Memory Monday (Weekend)

This was after the entertaining b-day serenade on Friday! The attorney in blue doesn't want pictures posted online, so I found a sticker solution, and it's making me ridiculously happy!! lol

Melody = the first person I've seen actually order TEA at the tea room!  Their presentation and little pink tea pot were the very cutest!!

Picture by the frilly pink Christmas tree! =)

Saturday morning, I went to watch the Jaceman's first basketball game at the YMCA!  Dad is coaching the team, and it all makes me happy! (J is on the other side where you can't see him.)

Timed this one perfectly as he ran by! =)

Post game pic!  "Did I do so good!??" "How good was I?" lol

Fosters' Friendsgiving and playing Settlers with them and their small group! =)

I got to hear Michael preach at Word of Life Church yesterday!  I love that this church supports them in Haiti and took up a special offering for them as they're home!!

Michael said he was nervous, but it wasn't obvious at all... he was a natural, eloquent, relatable speaker, and his passion for Christ and for the people of Haiti were really evident! He talked about their ministry to the elderly people there, showing a few pictures and telling specific stories. And he taught about what it means to take up your cross, about being willing to follow God wherever, whenever, and whatever He calls you to do!  He told people to write down, "When I said yes to Jesus, I said no to ____." Then he shared a few ways he would personally fill in that blank, and I felt thankful for God's power and inspired by his testimony and really proud of him and how far he has come! ❤

Pretty chalkboard art in their lobby... and a Christmas carol I love!

Chettles making mac n' cheese while Teresa buttered the bread!

The first batch of bread was burned, so Michael threw it out on the porch for the birds to enjoy! lolol

...From that window, I could see the Wilsons' backyard and the yard of the family friends who live next door to them. And I thought for a minute, as I often do, about how the younger brothers in both families seemed to be heading down a bad path full of shallow friendships and dangerous choices that left their souls feeling empty and their families feeling worried. And how Michael was drawn in by the deeper friendships he saw in his brother's life, and how he chose to commit his life to Christ a little over four years ago. And I thought about the starkly different trajectories their lives have taken since that time. It made me sad looking across the fence and thinking how much victory the enemy has had in his efforts to kill, steal, and destroy... but also very hopeful in seeing the victory Jesus has had in transforming Michael and using him to change others for His kingdom!  One is on a lonely path that feels dark and hopeless, and the other is leading others to join him on the path of faith, hope, and love!  The light of Christ makes all the difference, and I'm praying for transformation in the other's life, as well!

Anyway, deep thoughts over.  Back to cheesy goodness... yummers!

Chet Lee was telling us the secret to making great sweet tea ( a "secret" which apparently came from Southern Living, according to Karli. lol)

...Chet: "This is a family trade secret, for family eyes only!"

Baylee: "Family and Lindsey."

Chet: "Well, Lindsey's basically family! If you've known us for 10 years..."

Teresa: "Yeah, if you've known us and liked us all for that long, then you're part of the family!" 

That little convo made me super happy! =)

We had roast beef sandwiches and mac n' cheese, with chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin muffies for dessert! =)

Me and the wonderful Wilson fam! =)  Exactly two weeks away from my 10-year friendiversary with Chet Lee, who I met at an LG Christmas party on 12-17-07. lol  I'm all kinds of thankful for that friendship!!

And on a real Memory Monday note, this = one year ago today, the joint bday party for Gary and Laura... complete with the memorable taco shell fire and JEM presenting the Golden Girls! =)

Okay, I'm done now!  Happy Monday, happy Advent! Hope you have a lovely week ahead!! ❤