Engagement Anniversary

After working a 13 1/2 hour work day, driving around in the parking lot in the snow trying to find a spot, once I reached my door, this is what I found. Yes, it was 2 years ago today that Jay "popped the question."



Huge card. He was sure to tell me that this wasn't my Valetine's gift. He is such a sweetie.

Not for the weak of mind...

It always seems like we make these rushed weekend trips here, there and yonder. This particular weekend we hurried to Missouri for Jay's grandmother's funeral. Below are her 4 children. Tom just wouldn't cooperate for this photo op and decided he would stick his tongue out at me. Can't you tell how much they love having their picture taken?

For the first time, I met Steven and Christina, two of Jay's cousins. Steven is a music teacher and Christina works for the Joint Economic Committee for the US Senate in D.C. It made for some interesting political discussions around our table. Another of Jay's cousins works for the candidate running for the Missouri governor's position.

Then we drove back to Mom and Dad's place Friday night. The next morning after a quick visit to Bob Evans and then to see my grandparents, I rushed over to see Nancy, a hair stylist at D and Company. Nancy has been doing my hair for about 10 years now. She probably dreads when I call her up from Kentucky. The last time I had my hair permed, she rolled 144 perm rods into my hair. Poor lady! Jay loves the curls so I go through the 3 1/2 hour procedure just for him...well, not really but it sounded good.

This is how Nancy keeps her lunch warm while doing my hair. Who would have thunk? She just slapped the bag in the hair dryer and switched it on. Hilarious!

After my perm, we stopped by Maid Rite since Jay has just discovered these in the last several weeks. They were yummy. We ran home, changed clothes and headed to Valley's Edge in New Paris. (www.valleysedgesnowtubing.com) There we met Chad and Rachel for a fun time of snow tubing. The going was pretty rough at first since the sun was still out and the lanes weren't that fast. It was fun despite getting stuck in a mud hole at the end of one of the lanes.

Afterwards, Chad, Rachel, Jay and I headed to Fazoli's for some yummy Italian food and BREADSTICKS!

Completed: Pick a Pink Posie

90th Birthday Party

Jay's Grandpa Stafford at his 90th birthday party.

Jay's niece, Constance or CJ.

Both Grandpa Stafford and this lady had their birthdays on the same day, 90 years ago.

Me holding Maverick. Such cute eyes.

Nieces Kristen and CJ.

Sadly, today we learned that Jay's Grandma on the other side has passed away. Jay's uncle, Ray is actually in Brazil and the funeral will be held once he arrives back stateside. He was down there on a missions trip. It is possible that Jay's brother, Aaron, will not make it back before the funeral. Thankfully, she lived a full life and has now gone to be with Jesus at the age of 92.

Sunday

He is risen. He is risen, indeed!

I am feeling particularly in the mood to worship this morning. Our praise team really does try to get folks into the worship. One of the teens from the teen group plays the drums and we have 3 guitars that really help keep the beat. I especially like this about New Hope. The music that accompanies the lyrics does not drown out our singing. We still sing the great hymns of the church and I wouldn't want to give them up. Arise my soul, Arise; Great is Thy Faithfulness; Amazing Love. Those songs you just can't do without.

Come join us some Sunday!