yes, i'm still here

i know, i know.  it's been a while.  the story of my life.

well, i've been busy, honest.

i started a new job 2 weeks ago.  after a five year break.  (gasp)
don't get excited, it's part-time.

i took a short vacation from crafting after our retreat.
we're now back at it for the christmas banquet.

i have costumes to make for the christmas program.

there is a pto auction basket to create.

we have the megablast tournament in midlothian starting tomorrow.
i'm driving, mind you, I'm extremely navigationally challenged.  (grin)
i can't wait to carpool and room with our partners in crime for the weekend.
it's gonna be just us gulls.  (that's how the man would say it.)

i'll miss soup & pie + music at church sunday. (sigh)

thanksgiving will be here in 6 days.  this will be the 1st one we've done at our house.
last night, my sweet, sweet (and quite handsome) husband ordered a roaster/buffet server and i can't wait to use it.

our 11th FPU class is on monday and i'm a little sad that we're coming to the end.
but, hopefully, we'll (i'll?) be hosting it at our church in march!

my grandad turns 96 in a week and we'll be dining out with niece, jean and cousin, leslie.
there are also a million birthdays in november for mom's side of the fam.

let the juggling begin...bring on the snow.  a pile of books and sewing await.
*note: i very much dislike snow but, there are some things i do love about it. 
we'll talk later, when it actually does snow.

i'm going to finish packing now.  we'll only be gone 1 night, but that's a task in itself for me. 
(snicker)

he was quite preturbed.

ha, you couldn't tell, could you?

 

a day in the life of Daisy

This lady went out last night.

She made some new friends.

And then they got down to business...

treeing THREE coons!

Her daddy says she's "coon crazy!"

So, this morning, she was out romping around with Max

while her daddy cut up a tree in the yard.

And because I'm a sucker, they wandered into the kitchen

where I shared some leftover homemade biscuits and sausage gravy.

She knows I can't resist those adorable puppy eyes,

those long droopy ears and all her delicate wrinkles.

~ especially that one on her forehead ~

Then, of course, some other people wanted to love on her.

Because she's irresistible.

But instead, she lavished her lovin' on them.

She fancies ears.

And her affection is sweet and unending.

And they giggled and laughed.

And because she's so coon crazy and likes to stay out late,

it was time for a nap.

~ This was at 2:00 ~

~ And she slept til 5:00! ~

Vineyard Keepers 1st Annual Retreat

We started out by settling into our cozy little cabins at

Rapidan Baptist Camp.

They're new, ya know?

And quite comfy.

Each cabin held 14 ladies.

Included, were 2 bathrooms, a front and back porch, and a loft.

"For such a time as this" Esther 4:14b -

our theme this weekend for the Vineyard Keepers 1st Annual Retreat.

We spent countless hours preparing for this retreat

and while my family has dearly missed me,

~ I don't say that lightly ~

(they ran to meet me at the door tonight)

I am not remorseful for the time I spent in fellowship with our "creative design team".

Or quitely in prayer and fellowship with my God as I labored away

in the stillness of Miss Nancy's "Craft Wonderland".

It filled my soul working my fingers to the bone for the glory of our LORD and Savior.

And in the end, it was all worth it.

We pooled together our china, antiques, quilts.

Anything and everything vintage.

For the first time since my grandma gave them to me 9 years ago,

I proudly volunteered my china, and silver from my great Aunt Anna.

It was stunning.

And thanks to Kelly and his staff,

we definitely ate like Queen Esther!

We read Psalm 84...

(this is the New Century Version)

Lord All-Powerful,

how lovely is your Temple!

I want more than anything

to be in the courtyards of the LORD's Temple.

My whole being wants to be with the living God.

The sparrows have found a home,

and the swallows have nests.

They raise their young near your altars,

LORD All-Powerful, my King and my God.

Happy are the the people who live at your Temple;

they are always praising you.

Happy are those whose strength comes from you,

who want to travel to Jerusalem.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

they make it like spring.

The autumn rains fill it with pools of water.

The people get stronger as they go,

and everyone meets with God in Jerusalem.

LORD God All-Powerful, hear my prayer;

God of Jacob, listen to me.

God, look at our shield;

be kind to your appointed king.

One day in the courtyards of your Temple is better

than a thousand days anywhere else.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the Temple of my God

than live in the homes of the wicked.

The LORD God is like a sun and shield;

the LORD gives us kindness and honor.

He does not hold back anything good

from those whose lives are innocent.

LORD All-Powerful,

happy are the people who trust you!

Is that not powerful?

Does that not rock your world?

Oh, it sets me on fire!

And if that's not enough,

try reading the NIV!

It's ab-so-lute-ly beautiful.

Just like the decor.

It was amazing how the LORD pulled all of this together.

We still can't get over it.

Every little detail just fell into place.

Just like He'd planned.

Our speaker was amazing.

Her testimony was moving.

Her faith, unshakable.

We even had an afternoon tea.

Complete with hats, scones and all the proper finger foods.

As I wrote in an email this evening,

"It was an awesome weekend filled with spiritual growth,

fun fellowship, and amazing food!"

Blessed be the name of the LORD.

soccer on Tuesday

It was another brutal game.

But, they played their hearts out.

I haven't really been into sports photography lately.

I've been so preoccupied with our upcoming retreat and

making sure regular household chores are done,

I haven't really been into anything.

Hopefully, life will go back to normal soon.

Until then, I'll ride the wave.

There's one more game (that I'll miss on Saturday)

before we travel to a pre-tournament friendly in Palmyra

and then, head to the Mega Blast Tournament.