Deeper.

So, sometimes I want to say some things. However, I can't always form the words right.

Like that.

Thankfully, people out there say what I'm thinking, and say it much better! And, well, probably a bit harsher than I would ever say it...but the basic idea is what I'm going for here. So yeah. Perry Noble has a great post today. Check it out.

I think when you're in the ministry, criticism comes hard and fast. Gracefully, so does encouragement. Tucker and I have been amazingly blessed to be surrounded by a group of strong and passionate encourager's. (Little do they know that Words of Affirmation is his love language!) I just wanted to thank those that love us, and keep us afloat. Those who push us to go deeper while we encourage the same in them. We couldn't do this without you...and we wouldn't want to.

Friday Night Fun.

On Friday night our church had their Ladies Retreat: "What Could Be Better Than Chocolate?". I have to say, I have never had more fun! (Okay, well, I have had more fun, but that was the most fun I've had in a really really long time.) If you know me, you know that I typically shy away from anything that involves lots of women and retreating. Or really, anything women's ministry like. I'm a bit shy, and really rely (in a not so healthy way...I know, I know) on my husband to make and sustain any and all conversations (What? He's good at talking...). So the very idea of being alone with women for a night with no children or husband as my buffer zone had me a bit nervous.

I was nervous about nothing. It was an amazing time! I got to know the women of our church better, I got to relax, and just for one night, forget about any issues going on in my life. (I'd also like to say that I finally got to sleep a whole night through, but that wouldn't be true. Going to bed at 3:30 and waking up at 7 does not a whole nights sleep make...) Honestly, it was the first chance I've had in a really long time to just be myself...and witness other ladies in our church do the same! I saw women let go of that whole Christian-y facade, and get real. We shared deep things, laughed a lot, and found true friends in each other. (Chocolate covered girlfriends...I still can't help but laugh when I say that. I know my table was distracting during the seminars. I am sorry. Truly. I really am. However, when someone tells you dig deep into your layer cake of friendship and find your chocolate covered girlfriend, how do you not laugh? When they make you hold hands and promise chocolate-y themed promises while looking into each others eyes, how do you not laugh?? No really. I'd like to know. Because I failed to master that this weekend.) I know that we somewhat broke the mold of what a womens retreat usually is and how the ladies should act on one. I know some people aren't crazy about that. But you know what? Nothing we did was out of line...in all things we had a good heart and a genuine desire to find new and strengthen old friendships. And it happened. I just think we all go about doing that in many different ways. This weekend, what we did worked for us! I've made at least one very good new friend. A person that I know will be in my life from here on out (And I'm praying for that hot husband and dance room for you, my breast friend. Seriously. I really am!). I've strengthened at least two other relationships and am so glad I had the chance to do that!

God answered a deep prayer for my life this weekend. I've been begging Him (Seriously. Pleading with Him.) for close girlfriends (I have some close friends here, but we've never really had the chance to strengthen and deepen those relationships). I've been asking Him for friends that I felt like I could be myself around, friends who would love me and support me and expect the same from me for them. He gave me that this weekend! So was it all worth it? Yup.

It was better than chocolate.

(Ha! I know! I just couldn't help it...)

Doodlebops.

We had a family from church invite us to go with them to see the Doodlebops in concert on Saturday. Rory loves the television show (Okay, okay. So do I. Probably as much as, if not more than, her...), so of course we said yes! The concert was fun, lunch was delicious, and it was an absolute joy to watch Rory enjoy the show.

We're so very grateful! Thank you Renson Family! We had a blast!

And just because it continues to make me laugh...the best picture of Rory and Tucker ever!

Walking.

Tate took two steps yesterday! Yay!

Disclaimer:
Tate is not walking in the above picture. I totally posed him for that shot simply so I could blog about this and have a picture. Yep. I'm cool like that.

Tea Time.

So, this morning Tucker and I sat at our table for a cup of tea (I know! We're totally reformed coffee drinkers! Those of you who knew us during our pre-tea days can be shocked and amazed that we kicked that little (HUGE) habit. We now drink the sweet and heavenly nectar that is Earl Grey...), and Rory decided to join us. You see, Tucker has decided to replace his TV time with God time (Be it Bible reading, prayer or family time). So instead of turning on the TV or jumping on the computer, we sat down and just enjoyed the early morning together.

We all sat around our tiny kitchen table, ate sticky buns, drank tea (Rory likes hers with much cream and sugar.) and talked. It was really nice...

Celtic Fest.

We spent Saturday down in Bethlehem at Celtic Fest. We caught the tail end of the parade (Which Rory loved), and spent some time walking around the city.

It was a fun day!