Back Roads and Silly Bands

A pretty sunset, and an evening drive to the lake last Thursday. Matthew got to come with us to spend the night.

We stopped here, at Eddie's Pizza on our way, to have a quick supper.

Matthew thought he might like to try the pinball machine.

So Grandpa gave him a few quarters and a little instruction.

Then (of course) it was Grandpa's turn.

Grandpa won a free game, so Matthew got to try it one more time.

When the food came, Matthew didn't want HIS picture taken, but he showed me his breadstick.

On Friday morning, Matthew and I went to Nashville to pick up the name sign I had made at a shop there. He thought these trees made a cool tunnel over the sidewalk.

He enjoyed cranking this handle outside one of the shops.

I had seen some "silly bands" in one of the shops that were Purdue themed, so we thought we would get some. We wanted to find some UK ones for his friends Abbi and Makenna, but they didn't have them. They did have some North Carolina ones, so he got some to send to Uncle David and Aunt Shylah. Shhhh... don't tell them!

They are just rubber bands, but in different shapes that hold when you take them off. The Purdue ones had the Purdue motion P, a train, a football, helmet, and goalposts. I think the North Carolina ones are football themed too. Um, does UNC have a football team?

We were disappointed to find out that the name sign was not finished, so we stopped by the toy store on our way back to the car.

After careful deliberation, Matthew decided on a killer whale and a whale shark. He also got a small catalog with the entire collection so he can mark the ones he wants. Here, he was "swimming" them along outside the store.

On the way back to the lake, we enjoyed some of the names of the back roads in Brown County.

Back at the lake, Jim was in charge of watching Matthew for a bit, and this is what I saw from the deck. It's just a Stewart thing.

How to Keep a Guy for 29 Years

Yes, that's a picture of us on a hot July day 29 years ago. Aren't we cute? So young! We celebrated our anniversary on Sunday, and I thought I would share some thoughts on how we made it to 29 years. By the grace of God, that's how! :) Leave a comment if you have something to add to the list!

• Get married on a hot day. I mean really hot. With no air conditioning in the church.


• Get used to waiting for her.


• Get used to waiting for him.


• When he's lost in the Smithsonian, keep looking. Back at the hotel.


• Never ask him if he loves you more than his computer.


• Never interrupt when she's watching football.


• Never interrupt when he's watching the History Channel.


• Never say a word about the Spanish Bay Getaway.


• Remove ink pens from pockets before placing in laundry.


• Wear matching outfits cheerfully.


• Let her be in charge of the tickets.


• Let him do the math.


• Don't let her talk you into an exchange student. From France.


• Only comment on his driving when lives are in danger.


• Make mistakes.


• Forgive mistakes.
  
• Laugh.


• A lot.


• Pray.


• Pray some more.


• Remember when you first fell in love.


• Count each day as a blessing.


• Count your blessings, every day.

Among our many blessings... our best collaborative effort... this group. Love them.

We celebrated with a dinner at the Farmhouse Cafe in Upper Beanblossom near Sweetwater Lake. Through the hills of Brown County. So not really near unless you know the way. We're learning, and it's a charming little place with great food.

We chuckled at this sign in the garden around the cafe. Jim wondered if it means he SHOULD bring flowers or he SHOULDN'T? So confusing.

And we decided we're not so good at selfies with the big old camera. Oh well. It's been 29 fun-filled years!

Showering Miss Katie

I attended a lovely bridal shower today in honor of our friend Katie who also happens to be Darci's cousin. I didn't get to take as many pictures as usual because sweet baby Haleigh was there, and, well, I spent more time holding her than holding my camera. As it should be.

The food table held some of Katie's favorite things, and had these pretty flowers in the center.

Guests brought their gifts unwrapped, to help save a tree or two, and it was fun to see all the things displayed. This pretty "wedding cake" was cleverly made of towels.

Miss Clara enjoyed a Twizzler or two as the party got started.

Haleigh was showing off her two teeth,

as well as her new skills: sitting up...

and crawling. She did very well, even with a dress on. And fancy shoes.

And, oh yes, back to the bride. :) Katie enjoyed visiting with all the guests, and we played a sweet game. It involved candy.

I think David's mom brought her this gift. It's a frog that you get wet and it grows into a prince. If only it was that easy.....

Becky and Katie share a laugh over the frog/prince gift.

The bride and her sweet mama.

Another mom and daughter, Jessica and Janet.

Long time (not old!) friends Janet and Becky.

A suitcase from the mother of the bride filled with fun things for their Cayman honeymoon. I hope someone can make them some rum punch!

Super Boilermakers

For those of you not on Facebook, I wanted to share this photo of Shylah, David, Matthew and me with the three Boilermakers who have been named Super Bowl MVPs. It was so much fun to have our picture taken with Bob Greise, Drew Brees, and Len Dawson. Bob Greise helped Matthew get his throwing motion pose just right. This was at the annual dinner of the Joe Tiller Chapter of the National Football Foundation held in June at Purdue. The money raised at the dinner funds college scholarships for Indiana high school students.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to read Drew Brees' book, Coming Back Stronger, I would highly recommend it. Of course, I knew I would like it. I would probably enjoy reading his grocery list. But back to the book. He shares about his faith, his commitment to family, and about football, and I would say in that order. He is thankful for the times of adversity in his life, and he truly believes that God has used those times to make him stronger. The book is about much more than football, and is an inspiring and motivating story for readers of any age. Buy the book. Or I would be happy to let you borrow my copy!

Jesus Loves the Little Ones

The Gunn Family celebrated a special blessing today as Harper, Emerson, and Arden were baptized. They had a proud group of family members there for the service. I'm sorry the pictures aren't better. I'm still working on being unobtrusive and not using a flash. I think I should probably be retained in my intro photo class. :)

Riley and Harper listen carefully before the baptism.

Erica holds Harper, her dad, Ken holds Emerson, and Josh holds Arden.

Sorry I caught Grandpa with his eyes closed!

Pastor Jimmy pours and blesses the water.

Harper was interested and allowed Pastor Jimmy to hold him during the baptism.

Emerson was not so brave.

Arden took her cue from her sister.

Pastor Jimmy likes to walk around with the babies after he baptizes them, and he was pleased that Harper again came to him. They're buddies now.

The sweet family after the service. They were so good during church.

After church, we had a picnic planned out on the lawn. David Ricke was busy at the grill preparing our lunch.

Because of the threat of rain, the picnic was moved inside. Of course, our cook kept on working...

stoking the fire...

and grilling those perfect pork chops. Mmmmmm....