Fourth Festivities

Three day weekends don't mean much when you work at a church and have to be around on Sundays. When most people sneak out of town, we are home for the holidays. But sometimes, a "stay-cation" is JUST what you need to unwind. We spent all day Monday, with some of our very best friends - Kyle and Casie. We always spend a lot of time with the Clearys on holidays, since both of our families live so far away.

We kicked the day off by relaxing poolside. Some sweet friends of ours from church were out of town for the weekend and they were so generous to let us use their swimming pool while they were gone. We spent all morning and early afternoon lounging on their lawn furniture and on their pool floaties. I got to spend some time floating on my tummy, which was so fun, since I've been unable to lay on my stomach for about seven months. Tyler wasn't allowed to take any pictures of me swimming. My non-maternity bathing suit wasn't the most flattering.

Here's Tyler doing what he loves - reading!

Tyler and Kyle, playing in the pool. This photo makes me laugh so hard every time I see it. 

We took a break at noon and got some Hickory River BBQ to-go.

Around two o'clock and headed home to relax, before we went to the Cleary's house for supper. I made some festive strawberries and some twice baked potatoes to take over. Casie spent the afternoon making a scrumptious salad and the best apple struesel dessert. Kyle grilled some chicken that they'd had marinating in the fridge all day!

 Strawberries dipped in almond bark and blue sprinkles.

Driving to Kyle and Casie's house in Tolono.

Kyle, grilling up the main course.

Tyler, playing a game of washers.

Me, growing a human.

Me and my sweet hubs.

After supper, we drove to the This is It furniture parking lot and setup some lawn chairs on the blacktop. From there, we had a perfect view of the fireworks at Dodds park. We were close enough to see all of the action, without having to deal with all of the crowds and traffic.

 

Here we are, waiting for the fireworks display to begin. 

What a fun day!

Halloween Weekend

Tyler and I had an eventful weekend. Friday night was out church's annual Simply Fun Fest. This event is open to the entire community and the admission is only the cost of one bag of candy per family. It's a pretty sweet gig for families. I was a ladybug.

Then on Sunday night, we had our Halloween Party with the high school students. There was a gigantic bonfire, costume prizes,  sugar cookies and s'mores. Tyler was a Tonka Truck (costume made by his lovely wife).

We also had a photo booth where the kids could get their picture taken by my friend, and professional birth photographer, Stacey (she did not photograph any births at the party; mainly just non-pregnant high schoolers). You can check out Stacey's website here. I had fun making all sorts of props for the students to use in the photo booth. Here are a few of them:

 

Even more exciting than the photobooth and sandwich sized s'mores, was the sermon Tyler preached about how we don't have to be afraid of evil things, because the enemy has been defeated and Christ has risen victorious. Holla! I had the lyrics from "Shout Unto God" by Hillsong playing in my head all weekend:

The enemy has been defeated
And death couldn't hold You down
We're gonna lift our voice in victory
We're gonna make Your praises loud

Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
Shout unto God with a voice of praise
Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
We lift Your name up
We lift Your name up

I love that the psalms of David tell me that I have nothing to fear, because God restores me, leads me and comforts me (even after I watch movies that give me the heebee-jeebees, like the Exorcism of Emily Rose). Isaiah writes, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mind. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned' the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1-3). Yes Sir! - That makes me feel so good!

How was your Halloween weekend? Did you score some delicious treats? What was your costume?

Independence Day

This weekend was perfect. We had a wonderful visit with Tyler's family. They left this afternoon after a full weekend of swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center, perusing the Urbana Farmer's Market, playing in our clubhouse and watering the garden with sweet Camryn Grace. Look at this sweet girl...

Tonight, after a much needed afternoon nap, we celebrated the 4th by going to the movie store and renting Independence Day. I have such a vivid memory of going to see this with my family when I was a kid. I remember, we went to the riverwalk and then to the IMAX to watch see it on the big screen. And...to my brothers shame...I fell asleep. You might be thinking, "how does a 10 year old kid manage to fall asleep during the coolest movie of 1996, projected on a 60x80 ft. screen, with a 15,000 watt digital sound system?" Well, I was running a fever. I think the fever started mid enchilada at dinner time. I also ruined Jurassic Park for the family. I cried during the first dinosaur scene - you know, the one where the cup of water trembles, because the giant tyrannosaurus rex is getting ready to eat a man off of a toilet. It was a very traumatic time for me. In my defense, I was only 7. What were my mom and dad thinking?


Anyways, back to tonight, before we went home to watch ID4 (oh yeah, I said it), we went to America's Favorite Drive-In for some a chocolate sundae and a cherry limeade. We drove to the THIS IS IT parking lot to get a prime spot to view the Parkland College fireworks. We were just far enough away to enjoy the show without all of the crowds, blasts and firework debris. Even better, there was no traffic. Sonic tastes much better when you're watching pretty things blow up in the sky. Especially if your favorite boy is by your side.

Fantastic fourth.

Oh, and check out Greg Boyd's thoughts on patriotism in the church in Relevant Magazine and QIdeas.org. It's good stuff.