Ten things I loved about our trip to Tucson:

1. Incredible gourmet breakfasts served on Spode china. (ex: fresh fruit with granola and yogurt & a dutch quiche with gouda cheese and spinach or pinapple bake & southwestern egg bake. mmm,mmm,mmmm)

2. Jamba Juice- all I need to say!

3. All sorts of Cacti- so cool! (these are the barrel and saguaro cacti)

4. Tombstone- the town and the movie!! "I'm your Huckleberry!"

5. Javelina's- they are too cool and don't be mistaken- they are NOT pigs :-)

6. Mountains, mountains and more mountains! I love 'em!

7. Lots of Mexican food.....alright for rice and beans! Yum, yum!

8. The Suncatcher Inn- the bed & breakfast we stayed at.

9. INCREDIBLE HIKES in the Saguaro National Park. These were seriously some of the major highlights of my trip!

10. Lots of great time with family and being thankful for Erin feeling better!

TUCSON PICS!

Tucson Update!!

We are having a great time in Tucson Arizona. It's a neat place- very deserty- very cool. Don't have time (well, not really true- just don't want to right now) to fully update so here are some pictures to enjoy, and I'll tell you about them later.

If you've never used Redbox to rent movies...you are missing out! First, check out www.redbox.com and find a location close to you, then use this coupon code and get a free rental. Enjoy!

Check out the song I updated on my "currently listening to" section to the right. If you've never listened to Phil Wickham, may I highly suggest this album. I absolutely love it!

I was tagged by Trish to post 6 weird things about myself, so here goes

1)I, like Trish, organize my closet according to color. I think maybe this is something a lot of people do, and I follow the roygbv "rainbow" color scheme: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet. I have found it is most pleasing to the eye. (I put pink in front of red, and brown, white and black at the end, respectively.)

2)I am serious about EVERYTHING being in it's place! I am constantly putting things away when I walk through the house. Every morning when I am finished reading I fold the blanket and drape it over the chair the exact same way. Books, shoes, magazines, etc....all has it's place and must be put back. I am always picking up after Jordan. I have a feeling this will be seriously challenged in me when we had kids. Oh well- for now, it is what it is!

3)I really like it when my email inbox is empty. I get a major sense of accomplishment knowing that I have dealt with that email and it can now be deleted. It is rarely, if ever, FULLY empty, but I can usually keep both (my work and personal) inboxes down to about 5-10 emails by the end of the day!

4)I have an obsession with tea! I love my loose leaf tea and love to try new flavors, and find new stores that sell it. I have my whole tea collection- 25 round tins, each labeled with information on the type of tea and brewing instructions. I have no less than 2 cups per day, but most days 3-4. (Don't worry, never more than 2 cups of caffeinated tea) :-)Most tea is very light in caffeine anyway.

5)I really don't like to paint my toenails. I know this is totally gross to some people, but for whatever reason, if I do- it chips really quickly and I just don't like the upkeep. (my husband would say it's b/c I'm always running into things) So, for most of the year, they go bare and unpainted. I will always do them for special occasions like weddings, but that's about it.

6)I love pickle juice! (my mouth is actually watering as I write this- weird, I know) Don't know why- always have. I love sipping it straight from the jar...dill, not bread and butter or sweet, but it just tastes so good to me. I'm sure I'm sipping 3 times my daily intake of sodium, but hey- no part gets wasted!

So there you have it!

This was certainly one of the most fun and eventful weekends we've had! It was incredible. The main reason this was such a special weekend is because on Friday morning, my beautiful precious sister, Ferris, and Robby GOT ENGAGED! It is SO exciting and amazing!



I cannot even being to describe how happy and excited I am. Jordan knew it was happening, as did my family, I think- but I had asked to know nothing...I wanted my sis to be able to surprise me when it happened and surprised I was! If you would like to read the whole story of how Robby proposed (it's pretty awesome) in Ferris's words, click here. It's a description complete with details and pictures. It really was a whole DAY of proposal, pretty amazing! Incredible, incredible....that's all I have to say!

Saturday morning we oversaw the rehearsal for a couple of special elements for Sunday's Easter service. I had a meeting and then we headed up to Cool Springs to run a few errands...we went to Costco, which is so much more fun with Jordan than by myself. My husband NEVER ceases to entertain me! Then Jordan and I parted ways- I had to drive ALL the way back down to 2nd avenue to pick up my phone which I had left at the Melting Pot. I made a detour to Teavana on the way, so it was worth it! :-) I spent the rest of Saturday grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, working on some church/ministry things, etc.

Sunday we had a wonderful church service. Kyle Kellums lead worship in Spring Hill and we had lots of visitors. It was exciting! After church we went to our next door neighbors' cookout and birthday party for their daughter Kaitlyn, who turned 6.
We had a great time hanging with our neighbors, jumping on Kaitlyn's new trampoline, and eating Josh's wonderful burgers. Jordan left to go hang in the park with Kyle Kellums and I stayed next door for a while longer. Ian came over a bit later and I took off to help Natalie Cressy and some other girls with some decorations for Mark & Natalie's upcoming wedding. (April 12th)


Ian was still over when I got home and we all had some chili and chatted about youth ministry and some things going on. Jordan and I ended the evening watching what I do believe I can declare is my favorite movie: Pride & Prejudice. SO GOOD!

What a great weekend!

I didn't get one of mom & dad- I know mom does so I'll post that later!

Last night was great! Robby had treated Ferris, me & Jordan AND Mom & Dad to the Michael Buble' show that was at the Sommet Center in Nashville. Michael Buble was a great entertainer and sounded as good live as he does on his CD. He was pretty crude though, which was surprising, and after I mentioned something to Jordan about it, he remarked, "he's just grown-up frat boy." But it certainly didn't ruin the night or anything- it was a WONDERFUL show!

We were VERY impressed with the Opening Act. They were a group called Naturally 7...seven guys who do all acapella stuff, but not only do they do traditional acapella vocal songs but they make all the instruments with their mouths. INCREDIBLE! It's hard to describe how amazing this was to watch. Check out their myspace page HERE for a listen!

It was a SUPER fun night and a fabulous memory. I'll post some pics of us soon!

THANKS ROBBY! WE LOVE YOU!

Melinda

Melinda Doolittle was and still is my favorite American Idol contestant- I checked up on her today to see if there's any news. She has put out a single which I am definitely going to get...her singing "My Funny Valentine" is one of the best things I've ever heard AND she apparently has signed with BHCC for her management. This is the company I worked for for a year and half. How cool! I'm going to email my old boss and try to get the scoop.

It is finally here for your viewing pleasure! A few weeks ago- Jordan decided to build a dance floor, so that he could have that as a way of staying in shape. I love the idea and I'm so pleased with how it has turned out. I am super excited that we'll be mounting a TV and DVD in the corner so I can do Pilates. Super cool!! So here ya go- he finished it last night- our very own mini-dance studio!!

(The blue are just pieces of tape that will be removed)

Can I just say- I am SO excited about our brand spankin' new SUPER Target being open. It "officially" opened yesterday for the Grand opening, but it's had a soft opening all week long and I have already been there 3 times. Jordan and I stopped in on Saturday and saw about 5 different families we knew- quite the place to be.

And it's currently the highest grossing Target in the nation. Not bad for little ol' Spring Hill, TN. Young families with little kids like their Target :-)

Well it's been quite an eventful Saturday already and it's only 11:00am. We woke up this morning to beautiful snow everywhere- probably the most we've gotten in this part of TN in a while!



Jordan and I had bought tickets to a pancake breakfast one of the Junior high girls softball teams was having at Applebee's this morning. We were planning on going with Al & Martha Pearson. Right as we're getting ready to go- I took a look at the tickets and noticed they said Columbia, TN, not Spring Hill, TN. We couldn't believe it- we had to drive 30 minutes down to Columbia....oh well. We picked up Al & Martha and had a great time with pancakes and coffee. After that- Jordan got an inckling to begin exploring in Columbia and we walked into the Columbia Mall- oh yes! Your classic old, small town mall. We got transfixed with the little coin game thingy...


Then we had some fun with the little booths stuck randomly in the side of the wall...


...and Al caught a little nap in an unconspicuous place.

We've had Uturn and our meetings cancelled today...so I'm about to do some cleaning and some prep for worship tomorrow morning. Have a happy Saturday!

New song uploaded- check it out!

Last night was fun...I really do love getting to go downtown- don't do it very often, but it is a treat. We had a couple high school guys with us- long time family friends of the Roe's who's son is considering Belmont. So, we met him and his friend in Hillsboro Village and took them to Calypso, drove them around Nashville briefly before getting coffee at Fido and heading back home. The pour guys must have thought we were taking them to Alabama driving down to Spring Hill- it always feels SO long for people who are visiting. :0) They spent the night and then I made whole wheat plain and banana walnut pancakes for everyone before starting work- then the boys took off for Belmont.

Jordan & I have a couple meetings after work and then a relaxing low-key night at home planned. Hopefully Jordan will finish his "project" tonight and I'll be able to post pics of what he's been up to! I'm sure the anticipation is killing you. Have a wonderful weekend!

currently drinking: lemon green tea

My favorite new thing is the Green Bag! I saw them first at Kroger about a month ago, and was very interested in them. Not only for the benefit they are to our environment (I use like 10 plastic bags every grocery trip) but really for the size- how much you can put in them, and they're so much easier & more comfortable to carry than those plastic bags. AND they really are affordable!

So, I have bought them at Target, Whole Foods and Kroger. And you can really use them at any store...they're great for dry cleaning or things you need to tote around. I need to start putting them in the car, I find they're more accessible that way.



Go getcha some! =)

Things comin up...

Wow- sorry it's been so long. I have definitely been a delinquint blogger, but anyway....here I am- back in action!

I have not been sick these past two weeks- I got hit pretty hard a couple of days and then spent a few days resting and recuperating and I was back into it! After we were over that hump- I went into 'Alabaster Heart' (New Song's live recording) mode- had nightly rehearsals and then the performances last weekend. It was an amazing experience to be a part of...I'll certainly post some songs when it's released, but it might be a little while...you know how that goes.

Jordan and I have been having a great time...spending time with friends & family, working hard, doing lots with our church and ministry and generally living life to the fullest!

We spent the day yesterday with Robby & Ferris- went down to Centennial Park in downtown Nashville to play some frisbee golf- lot's of fun :-) and played Settler's last night at Mom & Dad's.

Some upcoming things in March that I am looking forward to:

*Time with Friends-growing in relationship
*Michael Buble' Concert
*U-turn intown retreat
*Dylan coming home for Easter
*Church Easter Egg Hunt and Game day
*Easter Sunday!
*Arizona Trip w/our "florida" family :-)
*Ferris's Birthday

...and plenty of other things which I'm sure will come along!

I am another one to fall victim to the flu bug in Tennessee. I know most of the country is getting hit hard with it, but TN's numbers are through the roof. Our county's school district even closed for 4 days because of it.

I got a lot of rest yesterday and am continuing to rest through today and tomorrow. Feeling better already so hopefully by Monday I'll be back in action and ready to go!

Happy Valentine's Day to my honey :-) I love you!

Sorry for the lack of posting! Jordan and I have been quite busy lately....at least busy enough not to be able to take time out to post. I am trying to figure out what would be the most interesting thing to post, and I'm honestly not sure. Sometimes I don't think my life is really that interesting to other people...don't get me wrong, it sure is to me. I love my life, but anyway....I think you get the point.

I am really enjoying a book my sister in law, Erin gave me at Christmas. It's called "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Wagner, and I am really enjoying it. It deals with many things that we all deal with, but specifically women and just the performance mentality, comparisons, lack of self-worth, etc....and is a wonderful and refreshing book. God is really using it to refresh me in a beautiful way. I'll let you know when I'm finished.

Speaking of books, the first book I read this year was "Driven by Eternity" by John Bevere. INCREDIBLE! I recommend this book to ANYONE. It rocked my perspective and my thinking and helps us get in the right mindset about our assignments from God. If you are looking for a good book to read- get this one. I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm really enjoying the application each of these books provides for my life. I love to read, and always have, but as I get older what matters most is that I am truly able to apply the things I've read, which I know is God's heart for all of us: to be "lifelong learners."

Well, I could go on and on, but I digress....

Have a wonderful day. We're getting some small flurries here in TN!

I finally did it! I'm so excited. We have finally ordered blinds for our entire house! After price shopping and finding the VERY BEST DEALS out there- it's done. Well, almost....I ordered a couple of samples of the woven wooden shades I want to get, because I want to check the color of those, but other than those two windows, the rest is done!

No more paper blinds :-) WOOHOO!

What a weekend! Wow! Let me try to rundown the recap:

Thursday: Collin James Corley was born! After trying for a few years, Roger & Maria Corley got pregnant in the spring of 2007 and 9 months later, a beautiful baby boy was born. I can't wait to meet him and I hear mom & dad are doing great!


Friday was my birthday, and Jordan woke me up bright and early (about 30 minutes before I had "scheduled" myself to get up, and we had a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel. :-) I love my husband! We worked that day and then took off for our "Tea Extravaganza"

Our plan was to stop by Tea Time off 12th Avenue, but alas- we pulled up and it had closed at 5:00 instead of 6:00! SO sad! :-( It ended up great though- because we went instead to Portland Brew and had a great cup of Green Tea and a fresh-right-out-of-the-oven Everything Cookie! From there we went to Teavana in Green Hills and I got some Apple Lemon Pomegranate, Japanese Wild Cherry, Rooibos Sweet Amore and a new one (for me) Rooibos Caramel, which is WONDERFUL with the Mate Vana. We also picked up a few teas for mom, and got a cup of Rooibos Tropica with Sweet Lily White. MMMM....

We then went to eat at Chile's in Cool Springs and treated ourselves to the Queso- which I LOVE but NEVER get...it's so bad yet so good :-)!! We split some yummy mushroom-jack fajitas and then headed home and discussed what movie to rent on the way home. We ended up with "Stranger than Fiction" which was GREAT! We had heard mixed reviews but ended up REALLY liking it. If you didn't get the chance to see it, it's definitely worth the watch.

Saturday I was up and out and at NS Cool Springs by 9:00 for "Alabaster Heart" rehearsal. This is a live recording project that New Song is doing the last week in February that I am a part of. (If you're in the Nashville area: check it out 6pm on the 23rd or 10am on the 24th) I then went to help Trish move! Her new condo is BEAUTIFUL and very Trish-y! (That's a good thing)

Yesterday (Sunday) we had service in Spring Hill. Kyle Cooper led worship with our brand new sound system. It sounded great and the presence of God was strong during worship! It was an AMAZING service and the teaching was incredible. We are talking about a New Way, and a New Day and there are many things the Lord is showing me and doing in my life!

Mom, Dad, Ferris, Robby, Grandma Bertie, and of course, Jphen, Jordan and I all had lunch at my house. I am so thankful for modern appliances. I used the crock pot to cook the roast, the bread machine to make a loaf of fresh bread, my oven to set the delay so the potatoes were perfect and ready for us when we got home after church. It was great!

THEN- the amazing happened. The GIANTS WON THE SUPER BOWL! Everyone in America already knows this and was hopefully watching the game, so I won't go into great detail. All I can say is I am still in a bit of shock, but it's wonderful and even though I do feel a little bad for some of the Patriots- can't imagine how they feel, I am thrilled that Peyton is happy :-) It's all any true Colts fan can wish for in some twisted sort of way. haha!

I'm looking forward to a full, wonderful, productive and exciting week! Blessings to you all!


Oh- and if you're still reading after that novel- check out the song on the right under "What I'm currently listening to" It's one of the ones we are recording for the Live project....and I LOVE it!

Okay, so I haven't been a big fan of You Tube in the past, but this is too cute. My friend Marianne told me she thought her husband had put their daughter's recent violin recital performance on there, and we found it easily this morning. How fun! We love you Jayda :-)

Sorry I haven't posted in a week. There's been a lot going on and I haven't had the brain capacity to stop for a moment to post. I apologize! :0)

We had a WONDERFUL retreat for the Spring Hill youth this past weekend, and I am SO proud of my husband and all of his hard work and how well everything went. We had lots of junior & high school aged students and had an incredible weekend.

It's been nice and cold here in TN, but I am not complaining because I still think it's weird we hardly ever get snow here, so I love the cold weather!

Things have been exploding at New Song Spring Hill. We've almost doubled in size in 3 weeks and we are so excited about what God is doing down here. It's an exciting time for sure!

Super Bowl is this weekend, but I think it's going to be one of the most boring Super Bowls in a while. I hope I'm wrong, but my expectations aren't high. Eli Manning + the Super Bowl is just weird. I am always happy to watch football though.

We have a live recording coming up at New Song. It's called "Alabaster Heart" and it's scheduled to be Saturday February 16th and 17th. It's going to be a lot of work, but it will be pretty amazing. I'm excited about it.

That's my rundown for right now. SO much more I could say but I'm all outta time.

Good morning. It's rainy and wet here in Tennesssee. We just got through a super cold weekend. And when I say cold, I mean COLD. Of course, watching that Green Bay game Sunday night, guess I really can't complain. By the end of the game it was an actual -4 degrees with a wind chill of -24. WHAT?!

Jordan and I had a great weekend, although he's feeling under the weather now. I've been trying to make sure he gets as much rest as possible, we have a youth in-town retreat this weekend so he needs ALL his energy.

We are doing well- more updates later. Check out the Alicia Keys song on the right. I've been diggin' this album. Jordan got it for Christmas, but I get to enjoy it too :-)

I pray you are filled today with the peace and joy of the Lord! Blessings,

I really cannot even begin to put into words what I want to write about today. Today, as many of you know, is Jordan's birthday! Jordan and I have been married 2 &3/4 years (that's an approximation) and it has been nothing short of amazing.

We all know Jordan in different ways, some as a son, brother, neighbor, youth leader, friend, counselor, nephew, grandchild, confidant, and many, many more! But one of the things I love most about Jordan is his consistency! He has a wonderful sense of humor, never missing an opportunity to laugh, even if it's at himself.

Jordan: you are greatly cherished, admired, celebrated and loved! I truly believe this will be the best year that you've lived, and your impact on others will be more far-reaching than it has been the past 25 years combined.

I love you with all my heart.

And now I present, "The many activities of Jordan Michael Roe"

Ode to the Colts:
by Bethany Roe

From the very first kick, to that very last throw
We've supported you all the way.
We cheered when you won, and cried when you lost
On that horrible November day.

Hopeful awaiting, Marvin's return,
but quickly he fumbled and fell.
Alas it's the tale of a season that's through,
And mine is a sad one to tell.

Here we are dreading, Dungy's farewell
to a land of far warmer fare.
Will the team be the same and regroup to reclaim
Their title from Patriot care?

Although ending much differently than we would like
We can with confidence say:
"Colts, we are proud of your coach and your team,
And look forward to opening day!"

What a wonderful morning! Jordan and I just LOVE our Saturday mornings. Last night we went to Independance High to see them perform "The Sound of Music," and ran into Julie & Tisha and Natalie Holcomb. It was fun and we spent some time afterwards at Saxby's hanging with Brandon and Kelly. After an excellent (and I do mean excellent) night of sleep, we woke up and made a run to meet the Gees to get the Kroger card and pick up a few things at Kroger. I made Bran Muffins, eggs with red onion and pepper, and turkey sausage for breakfast, along with the delish Tanzanian Peaberry coffee we got at Saxby's last week. Mmmm,Mmmm. I'm about to sit down to do some reading and just chill! Love it! On the deck for today: Student Intern Graduation at 2, Merge tonight, church in the morning and time with Ferris & Robby in the afternoon...wohoo! (Of course we gotta catch some football, too!) I start getting so sad this time of year knowing that each wonderful game I see is one step closer to the last one for a good 6-7 months. Ahhh..I hate it! Oh well.

GO COLTS! LT's got NUTHIN' on you!

Just got back from an amazing evening. A family who is a fairly new one to Jordan and me, but already dear to our hearts, has experienced a very big loss. Marcy Hayes, wife of Mark and mother of Hank (7) and Isaac (almost 2) passed away on Sunday afternoon after battling cervical cancer for three years.

My mind is still spinning with events of today, and my heart rejoicing for the way in which God was glorified, so I don't feel like writing much, only to say: it is incredible to see already the fruits of someone's life the way I've seen tonight. And it's amazing and simply miraculous to see a husband walking in the kind of peace, love and joy as Mark Hayes is walking in. I TREASURE the days and many memories ahead of us with this precious family.

May God be glorified through my life even a small bit of how He has been glorified through Marcy's death.

He truly is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

I don't have time for a full post and update of our weekend, lots going on right now....so I give you a song for your listening pleasure. AMAZING song and AMAZING writer:

I'm adding a new element to my blog...that's right folks...very tech-savvy! I added a "What I'm currently listening to" section over on the right side next to the links. Check it out to hear an amazing Lifehouse song from their latest album. Really neat lyrics...

We've got a new look for 2008! Here we are, 2nd day of the new year, and what a year it's going to be. I am extremely excited for this year. I truly believe that it will be a BIG year in terms of what God wants to do in our city, in our neighborhood, in relationships, physically, in families, and many, many more. I am full of expectancy as we enter January. God is moved by our faith- so what are you believing for? Are there things that God is stirring in your heart, things you've wished or hoped for? God puts desires in our hearts and as our hearts are continuously more aligned with His, our desires become His and we see His will accomplished in and through our lives. I'm expecting to hear great things from all of you and excited to begin this new season!

We are back to work today. It's actually kind of nice to be back to work and get back to some stucture. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the time off, but anyway......you get the point.

We've had a great Christmas vacation thus far. I say thus far because we still have a nice low-key weekend in store and New Year's day off on Tuesday. We had a great trip to Florida, and have had some wonderful times with my family.

We arrived back in TN and headed straight down for our Christmas Eve service in Spring Hill, which turned out wonderfully! We spent Christmas Eve night and Christmas night at my parent's house in Brentwood and had so much fun hanging out, eating, watching movies, playing games and just chillin' all day. I don't even know if any of us left the house all day :-) Oh wait- yes we did, we went to see Mark & Marcie Hayes in Spring Hill for a little while as a family.

The last few days have also been wonderful- did a little shopping for Christmas wrapping for next year and things like that. Last night we had a wonderful dinner at Carrabba's and played a rousing game of "Boxers or Briefs." Tonight we are throwing a birthday party for Jordan Fenton, the guy who lives with us, as his 20th birthday was the 26th. I will soon have some more pictures to upload for you all to see, but for now- Happy Friday!

Pictures from Christmas 2007: Part 1

We are loving our time in Florida. We've been doing a little work, a little play and enjoying the beautiful weather! Here's the rundown:



Tuesday: arrived late afternoon and went to the office for a Sales meeting. That evening, we ate at a beautiful restaurant called Brio at Waterside shops and watched the finale of Biggest Loser at Hope & Steve's.



Wednesday: we worked, and then got to see the Chalkers: Caity, Will & Auntie Anne, and meet Dick (Auntie Anne's boyfriend) over dinner at Hope & Steve's: DELISH Salmon...my fave! We chatted and enjoyed the time together

Thursday: We worked during the day and were treated to dinner that evening (by Dick-thank you!) in downtown Naples at Cambiello's (probably butchering that spelling) Long, late night, but fun.

Friday: Hope took me to Ft. Myers to purchase a couple very small last minute things that could only be found there and of course had to make a quick trip to Teavana where I literally begged the guy there to make me some tea. (they had a sign posted saying their beverage service wasn't available due to holiday traffic...that did NOT work for me) I left with a wonderful cup of Mango Green...mmm.mmmmm. Afterwards, she dropped me off at the office where Kate, Matt and I were the only ones for the afternoon and got slammed!!! It was fun, though very busy and the afternoon flew by as we all worked as late as we could before heading to the office Christmas party. We had a great time at olde Cypress Club for the office Christmas party that evening.

Saturday: this was our "Christmas Day" and we started out by playing Hope & Steve in tennis (and beating them- I might add) then Dan, Erin & Grandpa came over for gifts, stockings, and yummy breakfast. I satisifed the request made of me to make Bertie's biscuits again....My favorite gift of the day: the red gloves from What's in Store!! SO FUN (they are in the picture at the top of the blog) I am still up far too late right now (that little bit of caffeine in the green tea I drank must be kicking in) am about to go to bed but I needed to set my Fantasy team for the LAST time- it's our Superbowl this weekend, and yes folks..I am in it :-)

Tomorrow is our final day before we head back to TN. We will be going to church with Erin & Dan, and just spending time as a family. I'll post some pics before too long and then we're headed to TN for round two! it's been wonderful so far!

Merry Christmas

Last night we got to spend some time with the beautiful little girls that live next door. Our neighbors Josh & Elizabeth were going to a dinner and so Jordan and I watched the kids for them. Well, we really just saw Kaitlyn, baby Isabelle was asleep when we walked next door. We had a fun time: making snowflakes, playing all the classic games, from Don't Break the Ice to Whack a Mole (my personal favorite) It was a lot of fun! Isabelle is 4 months and Kaitlyn is 5 years.

They don't call it "Dirty Santa" for nothing! Also known as "White Elephant," we played this last night at our Life Group Christmas party. And as usual, Jordan and I were the conniving ones of the bunch. In our comparatively small amount of Christmases together, Jordan and I have become surprisingly good at working together get what we want and strike deals to make the game work for us. Last night was funny!

It all started pretty light. There were 15 people and rounds 1-6 went smoothly, noone stealing any previously opened gifts. I was # 7, and I chose not to steal as well, but only because I knew that the purple bag Chantel had brought held a nice assortment of Aveda products that I had my eye on. I snatched it up quickly. The first steal of the night wasn't until my husband, round #12, when he snatched up the Cadoo game, and then what followed was a mayhem of thievery- Cassy stealing my Aveda, me stealing the scarf that Melody so desperately wanted (and that I had brought) We ended up switching gifts several times and created quite the mayhem, but in the end, everyone went home happy. I had sympathy on Courtney and traded her my Aveda stuff (that I ended up with) for the red gloves that I had also brought.

I think we taught a few people a whole new element in playing that game. Happy gift exchanging!

Fantasy Football update: I play Robby this weekend in the first round of our playoffs. I'm the #2 seed and he's #3. Everyone say this with me now: "Stop that run! Stop that run!" It is going to be tough- he has a pretty stellar team (Romo, Peterson, Westbrook) but hey- stranger things have happened :-)

Karaoke....such a funny word. It's something I had never been introduced to much before, Jordan's family takes it to a whole new level, which I love, but when a few people on our Spring Hill leadership team had the idea to get a DJ to come do karaoke for our Volunteer Appreciation dinner I had my doubts.

They were silenced last night.

It was hilarious AND so much fun. Aaron & Jenny Rudd began the night with the Faith/Tim duet, "It' your love," and Jenny was such a trooper. Then (and I WISH I had a video- I think Garner may have one)my dad brought the house down with Bob Dylan "Like a Rolling Stone." HILARIOUS!!! Some other highlights were Olivia & Martha's "I Will Survive," Jordan's "Footloose," and Mom & Tami Lyken's, "I Feel the Earth Move Under my Feet." It was a wonderful time honoring people who deserve it, and enjoying fun and laughs with family.

I'm thinking about food right now, which is why you are getting this post:

BETHANY's TOP TEN FOODS OR DISHES

#10
Spinach Artichoke Dip
(I've rarely met one I didn't like...in fact, I've never met one I didn't like)







#9
Chocolate Fondue with Bananas
(go for the Turtle's Fondue at the Melting Pot- delish!)










#8
Oats
(Whether for no-bakes, granola, or plain- you can't beat 'em)






#7
Water
(Where would I be without it. I sip it all day)









#6
Cranberry Walnut Salad w/Feta Cheese
(Combination of three faves: cranberries, walnuts and FETA....mmmmm!)






#5
Hummus
(Spicy Red Pepper is my favorite, which leads me to number 4...)






#4
Bell Peppers
(ANY color, I love the rainbow packs at Costco, but RED are definitely the best)







#3
Black Beans
(Anyone who knows me well knew this was comin')









#2
Cheese
(Any kind, any way- except for baked brie...bad experience once)







AND #1
TEA!!!


ARE YOU HUNGRY YET??

DO YOU KNOW THESE MEN?





WANTED:

- ideas for fun gifts for both for Christmas

We love both of them dearly, but I declare- they are hard to shop for. What have you gotten your dads?

These are a little late- but as they say- better late than never, right! :-)

Pictures from Thanksgiving