To Footloose or not to Footloose, that is the question.

Original recipe:

or Extra Spicy......

Janet, I'll wait for your cue on this.  I'm sure the opening weekend will provide enough feedback to decide if this is a "must" or a "must not".

Starbucks has got my back.....

We're a Starbucks family.

Part of TBW's routine is to stop by Starbucks in the evenings for his grande Americano in a vente cup, double cupped, 5 splendas, extra half and half and my tall Mocha Frappuchino light.  (Please note the complexity and simplicity of these orders.  I think this is telling.) Well, the last two nights I've requested a Chai Tea Latte  and apparently, Starbucks is becoming a little suspicious. Evidently no one's actually said anything but TBW has noted the hesitation with the order.  I'll probably do a drive thru latte order tomorrow just to reassure the SB crew that the Jacquins are fine. Seriously, no worries necessary until he stops ordering the second drink all together. That's a true sign of trouble.

Thanks Jason and crew for having my back but don't worry, that latte's for me.  : )

I'm mixing things up.....

And by "things" I'm talking about the look of the blog.  I felt like I'd been gone so long that it was time to update things.  It's been about a year since I started this journal and truthfully even though I haven't posted in a while there's something about knowing it's still there that's comforting.  Is that weird?  Blog=Comfort?

Either way, I hope I can get back to this more regularly.  There are things going on around her that sometimes get me a little frazzled.  So many projects I want to accomplish and between time and budget, very few are getting done. I keep moving the same two rugs around the house hoping I'll get inspired to give them a permanent home only to move them again a week later.  That's a true story.

On a side note, is anyone else finding the J Lo/FIAT commercial a little hard to follow?   I mean, she looks great, don't get me wrong but I think the connection between the two is reaching.....AT BEST! Check it out here to decide for yourself.

Things coming in future blogs....we're getting a new cabinet made for our downstairs bathroom, I've gotten rid of the green sofa and wait till you see the replacement and I've made use of some natural goodies to spruce up the house for fall as well as an apple cake recipe I've now made twice and easily consumed 75% of between the TWO. I'm not proud of it, okay.

Have a great week everyone and by "everyone" I mean those I send these posts to automatically. No permission asked. Thanks...; )

Awkward Family Photos

What a JEWEL!  This website, www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com, came into my life about a year ago. I don't visit the site often but it never disappoints when I do.

We had our own awkward photo a few weeks ago when Jane was handling the shot.

It immediately brought this pic from AFP to mind. Click here for link. Please, enjoy!

I highly recommend you carve a good 20 minutes out of your day/evening to just immerse yourself in the site.  Laughter is good for the soul!  And, please, feel free to let me know your favorites. Would love to laugh with you even if it's long distance.

We rebounded with TBW managing the camera......: )

To my friends....

If I did not care about you at ALL, I wouldn't even bother with this post.  But I do and I just can't stop myself.

The New Rules for Love, Sex and Dating was a series Andy Stanley presented several weeks ago and IT. IS. GOOD.  They sort of packaged it for singles but I think this is information married folks need to hear too if for no other reason than to make sure we do our kids right by making sure they know all this stuff!

The first part is linked in here.  Do it.  Listen to it. Seriously.

Another slice, please.

I wanted to share with you Nettie and Big Daddy's slice of Heaven in Virginia: a beautiful coral hibiscus that's so perfectly complimented by the aqua blue of their inviting pool!  What they're not showing you is the majestic mountain range that barely escaped this photo.  They have the most beautiful sunsets that hopefully they'll share with us on another occasion.  Hope you're enjoying your slice, Nettie and Big Daddy!

Wow...long time, no post.

MIA, I know.  Not sure exactly where I've been but I'm sure I was busy.

Hope everyone is well and feeling inspired by something.  Or, if not inspired, content with life as they know it.  As for myself, the wheels are always turning as for new things to be done in the home like buy a new sofa, finish painting the trim I've threatened for 3 years, paint the garage any color but white, etc. however I can say with great satisfaction, the waiting game is not bothering me.

Lately, I've found much gratification in the blue cone flowers blooming on my back patio and in appreciating them, I've found a few other things to peacefully enjoy.

For instance, we have a great patio that for the first time in four years is in full bloom.  I don't know how many of you have visited a nursery lately but flowers and plants in general are expensive.  So, looking at it now as the flowers I've transplanted, purchased or been gifted gradually take their turn showing off, I'm just proud.

In their bloom, I've realized we have quite a little haven just steps out of our back door.  A small stacked stone waterfall compliments of the previous owner and several raised flower beds that make showcasing flowers a cinch have made for an oasis that's easy on the eyes.

I had coffee out here a few days ago and usually, outdoor coffee is something I only do on vacation but as I sat here and watched the sun come up and highlight each leaf and tree in its path, I realized that my outdoors is worth relishing.

It's the perfect place for my quiet time as Jane is usually preoccupied with something on Sprout, our latest pre-schooler addiction, and with the birds chirping and the air still a couple of hours before reaching an unpleasant temperature I'm taking on a whole new appreciation for our little slice of suburban heaven.

God is good as is this life.  Here's to your little slice of heaven right where you are.