My in-laws are in town and because I’m sweet and totally unselfish, I’ve agreed to let them plan our day. I’m leaving it completely to their discretion. WHATEVER they choose is fine with me.

Did I mention there’s a regional bridge tournament in town?

I don’t even have a partner, but I refuse to let that stop me. Some lucky person, asleep in their hotel room, worn out from the long drive but excited about the prospects of a win, is going to get up in the morning, go down to the partnership desk, and meet me!

Maybe I’ll wear one of my bridge sweaters, that should put them at ease.

AND intimidate my opponents. Win-Win!

I went to a conference this weekend five hours away. Well, it was SUPPOSED to be five hours, but because I was driving with two other women, and we laughed and chatted continuously, it actually took us 7.5. We got lost, turned around for no reason, stopped three times and generally participated in behavior that would have made our husbands insane.

Is it our fault the directions were confusing? 75 North for 340 miles. Everyone at the conference had the same question when told we got lost – HOW?

Whatever, the point is – traveling with women is fun. And exhausting. We were in training all day, every day, then each night we stayed up talking and laughing until almost midnight.

And in between, I proved my brilliance by completing the Genius Determiner game at Cracker Barrel AND kicking butt at Spades.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be sleeping till Tuesday.

The MoonPie wants to be a photographer when she gets older. I don’t know why. It must have something to do with the one work day per month. We had some folks over the other day and she grabbed the camera.

Excellent candid of Kim and I about to whip some serious booty in Play Nine.

Wow, I love the ironic posing of the mug reading “Bodies”, while simultaneously cutting OFF a piece of his body.

Good use of Negative Space! That’s a tough concept for beginners to get – good job MP!

I am pretty sure she has a great future as a photographer.

I’ll start praying for a rich husband now.

Yeah, I lost. I blame my parents. Why weren’t they holding kittens or feeding each other grapes? Kissing and laughing – that’s so old school.

Okay, I DIDN’T totally lose, I won 75 bucks, but I didn’t win the TOP prize.

Maybe the next contest theme will be “Bitter.” I’ve got my photo all lined up.

*Just kidding. I’m just happy to be nominated.

*Totally false statement in case someone stumbles onto this website other than my family.

I keep seeing stories in the media about how there’s no difference in the way CHURCH people and NON-church people live. Ugh.

So, why don’t we start acting like we BELIEVE what we say?  You know, stay married, be kind, don’t steal cable, quit gossiping, help the poor, etc. I may have missed a few but you get the point.

Feel free to call me out when you see me talking the talk, but not walking the walk!

And by “call me out”, I mean send me a private email.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It’s been out for awhile, but if you somehow missed it – find a copy today!

It’s the story of a man, a wanna-be race car driver, who marries, has a daughter and the drama that befalls them. And it’s told from the dog’s point of view. Funny, heart-wrenching, and moving. And it’s told from the DOG’S point of view. Like the DOG wrote the book.

In a related story, my dog eats poop. I have witnesses.

I played bridge last night. I PLAYED bridge. At a tournament.

And I came in dead last.

I blame my husband. He wasn’t my partner, but in the last year he hasn’t encouraged me to play at all.

I hereby rededicate myself to bridge. I shall not rest until I am a LIFE MASTER.

Or at least Saturday night when the tournament is over.

By the way, old people cheat.

Me: How was it?

MP: It was the BEST day of my life!

Me: So did you miss us at all?

MP: Mmmm, no.

JD: I put MoonPie’s name and our phone number in her backpack, but I left out our address in case it gets stolen.

Me: What are you talking about?

JD: I don’t want the little thieves knowing where we live!

Me: They’re 3rd graders. Are they going to rob us on their bicycles?

We had an awesome time at prayer on Tuesday night. It was just one of those times, you know, when the Holy Spirit is just RIGHT THERE? I can’t explain it, but I want to live there. I want to throw up a tent and camp out in His presence.

Anyway, this song played and the room came undone. I thought you might enjoy it.

Here are the lyrics:

Open our hearts,
To see the things
That make Your heart cry,
To be the church
The You would desire.
Light to be seen.

Break down our pride,
And all the walls
We’ve built up inside,
Our earthly crowns
And all our desires,
We lay at Your feet.

So let hope rise,
And darkness tremble
In Your holy light,
And every eye will see
Jesus, our God,
Great and mighty to be praised.

God of all days,
Glorious in all of Your ways.
Your majesty, the wonder and grace,
In the light of Your name.

With everything,
With everything,
We will shout for your glory.

With everything,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.

Our hearts will cry
Be glorified,
Be lifted high,
Above all names.
For You our King,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.

Enjoy your Sunday!

More lake swimming, less internet surfing. My boat works, the sun is out, the water is fine – I’m feeling normal and well-adjusted.

Too bad summer is almost over.