I love weekends 2

Grrrr.... Not one thing was found at the yard sales this morning AND the one sale I really wanted to go to was cancelled due to rain (although the rain cleared off by 7 a.m.... I'm just saying;). Oh well, at least I was done with Wal-Mart by 8:15 this morning and headed back home with a nice Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic. So no yard sale pics for me to post, so I'll share this snapshot I took of my sweet little girl last night! Happy Weekend!!

Book Review 10

Four or five years ago, I decided to try a new author: Tamera Alexander, and I was thrilled that I did! I read her first series, Fountain Creek Chronicles: Rekindled, Revealed, & Remembered. Although it's been a while since I've read those, they stand out to me as books with depth and such Christian perspective.
This weekend, I started another series by Alexander, Timber Ridge Reflections. I devoured the 300+ page book as my wonderful spring break drew to a close! I so enjoyed From a Distance. For me it was the perfect mix of romance, history (I'm a sucker for a book set in the mid to late 1800s:), and Christian principle.

Brooke's Bargains 34

Last night, I set the coffee maker, printed out the yard sale ads from the online newspaper, and set my alarm. One problem-- instead of snooze, I turned my alarm off! I was so irritated with myself, but at least I was tired from staying up late to read a good book;) There were more than a dozen sales listed in the paper! Grrrr.....

Anyway, late this afternoon, I went for a jog, and our neighbor around the corner was having an all-day-clean-out-the garage-sale!!! I spotted a jogging stroller, so I went to check it out. Here's what I got...

I knew Brittany & Job were wanting one of these, and they can be expensive-- around $140 for this brand! I got this one for $25.

3 pieces of beautiful milk glass $3

Trip to Missouri on Spring Break

Although Ron grew up in South Alabama, he doesn't have much family there anymore as his mom and brothers moved to the Branson/Springfield area of Missouri about eight years ago. They are about five hours away from us here in good ol' Mississippi.
We spent three days there since I was off work for spring break! I enjoy traveling there. Even though it's only five hours from here, we travel through four states, and it's kinda of a pretty drive. I bought Ava a mini d.v.d player a while back, but of course, I couldn't find the charger for it! She did great on the trip though. Yay for little naps when she was starting to get restless.  While Ava napped, Ron and I enjoyed listening to some c.d.s that we borrowed from friends; the speaker is Voddie Baucham. Last year when I told Maria, a church friend and homeschooling parent, that I felt led in that direction, she told me about this guy. WOW. He's a fabulous speaker and well-studied biblically, especially regarding God's plan for the family.  I can't say enough good things about the six c.d.s I've heard so far!! I guess I'm off topic... :)
Don't you love trying new restaurants when you are away from home? We do. We love the frozen custard shops in their area. Ugh, I probably gained weight during this break:( We also went to Landry's in Branson- so wonderful!
Ron's mom (Mamaw to Ava) was thrilled that we came for a visit. We got to see Danny and Kayla's new house... And Jim's home renovation and horses and cow... and just hang out and relax a little. Good times.

excited about cookie dough frozen custard:)

We all went to dinner at Cheddar's. 

It looks like all we did was eat.... Not really! Ha!!

Great New Blog

You know how picking paint colors can be tough?? Check out this new blog: Favorite Paint Colors. Kristin takes referrals on paint colors from her readers. She used mine:) 

A 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Yesterday, I had the honor of attending my great-aunt Till and great-uncle Buddy's fiftieth wedding anniversary reception. It was absolutely elegant and inspiring. Their son, Mark, started with some trivia about the year they were married: 1961. It was interesting to me because I am currently teaching that decade in my U.S. History class:). They had a wonderful slide show with pictures from childhood to present day. My favorite part was seeing snapshots of their travels to places like Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Mexico, England, and Switzerland.
Of course, when I visit with Aunt Till, I think about her sister, my grandmother, who passed away nearly three years ago.
Before leaving, my sister said, "This makes you really think about parenting and wanting to do it right, doesn't it? You only get one chance." Indeed.

March 1961

My lovely aunt and uncle with their great nieces and great-great niece and nephew

my beautiful cousin, Michele

I think this is one of the best pic I have of these cousins:)

sisters with our babies

Brooke's Bargains 33

Ahhhh..... The first yard sale day of the year... Gorgeous, perfect weather!! Most of the sales, Brittany and I went to were DUDS, but I did find three good things and only spent $7.

I really like this clock, and it had a $19.99 sticker on the bottom; I paid $2. Also, I've been wanting a cupcake stand for a while. I got this one with the tag still on it for $3.

Ava has been asking for a scooter. I got this one for $2. She was sooooooo excited! She's been riding it all over the kitchen this morning:)