My Finds

I finally did it.

I bought an apron.

But, before you scroll down  to my pictures, let me warn you.

Objects may appear larger than they really are.

I am not this lumpy (and if you know me, don't even say a word and don't you dare make some smart comment).

Note to self: If you're going to post a picture of yourself, trying to show off your cute, new apron, don't put it over a big, bulky sweater.

Also, don't mention the fact that the picture makes you look enormous because your husband will say, "Do you want me to take another picture of you with just the apron on?" (wink, wink)

Seriously, shut up, smarty-pants. (my expression most of our married life)

I also found these little lovelies from Nine West. Me likey.

La Petite Belle's practical purchase of the day:

K Belle's cute little GAP shirt dress:

My interpretation of shopping with Beau:

Happy Weekend! 

Think of me making my 11-hour journey back home as you sit in your comfy home. Pray for me.

Signs of Age

Beau says that I am really starting to show my age.

Examine the evidence for yourself.

Exhibit #1:

Seriously, I wanted to go here ... rows and rows of salt & pepper shakers, ya'll. What more could a girl (or old lady) ask for? (Told you I've been somewhere you haven't)

When Beau heard me saying, "Oh, how cute." He said, "You're really getting old."

Three of my favorites:

I bought my mom & dad a grizzly bear and beehive one. Cute as can be, for real. Don't even laugh.

Exhibit #2:

I don't care what anyone says ... the apple fritters and apple julep are to die for. But, I did notice that we are usually the only people under the age of 60 there.

Exhibit #3: The places I frequent while here -

The things I suddenly have a desire to buy:

I'm just sayin'. Who doesn't want a nice quilt? Or pottery? Or homemade jams and jellies?

However, today I will be at the outlet all day, shopping for more up-to-date items. If I get some good stuff, I'll show you.

Random vacation observation: Why are there a significant amount of fudge shops in vacation spots? Do we all suddenly crave fudge in 24 flavors only while we're on vacation? It's just weird. There are about four fudge shops on the street near us. Just an observation. And I don't like fudge. (However, Beau bought four bars of it because it's buy three, get one free ... whether anyone else likes it or not, it's a good deal.)

Facing Fears & Beau's Big Discount

Remember that visit to the wax museum? The really bad one?

Yeah, that one.

And, if you've been reading my blog long enough, you know that K Belle is quite sensitive to anything that might be considered scary or evil. She used to literally get sick from being so fearful, causing herself to vomit before bed.

We've overcome that. She's 11 now, you know.

Well, until now.

All of sudden (because she saw something from the horror part of the museum, which we didn't go into), she was afraid last night.

One scared child we can handle.

The problem was that she made La Petite Belle afraid, who is never afraid ... who actually before bed told K Belle that the wax people couldn't move unless they broke apart and fell to the ground.

Finally, I had to do an intervention and by the end of it, La Petite Belle was rebuking the spirit of fear and quoting Scriptures. 

Five minutes later ... only snoring heard from their room.

Thank you, Jesus.

But, here's my dilemma: I have a tiny fear of heights. It's not extreme, but enough to make my heart palpitate and my eyes squeeze shut when we're driving through the mountains ... knowing that with just one small swerve of the wheels, we plummet to our death.

Beau says that I need to take my own advice.

Easier said than done.

Wax figures coming to life vs. falling off a cliff = Non-reality vs. Possible reality.

But, I am trying.

Then, I saw this sign as we were hiking up to see Laurel Falls.

And, we are to stay on this narrow little path, winding up the mountain, with drops like you wouldn't even imagine.

And, I've got to keep this little one with lots of energy still and sure-footed, without tripping myself.
Of course, just a little ways into the hike, La Petite Belle's back was already aching. It was 1.3 miles up, then back.
Had to take a rest.
The hike was well worth it.
Two more things:

#1 - Beau is conducting a vacation special on his website for all the video pieces up on Crossroads Creative. If any pastors that you know could benefit from some media support for their services, click on over. Everything is 75% off, but hurry, it's only good until he's back from vacation, March 3rd. Coupon Code: VACATION (enter at check-out).

#2 - Tomorrow I will share with you something that I am pretty sure none of you have ever experienced.

Favorite Part

Our family has this thing we do.

We do it when we go on vacation.

We do it when we go to any event.

We do it when we go to any movie.

We do it at any time on any given day.

One of us says, "What was your favorite part of the day (or event, or movie, etc.)?"

I love this.

Example: My favorite part of Monday was when I sat down in front of the fireplace, in my pajamas, after a hot shower, with homemade hot chocolate and watched "Home Alone" with the family.

Beau's favorite part of yesterday was watching La Petite Belle go down the higher level ski slope for the first time.

Get it?

Well, after Beau beat us all in putt-putt, 

and our expensive visit to the worst wax museum ever (the girls begged us to go because they had never been to one, but we barely recognized half of the wax figures),(Of course, Beau was miserable, especially after paying almost $50.)
I'd definitely say my favorite part of the day was having Love Potion #31 at Baskin Robbins with the family (all sporting our new fake designer sunglasses).

La Petite Belle's favorite flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
K Belle's choice: Peanut Brittle Caramel Crunch
Beau caved into my peer pressure and also got Love Potion #31.

Seriously, if you have not already tried this, RUN to the nearest Baskin Robbins and get some. It is only available through the month of February and then it's gone.

It includes white chocolate and raspberry ice creams swirled with raspberry ribbon and loaded with raspberry-filled chocolate hearts and chocolate chips. Delicious!

Picabo Street, I Am Not.

Note the differences:

Picabo can put on her ski boots without a fight. I cannot.

Picabo can walk in her skis up to the ski lift without stumbling. I cannot.

Picabo can stand in the ski lift line without bumping into other people, much less using these strangers as a support. I apparently cannot.

Picabo can get off the ski lift in a graceful manner. I cannot.

Picabo can ski downhill without looking like a pigeon-toed tight-rope walker, just trying to keep her balance. I definitely cannot.

Picabo could, most definitely, stop her own body to help her children if they've fallen. I cannot.

Picabo ventures onto the more challenging slopes. I do not.

Picabo is not worn out and sore at the end of one day of skiing. I am.

Here's my secret: I would have much rather been at the outlet, but don't tell my family.

Weekend Recap

Well, we made it.

La Petite Belle's drawings pretty much sum up our road trip.

This is her drawing of Beau. Notice what he is saying, "You are separated!"

Here is the lovely picture of me. I always look so attractive on these car rides. My pigtails were not actually on the top of my head and I do have hair all over my head, not just in the pigtails.

Of course, she drew pictures of K Belle and herself as princesses (regardless of whether they acted like princesses or not).

Her eyes are not really this far apart.

Princesses don't stick their stinky feet next to my head.

We arrived in the evening, unpacked, bathed, and went to bed.

What a delight it was to wake up to snow the next morning. It was beautiful.

We bundled up and headed out to one of our favorite spots to eat, The Pancake Pantry.

I broke out of my normal routine of ordering plain pancakes (because I'm a pancake purist) and ordered the Wildberry Crepes. I think these were the most delicious crepes/pancakes I've ever eaten. They were so rich that I could only eat about half and brought the rest back to the room.

Beau ordered a similar crepe called, Cherry Delight. He was very delighted after eating them.

La Petite Belle ordered her standard M & M Pancakes. And K Belle wanted eggs with plain pancakes.

After that delicious breakfast, we headed over to Wonderworks. If you look closely, you'll see my family hanging upside-down in front of the building.

It was a blast.

We did some rock climbing. I found out why I don't rock climb. First, it's painful and hard. And second ...

... Beau will take butt shots of me.

We all laid on a bed of nails. Don't believe me?

Look closely.

Then, we were hungry again.

We ate at a new restaurant, The Flying Horse, based upon a carousel theme. There was a carousel you could ride on in the restaurant. Everything was delicious.

This was my dinner ... Maui Chicken Salad (the best chicken salad I've ever tasted ... for real).
It was at this point I realized that I am the only one in the family that cannot raise one eyebrow. 

La Petite Belle was demonstrating her technique to me and trying to show me how to do it.

I tried. Obviously, it's not happening.

K Belle also has the skill.

But, Beau is the master.