Thanks to Grams for handmaking 15 taggie blankets for the kids in Guatemala!!! And Thanks Gano boys for saving all your happy meal toys for the kids....I know they will be a big hit!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Weekend in The Big Easy
This is my first trip to New Orleans as an adult...a work trip really, but I was able to spend a little time soaking up that fun french-quarter culture. I loved the artsy spirit, the gorgeous architecture and fabulous music! When I wasn't in meetings, I spent time in a beautiful cathedral, praying(sort of a tradition of mine when I travel), window shopping, and just meandering along. I had no idea it was so humid there! One walk from my hotel to downtown and I looked like I could be on Good Times or Welcome Back Kotter! I was really glad I didn't pack the Chi and towards the end of the trip sort of loved my curly, crazy hair.
My favorite seafood are hush puppies, so I did not partake in raw oysters or craw fish heads. I did, however, eat a tasty mufalata in a 300 year old restaurant that used to be the governor's house and supposedly a refuge for Napoleon. Classical music, a beautiful courtyard and sweet tea... I can't think of a more relaxing lunch!
I had hoped to get to the fine arts museum, but just ran out of time. I had really hoped to do a lot more...catch up on kids blogs, get my email caught up, knit a blanket, create a plan for world peace...Why do I always think I can do a month's worth of work in 3 days!? Oh well! I did get lots of sleep...more sleep than I can remember on great linens, with feather pillows. I had time to exercise and got to pee by myself and had time to put on real eye make-up. BTW...Anna, I'd love to know your secret for a good smokey eye!? I also had time to read a new book by Max Lucado. A swell guy, I'm sure, but not my usual read. I must say...I feel as if that book was written just for me! With so much going on, I have struggled to find my sweet spot in life...the things I know that God has created just for me to do. And what I discovered was that he has made part of me just to give...give to my family, to friends and even to strangers. This is one thing that really brings me joy! A realization brought home in the TSA line in the NOLA airport. There I spotted a big eyed curly haired girl with a mask and a cancer shirt. I felt God nudging my heart to give her mother some extra cash I had from the trip. My joy, really. So I did and told her that we support St. Jude and I will be praying for them. And then trough the security line I went. Later, to my surprise, they found me and said thanks and I got to meet Hannah, who is 4, like my Addie. Here is her link:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahtheriot
Will you pray for my new friend?
Wishing God's rich blessings on you!
Shan
My favorite seafood are hush puppies, so I did not partake in raw oysters or craw fish heads. I did, however, eat a tasty mufalata in a 300 year old restaurant that used to be the governor's house and supposedly a refuge for Napoleon. Classical music, a beautiful courtyard and sweet tea... I can't think of a more relaxing lunch!
I had hoped to get to the fine arts museum, but just ran out of time. I had really hoped to do a lot more...catch up on kids blogs, get my email caught up, knit a blanket, create a plan for world peace...Why do I always think I can do a month's worth of work in 3 days!? Oh well! I did get lots of sleep...more sleep than I can remember on great linens, with feather pillows. I had time to exercise and got to pee by myself and had time to put on real eye make-up. BTW...Anna, I'd love to know your secret for a good smokey eye!? I also had time to read a new book by Max Lucado. A swell guy, I'm sure, but not my usual read. I must say...I feel as if that book was written just for me! With so much going on, I have struggled to find my sweet spot in life...the things I know that God has created just for me to do. And what I discovered was that he has made part of me just to give...give to my family, to friends and even to strangers. This is one thing that really brings me joy! A realization brought home in the TSA line in the NOLA airport. There I spotted a big eyed curly haired girl with a mask and a cancer shirt. I felt God nudging my heart to give her mother some extra cash I had from the trip. My joy, really. So I did and told her that we support St. Jude and I will be praying for them. And then trough the security line I went. Later, to my surprise, they found me and said thanks and I got to meet Hannah, who is 4, like my Addie. Here is her link:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahtheriot
Will you pray for my new friend?
Wishing God's rich blessings on you!
Shan
Monday, June 9, 2008
Great Deals and Stuff....
Well, it just so happens that our local Disney store is closing (one of many closing per corporate it seems). Sad news, but great deals! I was able to buy over 50 small stuffed animals (Mrs. Pots, Balou, T-rex and more) for 100 bucks! This is just what the Dwayne has told us that the little ones love....small stuffed animals. And I totally bought out the $2 shirt wrack at Wal-Mart (regularly marked $5).
I'm no philanthropist, in fact, the people checking me out at those stores probably think I'm OCD! Gift giving is one of my love languages (thanks Tara!) and I just love the idea of blessing those kids with clothes and lovies.
I forgot I sold our old luggage in the garage sale I decided to have when I was deranged and super pregnant, so I've been wondering where we were going to round up two extra huge bags. Well, God had it figured out. On the way to Sam's Saturday, we found 2 HUGE suitcases with wheels for $1 (at a garage sale). One smelled a little like boy funk, but a good wiping with lysol wipes made is smell spring fresh again. We will just leave those bags, so there is less to bring back home.
We also bought a bag of "jewels" for Addie for 25 cents. She looked like Mr. T going to Sams, but had so much fun. Later, when I was going though everything I found this beautiful art deco pin with a real diamond. How fun! I think I will take it to our of customers and get it appraised...just for fun. I have to have my ring checked and cleaned anyway. I figured I'd have to a wait a few minutes while they get the graham cracker cement out of my diamond setting!
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE everyone going on the trip?! It is a diverse group and I'm so looking forward to learning from everyone.
And I found the cutest little travel games....travel scrabble (like a small book) and a tiny boggle game (smaller than my i-phone) for the plane. I'm so excited!!! Phil will be a captive audience with limited technology available.:O)
I'm no philanthropist, in fact, the people checking me out at those stores probably think I'm OCD! Gift giving is one of my love languages (thanks Tara!) and I just love the idea of blessing those kids with clothes and lovies.
I forgot I sold our old luggage in the garage sale I decided to have when I was deranged and super pregnant, so I've been wondering where we were going to round up two extra huge bags. Well, God had it figured out. On the way to Sam's Saturday, we found 2 HUGE suitcases with wheels for $1 (at a garage sale). One smelled a little like boy funk, but a good wiping with lysol wipes made is smell spring fresh again. We will just leave those bags, so there is less to bring back home.
We also bought a bag of "jewels" for Addie for 25 cents. She looked like Mr. T going to Sams, but had so much fun. Later, when I was going though everything I found this beautiful art deco pin with a real diamond. How fun! I think I will take it to our of customers and get it appraised...just for fun. I have to have my ring checked and cleaned anyway. I figured I'd have to a wait a few minutes while they get the graham cracker cement out of my diamond setting!
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE everyone going on the trip?! It is a diverse group and I'm so looking forward to learning from everyone.
And I found the cutest little travel games....travel scrabble (like a small book) and a tiny boggle game (smaller than my i-phone) for the plane. I'm so excited!!! Phil will be a captive audience with limited technology available.:O)
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