Dresser Transformation

We bought this dresser for a great deal and then had it repainted. I've been meaning to post before and after pictures since June. 

Before (James didn't really like the white, and there were also some major nicks in the paint.)

We were going out on a limb choosing the color, but we think it turned out quite lovely.

What do you think?

More Sweet Evie

St. Jude Half Marathon Hero

I have taken on the challenge of participating in my next endurance event to support the patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! I'll be running with the Weakley County Runners team.

As a St. Jude Hero, I have committed to crossing the finish line of my race while raising vital funds to support the work of St. Jude and the doctors and researchers working tirelessly to find cures and save the lives of children fighting cancer and other deadly childhood diseases. Help me raise money for the kids of St. Jude!

Please visit my Web site to learn more about my goals.

Thank you for your support!

Please visit my web page (copy and paste it into your web browser) and donate to St. Jude and to help me reach my fundraising goal.

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?programName=heroes&eventId=166948&userId=657368

© Copyright 2011 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Feathering

Last night James and I went to Amanda and Josh's house for dinner. They made use a delicious meal: shrimp pasta, cheese toast, bacon-wrapped crab, and fruit salsa with cinnamon-sugar chips. Yum! After dinner, we chatted for a bit, but soon our conversations split into Josh and James talking about the military, guns, and Josh's collection of snakes, frogs and geckos and Amanda and me talking about when we want kids, friends, and feathers. Yes, feathers.

Have you heard of the feather hair extension trend? I hadn't until I ran into Amanda in Target last month. She had a few feathers in her hair, and it looked rather adorable. Amanda sells and installs these feather hair extensions. She charges $5-$9 as opposed to the $15+ local salons charge and the $50+ that larger city salons charge. You can wash and style the feathers just like you would your own hair.

My opinion is that this is in fact just a trend. It will come and go like the seasons. I would have never thought I would give in to such a trend, but guess what. I did. While Josh and James played video games and looked at Josh's snakes and such, Amanda put feathers in my hair. See?

Josh then brought one of his snakes out for me to see. I jumped at first, because I am no fan of anything creepy or crawly. After Josh promised me that I would not get bit and that the ball cobra was not venomous, I thought it would be funny to take this picture. Scary, isn't it?!

I look forward to having Amanda and Josh over to our house for dinner, but believe me when I say, there will be no snakes involved!

Evie is here!

Our niece Evangeline Marie Tull was born yesterday! 

6lbs 3oz and 19 in

Big sister Ava and baby sister Evie

Summer Weekends

On Friday night, James and I went to see the final Harry Potter movie. I'd really like to read the books especially now that I've seen all the movies. That may be backwards, but it's just how I roll!

On Saturday morning, we met two other families at our church, and we drove in a caravan to Venture River in KY. I had never been to a water park. After going down the first slide, I felt like a kid again. We had a blast! We tried every slide there...including the scariest, tallest one that makes you feel as though you're going to fly off of it. Once was enough. I didn't like it one bit. The other slides were so much fun though. I would definitely like to go back before the summer ends. Afterward, we all went to Cracker Barrel for a late lunch. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with friends from our Sunday school class.

On Saturday evening, James and I met with our friends, Elizabeth and Robert, for dinner. They recently got engaged, so we talked a lot about wedding plans. They came back to our house afterward, and we laughed and talked until close to midnight. I had so much fun and hope we can do it again soon. I'm so happy and excited for them!

On Sunday, we went to church, ate lunch at the local Chinese restaurant and then went to a birthday party. One of the professors I work with has a daughter who turns one today, so he and his wife had a party on Sunday to celebrate.

Happy 1st Birthday Tara!

 

New Car!

James and I are now the proud owners of a 2002 Toyota Camry. This came as a huge blessing to us. I can now return the Grand Marquis (aka "grandma car") to . . . you guessed it: my grandma! The Camry seems more age appropriate for me, don't you think? 

Heaven is for Real

Have you heard about this amazing little book? If you haven't, let me tell you, it is worth the read! I loved reading this father's account of his four year old son's close encounter with death. The small boy's experience reveals a confirmation of what lies ahead for those who have placed their trust in Jesus. This book encouraged me and affirmed my faith. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Pictures of Peru

We had an excellent trip to Peru! We stayed very busy seeing the beautiful sights. We met amazing people, and we ate delicious food. Here are a few highlights in pictures:

The group in Arequipa

James's cuy (guinea pig)

Colca Canyon

We had an unusual lunch guest!

Dressed in Uros Island attire complete with a Uros baby

We got to ride one of these on Lake Titicaca! Amazing!

Andean woman on Taquile Island

Cusco

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Me and my llama

Preparation for Peru...Only 5 More Days!

There's much to do to prepare. I have been making all sorts of lists and marking items off each day. I retrieved my suitcase from James's parents' house on Monday, so I can mark that off the list. I called the post office today and asked them to hold our mail for us while we're away. I've got all our bills paid. Luggage tags are made. I still need to make a trip to Wal-mart to buy supplies (snacks, toiletries, etc.). We haven't started packing yet, so we need to get that ball rolling. Slowly but surely, we'll get it all done, and then we'll be on our way!