Happy 13th, Baylee!

On March 30, our sweet niece, Baylee, turned 13! (I cannot hardly believe she's a teenager already . . . ) Uncle Bryan and I celebrated with Baylee and her dad at a "fun game park" in Arkansas. The pics below show her batting and go-cart driving skills. Let's just say Baylee creamed her dad in the race. Teehee. But no fear, Chris, my brother, taught all of us a thing or two on the putt-putt golf game. Although, I will make a shout out to my hubby, who had the occasional hole-in-one.

Baylee also tackled a big spring break project--redoing her room! She painted and organized to her heart's content. Like her new curtains?

The Oklahoma Family

Fishing wasn't all that we did while visiting Oklahoma. We spent fun times with our favorite Oklahoma kiddos. As you will see from the pics below, they are too cute and so much fun. Can't wait to see them again soon!

Fishermen at Heart

It seems most everyone in my family and in Bryan's family is a fan of fishing. So, we are carrying on the tradition!

A couple weeks back when we visited the Yourees, we took to Long Lake. While I caught the first fish, it was my only catch of the day, that is, if you don't count getting "caught" in twigs and stumps. The fishing fellas took the prize that trip with Bryan catching five and Gary, my father-in-law catching five.

However, the in-laws graciously cleaned, cut, and packed up the fish for us! Can't wait to eat it!

I Am Having a . . .

Book.

Or should I say, Bible study.

Last week I signed the dotted line for my first-ever, royalty-paid project--co-authoring a Bible study with a good friend of mine.

I feel so honored to be able to work with my author pal, Mark. A few years back, when I donned the acquisitions editor desk at Randall House, his proposal crossed my path. I cheered its arrival because I felt the topic was timely and the idea unique. Now, as a freelancer, to be asked to join his ranks in making this manuscript a reality--I'm feeling so blessed.

Thus, between now and May 21 (the DEADLINE), I shall be working, working, working to write, alongside my buddy, the best Bible study you've ever seen. :-)

More info, such as title, synopsis, etc to come.

Oh, and if I'm a little tardy with the e-mails and Facebook . . . you know why!

Chimney Progress

After nearly two months of rain stalling our chimney remodel, the contractors finally made significant progress. With a new frame, new brick, and a new cricket (dormer), we are hoping to be free of rotting woods, leaks, and wasps! In a couple of weeks, the brick will be painted to match the house color and the cap will be placed. I'll post pics when it's all tah-dah finished. (By the way, when the contractors tore off the exterior wood, they found HUNDREDS of wasps nesting there!)

Tulips

When I walked into the house on Sunday--just home from the church's women's retreat--I happily discovered a beautiful bunch of tulips on the counter for me from my sweet, wonderful husband. What a special surprise! My heart swooned.

And yesterday, we celebrated four years of dating. We are going to relive the magic at Starbucks this week--our first date locale.

How blessed am I!?!?!?!

I'm Sorry, Derek

While I will not relent that his live concert was less-than-stellar, I will apologize to Derek Webb for my previous rash conclusions. I now own his newest, "explicit" CD and am loving it. Sorry, Derek.

Just figure out something for the concerts . . .