Toadfrogs and Elephants

Wade and I spent most of the summer at home, but our weekend trips have begun. We left work early on Friday and started our second drive in a couple weeks to Paducah. This drive was much better – no rain, no traffic, no trailer. But 8 hours in the car is still 8 hours. We got home in time to have dinner at Chong’s with mom.

Saturday was spent trying to squeeze a bunch of errands into a few hours. We moved a couch, saw the Upshaws’ new house, sold a chandelier, did some shopping, and had lunch at El Chico. Then Wade went to his grandparents and mom and I did some serious shopping. How strange is it that Paducah has a Limited (my current favorite store for dress pants) and Greenville doesn’t?

I joined Wade at his grandparents’ house in time for dinner. Wade had spent the day doing chores – installing a new garbage disposal, fixing the phone, fixing the answering machine, repairing the wind chimes, etc. We all went out for dinner at Olive Garden (Papa’s pick) and then visited till bed time. Madison got quite a bit of attention and more than enough scraps from Granny and Papa.

Sunday came a little too early. Madison decided 6:30 was a good time to want to go outside. At home she sleeps till 9! We joined Granny and Papa for church and then began the long drive home.

Wade and I noticed this cute house for sale in our neighborhood. We looked it up and realized it was very small (only 1200 sq. ft) and very cheap. Wade has always been interested in having rental property so we went to look at the house. It needed a lot of work but we were seriously considering the purchase when someone else put in a contract. We figured it wasn’t meant to be and moved on. Then the contract fell through and the house came back on the market. We got serious again and figured out a budget and had a contractor come to give an estimate on the work that would need to be done. In the end we decided not to invest, but we did find a contractor (maybe I’ll finally get my bathroom done)!

Most days I would consider being called a typical girl an insult. But I have to admit when Wade handed me the traditional Tiffany’s blue box before dinner the other night, I had a typical girl reaction and was very excited. We had talked about not doing gifts this year but taking a trip. Last week Wade told me he had gotten me something “small”. It turns out it was small in size, not simply a token gift.

I opened the box to see the silver earrings I had fallen in love with a few months ago. I had added them to my “Want List” but not given them another thought. I figured I would be lucky if someone got them for me for Christmas. What a pleasant surprise to get them for my anniversary. Thanks Wade – you are the best!

Happy Birthday Johnna!

Wade and I tried a new church today. The first round of songs were good, the sermon was interesting, and then it went downhill. The song leader got extremely emotional (to the point of not being able to understand his words) and the singing went on and on and on. I think we will not be going back.

The meeting tonight, however, was great. When Wade and I first joined the host team at Catalyst Church, the group met every other week for potluck and Bible study at a member’s house. For various reasons, this meeting eventually came to an end. Wade and I (and a few other couples) have decided to bring back the potluck and time of sharing. The group is called “The Boiler Room” from the book Red Moon Rising – see Wade’s logo below:

Our mission statement is “Connect with others. Share our experience. Support the Kingdom” and we plan to meet the first and third Sunday evening of every month. If you are in the area, just email for directions. Tonight we grilled out, got to know the new faces, discussed the book mentioned above, and generally had a fun time.

John and Jim

Well maybe it hasn’t all been bliss, but definitely an adventure. Our three year anniversary is coming up this week. We decided to celebrate a little early and spend the weekend in Greenville. Wade got us a very cool round hotel room on the Reedy River (also the park with the cool suspension bridge).

We spent the day running errands and then had an early dinner at High Cotton. The food was good, but I don’t know that I would choose to go back anytime soon. I had one of the volcano chocolate cakes for dessert and I have to admit that the ones Laura made a while ago were much better. After dinner, Wade and I strolled in the park and took a few pictures:

Madison and I have no problems sharing the couch. Wade and I have no problems sharing the couch. Wade and Madison have lots of problems sharing the couch. Madison always wants to be where Wade is (not necessarily a particular side). As soon as he edges closer to the front of the couch she burrows behind him and tries to push him off. As you can see, Wade is not amused.

I had my second outing for the year on the lake tonight. I think I mentioned before that Wade and I had been helping a lady work on her house. The lady, Bette Ann, invited us for a boat ride after work. Wade got stuck at the doctor’s office so he had to meet us for dinner any only got half the ride I did. I love being on the water. What a nice relaxing way to end the work day!