Recapping The Weekend Trifecta

And happy anniversary to us! Hubs is in one state and I'm in another, but we'll still mark 41 years of married life today. 

This particular weekend in June is what I call the trifecta here. Not only is it our anniversary, it's also Grandson #3's birthday and Father's Day too. Whew! Lots to celebrate. 

Let's back up and take it one occasion at a time, k? 

We had plans to travel to Daughter2's house in Tennessee for the big birthday bash happening there on Saturday afternoon. Hubs and I were going to head that direction Friday afternoon and then Daughter1 and her kiddos would join us there Saturday morning. 

Before leaving town we had a small birthday brunch here for a friend celebrating a milestone year. I mean why not? We had three couples in addition to the two of us. We intended to make bacon and eggs on the griddle, but the weather didn't cooperate for outdoor cooking. We still were able to dine outside, but hubs made the bacon and eggs on the stove. I made my overnight French toast, one friend brought a delicious hash brown casserole, and another friend brought a beautiful fruit tray.  

I think birthdays should be celebrated and this was a fun gathering. 

Once everyone left to get on with their weekend we finished cleaning up and hit the road to hub's brother and sister-in-law's house. My mother-in-law lives nearby and we were going to spend the night at my brother-in-law's then collect hubs mom Saturday morning to go the additional hour and a half to the party. 

This was our first trip to the Knoxville area driving our pre-Helene route. The highway between Asheville and Knoxville has been mostly closed or single lane since the hurricane hit and it's still a huge mess. You can at least get through now, and the traffic wasn't too terrible. I know most of the country has moved on from the disaster of Helene to any number of other crises our country has experienced since, but it's really hard to see and think about all that's been lost or rearranged in the western Carolinas and East Tennessee. 

We arrived at my brother-in-law's home in time for dinner. They grilled delicious filets and it's always great to see them and catch up in person. They were also keeping the little brown dog for us overnight so we didn't have to bring him to the party and he loves that. 

Saturday morning we picked up hub's mama and headed to Daughter2's. Her sister arrived with her crew and the world's biggest dinosaur balloon shortly after and we all had lunch. 

The party wasn't starting until 3:30 and the weather was questionable. They have a bounce house and we got that set up (by 'we' I mean my son-in-law of course) and then about an hour before the party the skies opened up, it rained buckets, then blew on out and the sun shone once more. 

Guests began arriving and the kids had a ball. My daughter and son-in-law have the nicest friends and they all have kids of a similar age which is fun. My daughter's in-laws were also there and we always enjoy time spent with them. 

The party had a dinosaur theme and everything was super cute. There was pizza and ice cream cake with a side of cupcakes too. 

The bounce house got a workout so a win for kids and parents alike. 

One of my favorite things about the day- 

Since Daughter2 had a full house with the in-laws in town plus her sister with her three children, hubs and I booked hotel rooms for us and for his mom for the night. The in-laws are staying over for several days and it didn't make sense for them to go to a hotel. 

Sunday morning we went back to the house for breakfast with the whole gang. I'd made two trays of french toast for the Friday brunch and brought one with me for the weekend which worked out well. My son-in-law made bacon and eggs on his Blackstone so everyone ate well. 

Oh, and happy Father's Day! I brought chocolates for all the dads and they had plans to go skeet shooting or clays or something similar that afternoon which they love. I rode back to the lake with my daughter1 and her kids as I had some things to take care of today, Monday. Hubs drove his mom back to her home Sunday afternoon, then spent the night at his brother's house. He had plans to meet a long time friend for lunch and will be home later today. 

Forty one years ago today we said I Do. We'll make plans for a celebratory dinner in the next couple of weeks, because while we're always living life all in, I still think it's important to set aside time to mark the year. To see where we are and where we've been and to say we're still here.

I always write a birthday letter to my grands on their special day, and if you'd like to read today's birthday letter, you'll find it linked here-Dino-mighty

Linking today with Holly and Sarah for their regular Monday morning weekend recap hop. 

Jump over to their blogs if you'd like to join the party. Have a great day everyone~

DINO-mighty

I always write letters here to my grands on their birthdays and today is one of those days...

Dear Sweet Baby J-

Today you are three. 

We had such a fun day celebrating you on Saturday, with a dinosaur themed backyard party filled with lots of friends and family. Your cousins finally live close enough to attend and you were so excited to see them walk through the door. You refer to the oldest two as 'my boys' which is too precious for words. You cry in the driveway when they pull away and I love the way you're growing up together. 

The little girls are right in there with you boys, and that's fun for everyone to see too.

When someone asks me what you're like I often say 'he's extra'. I don't know how else to say it. You're extra sweet, extra loving, extra joyful. Extra in all the very best ways. 

Some of my favorite things about you are the way you talk, the way you run, and the way you do a little happy dance when you're excited. You are precise in the way you put things together, and want to help Daddy in the garden, the garage, and with any wood working project he undertakes. 

You share well (most of the time) with sissy and love to bake with momma. Actually you love anything with momma because she's your girl. You also love swimming, swinging, all things that go, puzzles, and books. You love your people hard, and want them close by all the time. You have a sweet tender heart and move everyone at the table with your earnest prayers at mealtimes.  

Hey, guess what? Not only is today your birthday, it's also the day some forty one years ago that your Nana and Pawpaw got married. You were born on our anniversary, which only makes it all the more special. 

I believe these two milestones landing on the same day is no coincidence. Instead I see it as a gentle reminder love never stops growing. That day marked the beginning of a love story that would expand beyond just the two of us in ways we could not envision or be more grateful for. 

You little man, are living proof love multiplies, and every year as we celebrate our marriage we get to celebrate you too. You're a joy, a treasure, and a gracious reminder of God's love and faithfulness in our lives. Always know your Nana loves you deep and wide xo 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 607

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday ( June 18th) to add your link to the party. See you there-

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now? 

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer? 

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like? 

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

You Say Variety I Say Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. Here we go...  

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

I use a lot of different spices on a regular basis so it would be hard to pick just one. My most used are probably parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and garlic powder. I can't think of a single spice I don't like. 

Something I made recently? Hubs and I made a delicious curry called Kuku Paka last week that called for turmeric, paprika, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala and garlic. 

It was really tasty, but with all those spices, how could it not be? 

2.  It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

Moving is the first thing that came to mind. We've lived north, south, midwest, and across the pond so lots of variety in terms of food, speech, climate, and custom. Lots of similarities too, but always new things to learn and experience. Living in so many different places, digging in to each new spot, making friends from around the globe...all of this has added a richness to my life I would not trade. 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Hubs of course. 

If you know him in real life then no need for me to explain lol. If you don't, just know he brings the fun wherever he goes. 

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

The piano. Why? No real reason other than that I always wanted to play. I'm not musically inclined and wish I had learned the piano as a child because I do think it helps you develop in that area. I don't need to be a concert pianist but would love to play as a hobby. My hubs is musical and thankfully our girls take after him in that department. 

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

Book-Pride and Prejudice...an oldie but still and ever a goodie. If you've only seen the film (which I also love) and you've never read the book I highly recommend. Books hit differently than movies, and by differently I mean better lol. 

Movie-We haven't watched a lot of great movies, or at least none are coming to mind. I very much enjoyed the documentary I mentioned last week ('The Quilters'). I also recently re-watched the film 'Unsung Hero' which is the story of the Smallbone family (two of the brothers make up King and Country and their sister is Rebecca St. James). I saw it with friends in the theatre, but hubs and I watched it at home recently and he liked it too. It's uplifting which is not something you can say about many movies today. 

Activity-Hubs and I are reading through the Bible together this year,  following The Bible Recap plan which is chronological. After each day's scripture is read (we're listening to it aloud since we're doing it together), we then listen to The Bible Recap podcast hosted by Tara Leigh Cobble. It's only 5-10 minutes and is really helpful. We've enjoyed this little pause in our day where we sit down together and focus on who God is. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My mom lives with my younger sister several states away, but she's here in the Palmetto State this week staying with my older sister, about an hour and a half from me. I'm trekking over there while she's in town so I can spend time with her. 

We used to split her visits with half at my house and half at my sister's but all the back and forth felt like too much for just a week, so she'll stay put and I'll go to her. My brother flew down with her and it was nice to have a day to catch up with him too. 

I spent the whole day Monday with my mom and am back there today too. I do not take this time for granted, or the fact that I'm the age I am and still have my mother in my life. It's a gift and I know this. 

"An aging parent is a blessing from God—a living testament to His faithfulness through the generations" Author Unknown 

---

1. Memorable Moments and Modest Missives	2. Kirstin @ Loving Life Blog
3. Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa	4. Auburnchick’s Adventures
5. Lisa's Musings	6. Knit by God's Hand
7. Wednesday Hodgepodge at Pink Lady	8. Mrs. T at Across My Kitchen Table
9. the Wednesday Hodgepodge	10. Wendy's Waffle
11. Memphis Bridges: Hodgepodge	12. ellen b. The Happy Wonderer
13. Lysha @ A Camera & A Cookbook	14. Not In Jersey
15. Libby @ Beauty Without Within	16. Scriptor
17. Carla from The River	18. Debby@ JustBreathe
19. Trading Ashes For Beauty	20. Gattina/Ingrid
21. Your Friend From Florida	22. Kym @ A Fresh Cup of Coffee
23. A spicey hodgepodge	24. Rachel @ Sunny Side

This linky list is now closed.

Linky Tools  |  Linky Blog 2013

Oh Hey Monday

Good Monday morning everyone. How was your weekend? Ours was good, low key, and felt summery thanks to the weather.  

Friday evening we had friends coming over for a 'dinner cruise', which was going to be mainly hors d'oeuvres and snack-y type foods that could easily be eaten on the boat. Then we shifted gears and decided not to bother lugging all the food onto the boat, and instead relaxed on the patio which was really nice. 

We had cold shrimp, cheese and crackers, fruit skewers, pasta salad served in cups, and then hubs grilled two ribeyes because he can't help himself. They were delicious! He cut them into cubed sized pieces for easy dining. 

Did I snap a picture? Nope. 

But I baked peanut butter cookies earlier that day, and those did come along for the ride. 

The weather was lovely and we putzed around the lake, looking at houses and all the new things people have done over the winter months. Mostly we just enjoyed the perfect evening air. 

Saturday morning we decided to kayak. Sounds simple, right? And it would be if we left the little brown dog at home, but where hubs goes he goes, especially if the lake is involved. 

Here's how kayaking looks with a dog, or rather how preparing to kayak looks...

The kayaks hang on the side of our bridge so it takes hubs a minute to move them onto the dock. I watch because I'm not helpful in this endeavor. Nor is the little brown dog, who whimpers and paces and goes right to the edge of the dock and considers jumping in. Then he whimpers some more because there is nothing more exciting than the thought of getting on and in the lake. 

Hubs gets the first kayak on to the dock and the pup hops in to that kayak like he's the captain. But at least he's momentarily not in the way. I put the steps down and the pup hops out of the kayak and into the water, which honestly is better because this takes his adrenaline down from a hundred to maybe eighty. 

He is soon back on the dock because he's not missing this. Hubs gets the second kayak down while I hold the dog, then he gets my kayak in the water. This is almost too much for the pup to take, but so far so (mostly) good. Hubs holds the dog while I get myself into the boat which is now in the water. 

Then hubs has to release the dog in order to get himself into his boat, and because the little brown dog is afraid he'll be left behind he launches himself off the dock, and starts swimming for my boat. Hubs yells for me to paddle fast and get away from the dock. It's quite something. 

Hubs gets himself launched and chases us until he reaches the dog. We have our pup in a life jacket made with a handle on the back for this very reason. Hubs helps him up into his kayak and we're off. The little brown dog sits right on top of hubs until he's sure he's actually coming with us and then he at long last relaxes. 

We kayak across the water over to an island with a little beach, and as soon as we're reasonably close to the island hubs lets him jump in and swim the rest of the way because this is what he lives for. 

And y'all. It is like this every.single.time we take the kayaks out. There's much less drama with the paddle board, but we wanted to kayak. It's more of a workout than it needs to be, but also a lot of fun and the dog is just so funny to watch. His excitement puts you in a good mood. 

Saturday was such a pretty morning on the water, and when we got back to the dock I actually got in the lake for a minute. The water is still a little cooler than I like, but the air was really warm so it felt good. 

We're in our outdoor shower era. The view from the shower is on point-

We had some lunch, then I chatted on the phone for a while, and we watched some baseball. We're all in on the College Baseball World Series, and our favorite team was still in it although they lost on Saturday. Sunday too, but I'm still talking about Saturday. Hubs grilled brats for dinner and there were crazy thunderstorms later,  so I was happy to be home with no where we had to be. 

Sunday was church followed by brunch right after, then more baseball. I worked on my blog and read and we watched the Vols lose another game to Arkansas, so they're out of the series which is disappointing.  

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up, so a low key couple of days felt just right. What were you up to this weekend? 

Linking with Holly and Sarah for their regularly scheduled Hello Monday blog hop. Feel free to add yours to the party too. Have a great week everyone~

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 606

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (obviously), June 11th, to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

2.  It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Share Your Shelf-May

It's the first Thursday of the month which means it's time to share what we read the month prior. May was a mix of fiction, non-fiction, memoir, and classic. I listened to one (very long) book on Audible, but the rest were read in hardback copy. 

I'm still trying to read one classic each month, and I've also inventoried my Goodreads 'want-to-read' list, and am reading at least one that's been sitting there a while too. Years in some cases. Okay, here we go-

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 

Starting off with a doozy, so strap in.

A few months ago, I bought tickets for my daughter and me to see the ballet Don Quixote as part of her birthday gift. My husband has had the novel Don Quixote on his to-read list for a while now—he’s big on biographies, particularly of presidents, world leaders, and military figures. Oddly enough, this fictional Spanish knight keeps popping up in those circles. According to my source, aka the Internet, leaders admire Don Quixote for his unwavering commitment to his ideals—even when those ideals seem ridiculous, misguided, or doomed to fail. Interesting.

Especially because the book is actually quite funny.

I don’t remember ever reading Don Quixote before, but I knew I wanted to experience the story before seeing the ballet. Given its reputation and historical context—not to mention that it's set in 17th-century Spain—I figured audio was the way to go. It's 40 hours long, so there's that.

I chose to listen solo since my husband and I weren’t going to have enough shared car time to get through it before the ballet. (He can start it whenever he wants now—I’ve done the heavy lifting.)

Often described as the first modern fictional hero, Don Quixote debuted in two parts, published in 1605 and 1615. The novel is not only one of the most translated books in the world but also among the best-selling. It’s widely considered the first modern novel.

The story follows the adventures—or more accurately, the misadventures—of Alonso Quixano, a minor nobleman who reads so many tales of chivalry that he loses touch with reality. Believing himself a knight-errant, he dons an old suit of armor, renames himself Don Quixote de la Mancha, and sets out to revive knighthood and serve his country. He’s accompanied by Sancho Panza, a down-to-earth farm laborer who becomes his squire and constant foil. The contrast between Quixote’s lofty delusions and Sancho’s dry pragmatism is the heart of the book’s wit.

The first part of the novel does require some sticktoitiveness—but it’s worth it. As an aside, I'm really glad to have read the book prior to seeing the ballet, although I think you could enjoy the ballet either way. My daughter and I both loved the show and felt they captured the essence of the book very well. The ballet, including intermissions, was a little over two hours. 

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison

This is the story of a long marriage with all its ups, downs and sideways. The author weaves past and present together as we follow Abe and Ruth, a couple who've been married for seventy years, and who've called Bainbridge Island their home for nearly all of that time. Through a series of present day events and past experiences we watch as they navigate parenthood, tragedy, infidelity, sickness, and more in their long life together. Abe and Ruth are opposites in nearly every way, yet their marriage has endured. 

This book came with a lot of hype and five star reviews but it was just okay for me. I loved the premise and there was a lot of honesty I thought when it came to how aging was portrayed, but I didn't find Ruth or Abe all that endearing. Especially Ruth.  

Also, the kids? I didn't think we were given enough of their back story to really care about any of them. They were lacking something. 

I definitely enjoyed the present day storyline more than the look back. This one started off strong, but felt flat in the middle. The author wrapped it up pretty nicely in the end. Three stars for me.  

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This is one that's been sitting on my Goodreads 'to-be-read' list since 2012. Yup. A long time. Coincidentally my book club is reading this book for our June meeting so it was an easy pick from my long list. 

Question for you...how does your book club choose books? We vote on ours after everyone has submitted two or three titles for consideration, and then will have the entire year's calendar laid out up front. We like this format which allows you to read ahead if you want to do that. Unless it's a classic we don't normally read something I'll call newly old. But someone suggested it, and the title received a lot of votes since it seemed most in our group had not read it. We do try to read one non-fiction book each year so this one also fit that bill. 

Henrietta Lacks or He La as she's known to scientists, was a poor African American tobacco farmer who,  while a cancer patient at Johns Hopkins back in 1951, had her cells taken from her without her knowledge. These cells became the first 'immortal' cells grown in culture and are still alive today, decades after Henrietta's death. Her cells became one of the most important tools in medicine and were key to developing the polio vaccine. In addition her cells have led to advances in cancer treatments, cloning, and gene mapping, along with many other gains in the fields of virology, medicine, and science. 

The family has not benefited in any way from the use of their mother's cells, and the issues of informed consent, patents and profits, and medical ethics are all things we continue to grapple with today. 

In terms of non fiction the book is written in a relatively easy to read fashion. There was more science than I was expecting, but it held my interest. There are essentially three parts to the book, although they're not labeled as such. We have Henrietta's personal family history, there's the medical piece, and finally there is the author chasing down the story. Skloot developed a close relationship with one of Henrietta's daughters, and she inserts herself into the story in a way that didn't feel quite right to me. 

Interesting, thought provoking, and still very relevant...four stars for me. 

Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love by Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink

I've liked the music of Rebecca St. James since she first became popular way back in the 1990's. I'm also a fan of her brother's music (King and Country).  I saw her book as I was checking out of Hobby Lobby recently, and hubs and I had just watched the movie about their family (Unsung Hero) so it caught my attention. 

I will say up front I'm not the demographic for this book, Their story is aimed more at young adults, women especially, who are navigating the world of relationships and also singleness. Rebecca and her husband both delve in to what it has meant to lean in to God's promises and His love for us, in both the good times and the hard times too. Their book details how they met, and we hear Cubbie's side of the story too. In some spots it felt a little saccharine, but they seem genuine so that didn't bother me. Many who know them in real life say they are exactly as they come across in the book. 

Rebecca was at one time, more or less the face of the True Love Waits movement, a movement that was g was taken to extremes by some, and was used in harmful ways by others.  All of that is addressed in the book.   

Three Days In June by Anne Tyler

Anne Tyler has a gift for taking the ordinary experiences of life and making them feel a little less ordinary. She creates stories you enjoy reading and this 165 page novella is no exception. 

Gail Baines is a 61 year old woman who walks out on her job after she's passed over for a promotion mostly, she's told, because she lacks 'people skills'. She's never been told this before and it both surprises and wounds her. 

That's day one of three days in June, which will also include her daughter's wedding, and her ex-husband turning up with a cat, but no wedding suit. Just before the rehearsal the bride shares with her parents something about her fiance that has them feeling conflicted, and this all combines for a heart warming humorous tale with far more depth than expected. 

I love Anne Tyler's writing and this novella with it's quirky yet relatable characters, managing life amidst a wedding weekend, is another winner.  Four stars for me. 

So what have you been reading? What's next on your to-read list? Hop over to the host blogs (My Joyful Life , Memphis Bridges, The Other Side Of The Road, and Slices of Life) to see what others are reading too.