Universal

We spent a few days at Universal Studios, Orlando while on vacation with
 my sister Sarah and her husband Steve. 

Cuteness happened right after this picture. 

Apparently, Minions like bananas. We'd discovered their obsession in the Despicable Me ride we'd just gotten off.  See what's in Zade's hand? He just so happened to be carrying one left over from breakfast. When this little guy realized his favorite food was in reach he started to waddle after him like a one-eyed Twinkie zombie (they do exist). Thinking about it still makes me smile. 


Have you been? What's your favorite attraction? 

Harry Potter World


I've been listening to Harry Potter on CD this last year (finally, the movies make sense!). So, Harry Potter World was on the must-see list for Orlando.


Hogwart's Castle....

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to go back to school.


Poppin Bertie Bott's every flavour beans and sippin butterbeer is a good way to spend an afternoon. 

Tall Paul


My dear grandpa Paul passed away late last month. 

He had been diagnosed with stage four cancer a week before. He was a lover of Jesus who quietly served those in his life without ever pursuing praise. He had the cutest shuffle walk and always had a silly joke or witty play-on-word on his lips. He loved chocolate, word games, old films (from which I gained my fascination), classical music, his beloved wife Helen, and his family. He and my grandmother spent five years homeschooling my sisters and I. Isn't that incredible? 



I am so thankful to God for His goodness and mercy in my life through this honorable man.

I miss you Grandpa, and can't wait to be surrounded by the glory of God with you some day not too far away.

Below is a video work of love we put together as a tribute. The sound clip starting the video is his sweet voice! 



Put on your Party Hat



A bit of celebrating last Saturday with a scrumptious lemon blueberry cake. 


This little guy helped us party. 

(My pet name for Zade is "Turtle" because he tends to retire, like a turtle to its shell, to read and relax. When I put this turtle in odd places around the house it makes Zade smile). 

{another party animal}

I can hardly imagine a better present: Zade getting to talk with one of his heroes, Dr. William Lane Craig, at the Purdue Symposium! 

The rest of the evening was spent with loved ones. 

An enthralling day. 

Can you believe a year has passed? 

P.S. The idea for crafting the little pom pom party hat and baking a cake in a tin can both come from the every darling: Oh Happy Day. If you are not already following this blog, you should! 

Pinball Date

{Tri Zone, 1979}

We rolled on downtown to Main Street Amusements for an evening of pinball.

 This little gamer's gem has more than thirty pinball machines ranging from those built in the 40's to present day. For the oldest games you can play with a nickel! Though, that didn't take me too far because I am really bad at pinball. But, come to find out, Zade is pretty good! So, go husband! 


{Bally Rocket, 1947}
{Morocco, 1948}
{Spanish Eyes, 1972}

Glimpses {of death}


Glimpses of death: {one} flowers from a funeral, {two} a fresh coat of our new paint color "falling snow" blanketing our loft, {three} ice trespassing upon a budding tree.

 Recently Zade and I attended the funeral of a distant family member. We didn't know him well, but every August since our wedding he and his wife sent us an incredibly precious anniversary card.  

One by one his friends and family members approached the podium and gave tribute, speaking of his integrity... sacrificial love...loyal friendship...humor... 

it was evident that he had spent his life in a passionate burst for Christ. 

His life and death point toward eternity. 

At the end of my days - near or far - I want that to be said of me. 


Death to the Christian is the funeral of all his sorrows and evils, and the resurrection, of all his joys.
                                                                                                                                      - James H Aughey