Shafferland Shuffle

* Last Sunday would have been my Grandma's 100th birthday, and it seemed only appropriate to celebrate her life. I am nowhere near the cake baker and decorator she was, but I did bake a Texas Sheet cake and lit candles in her honor. Love and miss her! We had a lazy day at home that day - but we managed to get outside for a walk late in the evening, and the prayer chapel was STUNNING at night with the light streaming through the stained glass!

 * Since Monday was Labor Day, I had the day off work. Ryan had to work, so I got up early with him and LOVED walking into the living room {as I often do in the mornings} to find him doing his devos. Makes my heart so happy. I had a busy day at home - including some fun reading in the hammock!! That night, we hit the gym for a workout...and it's busy again. Students are back in town!

* Tuesday, as you already read about, was our 21 month anniversary - and an odd one at that. That night, Ryan worked at the Greentown house, repairing a few things that need fixed before the place sells. I took pizza for dinner and then spent the evening hanging out with one of my friends while Ryan and Randy worked on the plumbing. We did a 9 p.m. run to Menards for more parts and topped off the evening with some Subway coffee...anniversary beverage of champions!

* Wednesday evening, I got the hankering for tomato basil soup {pretty sure that's the first time I've ever written that} so I made some from scratch. WOW. I impressed even my own self. We had that and some quesadillas for dinner, and then I hunkered down to watch the first episode of 19 Kids and Counting, because I'd missed it the night before. I won't lie. I cried through the whole thing. What. A. Sap. Ryan was a darling and put new windshield wipers on my car because mine were so bad that it was actually easier to see out the window BEFORE using them. I appreciated him doing that outside in the dark with a flashlight!

* Thursday morning, I had much fun with Lynne doing our BLT show. I always enjoy that. Thursday night was, of course, the start of football season, but it did not play at our house. Ryan wasn't home and I didn't care for the teams playing, so I sat at home working on random chores and drinking coffee by myself. :( Ryan was working his tail off at the other house again - still fixing plumbing. Also :(

* Friday morning I had one of the worst commutes ever. First there was some sort of police altercation in town...and then the never ending train...and then the narrow miss of being hit head-on by someone driving the wrong way down a one-way..and then I managed to miss getting hit by a semi running a red light {he blasted his horn to get my attention...thankful!!!} and I was just glad to get to work in ONE PIECE! Despite all that, the sunrise was gorgeous and the day was good. That night, Ryan just wanted to stay home since he'd hardly BEEN home all week. We got pizza and a movie and just cuddled up on the couch for the night - ending with watching Matlock while a storm raged outside. {We're old. But fun.}

* Yesterday we had an actual lazy day at home. Like the kind where we didn't even get up until after 9 a.m. That NEVER happens. We made breakfast and enjoyed a leisurely day at home. In the afternoon, we ventured forth for a  much needed ice cream date and then he spoke the words that nearly undid me: "Do you mind if we go to Hobby Lobby?" I swoon. He always cracks me up in stores...picture below is case in point. That night I experimented with a homemade low-fat pumpkin spice latte. It was pretty good!

The Saturday Six

One.

Source

My in-laws live in a GORGEOUS log cabin in the woods, so since joining this family, I've developed a new appreciation for beautiful log homes. Found this one over at Between Naps on the Porch. I think my favorite thing is the fireplace on the screened in porch.

Two.

Source

Did you see this article floating around? Some firefighters went to a home after receiving a call that a man had a heart attack. After he was taken to the hospital, they went back and finished mowing his lawn and put away the mower. Love stories that show the good still in the world.

Three.

Source

Well, one of my friends I've met through work thought of me when he read this article. Ryan and I will consider it an accomplishment to hit all 92 counties in Indiana. Apparently we have several thousand more to go...to get all of them in the entire country. Sweet goodness.

Four.

Source

I love THIS beautiful reminder that just because a dream changes doesn't mean it's died {or failed}.

Five.

Source

I shared a long time ago the video story of Ian and Larissa - and now their book is out! I can't wait to get it and read their love story. Man...it takes love to a WHOLE new level. Huge amounts of respect for these two and not only what they live out in real life every day, but what they teach others.

Six.

One of my current favorite songs. Goose bumps every time. Mercy....LOVE this one.

Tributes and Such

Yesterday on our BLT show, we spent the hour sharing stories of some of the best traits we inherited from our parents {or grandparents} {or mentors}. It got me all in the mood to pay tribute to some of the people who have made me who I am so today is tribute day here in old Shafferland.

I mentioned a couple of days ago that last Sunday would have been my Grandma Kesot's 100th birthday, so I'm going to start with her.

Grandma Kesot: Grandma was already retired {all my grandparents were, actually} when I was born so I remember her as a stay-at-home wife who dearly loved being with her husband. In fact, I think that's where I got the idea that you can be married forever and still genuinely enjoy spending time with your spouse. It wasn't just something she said. It was something she did. She loved her family and doted on us. She cooked for and hosted all the holidays, and she baked {and decorated} cakes for all our birthdays. Grandma and I became extra special buddies during my high school years, after my Grandpa died. I spent a lot of weekends at her house, and I loved that time with her. I appreciated her undying devotion to everyone she loved, and I hope that her love for and dedication to my Grandpa is something I replicate in my love for Ryan.

Grandpa Kesot: Well, Grandpa had much more of a quiet strength about him than I've EVER had about me, but one of the things I remember most about him was that sweet twinkle in his eye. He could say so much{good} with one look. He was so funny...so often when he didn't mean to be. He'd get words mixed up {like the time he told us all the cartridges wore out in his knees} and then those words would become our words. I can't even come UP with the word cartilage now without much effort. We'd tease him and he took it all in good-natured stride. Grandpa died when I was going into my freshman year of high school, and I miss him. I appreciated the gentle way he served as our family patriarch and if I ever stop being so bull-in-a-china-shop, I hope to find within me some of his gentleness.

Grandma Freelan: Grandma and I were buddies...and if there's one thing about her in her dealings with me...she was long-suffering. When I was little, she'd come stay with us for a couple weeks at a time now and then, and when she did, I took over. I played nurse and she was my patient. I played teacher and she was my student. I played piano instructor and she sat dutifully on the bench and pressed her thumb against middle C for four counts before I gave her a check mark on that page. She was so patient. {Yeah, I didn't inherit that one.} The other thing I remember about her was how devoted she was to her prayer time, and I'll tell you what...until the day she died, I was one of the three most-prayed-for-ever grandkids you ever met.

Grandpa Freelan: I didn't want you to think I ignored him, but he died before I was born, so I can't tell you what I remember most!

Mom: I shared this on BLT this week, but my Mom is a funny lady, and I have been told I have a delightful blend of both my parents' sense of humor. And the thing I shared on the air was that I always appreciated her devotion to her quiet time. She's a morning person {yeah didn't get that either} and I remember watching her do her devotions while I ate breakfast before school. A million things to do before she headed out to work, but she always made time for that and it was such a great example to me. And my goodness, does she ever have a servant's heart. She lives to help others, and I admire that so much about her.


Dad: The other half of my sense of humor came from this one. He's funny too, though in a completely opposite way from Mom. Dad is a HARD worker and has put in many late nights {got that from him} working to make sure everything was in order for the family. And from him, I inherited my love of studying the Bible and really digging in to learn all sorts of things about it. I appreciate the foundation he gave me in an above-average knowledge of Scripture when I was just a little thing!

And now I have the joy of a whole new family - with in-laws! I have two mothers-in-law and two fathers-in-law and I appreciate so much how all four of them have welcomed me in and made me feel like I belong. They're all kind, generous people who have been a joy to get to know in the last two years.

Ryan's dad (Gary) and step-mom (Lynn) have included us in their celebrations, they made the trip to Florida for our wedding, and I enjoy it when Lynn sends a text out of the blue to share about something she read on the blog or a fond memory she has of time spent with us. I really treasure that! I appreciate witnessing their love for and commitment to one another and to the family.

Ryan's mom (Nita) and step-dad (Allen) have made me feel every bit as much their child as Ryan is. I've appreciated their hospitality, Nita's photography documentation of our relationship, and their constant willingness to help us with anything we need. I also appreciate how they've included my parents as part of their huge family too! They're encouraging and affirming to both of us, and we appreciate that.

And of course I saved the best for last. Ryan has really changed my life, not just in all the obvious ways, but in the character traits he teaches me on a daily basis. He is such a good listener. He's hysterical and can get me to laugh even when I am so sad or so angry. He loves me even when I'm {ahem} grouchy. And probably THE biggest thing I've learned from him is how to have a generous spirit. He gives and gives and gives to anyone in need. He always sees the good and the potential in people and wants to help in any way he can. I've watched him buy a tank of gas for a total stranger {while I huddled in the corner with the phone at the ready to call 911 because I have watched too much TV}, I've watched him haul a car a long distance for my co-worker who had no way to get it to the shop, I've watched him sweep branches off the roof of his great-aunt and uncle who couldn't do it themselves, I've watched him help his co-worker bust up a slab of concrete and haul it away, and I've watched him treat his patients with dignity and the utmost in kindness as they struggle to rehab. He is amazing. I'm blessed to get to learn from him every day.

 Oh goodness. I could go on for days. {And some of you already think I have.} But these are just a few of the folks who have showed me how to live well. I'm grateful to have been part of their lives. And I hope SO MUCH that I can leave even a fraction of this in the lives of others. Truly.

Join me? Honor some people who have blessed you? 

21 Months and Counting!

We had possibly the strangest monthly anniversary celebration we've had yet...this week.

Tuesday was our 21 month anniversary, and our first day back to reality after the lovely Labor Day weekend I told you about yesterday. No more leisurely days. Back to a schedule.

I've had people ask me why we celebrate these anniversaries every month. It's much more my gig than it is Ryan's, but he's a great sport about it. Why do I want to do it? Well, part of it is because I waited for stinking ever to get married, and now I want to celebrate the daylights out of the thing. And too, if just looking at the news tells you anything at all, it's that we have no promise of tomorrow. If something were to happen to either one of us, I would want the other one to look back with NO regrets about this marriage we have. To have beautiful memories of a marriage well celebrated and fully lived.

And so it's important to me to celebrate...somehow, some way, every month on the second day of the month. Usually if that day falls on a weekend or holiday, we'll go out and do something fun, but it's not uncommon for us to celebrate at home - watching TV and grilling out.

It is, however, unusual for us to celebrate by fixing plumbing.

And by we, of course, I mean Ryan. 

We are still working on selling Ryan's house. As a quick update, we are ever, EVER so hopeful that an end is in sight. We're holding our breath and praying fervently that the offer placed in July will finally be completed this month...thank you SO much to those of you who have prayed along with us on this long, long journey.} He told me over the weekend that there was some repair work he wanted to do in the garage before the house sells, and Tuesday was the night for it.

Enter operation: take the anniversary on the road.

First up? Dinner!! Ryan's friend Randy came over to help him work, and I have a friend from high school that lives in Greentown, so I asked her if she wanted to hang out for a bit that evening while the guys worked, and she said yes! On my way to Greentown, I stopped to pick up a pizza and breadsticks...

We all congregated on the back deck and chowed down on pizza and leftover Sheet Cake and had an anniversary party {plus two guests} while I got ceremoniously eaten by mosquitoes.

After dinner, I packed up all the food {hello, mosquitoes, this girl does NOT share pizza!!!} and Ryan and Randy got to work on the repairs:

And Amber and I went for a long walk!

I wanted to surprise Ryan with our traditional anniversary coffee , so I went to Subway {coffee options are limited in this town} and got coffee for two!

It's possible that when I arrived back at the house, I arrived in a rather inopportune moment...right in the middle of things not going well. Ryan met me at the door with sweat pouring off his face, and there I stood with piping hot coffee. WHOOPSIE!!!

About 9:00, they decided they needed more parts from the store, so off we went to the date destination of choice!!

We got back to the house, and while they finished up the repairs, I did my workout video {from my phone in an empty room} - and then we posed for our official photo:

Twenty-one months ago, we looked SLIGHTLY more polished than this. This day was much more real-life. But we did our best to celebrate and enjoy a night "together" while still being responsible adults!

Thanks, Ryan, for putting up with my {insane to some} monthly celebrations and for your dedication and continued hard work to make this home all it can be for the people who want to buy it. I love you!! You are an inspiration and example to me...your big-haired, picnic-party-loving wife.

The Non-Laborious Days

I have to tell you...this past weekend was l.o.v.e.l.y.

Lovely.

We didn't go anywhere. For the most part, we didn't really do anything. Nothing blog-worthy {though you'll notice it's not stopping me from writing a possibly-too-long post on it anyway}. But oh my goodness. How truly lovely.

Last Friday, I only had to work a half day, and Lynne was out the whole day, so I had the opportunity to work from home! And that was a joy. My hour-long commute was reduced to approximately .0005 seconds, while I walked into the office.

It was heavenly. I nearly worked up a sweat cranking out all the work in half the time...breaking only to refill the coffee cup. {Which, thankfully, did not break.}

And I actually got to enjoy the sun from my desk...which was an exciting treat!

I realize this is not everyone's cup of tea, but one of my greatest joys on the days I happen to get to be home - for whatever reason - is the chance to be Ryan's wife, first and foremost. So that afternoon, I did just that, working on chores around the house...cleaning up, doing laundry, and getting a chance to really work on my exercise and my devo time in the quietness of home. Strange as it may sound, I treasured those opportunities!

Another happy thing that afternoon was the chance to get together with one of my friends for frozen yogurt. We spent a couple hours just catching up on life, and I appreciated the time to enjoy and savor that!

Friday night, I had a date with my handsome husband:

Dinner at Noodles and Company...coffee at Starbucks...and a giant tie-up on I-69. Of course. Because it would not be a trip for us if we didn't spend twice as much time as necessary on the interstate.

And then it was Saturday...and sadly, Ryan had to work. :(

But while he was gone, I knocked the scrapbooking out of the park. I did an entire 60-some page book IN ONE DAY. I just couldn't quit working on it once I started!

And I would just like to say that I really appreciate the way Ryan supports my scrapbooking habit. How he understands that not only is this a good creative outlet for me, but he also appreciates the way it preserves our story. As we looked through the book on the computer after I finished it, he mentioned that some of the things, he'd already forgotten, and he thanked me for my hard work in putting it all together to have for always.

It wasn't all play and no work...I did manage to work out, do a pedicure and go grocery shopping. 

And then it was Sunday...and it was our one day together in the long weekend. We so enjoyed our church service. I was a note-taking fool during the sermon. And because I got up early enough to put lunch in the crock pot before we left, we could start eating about 35 seconds after walking in the door! :)

We had a Sunday afternoon like it should be: naps, Duggar marathons, hours of Pinteresting, and I made a Texas Sheet cake to honor my grandma's life. Sunday would have been her 100th birthday.

That night, we went on a walk...and it was perfect walking weather. We had a great time, and nothing is more beautiful than this chapel lit up in the almost-darkness.

We rounded out the day by becoming possibly the last people on earth to watch God's Not Dead. {Loved it, by the way.}

And then it was Labor Day itself...and again, Ryan had to work. I got up early, dyed my roots, packed his lunch, did my devos, worked on a plan for an anniversary trip, spent more time with the Lord, and the whole time, THIS girl was my number one "helper."

Since there was a threat of rain, I thought I should take advantage of the sun to read for a while in the hammock.

And then I proceeded to be very productive. I cooked. I cleaned. I shopped. {Only for necessities, you understand.} And when Ryan got home, we headed to the gym, where I proceeded to head straight for the arm weights. I've noticed {ahem} the beginning stages of the "Bricker Swing"...a hereditary arm flab condition that plagues the women of the family. I'm determined to at least give it a run for its money.

And I finished off the night with a manicure...fully ready to re-enter the commuting work force on Tuesday with decent nails.

I loved it. I loved this weekend. I was sad that Ryan had to work so much, but I loved the ability to do the things that bring me such fulfillment at home. It was a gift, this weekend. The rest and the work were a gift...dancing in rhythm...and I appreciate them both. My heart is full and grateful.

Vacation Misc.

I have just a few final thoughts about our vacation that I thought you might find entertaining. They didn't really fit in the other posts.

I told you our hotel was right by the Ohio River...and there was a HUGE bridge right there. We crossed it a few times into Kentucky to eat. I loved the architecture of the bridge!

 The sign on the gas station where we stopped just over the Kentucky line. We had not, in fact, et yet.

 Friday evening, after we toured Spencer County, Ryan was in the mood for BBQ, so he did some research, and he found this place in Owensboro, Kentucky, about 20 minutes away from us. We made the trip!

 The food really was very good, and the people were so polite...yes ma'am and no sir. Loved it. I ordered a little sammich with chips but Ryan...well...he was hungry. Here are his platters:

 {For the record, that is a broccoli casserole, not a giant helping of guacamole!!!}

Partway through our meal, our waiter came by, looked at Ryan's progress and said "Did you want me to bring the other half of that bird?"

Not, perhaps, our proudest consumer moment. Ryan did decline...and he also finished the food. No, SERIOUSLY. Finished it.

 When the waiter came back and looked at his empty plates, he said, "I've never seen anybody clean that up so fast."

Again. Not our proudest moment.

Ryan was grateful.

 In case you're wondering how Ryan does laundry.

 Saturday night, after our trip to Holiday World, we were in the mood for Mexican food, so we went BACK to Owensboro and found The Real Hacienda...which made me wonder about the apparently fake Hacienda I've been eating at for lo these many years?

Ryan paused to play with the mariachi band outside...

 He hadn't had a big meal in a while...

 Yep. That's two nights in a row.

 Sunday morning, our last day of vacation, we made our way to the river bank to have church for two before we came home. It was so lovely out there. Hot, for sure, but peaceful and serene.

 On our way home...we stopped at a Sonic. Oh, oh, oh. How I love my Sonic.

Vacation...done! What a great weekend. Thankful for this time away...and thankful for you putting up with the recap!!

Holiday World, Baby!!!

Remember last week when I told you about our vacation to southern Indiana? The whole reason for the trip was to go to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari...and just a quick reminder...I'm petrified of rides. Got it?

We got there early - because Ryan didn't want to miss a moment!! Pretty cool...they have free parking. If you could see the amount of cars in those parking lots, you could understand a little better how truly remarkable that is. Here we are with the official Holiday World water tower. 

 Had to get through security to get inside. Oh sweet goodness. You know how I feel about getting through security. But this time it actually went well!

 When the park opened, we walked around for a while, kind of getting our bearings and making a plan for the day. The roller coaster side of the park opened before the water park side, so the crowds thinned out once that began. Do not even think for one MINUTE I was going to get on one of those coasters.

I mean seriously:

We made our way near the entrance of the water park and rented a locker to stash our stuff for the day. We took this picture right next to our locker...and do you see that little ride in the background? Not the giant roller coaster climbing up and out of sight. The little one next to it...

 It's the "little log ride." The one Ryan wanted me to try...as an entry level ride. I stared at it for a while...watched the little cars float through the water and climb the belt before disappearing down the other side. He convinced me it was harmless and I could do this. So I gathered my courage and made my way back toward the entrance to the ride. THAT'S when I learned this was the name of the ride:

 ARE YOU STINKING KIDDING ME?????

We got in the line, which was mercifully short, and when our turn came for the ride, we climbed in the car. It seats four in a row, and Ryan told me I could sit wherever I wanted. I told him to sit in the very front {as if I remotely wanted to be the first one down this harrowing ride} and I sat directly behind him and wrapped myself around him much like a girl on the back of a motorcycle. I wrapped my arms around him so tightly, he said I nearly broke a rib.

I secured my legs against either side of the car, and screamed my fool head off as the car began to float through the water. The car had metal bars on each side, so I have some lovely bruises to show for my bracing adventures. We climbed that hill, I buried my face in his neck and screamed {read: BLOOD CURDLING SCREAMS} all the way down until we got to the end.

For the record. Two kids were in the car behind us. Not a peep. This should bother me, but it does not.

Back into the water park we went, where Ryan rode this bad boy. He said it was best that I did not. I concur. And if I had KNOWN that the little deck there was an observation deck, you can better know I would have been on it taking pictures. Next time, I will know this.

 Ryan's next ride of choice was the Mammoth. It had a HUGE line, but it also had a line for single riders, and since I was out of the picture for the day, he was able to stand in that line. The singles filled the empty seats in the six-person rafts, so he got through pretty quickly and rode with these brave folks. I DID find an observation deck for this ride. {By the way: thanks, Holiday World, for making those. It makes a great thing for those of us who find more pleasure in photographing our family than riding with them!!}

 He did a water slide. If it had been perfectly horizontal the whole way, I would have ridden it too. Maybe.

 And then...this one. NO HANDS. I couldn't even look.

 About this ride {pictures above and below are from the same ride}...there was a long line, and when he finally got to the top and was ready to come down, they halted all rides, because some guy lost his sunglasses, and two life guards spent about five minutes diving to search for them. They were successful and the line reopened...and Ryan came down. In between the time I took this picture and he got out of the water, a kid tossed his cookies over to the right. Ryan came up to me and said, "I think you could handle this ride if you did one of the smaller slides." My response? "There's puke. We're out." I'm such a chicken.

 In addition to the free parking and the fabulous observation deck, two other things I REALLY appreciated about this place were the free drinks and the free sunscreen. They had these sunscreen stations all over the park with big gallon jugs of sunscreen and huge pumps sticking out from the top. We stopped several times to add more...it was a super sunny day! And it was SO HOT. They had oasis stations all over the park, and any time we wanted we could stop in and fill up a cup with ice and water - or Gatorade - or pop. Unlimited. For as hot and humid as this day was, THAT was a blessing. Cold, unlimited hydration.

 For the record, I did ride the lazy river and the wave pool, and we did take pictures, but they're on the waterproof camera, and we've not gotten them yet.

Mid-afternoon, we took an ice cream break and stopped to watch the diving show. It was about a half hour long and included a diver who set himself on fire before putting OUT the fire in the pool:

 And the five member dive. They told us the lowest diver on this tower is diving from the height of the high dive at the Olympics. I shivered.

 Diving from the top.

 We stayed until late afternoon when our feet were killing us, we were hot and sweaty, and much in need of showers and dinner. This picture was actually taken at the start of the day, not the end, but I thought it would be a good ending photo.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I ride more rides? Unlikely. But there's still plenty of fun to be had without the rides. Maybe next time, Ryan can take a brave buddy, and I can photograph them both!