The week ahead....

Yesterday, I had the fun idea to document this week before travels by "quoting" some of my favorites- the Barenaked Ladies.  This brilliant idea came when I woke up thinking, "Wow.  In one week I'll be heading to Africa."... which of course led to my head singing "One Week" by BNL.  Then I realized that a musical countdown might be just what I need to get ready to go.

Let us begin.

In honor of my original thought, here's yesterday's song:




I can't quite grasp that in one week, we'll be headed to Africa.  Yesterday I spent some time not prepping for my trip, but praying for John and Laurie's "new" children.  I painted things to be hung in their rooms, and decorated some candles which I used to decorate a table since Laurie was coming over for dinner.  (Which, btw, we ate outside on our new deck!)  It was a super time to re-focus from my "to-do" list and think just about those precious children who are coming to be part of their forever family.

And, as if that wasn't enough goodness for yesterday, I spent the morning celebrating Mary's life by walking in the Race for the Cure.  I had several precious friends join my team, and I'm thankful for each of them.  I'm especially thankful for sweet Sara who walked the whole thing with me (and ran every time we passed our No Boundaries people... and when we crossed the finish line.)

 a little excited at the Finish Line...

 one of my favorite HillSongers was there, too!!

 E loved the pink everywhere, and asked for her picture by the Ribbon

post-race... It Is Well With My Soul

Today has been a near perfect Mother's Day.  My sweet girl fixed me breakfast- a NutriGrain Bar and cheese.  (This is her chosen breakfast most days of the week.)  Then she brought in the gifts she bought me- a Barbie (so I don't have to use hers when we play Barbies) and a kids book on prayer (so I can read it to her and we can learn more about God.)

 I should have taken the pic after I opened them... but you can see how proud she is...

After a super church service complete with Baby Dedication, we met my mom for lunch in Hickory.  I love being so close to Asheville... it makes a quick hour trip for lunch do-able.  E loves being able to see all of her grandparents whenever she can, and today was no different.

After lunch we were treated to E's first nail salon experience... and it was a win.  She asked if we could go back tomorrow. 

Matching toes...

 

E wanted to show off her nails, which also were painted, too.

Overall, a beautiful day.  And in the tradition of all good BNL things, I give you the song of the day- in honor of the woman who taught me how to love, how to laugh, how to dream big, and how to fold towels... Jane.

Acknowledgements

Whenever I read a book, I find myself bizarrely compelled to read the acknowledgements.  Like I'm gonna know who they are giving a shout-out to or something.  Usually I feel like I can get a better understanding of the author as a person that way... and sometimes I do "know" who they are talking about.  (Jen Lancaster and Stacey Ballis reference each other... and I read both of their stuff, so that counts, right?)  I also love to read the dedication because, same thing, even though I don't likely know who it's "to", it often makes me smile/cry.  (Unless it's Wayne Caldwell, then I know his people.  And *that*, my friends, is fun.)

So, since I will likely never be in print (or at least won't be for a loooong time), I thought I should just go ahead and give my blog it's "Acknowledgements" page.

Ahem....

First and foremost, thanks to my Mom for understanding that while the bulk of what I say on here probably makes her cringe, it's not intended to.  Thanks for teaching me to be who I am, even if this is who I am.  To Daddy- thanks for the ability to laugh at myself... and "thanks" for not giving me a bigger filter.  And, Mary- thanks for being true to your word and never trying to be my mom, but for being my friend and so much more.  Chris- thanks for not calling me Dufus anymore... and for bringing 2 new people into my family.  To my high school girls- for making me giggle when I just think about you... especially you, Mis, and that picture I'm being so good about not commenting on.  To my IV Pals- thanks for teaching me to rein it in when I need to.  I probably need to more. Dan G- thanks for being my rock of truth and teaching me that someone would be.  Ea- thanks for all of the "just one more thing"s that have gotten us through 15 years of very important things... I've got a lifetime of them still waiting, though.  Bubs Boys- I'll fix you breakfast anytime of day.  It's my spiritual gift, you know.  Jenny Pie- I can't wait to corrupt your daughter.  To my HillSong family- thanks for believing in me and for the fun we had serving together.  To the Bunko gals- thanks for making me feel like this is home.  To my ROCC family- thanks for putting up with Inappropriate Becky and showing me what real community looks like.  To the DT gals- thanks for being that community.  And for going with me to see naked people.  La- thanks for being a true grown up friend that still goes with me to Wal-Mart in the middle of the night at a moment's notice.  To my neighbors... thanks for never ceasing to amaze me- in all ways possible.  NK, AP, AR, and all the others that don't fit a "category"- thanks for making my life full.  To the MMP Family- thanks for being an amazing preschool experience for me and my daughter. Aunties- thanks for giving me inspiration and confidence for writing it out... and loving me, pink polka dots and all. Waldrups, Randolphs, Ducks, extended family, and even Keith- thanks for being family to me more and more as I "grow up".  E- thanks for being my miracle and my joy... and for giving me lots of content for this blog.  And, finally, to Dan- thanks for being my "good enough".  It's actually way better than that.  (Sorry for sometimes making you cringe, too.)

Dedication:

To Elizabeth Jane... May the words of these posts not make you die of embarrassment when you are old enough to read them.  I hope you find your Prince one day and that he *is* as good as Daddy.  And I hope when I drive you crazy in high school that you bounce back quickly.  I love you, sweet pea, no matter what you do... I love you for who you are.

***

Wait a minute, I think I just wrote a yearbook entry.  Hmm...

(Today, I'd add a special ps: To Bill-Bill, thanks for making that amazing Eggplant Parmesan that I'm still thinking about... mmm....)

***

In other news, it makes a girl happy when her daughter comes downstairs for the morning singing Barenaked Ladies songs.  This is what my day started with, so I'll leave you with 2 of our favorites... 

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!