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!

Shafferland Shuffle

* Last Sunday was our last day of vacation. Sigh. We enjoyed a very leisurely morning at the hotel before we checked out, and then we made our way to a little roadside park on the Ohio River and had church for two...and loved it. We had gorgeous weather for our drive home - and some crazy fluffy clouds! Ryan {good husband that he is} made sure we scouted out a Sonic for our drive home, and that made it a PERFECT trip! So thankful for a long weekend together - with great weather {during waking hours, anyway} the whole time!

* Monday was a busy day! I had to work so hard to get ahead for two more days off...and then after work, Ryan raced against the rain to mow all the yards. He ALMOST made it! I was busy inside, baking cookies, doing laundry, and getting my prescription ready for the big dental event. It was good for me to be so busy, to be able to keep my mind off what was ahead!

* Tuesday morning was the procedure! Ryan and I got up early and drove to Fort Wayne to the dentist's office. Ryan was so sweet to take care of me, as I did get a little teary-eyed on the way there. The whole thing lasted about five hours, and after it was over, I felt SO GOOD! {Other than being crazy sleepy all day.} Lynne sent flowers to my house and Ryan got me a beautiful card...I felt so loved!

* I couldn't go to work on Wednesday because I hadn't been free of the happy sleepy pills for 24 hours yet. So I stayed home for a second day and just enjoyed some REST. I did a lot of scrapbooking, enjoyed the get well card {and gift card!} that came in the mail, had an impromptu Starbucks date with Ryan when he got home from work, and we even went for a walk that night and took in a spectacular sunset. I was most surprised and thankful that I again had NO PAIN.

* I returned to work on Thursday, where I found the sweetest note on my desk...Ryan left it while I was in the dentist's chair, so I could find it when I came back. I'd missed the annual office cookout while I was gone, but when I came back, they had THE MOST DELICIOUS watermelon left, and I may have eaten an embarrassing amount of it. That night, Ryan grilled chicken and veggies for me. SO GOOD.

* Friday I had the opportunity to work from home for half a day, and I LOVED the commute! Can't beat that! That night was date night, and Ryan and I tried out a restaurant we'd not been to before...Noodles and Company! We really liked it...and the Starbucks that followed. It was pretty much a perfect little Friday!

* Ryan had to work yesterday, so while he was gone, I got on this crazy scrapbooking kick and ended up doing an ENTIRE book in one day. It was some kind of record. Got our entire reception book done in one fell swoop! I was glad to see Ryan come home...and so was Miss Braeya Jo. We took it easy the rest of the day...resting and heading to the grocery to stock up on our official Sunday night fare for football season: nacho stuff and plenty of coffee!

The Saturday Six

One.

Source

I am a big fan of Annie Downs' writing, and I'm excited to interview her next month! Her new book, Let's All Be Brave, is very well done, and now she has launched this new site to celebrate the many ways people live bravely every day. I love it. Can't wait to read the stories!

Two.

My mother-in-law sent me this video last week. This is what I FULLY EXPECTED my post-dental visit to look like. {Except I anticipated looking much worse.}SERIOUSLY HILARIOUS video. Watch it.

Three.

And I was right about looking worse. This is the video Ryan took of me. Let's just say that dental sedation + hiccups = oh. my. word.

Four.

I worked from home Friday morning, and after my work was done, I had the chance to enjoy my devotions for as long as I wanted, in the quietness of my home office. I actually don't really like it to be TOO quiet, but I don't like to be distracted by TV either. So I listened to this instrumental music, which I found through Ann Voskamp's website. {She streams his music for her readers.}

Five.

See this bench? Guess what? It's made entirely from bottle caps. True story! My parents' church collected all kinds of plastic bottle for a while and then submitted them to this company and they made a bench from them! How cool is that?

  Six.

I talked about this on my Facebook page this week and realized some of you newer readers might not know about it, so I'd revisit it here! Ryan and I had our wedding cake topper made from a photo of us walking hand in hand. This company takes photos and turns them into sturdy acrylic cake toppers. We loved it so much.