Oatmeal

You can't tell me that doesn't look good! That's my oatmeal from this morning. I made some for the girls before I took them to school, and then made some for myself when I got back. Here are some reasons why I love oatmeal:

- The health benefits are amazing! You will always find oats on ANY list of so-called "superfoods" because they are so high in protein & soluble fiber, and have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol. Oatmeal is also very filling, which makes it a great morning meal.

- They are so easy to make. Many people think that rolled-oats are difficult, and therefore opt for the "quicker" less healthful quick or instant oats. While you're still going to get some health benefit, by using quick oats, you are lessening the health value of the food. Steve showed us a great way to make rolled oats that is so simple, and now I can have a bowl ready to go in 2 minutes flat, with no mess but the bowl I made it in!

- You can dress it up ALL kinds of ways. This morning is blueberries, a little brown sugar, toasted almonds & cranberries. SO delish! We also like banana/walnut or cranberry/walnut oatmeal.

- It is inexpensive! I buy a large carton of oats at Kroger or Publix for under $2, and I don't even know how many servings that produces...I just know it's a lot!!

So there you have it! Hopefully I've convinced you to give oats a try if you don't already. I think you'll find it well worth it!

PS- For those who can't handle the texture of oatmeal (like my friend Janelle) I have a GREAT home-made granola recipe which I make about once a week, and mix with yogurt for another great breakfast chock full of good stuff!

B-day Fantasmo

Yesterday was just great. It happened to be my birthday- AND the superbowl!! How much better for me does it get. The day went something like this:

-Woke up, had a nice relaxing morning. Got to sleep later than usual b/c we have gone back to one service at church so I no longer have to be there at 7am....it was 8:30 instead.

-Had a great in some ways, sad in some ways service at church (we have some families leaving the church, so it's difficult to say goodbye) All in all, it was a great morning and good connections!

-Went to lunch with my honey at Moe's and had a great connection with someone we ran into there...love how God works!

-Stopped by Publix to pick up a couple of things....had another great connection with a couple Jordan knew from a previous job- found out they moved into the neighborhood next door...pretty cool....again- so cool how God works!

-relaxed until Robby & Ferris arrived- had fun chatting with them

-The Kellums surprised me (I was hoping they were coming, but didn't know for sure) to hang out for my b-day and watch the game

-Ian joined us, and we all had fun watching a GREAT game and eating yummy food!! (Menu: grilled shrimp, homemade guacamole, chili/cheese dip, homemade vanilla ice cream and apple pie, double tomato bruschetta)

-closed out the evening with the Kellums watching 'The Office."

Great day, great evening, and looking forward to a great and full week!

Running! I am trying so hard to get back into it. My husband even got me a treadmill a couple of months ago. So, after I made dinner tonight- I had some time and decided to take a run. I was able to run 2 1/2 miles and walk 1/2 mile. I was excited! But for me- something that makes all the difference is music. Music totally motivates me. I have tried running while watching SportsCenter or The Office- and it's fine, but it's not quite the same. But, it can't be just ANY music- totally depends on my mood. So, tonight, my running playlist was:

"So Small" Carrie Underwood
"Mercy" Duffy
"Let Go" Frou Frou
"Stay With You" Goo Goo Dolls
"The Walk" Imogen Heap
"First Time" Lifehouse
"Heartbreaker" Michael Jackson
"Morningside" Sara Bareilles
"Forever & Always" Taylor Swift

And it was perfect!! I think I'll sleep well tonight!

i-pod survey

What does your iPod say about you?
I love music so I thought this would be fun- and funny. Stole it from Trish!

Here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button

1. What's my mood like right now?
"Happily Ever After" Carol Burnett from the musical "Once Upon a Mattress"

2. How's tomorrow going to be for me?
"Let Your Mercy Rain"- Chris Tomlin

3. What kind of person am I?
"There's Joy in Your Presence" - Fuge

4. Am I loved?
"Constant" - Watermark

5. How can I achieve my highest potential?
"No One Needs to Know"- Shania Twain (that's funny)

6. What should I do with my life?
"Slow Down"- Alicia Keys (thats REALLY funny- I've been hearing this exact phrase from my dad for years!)

7. Is everything really going to be alright in the end?
"I Believe"- Natalie Grant
AMEN!

8. What is my best quality?
"Rejoice" Shirley Ceasar

9. How does my social life look?
"There's Always Something to Remember" -Brian Whitman

10. What's the meaning of life?
"I Belong to You" - Reuben Morgan

11. What do people think of me?
"My Winding Wheel" - Ryan Adams

12. How crazy am I?
"When You Get to Me" -Lee Ann Womack

13. Where will I be a year from now?
"Hope changes everything - Newsong

14. What is my fondest wish?
"Fall in Love" -Kenny Chesney - already happened!

15. How did my parents meet?
"Someday we'll know" Mandy Moore & Jonathon Foreman

16. What will I dream about tonight?
"Alone at the Drive-In" from Grease

17. What should I be working on right now?
"God Only Knows" -Joy williams

18. What's my roommate up to currently?
"Last Time Lover" - Spice Girls

19. What did I do last weekend?
"Baby Baby All the Time" Diana Krall

20. Describe me.
"Take the world but give me Jesus" Matt Redman

21. What does my music player think of me?
"I am Yours"- Misty Edwards

Today is an historical day in our nation and in our world. Democrat, Republican, Christian, Atheist, Man, Woman, Suburban, Rural, you name it.....we are Americans and this is significant! I truly do admire Barack Obama, he is a commanding leader and I will certainly be praying for him as he steps into office. He is stepping into quite a big role and some very serious situations! I am certainly more than a little wary of some of his views, the views of many on his cabinet and the impact that could have on things like security, immigration, and education, but I know that I am protected in God's hands, which is where I find my security. Nonetheless- I give honor & respect to our new president today, and join with other Americans as we usher in this new era, and I pray for God's guidance for our nation

It's 15 degrees here in Spring Hill. WHAT?!?! I'm wearing a scarf and two blankets as I work. Very funny!

*Afternoon Update*

I have now added a hat and a jacket to my collection of winter layers. I refuse though to turn up the heat! SAY NO to higher gas bills!

Proverbs 2:1-9
"My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path."

It's official, and I am definitely a little sad.

Tony Dungy will no longer be the coach of the Indianapolis Colts. At the end of every season in the NFL, multiple player and coaching changes happen. They move around, move on, retire, etc. Tony Dungy has been contemplating this for a little while and finally the time has come.

If you are a football lover and have never read Tony Dungy's book- you REALLY need to. It is really one of the best biographies I've ever read and although I knew a little about him as a person, it opened my eyes to the kind of man he really is, and gave me all the more reason to love supporting the Colts.

I will still be a Colts' fan, but I am a little sad that will no longer include Dungy as the head coach. Yet in a world of competing salary offers and little allegiance, Dungy has left his team in the best possible shape: he has been training and raising up a new head coach from within the franchise: Jim Caldwell. Caldwell knows the team, knows the players and as sorry as I am to see Dungy leave, I am excited for what next season brings.

It's pretty amazing to me just to see Dungy's legacy in the National Football League. It's a flawed system for sure....all the idolizing of players and coaches, but he really has been a shining example of what a follower of Christ can do in any situation.

Four things I love:

* Rainy Days

* Low-key Saturdays

* Quiet time with my husband

* NFL Playoffs

All four together....that's pretty amazing!!!

It was an eventful Christmas season. I can hardly believe it's already the second week of January, but Jordan and I are excited and ready for this new year. It's sure to be a year full of change, new things, excitement, ups and downs, but God has been and will continue to be faithful. I've found that all the stretching has produced good things in the past and I believe it will continue to produce good things in the future.

One thing's for sure: it's going to be the "year of the Baby!" We are getting ready to welcome the first in quite a stream of babies into this world among our good friends. Jordan and I are excited about what God has in store as we seek Him on building our family as well- just a little "unconventionally" if you will! haha....

Enjoy a couple of photos from our time in Florida! (which was wonderful!!!)

Well we've had a great Christmas so far! We are currently in Florida visiting the 'Roe' side of the family, but we had SO much fun with the Warnock side and had quite the eventful few days. Jordan and I spent the night up at my mom and dad's on Christmas Eve, which was so fun to be there with Mom & Dad, Dylan and Robby & Ferris. We all woke up on Christmas morning and had a great time opening gifts, laughing and the best things in life: family!
We had a relaxing afternoon, playing games and cooking and then the Moore family and Stacee Strickland came over for a fabulous Christmas Dinner! We had a great time playing with the kids and getting frustrated playing "Are You in Cahoots," although Dylan and I figured it out (it took me a while) Mom and I went shopping the next morning to Target first to get gift wrap for next year, and I found some great stuff! The next few days were fun and relaxing and then on Sunday, one of the MOST exciting things happened! Dylan (my brother) proposed and got engaged to Meaghan Davis!!
We are SO excited and I am SO pumped about having Meaghan in the family!!! We had such a fun time eating with them at Opryland and getting to be with Meaghan's parents and sister who drove in from Atlanta to surprise her. SO FUN!!! I love Christmas and I LOVE my FAMILY!!!

I have the cutest niece in the world!!!

Need I say more....

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone! I pray that everyone is enjoying already their Christmas time with friends and family. We kicked off the week Sunday with the dinner with our best friends, then had some high schoolers over on Monday. Last night was family night with Jordan and the girls. We ate, wrapped presents and watched "White Christmas." Adam and Sarah Hubert have paid us a visit on their way to Evansville, so they got in around 9 last night and we all stayed up too late talking and I enjoyed holding baby Graham for, oh, 2 hours :-)!! hehe.....I'm the only one up at this point in our house, of course I'm sure Adam and Sarah have been up NUMEROUS times already, but I just want to wish everyone the best for the rest of your Christmas holiday. May your cup be full to absolute overflow and may your fellowship be rich and wonderful!

God is awesome- praise His name and glory to HIM and HIM alone as we celebrate.

i *heart* Starbuck's

So yesterday, I totally got blessed by none other than Starbuck's! No, I do not think Starbuck's is the "ENEMY" of the local coffee shop- I actually like the fact that Starbuck's has made coffee and tea more readily accessible around the world and yesterday, I had even one more reason to like them!

Over a month ago, I had stepped into the one in downtown Franklin and as I was leaving, I noticed the Christmas wreath on the door. I thought it was SO cute, and considered trying to make one like it. Then, a few weeks ago, we were down there again and I asked one of the workers I knew what they did with their Christmas decor once Christmas was over. She directed me to her manager, Kelly, and told me to ask her. I chatted with Kelly and she told me that they usually just give it away or sell it. She took my info and promised to call me after Christmas.

Well yesterday, I got a call from Kelly, who proceeded to tell me their Field Manager had come in and taken down the Christmas stuff. "It's not even Christmas yet," I stated! "I know- it's crazy," was Kelly's reply, "but, you can come down and get whatever you want."

After work, I headed down and look what I ended up with:



I was pretty pumped! And she wouldn't let me pay for any of it! Moral of the story: Just ask! You never know what you might get! :-)

Had a great weekend! It seemed to fly by, but it was great. Friday night we had dinner with the fam: Robby's parents came in town and his brother Jeff and fiance Heather joined all of us for dinner at my parents. We got take out from PF Chengs and enjoyed eating, laughing and playing Cranium before all heading to bed. Saturday I had to wake up to do some rehearsals at church and then had an incredibly relaxing afternoon....I got a lot done, but it was relaxing and fun...not hectic and stressful. I enjoyed sitting by the fire and working on some things...I am so thankful for laptops and wireless internet :-) Yesterday, (Sunday) we had an incredible service: it was our New Song Family Service, where we celebrate the season together as a family....we had some hilarious moments via video and some touching moments via song..it was great and turned out SO well. I am thankful for everyone who was involved. We had lunch with the girls and then I prepared the pork tenderloin I was making for dinner and got that in the oven. Watched a little football with a sleepy Laurel and a sleepy husband....kept checking my fantasy team, and then took a long bath. FABULOUS! Then last night we had 8 of our good friends over for dinner. The Clingers, Hughes, Owens, Kellums and of course, the Roes. We had a yummy yummy meal, everyone contributed, and SO much fun talking and laughing with everyone. I LOVE all those people and the opportunities we get to see them. Ended up staying up until almost midnight with the Kellums. I know- we're crazy, but it was totally worth it!

SO, here I am. I can't believe it's Christmas week!!!! WOW! Dylan is on his way here- YAYAYAYA!! We have some of Janel's friends coming over for dinner tonight, so I'm sure that will be interesting.....in a fun way!

Enjoy your time with friends and family and don't miss the little things!

So, I know she's been out for a long time (I first heard her through Kelly when she was in Frou Frou), but I have recently been listening again to Imogen Heap. There's a website called MyPlay where you can click and listen to lots of different artists, and I've been listening to Imogen and LOVING it! I added a couple of my favorite songs at the bottom of the page, so take a listen, ("Hide and Seek" has to be one of the coolest songs I've ever heard) and if anyone still needs a Christmas idea for me....you know what to get me :-0)

We are going to meet up with family tonight for dinner and have an exciting weekend ahead of us, which I am looking forward to. I just love Christmastime and am loving this year!! Last night, Jordan and I were desperately trying to watch our Colts play the Jags on the NFL network, which is a paid channel we don't have. We were switching back and forth from nfl.com to Jordan's phone and then back again. It was funny and a serious game, and we both breathed a HUGE sigh of relief as Freeney sacked Garrad and took us into the playoffs!!

We also found out we get to see Adam and Sarah Hubert and little baby Graham on Dec. 23! We are SO excited!!! Well, whatever your weekend holds- enjoy it and don't miss the little moments!

Highschool infestation

We had a great time last night. Janel had a party and had most of her friends over. Even though it's exam week, most of them are exempt from exams and didn't have school at all this week since they are seniors. I cooked a whole bunch of homemade pizzas, hummus, sausage balls, tea cakes, buffalo dip among other things. They loved the food and spent most of the evening playing catch phrase, eating and talking. Then Janel and several friends BEGGED me and Jordan to play and sing. SO funny.....but they said they really wanted us too. We did, and then that kicked off some time of different people playing and singing. It was awesome for Jordan and I though- to have 20+ highschoolers in our home, only 1 of whom goes to our church. Totally our dream- to reach this community and kids who don't know the Lord...many of which were here last night. God has opened so many doors with the girls living with us. It was great for them, and great for us to see what God is doing!

Happy Thursday!

We had a great weekend! It was full, but good. Saturday, I actually wore myself out so much I had to leave U-turn early because I'd made myself tired-sick, but I got rest so it was fine. Some of the biggest news is that Jordan and I have both come from behind and made each of our respective league's championship game! WOO HOO! We were both 4 seeds that beat the #1 seed to play in the Championship games. He's playing my dad and I'm playing Patsy Bass who I played last year for the championship and lost- so maybe this year is my year. Three years of Fantasy Football- three playoff runs....not too bad, if I do say so myself.

(I'll be offering draft advice for a small fee next year- haha! Just Kidding)

First day of Nutrition Data Update:

My first day went well! My calories could actually be higher, but I certainly had plenty of fat...haha, which didn't surprise me since I tend to gravitate towards dairy products! I was actually surprised by my protein levels and got PLENTY of that, which is great! All my vitamins were GREAT except for Vitamin D, so I need to find a way to get more of that! Folate was good, but could be a little higher (more spinach and asparagus!!) And I only had 135mg of caffeine which is well below the recommended maximum intake of 400mg. So- so far so good!

I found something I really like! It's a website called nutritiondata.com. I have always been more interested in making sure I am getting the proper nutrients in my body, than watching my fat or caloric intake. I am of the belief that if you focus enough on the GOOD things to eat, you'll fill up on that and won't eat too many of the BAD things. So, each day, if you so desire, you can input the things you eat and it will track all sorts of levels so-if I am trying to decide what to have for lunch, I can see what I need more of nutrient wise. I like it too, because I am not too worried about tracking over a period of time, for weight loss or anything, but rather day to day to keep my eating habits in line. So, I've begun today and I will let you know how it goes....

Quite a day yesterday! It was a good day....just would have rather avoided the event that happened at approximately 4:45pm on my way to the grocery store. See, I have been VERY mindful of my driving lately. I WILL not text in the car while moving (stopped at a stop sign or stoplight is fine with me) and I have been conscious to not speed AT ALL...not even 5 miles over. I've tried to be responsible, but yesterday, I slipped a bit. RIGHT before I made my right turn into my first stop: Walgreen's, I glanced down at my grocery list on my lap, knowing we were stopping, but thinking I had more time. I looked up, only to see myself barreling down on a Chevy Tahoe SUV much too quickly. I slammed on my brakes, but it wasn't enough the keep me from hitting him with a pretty good force. DANG IT! I wasn't "shook up" or startled or hurt...I am usually pretty even tempered in times like that, but I was MAD at myself. It was a completely avoidable accident and I was so annoyed. The guy I hit was SUPER nice, had no damage to his car and really didn't want to take the time to file a police report and claims. A policeman pulled up and we all chatted a bit, I called Jordan and all went on their merry way. But still- a few hundred to a thousand dollars on auto repairs that could have been avoided is NO way to start your holiday season. Oh well! I have learned a lesson..Lord, help me not forget it and THANK YOU for your protection!

This is crazy!! Here's my tale...so far:

So, this is the third year I played fantasy football. The first year, I did pretty decent and finished 5 out of 10, the second year I did even better and finished 2 out of 10 or 4th out of 20. This year....it's been weird. We split our league into two: the "Premier" League, or bottom tier, and the "Championship" league, the top 10 from last year. I have been in the Championship League with many others: Robby, Ferris, Tres, Chris, etc. (My dad (by his choice) Dylan and Jordan are in the other one) So, my season has been weird to say the least. I won a few, lost a few, won one, lost one, it's been back and forth ALL season. BUT, what's so odd is that our league is SO competitive, that at one point we had SIX people tied for first at 6-4. SIX! Crazy. I've hovered around 6th, 7th or 8th all season, but been only one or two games off.

Last week I looked at the total points tallies for the season and realized I had almost more points than anyone else in our league thanks to my star RBs Westbrook and Williams. (top 2 scorers in the NFL last week) despite still being 7th in my record due to my matchups.

But last night....the impossible happened. We had 3 people who had clinched playoff spots with their record....and then three more at 7-6 vying for that 4th spot. I was rounding out 7th with a 6-7 record. I won my game (unless Patsy's kicker goes NUTS tonight, which CAN happen) and the three ahead of me ALL LOST! WHAT?! You are kidding. That put FOUR of us at 7-7, vying for the 4th playoff spot, and guess who gets it becuase of my total points: That's right ladies and gents! I am making the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.

CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY and totally why I love fantasy football!

Sorry I haven't posted lately....I've been busy with my baby niece!! More later....

What a great weekend we had! I think yesterday (Sunday) was the best part. I got to served in nursery/two's for first service and just had a great time with all the precious wonderful little kiddos! They are SO precious! And then second service was wonderful...GREAT time of worship and an awesome teaching! It was our Thanksgiving service so we showed a video of three families talking about what God had done in their lives over the past year and that was wonderful. I had a meeting for the upcoming Kid's production after second service, and got home around 4:00 and we started the super fun decorating process! All four of us- Jordan, myself, Janel and Laurel spent the next few hours decorating and pulling things out! So fun!! We still have a few things to do but the main things are finished and I LOVE it. And then, we watched a SUPER exciting game as the Colts beat the Chargers...SO MUCH BETTER than the game last year..that was horrible and SO sad...so I was VERY happy about that. Today promises to be a great day and this evening we are going down to Green Hills to go to California Pizza Kitchen, and do some shopping at amazing stores like Anthropologie, Trader Joe's and Teavana! YAY! Have a great day!

Okay, so I know I JUST blogged about food, but this is hilarious and I HAVE to share it. I've been working hard today, and accomplished a lot, but I was totally craving something sweet just now and since I don't keep snacks or candy or soda of any kind in the house, usually the only option is to whip up a batch of cookies. (which I do more than I ought) But, no time for that in the middle of the work day....so I quickly googled "5 minute desserts" and voila! Up popped something Nathan had talked about before: 1 minute chocolate cake, except this recipe was even more simple and quick, so I figured...why not and gave it a try.

I combined 2 tbs. flour, 1 tbs. sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt, 2 tsp cocoa powder, mixed that and added 2 Tb milk, 3/4 tsp oil and 1/4 tsp vanilla, mixed it up and microwaved it for 1 minute. WHAt?! I got a bowl of chocolate cake!!!

Absolutely astounding...I topped it with a little fresh whipped cream I had...and can't finish it...apparantly it's too much even for my current sweet tooth.

GREAT SOLUTION for those quick fix moments!

Pantry Cleanse Week!! That's the name of this week in the Roe household. This has been an expensive month for groceries so I decided that this week and next would be our "pantry cleanse" weeks in an effort to not spend more money at the grocery and to stay within our budget. So far, so good and it's actually been yummy! We're going through things in our pantry and freezer that I've had for a while. Monday we had chicken pot pie (used frozen veggies I had) leftover green beans and canned pineapple (the first time I've EVER done that) with fresh whipped cream. Not too bad. Last night I made Ritz chicken with sweet potatoes and spinach salad which the girls are eating tonight b/c Jordan and I are meeting a couple for dinner. Currently I'm snacking on a dip I made with some leftover cheese and cans of corn, black beans and diced chiles. Tomorrow I'll probably heat up one of the three homemade soups I have in the freezer. And for the weekend, we've got tilapia and pork chops in the freezer as well, ready to be made. So, there's actually plenty. Of course, next week is T'giving so we should have plenty of leftovers from that. I'm going to see how long I can make it without a grocery trip.

It's really funny how since the girls have moved in with us, I actually find myself with less to blog about. Though I thought it would be more, it's actually be less. I can't figure out exactly why. I know part of it is time....I just don't find 5-10 minutes honestly to sit and write out recent events or blogs quite as often, and maybe it's because so much of our life for the present time has to do with them and what's going on with them, and less of what's going on with us. Whatever it is...not really sure, but that's what's happened.

Life has been great lately, even if I haven't blogged about it! I am really really looking forward to Christmas decorating. I've been looking forward to that ever since I put up my fall stuff in October. I think I am going to start it this weekend. I did my decorating the week before Thanksgiving last year because we were going out of town, and I really enjoyed that, so I think I just might again this year, especially with thanksgiving being so late this year. So that's very exciting! I'm also close to done with my Christmas shopping, which actually shocks me. With everything that's been going on, I've been feeling very behind in many things, my Christmas shopping being one of them. But, when I stopped the other day and charted out everything we've purchased and what needs to be purchased still, I realized I was WAY more ahead than I had previously thought. I've just been getting stuff as I've been seeing it and slowly but surely I'm making progress- so that was exciting!

That's about all the time I have now. Hopefully I will get some pictures soon, because I know those are the most fun :-) I'm just really really bad about taking pics. Oh well! Have a wonderful week!

I am posting this video today in honor of the fact that David Archuleta's new album is out in stores as we speak. Maybe these girls can get some consolement from that fact.

Hilarious!



(Hint: do not have your volume up too loud)Poor girls- their fingers were probably almost worn off from texting in their votes for 2 hours straight the night before.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

-to Ben & Michele Christy on their recent discovery of being pregnant with their first baby!

-to Barry & Shannon O'Neal on ther recent discovery of being pregnant with their second baby!

-to Kyle & Janelle Kellums on their recent discovery of having a baby BOY!!!

YAY FOR EVERYONE!!

We had a great weekend!! Sadly, I took NO pictures...yes that's right....not a single one. I am horrible at that!! Ferris and I spent Friday and Saturday night in Cleveland, TN with Dylan and had SO much fun! We went out to eat, went running, watched football, met lots of his friends, talked, got coffee, walked around campus, got tours, went to a play, watched 'The Office,' made food and so much more! It was a wonderful weekend and I enjoyed being with Meaghan and Dylan so much!! Exciting things ahead!



I dropped Ferris off at her apt. in M'boro around 2 yesterday and got back home just in time to run to the grocery store and do shopping for the week. Jordan and I went over to the Gill's house to watch the Colts/Steelers game with them and had SO much fun cheering on our Colts (who WON!!!!!!!!) and playing with their little baby boy Reeves! It was so much fun! Too bad Jason's a huge Steeler's fan and they lost...oh well :-)



I fully CRASHED last night.....was SO SO SO tired! I went to bed around 8:30 and slept SOLID until 6am. Guess I needed some sleep. But, I am fully rested and ready to go for an awesome week!!

Erin "tagged" me to do this, and I had to since it's about my wonderful husband! Here goes:

1 . Where did you meet? He says he met me at Macaroni Grill way back when I was serving there....we met when I remember at Starbuck's in Cool Springs, right after a friend had finished telling me why she didn't really like Jordan Roe...oops! :-) Needless to say, I didn't listen to her very well! :-) We really got to know each other serving in our church's youth group.

2. How long did you date? 8 1/2 months

3. How long have you been married? 3 years and 7 months

4. What does he say that surprises you? What does he NOT say that surprises me...he is SO funny!!! He says the most random things at the most random times and it ALWAYS makes me CRACK UP!

5. What is your favorite feature of his? Sounds funny...but hey- I AM his wife...I LOVE his legs....they are so strong and muscular...and I adore his eyes!

6. What is your favorite quality of his? How much he seeks to understand where someone else is coming from before he makes a decision or makes up his mind about someone. His veracity- his comittment to God and to finding out the truth in everything!

7. Does he have a nickname for you? TONS, and they are constantly morphing...his recent favorite is puppy...who knows?!

8. What is his favorite color? He doesn't really have one....likes blue a lot.

9. What is his favorite food? He is not a really picky eater....loves food, but doesn't ever ask for anything specifically....loves my bbq chicken pizza, strange chicken, banana pudding...

10. What is his favorite sport? Tennis & Frisbee- he loves 'em!

11. When and where did you first kiss? In the parking lot at Border's in Cool Springs

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We absolutely love to go to bookstores and read together....go to a park and toss the frisbee

13. Do you have any children? Right now-Two Teenage girls :-) Believing God for more....

14. Does he have a hidden talent? Jordan? No...nothing.........only jumping rope, singing, hip hop dancing, frisbee, creating amazing games, piano, writing, and almost everything else under the sun!

15. How old is he? 26

16. Who said, “I love you” first? He did- right as he was proposing...I was in a daze! (A good one, though)

17. What is his favorite type of music? He really likes anything with a kickin' beat....r&b, jazz, blues, good hip hop, etc.

18. What do you most admire about him? I admire absolutely everthing about him. I am every day in awe of him more and more and love him deeper and deeper!

19. Do you think he will read this? No- he forgets we have this *smile*

I just found my new favorite website!!!

Check it out!

*smile*

Things have been great around the Roe home- we had a great weekend, the Colt's won (YAY!) but Jordan and I both lost our fantasy matchups (boo!) I'm hanging on by a thread to make the playoffs this year....

Monday we got to have dinner at Mom & Dad's house, which was great! Tuesday I made pork roast and homemade mac & cheese at home and we watch the election, which was as quick as I've seen in the last 8 yrs (since I've been voting) Last night we had a long meeting here at the house, and tonight we get to be home again- I'm thinking about making pizza with homemade crust...mmmm,mmmm!

I am SUPER pumped about my road trip to Lee University this weekend to see Dylan, AND Ferris is actually coming with me too! HOW AMAZING! This will be the longest stretch of time I've gotten to spend with my sis and bro in a while and I am super excited about it. I'm also looking forward to the drive there- the colors in TN are just GORGEOUS right now and the whole drive will be bursting in color- BEAUTIFUL!

I was happy about my great deal on razors I got at CVS this week. They had a buy one, get one 50% off sale, and I had $2 off on each pack as well as a $4 off my CVS purchase, so I saved like $30 and got 12 razors (9 for Jordan and 3 for me) for $13, when it typically would have been $34. My only problem with this stuff is learning when to NOT buy a great deal. Right now, Jordan has enough razors and shaving cream to last him through next spring (okay, maybe a little exageration) but still- you get my point. It's so hard to pass up a good deal. But, I MUST do it!

Well have a great Thursday- I am ready to work and get some good stuff done!

I can hardly believe that at the last presidential election, only 60% of eligible voters turned out to cast their vote! I would LOVE to see our country take more action and quit complaining so much.So- if you are able, and you haven't already:

GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Here's what happens when you have a freeze in Tennessee in October....


...oh well, we've got Christmas coming and decor will go up then!

My sister in law just made me laugh out loud! When we were in Florida last week, she and I were laughing one day because we were talking about driving around in high school, listening to Shania Twain....guys can't do it. And I can't do it for too long...but I have many memories of driving around with my friends, blaring it and singing it at the top of our lungs. Just something that made us laugh! So Erin treated me this morning to a voice mail and serenaded me! A great start to my morning! hah!

We had a great trip to Florida. I'm pretty pressed for time this morning, so not a lot of time to go into detail, but I can pretty much sum it up to say I love my family and my niece, Hope is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Enjoy my pictures and have a wonderful fabulous chilly day! :-)

Sorry for the lack of posting! we had a BUSY BUSY rest of the week and weekend and we're now in Florida spending some time with our precious little pumpkin- translated- niece, Hope! I will post some pictures probably tomorrow!

I'm off to get some good sleep!

I just got the update that Baby Rachel Avery Warnock was born this morning about 1:30am. I don't have any pictures or more info yet, but I am so excited for Stephen & Tandra!!

Also, another one of our friends- Abbie O'Neal is currently in labor at Baptist Hospital in Nashville with their first baby. So, we're praying for health for baby and momma in that birth, too!

TOTALLY wonderful song over to the right- check it out!!

I guess I have quite a lot to blog about. Last weekend was a fun one! Jordan and I went to see Janel play in her powder puff game, which unfortunately, despite a lot of hard work and a lot of spirit, they lost to the juniors, but it was still a good time! Jordan and I had a dr's appointment after that- and then the rest of the afternoon was spent setting up for the Spring Hill Country Ham Festival. New Song sponsored a "farmer for a day" booth where kids came through and got to do all sorts of fun "farm-themed" things. As you can see- the youth AND youth leaders had a good time setting up! Friday night, Jordan and I went to the game and had a great time watching IHS beat whoever they were playing...haha! We all went to bed and crashed- big day on Saturday. Saturday we woke up, all had breakfast together and then helped the girls get where they needed to go for homecoming. I made it over to take some pictures of Janel and her friends before they took off- and to help them with last minute getting ready...a flurry of hair spray, curling irons, mascara and bobby pins, but they got it all done and made it in time! Jordan and I took off for U-turn on Saturday night. It was a GREAT night, despite a really weird game that we played....not quite sure what to think of it....there is no noise, but here's a sample of what it looked like....
And then Sunday was full of friends, worship, teaching, fellowship, rest, football and fun! We finished off the evening (Jordan, Laurel and me) watching Iron Man- I LOVE THAT MOVIE! All in all- a GREAT weekend! On another note- I never posted my results of how I think the Grocery Game works and whether or not it's worth it. Here's what I came down to. The list itself that is published on the grocery game is not the MOST helpful for the types of things Jordan and I buy, so although the concept was very helpful, subscribing to the list wasn't the best for me. BUT- I did learn a lot through the 12 weeks of trying it about shopping sales, combining with them offers and coupons to get the best deal. So, here's what it looks like for me...I still shop on a "stockpiling" basis, so I am still looking to buy things when they are on sale rather than when I just NEED them. I check out the Publix, Kroger, CVS and Walgreens circulars each week, circle things on sale and go through my coupons to get the best deal. So far it's working great with each shopping trip averaging a 53% savings on every bill. It's become a challenge for me.....my favorite recently was a trip to Walgreens where I stocked up on 2 packs of Zicam cold medicine, 4 packages of duracell batteries, trident gum and sony CDrs for $25, when it would have been $65. That's exciting! :-) So here's to saving!!!

Oh- and no news yet of Baby Rachel- we are anxiously awaiting!

It's Homecoming Week at Independance High School, where Janel & Laurel attend. If any of you remember Homecoming week, it consists of TONS of ways to show your school spirit, including dress up days. I LOVED this week in High school, and I always participated in the dress up days. The girls have been getting into it, and I loved their theme this year, which was "Decades." So, they started with 50's on Monday, 60's on Tuesday and then 70's and 80's. I didn't get to see the first two days because I was in Florida, but here they are dressed up in their 70's and 80's wear! I LOVE Laurel's shirt today....I might have to borrow that one!

So I can't even describe how precious my sweet, adorable, perfect little niece is. I am sitting in the Ft. Myers airport, waiting for my plane to get here (Hope & Steve- it's late if you can believe it! But, not too bad) I have a quick flight to Orlando and then I hop on my plane to Nashville. I'm scheduled to get in at 9:45pm. Anyway, I just had a quick two day work trip down to Florida, it was very helpful to be in the office, and take care of and learn some things, but I do have to say my favorite part was getting to see Baby Hope! She is amazing!! I cannot WAIT to see her in 3 weeks when we come back down. It was a very quick but great trip! I left my cell phone at home, which is funny, but in a way it's nice not having one. No ringing, no text messages, nothing like that. I happened to have a calling card in my purse, and know everyone's number anyway, so I've been fine.

Hope everyone's having a great week!

Wow it's been a long time! Sorry! Time has been getting away from me lately. It just moves a lot quicker these days and there is less and less spare time in a day. I am trying to get in a rhythm with things and find those moments that I do have, but it's been difficult. I've been definitely more stressed and "heavy" but God is faithful and He's helping me through things.

Just got a new computer. Random story- I'll have to tell you sometime. Kind of funny.

Anyway, got TONS of work to do, so enjoy a new song over to the right- Mia Fieldes from Hillsong church....really enjoying her album. Thanks, Andy!

So today I was on hold with an underwriting company while working and their hold music was none other than "Fields of Gold," by Sting. It brought back a FLOOD of memories! (from college) Isn't it wild how music can do that?! It got me thinking about how music can totally do that, and I started thinking about other songs that bring back memories of times in my life from high school and college- some good, and some not so good, but I was amazed thinking about. So here's a list- definitely not comprehensive, but a sampling of songs from my high school and college years! :-)(in no particular order)Oh, and I don't really vouch for the quality or content of these videos, You Tube was just the easiest way....

Middle & High School:
"Here's to the night" by Eve 6
"The Freshman" by the Verve Pipe
"No Diggity" by Blackstreet
"Un-Break my Heart" by Toni Braxton
"A Long December" by Counting Crows
"Kiss from a Rose" by Seal
"With or Without You" by U2
Anything Dave Matthew's Band :-)

College:
"Champagne High" by Sister Hazel
"Hero" by Enrique Iglesias (totally cheesy- I know!)
"River" by Joni Mitchell
"If You're not the One" by Daniel Bedingfield
"D'yer Maker" by Led Zeppelin
"Babe I'm Gonna Leave you" by Led Zeppelin

This past weekend was a special one. It wasn't because any huge "event" happened, but rather the things the Lord was solidifying in my life. Friday night, Jordan and I got a chance to go out to eat and just talk and share with each other what God's been doing in us, showing us, guiding us in, etc. It was a WONDERFUL time with my husband. Anyone who is married knows those conversations, where you just feel fully and totally CONNECTED! So, we did that, which brought great clarity and peace to my mind in areas I was still a little unsteady in.

Saturday, we had a Women's Gathering and I was helping lead worship for that. The theme was "Walking in a New Way," and Joan Evrist talked about what that looks like for our lives. It was PERFECT for where we are right now in our life. After it was over, I had a small window of time before I needed to be ready for youth group that night, and was asking the Lord what I should do with this time, and seriously, He told me to go buy new shoes.

Now I know some of you may be saying...."what?! Why would God tell you to do something like that?" But you see, for me, it was an outward symbol of the new way God is teaching me to walk my life out, and the new way I am to walk out situations, as well as new perspective on what it looks like to go through difficulties and trials in my life. So, I went to the mall, and into a fairly new shoe store called "Shi." I had a lot of fun with the sales lady, as she was bringing me all these shoes that were a little out of my comfort zone. So finally, I had it narrowed down to two pair. One that was very "me!" Cute, flat, comfortable, basic tan color would go great with jeans, etc. and the other were heels, tall, funky, crazy colors, unlike anything else I have. I wanted to buy the "safe" shoes- I knew it was a "smarter" purchase, but then I said, "I'll take the heels!" That's what it was about- something new, something different. So here they are:

This morning I was reading in Philippians, and chapter 3 has just rocked my socks off! vs 7- "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ." vs 12- "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hod of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are begind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead"

Jordan and I are reaching to those things which are ahead. And we're not talking about a baby. It's SO much more than that. We're talking about the heavenly, kingdom vision, we're talking about our intimacy with Jesus, the deepening of that relationship. We're looking for and commited to walking towards the goal of Christ, and what He has- fully & in every area of life!

So, it's been a while since I blogged about food, but for those of you that follow this regularly, you know I love food! And one of my favorites is breakfast. Nothing better than waking up early on a Monday morning, and starting the week off with a wonderful breakfast. So, here's what I made this morning:

2 Farm fresh organic eggs cooked in a tiny bit of olive oil
1 piece of homemade (by me) 4seed whole wheat toast spread with this amazing organic goat/feta cheese I bought at the farmer's market
glass of 100% orange juice

YUMMY!



I LOVE breakfast! :-)

Things that have changed since having 2 teenage girls move in:

- There are no longer "leftovers" in the fridge.
Not that they eat a TON- because they don't, but when you're cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for 4 grown people every day and packing lunches, whatever was leftover goes fast!

- my 2 or 3 loads of laundry per week have suddenly increased to 7-9! We're dealing with high school girls here. They have lots of clothes, and don't use towels more than a a couple of times.

- It takes a lot longer to get out of the house. Again, teenage girls like to "get ready," and they take time doing it!

- Lots & lots of giggling! It was no different with my sis when I was in high school. There's a lot of giggling and laughing that goes on! :-)

- Things smell good. No offense to Jordan Fenton- we love him- but girls just smell "good," thanks to all the lotions and sprays that are constantly happening in their room and bathroom.

- I wake up every morning now b/w 5:00 and 5:30 (depending if I need to shower that morning) I was waking up about 6:30 every day, so it's a little bit different, but I've adjusted well.

- Our gas output has doubled. I really know what moms feel like shuttling their kids places!

These girls are a tremendous blessing and Jordan and I are honored to be able to speak so much into their lives during this season. God has and is providing for all that we need!

2:00pm
Erin is getting to meet her daughter for the first time! How exciting :-)

12:45pm
HERE SHE IS!













11:41am
Just got a call: HOPE RHODES HERRENBRUCK is here!! 7 lbs. 5 oz, 18.5 inches, born at 12:28EST, so 11:28 for me. Erin, Dan and everyone are doing wonderfully and Nana Hope said she's beautiful!!! I'll post pics when I get them!

10:45am
Just got a call from Erin and from Hope- she's all prepped and ready for her c-section. Just waiting for the Doctor. I spoke with Erin, she's definitely having contractions, but everything looks good, so if she can hang on for a little while, her little girl will be here in no time! Hope & Steve are there with Erin and Dan, and Erin's two good friends, Blair and Terra. More to come!

9:30 am
So we are awaiting the birth of a baby. Erin was scheduled for a C-section on the 19th, but it appears her water broke earlier this morning. I talked to Hope (grandma Hope, that is) about an hour ago, but I haven't heard any more. I will be sure to let everyone in the blog world know when we know more! It looks like there will be a baby today! Exciting!!

We had a great time last night! Janel & Laurel went with us up to Mom & Dad's house for family dinner night. It was so good to see Ferris & Robby (they just look so cute and so "married!") and we all had fun laughing (a lot) catching up and watching a little football. Oh yeah, and we broke out the leftover wedding cake, which was yum, yum, yum!!

In other news, we are anxiously awaiting Baby Hope! Right now Erin has a C-section (there were some slight complications) scheduled for Sept. 19, but it could be sooner, so we're at MAX 10 days away! WOW!

And then in OTHER news......which I've had to keep quiet about for a while now- congratulations to Kyle & Janelle Kellums on their upcoming baby. We found out a few weeks ago but have been keeping it on the downlow. They told the youth group on Saturday night, so I think it's okay to post it here, too. She's due April 10th, so I've added yet another baby counter to the right! haha!!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

WHAT A FOOTBALL WEEK!

Ugh! My teams are getting off to a rough start on ALL fronts.

High School Football
- our dear Independance Eagles, who played for the TN state championship last year came out for their first home game and got trounced by the Centennial Cougars....who are reputably the worst team in Williamson County-usually....that is.

College Football
-in their big season opener against UCLA- the University of TN Volunteers couldn't seem to remember that scoring points is what wins a game, and they fell hard as well.

And then the worst of all

NFL football
- first game in the brand spankin' new Lucas Oil stadium in Indy, the Colts fell to none other than the Chicago Bears...WHAT?! I do have to say the Bears looked better than anyone expected....Lovie Smith & other decision makers made a good choice with Kyle Orton over "Sexy-Rexy" (as Robby calls him) and of course Devon Hester (except for his red-zone messup that helped the Colts score) is always a force to be reckoned with! But alas, not the way I wanted to start the season.

Oh well- at least it IS football season! That alone is enough to rejoice in, right?!

Before I took the girls to school this morning, I was reading a little, thinking and praying- in some ways asking God when things would get back to "normal." After I dropped them off- I was praying a little more and God just dopped it in my spirit that there is no "back to normal," but I have to press into Him to get my "new normal." Normal isn't a bad thing, and routine can be good- but for me, it's so easy to get locked into it: my days, my mornings, my spending and saving habits, my words, my actions, etc. The events of the last couple weeks have shaken up almost every bit of my "normal" life. I no longer wake up and think about MY morning. I wake up and think about two young girls, and what they need for the day: mentally, spiritually and physically. I no longer think about what it will be like when I am pregnant, but I think about what it will be like as we see God's plan for children continue to be realized in our life. And I no longer focus on different aspects of my life. It's all one! It's all fit & working together, in a big, beautiful, God-purposed way, and it is my NEW Normal!

It's labor day! A whole day to relax and do nothing! Woohoo!! Jordan and I had a good evening last night. We took the girls and a friend up to Franlin for a birthday party and then enjoyed doing a little shopping and running around in Cool Springs. We finished it off with a good dinner at the new Boscos and renting a movie. I fell asleep and slept SO hard last night. It's been a long time coming.

Today, we made breakfast- the girls are doing some organizing and I need to do some cleaning. We may head to the pool in a bit, so we can relax a little more, and other than that, the only things I NEED to do are go to the bank and the grocery store. I think we're going to squeeze in a little time with Robby & Ferris and maybe a game of settlers too! We're glad for the normalcy and a little bit more routine settling in.

So it's only been a week since I blogged last- I've been feeling like it must have been two or three. Let's just say it's been a rather long week.

Don't want to go into full details here (not really a huge fan of posting my deepest things on the internet) but I can say that Jordan and I have hit a bit of a wall in our quest to conceive. At least in the natural and in this physical world, it will take a miracle, but God is a God of healing and of miracles, and He is more than able to do whatever He wants to do. This has been an emotional weekend and early week. We currently have a family (mom & 2 teenage girls) staying with us, again, can't go into detail, but that's been heavy- spiritually, physically, and I have needed Him more than ever. But what's amazing, is I've been sensing Him and being strengthened by Him more than ever too. His grace IS enough!

God is faithful! Jordan and I believe it and feel it more strongly than we ever have before. God will be glorified and He is raising us up to be signs and wonders for Him!

Please pray that Jordan and I would hear God clearly as we continue to seek Him on what His path is...whether it's medical, beginning an adoption process now, etc, but we surely feel His tangible presence and peace surrounding us, in every part of our lives!

I don't know if I should even attempt to write about everything that has happened since last Thursday. Almost a week and PACKED with all sorts of things. So, I think I will let my pictures tell the story and I will give you some highlights:

Friday: Great morning here at the house...enjoyed the peace and quiet and time with the Lord- SUPER fun Bridal luncheon at Lillie Belle's- LOVE the bags Ferris gave us and just cried as Ferris shared with each and every girl there- i LOVE my sister. We had a really good time getting our nails done- the pedicures felt AMAZING....the last time I had one was 2 years ago for Erin's wedding...wow! Rehearsal dinner- the room looked AMAZING!!! The decor crew did such a great job and the food was wonderful. The slideshow played without a hitch, and everyone loved it (maybe I'll post on youtube) I loved hearing Ferris and Robby share and everyone else who said something about or to them. It was a beautiful evening.

Saturday: Ferris & I woke up bright and early- dad made a Starbuck's run for me and Bethany Hawkins and we had fun (me, Ferris, Janelle, Christy & Bethany) getting ready (well, they were getting US ready) in the bathroom. How do I sum up the rest of the day?? Pics were great- weather was beautiful, lunch was delish! The ceremony was AWESOME! The music was perfect- the decor was stunning, and Ferris was out of this world. My favorite part of the day had to be the couple of quiet minutes with Robby & Ferris, just as they were getting ready to run through the blanket of rose petals into the waiting limo...we were on the side of the church, and I got to just love on them for a few minutes- it was quiet and peaceful and awesome!

That evening was a whirlwind of activity as all sorts of family and friends descended on Mom & Dad's house- I'll take another post to tell you about Sunday- Tuesday, but for now- that's enough! :-)

Oh MY GOSH! One Day away!! How exciting. Today is a packed day with a Bridal luncheon, Pedicures and manicures, rehearsals, dinner, etc. Can I just say I am SUPER DUPER excited about my dress tonight for the rehearsal dinner. Mom bought it for me this week (THANKS Mom!) and I really really like it! So, I'll post pics. Here are a couple of pics from the shower last night. It went SO well and was SO MUCH FUN! I really like ALL of Ferris's friends so much. I always have, but it's so much fun getting to hang out with them and be around them more.








And if you get a chance- LISTEN to the new song I uploaded over to the right. It's off the new Hillsong album, "This is Our God." It's written by Brooke Fraser, who I've posted about before- she's incredible- but as I was preparing for the shower yesterday, I put a worship mix on and just worshiped all day- this song came on later and I was FLOORED! It speaks to me so perfectly about what God's been teaching me and calling me to, specifically with my battles with infertility, and it has become the outward expression of what's going on in my heart. It will encourage you where ever you are!

"I will bring praise, no weapon formed against me shall remain. I will rejoice, I will declare- God is my victory and He is here. All of my life, in every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship!"

We had fun last night. Grandma and Grandpa were here, of course, and Meaghan and Dylan pulled in just as we were ready to eat. We all sat around outside on Mom & Dad's beautiful deck and enjoyed the nice weather, food and family. We all worked on tying the ribbons on programs and just enjoyed being together. I left around 10:15 and came home to make a cheesecake, slice some fruit and cheese and just do some initial prep for tonight. Jordan and Meaghan got here around 12:30 and I think we all pretty much fell into bed. Today's going to be a nice, semi-relaxing day! Tonight is a shower for Ferris that I am hosting, so I'll try and post some pictures from that.

Well, if you're keeping up with either of my counters over to the right, you can probably guess why I haven't been blogging much lately. Yes, that's right, we are FOR SURE 3 days away! So exciting. I've been emailing, calling, editing photos and music, setting up appointments, organizing teams, charting music, painting, moving, cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc. I feel like this is WAY more work than my own wedding- super fun- but I think maybe it's b/c three and a half years ago at mine, I was so blissfully ignorant it all just floated by! hah! Everything is going to be beautiful and exciting, so I will be sure to update a LOT after Monday or Tuesday. But, you may not hear from me before then. I am SO grateful for people though- being willing to help and put themselves out there to see something accomplished.

And a big congrats to Mike & Sarah Clinger who are expecting their first baby in March! Yay!!!

Well, the Dance finale was last night and we were NOT disappointed. In a perfect world, I think I would have had Katee win, but I certainly wasn't upset that Joshua won. In my book, they were both very deserving!! Last night was a great finale, and Jordan and I enjoyed watching it VERY much.

Speaking of Jordan, he's feeling much better and is now well into his quick overnight to Evansville to see Steve, Dan and others and play a couple of rounds of golf with them. Leaves me wondering what I am doing tonight...but don't worry- I have a few ideas of my own. Might make it down to Green Hills (TEAVANA CALLS!) and end up with a friend back here in SH. We'll see...it's kind of fun not having a plan and not having anywhere I HAVE to be.

So, here's my Grocery Game Week 4 Update. This was the most disappointing week of all, BUT, it as also a week where I really needed to get lots of items that weren't on sale at all, so I know that certainly didn't help me.

My Kroger trip:
Total Cost: $54.19
Total Savings: only 25% (Eww, I know, but oh well! That included, like I said about $20 of non-on sale items.)

My Publix trip:
Total Cost: $12.54
Total Savings: 58%- that was AWESOME! I paid $12.54 for over $30 worth of stuff.

I also went to Walgreens on my own, based on sales I saw they were having. I got 4 packages of pens for 9 cents each, almonds at 50% off, only got a few items, but I only spent $5.03 for $21.57 worth of stuff!! That's a 77% savings- woohoo!

I'm going to stick with it. It's been 4 weeks, and although some have been better than others, I think I have found the way for the "system" to work best for me. Whatever your plans are- have a wonderful weekend!!

Jordan's been sick. Most of you who know Jordan, know that he has to deal with more than the lion's share of allergies and sinus issues. And to top it off, he's usually more susceptible to infection than your average joe. So, he caught something the other day. Blame it on the abnormally high pollen and ragweed counts and him being outside all day Monday giving tennis and frisbee lessons....whatever the case- he was OUT yesterday. He's feeling better, and I was grateful for the opportunity for him to rest and get well. He's feeling much better today, but I am trying to encourage him to take it easy...since he'll be playing two rounds of golf this weekend.

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to go be a part of my sister's Bridal portrait session for a few hours. (Thanks to my WONDERFUL father in law who also happens to be my boss) He let me take off a few hours yesterday to do that and let me tell you- Ferris looked incredible! Her dress is SO classic, elegant and gorgeous and she looks amazing in it! Combine that with the beautiful Cheekwood gardens and an incredible photographer, and you get some pretty incredible pics. I'll be sure to post some- AFTER- the wedding. Can't show you the dress now! But, for now, I will let you enjoy these adorable baby pics of the Bride & Groom. So fun!!

So, who decided and how did we get to the point that breakfast foods were breakfast foods, lunch foods were lunch foods and dinner foods were dinner foods? If you asked anyone in the United States to guess which meal was what for you the previous day and the choices were bacon and eggs, tuna sandwich with chips and grilled chicken with salad and baked potato, I bet (and I haven't tested this) 9 of 10, if not 10 out of 10 would say the eggs for breakfast, the sandwich for lunch and the chicken for dinner.

I want to know- why is this? My husband has laughed at me before because I have occasionally pulled out last night's leftovers to eat for breakfast, or wanted black beans and rice or something like that. Most people have certainly had the "upside down" dinners with pancakes and sausage or bacon and eggs for dinner, and lunch seems to be the most hodge podged of them all.....b/c if you move it too early, then it's brunch and then anything goes- almost.

Anyway, just a question I've had. I have been bad about eating lunch at a decent hour recently. More days than nought...it rolls around to 2:00 and I'm just plugging away working, when I suddenly realize that my stomach is about to eat itself. Today, I stopped at 12:00 and decided I should go ahead and eat. I'm not your typical sandwich person, it's just boring to me, but our refrigerator is pretty random to say the least (I'm going to the store today) and what I ended up eating was an egg cooked in olive oil, some fresh watermelon and a potato. It was definitely an odd combination but strangely pleasing and satisfying.

So, if anyone happens to know origins of our meals and how they came to be, do please inform me!

What a weekend!! It was full of wedding prep, painting, a little pool time, youth group, worship, potluck dinners, spending an afternoon with the Moore kids, and ending it all with a little bit of reading. Okay, so actually a lot of reading....I was up until midnight last night reading "The Shack." But, I slept well and the morning is starting out great with a bright, sunny day and whole-wheat waffles with fresh strawberries. It's gonna be a good week!!

Oh yeah! Look at these yummy fresh, organic veggies. This week I got lots of tomatoes, a watermelon (its buried under there) some potatoes, peppers, eggplant, fresh basil, summer squash. We're going to be eating fresh tomato basil soup this week!! Yeah, and probably going to be making some fresh salsa. Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm!

So I was TOTALLY wrong! I knew Mark could go, but I didn't think Chelsea would. OH well...next week's sure to be a good one.

Jordan and I are taking it easy tonight and staying home to work on some things. Him his message for tomorrow and me some wedding stuff.

Have a wonderful weekend!