Around these parts

*I started this post sometime last week.  Somewhere, life intervened.  Family in the hospital, friends having babies, friends in need of prayer, baby showers, the start of another consignment season, and preparation for Spring Break.  So, I'm sorry for the delinquency---sometimes prayer and life are just more important than blogging!*

Last weekend (and this past week) have already brought tons of activities and chores!  First, a simple reminder from a two year old that "Mommy carries lots of bags."  

Emma told me last Friday that she was going "bye bye" (not unusual).  Mid step to the stroller with "baby," she realized she forgot her "purse." After retreating to the toy station to find it, she emerged with all these items and headed back to the stroller to "run her errands."  I asked her if that is what Mommy looks like when we leave the house.  She replied only "yes."  I guess that is what a purse, a diaper bag, and my bag of grant writing material for work looks like to a two year old. I actually am considering the bucket idea--not terrible and it sure is durable for those hard to carry loads....


Later that night, we gathered for dinner with our small group from church to wish some great friends farewell as they leave for the mission field this week in Brazil.  Of course, Jason did not escape a small birthday celebration.

And if that wasn't bad enough.

It actually smelled better than it looked (of course I wouldn't know the taste, but Jason assures me it wasn't terrible).  In all, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

And the company of these great friends:

And these:

and even still:

Whew.  It was a big table.  

After dinner, we headed to V and Ks for dessert. Yum.  Kala made this--

And this:

Be still my insulin. The apple pie and blueberries were AMAZING.  I brought Paula Dean's very healthy Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding--but no pictures of that one, sorry!  After the eating and good fellowship (during which we were unable to determine what exactly is a Buffalo Bill), we gave Mark and Michelle their parting gift. 

You'll have to take my word for what it is, since I neglected to preserve it on camera.  Each couple in our group took a phrase of the Great Commission, wrote it on paper, and held it up for a picture.  Then, Kala matted and framed them all.  It was really fun to do--and some people had a bit more fun than others with their pictures.  Creativity was NOT in short supply.  Regardless, I think Mark and Michelle were touched--and I think it even made it in a shipping container to Brazil.

Before everyone left, I insisted on using the self timer for a picture.

(Commenting on Tom and Vance or "Tance" as I now call them, is too easy here. See for yourselves).  

In less boy-bandish news, we have received confirmation that Mark and Michelle FINALLY made it successfully to Brazil.  They are two of the most incredible people you'll ever meet and I can't wait to see how the Lord uses them mightily in Brazil.  They will certainly be missed!!

And for a pretty Sunday afternoon, Jason started some "spring cleaning."

Which piled up quickly

But looked much better afterwards.

And now, if I can just get last week's events in order, I'll have a bit more to share!  Hope everyone in Birmingham is enjoying this GORGEOUS Sunday!