every Sunday...every one...

So My Sweet Hubby (aka MSH) and I joined an incredible church a couple of weeks ago. We’ve been visiting the 11:00 service since mid-January. This church has 15,000 members! Not what we expected ourselves to do. Join such a HUGE church. (Huge to us, anyway.) But, Y’all, we absolutely ADORE this church.

Every Sunday we listen to the most amazing orchestra and choir. Every Sunday there’s a special singer—or group of singers—who performs magnificent “special” music. The co-pastors’ sermons—the 11:00 service has the gift of hearing what I would call the “senior” co-pastor, as he’s been at this church for a long time—are fascinating.  (The “senior” pastor actually grew this church from about 500 members to 15,000. And I’m telling you it is because he is a wonderful man. Smart. Wise. Funny. A mesmerizing preacher.) His co-pastor is younger, but also an interesting, passionate, smart and funny man who shares important sermons, too.

We’ve heard another young pastor a couple of times that is full of energy, spirit, humor and a knowledge of the Bible that is impressive. None of them disappoints.

Every Sunday, there’s a challenge finding a parking spot. Every Sunday we sit on the same side/same pew (within 2-3 pews...) and look forward to the inspiration we know is coming!

Every Sunday, MSH and I cry. At some point during the service. Happy tears. Grateful tears. Tears of pure JOY and lovely peace. (Sometimes I end up being teary for at least half of the service. I am who I am...)

Palm Sunday was especially MAGNIFICENT this morning! Oh. My. Tonight I can still feel the magic!

Thank You, My Dear Lord God Almighty. Thank You for our sweet friend who suggested we visit this church. Thank You for all of the people there who share their gifts and talents. Their faith and commitment. God, bless them all. And please bless every reader that graces our blog with their friendship, time and support!

Y’all have a SAFE and valuable week—wherever in this World you are!

Hugs,
ELC

Platinumfish

I spent Monday morning in my parents’ kitchen helping My Sweet Dad bake his famous Gluten-Free Goldfish Crackers for Our Girls. Little Leighton had her first Field Trip the next day, and the kids would be having (gluten-full) Goldfish Crackers. We never want LL to feel left out. She has said she misses those dang Goldfish the most since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I doubt she actually remembers how they taste, only the fact that she sees everyone and their dog eat them. Constantly. 

After numerous (failed) attempts to contact Pepperidge Farm and beg them to make a gluten-free variety, Pa-Pa decided to take matters into his own hands. He set out to find a gluten-free recipe and the tiniest fish cookie cutter. He has since perfected his recipe, and they are FAR superior to the ones out on grocery shelves now. I’ve deemed them PLATINUMFISH. A step above “gold!”

Y’all. I had no clue how truly time-consuming the process of baking these crackers is. Between kneading the dough and using a specific chopstick to get the dough safely out of the cookie cutter, it’s exhausting and takes hours. My Sweet Dad is a SAINT. The truth is, it wouldn’t matter if they took four days to make and bake, he would do it in a heartbeat to keep LL not only SAFE but full of joy.

From the moment LL was diagnosed, he read and reasearched more than any of us. He is her hero. He’s proudly earned that spot.

I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!

65...sigh...

So I have turned 65. Several days ago. It happened without alot of fanfare. As per my wishes!

I woke up that morning and felt...well...64. (Actually, for the past several years, I haven’t felt a day over 55. Except for my bad back. And feet. And knees. A few more wrinkles. Details only, right?)

I got two cute cards from My Sweet Hubby (aka MSH). He takes picking out my cards quite seriously. I always laugh. Or cry. Really—both. Because he faithfully gives me a a funny (sometimes ridiculously silly) card and a touching one. Or two. TLC helped him purchase the most FABULOUS KEDS for my (sadly big) feet. LIMITED edition, don’tchaknow. Wink. Wink.

TLC sent me two PRECIOUS videos of The Little Princesses singing “Happy Birthday” (before Little Leighton had to be delivered to school) and saying: “Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!” Giggling in both. Their giggles are the most AMAZING gifts to me. Always have been. Always will be. TLC and Gals had given me their gifts the day before. Y’all. TLC is a Gift-Giver EXTRAORDINAIRE. She amazes all of us lucky enough to receive her creative, thoughtful, SPECIAL gifts.

After MSH and I got ready for the day and Buddy Bear set to stay alone for a couple of hours, we went to a station about two minutes from our casa and bought tickets to ride the train to downtown Ft. Worth. Something I’d been wanting to do for several months.

It. Was. Great! We had a car mostly to ourselves. Not very scenic. Definitely memorable!

Once we got back home, we had a light lunch. Rested for a bit. Went to Southlake Town Square for a bit of Kendra Scott/Anthropology shopping. We had an early and DELICIOUS dinner at a Bonefish restaurant close by. YUMMO. Loved my filet mignon!

Got home by 8:00 pm. Yep. We’re old. It’s what we Seniors do. It’s one of our “rules.”

We each watched our own “shows” and ended the day in sincere gratitude. For life. For blessings. Big and small.

Note: I also received some LOVELY/thoughtful gifts and cards from my sisters and some precious, treasured friends. I cherish each of them.

Here’s wishing All of Y’all a MAGICAL week! Full of days that are as marvelous as the day I turned 65!

Smooch...
ELC

...deja...

Not vu. Deja on This Is Us. I watched the finale last night. Cried. Alot. It’s what I do. Of course. Anyway. She is now my most FAVOURITE character on this amazing show. (If you’ve watched it, you understand. Her speech made her want a burger. It made me want one, too.)

It’s April! Little Elle (Formerly known as Baby Elle but now she’s THREE! Therefore and henceforth she’ll be known as Little Elle.) has had a yucky cold. And Grammy has cared for her the past 5 out of 6 days. (Well, not 24/7. Several hours each day.) Grammy now has a yucky cold. Fortunately—when I realized it yesterday, I knew I could spend today in bed. Which I’ve done. My Sweet Hubby (aka MSH) has been a great nurse. I feel a smidge better this evening.

Hope Y’all have a Fabulous Friday and Wonderful Weekend! (Don’t get sick.) I’ll be here. Sneezing. Watching LOTS of HGTV and Food Network!

Hugs,
ELC