Let's Bust a Recap : I'll Be There For You

Look familiar? Chances are, if you've been online, walked through the checkout line of your local grocers, or simply occupy space on this planet, you've seen the news that the cast of Friends got back together for a reunion special. 

But wait a minute, Hannah, isn't this a book blog? Why are you subjecting us to more coverage of the Friends reunion? 

Well, as it turns out: I've had this book about Friends sitting on my shelf for the last few years. With the news that the reunion special would be airing at the end of May, I decided it was the perfect time to pick it up and read it. So that's what I did.

To start out, I wouldn't call myself the show's biggest fan. I certainly didn't watch it during its original run which started when I was about seven years old. But between having roommates who are big fans and own all the DVDs, watching reruns late at night in hotel rooms while falling asleep, and the advent of Netflix, I admit I've seen all ten seasons from beginning to end more than just once. Friends has been described as "comfort food TV", and that resonates. Nothing on the show is particularly heavy or dramatic and you're bound to laugh at some point watching any given episode. 

I'll Be There For You: The One about Friends by Kelsey Miller was published in October of 2018 and one of my (real-life) friends got it for me for my birthday that year. Despite thinking it would be a fun behind-the-scenes look at the world's #1 hit comedy show, it sat on my shelf untouched until last month. When I finally did get around to reading it, it turned out to be a 50/50 book for me. What I mean is, it was about 50% interesting and 50% one big eye-roll. 

I enjoyed reading about the creation of the show, how the cast came together, the different tidbits of how the show almost ended but then got renewed, how the cast bonded and advocated for each other, and what the actors went on to do after the show ended. All that nerdy, behind-the-scenes stuff appeals to me, and I enjoy biographical trivia like that. I think it probably has something to do with having a brother who lives in Hollywood and is part of the entertainment industry. 

But the rest of it was just one big defense of the author's personal enjoyment of the show through a 2018 lens of political correctness. Is it okay to like something that wasn't racially diverse, had homophobic/fat-shaming/slut-shaming/whatever-shaming jokes? And why does the show's popularity still continue when all that stuff is in there? Here's one for you: I don't care. The show is funny, and I don't need some 30-something year old's permission to laugh at it. 

I enjoyed the actual reunion special (streamed on HBO Max) much more than I enjoyed the book (although James Corden could have stayed at home, just sayin'). While I find it absolutely ridiculous that these six people were paid upwards of $2.5 million dollars each to go hang out on the set of their old show, I was still one of the millions of people sitting in my living room watching it so what can I really say? 

All in all, the book, much like the show, is something I can take or leave. 

But enough of all this, what's your favorite episode? Joey putting Little Women in the freezer because Beth's death is just too much for him will always crack me up.

Casual Fridays

I think today we'll phone it in and just do an extremely basic Currently I'm... post. Because at the time I'm writing this, it's nearly 1 AM and I plan to be dead to the world when this goes live in a few hours. Let's see what I can come up with in the next 15 minutes.

Reading...

... technically, nothing at the moment. And not just because I'll be asleep when this post goes live. I finished The Three Lives of James Madison on Monday, 31 Days of Praise on Tuesday, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (say that 5 times fast) last night. Never fear: I totally intend to begin Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis whenever I wake up. And Othello won't be far behind.

Watching...

... Bones. I'm beginning to lose count of how many times I've watched this show from start to finish, though, if we're going to be precise about it, this would actually only be the second time since the show only came to a complete close last year. I'm currently on Season 10 and loving it just as much as I usually do even though I'm super mad at a certain someone right now. (Can't say who because my mommy-in-law is watching the show for the first time and I can't give away any SPOILERS.)

... Alias. Oh yeah. We're throwing it back old school. Cody and I just picked up the first season at FYE and I am hooked. I never saw a single episode of this back in the day, but I am into it now.

... all the movies. Like, seriously, I have been on such a movie kick lately. In the last couple weeks alone, I've managed to squeeze in all five of the Mission Impossible movies (we're going to see the new one tonight!) along with Ladder 49, Cinderella starring Lily James, and First Daughter to name a few. And that's just in the last few weeks. Y'all. Someone stop me.

Anticipating...

... the Netflix release of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I mean, since I just confessed the movie kick I've been on and managed to mention Lily James in the same breath, I might as well come clean about this. I adored The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (more about that in a gushing recap to come), and I am psyched for the movie. Even though I just watched the trailer and I'm already feeling very skeptical of the creative license taken to make this into a film, I'm a fan of Lily James (and the rest of the cast I was catching glimpses of in the trailer) and I think it's worth a viewing. 

... Mission Impossible 6 tonight! (No, I will never call 4, 5, and 6 by their lame names, and yes, I know we pretty much already covered this in the last section, but it is now 1:08 AM: you get what you get.)

Eating...

... Publix buffalo chicken dip on Tostitos Bite Size tortilla chips. If you don't know the delicious goodness that is this perfect snack (or breakfast, don't judge me), then you aren't living. Get down to the Southeast and get on my level.

... Luigi's Lemon Italian Ice. Because Florida summer. 

... leftovers for days, y'all. I don't know why we seem to be in leftover heaven lately, but we have been and you won't hear me complaining. I think I've subconsciously been cooking in bulk just so I won't actually have to cook every day. 

Listening...

... to Relient K's Air for Free album. It's such a chill summer jam album, and I love it.

... to Train. Whatever album I land on. They're just my go-to. 

... to my entire iPod on shuffle. This is not something I typically do because I have over 10,000 songs on it or something crazy like that, but once every 6 years or so, I just get in the mood to have the whole thing on shuffle and that's the mood I'm in now. It's pretty fun.

... to Despacito. Honestly, I don't know the entire literal translation of this song, and if it's inappropriate, I apologize but don't tell me because it will be a very long time before I stop dancing around to this. 

Feeling...

... so very proud of my littlest sister who just signed her letter of intent to play college tennis on a scholarship because she is the bomb and doing it huge. (Also, I can't believe we're all officially and legally adults now. Is this real life? And can I possibly be this old?)

... bereft of sweet nephew snuggles. I need more in my life. Like yesterday. A six hour drive is too far away, and they're trying to take him to Germany?! I ain't doin' it.

... a teensy bit proud of myself because as of last night, I have read 26 books so far this year and 16 of those are even from my original 2018 book list. Not too shabby, and we still have five months to go. 

Loving...

... my family. 

... my friends.

... my church.

... my life.

... my bed. It's 1:32 AM, and I am done. 

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

I can see clearly now the rain is gone. And let's just do a Currently I'm... post because it seems like a good idea.  

Reading...

... Ezekiel. I'll be honest, Jeremiah and Ezekiel have not been easy books for me this time around. I don't know if it's just been the craziness of Hurricane Irma or the KJV or what, but I've had a tough time staying focused during these two particular books. 

... Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. If you've been keeping up, this is my 17th read of the year so far, and it's also the last book I have left from my original 2017 book list! (Except for Sunset Lullaby by RJG which doesn't even come out till November 10th and will only take me about a day to read if past performance is any indicator.) 

Addicted to...

... the snack that smiles back: Goldfish. A bowlful a day keeps the doctor away. Or something like that.

... IBC Black Cherry Cokes. And there's no caffeine in them so I don't even have to feel bad about drinking them, right?!

... Taco Bell chalupas, no sour cream. Because a cheap meal and no dinner clean-up is what being an American is all about.

Craving...

... ALL THE THINGS that are not in my house. Cheese fries from Andy's, mall food court Chinese, apple cider, Publix pumpkin pie or chocolate cake with buttercream icing. None of it's here and I want all of it. I'm thinking these are sympathy cravings for my sister-in-law who's PREGNANT! in case you missed it last week. Caroline, I am here and willing to gain the baby weight with you, my friend. (Although I'm not sure Cody will be on board.)

Watching...

... Gilmore Girls. There's just something about this time of year that makes me want to revisit Stars Hollow. 

... The Dick Van Dyke Show. Personally, I don't know of anyone who can touch Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy. I love that guy. 

... Julie's Greenroom. Julie Andrews is one classy lady, y'all. This show is adorable. Not like, sit-and-bingewatch-the-entire-season-in-one-day adorable, but adorable nonetheless. 

Listening...

... to lots of Michael Bublé lately. He's my jam this time of year.

... to Kelly Clarkson. She was my yard clean-up music of choice this week. And her new song Love So Soft is dance-tastic. (Thanks for the tip, Reagan.)

... to Adventures in Odyssey. Perpetually. But particularly the "For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll" episode from album #29: Signed, Sealed & Committed. 

Feeling...

... very relieved that Hurricane Irma is over. 

... extremely grateful that we did not experience any significant damage from the storm and were without power for less than 24 hours. A massive thank you to everyone who is working around the clock to restore power to the state of Florida and helping with clean-up and restoration. #FloridaStrong

... sore from picking up our yard. I've used muscles this week I forgot I had. #ouch

Praying...

... for those who got hit worse than we did. Naples and Jacksonville are underwater and something like 60% of the state is still without power. God is always good, and God is bigger than Irma.

Loving...

... my family. Always and forever. But particularly having them in and out of my home all week taking hot showers, grilling up all the food before it goes bad and eating together, just hanging out in the AC--I love my tribe, y'all. 

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

First of all: where my Psych fans at??

Excuse me while I mop the tears of laughter from my face. Shawn, Gus, it's been too long. I'm looking forward to the reunion. 

Second of all, the fancy deodorant came in the mail yesterday, and as today is only Day 1 of the trial, I can't judge its effectiveness and will withhold my final opinion until I give it a fair amount of time. But I will say this for it, the fragrance is sweet without being overpowering so chalk one up for that. 

Also, we just saved $444.80 by switching to Progressive. Not kidding. Yay Flo! I won't say who we were with before but it rhymes with "psycho". 

Did I mention the upcoming Psych movie? Oh right. The video's right up there. ^^

I finished Surprised by Joy this week so be on the lookout for a recap next week, and that's pretty much all I've got for you today. So happy weekend everybody!

Casual Fridays

We haven't done a Currently I'm... post in a while and frankly, the Casual Fridays muse has not been with me lately so today we're taking it easy and just having a chatty, catch-up with each other kind of day. Sound good? Good. Let's begin.

Reading...

... Deuteronomy.

... John Adams by David McCullough and really enjoying it. I was hoping to finish it up in February, but that is definitely not going to happen.

Watching... 

... Bones Season 12. Word on the street is that this is for real the final season. I can't believe it, and I seriously don't know how they're going to tie it up in the next 4 episodes because that's all that's left.

... Parks and Rec. It seems to me that the last time I did a Currently I'm... post I was talking about Parks and Rec. We did finish it and thought it was hilarious and recently decided to re-watch it since I missed Season 1 and half of Season 2 the first time around. I think it's even funnier watching it after you've already seen it and have a feel for the characters. #TeamDonna She's my fav.

... One Tree Hill. Y'all. It pains me to admit this, but I got sucked into One Tree Hill land. I had never seen a single episode in my life, but I was feeling sick or something one day last year sometime and decided to watch an episode just to see what it was all about and lo and behold, I'm now on the final season. Speaking of which, I feel like the show should have ended 3 times, but they just won't quit. Seriously. The series finale on the River Court at the end of high school--should have been the end. The series finale after P. Sawyer has her baby--should have been the end. The series finale with Jamie dribbling the basketball across the bridge--definitely should have been the end. But they just have to wring every last penny out of a show until you hate it, I guess. Don't writers and producers and whoever else has any say in the matter have any sense of pride or integrity in creating a show that tells a story and ends well?? Is it that hard to pull the plug?? End rant. And P.S. this is not an endorsement or a recommendation to watch OTH. That show has more drama than a high school theater club. 

Listening...

... to Switchfoot's Where the Light Shines Through album. It's their latest, and it's on point per usual.

... to Train's a girl a bottle a boat album. It just came out a couple weeks ago, and it is a feel good record in every way. Train and Switchfoot are my two favorite bands, I always keep up with them, and they have yet to disappoint me.

... my James 5:13 playlist. Part of James 5:13 says, "Is anyone happy? Let him sing praise." This playlist has 100 of my happiest praise songs to Jesus, and I love cranking it up and belting it out.

Jonesing...

... for a beach day. This Florida girl starts to get a little restless for some sand and saltwater come February, but the weather hasn't been quite there yet. Soon.

... for cupcakes. I'm not usually a big desserts girl, but lately I have been craving cupcakes. Maybe I should just make a batch and get it over with, but I'm trying to have some self-control here.

Recovering...

... from the flu. It seems like Cody and I have been fighting illness since the beginning of the year and last week, it won. We both went down hard, but this week, I have finally been feeling really good for the first time in weeks. Yay health!

... from Hacksaw Ridge. Cody and I watched this movie Wednesday night, and I'm still feeling sad. War movies always depress me. But if you can handle some pretty gory war violence (I had to cover my eyes a few times), I would recommend this one. It's a true story and one worth telling.

Memorizing...

... Psalm 34:4. We're on Verse 4 of SSMT so since February 15th, I've been working on adding "I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears" to verses 1-3 of Psalm 34 which I've got pretty well memorized at this point. (Also, I just typed that from memory and besides missing two commas: #nailedit)

Trying...

... to keep my house clean. With two energetic puppies and a backyard that is turning into a giant pit of sand because dogs, the struggle is real.

... to decide if i should read The Taming of the Shrew this weekend so that I can complete two books from my list within the month of February. I only have 12 books on my list this year, but I'd like to keep the pace up because March-May always seems to be a difficult time of year for my reading life. Thoughts?

... to work the word "Zamzummims" into my regular vocabulary. I discovered this word yesterday in Deuteronomy 2:20, and I kindof love it. They were giants in the land of Canaan, and doesn't that sound like something Dr. Seuss would call them? Maybe I could use it as a Christian cuss word. Before you come looking to burn me at the stake, watch this video. Imagine stubbing your toe and shouting out "Zamzummims!" I think it could work.

Loving...

... my thoughtful husband who gave me this beautiful ring for Valentines Day that says "Our Love is Forever" on the inside. He is the sweetest.

... my most recent home pedicure. You guys, I achieved smudge-free status! I waddled around my house like a penguin most of the day Wednesday to accomplish this long sought after dream, but it was worth it! My toenails look so pro. Oh you want to see a picture? Wish granted.

... these sweet dogs because even though they're a total mess, they make up for it by being the most loyal, loving, cuddly little buddies, and I would hate not having them around.

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

Have you ever read or heard of these "Currently I'm..." blog posts? Because I've come across several and I always think they're super-fun and I want to do one and today seems like the day. So here we go.

Reading...

... The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex by Sheila Wray Gregoire and really enjoying it. I didn't think I was going to recap this on the blog, but I'm starting to reconsider. Too awkward?

... In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories by Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda. This is a book of interviews that I started last year. It's good, but it will probably take me all year to finish because I'm just reading 1 or 2 interviews at a time between other books. 

... my blog stats because we passed 10,000 views this week! Woohoo! Thank you, faithful readers!

Trying...

... to pack up my Christmas decorations because it's about freakin' time.

... to choose what novel I want to tackle next. Any suggestions? Here's my book list for the year for you to reference.

... not to eat only sugar. But Valentine's candy, amiright?! Also, my sweet husband went out Wednesday morning before I got up and brought home a dozen glazed donuts from Publix. I may or may not have eaten half of them. Don't judge me.

Missing...

... my brother because he left to go back to LA this week after having stayed with us for over a month. Come baaaaack!!! (P.S. I finally went and saw the new Star Wars, and I have to say, I loved it. It's so much better than Episodes I, II, and III, but obviously it doesn't even touch the originals.)

... my sister because I haven't seen her since forever and she's an AF pilot now!!

... my other brother and sister-in-love because now I just miss all my siblings, and they're the farthest away in Japaaaaan!

Christmas 2014

Watching...

... Princess Diaries. The hubs and I watched both movies last night. Well, let me rephrase that: I stayed up watching both movies while he slept hardcore.

... Parks and Rec. I slept through most of season 1. Got interested during season 2. Died laughing through seasons 3 and 4. But I'm starting to lose interest again. Is it worth it to finish?

... Brain Games. Cody and I just started this show, and it's pretty fascinating. Plus, I'm banking on never getting Alzheimer's now that I'm watching it. Exercising the mind and all that. Seems logical, right?

Listening...

... to Stressed Out on repeat. I'm addicted to this song lately.

... to Relient K's The Bird and the Bee Sides and Forget and Not Slow Down albums.

... to the Beach Boys because I am so ready for summer.

Loving...

... my two little reading buddies.

... the weather this week. We're back up in the 70s during the day. Yay Florida sunshine!

... this necklace my honey gave me for Valentine's Day.

Closing...

... on our very first home today! That's right. By the end of today, we will be homeowners. We're such grownups. I can hardly believe it, but I am sooo excited!

... the laptop now because it's time to get ready for this monumental day.

What's going on with you currently?

Casual Fridays

First of all, hi. This is what I'm dealing with over here pretty much anytime I'm trying to blog. So you'll forgive me when my posts don't make sense because, I mean, come on.

Second of all, HAPPY FALL! For my comrades down here in the Deep DEEP South--or Northern Cuba as some of us like to call it--Wednesday was the first day of Autumn according to Google. At my house, that means busting out my meager but happy decorations, cranking Michael Bublé, and burning all the apple/pumpkin/cinnamon spiced candles I can get my hands on.

Wait, have we not talked about my candle fixation yet? I can't. That's another post for another day. But it's real, y'all. It blows my ChapStick problem out of the water. 

And speaking of ChapStick, my BFF Lynds got me another one. She is so my enabler, you guys, and she has definitely got the eye for it. I've pretty much been forbidden to go near the ChapStick when I'm shopping because groceries, but Lynds, thanks for having my back, girl!

Ok, in unrelated news, I watched Jurassic Park for the first time ever in my life last week. I know, I know. Hold the snarky remarks, por favor. I'll let the following conversation I had with my brother give you an idea of how I felt about it. Also, I have learned to screenshot. Be so proud of me. I feel like I've finally arrived in the 21st century.

It's one of my brother's favorite movies. And I like to torment him sometimes. It's how we do life. We love each other a lot. 

Circa September 2011

Ok, moving on before I get emotional, and actually, speaking of emotions, let's talk about why I could never ever be a coach on The Voice. Besides, you know, the obvious fact that I'm not a famous celebrity rockstar. 

I could never be a coach because I'm one big mass of feelings all the time. People are just beautiful--GORGEOUS--and I love them all.

I would press the button before they even started singing. 

I'm not kidding. I cry during their intro stories. I beat my button at home to death (which oddly resembles the arm of my couch). I cheer them on--out loud--to the very last note. I clap when they get a chair to turn, and I cry when no one turns around for them. 

Seriously. 

I can't watch it when Cody's around because he looks at me like I'm fresh off the funny farm. 

And if I was a coach and we got to the Battle Rounds, I'd have a nervous breakdown. 

***

Is this post getting out of control? Let's wrap it up with some Link Love and call it a day.

- Greatest Dad Wins EVER : You guys. When she takes her dad the jar to open. Best one.

- A Powerful Practice for Prayer : This was super-helpful to me. What kind of practical things keep you praying without ceasing?

- Princess Cut : Hey locals, get your ticket NOW.

- How To Leave Me A Comment : Because DO IT.

DWTS

Well, y'all, I have finished watching Season 20 of Dancing With The Stars. You don't have to be afraid to talk to me about it anymore. 

First of all, I have to say, this may have been the best season ever. Seriously. When it finally got down to the finale, I could not have been happier about who the final three were, and I wanted all of them to win. Really. I may have cried a little about the fact that they couldn't just make it a 3-way tie and give them all golden mirror ball trophies. 

And the freestyle dances?! Holy cow. By far the three best freestyles in one finals episode I have ever seen. 

But I just have to share this one:

This guy. Oh man. He is a true American hero, and I am so happy that America got behind him and supported him throughout this entire show. When he and the other two guys lifted Sharna during the dance and then the two other guys stepped away, it was like someone released the floodgates. I started bawling. For real. Like, ugly-crying, and I could not get it together. I had to pause the show for a while. And then when I watched it again just now, I started crying AGAIN. 

Way to go, Noah Galloway. You truly are amazing. 

Four

So I've seen this survey/questionnaire/(poll?) floating around on other people's blogs lately and did you catch Monday's post? May is crazy. And I mean, what's the fun of having a blog anyway if you can't do stupid stuff like this? Here we go.

Four Names People Call You
1- Auntie Hannah
2- Hannah Belle
3- Banana
4- Babe

Four Jobs You've Had
1- Nanny
2- Boston Market Server/Cashier/Drive-Thru
3- GEICO Claims Rep
4- Housewife (it's a job, ok?!)

Four Movies You've Watched More Than Once
1- You've Got Mail
2- Return to Me
3- Mary Poppins
4- Singin' In The Rain

Four Books You Would Recommend
1- Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (it's hysterical)
2- the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery (ok, so this is technically 8 books--sue me)
3- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
4- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

Four Places You've Lived
1- Hollisterville, PA
2- Winter Haven, FL
3- Clearwater, FL
4- Johannesburg, South Africa

Four Places You've Been
1- Joao Pessoa, Brasil
2- Paris, France
3- Cape Town, South Africa
4- London, England

Four Places You'd Like To Go
1- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2- Santorini, Greece
3- The Great Wall of China
4- Hawaii

Four of Your Favorite Foods
1- Pizza
2- Homemade Tacos
3- Olive Garden's Breadsticks dipped in their Alfredo Sauce (don't judge me)
4- Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Four TV Shows You Watch
1- Dancing With The Stars
2- Bones
3- Wheel of Fortune
4- Jeopardy

Four Things You're Looking Forward To This Year
1- A Referral and Traveling to Ethiopia (please God?)
2- Living Proof Live with Beth Moore
3- Family Vacation
4- Seeing the Rockettes in NYC (right Mom?)

Four Things You're Always Saying
1- Don't judge me.
2- You're just the cutest puppy.
3- Y'all.
4- I love you.

My DWTS Obsession

Ok, I'm a little hesitant to even mention this, but I am a big-time fan of Dancing With The Stars. Why the hesitation, you ask? Well, here's the deal: we don't do cable or hulu+ or anything like that so I watch the episodes on regular hulu eight days after they air. Eight days. Which is totally fine with me, but DWTS is a pretty huge show so if I'm listening to the radio or surfing the web and anything DWTS-related comes up, you will find me covering my ears and "la-la-la, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" as loud as I can, as quick as I can. I do not want to know what's going to happen before I see it. I do not want to know who got eliminated or who got the first perfect score of the season or ANYTHING before I get to watch it. Capiche? So having said all that, I cannot help but share one of the cutest dances ever this week on the blog.

But I swear, if you give anything away: I will cut you.

On this particular episode, all the remaining couples had to do what they call a trio dance and this is probably the best concept for a trio dance that I have seen on the show. I mean, Derek and Nastia aren't even my favorite couple this season (Go Riker & Allison! Go Rumer & Val!), but this dance is just too freakin' adorable. Way to go, Derek. Way to go.

But seriously though....

                                                                                                            .....do not tell me anything.

Casual Fridays

What a week, what a week! First of all, let me begin by saying that my brother and his wife were down again last weekend, and we had a little Yahtzee rematch. I totally killed with a whopping total score of 309. I'm pretty sure 2nd place was a full 20 points behind me. No brag, just fact. Ah, sweet justice!

Moving on, I'm going to need to gush for a second about where I live. Can you just check out the view from my window?

#wonderstruck

Look at those perfect, white, fluffy clouds on that gorgeous sky-blue backdrop. And I know those are just weeds that really need to be cleared out of there, but in the meantime, I am loving those yellow and purple flowers growing straight up out of the lake. We went to the beach on Sunday to celebrate my mommy-in-law's birthday, and it was the best day. I've been practically living outside this week. I know Cody and I may not live in Florida for the rest of our lives, but for right now, my heart is full. 

I know I just said I've practically been living outside, but I did come in for a few hours on Tuesday afternoon to watch Ramona and Beezus with my youngest sister-in-law. (Thanks for indulging me, Savannah!) Y'all, the first time I watched this movie, it became an instant favorite of mine. I love it so much. It's such a feel-good, wholesome family film, and I would highly recommend it if you've never seen it and are looking for something good. In fact, if you want to come over, I will pop up a big bowl of hot buttery popcorn and watch it with you. (Seriously. Girls Night In, anyone?) It never gets old. Maybe someday I will review some Ramona Quimby books on the blog, but sadly, I do not own a single one. *sigh*

Been listening to a lot of Ginny Owens this week. 

Particularly her Without Condition and Long Way Home albums.

She's so good.

Oh and this song. It's super-fun.

Colonel's Corner

So you know how last week I mentioned that Colonel was getting his first-ever haircut and how I was so petrified that they were going to ruin him? Well, he's cuter than ever. They did such a good job. He looks like a lean, handsome dog now instead of a shaggy little brown bear. I insisted Cody take some before and after pictures of us. He was thrilled to oblige, let me tell ya. You can see the results below. Maybe you can't really tell, but the difference is huge.

Before

After

Link Love           

-Letting Go of What's Not Coming Back

-Lifeboats and Other Escape Plans

-The Doghouse Diaries: Generosity

Quote of the Week

"I want the presence of God Himself, 

or I don't want anything at all to do with religion. 

I want all that God has or I don't want any."

-A.W. Tozer

I think I'll wrap this post up by telling you that I treated myself to a little back porch pedicure this week (I repeat, living outside lately), and I have decided that I will never be too old to paint my toenails Barbie hot pink. 

***

Be fabulous, and if you happen to be awake at 4 AM tomorrow morning, say a prayer for me. I'm chaperoning an all-nighter for a bunch of 5th and 6th grade girls tonight. 

#nevergrowingup

P.S. Sawyer Fredericks is in the Top 10. He is so winning this show.