The Wedding

SATURDAY, MAY 21ST THE LARSON FAMILY GAINED ITS NEWEST MEMBER, BOB MALLOF.  WHAT A GUY.  WHAT A WEDDING.  WHAT A COUPLE.  

There once was a girl

Who had a rat tail

And short hair framing her face

That trend did not last

Now a blast from her past

And she grew in beauty and grace.

There was also a boy

Born in a far away place

Who made his way to the states

Just a few years behind her

He would grow to become

A kind man with a handsome face

Their love did not blossom

In the halls of a school

But rather the halls of corporate

Spending months just as friends

They could no longer pretend

With a kiss their relationship started

Many knew before her

This man was her prince

Her doting mother in particular

For the light in her eyes

And the grin on his face

Were not very easily hidden

Then the time came

For a ring to be placed

As a promise on her delicate finger

On a calm northern lake

The ring she did take

Making all of her dreams come true

Today we have gathered

In joy and celebration

To honor the love that they have

It was no mistake

We have Kohl’s corporate to thank

For it was all in the Lord’s perfect plan

No longer a girl

No longer a boy

But an elegant bride and groom

May you always remember

The vows spoken today

And the love for you in this room

(A POEM THAT I  SHARED AS PART OF MY TOAST)

PRE-WEDDING MOMENTS:

GEARING UP TO MEET THE BRIDESMAIDS FOR A LIGHT LUNCHEON.

HELPING MIMI SPIFF UP THE PLACE.

PRACTICING HIS GRIN FOR ALL THE LOVELY LADIES.

CLEANED UP AND READY FOR THE REHEARSAL.

DOC, MIMI, MAMA, DADDY, AND THE FLOWER GIRL

PRACTICING HER BIG MOMENT. 

(SHE DID FABULOUS!  SHE ENTERED THE CHURCH BEAMING, WALKED SLOWLY, AND SAT QUIETLY DURING THE CEREMONY.  WE COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR MORE FROM THE LITTLE LADY.  SHE WAS A TROOPER THE ENTIRE WEEKEND PARTICIPATING IN EVERY BRIDAL PARTY ACTIVITY.)

GROOMSMAN AND MATRON-ON-HONOR

(APPROACHING OUR 7TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY...WOO HOO!)

PROUD PAPA AND HIS GIRL

(THE LITTLE LADY ENTERTAINED HERSELF BY REQUESTING AND THEN THROWING PENNIES INTO THE CORNER FOUNTAIN DURING THE ENTIRE COCKTAIL HOUR.  WE CONSIDERED IT A CLOSE SECOND TO "BATH TIME.")

THE BRIDESMAIDS

MY SWEET SIS, THE LADY OF THE HOUR

THE BIG DAY ARRIVES - EARLY MORNING PAMPERING

THE LITTLE LADY ARRIVES, BRINGING NEW LIFE AND EXCITEMENT TO THE SALON.

FIRST UP DO

(SHE SAT VERY STILL, FRETTING ONLY OVER THE "SPRAY" AKA HAIRSPRAY.  SHE GOT A KICK OUT OF THE WORD "BOBBY PIN" AS SHE AFFECTIONATELY CALLS HER NEW UNCLE BOBBY.)

PERFECTION.

PAUSING FOR A MOMENT TO SAY "CHEESE."  THE LITTLE LADY WAS QUITE THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY DURING THE RECEPTION, GREETING GUESTS, CHATTING, AND GETTING THE DANCE FLOOR READY FOR FELLOW DANCERS.

FRESHENING UP WITH MAMA IN THE POWDER ROOM.

A FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE NIGHT -

HOLDING HER NEWEST FRIEND, MADDIE LIVINGSTON.

HAPPY COUPLES

WE ARE SO BLESSED BY OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH DAWN AND BOB.  IT WAS A GREAT HONOR TO BE A PART OF THEIR PERFECT DAY.

THE DANCING BEGINS.

WE HAD TO HOLD THE LITTLE LADY BACK FROM THE FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE.  SHE WAS READY TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN ALL DANCE RELATED ACTIVITIES.

"LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!"

THE LITTLE LADY MANAGED TO MAKE HER WAY TO THE HEAD TABLE, CRACKING US ALL UP WITH HER CANDOR AND WHIT.

SHE AND "BOBBY" ARE GREAT FANS OF ONE ANOTHER.

ROB, MATT, JEFF AND MARK

(THREE OF HIS GROOMSMEN ON OUR SPECIAL DAY.)

THE LITTLEST DANCING QUEEN.

CUTTING A RUG WITH ONE OF MY CLOSEST GAL PALS.

OUR DEAR FRIENDS, MARK AND MARIA

HEADING HOME AFTER A LONG AND LOVELY WEEKEND

WHILE THE LITTLE MAN DID NOT SEE MUCH OF THE WEDDING, HE TOO, WAS TUCKERED OUT FROM ALL THE WEDDING EXCITEMENT.

I'M SO THANKFUL TO THE LORD FOR HIS CONTINUED FAITHFULNESS IN THE LIVES OF OUR FAMILY.  

On Contentment

* The following is an excerpt from the girltalk blog written by Nicole Whitacre.  This is her story and not my own. :)

Lean Back and Be Content

2011 at 12:40 pm   |   by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under Biblical Womanhood Suffering Motherhood



"Recently, my sweet 2-year-old misplaced her desire to sleep through the night. Mommy has been hard at work helping her to find that desire again. But it’s meant little sleep for Mommy at night and long days of wanting to crawl into the nearest bed. Mix in a rather nasty cold for the two-year-old and some pregnancy hormones for Mommy and I will leave the rest to your imagination.
But you know what? This tiny trial has forced me to draw near to God. And just as it tells me in His Word, He has been faithful to draw near to me (James 4:8). He has been reminding me of His sovereignty and love. This situation didn’t catch Him by surprise and it is the BEST for my girl and me. Sweet comfort!
So no matter where you find yourself today—in a trial big or tiny. Remember, the Lord isn’t surprised and He has PROMISED to work for your good in all things (Rom. 8:28)."

These words from J. C. Ryle have brought me much encouragement:

“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Romans 8:32).

See in every sorrow and trouble of your earthly pilgrimage the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for your sins! That hand can never smite you except in love! He who gave His only begotten Son for you, will never withhold anything from you which is really for your good. Lean back on this thought and be content. Say to yourself in the darkest hour of trial, ‘This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.’"

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Confident Young Man

Speedy Chicken Quesadillas

I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY MEAL OPTIONS, AND RECENTLY CAME ACROSS THESE.  I'M A SUCKER FOR MEXICAN (AUTHENTIC OR NOT) FOOD, AND AM EAGER AND WILLING TO TRY NEW RECIPES IN THIS CATEGORY.  I'M NOT GOING TO LIE, THE ADJECTIVE "SPEEDY" ALSO CAUGHT MY ATTENTION.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup Thick n' Chunky Salsa

2 Tablespoon Miracle Whip Dressing

4-6 (6 inch) Flour Tortillas (amount will vary depending on how much you fill the quesadilla)

3/4 lb cooked boneless chicken breasts or tenders, chopped, shredded or sliced

1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

*add or subtract fillings for personal taste

1. Mix the salsa, dressing, and chili powder and set aside.

2. Saute chicken in pan with olive oil or butter.  (I also threw in a quartered onion and 2 garlic cloves into the pan for flavor and seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper.)

3. Remove chicken and allow it to cool slightly before cutting. Add one Tablespoon olive oil to pan and saute red pepper until soft. 

4. Spread dressing mixture evenly onto half of tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, add chicken and red pepper slices.  Fold over to create quesadilla.

At this point you have two options; follow the original recipe's instructions for heating or use my heating tip.

(Original recipe) 5. Heat a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat.  Add quesadillas, two at a time; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned on both sides.  Repeat with remaining quesadillas. 

(My heating technique) 5. On a parchment lined baking sheet place quesadillas and spray heavily with cooking spray.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.  They will come out golden, crisp and bubbly without the extra effort of standing over the stove.  Also, you reap the benefits of serving all of the warm, delicious quesadillas at once.

Suggestions for serving:

Serve over a bed of chopped lettuce and sprinkle with green onions, with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. 

Chips, salsa, jalapenos and queso dip were an added touch.

These came out tastier than I expected, and I will definitely make them again!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Literal Bubble Butt

And Then There Were 4

IT APPEARS THE LITTLE LADY'S IMAGINARY FRIEND COUNT IS UP TO FOUR.  DURING TONIGHT'S BATH, SHE REVEALED THE NEWEST MEMBER OF HER CREW TO JEFF.

HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR...

SHUSH, THE FIRST FRIEND TO APPEAR ON THE SCENE, IS AN "IT" AND IS DARK PINK.  I'M NOT SURE IF IT RECENTLY HAD A HAIR COLORING APPOINTMENT, BECAUSE IT'S ORIGINAL COLOR WAS RED.

THE LIGHT BLUE MONSTER IS SHUSH'S SIDE KICK AND IS APPARENTLY ENJOYING THE WARMER TEMPERATURES CHOOSING TO SPEND HIS TIME ON A SWING.

POPPY, MADE HER APPEARANCE ON EASTER WHILE JEFF'S FAMILY WAS UP; SHE IS LIGHT PINK AND IS CURRENTLY ON A PLANE.

AND THE NEWEST MEMBER IS...

IAN, A GIRL, WHO FELL OUT OF THE BATHTUB THIS EVENING AND HAD TO BE SENT DOWNSTAIRS. 

WE CAN ONLY HOPE FOR MORE!



The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

THE DUST HAS SETTLED ON WHAT WAS A VERY TRYING WEEKEND IN OUR HOUSEHOLD. JEFF WAS AWAY AT A CONFERENCE (HIS LAST OF RESIDENCY...YAY!) AND I WAS LEFT TO MAN THE TROOPS.  AS HE PULLED AWAY FROM OUR HOUSE ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, IT WAS AS THOUGH  A LITTLE STORM CLOUD MOVED IN OVER OUR HOUSE AND DECIDED TO TAKE UP A SEMI-PERMANENT RESIDENCE THERE FOR THE DURATION OF THE WEEKEND.  NOTHING SEEMED TO GO ACCORDING TO PLAN, THE CHILDREN WERE OUT OF SORTS, AND WITH EACH HOUR THAT PASSED I FELT MY DISCOURAGEMENT GROW.  AS I FACE THE BEAUTY OF A SUNNY MONDAY MORNING, I AM ABLE TO LOOK BACK OVER THE WEEKEND AND TESTIFY TO THE FACT THAT IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE LORD AND HIS INFINITE GRACE, MY CHILDREN WOULD CURRENTLY BE WITH GYPSIES.

I FOUND MYSELF CRYING OUT TO HIM IN MY LONELY MOMENTS, MY FRUSTRATION, AND IN THE MIDST OF THE NOISE THAT SELDOM SOFTENED, BUT ESCALATED WITH EACH TOY STOLEN, KNEE BUMPED AND JUICE CUP THAT RAN EMPTY.   THE LORD HEARD MY CRIES AND PROVIDED.  AND, HERE I AM 36 HOURS LATER FACING A NEW DAY, FULL OF NEW MOMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES. 

I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT AS A MOM WHO HAS THE PRIVILEGE OF STAYING AT HOME, I OFTEN FEEL GUILTY AND DOWN RIGHT SILLY WHEN I FIND MYSELF IN SUCH "DIRE STRAITS."  BUT, I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT IT IS OUT OF MY HEART'S LONGING FOR MY CHILDREN TO SEE JESUS IN ME EACH AND EVERY DAY, TO EXPERIENCE HIS LOVE AND GRACE THAT I AM DEEPLY BURDENED BY DAYS THAT SEEM WASTED BY ARGUMENTS, TEARS, BATTLES, RAISED VOICES, AND FAILED PLANS.  PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FORGIVENESS AND CONSTANT CARE.  PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WORD THAT IS TRUTH AND THE PROMISE OF HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO US.  AND, PRAISE GOD FOR LESSONS LEARNED EACH DAY THAT HUMBLE US, STRIP US OF OUR PRIDE, AND DRAW US CLOSER TO HIM.   

"...I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.  Then I called on the name of the Lord: 'O Lord, save me!'  The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  The protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.  Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  Psalm 1116:3b-7

View from the Porch

WE SURE WILL MISS THIS VIEW.



Creamed Chicken with Gnocchi Dumplings

THIS WAS A TASTY BUDGET FRIENDLY MEAL WE ENJOYED LAST NIGHT.  NOTHING SAYS COMFORT LIKE FLUFFY PILLOWS OF GNOCCHI!

Ingredients:
1 1-pound package potato gnocchi
4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup chicken broth/stock
2 scallions, chopped

Directions:
1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring often, until softened.  Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain.  (Gnocchi does not require much cook time.)
3.  In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour and cook until toasted, about 3 minutes.  Whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth; bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer until thickened.  Whisk into the chicken mixture, then stir in the gnocchi.  Bring to a simmer, then season with salt and pepper and top with the scallions.

Enjoy!

Parenting 001

Parenting 001

Wise Words

"Being a woman of faith is easy when life is smooth. It’s easy to love others, be a good steward and make wise decisions when everything is going great. It’s when there’s no warning and a storm hits that we need to be well-trained.

No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can study God’s Word. We are the only ones who can push through a dry season and spend time in prayer. We do this in-season (when circumstances are rough) and off-season (when circumstances are smooth), so that when the battles of life strike, we are ready."

 

~ Glynnis Whitwer

Mother's Day 2011

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND (JEFF ALWAYS TURNS THIS SPECIAL DAY INTO A WEEKEND OF SPECIAL MOMENTS) WAS FILLED WITH MANY SWEET SURPRISES, TENDER MOMENTS, LAUGHTER AND THE OCCASIONAL TEMPER TANTRUM (NOT MINE). WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE 5K SATURDAY MORNING WE SPENT THE REST OF THE WEEKEND RELAXING AND ENJOYING ONE ANOTHERS COMPANY. JEFF TREATED ME TO SOME QUIET TIME SATURDAY AFTERNOON BY TAKING THE KIDS TO THE BOOK STORE.  UPON THEIR RETURN I WAS GREETED BY A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC LITTLE LADY CARRYING A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS AND BAG OF DONUTS TO SHARE.  JEFF AND I ENJOYED A QUIET SUSHI DINNER SATURDAY EVENING FOLLOWED BY MICHAEL'S FROZEN CUSTARD FOR DESSERT (NOTHING SAYS "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY" LIKE A SALTED CARMEL PECAN DRIZZLE SUNDAE).  SUNDAY MORNING I AWOKE TO SWEET CARDS FROM THE KIDS AND A CD FROM ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE ARTISTS.  THE DRIVE TO CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING WAS FILLED WITH UPLIFTING WORSHIP MUSIC AND GIGGLES FROM THE BACKSEAT (ONE OF MY FAVORITE SOUNDS).  AFTER CHURCH ONE OF MY BEST GAL PALS AND I WERE ABLE TO SPEND A FEW HOURS DRESS SHOPPING FOR A REHEARSAL DINNER DRESS, AND I CAME HOME WITH TWO SOLID OPTIONS (PER HER SUGGESTIONS).  I HAVE YET TO DECIDE WHICH ONE TO WEAR, AS THE HUBBY HAS GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEM BOTH (WHAT A GEM!).  SUNDAY EVENING WE GRILLED OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR BEFORE OUR SUNDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP.  AS I SAT BACK WATCHING JEFF GRILL OUR JUICY BURGERS TO PERFECTION, THE MEATY AROMA FILLING OUR FRONT PORCH, I WAS FILLED WITH GRATITUDE FOR OUR SIMPLE AND DEEPLY FULFILLING LIFE. 

THESE TWO KNUCKLEHEADS (AKA SWEET ONES) FILL MY LIFE WITH SUCH JOY AND PURPOSE.  I AM CONTINUALLY IN AWE OF THEIR EVER CHANGING DISPOSITIONS, THEIR BEAUTIFUL FACES, AND THE AMOUNT OF LOVE THEY SO GENEROUSLY GIVE ME EACH AND EVERY DAY.  WITH EACH TEAR, SMILE, FIT, CHUCKLE, HUG, SMOOCH, FROWN, CARESS, TICKLE, POKE, STOMP, DANCE, WITH EACH THOUGHT AND WORD THEY ARE REDEFINING MY WORLD AND THE MOTHER I AM.  I CAN NEVER THANK THEM ENOUGH FOR THEIR INFLUENCE ON MY LIFE. 

IT WAS A SWEET DAY FOR SURE. 

OK with the 5K

LAST FALL JEFF PROPOSED THAT WE RUN A 5K TOGETHER BEFORE OUR TIME IN MADISON WAS UP.  IF YOU KNOW ME AT ALL, YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE FOR YEARS PROFESSED A STRONG DISLIKE OF RUNNING.  HOWEVER, I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT HIGHLY OF RUNNERS AND LIKED THE IDEA OF HITTING THE PAVEMENT TO CLEAR MY HEAD, SO I TIED UP THE OL' TENNIS SHOES AND DECIDED TO GIVE RUNNING A CHANCE.   I FELT TRULY TRIUMPHANT THE FIRST TIME I WAS ABLE TO RUN AROUND THE BLOCK (AND, I'M NOT JOKING).  MY "TRAINING" TOOK A LONG HIATUS ONCE WINTER HIT, AND STARTED BACK UP THIS MARCH.  I ATTEMPTED TO FIT IN RUNS WHENEVER JEFF WAS ABLE TO COME HOME EARLY, SO YOU CAN IMAGINE THE INCONSISTENCIES IN MY TRAINING.  BUT, I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT ON MAY 7TH, I WAS ABLE TO RUN THE ENTIRE 5K WITHOUT STOPPING WITH THE STRONG SUPPORT OF MY HUSBAND AND A KILLER PLAYLIST ON MY IPOD.  WE RAN THE FIRST MILE TOGETHER AND THEN I RELEASED MY HUSBAND TO COMPLETE THE RACE AT HIS OWN PACE, WHICH FRANKLY I COULD NEVER KEEP UP WITH (HAVE YOU SEEN HIS LONG LEGS?!).  HE MET ME WITH CHEERS OF SUPPORT PRIOR TO THE FINISH LINE, AND AS I CLOCKED IN AT 34 MINUTES AND CHANGE I FELT A HUGE SENSE OF RELIEF AND SATISFACTION.  I'M NOT SURE WHICH TOOK MORE MENTAL STRENGTH RUNNING THE 5K OR NATURAL CHILD BIRTH (AGAIN, NOT JOKING) WHICH ONLY SHOWS HOW UNNATURAL RUNNING IS FOR ME.  OVERALL, IT WAS A VERY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.  I'M SO THANKFUL FOR JEFF'S ENCOURAGEMENT AND FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHALLENGE MYSELF IN A WAY I NEVER ANTICIPATED.  IT APPEARS THAT I'M NOT READY TO RETIRE THE OL' TENNIS SHOES, AFTER ALL.  IN FACT, I'M HOPING TO SPRING FOR NEW KICKS IN THE NEXT YEAR.  BUT, FOR NOW I'M ENJOYING THE PACE OF LEISURELY WALKS WITH OUR SWEET ONES, AS QUITE FRANKLY I'M STILL TUCKERED OUT! 

PRE-RACE EXCITEMENT

POST-RACE CELEBRATION.

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE.

NEXT TIME, WE HOPE TO MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR.  THE LITTLE LADY LOVES A GOOD STRETCH FOLLOWED BY A RUN. 

DID I JUST SAY "NEXT TIME?"

Hotel Room Reflections

I AM CURRENTLY AT THE SHERATON IOWA CITY.  NEW DESK. NEW CITY.  NEW VIEW. SAME LAPTOP.  MY SWEET HUSBAND IS DOZING AFTER AN AFTERNOON OF INTERVIEWS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA.  I AM FRESHLY SHOWERED AFTER AN AFTERNOON OF WALKING, REFLECTING, A COFFEE DATE WITH A LOCAL REALTOR, BROWSING BOOKS IN THE CHILDREN'S SECTION OF A FABULOUS BOOK STORE, (OH YES...) AND A MANICURE.  MY! THEY ARE CHEAP HERE.  (I WILL ADD THAT TO THE + COLUMN OF OUR OBLIGATORY POST-INTERVIEW T-CHART.)  I AM FEELING QUITE GROWN-UP AS I ANTICIPATE OUR DINNER OUT WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF PLASTIC SURGERY AND PREPARE FOR MY TWO HOUR TOUR OF THE CITY TOMORROW MORNING. 

I AM ALSO IN AWE OF MY DOZING HUSBAND.  AS WE SAT AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS THIS AFTERNOON OVER WINGS (BONELESS WITH MEDIUM SAUCE, MY PERSONAL FAVORITE), I LISTENED TO HIM AS HE ANALYZED THE INTERVIEW PROCESS THUS FAR, AND AS WE DISCUSSED THE PROS AND CONS OF TAKING A POSITION FURTHER AWAY FROM HOME.  I CAN FEEL THE WEIGHT OF THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AS I OBSERVE MY HUSBAND, FEELING HIS TENSION, OPTIMISM, CONCERN, AND EXCITEMENT.  IT IS A MIXED BAG OF EMOTIONS FOR SURE, AND HE IS HANDLING IT WITH SUCH GRACE, CAUTION, AND CARE.  I'M SO THANKFUL TO BE HERE TONIGHT, BY HIS SIDE.  I AM SO PROUD OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIS WORK ETHIC, WHICH BROUGHT US TO THIS POINT.  I KNOW THAT ULTIMATELY THE LORD WILL PROVIDE US WITH THE ANSWERS TO OUR MANY (LOADED) QUESTIONS.  I TRUST HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE US WITH PEACE AS WE EVENTUALLY SAY "YES" TO A CITY, AND SIGN A CONTRACT.  AND, WHILE I DO NOT KNOW THE CITY WE WILL EVENTUALLY CALL HOME, I DO KNOW THAT THAT CITY WILL BE LUCKY TO HAVE MY HUSBAND.

Grumpy No More

THERE IS NO BETTER REMEDY FOR THE GRUMPS THAN A SUNNY, SIXTY DEGREE DAY.  IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A REPEAT PERFORMANCE OF TUESDAY, I GOT UP A LITTLE EARLIER, ARMING MYSELF FOR A MORE PEACEFUL DAY. 

THE LITTLE LADY WAS THRILLED TO DISCOVER WE WOULD SPEND THE MORNING AT THE ZOO WITH FRIENDS.  HER SWEET DISPOSITION AND IMMEDIATE GRATITUDE UPON HEARING SUCH NEWS MADE FOR A PLEASANT AND MEMORABLE MORNING.

OUR TWO WILD ANIMALS.  

OBSERVING THE TIGER IN ACTION, THEY COULD NOT GET CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE THICK GLASS.

YES, THAT IS THE FEROCIOUS BEAST NUZZLING UP AGAINST THE GLASS.  I KNOW OUR SON IS A CUTIE-PIE, BUT COME ON!

SUCH WONDER.

MESMERIZED.

CAPTIVATED.

WHAT SWEET CREATURE CAPTURED THE ATTENTION OF OUR SWEET ONES?

THE PRAIRIE DOGS. 

LOVE. 

WISH I COULD PUT ONE IN MY POCKET AND TAKE HOME.

FRANTICALLY WAITING FOR HER TURN ON THE CAROUSEL.

PURE BLISS.

(AFTER THIS PIC, THE LITTLE LADY LEANED IN WITH THE SWEETEST EXPRESSION TO TELL ME SHE LOVED ME.  IF ONLY WE HAD A CAROUSEL IN THE LIVING ROOM, OUR LIFE MIGHT ALWAYS BE SO MERRY.)

INSPIRED BY THE SOUNDS AND LIGHTS OF THE CAROUSEL, THE LITTLE MAN SANG DURING THE ENTIRE RIDE.

WHAT A DELIGHTFUL MORNING. 

(THE LORD KNEW WE NEEDED THAT.)