My Layla Grace

She decided to run home from the mailbox today without looking for cars. Not a good idea. She got a nice jolt from the side of the oncoming van. No broken bones and still very much breathing, thank you Jesus. It's miraculous to see you save my children so regularly. You must have big plans for them. Help me be up to the task of directing.

Hmm.

I don't think I have anything to add.

What do you get when you mix a red coat, a funky umbrella, striped socks, and really big hair?

Summer is Coming

Know how I can tell? The drive-in is open. We went last weekend, in jammies, loaded with snacks (I got fruit and a smoothie), and watche Monsters v Aliens. The best part, I snoozed while the kids all snuggled around me giggling. Awesome.

Detox Schmetox

I am one week into a 28 day detox of my organs and any part of my body food affects. The number of things my body is not doing is about equal to the things it is doing that it shouldn't be. It all leads to pain, and a friend reminded me that just because there are bad things doesn't mean I have to talk about them. I feel that is excellent, so I will not be sharing that list of bad v good with you.

Instead I am going to tell you that my detox consists of morning and afternoon pills of vitamin nonsense (I use nonsense in a positive way here)

I haven't had caffeine for ten days and I am still alive

I have not been eating sugar, which means my body has been in shock that I am no longer shoveling it in by the fistfuls.

I no longer feel such a strong need to eat preservative containing foods.

Tomorrow I start week two which means there are new levels to the detox. I will let you know how it goes. So far, so great. I have SO much more energy even though I have been very much pulled in a gazillion directions over the previous two weeks.

Here is my coffee pot. He is in hibernation. sad.

Women on Retreat

Back 2 Basics

So a few of my Vegas friends and I decided we need a retreat involving women only. Their church (my former church) usually puts one on in the spring, but some didn't want to go or couldn't because of some thing or other. They regularly host the best retreats EVER, so we copied the elements and put a Reno twist on everything. We had retreat goodie bags, personalized tees (mine had a tree, of course :)), and we had worship cds. The only thing we were missing was a loathsome, horribly cheesy song to begin each session- by choice. We opted also to fore go skits, as we didn't feel we were old enough to be a part of them. js.

Friday night was my night. I made a super delish Italian dinner, taught on getting back to the basics (retreat theme) and trusting that God is sufficient and what happens when we forget that, and we had worship time. It was loverly. We ended the night with Mr. McConaughey in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. It wasn't great, but it was still a fun time. Boardman and I fell asleep throwing Forrest Gump movie quotes back and forth.

Saturday morning began with my NV Law test. I tried to be a giver and have my pastor take it for me, because he loves him some history and nerdery, but he wasn't up for it. When I got back to the Sierra Street Retreat, breakfast was waiting, prepared by Hot Hands herself. AH delish. She taught on interceding via prayer, and it was great!

Next, we got dolled up, and Jess taught us the skills we have been lacking: home organization, that cleanliness is truly in God's plan, and how to take a great picture! None of us are exactly the model types, but obviously, with my photography skills, I was able to help everyone LOOK amazing! Especially Chalk-outline-Jessie. Check her out for all your photography needs.

These pics are some samples.

All of that took the bulk of the day and night. Boardman, as featured above and below, made a scrumptious dinner of grilled cheesers and tomato soup. In the morning, before church, she brought our teachings to a close with an excellent reminder of when and why Jesus washed the disciples feet. She talked about Peter and his roll in Jesus' impromptu teaching. My favorite line was when she said "we should be willing to do these same menial tasks for our friends as well." It's true. We really should.

You girls make for the best retreat ever. JayEhs.