Magnets

I wouldn't say I'm a collector of magnets by any means, but it seems I've acquired a variety of magnets over the last few years, and I wanted to take a minute to think about the stories that they tell.  There are several other magnets that I love that are on the refrigerator at my parents' house: a magnet that looks like a slice of bread (it's life size), Extra gum magnet, and a JESUS cross stitch magnet. 

This magnet came with the cookbook that my mom made for me.  It has all my favorite recipes from Memaw, Grandma, and my mom.

We got this one when we first moved to SEBTS.  The women's department hosted a few activities throughout the year to provide opportunities to get to know each other.  It reminds me of how alone I felt when we first moved here and how God has provided so many good friends here at school.

My parents got me this one on their most recent trip to El Salvador.  Although I didn't go on that particular trip with them, I've been to El Salvador three times, and it reminds me to pray for our friends and fellow Christians there.  It also reminds me of good memories of going on mission trips with my parents.

Have you ever seen a cuter magnet than this one?  Robert made this turtle magnet clip.  It's not every day you see a blue turtle.

One of my residents made this magnet when I was a resident assistant.  It's so simple - painted on a piece of cardboard - but it makes me think of my time as an RA and my time at SBU.  

Windermere holds so many special memories from family vacations throughout all my growing up years.  My family would go there for a week every other summer when Grandma and Grandpa came to town.  Also, after my second year at SBU I had the opportunity to intern there over the summer.  

I made this magnet on our family vacation to Colorado last year.  It was our first family vacation that Robert got to join in on, and we're looking forward to our first family vacation with Taylor in the family!

Okay, I didn't actually go on this trip, but Robert and his dad got to hike Grandfather Mountain over spring break the first year we were at SEBTS, and I know it was a very special trip for them.  Somehow I got left behind to work...

I've been sponsoring Happiness Moyo in Zimbabwe since my freshman year at SBU.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a child's life halfway across the world.  

How could I not end with this one?  My absolute favorite magnet.  Little RCV looking dapper.

Second Annual Girls Weekend

This weekend was the second annual girls trip for the girls of Robert's family.  Last year Serina, Bethany, and I went to San Antonio.  You can refresh your memory here.  This year Grandma June decided to join us on our trip to Minneapolis.  I took a half day on Friday to catch a direct flight from RDU to MPLS.  I had never had a direct flight before.  Obviously it's nice to not fear missing a connecting flight or having a delay, but I missed being able to walk around and stretch a bit.  The flight was supposed to be 3 hours but ended up being 3 1/2 due to extreme wind.  When I finally stood up after we landed my feet were numb and tingly from not moving and having the AC blasting on them for so long.  I sat next to a nice man who was chatty for a bit which was actually kinda nice.  Then I crocheted and listened to a comedian on my iPod the rest of the time.  I was kind of surprised that they didn't play a movie or tv show for a longer flight like that.

June, Serina, and Bethany drove from Missouri/Kansas and met me at the airport.  We went directly to the Mall of America to eat dinner at Cantina #1.  Dinner was good.  I even accidentally ate a fish taco. haha  We took a bit of time to orient ourselves at the mall and snagged a few bargains.  I had brought a coupon for a free travel size lotion at Bath and Body works, and I gave a 20% off coupon to Bethany for her to use as well.

I exercised self control and didn't buy these adorable Russian nesting cats

Totally would've gotten Robert this football player shaped cheese if he'd been there.

Lego Land!

We went to the Hampton Inn, and I got unpacked and settled.  The other three ladies had stopped by and checked in before picking me up.  We enjoyed the first of many shows on the Food Network.  Bethany and I don't have cable, so we relished the opportunity to catch some shows.

The view from our hotel

On Saturday morning we went to Bethany's breakfast choice of Mickey's Dining Car.  We would agree with reviews that the food was good, but the service was lacking.  It was kind of hard to find, but still a fun experience.  We ventured to Michael's next.  Bethany and I are both working on afghans and needed more yarn.  Found a 40% coupon and got some $1.49 yarn.  Winning!  Next stop - The Mall of America.

The view from the diner

Time to get to work on some granny squares

Bethany and I split up from Serina and Grandma.  We hit all kinds of stores and spent a good chunk of time at H&M.  I found a skirt and shirt for a good deal.  We both agreed it got super hot in there and we left sweating.  The four of us met up for lunch in the mall, and then shopped around together a bit.  We went back to the hotel for awhile to rest, nap, and watch tv.  Then we got ready again so we could eat dinner at Benihana in the mall.  I had never been to one before, and it was quite the show.  We did a bit more shopping after that and headed back to the hotel.

On Sunday morning we ate breakfast at the hotel, and then went to Ikea.  Grandma and I had never been before, and there was one right by the mall so we figured we should check it out.  It was very impressive!  I had picked Kramarczuk's for lunch, but apparently on Sunday's they only serve a brunch buffet which was rather disappointing.  We found a pub nearby and walked there for a bite instead.  We went to the mall after that.  Bethany and I had success at Old Navy.  I got a shirt and dress, and I even got Robert a shirt.  Didn't want him to think I'd forgotten about him. ;)  We wrapped it up a bit earlier at the mall.  We had officially shopped til we dropped.  We flipped on the tv and ordered pizza to be delivered.  Bethany and I got some crocheting in, and we made sure to do plenty of laughing.

Ikea

This morning we got up, packed, ate breakfast, and headed to the airport so I could catch my flight.  My ticket said to go to the gate for my seat assignment, and lo and behold I got seated on the 5th row - just behind first class.  It gave me lots of leg room.  I got seated next to a lady who wasn't talkative at all, but I did more crocheting and listened to my iPod again.  I landed on time, and our friend Amy and her three kids came to pick me up since Robert was at work.  It was a good trip full of shopping, catching up, tasty food, relaxing, and laughing.  Now I'm enjoying having the afternoon off form work in a quiet apartment and anxiously awaiting Robert's return in 3 hours!

A Trip to the Mountains

This weekend Robert and I went on a long-awaited trip to the Mountains of North Carolina.  Robert's dad's side of the family lives in southern Alabama - Home of the University of South Alabama.  USA has had a Division I football team for about five years, and several months ago Ray found out that they would come to NC to play Appalachian State in October.  This was the weekend of the game, and Friday after work Robert and I loaded up and headed out to the mountains to meet Ray and Terri and Ray's cousin Kathy and her husband Jerry.

We got in a little before 9:00 on Friday and enjoyed catching up for a couple of hours.  Robert and I both noted that this was our first time to do much with Kathy and Jerry outside of a big family holiday, and it was a lot of fun to get to chat with them and be with them for a weekend.

On Saturday morning we enjoyed getting around slowly and eating breakfast together before hitting the road to drive an hour to Boone.  We made a pit stop at a cute boutique and then landed at Mast General Store.  I could have stayed there all day!  They had a cute little bluegrass band playing and so many things to admire.

Picture courtesy of the store's History page

We got some lunch at Come Back Shack, and it was delicious.  I got the California burger which had spinach, avocado, Swiss cheese, tomato, and mayo, and I also had a baked potato.  It was hopping so I think we must have found a favorite for locals. :) Next we headed to App State and found a spot to park and pulled up the Alabama game online.  Those of you who know me know football isn't my favorite sport in the world, but sitting the car was rather comical with a blanket on the windshield to keep out the sunlight, our own Internet hotspot, and gourmet cheese and crackers.  I had brought my crochet project and my current book of choice - Someday, Someday, Maybe - I also managed to get a foot massage from Robert while we waited so that's always a win.  

We had nice seats at the game, and USA pulled out a big win.  Robert and I knew it would be colder in Boone than where we leave, but holy cow was it cold!  I had brought a jacket and a blanket, but I wasn't prepared for the low 40s and whipping wind that was present for the first two quarters.  The wind died down for the second half which made it seem a bit warmer.  Two hot chocolates didn't hurt either.

We wrapped up our weekend away with a nice breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  I hadn't been to Cracker Barrel in years, and it was delicious.  Also, I wanted to buy everything in the store.  Robert and I enjoyed the ride home jamming out and chatting.  And we made it back it time for the NFL games and a long Sunday afternoon nap.  I'll let you guess who did what.