Dessert Help!

So I have some dinners coming up that I need to make desserts for. hubby hates dessert. boo. hiss. so i need help from ......YOU! what's your favorite dessert? is it holiday-ish? i heart all seasonal food. the more you tell me it won't be there in a month. the more i'll buy. Now let's get down to biz. What should I make?

You know me

And how I can't resist a good people.com survey! And about Tiger Woods? It's kinda like Christmas= combining all my fave things (Jesus, family, and materialism!)

And because I'm never bashful of my vote. (Voted for W twice. More and more proud of it.)

I don't mind sharing that this time I voted for John Edwards as the Year's Worst Cheater.

I know. Tiger is now up to something like 11 women. But at this point. He has major issues. But he's a golf player. Sadly prob giving his wife some "germs", but overall not really hurting me. Yes he might have cheated on his pregnant (HOT) wife, BUT

John Edwards cheated on his DYING wife! are you kidding me? In the mean time he was trying to convince the American voter (who we all know I don't put a ton of stock in) that he could run our country.....lead us......protect us.....defend liberty.......but this is not the kind of freedom I'm looking for! Hence why you get married. A different kind of freedom.

When hanging out with high schoolers we often talk about the "rules" in the Bible. The legalism that so many cling to or fear. But people don't realize that it's not a "do or doom". It's a guide book. From a parent. On how it can be better. There is freedom in rules. Even for people like me. Annoying rule followers.

And I heart David Letterman. And I wouldn't even want John Gosselin to know I knew who he was.

Update=Make convo like cream cheese and spread the word

Important things I need to relay.

1. The Carmel Brulee Latte is nasty.

2. Drinking a skim/no whip latte is not worth the $4 :( I will try different variations to try to find something that works. However, if you have only ever ordered this brown water. Please don't judge Sbux addicts on your bad ordering.

3. Tiger and his wife are in the middle of the ocean. Yeah I don't know if I believe it either. But this guy I work with insists it's truth. He says he's tight with a guy who's tight with a guy, that knows. And that the knowing, know that they are on their yacht.

4. Jake Gyllenhaal dropped the G-word. (i do love the drama in that one sentence. and the weird feeling of hope I felt when I read the article.) The only people who hate them are people who wish they were them. Or were with them. I know a few of these.

5. Peppermint Bark Haggan Daaz is back. But you won't find any if I beat you to the store. But does anyone know why it's twice as unhealthy as other ice cream? Mac smartly asked "why didn't they just add peppermint bark to ice cream?" he's so wise.

Happy Friday! Going home to watch a lil TGIF..........

Judge On

So the stories on Tiger won't stop if I have anything to do with it. I read someone comment about how it's his personal life and we should stop reading the magazines selling the stories. But I swear. I might not give them a penny. But if they're following me, they'll keep writing. Cause I'm following them. (I don't think they follow me? I don't think......) I do feel really dirty after I read the stuff. Or listen to the VMs. Or relisten. Or turn up the volume and listen again. But I also have a slight female crush on his wife. And am interested in (potentially) the largest divorce settlement in history ($300 million!!!!)--though I hear there is a pre-nup that is being revamped--not sure why you would make deals for money to stay married--anyone? So perhaps this is made up. I for one, am cheering for her to stick with him. That the marriage counseling is a slow success. And that they can raise the super duper cute kids as a family (though I heart Parnevik's article). I am also hoping he is humbled. That he's broken and realizes that there is more to lose in life than a game of golf. But as we break our chalk tallying the girls coming forward and Mac repeats jokes like "Tiger's a Cheetah" (you know you laughed), I quickly swore off television the second I hear that Roger Federer has an affair. For real. Dramatic times=dramatic threats. I also wouldn't mind if some great researcher (pick me!) did a Census on cheating. Just how normal is it? Are we desensitized? If Brangelina isn't married is it still cheating? If Sienna Miller was cheated on, then was the cheatee and is now crawling back to Jude Law, has she just succumb to being "one of many"? Once a cheater always a cheater? Does the idea that you thought about cheating with someone of the same sex (read: Fergie) really distract from the fact that your husband slept with a stripper? And is there anyone left that is looking to any of these people as role models? Just say no. To drugs. All kinds of affairs. And celebrity heros. I'll stick with my mom.

Things We Like: Sbux

Though the doctor recently told me to lay off the Starbucks. (how did she know?) This is really the only thing I can come up with for my Xmas list. It's the one thing I wish I had more of. And really feel treated when I get. This week. In the midst of the biggest recession of my generation, my neighborhood Starbucks increased their prices. Did yours? Give me some numbers. How much is the new Carmel Brulee latte? Cause that's clearly what I'm after. Even if it's skim/no whip. I think it's still worth the almost $4. Ok, I don't really know, BUT I will know after my Sat. morning coffee date! Counting down the hours! (42 aka The reason I babysit on Sat. nights.) I LOVE Starbucks.

And so I wonder. Is the rise in prices a sign of a turning economy? Or a sign that Sbux has become an inelastic good. (Defined as "Addictive goods such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling and Super Bowl tickets, because the addicted consumer will buy them even at higher prices.") Am I an addict? There's part of me that also wonders if when times are tough. And people are cutting out the expensive clothes, the extra vacations, if a small little pick-me-up doesn't help bring on a smile. Is that justification for rising prices?

How much is your Starbucks? I "think" our holiday Tall Lattes are $3.55....Peppermint Fraps are an even $4. But you can practically call that one a milkshake. Right?

Worth every penny.

Still Road Trippin

So the "blog trips" have taken a longer pause than planned. I forgot my camera when I went to Nashville! and who wants to hear about my trip without seeing pics of the lil faces? No one. One day I will share that trip. Until then. Congrats to Nashville for getting their first Chipotle. I will visit you soon. Promise.

For now. Enjoy some lovely pics of our "I Heart NYC" adventure. With CARLA! I know you've all missed me talking about Carla. But she was there. And it was awesome. Highlights include, but probably won't win me any fans:

1. Shake Shack: Which (though Mac says I throw around the word) is NOT my favorite. Please visit us in DC for some Elevation Burger.

2. Billy Elliot: Again. Not a fave. (I promise the trip was awesome!) But if you get the chance to see something on Broadway. Trust Julie, not Tony. You'll thank me.

3. Sharing my fave city with 5 special friends and 38,000 kinda friends, running the NYC marathon.

4. Sharing my fave city with 6 fairy tale princesses and CARLA on Halloween. Pic included.

5. Going into the men's restroom at Norma's. Assuming CARLA was in the stall. Fixing my hair in the mirror. And running out after the large (stinky) man emerges. Pic included.

6. It was awesome.

Too Pretty

Honestly I can't get enough of young Hollywood girls crying out bc their looks have gotten in their way of success. They are TOO pretty. The latest (and yet perhaps prettiest) to cry pretty-wolf is Megan Fox. I mean, is that even her last name? Bc if it is. She had a leg up from birth. I will give her that when I talk about her (yes, i know, why am i talking about her), but when i do. it's never super nice. poor girl. BUT it's not bc she's too pretty! I'm not jealous of her looks. I'm jealous that she's famous. And I'm pretty sure it's her looks that got her there. They aren't the thing holding her back. Or Jessica Biel. Or Jessica Alba. Or Jessica Simpson. Or Jessica Megan Fox. (It just seemed like they were all Jessicas.) Perhaps Jessica is synonymous for high self esteem. Or low. Poor girls. Poor poor pretty girls. If only they could act.

Tis the Season.....Gifts

I'm not the best with gifts. (Even if I am needy when it comes to the other four love languages.) I really struggle with gifts. Namely surprises, which kills, what we'll call "most" of the fun for the gift giver. You can watch our home videos for proof. It's not something I'm proud of. But I can't even fake it. Not that I'm not excited. Or thankful. It is just super tough for me to handle receiving a gift/knowing someone has spent money on me, if it's not "perfect". I admit that as I've gotten older and money has gone to grown-up things like mortgages and eye glasses, opening a gift, even if it's hideous, sounds somewhat appealing. Mac is the opposite. I swear he's never seen a gift he didn't like. And then we just pay for alterations on things that are too big or buy different versions.....when he could have exchanged. But he does have a way about him that I'm sure gift givers appreciate. I struggle with wondering if it is fully selfish to want other people's money to be spent on what I want. What part of me is responsible for just being thankful?

So let's get down to it. Here's where you can help!

What is an appropriate gift for co-workers? You know, the people you spend your whole life with. The people who make you want to run to Xmas vacation. The people you feel like you already give everything to. I realize this is more of a token gift, but how big of a token?

And there's parents. The people you care about the most. Who since you have known them have given to you. And you try to give back. You try all year. But then there's this one day that reminds you that you don't really try hard enough. What gift do you give to the people who seem to have everything.....and hopefully on top of that, a little extra gas money every once in a while. Do you just give them back the gas money? This tanks on me?

Don't even get me started on the spouse. Cause I'm pretty sure whatever he gives me is really actually from me. And in theory, the gifts from ME should be the best! But is this where the "just be thankful" lesson could teach the most? Do I really think Mac thought I couldn't live without the dress that was 2 sizes too big, or was it just the first (read only) one he saw when he walked in the store on my actual birthday? Shame on me?

As you can see. I'm in a tizzy. That will most likely not be resolved in the next 45 days. And I know I said I hated gifts. But give me just this one! Help please!

Cotillion Rules

So I never did cotillion. And no one would ever call me grace, despite my 15 years of ballet. But this weekend we head to Chapel Hill for Homecoming. If we wake up in time we will stop by the Kappa Delta house for brunch. I used to love this brunch when I was in college bc I heart breakfast food. But I haven't been back since. When I think about sorority life I have found memories of great friends. And thankfulness for lessons learned. For instance.....though I don't usually believe in sharing sorority secrets.....and kinda wonder since my blog is clearly so famous if I could somehow be reprimanded by some "supa sista" if such exists.....newho, I am so thankful for learning.........a way out of small talk. I hate small talk. I'm so bad at it. For this reason I'm super awkward at......most social events. But during Rush they teach you that if you are done, just rub your arm, and someone else will come in to take over the conversation. Is there a life symbol for this? Do most people I encounter think I have a rash bc I just rub my arm praying to be "bumped"? I know. It seems odd. I'm an outgoing introvert. I can chat my friends' heads till they spin, and tend to do this at home every night. But don't make me small talk. And if you do. When I rub my arm. You know what to do. Bump please!

What is the appropriate "exit" when small talking? Can you just say "ok i'm done"?

Too far

So I admit that I've been drowning in "self" posts. And I do have a few more trips to report back on. But for now, on to the important stuff. I voted on Tuesday. I wasn't planning to, but I went solely to cancel out a colleague's vote. Whatever gets you to the polls. I also love (confessions) to vote on gossip web sites. When I vote online I get so excited to report back to Mac (who clearly cares) on how America and I always vote the same. Even when political elections confuse me. Me and America agree on some things. But this time. I'm left confused. The poll is "Has Gossip Girl Gone Too Far?" Their next episode will include a threesome. The first season of this show was ah-mazing. The second season=slightly raunchy, so I started yoga on Monday nights. But this season, I'm at home....and shockingly have found it more wholesome than certain Tuesday night television. The show moved to 9 pm (from 8 pm), BUT am I really supposed to believe their target audience is 18-34 year olds? The show is called Gossip Girl. IT'S ON THE WB! I wasn't born yesterday. In fact I was born and fall directly into their average age target viewer. But I also know that my aunts let my cousins watch the show bc Julie does. I admit I cried the first time Mac told me for this reason alone I shouldn't watch. Not bc I didn't think he was right. But bc I was angry that the writers had taken away my show. The group that has been fighting this content asks the network “Will you now be complicit in establishing a precedent and expectation that teenagers should engage in behaviors heretofore associated primarily with adult films?”

What happened to TGIF? I think I've decided that when I have teenagers I'm going to watch the shows that they watch. I realize this will be easier for me than some parents....I don't meet too many shows I dislike. But I watch Gossip Girl and I ask my cousins.....is this what high school is really like? It's eye opening what teenagers face. What has become normal. And I have about ten more posts on this subject regarding the book "Eat, Pray, Love".

What do you think? Has Gossip Girl gone too far? 50% of People.com readers say No.

Love at First Sight

So I'm told that when you have a kid and it pops out (I'm hoping it's that easy), you just love it. More than you can imagine. Which is why I don't try to imagine. (Waste of time if it's impossible) But if it didn't pop out of you. I think you can still love it more than you imagined. It might not be love at first sight. Bc you didn't see it first. But there's that moment. When you get that email. And you open the pic. And it's love.

Mooooooooo! Happy Halloween!

More pics to come!

Plans

Today is our 2 year anniversary! (we made it!) But today as we celebrate our hearts are heavy with news from groomsman Robert (read Road Trippin: Indy Race Car style and make sure to check out his blog). He got some blood work back today that was less than good. Less than hoped for. Never planned. I read something interesting on his facebook wall. It was a short encouragement from a friend that simply said, God is still sovereign and not surprised by this. Jesus got on the boat and then the storm came. He knew it was coming. The disciples had given up hope. And then at the perfect moment He calmed the storm. I often wish that God's plan looked more like mine. When I should be wishing more that my plan looked like His. But in this I can find peace that there is a plan. Even if I don't understand now. Even if I don't see it here. Hebrews 11

**Don't even get me started on how I can't find a pic for this post. Curse you wedding photographer. Thanks to Meghan for the pic above!**

Happy 2 years buddy!

Road Trippin #6: Jerry World

So as I've mentioned. We try to keep things "fair" in our little household. To do this, each
year we have a girl trip and a boy trip. (I say this as if we've been married for ages, but just go with it). This year we didn't. (So now I just spoke of a tradition that only lasted like once) Neway. This year instead of separate trips, as you noticed in Road Trippin #1, we invited boys to the girls trip. And then I invited myself to the boy trip! Last December, I believe it was, our friends the Walls initiated the idea of going to the Texas A&M vs. Arkansas game in Dallas, TX. If I was honest, I was not in the original game plan (sadly when looking back at the game, not sure the team was either). However, as soon as I heard that the game would be held in the new Dallas
Cowboys billion dollar stadium, I was in. We found the best (read cheapest and yet direct!) flight we've ever had to Texas and were hosted by Tiffany Wall's gracious fam. The stadium did not disappoint. The game might have. But we've (with greater
reluctance than most) moved on to basketball season (except for Mac's amazing fantasy football team!-awesome that the team we can still get behind has fantasy in the title, should have known)













Tailgating with alumni from a football school is a great experience that I've missed since
childhood (though the childhood ones didn't have plasma tvs). Even if I can count on 2 hands the games I've been to where Clemson and A&M (combined) have won (though Clemson did beat A&M at one, so I will not count this for either), losing does not stop the fans. And I have to say that being adopted (even if I just declared myself adopted) into the Aggie tradition is something to be proud of. You would cry too! I promise! When you see the whole stadium wrap their arms around each other and sing. When you see the little players on the field (they were little from the upper deck, HUGE on the big screen) singing their hearts out. I am proud to be a Carolina Tarheel, but you can't watch the fans at an A&M game without knowing it's special and wanting what they have. To which I then conclude, by using the transitive property, that it makes NO SENSE that they don't win every (or at least all but 1) game. If I were a football player, I'd hands down be an Aggie! I guess God knew what he was doing when he let me put on high socks for the church bball team. But as a fan, I feel so honored to be a part of both traditions! Gig 'em Aggies!

**The pictures included are to show off the 60 yard jumbotron. Once you get the idea of how large and clear it was from anywhere in the stadium, you will laugh your silly head off that I saw boob! That's right. Some girl loved it when they scored, as did I. She just jumped up and down. Up and down. And pop goes the weasel! IT WAS AWESOME. Thank goodness for tv delay or you too could have seen "it" from the safety of your own home. Other pics include the boys at the tailgate, me and Tiffany-who looks beautiful even after having a baby a few weeks before!, and the stadium, which made the movie Independence Day come to life**

Road Trippin: #5 Austin City Limits

Late September we got a reprieve from driving around our car (affectionately known to us as Jym), and took off on a jet plane to Austin, by way of San Antonio, with a layover in Houston. Really we were trying to hit up TEXAS. And we did.

The occasion was lil mini Brennan's baby dedication at church. Though he is no longer our newest nephew (it is tough to keep any one position for long!), for one reason or the other his dedication is the only one we have had the honor and blessing of attending in person. As a girl that cries during most dedications at our home church, it was super special to be there and stand as family for Brennan. To speak aloud our commitments to him before the church and God. And also, he's really cute. So that's fun too!

In other news I'm really into cooking. Yes, I overly involve myself in my tv shows (which should be a blog post in and of itself), but also in my books (a post that has been written, but might need a revisit). I loved Julie and Julia. Bc I'm her. Without being crazy liberal. And without the shady morals and potty mouth. No red hair. Ok, I'm not her. But my heart is where her heart was, so I connected with the book and have started cooking more. My colleagues love these shenanigans and one day if I cook something besides chocolate, I'm sure Mac will approve of my new hobby as well. Long story to say, it was SO fun to taste all of Meghan's wonderful meals and be inspired to try new things (though my "new things" are still limited to only chicken and beef, no sandwiches, no veggies besides cucumbers/broccoli/green beans, and no to anything I don't like, including anything with a "texture") But it's fun to pretend I'm adventurous and so fun to be hosted by a pseudo chef with a really cute baby!

A Smile Guarantee

So today (so far) has not been one of those days that make you smile. It's more like one of those "the flu shot gave you the flu, so you didn't have time to pack your lunch bc you overslept for your condo refinancing where they had your "wrong" credit info, so you with your scowl blamed your husband, who hence didn't want to converse, as you were flailing around the metro, walking in late to your office where your new desk is in the center of the universe....and not in a production way, but in a NO privacy way, where your new cube-mate promised to bring you back your fave BLT popover from her "client lunch", but then just didn't, so while your stomach is eating itself it really hurts to notice that the way overpriced dress you (emotionally) bought last night in a size that you were hoping to "grow into" (nobody really hopes this, you just do what you gotta do to justify), became available in your size. (the "helpful" lady suggested I simply buy them both. but even I know that your husband can be maxed out way before your credit card)" So not a bad day. Nothing really wrong.

I was just a bit hesitant when I got the email, subject line "Acorns-sure to make you smile" But I opened it. And it did.

"Since it is the time of year for acorns to fall off the trees, they are abundantly available to Baby Hannah, who is collecting them in a Ziploc baggie to take to Chip and Dale!"

Road Trippin: #9---46 days till Disney World. And yes, we're all counting!!! Just thankful to finally be in the double digits!

PS My eyes teared up the first 5 times I stared at the email. The 6th time I couldn't help but wonder if the baggie would soon contain bugs. I know. Only my mind goes there. I know. I know.

Road Trippin: #4 Sparkle City USA

I'm getting behind on these trips. #4 seems like weeks ago. (And it was.) BUT it was HUGE! PaPa turned 90! 90! Over 60 years of marriage. 3 children (with collectively over 100 years of marriage!) 8 grandchildren (collectively 17 years of marriage, less impressive stat, but perhaps for our generation it's huge? Hollywood standards? anything? Bueller?) And 4 great-grandchildren. Needless to say Christmas Day can get kind of hectic and we tried to bring that same party spirit to the ole man's big day! (well big celebration, we celebrated a week early to avoid a newborn collision....with just cause, as new baby Tyler was born 1 day before his due date, 1 day before the official September 25th birthday-special shout out to reader Kara, Peter, and Peter's mom for holding down the big day- Happy Birthday to all and to all a good night! We were all hoping he'd be born on his due date/share a bday with PaPa, but at some point I had to stop praying my sister would be in labor for 20 hours--this didn't happen until roughly 10 hours into it, but don't tell her) It was such a blessing to be a part of celebrating the beginning of a wonderful legacy. We toasted and ate and ate and the food was really good, so we ate. We missed Betsy, Joe and Trey, but we conference called them, DUH! Which was special for me. Bc I seem to be the sibling that's often missing and it was fun to be able to welcome them to the party the same way that I'm welcomed every other (as in alternating, not as in all the others) holiday. TGISpeakerPhone. And family. :) No matter what else is going on in life. You can't help but to be drawn in. Happy Birthday PaPa! You give us many, many reasons to celebrate! Here's to 90 more!
**Pictures feature: The Ladies (minus Ethel): Aunt Nancy, MaMa, Great Aunt June, and Mom, MaMa and PaPa with the grands, Baby Hannah with PaPa in his bday hat (Blake was scared of the hat), me and my daddy, And my mini family shot with Pops at the Party**

Road Trippin: #3 Tri Syle

Before the race

On Sept 13 at approximately 9:15 AM we completed our first Sprint Triathlon. And for the most part loved it. Though it's kinda like being broken up with. When you're going through it, it sucks. And then afterwards you only remember and cling to the good, fond memories? Which you hope to repeat. Knowing that next time it won't hurt so bad? Luckily for relationships there's marriage. Unfortunately as far as triathlons go, I don't think I'll ever win.

We arrived to town in time to eat at The Cheese Shop (thanks Kara!), a Williamsburg must! Then headed to the hotel room to sit. For as long as possible. Come to think of it, I am really talented at pre-race and post-race day activities. Excellent sitter and sleeper! When we got to the hotel room it was huge, but my parents, who were meeting us there, were nowhere to be found! A while later we hear a knock on the door. We open the door to a huge cart full of gear and my parents. This is not unusual for my parents to overpack (for 1 night!!!!), but either way I yelled "Hey Mac, come look at how much stuff they brought!" Just then, Kim, baby Hannah, and Bella Cottontail jumped around the corner! It was the perfect surprise! We officially had a huge fan club!

Besides the race morning antics of forgetting the breakfast bananas, losing all the air in the bike tires--not knowing how to refill them, dropping the goggles by the car bc it was 6 am and pitch black.... the whole trip was a blazing success! The guys at work had bet that I could beat Mac. So Mac's pride made sure that didn't happen. But I promised my body if it would just swim this one time it would never have to swim again. If it could just bike me that far, I'd kiss the bike goodbye forever/give it back to Molly, and oh the run. Move legs, just for 3.1 miles, and then we will sit and bask in the glory that is Fall television. And I've been true to my word thus far. But just like a good break-up.....we might one day get back together!

A big thanks to our fans! Those who attended, sent care packages, and thought that I could win! (for those of you especially, check out the pic far left......can you even see me in the pic? Mac's transition station was that much closer to the action, read: finish line. It was rigged!)

After the race

*Other pics include Mac crossing the finish line (please use magnifying glass). Me in major freak out mode pre-swim. And baby Hannah thinking that she too needed to bend down to be in the frame.*

New found hope!

Last year when Obama kept promising hope. I knew we were all going to be disappointed. One man cannot bring hope. Hope must be found in Christ. (I guess I just negated my theory, but you know what I mean.) Around the election time when I listened to endless people interviewed on who they voted for and why. I'm pretty sure I lost all hope in the American public. But today. It is back. The kinda hope you can cling to. Thanks TLC. Thanks America. The UN meeting might have gone array. We were just about to give up. But you got it right!

Introducing (drum roll please!)...........

Tyler Banks Thomas.

I had to post this pic...... look at her! She's so beautiful! (And the baby is pretty cute too.) Growing up in a family with all girls. It's been tough for us to realize the boys have us way out numbered (though Blake did almost come through on the PF Changs vote last weekend)! But the boys just keep coming! First it was just poor daddy! Then Garo, Joe, Mac, Blake, Trey, and Tyler!

I've been calling sis, then mom, then other sis on a regular (somewhat crazy person-ish) schedule, to make sure that they weren't just forgetting to tell me any and all baby news (youngest child syndrome) On Thursday morning I got THE call!

Per our usual luck, baby arrived while we were air borne (happened already this year with nephew Brennan, read more about him on Road Trippin: #5).

However, post landing I got a VM from Betsy. She sounded so happy. Said that the labor was wonderful? Then got a call from Joe telling us the nurses didn't think she was ready to give birth bc she was laughing so hard? Then on the "arrival email" it said "after 12 hours of relatively pain free labor"? I'm pretty sure they are all in on a grand conspiracy to trick me into this baby thing. But know, I'm on to you people! And I was a bridesmaid many times before a bride. So I plan to be an auntie many, many times before a mom. Logically.

I get to meet Ty in 2 weeks! (Road trippin: #7 Nashvegas)

Big Bro Trey! (this tee was a gift from his best friend Haley. She watched him for 12+ hours and helped him pick out a special froggy for his new lil bro! So sweet!)

Food for Thought

Since I graduated college 2 years ago I have gone on 2 additional Spring Breaks. Hey, it's the way I roll. It sounds like the high life, but trust me, when I flew to Europe with a plane ticket so cheap the airline guy said even he couldn't get an employee discount that good, I stayed in hostels and passed up street vendor crepes. I'm not one to pass up any sweet. And I'm definitely not one who can tolerate a hostel bed. I promised myself I wouldn't go back till I could do it the "right way." I'm still searching for some extra Euros! The second trip was to East Asia with my sister and her hubby. It was so fun to be a part of their lives and special to go on a trip like this with them. Growing up I was always that little bit younger, so this was our first mission adventure together. I loved the trip, the new friends, and finding a Pizza Hut and Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks was one of my fonder memories of Europe as well. Judge away. I've digressed.

Part of this vision trip was to encourage the Americans who live in the city we visited and to lead beside them for a short time. We also had time for communal prayer and worship. We sang a song by Hillsong, "You Said". I always tell Mac that if he just sings the song to me I could probably be convinced I was being called to overseas missions. You know somewhere where I could still drive to see my mom. But the song really impacted me. To the point where when I was asked to share something special for my nephew Brennan's church dedication this weekend, I immediately thought of God's promise to heal the land and fill it with glory.

God speaks the loudest and clearest to me, when I start randomly hearing the same "tune"...from friends, scripture, in my heart, sermons, Bible studies. You know, those big coincidences? So today as I was writing to Brennan and meditating on the words of the song. I received an email. A forward. Who does those anymore? Let's be honest. But alas, the forward is pasted below. (Apparently I do those.) When I was on the trip, in a "Godless" place, I imagined that this was the land God was promising to heal. That this was the part of the earth that needed His glory. So it's humbling to remember I'm there as well. (Apparently Texarkana is a real place. As opposed to the imaginary mix of Texas and Arkansas that I originally thought they were referring to.)

"Some folks passing through Texarkana last week noted signs in people's yards that said, "America, prayer is our only hope" with 2 Chron. 7:14 underneath. We certainly need God's help! I have no idea who started this, but I certainly agree with this e-mail. I heard a preacher on TV who said if we pray for our nation that things will turn around. After a day of contemplation and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to my friends and relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me for a long time. Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a steady move away from the things that made us great. The principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our backbone. However, we can reverse this trend. 2 Chron. 7:14 In God's word He states, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their Land." I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and ask for forgiveness. So I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord. He will hear us and in faith will answer. Let me just add a quote from Ronald Reagan "If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the shape we are in today. Most people have forgotten that we are one nation under God! Let us as Christians stand up and remind people of this."

Things We Like: Kiddie Soccer

To quote Hannah "Are you kidding me?" And yes, in some ways I think we wish we were. We had the honor of attending baby Hannah's first soccer game. Which she "really appreciated". Highlights include Hannah cheering, both arms pump fisted in the air......every time the other team scored. Which was often. Every time the ball was in motion, it was usually going in the opposing team's goal. Apparently the under 5 team is not allowed to have a goalie. There's a chance that another requirement is to not know the objective of the game, but by the end of the game, as the head coach was literally carrying a kid around swinging his feet to kick the ball, we saw signs of improvement. You can't blame the little munchkins (or coach Garo!). At this age kids are brainwashed to always share. And here we are telling them to go take a ball from someone else. Kinda like when my mom taught Hannah it is was ok to pee in the ocean, when she hadn't quite conquered the toilet.

So it didn't go down as a "W" in the record book. But Hannah didn't notice. And really, neither did we!

Pictures: 1. Hannah blowing kisses to her fans. 2. Right before she told that little kid it was her turn- he had kicked last time. 3. A juice box snack when a simple water bottle just won't do the trick. 4. well this actually looks a bit like soccer, so I can't say I recall what was going on at this point. 5. The pregame prayer, where yes, Hannah was the only kid closing her eyes! (the things I choose to brag about are clearly the unsuperficial!) 6. Hannah roughing up Blake.

Road Trippin: #2 Indy Race Car Style

I spend A LOT of time selling Mac on what a great city we live in and have been blessed to live in for the past 6 plus years. I often refer to our fun friends, the great temps, and the amazing location. You know, you can ride a cheap bus to places like NYC (my fave) or drive just about anywhere. Or so we seem to think. Indianapolis, home of the Colts and if you think really hard about it, the Pacers, is about 10 hours from our house (12 if it's raining and there's traffic and you're the only girl with 2 guys on the phone and one who may or may not be criticizing your driving the entire time...YIKES!) It was a long trip. But well worth it.

Growing up Mac had two besties. Oscar, who was his age. And Groupie, who was a year younger..hence he was a groupie? (or so they flattered themselves) I wasn't there, so I might be telling tales. But Mac refuses to blog so I'll do my best. Newho, the threebies were great friends and had many adventures together. Some of the bigger ones were with an organization called Kings Kids. Again, don't go fact checking. With this group they traveled the globe singing and dancing for Jesus. I kid you not! But we can't laugh, cause we've all been there (or wish all boys had?). Well not the countries they went to. But the missions part....trips that work to turn young boys into Christ centered men. (who when together may or may not regress to the maturity of their yonder years) Almost 20 years later they are still great friends. And the Groupie proved he was more than a little guy, and got real big! I mean jacked-up muscles. HUGE! It served well in putting the other two in their place.

The past is important to understand the present. You see, earlier this year, actually right after we had a fun night with these guys and their wives in Austin, Groupie was diagnosed with some pretty aggressive cancer. You can read all about his fight here. Or follow his beautiful words and videos here. What you will quickly learn from both sites is that it was the past that has brought him to this point. His faith that was so well established and grounded long ago has given him hope and peace and joy and love even amid great confusion/hurt/weariness. And his big muscles would have to be one of the reasons that his body can sustain such high doses of chemo! right?!?!?! That's what I like to think.

Since July Robert, better known to you as Groupie, has been in Indianapolis receiving the most intense chemo (ever)! When he left Texas for the treatment his cute wife was way preggo and couldn't go with him. We decided that we would use this as the perfect excuse to go visit. And the Labor Day weekend gave us that extra day we needed! Aimee has since delivered Baby Egan and the family is living with her sister in Kentucky, visiting Robert as much as possible. It is obviously the biggest blessing that his family is with him now, but we feel pretty blessed ourselves to have had such an amazing visit. Indianapolis is an awesome city (who knew?!?!) We took in delicious croissant french toast, lots of belly laughs, and some really intentional time amongst the brother kind of friends. I never had a brother growing up. And now I have a ton! Real good ones too. The kind you want to be with you for a real long time.

We started a yearly trip tradition with these special friends. First stop Mexico, second stop Austin, and third stop is Aimee's parents new lake house! As Ethne, Robert's oldest daughter says "as soon as daddy gets done with cancer"! We can't wait!!!!