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!!