November wasn't as busy...

The first weekend in November presented a great time to take a trip to Oklahoma to see my parents.  Lindsey had an early release from school on Friday and we hit the road soon after.  It was also a fun weekend to visit because it was Oklahoma Christian University's Homecoming.  There were several events would could have gone to but we just chose to go to the parade and lunch afterwards.  It was fun and I'm sure Mimi and Papa enjoyed showing us where they spend much of their time.

Lindsey waiting for the OC parade to start

Reagan waiting patiently

Mom and Dad were on a float that resembled a gondola in Italy

And they threw candy to us

Lindsey watched as Mimi knitted

And then joined in helping make a scarf for her American Girl doll

Well, this is Reagan being herself sitting with Mimi

While we were there we celebrated Lindsey's birthday a few weeks late - she got a great new comforter for her new loft bed

And we sang happy birthday with candles in her doughnut

More October Happenings

Just a pretty sunrise one morning

Playing with a friend and this is what happens - she doesn't look too happy

Lindsey's birthday morning picture - Happy 7th, Linds!

All ready for the Costume Parade at school

Maeleigh was ready too

Reagan and Emily set to parade

My cheery cheerleader and crazy cat ready to trick or treat

Visiting my granddad at his place

Visiting Robert's grandma in the hospital

We surprised Robert's granddad at his house

The three cousins done with trick or treating

Yay! It's Wordless Wednesday (ok - so not so wordless - sorry)

Getting ready to leave for her birthday trip with the girls (minus Reagan)

American Girl Store - she loved carrying her packages

Yummy ice cream at the mall with Nana

Goofing around with Aunt Lydia

Getting way excited for the Taylor Swift concert

We're here!

Swimming with Aunt Barbara

And Aunt Lydia

At the museum being funny

With mommy

We spent about an hour making paper cups fly - she absolutely loved it!

Mommy again :)

Hula Hoop champ

Life sized Lite Brite - so fun

Very cool alphabet bench outside the museum

Women of Faith 2011

What is better than going to my most favorite place? Oh, going with my wonderful aunt and attending Women of Faith while we are there.  San Antonio has always been a special place for me (and my husband).  Unfortunately for him, he wasn't invited this time.  Girls only!

I was most looking forward to listening to three certain people - Andy Andrews, Lisa Welchel, and Amy Grant.  And they did not disappoint.

Andy Andrews is so fun - and sometimes hard to keep up with.  He has written several great books.  I loved The Noticer and The Heart Mender.  If you ever get a chance, read them.  One thing he said on Friday was "Everything you do matters."  I love that - whether good or bad, everything matters.

Next was Amy Grant.  I have loved Amy and her music since I was much younger.  I remember going to a friends house in elementary school and listening to Amy Grant cassette tapes in her room (and singing along loudly).  I was so excited to see her in person and listen to her sing and play guitar.  Makes me want to pull out all the old tapes and listen (and sing) again.

Another favorite from "back in the day" was Blair.  Lisa Welchel played a snotty rich girl on TV but she is so down to earth.  Loved listening to her.  She talked about how it was hard to be on screen during some important times in her life.  Friendships for her were hard - she learned several things that she shared with us about being a friend.  Sometimes, you just need to be there for a friend - you don't have to say anything, just be there.  You also don't have to be perfect in those friendships.  The imperfections help you to connect - they make you real.

I love my time away.  Thanks, Booksneeze, for allowing me to attend WOF again this year.

Can't wait for next time!

Thank you, Book Sneeze!

What do you get when you put together wonderful Christian speakers, musical artists, and thousands of women in one arena?  Women of Faith!  And I am so looking forward to my weekend with them all.

Last year I was blessed by a wonderful friend who sent me two tickets to Women of Faith in San Antonio.  I took my aunt and we had a great time.  I had only heard of WOF a few times before and we were very interested to see what it was all about.  There was singing and praying, crying and laughing.  Everything you could imagine.

Then this summer, Book Sneeze, sent out an email about blogging about a WOF experience (and getting two tickets for an event).  I already blog fairly frequently so I thought I would put my name in the hat to see if I was chosen.  Lo and behold, I was.  This Friday and Saturday I will be attending my second WOF event.  I am excited.

Here is a short video about what goes on at a Women of Faith event.  You can also look at the website to find an event close to you.  If you ever get a chance to go, do it!  And thank you, Book Sneeze, for allowing me the opportunity to go again this year.

Random Pictures That Don't Fit Anywhere Else

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel

A very cool place!  A vacation attraction as well as hotel.  We spent the whole day there just walking around and taking pictures.  I need to go to the Gaylord Texan next.  Loved all the fun things to take pictures of.  Enjoy!

Our Nashville Trip

Can you tell today is catch up on blogging day?  Well, since this is Wednesday, the next few will follow the rules of "Wordless Wednesday" - aren't you glad?!?

Robert and I went to Nashville at the beginning of August - mainly for my MOPS Convention but also for a fun vacation on the side.  We stayed with a good friend of ours, Requelle, whose house was flooded last year and Robert led a group to fix it up (rebuild) it last July.  She is great and was a wonderful hostess while we were there.

Ok, that's way more words than I planned so here are the pictures.  If you want to know about some of them, just ask.  :)

I will add a short note here - because this is my future house.  Love it!

Loved Nashville and Franklin.  I WILL go back someday.  :)