Pheebs and Rain and Rest

Saturday morning, when I woke up, I had "that feeling" in my throat. You know the one I mean, right? It's scratchy but not sore, and your voice sounds funny but not bad, and you're mildly achy but not sick? That one.

Ugh.

I refuse to get sick. I'm still mentally recovering from being sick from October-December last year. No more. I said no.

But I think one of the best pieces of medicine is this little cutie patootie right here, and it just so happened that she came over for the whole day!

Ryan had to work, so Pheebs and I alternated resting on the couch with going for long walks. The weather app kept saying rain would be coming, and I hated for her to be all cooped up inside all day, so I took her out for walks often, each time thinking it would probably be the last, and then the rain kept holding off, so we kept enjoying more walks!

Here's a peek into our lazy day:

She's just a gem (unless you ask Braeya) and we love having her. It was a treat! And it was so lovely to just be able to rest with her.

Right about the time Miss Pheebs left, the rain settled in, and it was Ryan's favorite kind of rain: gentle and calming. He was excited to be out in the garage (still) working on the cabinets in the perfect weather.

When I woke up yesterday, I felt some better, but I knew I wasn't out of the woods yet, so after church, we just pulled out Mo and rested the entire day. I took multiple naps and drank a lot of water and coffee, diffused my oils, and took extra vitamins. The rain came in full fury in the afternoon, so I snuggled up under the blanket, with Cupcake Wars on TV and just took it easy.

(And I asked Ryan why the 70ish degrees we enjoyed couldn't have made an appearance the PREVIOUS Saturday when we were running in the freezing rain all over the Notre Dame campus!)

Hope your weekend was filled with much rest as well - despite the weather and the potential germs. :)

Linking up with Tamar!

The Shafferland Shuffle

Last week of March!! Is it spring break week where you live? If so, I hope you're getting to enjoy warmth! :)

* Last Sunday was the height of rest around here - for everyone! Naps, reading, scrapbooking, just enjoying the day. The only thing that would have made it better was a nice, long walk!

* Monday we woke up to crazy rain/storms, which is, I suppose, appropriate for the first official day of spring. Also exciting markers of the first official day of spring? Buds on trees (I'd so feared our pretty white flowering tree started too early and would die off when the freeze returned) and free ice cream cones from Dairy Queen! We got the new guy when we went, which I knew would either result in extra small cones or extra big ones. We lucked out! :)

* Tuesday was another therapy day for Mom, and she's doing really well! I attended, like always and helped by drinking coffee and watching. (Don't you wish I could assist in all your endeavors?) I go because I have SUCH A CRUSH on the guy who does her therapy. I did some child-care that night, and then enjoyed the most amazing sunset. I was so happy to see it! I miss pretty sunsets.

* Wednesday was a long, hard day here in Shafferland. Hard conversations and lots of prayer. I should clarify that we had hard days independently, which is awkward, because then we were both too tired to really pick each other up very well! That evening, Ryan went to the garage to keep working on the cabinets and pray and I spent some time reading Scripture and praying. (And crying in the bathroom. Full disclosure. LOL.) We weren't so sorry to see Wednesday go.

* Thursday morning I had to get our tires rotated, and I totally forgot to take my book to read while I waited! So I had a stare-down with the tires. They won. I got a beautiful surprise in the mail when a friend sent me a subscription to the Magnolia Journal! :) That was such fun. And at the end of the day? Got to hang out with the kiddos I've been watching some. It was fun!

* Friday I spent most of the day in the kitchen, baking meals for our friends and family who had surgery lately. It was so much fun to put together a little blessing basket for them, and then when Ryan got off work, we went on a delivery tour! We ate our own dinner so early and so fast that we were kind of hungry, so Ryan made a bowl of popcorn. It turned out to be a REALLY BIG BOWL. we ate every last bit. Don't tell.

* When we woke up yesterday morning, neither of us felt really great. Not full-on sick, but just worn out. So Ryan went to work, and I got busy around the house, and then GUESS WHO CAME TO HANG OUT FOR THE WHOLE DAY???? If you guessed our Phoebe-girl, you'd be right! I felt more justified resting on the couch with her in my lap! :) Always a treat to have her!

The Saturday Six

One.

Listen to the podcast here.

So if you hang out on Pinterest much, I'm going to guess you've seen one of the creations from this week's Conversation Cafe guest, Shannon Long. She is a blogger over at Sweet Blessings, but she has created these Scripture writing plans that are all over Pinterest. I've been using them this year (they're just collections of Scripture references for each month, and you look them up and write out the verses) and have been learning much through this practice! I wanted to hear the story behind them, so she was kind enough to join me, tell a bit of her story and how Scripture writing impacted her during a really severe health crisis! We talked for about a half hour - hope you can take a listen and check out her plans!

Two.

 What a beautifully and succinctly written post that addresses the truth that God is using each of us RIGHT NOW. It's not about grand dreams of how He may use us in the future, though certainly He will use us then, too. But now matters just as much! I loved this, Jessica! Thanks for writing it!

Three.

 If you're a book lover, do you love finding out little snippets of the story behind the story? This week I read A.H. Gabhart's newest novel, Murder is No Accident (review below) and I stumbled upon this article that gives a peek into how she chose one of the main settings for the book. It gives no spoilers, I promise, and is fun to read!

Four.

This 3 minute video parody showed up in my Facebook feed this week, and maybe it showed up in yours too. But if not, and if you're a fan of the HGTV show House Hunters, you've got to watch it! 

Five.

So, last weekend (as you saw), Ryan not only surprised me with tickets to see the GVB - with David one last time! - but he also treated me to David's brand new CD, which is a hymns project. I was raised on hymns and certainly went through my rebellious teen phase when I felt they were so not cool and didn't want to listen to them, but apparently I'm old now or something, because I dearly love them again, and this album is SO GOOD. Hymns projects always interest me because it seems there are about a dozen hymns that are must-have-standards, and you're guaranteed to find at least three from that list on any collection. And that's true of this one. He's got How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace on the list. But he also has several that I've never heard on any hymns project, and that's what I love about this one! Only Trust Him and Until Then and Victory in Jesus, which is Ryan's favorite. (David does a duet with his equally talented daughter on that one!) So of course I have to say if you're looking for some new music, PICK DAVID!!!!

Six.

Source

After a few weeks of reading and reviewing non-fiction  books, I was excited to slip over into the world of fiction this week. Anyone else ever need a virtual vacation to a book world now and then? And Hidden Springs would be just the kind of town I'd love to visit for a low-key vacation, but my goodness. Seems like every time a new book comes out, someone's died in town, so maybe I don't want to visit!

Except I do dearly love this little fictional town and all the people in it. It's the kind of series that makes me giddy to see a new book coming out, because I so want to go back and see everyone again! Murder is No Accident is the third book in A.H. Gabhart's series (Hidden Springs Mysteries) and it was as suspenseful as books one and two! (Follow the links on "one" and "two" to read my thoughts on those books.)

In this third installment of Hidden Springs life, we meet teenager Maggie Greene, a budding writer who finds much joy in tip-toeing into the tower room high above Miss Fonda Elwood's grand old house. Miss Fonda is in a senior living facility now and is not always accused of being lucid, but before her mind slipped entirely, she'd told Maggie she was welcome to go into the house anytime she wanted. Maggie feared the rest of the town (starting with her mother, who was hired to keep the house clean, and ending with law enforcement, who are hired to keep trespassing at bay) won't see the invitation from the dementia-riddled lady quite as openly as she does, hence the tip-toeing.

Sneaking in and out works well until the day she Maggie hears a scuffle on the floor below the tower and emerges to find a body at the bottom of the stairs. She calls 911 to report it, but quickly panics at the idea of explaining how she came upon the body, and flees the scene.

That puts Deputy Michael Keene back on the murder-mystery-solving scene, which he rather hopes will end soon so he can start feeling like life in the little town is uneventful once again. He'd rather reserve the title "eventful" for his love life, but unfortunately that's the part of life that seems to be at a standstill.

As the days go by, Michael becomes increasingly aware that the woman at the bottom of the stairs did not trip on her high heels and fall to an untimely, but natural death. A second body, some threats, and a whole lot of suspicious folk leave him scrambling for answers before things get any worse. And while he wishes the happenings of the town would leave him too busy to think about the lovely Alexandria and her confusing waffling of interest/non-interest in him, she seems to override every thought he has.

The book packs a lot of action into a short amount of time, and it also brings in great faith and life lessons alongside the suspenseful mystery. (Full disclosure. I started this book after lunch one day and promised Ryan I would not stay up late to finish it. And then I couldn't put it down. He laughed when I read the last page before going to bed. I couldn't help it!!! I had to know who did it!!) I hope there is at least one more book to take me back to Hidden Springs! I still have a few questions I'd love to see answered!

* Revell send me a complimentary copy of this book but did not require a review in exchange. All opinions are my own! *
 

Do the Thing

What I'm about to say is not new. In fact, it's (I'm sure) not even the first time I've blogged about it. But it's one of those things that bears repeating, because for as simple as it is, we all seem to forget it. I needed a reminder this week, so maybe you do too.

This week was heavy in Shafferland. Nothing bad happened - no need to worry - but it was just one of those weeks when adulting piled up on us and no one likes excessive adulting. Hard conversations, hard decisions, lots of questions, lots of prayer, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies to survive the thing. (You've been there. You know it!)

I was actually in the middle of baking said batch of cookies - for Ryan, of course - when I went out to check the mail. Have I mentioned that the mail is my most favorite moment of the entire day? I think our mail carrier thinks I'm certifiably nuts because she knows I'm watching for her and sometimes even rush out to greet her as soon as she arrives. I'm such a toddler about mail!

Anyway. So I went to get the mail, and much to my surprise, I found this in the box:

What? Where did this come from? Is it really mine?

But it was right there with my name on a label. No mis-delivery.

Someone gifted me a subscription to the Magnolia Journal!

I had no idea who had done it, but I was one grateful girl, and after lunch, I curled up on the couch with a blanket, my coffee, and the magazine for a relaxing, heart-soothing hour.

Since I didn't know who to thank for this lovely gift, I took to Facebook and said how grateful I was, and I was so happy that my gift-giver spoke up! She wanted to thank me for helping her with something and so thoughtfully surprised me.

A couple of hours later, when I went to see Ryan at work, he handed me a card he'd been asked to pass along my way. I opened it and found the nicest note inside. Just kind, affirming words from a friend who wanted to brighten my day.

Suddenly the hard, adulting-filled week felt lighter.

Nothing huge, right? But isn't it astounding how small things like notes and thank-you gifts can lift the spirit?

I am trying to be better at paying attention to the little nudges in my soul when people come to mind. A quick text or a card in the mail or a batch of really good cookies to share - it doesn't have to be major. It's just good to reach out with an "I see you," or "I appreciate you." It goes a long way.

I'm reminding you and I'm reminding myself: when someone comes to mind, reach out. Do the thing. Show some love. We all need it!

Trip Planning in Shafferland

The sun has been out for two days now, which means I'm ready for vacation. Never mind that it hasn't been remotely warm...but did you hear the part about the sun?

Shari asked me yesterday how Ryan and I picked our county tours, and her question sparked a little blog post in my mind! Trip planning!! There is, of course, no right or wrong way to plan a trip, but I thought it would be fun to write a post on it. Maybe you can glean a tip or two, and if nothing else, in thirty years, I can look back and laugh at how I did things. (Because you know, if I'd been writing this thirty years ago, we'd be talking about stocking up on Traveler's Checks and buying a new atlas!)

So here's how trip planning goes in Shafferland:

Choosing a Date and Location:
* We start early around here, because Ryan does not have the kind of job that allows him to just decide on a Wednesday that he wants to take a long weekend. We typically choose our vacation dates and locations 3-5 months in advance so he can be sure to get the time off work.

* We choose our locations based on the amount of time we'll be gone. If it's a long weekend kind of thing, we won't go far, because we don't want to spend all our time traveling. We also choose where we land based on the cost for the time of year. We try really hard to avoid peak seasons everywhere because stuff is so much more expensive. I have a road trip board on Pinterest where I try to pin ideas as I see them throughout the year, so when planning time actually arrives, I have some options already waiting.

Research:
* As soon as we have the date and the location, we launch into research mode. Ryan normally takes over research for lodging. He has unending patience for reading pages and pages of reviews, so he usually hunts out the best deal he can find. We have also created standards about the difference between saving a buck and risking a communicable disease. You remember this hotel, right?

* I normally do all the rest of the trip research, because I'm the one with the unending patience for hunting through Pinterest and other forms of social media for fun things to do and see while we're gone. I'm such a nerd that I'll create a Word document with a full itinerary of each day, including all the names and addresses of not just where we'll stay, but also plans for restaurants, excursions, and other fun. (And as needed, ticket prices and websites.)

* I always ask the locals, if I know any locals. Internet research is great, but the best recommendations come from those who live there or have been there. So I'll post to Facebook while I'm in the research phase to see if anyone has ideas on what to definitely miss or not miss. I compile all that research into my nerdy Word document, too. And in the event that our vacation includes staying with locals, I just let the locals do all the planning. Such was the case when we went to visit Mark and Lynnette a couple of years ago. They took us all kinds of great places, and it was extra fun for me, since I didn't have to plan any of it!

* I try to find as many free things to do as possible. Gas/lodging/food take up most of our trip budget, so we try to find fun, free things to do, and we usually unearth some treasures! On the vacation pictured above, we spent one whole day exploring a state park that was completely free because it was not peak season!

Prep Time!
* I work really hard in the days leading up to the trip so I can fully enjoy the time away. I make sure the house is clean (no one wants to come home to a disaster), the laundry is caught up (so we have all available clothing options when packing time comes), the dishwasher and trash are emptied (so stink doesn't fester), someone is lined up to watch the house and Braeya, and the car is fully serviced. Ryan is actually in charge of the car, but I'm usually the one who takes it in.

* I also make snacks for the road so we don't end up eating a bunch of junk while we drive. Fruit, protein snacks, bottled water - I make sure we're stocked up! I also pack things like paper towel and disposable plates/cups/silverware in case we need them along the way.

* I stalk the weather app and figure out what clothes I need to take, and I'm such a nerd, I usually lay out each complete outfit and take a picture of it on my phone, so I know what I want to do each day. I know. It's ridiculous. I also throw in a couple of extra options in case I'm not feeling what I planned or in case the weather turns or I drop ketchup on my shirt. (That has literally never happened, but the first time I don't have a backup, I imagine it will.)

* Ryan picks out his own stuff, but I actually pack all the suitcases and pack the car, too. (Because I'm the one with the time to do it.) I also keep a nerdy Word document for this, and I start working on it days in advance, so I can add to it as I think of the things I'm afraid I'll forget. (Sunscreen, medicine bag, phone chargers, our chalkboards etc.)

* If the road trip is long, I'll also scour Pinterest for road trip ideas (games, scavenger hunts, quizzes, etc.) so we can stay entertained on the road. (Ideas here, here, and here if you need some!) We don't play games constantly on the road, but it's nice to have options when we get tired.

HAVE FUN! AND DOCUMENT IT!
* When it's time to actually go on vacation, our favorite part is just being together. We always have a great time, no matter where we go, and we take a billion pictures so we can come home and put it all in a scrapbook to enjoy forever!

* Things don't always go as planned on our vacations, but we just laugh at the mishaps and have fun anyway. Some of our favorite disasters include:

The tulip-less Tulip Time Festival

The beach visits in hats and gloves. In May.

Getting caught in a rainstorm on a bike ride - right before family pictures.

* But mostly, we have a blast. Grateful for these memories! Every bit of prep work that goes into these trips is totally worth it!

Sunset dinner cruise in Sarasota. (Suggestion from a local!)

Stumbling upon an empty beach in Nassau.

Christmas lights in Lincoln Park Zoo.

Hiking to Abrams Falls.

So many more great memories  - in all seasons!

And now...can we take a vacation, please?

Linking up with Tamar!

The Date Inspired by the Letter G

Yes, we're out of order again. :) And yes, we did TWO of these dates in one weekend! But this was totally worth being out of order.

The whole alphabetical date thing was my idea (okay, really it was Pinterest's idea, but I'm the one who has been doing all the planning), but shortly after we started doing them, Ryan told me he had a date idea up his sleeve. All I knew was it could fit into two or three different letter possibilities, and he would let me know when we needed to do it. I love surprise dates, so I didn't ask any questions or try to figure it out at all.

He said we would need to do it this past Saturday, as part of our St. Joseph County date. He told me the place he was taking me didn't open until 5 in the evening, so I could plan whatever for the day, but he'd need the evening for his surprise. No problem!

On the way up to South Bend, he told me he was a little disappointed because there had been a change in something regarding the date, and while he still thought I'd have a great time, I wouldn't have as great of a time as I would have before the change. I was utterly baffled. Could not figure out what it might be.

So while we were eating our meal at the cafe, he gave me a clue. He said something about someone who had been part of the date event wasn't going to be there, and it immediately clicked for me. I knew this was the "G" date, and I said to him, "Did you get tickets to see the Vocal Band?"

HE DID!!!!

This is the first concert we've been to since I left radio (when I went for free because I was working them), and this is also a HUGE thing because Ryan isn't a diehard Gaither fan. Not that he doesn't like them, but he doesn't get all giddy like I do.

I'd read a couple of weeks ago that David Phelps resigned (again) from the Vocal Band, and that's what Ryan meant about it not being as exciting anymore. He bought the tickets before the resignation news came, and he was sad I wouldn't get to see David, because he knows he's my most favorite! I was sad too, but I didn't care, because HELLO!!!!! GVB tickets!

That officially makes the G date a GIDDY Bekah attending a GAITHER Vocal Band concert!

Of course, after a day of hairnets, rain, winter hats, and running around northern Indiana in the cold, I sure didn't look my best. I was in jeans and walking shoes, with major frizz head, but sometimes you just gotta swallow your pride, you know?

The concert was held at the historic Morris Performing Arts Center, which is almost 100 years old! GORGEOUS old architecture.

I WAS SO EXCITED!!!

Even saw Nikki, a fellow David Phelps fan I first met back when I worked at the station. She told me David WOULD be there that night. WHAT?!?! Say it isn't so!!!

BUT IT WAS! He really was there! I texted my Mom to tell her he was there, and she responded "as is your husband." LOL!!!!! Yes, yes he is! But this was his idea, after all!

We sat about halfway back on the main floor and I was impressed with how well my camera did for pictures. (I did have to dodge a high-haired person a couple of rows up.) I was so glad I'd brought my zoomy zoom lens, even though I didn't know I'd need it!

 Charlotte Ritchie looked stunning in that black dress!

 They opened with Alpha and Omega, and I cried all the way through it. I always do.

YEP! There he is!!!

 This was only the second time I'd seen Todd sing with them. He's really good!

 And funny!

 Adam Crabb - also very good!

 Boom. The note.

 My most favorite band combo in recent years.

 This guy could plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

 Ahhhh, Wes. He took over for David when he left the first time, and I wasn't sure I could handle a replacement, but he's so good. I really like him.

 I figured I should make sure I had a picture of Bill! After all, it is his band. :)

Last song, big notes.

It was a great night, which Ryan made even better by surprising me again with David's new CD.

Thanks, Ryan, for making it such a great date. You rock at alphabetical date planning!! And I feel very, very loved. :)