Midweek check in

I think I hit the ground running last Monday and didn't stop. Actually I know I did because this morning I'm having a hard time getting myself together! If I drank coffee (which I don't) today would be the day to have a big old pot full! 

Last week I joined a bible study with some friends. I'm actually looking forward to classes unfortunately this week our revival started do I missed my first session with my group. But I will be there Monday with bells on!!

Wednesday I went to support a friend who rededicated her life back to Christ. This lady had stood by me through thick and thin so I couldn't not be there! 

All last week I got in walking where I could in preparation for the breast cancer walk that will be held on October 3rd. Last year when I participated I was so out of breath after the first lap that I vowed it would not happen again. So I have been in training this time,

Monday I even survived walking 3 miles with my cousin Pat. I went to the country this weekend for a banquet honoring my home churches Pastor's wife . I have never taken work out gear on a trip with me so as you can see I'm serious about this thing!! 

The banquet was beautiful and so was Mrs. D! 

Sunday morning I attended service with my mom.

Sunday afternoon we went to hear my uncles church choir in concert. 

Monday after walking my daughter came to pick me up and her, along with my mom went exploring the area my daughter would be working at for her new job! 

After spending the entire summer out of a job Q received and extra special blessing from God ( we can only attribute it to him)..on the week of her birthday at that when she got a call from her last interview that she had got the job! Within a few days of that she had already got an acceptance from the apartment complex she applied it. Needless to say her and I have had a ball shopping for her new place. 

I got home just in time to get in the car with Marc to head to WABC to prepare for some special guest for our annualFall   Revival!

We are in revival mode for the rest of the week!

Then as if life wasn't crazy enough we got word around 4:30 am that my little cousin had gone into labor. At 8:30 we welcomed little Carmen to the would! 

By the late afternoon I was on my way back to church for our second night of revival. Needless to say this gal is tired!! lol So much so that I'm considering taking a nap before heading back out to church this evening for two mire nights of revival. 

Friday we have a Young Adult ministry event and Saturday one of Marc's classmates will be ordained. 

Wish I could say we were slowing down after all this but October and September are our busiest months. 

I'm crossings my fingers that I can get a chance to do some fall decorating next week. Hopefully ! lol 

Summer Vacation Haul

 

I'm pretty predictable when it comes to shopping at outlets. My favorite stores rarely ever change. So no trip would be complete without a visit to the Bass outlet for shoes. A pair of navy slip-on's and a pair of navy espadrilles have been on my wish list all summer. Both pair were less then $19 bucks each. And the espadrilles are extremely comfortable!

 

And pray tell how does a person resist the Disney Store outlet? Not this girl! I got the two phone cases for less then $14 (for both) and the cap was like $6.00.

 

 

We made it back to the Eagles outlet. Now granted this stores prices are not cheap but hubby and I have been trying to step up our eagle gear in preparation for our next Super Bowl party. How great was it that we found these hats for $9 dollars?

 

 

My mom was shocked when we walked into Van Heusen store and found clothes for ladies. And if you look at the original price of the clothes you would for sure walk out. But I have learned to look at the sale prices and they are pretty good. I have fallen in love with their ladies pants and this time I picked up a cute top to go with it! The retail price on these pants are ridiculous but I got mine for less then $16. Wore it on this weekend and got lots of compliments.

 

I ended up going back to my moms within a few days of leaving and we explored a small town and some of its shops. Found one called Cyndi's and had to go in. They had some really cute stuff including this little infinity scarf in the nautical pattern. Best part was it was knocked down to $7.00. I will probably wear it the weekend of the wedding (at either breakfast or the rehearsal dinner depending on the weather).

 

 

While we were exploring Farmville the week of vacation we stopped in at a local Sam's Club on our way back. Sam's has become one of those places I have found to be a good source of individual pieces for my wardrobe that are simple, comfortable and fit my style to a T! I picked up this ruffle skirt in white and navy. I can see myself dressing this up or down depending on the accessories I pair it with. As we get older I find that we are a lot more selective about what we will come home with and I tend to pick up a souvenir that I know I will use and that will still hold meaning for me years down the road. This year it was a bracelet with scripture sayings on that I found in the gift shop at The Sight and Sound Theatre.

 So if you shop over vacation what are some of your favorites stores? Also what is your favorite purchase from a trip?

 

Weekend Recap

Went to a baby shower this past Saturday for my girlfriends soon to be grandchild. 

The theme was nautical if you can't tell. Loved the two cakes! One for the mother to be and the other for my friends son.

There were even fish on the table! 

It's been a while since I got to hang out with both my girls! 

Also got to spend time with long standing girlfriends! 

The event was held at the church my kids grew up in and they have been friends with the father to be since preteen age. 

I've known this young man since he was a young kid and I've watched him grow into a great young man, teacher and husband. I know he will make a great dad! 

10 Day Stay Vacation

We just finished a 10 day stay vacation at my moms home. 

Started out the first day touring Williamsburg. 

Early Ssturday morning we had breakfast with some family and friends and then headed to Yorktown to check out the local Waterman's Museum.

Later that evening we celebrated my cousins 2nd wedding anniversary. 

Sunday was homecoming at my home church. I served as worship leader for the afternoon service so no pics from that day! Didn't think it would be proper for me to break out the cellphone and start snapping pics from the pulpit!! lol 

Monday morning we took care of some wedding business and then went exploring at a local historic ruins. 

We also road down to the river where my grandfather use to baptize people. 

Unfortunately we lost a family member during vacation. Many of my family could not attend the funeral which was held on Tuesday but Marc, my mom, my cousin and I did get over to see my cousins daughter the night before during the viewing time.

After we left we did a little undercover taste testing at a possible wedding venue. 

Tuesday my mom had to work so Marc and I took a little road trip to FarmVille Va to visit the Moton Museum.

It amazes me that people could hate someone so much that they would rather their child missed 5 years of school rather then have them attend school with someone of a different skin color! If your ever in FarmVille I encourage you to visit the museum. It's very eye opening concerning the racism blacks faced in the 60s!

 Wednesday we had to go back home to collect something Marc needed for a job so on our way back we had Nicki and Byron meet is at the rental place to get an estimate on tents for the wedding. We actually got a lot of wedding stuff accomplished over vacation!

It turned out to be a productive day because it also gave us and opportunity to pick up some of the wedding supplies and bring them back to my moms for storage until the wedding next spring! 

Mom even put Marc to work that afternoon when we got back! Like I said it was a very productive day!! lol

I spent Thursday hanging out with some of my cousins while Marc and mom were working. I didn't take a lot of pics and just enjoyed the time I got to spend with my family (although I did take a pic of the food.....lol)!!

Thursday evening we packed up an overnight bag so that we could leave in the morning for Lancaster PA to see Joseph at the Sight and Sound Museum.

I will have more indepth info on my travel blog in a few days. 

Vacation has begun!!!!

Went home to my moms this past weekend for a bit of rest and relaxation. Plus some wedding planning in between! 

Sunday I spent most of the day with my childhood home church. Even followed them to a second service. 

Monday before leaving for home I had breakfast at our favorite spot with my mom, "sista" cousin and my "big brotha" cousin.

This place serves pancakes as big as my head! 

I love my family!! They ground me when I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above the water!! And they love on me like nobody else! 

My cousins facial expressions though! lol 

I also got to check out the local farmers market as well. Mom picked up some corn that was amazing! Of course it helped that I was hungry lol. 

Not sure where this week has gone!! 

The day after I got back I was at a dinner celebrating a girlfriends last cancer treatment.   

But by today I saying goodby to another long time family friend! Life is way to short people for petty stuff!! 

The one meal I cooked this week! We have been on the run it seems like forever! I have really got to do better in the eating department. I've lost a whole inch in my waist and depending on the style I've moved from a size 14 to a 12! I haven't been a size 12 in years!!! Wish I could say its from healthy eating and excerise! It's actually from stress. Last time I was this stressed my hair fell out but I guess losing a dress size is always a better option! lol 

I've made a conscious decision to take some time over the next few weeks (we started a 3 week vacation from ministry this past Sunday ) to try and refresh and regroup. I have to admit I've lost some of my passion this year and I'm hoping this time of rest will be what the doctor ordered. 

I won't go into details but I do ask that you keep us in prayer as we navigate through some hard stuff. 

Meanwhile I'm enjoying my role as mother of the bride and I've found great pleasure in planning my youngest daughters wedding. It's very different from planning for a client and even though it comes with its own stresses it's been a pleasure helping her plan her special day! And it's given me great joy in the midst of some very personal pains!

If you happen to read this (not sure if anyone still does) I appreciate the fact that you still stop by!! 

If your in ministry I have one piece of advice!! Don't let anyone steal your joy or make you doubt your purpose or Gods plans for your life!! If he's for you then it doesn't matter if the while world is against you....Gods got your back!!! 

Have a blessed weekend everyone!!