautiously exciting, but it also reminds me of how good the Father is - how perfect His will is. Yesterday, in the few minutes I have in the car alone between dropping off my carpool and getting to my house, I turned on two of my very favorite songs right now. They are both off of the new Selah CD...

You know what's funny? As much as I love music, I did not know that much about Selah. I know some of their songs from the radio or from people singing them in church, but that's about it. A girl on one of the blogs I read put a song up from Selah's new album called Unredeemed. I listened to the song and couldn't believe how much it felt like the story of my life the past couple of years. As soon as the album came out a couple months ago, I bought it off itunes. I love it! My two favorites are Unredeemed and You Deliver Me. I want to tell you the words to the songs, and then I want to share with you why they mean so much to me.

Unredeemed
The cruelest world
The coldest heart
The deepest wound
The endless dark
The lonely ache
The burning tears
The bitter nights
The wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart
But we know these are
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every lie that gave up hope
We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But you never know the miracle the Father has in store
Just watch and see
It will not be
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

This song is just ridiculous to me. I've mentioned this before, but I'm such a brat to the Father. No matter what happens, and no matter how faithful He's been to me in the past, I still wonder if He will show up almost every time - and I still doubt that He can take situations and fix them. I wonder if He's really that powerful. I feel so loved by Him when I listen to this song - He knows my heart, He knows the way that I take, He didn't forget about me! This song is whispering, "Trust me, trust me, Bethany." Several things have happened in my life and in Landon's and my life together that has been a major shake down. I am amazed, completely in awe, that it's actually true. He really doesn't leave it unredeemed - anything. He really is a healer of all wounds. It's true that you never know the miracle the Father has in store...it's okay for me to doubt it...just watch and see, He says, just watch and see what I'm going to do for you. Do you think He's excited as He's saying just watch and see? He knows what's coming - He knows what good things are ahead....it feels like when I know something good is going to happen, but it's a surprise and I just want to jump up and down and tell the person...that's what it makes me think of. My Father is up there....just shaking His head, sorry I'm hurting right then, but with tears of love for me saying, "Hang in, just watch and see. Just trust me. I don't leave anything unredeemed for my child." He is so good.

Okay, the second one I love (but maybe not quite as much as the first) is:

You Deliver Me
Deep as the ocean, Bright as rain
This powerful emotion lifts me up above the planes
It's taken me to places I never thought I'd go
Showing me a grace I never thought I'd know

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

I feel like a sinner, my sins have been washed clean
I'm absolutely given, this heart has never seen
I must be forgiven sometimes asking why
I was chosen to be given you in this life

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

When there's a distance
Between what I am and who I want to be
You deliver me

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me You deliver me
When I feel like I can't go on You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

My favorite part of this one is the chorus. I mean, how many times do I feel like I can't go on? Let me tell you. A lot. Does the road ever feel like it's winding and way too long? Yes. A lot. Does it ever feel like we'll never get a church - yeah, that feels like a long, winding road. And then, You deliver me. I don't have to deliver myself - and thank goodness, because I can't. I don't have to figure it out. I don't have to be that smart.

I know this has been a serious post today, and usually mine are sillier. I guess with everything that's been going on here, I just feel really grateful. Grateful for what God has done in my life - for the stuff He's shown me about Himself. Ya'll, I can trust Him. He didn't leave me unredeemed. And, He delivers me - He is for me. And, I can trust Him. Thank you, Jesus.

Dogs in Stores

So, yesterday for work, I had to head to this luggage repair shop close to our office to have them gold stamp some leather notebooks for me. Every year when we have our New Principal's meeting, I take the notebooks to be stamped. Malissa used to take them - so this is my second year of doing this job - but we have always taken them to the same place. Apparently, this place is practically the only place in Atlanta that will still put this gold lettering on the folders. It just happens to be down the street from our new office now. I dropped the notebooks off (only 2 of them this year) early last week. On my receipt that I took with me that day, they told me I could pick the notebooks up last Thursday. Because of my carpool/riding/driving situation, I did not pick them up until yesterday. I get there to pick them up about 1pm, and the lady says, "Oh, guess what, he just started working on those. It's going to be 15 minutes." Okay, first of all, what? If he had not done them already, he just happened to know I was coming and had coincidentally just started working them? Interesting. But, no problem. I'm happy to sit for a few minutes and wait for the notebooks to be stamped. I read a magazine, almost fall asleep in the sun, text some people, etc. Meanwhile, the dogs are on the floor. I have only been in one other store (which was a car wash) where the owners had their dogs in the store with them (except for perhaps a pet shop, of course). This place totally cracks me up. The two dogs are sweet as can be and very old and just lay around and sleep. Since this is a luggage repair shop, it's funny that behind the counter, the dogs have old suitcases as their beds. But, most times I've been there, they choose to sleep out in the "store" part of the building, making grunting noises, and just other dog noises in general. I decided since Malissa and I have talked about this store numerous times and the dogs there, I would send her pictures of the dogs on my phone. Here they are:

Don't you think this is funny? It totally cracks me up. I finally did get my notebooks and left. I hope the dogs are still there next year when I return for my annual notebook stamping.

Where Have I Been?

I know it's been a really long time since I've written. We've had a ton of stuff going on - hopefully some stuff I can share sometime soon, but with all this church stuff - we just have to be careful about sharing things. Anyway, suffice it to say, for random reasons, it's been a super busy couple of weeks. I already can't wait for the weekend, and the week just started! And, I still don't really have anything to tell you. I just found that my absence in the blogging world was becoming unacceptable to me. I do have one issue to address after my long hiatus.

Toilet Seat Covers.

So, who uses these things? I always use a toilet seat cover if it is offered in the restroom. I have to be extremely careful trying to discuss this because I am really bad about giving way too much information - when it is like no one's business and I should feel embarrassed sharing it. So...I'll try to monitor myself during this post. The other night, we get into a discussion with Eric and Kelli about toilet seat covers. I learn from this discussion that I have been putting the cover on backwards. I am very confused by these helpful little covers. Everyone else tells me that the flap part is supposed to go in the front. WHAT???? I thought the flap goes in the back??? I was totally unaware that I have been using toilet seat covers the wrong way my entire life (Which reminds me of when I first learned to use a computer mouse as a child, I learned to use it upside down - so up was really down, right was really left, etc. - weird, huh?). So, a few days ago, I tried to do it the so called "right" way. My friends, it did not work. I do not think these people I trust are correct. Can you provide any wisdom? I will try to think of something more entertaining and relevant than toilet seat covers to bring to the table in my next post. I am alive, and I do intend to continue in the blogging world. :)

Quick Update

Ya'll, yikes, it's been a long time since I've updated! Things have seemed so busy....or maybe I just haven't had anything to talk about. I'm not sure which it is...but I just haven't updated. The weekend was good. Landon was off on Saturday, so we had a good day together...and how about that game?? Yeah! Go Gators! If anything exciting happens this week....I'll let you know! Or, I'll try to think of something completely useless to talk about :)

The Magical World of Barbie/Barbie's Birthday Party

So, a while back, my sister discovers that our cousin, Heather (David's wife), was in one of her favorite videos as a child, Barbie's Birthday Party. This video (below) was one of Krista's favorites for a while. It's about two girls who go to Epcot and have their birthday parties (or something like this....this is not quite right)...and it shows all around Epcot. At the end of the little video, it shows the live stage show that was at Epcot at the time, The Magical World of Barbie. I think Krista discovered from Heather's facebook page and pictures that she was in this video. So...this past weekend when I was home, we dug it out (actually Krista dug it out and said it was at the very front of the old video cabinet - weird), and we watched it. My, Landon, Krista, and my parents (when they weren't asleep - don't worry, we woke them up screaming anytime Heather came on).

Look at these pictures of Heather (I really hope it's okay with her I am writing this post!!)!! Isn't this awesome!???? She was one of the barbies in the live show!!!! And, it was before we ever knew her and before she was in our family!!!

Love Loud Concert

On Sunday, after we got home, we headed straight to the park for the Love Loud Concert. Remember how I made the blankets to help with Love Loud? Well, this was a big celebration concert to wrap up the whole weekend. It was great....and gorgeous weather. Did I mention I'm tired from the weekend though?

This is a balloon animal Eric took apart and re-made that someone else made for us. It is a poodle, I think. Except that there was something wrong with the back of it, so instead of making legs for it, we made it into an anklet. Nice, huh?

Landon and Me - I think my hair looks stringy in this picture - which is never something I've ever even thought to utter about my hair. It was like 0 humidity though, so now I'm just thinking that maybe this is what my hair looks like in dry air. Since I've grown up in FL and never lived where there's not much humidity, I've never experienced hair without the humidity effects.

Eric and Kelli - this picture is crazy. We took several pictures, but they didn't really like them, so I guess Landon finally took this one like they were lying on the ground or something. Funny.

These are our friends, David and Jessica, and 7 week old baby, Phillipe (shoot, I hope that's how to spell that!!). This is the first time I've gotten to meet little Phillipe, so I was excited!! Isn't his hair GREAT!!??

Here Comes the Bride...Almost

This past weekend was FANTASTIC! Landon and I went home for me to go to Krista's church shower. It was so much fun! I went to have my dress altered - here are a few pictures...(please note: I know the dress is very tight in my "hip" area...as did the seamstress who made that comment loudly in the room. Don't worry, this will be a classy affair - Krista's wedding - she'll be giving me a few extra inches in that area :)...

And then...Saturday morning was the shower! There were so many sweet ladies from the church there. Krista got tons of great gifts - and there was excellent food. Pics below...

My job was to write all the gifts down for Krista. I did my best, and except for one significant typo which we later found before she wrote any thank you notes, I did a pretty good job with my duties.

Here's all the family - my momma, me, Krista (THE BRIDE), Grandma, and Krista's soon to be mother-in-law, Deborah.

I think all the bridesmaids are here except for one. Oh, and yes, this is Matt, Krista's fiance beside Krista. He came at the end of the shower to help load the car with the great gifts.

And, here's Krista and Daddy when we got home. Daddy had to work on Saturday, so he couldn't come up to help load up stuff from the shower, so Krista was giving him a tour of all the gifts in the foyer. I wanted a picture of them so that Daddy would know he was a part of things on her special shower day!

And, that's it from the weekend. We came back home yesterday and went to the Love Loud Concert in the city park. I AM TIRED. But, it was a great weekend. I'm SUPER EXCITED about being home for the wedding VERY SOON!!!!

Comfort Calls...Should I Hang Up On It?

This is a post I've been wanting to do for awhile. I have some concerns about my home attire, and I want to share my concerns with you. I have never wanted to be someone who wears really disgusting clothes around the house. Now or ever (meaning as I get older and maybe have children and am like running around ragged more of the time). I understand that at home you should not have to look your best, but I also don't want to act like I really don't care at all. I want to have like self respect for myself and look semi-attractive (perhaps) most of the time (at least just not look disgusting), so I feel I try to do accomplish that goal. The other day, Landon said something about my bathrobe. Here is my bathrobe:
This bathrobe is from Costco. I got it probably 2 years ago. It is a fuzzy fleece material, really warm, and I really love it. It has gotten a little worn down - I painted in it, so it has some tan paint on it, and I mean, it might have a few stains on it - but I wash it....like once in a while, at least. I expressed to Landon my desire to look attractive at home, and he thought that was really funny in light of my bathrobe choice. Basically, let me just lay it out for you. He pretty much thinks this bathrobe is hideous. I had no idea. My other favorite outfit to wear at home is this:

This is a pajama set Krista got me a couple years ago for Christmas. This is the only red thing I ever wear. These pajamas are crazy soft and so comfortable, and I wear them all the time watching tv or hanging out at home. They are from Loft, I think. Landon has not really commented on this choice, but the whole robe conversation just got me thinking. Do you think these are extremely ugly and disgusting choices to wear around the house (you can say yes.)? Do you think this is an embarrassment to myself? I am not sure. I get all the same from Landon - blah blah, I love you no matter what, but I want to have some self respect, people. If I am crazy embarrassing myself, I want to know. I do want to be realistic though. None of us wives really have a ribbon in our hair when our husbands come home from work (see Better Homes and Gardens article on how to be a good wife from 1950's). We're in the real world, ladies. I must be a real person. Just perhaps I may need to freshen up the clothing to lie around the house in. I do not sleep in any of these things, which is another story - well, I do sleep in them sometimes if Landon won't allow us to turn on the heat and it's cold :) Here are my questions:

Are these home clothes disgusting?

What should I do about it if they are?

Any other thoughts are welcome.

Pancakes Make Me Feel Sick...BUT WHY???

Last Tuesday night (like not the last Tuesday in this week, but the last Tuesday in last week), we had Eric and Kelli over for a breakfast dinner. IT WAS YUMMY! But...pancakes always make me feel really sick. I don't know why! Maybe because the syrup is so sweet? Every time I eat pancakes, I always have to go on a pancake eating break for a long while so I can forget how sick they made me feel the last time I ate them! Where do you think are the best pancakes? I like IHOP pancakes now, but I also really love Cracker Barrel. I always must use Aunt Jemima syrup, and I really like to warm it up in the microwave first. Landon uses his special syrup - his cane syrup - from his family, but I don't really care for it. It's just different - I tried it and tried to like it...but to no avail. Landon and Eric cooked our meal while I finished one of the blankets for Love Loud. Here are a few pictures of our fun evening.

Do you like my Barnum and Bailey Animal Crackers mug that my syrup is in? Yum.

How to Make a Blanket

For our contribution to Love Loud (or really my contribution because Lan did some other things), I helped make these blankets for a neighborhood our old Sunday School class has really been helping out over the past couple of years. I took pictures for almost every step so you could see how to do them. And, let me just say - and I feel really bad to say this. I did not really enjoy making these. This was the same feeling as scrap booking is for me. Takes a long time, too messy, my hand hurt. Yet, I love the Shutterfly scrap booking and making photo books that way. I'm just not sure what my deal is with actual craft projects. Anyway, I want to share the steps with you. I'm very proud of this blanket accomplishment.

Here is the blanket cut up and folded up and ready to be made on the floor:

So...I laid it out on the floor and tried to get all the sides to touch. I'm a little impatient for this part though so I just have to go with it after a few minutes of trying to get it perfect.

Then, I cut each corner with this square.

After that, I cut strips along every side

No picture for the next part, but then I tied them all in knots, and folded up the blanket to send off...here's the final result!

YAY - I'm excited about the Fountain Lake residents using the blankets we've made! I did barely any work compared to most of the ladies in the Sunday School class...