Four Weddings, No Funeral

Heather and Brett, September 25, 2010

Christy and Jim, December 3, 2010

Sarah and Larry, December 18, 2010

Julie and Billy (that's not Billy, that's Rick!)

January 15, 2011

Top Ten on my IPOD

1. God is With Us by Casting Crowns

2. Born in Bethlehem by Third Day

3. O Come All Ye Faithful by Chris Tomlin

4. The Chipmunk Song by the Chipmunks

5. Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells by Michael W. Smith

6. Do You Hear What I Hear? by Martina McBride

7. Away in a Manger by Faith Hill

8. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

9. Up on the Housetop by the Chipmunks

10. Let it Snow/Frosty by Travis Cottrell

a new favorite

God Is With Us

Performed by Casting Crowns, on their album Peace on Earth

The skies don't seem to be as dark as usual
The stars seem brighter than they've been before
Deep within I feel my soul a stirring
As though my hope has been restored
The shepherds say they've heard the voice of angels
Confirming rumors spread across the land
That a child protected well from Herod's anger
Is our Father's Son, and the son of man

Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's the Savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel

I feel compelled to tell all who will listen
That peace on earth is not so out of reach
If we can find grace, mercy and forgiveness
He has come to save, He is all of these

You're the Savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell
You are in us, You are for us, You are with us, Emmanuel

© 2008 Amy Grant Publishing Designee, Bernie Herms Publishing

Ho Ho Ho

Andrew and Abby with the Legendary Santa

Nashville trip

Last weekend Rick and I had a nice little getaway to Nashville, TN. The main reason for going was for the wedding of my college roommate, Christy. Her wedding was Friday night and we flew in on Thursday to have a little time for some sight-seeing. I visited Nashville one summer while in college but Rick had never been.

We flew out of Richmond Thursday around 1 pm. I have not flown out of Richmond since high school and I was very impressed with the airport. It was super easy to park and make our way through security (no, we were not patted down and did not see anything like that). We had to fly to Newark for our connection to Nashville. It was a little out of the way, but at least we got to see the NYC skyline from the plane!

When we arrived in Nashville we headed to the Enterprise booth to rent our car. In front of us in line was a guy who looked vaguely familiar. I noticed that the staff was going out of their way to serve him, and a young military guy shook his hand and said "I like your movies, Mr. Reilly." It was John C. Reilly! He has been in a couple movies with Will Ferrell, including Talladega Nights. (By the way, he told the military guy that the pleasure was all his, and thanks for his service).

We made it into the city and checked into our hotel. We then headed over to the Opryland Hotel. Rick wasn't too sure why we needed to go to a hotel lobby to walk around, but as soon as we got in he understood! I've seen it before but decorated for Christmas it was spectacular! And to think they just re-opened November 15 from the flood. We ate dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse which was fantastic!

Some pictures:

The outdoor, life-sized nativity

In front of the hotel

The water show, to Christmas carols

On Friday morning we were pleased to see Christy's parents and another friend of hers down at breakfast. It was nice to catch up with them a little! We drove downtown and passed by some of the sights (Hard Rock Cafe, the Ryman, Tootsies, etc) and then headed out to Franklin. I had heard the historic downtown there was fun to walk around and explore and it was! So cute! We had lunch at a wonderful little restaurant called Dumplings (guess what we ate?). The food was great and they had this fabulous fruit tea (tea with pineapple, mango, and other fruit juices).

Not far from there is Financial Peace Plaza, where Dave Ramsey records his radio show. We went in and were able to watch him record. During the breaks he came out and we got to meet him! Several people were there to do the "debt free" scream so that was neat to watch and cheer about.

Then it was time to get ready for the main event! Christy's wedding was in a beautiful chapel near the Vanderbilt campus, where she works and her parents are alumni. The reception was in a nearby restaurant and was very nice. Christy's dad gave a great toast (introduced me as the person who kept Christy in line during college, haha!) and he and Christy did a dance that was obviously rehearsed. Christy sang to her new husband which was so sweet. We got a few minutes to chat with her and meet her groom.

the chapel

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Robb

All too soon it was Saturday morning and time to head back home. Our first flight was to Charlotte and we were on the plane with a few Hokies who were headed to the game. Rick was a bit jealous until we landed in Charlotte and it was 39 degrees and pouring rain. We know this because they are doing some renovation at that airport and instead of getting off at a gate we were let off right on the pavement and had to walk in the rain to the terminal. We were late leaving Nashville so we had a quick stop in Charlotte before we headed back to Richmond. A cool thing about that flight--Rick was sitting across from the president of RIR. Guess he had been to Charlotte on NASCAR business.

We got home to a quiet house since the kids were still in Emporia. We grilled some steaks and started to watch the ACC Championship. I made it until just after halftime then slept great and late in my own bed!

It was such a nice trip. Congratulations to Christy and Jim!

Up on the Housetop--Whittington version 2010

Up on the housetop the reindeer paws
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones Christmas joys

Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop click click click
Down through the chimney with good St Nick

First there's a stocking for Abby

Surprises are what she'd like to see

Santa knows what she would adore

a cash register for playing store

Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop click click click
Down through the chimney with good St Nick

Then comes the stocking for our Andrew

He's been pretty good--consider he's two!

Cars and trucks are what he'd like

maybe a shiny new red trike?

Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop click click click
Down through the chimney with good St Nick

There is the stocking for Daddy Rick

his own gifts he likes to pick

gift cards fill him with lots of cheer

or fill his sock with biking gear

Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop click click click
Down through the chimney with good St Nick

Mom's stocking hangs from its hook

she'd like money to buy a book

beads for her bracelet would be a treat

anything to make her smell real sweet

Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Ho Ho Ho who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop click click click
Down through the chimney with good St Nick

Honest Andrew

Andrew and I were at the mall a few days ago and he wanted to go talk to Santa. I strolled him over, and he and Santa had a few minutes of conversation. Then Santa asked Andrew if he'd been a good boy. Andrew answered, "I have a time out."

At church someone asked Andrew if he had a haircut, and Andrew said he had. I asked him if he was good for his haircut and he said, "No. I cry like baby."