These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Here we are in the middle of the crazy holiday season. If you are scrambling for gift ideas here are a few recommendations for your bookish family members and friends. I thought I would share some of my favorite reads for both the little and big people in your life.

"On the Night You Were Born" by Nancy Tillman is a fantastic and uplifting bedtime story. The focus is on the uniqueness of each and every child. Tillman opens the story with the beautiful and anchoring passage from Psalms 139:14, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . ." This book is full of gracious descriptions of the joy that God and His creation express when a child enters the world. A wonderful read, indeed. Make sure you have tissue on hand.




I know, I know. This takes you back to 11th grade Literature. Steinbeck's style and simplicity takes you fully into the complex and real lives of the Trasks and the Hamiltons. Sweeping in scope, yet personal in detail, this novel beautifully captures the struggles and joys of being human. Give it another chance, you will not be sorry.

If you have not had the joy of discovering these books at Barnes and Noble or on our coffee table are you ever in for a surprise. These encyclopedic books are full of great information that every girl and boy needs to have at their finger tips. From how to build a tree fort to the basic rules of four square, the important elements of childhood are covered. Don't worry, these books are great for both big and small.

That is it for today's edition of My Favorite Things. More is on the way.

Seriously Lovely

So, my friend Leslie has been a huge fan of this couple for a while now. I periodically keep up with them through YouTube postings. This video is so sweet, I knew I had to share it.





This is Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. He and his wife (the adorable Ellie) have been making quite a name for themselves through the Young Life circuit. I hope you enjoy this as much as Chris and I do!

A Joyous Occasion

We celebrated Ella Brooks' first birthday recently. She woke from her afternoon nap a teary and snotty mess. Her first teeth tormenting her and preventing her from being her normal happy self. Yet, when I brought her downstairs, she immediately smiled as though she understood this group of people, these cupcakes, this celebration was for her.



Karen's delicious cupcakes



Chris and I worked through the day to pull together a nice little venue for the celebration. The weather was perfect- a stark contrast to one year before when it snowed. EB's guests arrived around 4 PM and immediately settled in to playing games in the back yard.





The birthday girl absolutely loved her first taste of cake and icing. Karen's cupcake was a big hit.





EB was in heaven with all the kid friendly food. She had her fill of cheese and crackers and fruit.

We can hardly believe a year has past since Ella Brooks arrived. She has been a wonderful addition to our family. Happy Birthday, Little Bit!

The Sweetness of Friendship

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."
- Kahlil Gibran

Chris and I had the joy of spending a long weekend with some very dear friends of ours. It has become an annual gathering, one that we excitedly anticipate.

During our time together I found myself stepping back and observing the various activities taking place around me. There were deep conversations, playing children and napping husbands. There were moments of laughter and moments of sweet quiet. There was also lots of food. We don't mess around when it comes to food.

"Friendiversary," as we have dubbed it, helped me realize the importance of quality relationships. We were made for this:



Kyle and Jon catching up



Miriam and I snuggling



The whole gang attempting a group shot for the 792nd time

I think our kids picked up on the concept.



Grayson reading to Ella Brooks, who is cross-referencing his pronunciation



Grayson and Miles taking a moment to share their mutual affection



Grayson, Ella Brooks and Miles demolishing bowl of Chex Mix

I can not claim to know much, but I do know this: friendship matters and it is a precious gift. One for which I am thankful.

Good Grief

This Saturday is approaching like a whirlwind. I can hardly believe that EB is about to turn 1. Good grief! She doesn't even have any teeth yet. In my free moments I have thought back to this time last year. I was so very excited and full of anticipation. I knew it could be any day, but still it seemed like it was so far away. Ella Brooks could not get here fast enough.

The picture above was just taken minutes before this shot:



Amazing how quickly life changed!

Chris went from this



to this



in no time flat.

In keeping with this crazy trend, Ella Brooks has grown from a teeny, tiny completely dependent little baby



into a very determined, independent little toddler.

Does somebody out there have a "Pause" button I can borrow?

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

EB and I had the opportunity to head over to Statesville (aka "Awesometown") on Tuesday morning. Our dear friends, the Bucklads, are involved with organizing and leading Young life in the area. This past Friday one of their Campaigner girls was killed in an accident. This has been an emotional and draining week for them and the entire Statesville community. The funeral was held on Tuesday and since the majority of the community would be in attendance Brad and Leigh needed someone to help with their son, Miles. I was more than happy to oblige, so EB and I packed our bags and made our way down the mountain.

We were greeted by this precious face:



EB and I were very happy to have some time alone with the daring and adventurous Miles.



Not only was he daring he was also in a kind and sharing mood.



And EB was in an eating mood.



These two were made to be best friends.

While we had a great visit, the reason we were there is especially sad. Please keep the Statesville community in your prayers.

What NOT To Do On a Date

My dear friends, it is with heavy heart that I am about to share the following tale. It is one that is like no other and will leave you wondering, "How could this possibly be?"

It all began one rainy Friday evening. Chris and I patiently waited for a table at a beloved pizza establishment in Biltmore Park. It was our first date night in nearly two months. The place was packed.

We were surrounded by a large, pretty damp crowd. The restaurant contained mostly families. Teenagers texting and attempting to maintain their distance from their oh so uncool families. Middle aged adults who would have gladly left said teenagers behind if that were an option. Young children giddy about the fact that it was Friday and there would be no school tomorrow.

And then there were the twenty somethings out on a slightly uncomfortable double date. Each member had his/her own unique oddity. "Tall girl" was glamorous in her JCrew adornment and sleek, perfectly straightened hair. She looked a bit out of place in a room full of soggy tennis shoes and soaked denim. "Striped sweater dude" looked a little bit older with a smattering of gray on his head. He was most certainly a hipster wannabe with his thinly striped sweater pulled over a casually untucked and unironed button down and his black rimmed rectangular glasses perched on his nose. He was Mr. Personality and it seemed to me he was the brains behind the operation. The "other girl" was along for the ride. Nothing seemed to phase her. She was in it for the food and nothing else. Then there was "Tarwheels guy." (Tarwheels is a local skating rink- a Swannanoa staple, really). This guy had spiky heavily gelled hair. He wore a skater hoodie and- get this- khaki pants, but not the sagging or the super tight styles. Just normal khaki pants. I was baffled and intrigued. I couldn't pull my eyes away when I noticed what was on his feet. I was quickly rewarded for my curiosity.

For those of you who have been out of the childhood loop for a while, these are heeleys. They are shoes that come with a set of wheels that pop out of the heel allowing the wearer to roll around to his/her heart's delight. They are the bane of school adminstrators everywhere and the absolute delight of the 7-13 crowd. Did you notice I said 7-13? Not 7-20 something.

Tarwheels guy was wearing heeleys! And using them! In the restaurant! On a double date! He was on a date with "tall girl" and wearing heeleys. I almost spit out my tea. This guy seriously thought that it is normal for a 2o-something dude to skate around a restaurant while on a date.

So, what about you guys? I would love to hear stories from you about what NOT to do on a date. Do you have personal experience? An eyewitness account? Inquiring minds must know!