tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68724049007275537072024-03-17T23:04:06.001-04:00The View From Behind Home PlateJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.comBlogger900125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-42498095500400792222024-03-15T08:48:00.007-04:002024-03-15T13:26:38.356-04:005 Friday Favorites: March 15, 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span> </p><p>Hello, Friends. I'm back this week before I travel to Dallas next week. Likely there won't be any Friday Favorites next week because Wednesday will mark one year since we lost my mom. My family and I wanted to be face to face with each other for a bit next week so I'll be headed home in a few days.</p><p>I feel like I've been gritting my teeth lately holding out some crazy hope that I will feel like myself again if I can just get to the other side of this crappiversary (I stole this term from someone and I'm not sure who. Please advise, if you know). Somewhere deep in my soul, I know that this isn't true. </p><p>By the grace of God, I spent the week before my mom died with her and my dad. She was as alive and vibrant as could be. In the early morning of St. Patrick's Day last year I got ready to leave for the airport to return to Virginia. In the kitchen, we poured our coffee and those were the last moments I had with her. I had no idea that would be the last time I hugged her. She loved St. Patrick's Day and she asked if I wanted to add some Bailey's Irish Cream to my coffee. I said, "Mom, it's 5 am." She shrugged with a smile and said, "Suit yourself," adding a substantial pour to her cup. I'm so grateful for that moment and I will miss my mom forever. So this St. Patrick's Day even though I will feel sad, I'll remember that I'm one of the luckiest people on the planet. It's not a small thing to love someone and to be loved by someone so much that she is part of your every hour for the rest of your life. </p><p>Here are some of my favorite things from the week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. $8 Target Tanks</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJw_m7lZtUUSZlWxo-qIA46FUnj_cCwAHKTOxliu68uva-twto4-rMlknwyeiNNZz7qjj6LHGODqiFj1bJS45gbwuowR4Xkh3HXtkC7TDhzyT4LsWcXFkKi9_R_eOlQ1w7PqHABBBEldALa9YURdeWxe_9p7Hj5QwT-G7gkcmhWWGHQXMkUxmMUBQOqyg/s1200/ribbedtank.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJw_m7lZtUUSZlWxo-qIA46FUnj_cCwAHKTOxliu68uva-twto4-rMlknwyeiNNZz7qjj6LHGODqiFj1bJS45gbwuowR4Xkh3HXtkC7TDhzyT4LsWcXFkKi9_R_eOlQ1w7PqHABBBEldALa9YURdeWxe_9p7Hj5QwT-G7gkcmhWWGHQXMkUxmMUBQOqyg/s320/ribbedtank.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>These <a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-slim-fit-shrunken-rib-tank-top-universal-thread-pink/-/A-91148006?preselect=89551157#lnk=sametab"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ribbed tanks </span></a>from Target are only $8 and they are my absolute favorite. They come in all the colors and I get a few of them every year. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. The Cutest Shoes Ever</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSuhO5Fmxrl0HKyM-iP7FnYsvGOzokJ7_vHQXQ5KBznwEazoVLjUtIV4PfFA4HUa1kQGRXoLHYRLi9p1z9eSSy3owLKQXNMlIHnKFa-6m5xvRieHbSx3ldieGlCuJcwwCT4bRhuGt9Z368gyVhdmCl4dxK9kdAVjm5kQ2SZkBjD9NqavbY3dYHDIsbT6U/s1080/tretorn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSuhO5Fmxrl0HKyM-iP7FnYsvGOzokJ7_vHQXQ5KBznwEazoVLjUtIV4PfFA4HUa1kQGRXoLHYRLi9p1z9eSSy3owLKQXNMlIHnKFa-6m5xvRieHbSx3ldieGlCuJcwwCT4bRhuGt9Z368gyVhdmCl4dxK9kdAVjm5kQ2SZkBjD9NqavbY3dYHDIsbT6U/w300-h400/tretorn.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Kyle's girlfriend, Merrill, and I went shopping in Nashville a couple of weeks ago while Steve and Kyle golfed and I almost had a heart attack when I saw these<a href="https://draperjames.com/products/dj-tretorn-stadium?variant=42913208959145"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Tretorn Shoes </span></a>at Draper James. I didn't buy them.Thank you for being impressed. I humbly accept your congratulations on this feat of superhuman will. I have thought of them every single day since. They are so cute I can't stand it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Aerie Striped Quarter Zip</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_FBdGg7ckZn92CyinGUAn4pyCwvTFrQwU_Sqzox0tlm-nESKtd5PTV0yiMDK1TsFQK_ued7C8vOXGfeHAo7Sx9AjdGpJsWUWb8_WqB-fbFgTcvzI7zWU5o9UCx26vIHEwNVZdTSGQI7VtsF3KjSD0pjy6HytY-U4qEeQXQztRJaLa7-Hx-_QaMlhBB49/s722/aerieqz.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_FBdGg7ckZn92CyinGUAn4pyCwvTFrQwU_Sqzox0tlm-nESKtd5PTV0yiMDK1TsFQK_ued7C8vOXGfeHAo7Sx9AjdGpJsWUWb8_WqB-fbFgTcvzI7zWU5o9UCx26vIHEwNVZdTSGQI7VtsF3KjSD0pjy6HytY-U4qEeQXQztRJaLa7-Hx-_QaMlhBB49/s320/aerieqz.webp" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I present to you the proof that the interweb is watching. <a href="https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/tops/sweatshirts-hoodies/aerie-restart-quarter-zip-hoodie/0743_3278_125?menu=cat4840006&ip=off&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_content=aerie&utm_campaign=nogender_tops_general&utm_term=pmax&utm_id=20586652253&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAi6uvBhADEiwAWiyRduBeeEOerUgDLyOiXyAsNSXE5T_j-bZ5-49LKtOf77_JYS1LqEaGRxoCRD0QAvD_BwE"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This top</span></a> is the 325th quarter zip pullover hoodie type situation that has arrived in my social media feed in the last month or so. I don't need it. You don't need it. Nobody needs it. Why is it stalking me?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Yousify Striped Sweater Vest</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIc25FtdzcUJBSEck8ehssx06iUYRrg6VI_ZgzAntC0DyAtbx5nUu1OJFjLYbgalSjvkD6gBoRbqfTfsukE7XWjJb6TC6F-QAwGfSNUVXnbE9RjUTQhrAwLUuWqMmHNSWTXsePT58o1BpJWAmg2v85HcoUwDu8mHCG2Gd7QPRrCKTctcDGKZV9_ZP86z-/s811/amazonvest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="569" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIc25FtdzcUJBSEck8ehssx06iUYRrg6VI_ZgzAntC0DyAtbx5nUu1OJFjLYbgalSjvkD6gBoRbqfTfsukE7XWjJb6TC6F-QAwGfSNUVXnbE9RjUTQhrAwLUuWqMmHNSWTXsePT58o1BpJWAmg2v85HcoUwDu8mHCG2Gd7QPRrCKTctcDGKZV9_ZP86z-/s320/amazonvest.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was 70ish degrees this week three days in a row and it made me really ready for Spring and short sleeves. This<a href="https://amzn.to/3IElcr8"> striped sweater vest</a> is so cute. I think it would look great with white or blue denim. It comes in a bunch of colors and you can click the box to get a whopping 8% off!</div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Baseball, Friends, & a Rechargeable Hand Warmer</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMIVjN82U22j7CAhCupFBQbiXwS2sJmdvYd8uuKhmleVrjlX6IkaJX3-fLZYLT72W80f7NplpQSZVKv0mWfqf4Mj4BDzZFsVX_zmC_x0fSe2PM7wUMnxVrc3JMep-gztSs_0kbDRqKExQs53nRQnI86Yknj7CF1i1e-St3tAmj0DRZ8vOvkqeDBJwzYSl/s1080/WilliamsonsWL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMIVjN82U22j7CAhCupFBQbiXwS2sJmdvYd8uuKhmleVrjlX6IkaJX3-fLZYLT72W80f7NplpQSZVKv0mWfqf4Mj4BDzZFsVX_zmC_x0fSe2PM7wUMnxVrc3JMep-gztSs_0kbDRqKExQs53nRQnI86Yknj7CF1i1e-St3tAmj0DRZ8vOvkqeDBJwzYSl/w640-h480/WilliamsonsWL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our dear friends, and long time fellow baseball parents, Regena and Andy, drove over to Lexington, Virginia on Sunday to watch Drew's team play at Washington and Lee University. And we know they are special friends because it was 42 degrees, terribly windy and at one point it started snowing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeSOeopr8QAOBwhpSEFFrEHSA1WIeOS1jo_J-L1yIWMR-9dktmm1inzqUSXZYn5SMbGlOP48IPgDIgbqu4fKbHpLLNmvhyphenhyphenD_Cp_Sx9mrWWsHa3VZ0HibGHDnmWMNZoqNCM6g_nu-rJq9uqe-rOhOFVy3UxBOLo-Q5UxhKBheBzd1yGZ5LRgDn6Xsk87Ip/s522/handwamer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="522" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeSOeopr8QAOBwhpSEFFrEHSA1WIeOS1jo_J-L1yIWMR-9dktmm1inzqUSXZYn5SMbGlOP48IPgDIgbqu4fKbHpLLNmvhyphenhyphenD_Cp_Sx9mrWWsHa3VZ0HibGHDnmWMNZoqNCM6g_nu-rJq9uqe-rOhOFVy3UxBOLo-Q5UxhKBheBzd1yGZ5LRgDn6Xsk87Ip/w400-h400/handwamer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Their son. Ben, and Kyle played baseball together starting at 8 years old and Ben is now an actual real live professional baseball player so Regena knows a thing or two about sitting through Spring games that feel like the dead of winter. She had<a href="https://amzn.to/3VcXb1X"> this rechargeable hand warmer</a> with her and I could not believe that I didn't know these existed. What a world we live in, friends! This thing is a game changer. No pun intended.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHtnxChHNDZDJDWHeyB-1Ncn6cxHqwgLOHLlJ4aRF5pBJ4a25t5_aEDDh3_MC4PW00mEIV0qf_GJshY_BFqwtf4UzmmYHEKom5YtpWkbA9kmmmYwPmlu0D9TptjbhFwT_hThP9S-kILM6hxq_l1iLKn7Y1wW9xb4i4lDbf8mTu8jgaySPn9f7clFqGDyF/s1321/VSWL1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHtnxChHNDZDJDWHeyB-1Ncn6cxHqwgLOHLlJ4aRF5pBJ4a25t5_aEDDh3_MC4PW00mEIV0qf_GJshY_BFqwtf4UzmmYHEKom5YtpWkbA9kmmmYwPmlu0D9TptjbhFwT_hThP9S-kILM6hxq_l1iLKn7Y1wW9xb4i4lDbf8mTu8jgaySPn9f7clFqGDyF/w524-h640/VSWL1.jpg" width="524" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJot2SUU6HeiQ9KgEG52eT_-MePP3DOcBi4Xmx71KCGPbUJIYVUvkXRyTxlTuGH2O9fjmnzCJp4z6gPbP6OIssQKNDoERZ7UNDkBsXf6vyuzpOfAafktPl2kz1tQCVXvRY0vKfKClTeVxFeyFujt456QIiPhQAVperS-hq6RFhzimAh7oLbVO2MvOQTWrW/s1080/VSWL2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1080" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJot2SUU6HeiQ9KgEG52eT_-MePP3DOcBi4Xmx71KCGPbUJIYVUvkXRyTxlTuGH2O9fjmnzCJp4z6gPbP6OIssQKNDoERZ7UNDkBsXf6vyuzpOfAafktPl2kz1tQCVXvRY0vKfKClTeVxFeyFujt456QIiPhQAVperS-hq6RFhzimAh7oLbVO2MvOQTWrW/w640-h498/VSWL2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As usual, we are loving traveling around watching Drew play and are off to the ballpark again this weekend before I fly to Dallas. Have a blessed weekend and a wonderful week. Thanks for stopping by.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-28677398041544699172024-03-01T09:42:00.001-05:002024-03-01T09:42:35.102-05:005 Friday Favorites: March 1, 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span> </p><p>Hello, FRIDAY AND hello, MARCH!! We're inching closer to spring. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, kids.</p><p>Here are some of my favorite things from the last week of February.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Turkey Meatballs</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrEjtua5NQWnBMtq0Z7aF30_14-4uK-jhnkGObb2CnW9dD0zdBB1KBSaovUaZuKfzXYQ_xTp59l43oFdJoUkwqy-vEoKBeLo_MJQhqkRumCEQrvjcxc6l4IQkWWqsFcII9Ttbop6zWcX_iioSiVBTeS9ohE5jX6GFKaA-SAZ8FuCiFA9TDCqxXBATQ7gD/s1506/Slow_Cooker_Thai_Peanut_Turkey_Meatballs_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrEjtua5NQWnBMtq0Z7aF30_14-4uK-jhnkGObb2CnW9dD0zdBB1KBSaovUaZuKfzXYQ_xTp59l43oFdJoUkwqy-vEoKBeLo_MJQhqkRumCEQrvjcxc6l4IQkWWqsFcII9Ttbop6zWcX_iioSiVBTeS9ohE5jX6GFKaA-SAZ8FuCiFA9TDCqxXBATQ7gD/s320/Slow_Cooker_Thai_Peanut_Turkey_Meatballs_14.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: www.whitneybond.com</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Drew is allergic to nuts so since he went to college, dinners in our Empty Nest are so exciting because I can cook with all manner of nuts without risking someone's life. Perhaps "exciting" is too strong of a word? The bar is low, friends. </p><p>Anyway, I made these <a href="https://whitneybond.com/slow-cooker-thai-peanut-turkey-meatballs/#recipe"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Turkey Meatballs</span></a> this week and they were so good. In full disclosure, I used Trader Joe's frozen meatballs and just made the sauce from this recipe. I'm sure if you make the meatballs from scratch they're much better, but that was a bridge too far for me this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Dover Platform Sandal</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJgfRB5TT3JmlDNa10JqV9j_WvAOaldd6WtNybQsRycC5P5E5qT1u2ukWaRbynyxr4_UHPV4rzgfUQpXGoWcPyRZPcheLNi9QYxyMtzn02k4Vav_bVKJOr8CtX6V9cDBU6o7uBksFo-gII-BBBbnxOGTShGUz9nP5aMl_-1YpiqRZVA8ilV9_YxjEogby/s1061/sandal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1061" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJgfRB5TT3JmlDNa10JqV9j_WvAOaldd6WtNybQsRycC5P5E5qT1u2ukWaRbynyxr4_UHPV4rzgfUQpXGoWcPyRZPcheLNi9QYxyMtzn02k4Vav_bVKJOr8CtX6V9cDBU6o7uBksFo-gII-BBBbnxOGTShGUz9nP5aMl_-1YpiqRZVA8ilV9_YxjEogby/s320/sandal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I came across <a href="https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/kelsi-dagger-brooklyn-dover-platform-sandal/578072?activeColor=274&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Sandals-_-New_Sandals&cadevice=c&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA84CvBhCaARIsAMkAvkKNPo-cVM7zaoLlcBYOOWHO8B9NGEsNdjdqcoU1DgYU_Tn-j6V4TFwaAlN-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">these adorable sandals</span></a> somewhere on the interweb and my goodness are they cute. And kinda pricey. Also, side note: why so many names? Maybe the price goes up per word in the name? Seems excessive.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Vintage Beaded Glasses</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNfaQtrWW4SEJPXYyYUwwDPmFHdUjYmKwClk68mpO0E0foDZowtDoZvFN-8Lcr5rEYQzQhHBCn1I5vB4NZkzObaWsEsoj87YpwSBm4BPaE3Waljjk146a4SzV1ux1kxd2BipyG36ucOHUj7Yh96FuIvMI7O5BaQunzxn5vealuDInKdWYT5faqrpJtsyi/s679/glassware.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="679" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNfaQtrWW4SEJPXYyYUwwDPmFHdUjYmKwClk68mpO0E0foDZowtDoZvFN-8Lcr5rEYQzQhHBCn1I5vB4NZkzObaWsEsoj87YpwSBm4BPaE3Waljjk146a4SzV1ux1kxd2BipyG36ucOHUj7Yh96FuIvMI7O5BaQunzxn5vealuDInKdWYT5faqrpJtsyi/w400-h243/glassware.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I don't know what happens to all of our glasses, but I imagine they are somewhere with all the pacifiers and socks we've lost over the years. I need to get us some new ones and I think <a href="https://amzn.to/4bYRgmQ">these</a> are so cute. I'm also wondering if I might get a set of clear and a set of colored ones. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>4. The Wild Boys</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VPOB7_sQ8gY6CruIhiq_peKcubgHgsb-4fPmg38GdQy_vsBcsJajxEgGSiqLIA3kmC57kkm9ydLFlZI4yxAHZVSLT61_Rp-aIEFGrO4YrKzUCtSQgqPChiRTyE6kW4scuceZvpxkBjnNfcMGtA5diQAgnIWuJIlgWnlwOjLuxf3FA7JV-vuVgxqn0DqI/s1000/WildBoys_ChameleonS3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VPOB7_sQ8gY6CruIhiq_peKcubgHgsb-4fPmg38GdQy_vsBcsJajxEgGSiqLIA3kmC57kkm9ydLFlZI4yxAHZVSLT61_Rp-aIEFGrO4YrKzUCtSQgqPChiRTyE6kW4scuceZvpxkBjnNfcMGtA5diQAgnIWuJIlgWnlwOjLuxf3FA7JV-vuVgxqn0DqI/s320/WildBoys_ChameleonS3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Steve and I have been on a bunch of road trips traveling to watch Drew play baseball lately, so we have been in search of podcasts to listen to. We started <a href="https://www.campsidemedia.com/shows/wild-boys"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Wild Boys</span></a> and haven't finished yet, but it is CR-AZY. If any of you have recommendations, please let me know. We have lots of miles to drive in the next couple of months. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Kelly Corrigan Wonders: Thanks for Being Here: When a Friend Loses a Parent</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3dI1EdQOetRCL6RKASvwFRULDz_CiB9tirD1qtzNbsKI2bs76ULZEtV7u5tPrtmhQlCUiTzgHmi8bc-7T8T78OsM_iDQHJgL_DzU-6J8-jPNxhZI4Y3JVDJYUizxFC7oVt-Ttu58dsGd9G1Wtml35Y6viTcSlbRWXvsyWnMYy3rXvQmVq5_hOkrwBcnV/s160/Thanks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3dI1EdQOetRCL6RKASvwFRULDz_CiB9tirD1qtzNbsKI2bs76ULZEtV7u5tPrtmhQlCUiTzgHmi8bc-7T8T78OsM_iDQHJgL_DzU-6J8-jPNxhZI4Y3JVDJYUizxFC7oVt-Ttu58dsGd9G1Wtml35Y6viTcSlbRWXvsyWnMYy3rXvQmVq5_hOkrwBcnV/w320-h320/Thanks.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>The day after my mom passed away I was walking in her neighborhood talking to a dear friend on the phone. She had lost her mom a couple of years before and her dad many years prior. I distinctly remember that walk. I was sobbing and scared and overwhelmed with my own grief, but I had the strongest sense that I needed to tell her how sorry I was about her own losses. "I didn't know. I didn't know. I'm so sorry that I didn't know how bad this is." I kept repeating that over and over. I also knew full well that there was nothing I could have done to take her pain away even if I had known because there was nothing anyone could say or do for me either.</p><p>So many times in the days that followed, I felt compelled to message everyone I had ever known who had lost a parent and tell them the same. Kelly Corrigan puts more eloquent words to this exact thought on her podcast <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thanks-for-being-here-when-a-friend-loses-a-parent/id1532951390?i=1000646752217"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thanks for Being Here</span></a>. For any of you who have lost a parent and those who someday probably will, it's worth a listen. And to all of you: I didn't know. And now I do. And I'm so so so sorry.</p><p>Have a blessed weekend, Friends. </p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-53177323821397374812024-02-23T10:59:00.004-05:002024-02-23T11:04:28.665-05:005 Friday Favorites: February 23, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span> </p><p>Hello and I cannot believe it's already Friday. This week flew by. Along with appointments and regular life stuff, I've had a bunch of writing to do this week. I've also spent most of the week with my face glued to my phone so that I could watch Drew's college baseball games on livestream. With four games this week, that meant I found myself watching baseball in some very interesting places. I watched from the nail salon, from the church parking lot and from the dermatologist's office, where I alarmed everyone in the waiting room when I stood up from my chair like a fool and muttered "atta boy" louder than I intended when Drew threw out a runner on the base path. Then there was the afternoon I sat at a table at Starbucks while I tried to write a sermon, a devotional and do edits on an article. Let's just say that I need to spend today doing some very careful editing to be sure that there's no mention of a runner on 2nd with 2 outs in the middle of a passage from the Gospel of Luke. </p><p>Besides multi-tasking, here are some of my other favorite things from the week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Torchy's Tacos Queso</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLai0rI8u_LrjtywMuyFCnsBdNfFoJxLNRvZu3tk8nONEdWnX64GSh9AKevyuN1fMlgnbsAewQD9gF_wZM-pQ-eMUvb3MchC8-l9cxz16oVzqtEcJzRmNIdSnq9yODTTD_C_hLAXQLhW1pnSFRy2NEdNjspm2T9rBxHhB6Z93aty5_rWEWl9_FFWy1aiI8/s263/torchys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="263" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLai0rI8u_LrjtywMuyFCnsBdNfFoJxLNRvZu3tk8nONEdWnX64GSh9AKevyuN1fMlgnbsAewQD9gF_wZM-pQ-eMUvb3MchC8-l9cxz16oVzqtEcJzRmNIdSnq9yODTTD_C_hLAXQLhW1pnSFRy2NEdNjspm2T9rBxHhB6Z93aty5_rWEWl9_FFWy1aiI8/w400-h254/torchys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">On the way back from Drew's game last weekend, we stopped in Charlottesville at Torchy's Tacos. I'm about to make a very bold statement and my Texan friends might take issue because most of us are very, very serious about our opinions on queso, but I stand by it. The queso at Torchy's is officially my favorite of all time. I've been thinking about it pretty much every day since we ate there. I said what I said.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Iphone Case with Kickstand</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaWwPupyNfluA3XhHxTaox_e8DdyuqfygNC4c3v6rb51E-iJjsb7ZdsHE9AKhOrVC6aTVtkjXTKivUZ_-FNSK99yZDnr-9kKsjqOZYn9-DgAJiRMD7evkTi2PMiErx8sfMFi3Q12yiUPT1jOHqPU3MGXYCHcngndQIk7koo0HmGzHxAAHwXfG0Df2VB2F/s300/iphonecase.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="283" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaWwPupyNfluA3XhHxTaox_e8DdyuqfygNC4c3v6rb51E-iJjsb7ZdsHE9AKhOrVC6aTVtkjXTKivUZ_-FNSK99yZDnr-9kKsjqOZYn9-DgAJiRMD7evkTi2PMiErx8sfMFi3Q12yiUPT1jOHqPU3MGXYCHcngndQIk7koo0HmGzHxAAHwXfG0Df2VB2F/w377-h400/iphonecase.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ever since a piece of my Iphone cover broke off a few months ago, I've been playing it fast and loose with no cover. You would not believe the number of people who are alarmed by this reckless behavior. So many people comment on it. So, when I dropped my phone on the floor the other day, I prayed, "Lord, if I pick this phone up and it's not cracked, I promise I will repent of my careless ways and get a cover." The Lord heard me, so I ordered <a href="https://amzn.to/42PcAXW">this Iphone Case</a> . As a bonus, it's got a kickstand so that I can set it up on the desk and watch baseball while I write about how He can do more than we every asked or imagined.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. The Book of Polly </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaqaGpXIdMvNcLH01O96eoxiTArvTBidmda5ocCDr8kKA-M8P21lo2_avbWLz8yQNr5SUDGn2Bp0ROYjWsjMrG3VfvKfj1M_6_FkKLZxCwZmw5buE-CY3YOd3qIlYsFudj5OPFwjsb6XRP9axw_w1cH1BzKAbqhB4Z_FsUrMJbaqwmBxYrIV7vAbd_a2e/s425/Thebookofpolly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaqaGpXIdMvNcLH01O96eoxiTArvTBidmda5ocCDr8kKA-M8P21lo2_avbWLz8yQNr5SUDGn2Bp0ROYjWsjMrG3VfvKfj1M_6_FkKLZxCwZmw5buE-CY3YOd3qIlYsFudj5OPFwjsb6XRP9axw_w1cH1BzKAbqhB4Z_FsUrMJbaqwmBxYrIV7vAbd_a2e/w265-h400/Thebookofpolly.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I had purchased <a href="https://amzn.to/49nqvqN">this book </a>on my Kindle at my mom's suggestion years ago. I just realized I had never read it so I started it this week. Usually I don't like to mention a book until I finish it, but I really am enjoying this one already. The characters are charming and funny. My favorite line so far: "She goes to the Methodist Church. She might as well go to a nightclub." (I'm a Methodist, so it really made me laugh.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Maeve Collared Twofer Sweater</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0-3UKU2nSKR3Ly0SasTqOM4G-a864_3NqayXagzJZ-Krm2QS-CkeKNG_aQPWNdN1fJ3k7BfsJGE4OKVFCQ8JLTFmPJbtvhhT54RyQMPscd09nOw9uM-LHxHWQ7mg0F8eCsZ2YckWajSu5o4Jd4VUKfsnkiYvCW2IV3ay3Vxjg-FcgiQ4OCRmFp4bZoKX/s1620/maeve.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0-3UKU2nSKR3Ly0SasTqOM4G-a864_3NqayXagzJZ-Krm2QS-CkeKNG_aQPWNdN1fJ3k7BfsJGE4OKVFCQ8JLTFmPJbtvhhT54RyQMPscd09nOw9uM-LHxHWQ7mg0F8eCsZ2YckWajSu5o4Jd4VUKfsnkiYvCW2IV3ay3Vxjg-FcgiQ4OCRmFp4bZoKX/w266-h400/maeve.webp" width="266" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I've been eyeing <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/maeve-collared-twofer-sweater?category=SAYTPRODUCT&color=040&type=STANDARD&quantity=1"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this sweater </span></a>from Anthropologie for over a month waiting for it to go on sale and it's not budging. It's so cute. I love the colors and the collar. For now, my will power is holding strong, but I'm not sure how long it will.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Life Lately brought to you by the Iphone Family Group Chat</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQn8alwGnxnMQdJZ1PauDxT6qYxipFnHPExWaV8hGxH7hbOyC063hdVVoycFqUinc_F5PtG9L7Z0oQleugCrGhRnmbgiL66WBScXhzRBeixAjrSBtFiZ7zUJ3VMq05Sitb3uYAnY6pvHgN_FH61P9VxZM-oUJeNJ6Fx6hEQ1gm1xfYFAAXotDRD-6_rRb/s1681/drew021724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQn8alwGnxnMQdJZ1PauDxT6qYxipFnHPExWaV8hGxH7hbOyC063hdVVoycFqUinc_F5PtG9L7Z0oQleugCrGhRnmbgiL66WBScXhzRBeixAjrSBtFiZ7zUJ3VMq05Sitb3uYAnY6pvHgN_FH61P9VxZM-oUJeNJ6Fx6hEQ1gm1xfYFAAXotDRD-6_rRb/w412-h640/drew021724.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I've gotta go because I still have lots of writing to do about Jesus that requires deep thought and good sentence structure, so for #5 today, I'll say my favorite thing is our family group chat and the way it allows the five of us to share our lives - no matter how exciting or boring - with each other everyday even though we don't live under the same roof anymore. The big boys are very invested in Drew's games and it's the sweetest thing to hear how they try to find the time to watch him at work and blow up our chat as they do so. </p><p style="text-align: left;">And since I feel like this blog has been Drew-centric lately, please be assured that I love my other boys, too. Even though they left their mama to move far away and be adults contributing to the American economy. Also, know that as proud as I am of them, being witness to their lives reminds me that while many of us love to reminisce about how fun being young and carefree in our 20s was, it was also challenging, uncertain and a little boring sometimes. I love that these adults still have very important things to ask and share with their family. So please enjoy the pictures I get from my young and hip 20somethings. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Somebody wants to show us the steak and vegetables he made. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIy6mk4gvLG2oiCgZ2TQO0BGk3KyDpCRnidw_236QxhNw1p_AY_97dCgwp54W8rZsIKlTQew3xiseHbfx-HzWNMoMw0ndDcY41MbdsoRP4fzQKZXWBu3m8e9qlLgJvEpcPUS7foHjYhyk2_Jr_d0hfLluCjF35Q6jT8hMxBHXz4Dv2mDEEyZ8GULps2ST/s1410/steak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIy6mk4gvLG2oiCgZ2TQO0BGk3KyDpCRnidw_236QxhNw1p_AY_97dCgwp54W8rZsIKlTQew3xiseHbfx-HzWNMoMw0ndDcY41MbdsoRP4fzQKZXWBu3m8e9qlLgJvEpcPUS7foHjYhyk2_Jr_d0hfLluCjF35Q6jT8hMxBHXz4Dv2mDEEyZ8GULps2ST/w306-h400/steak.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Somebody went to Taco Bell.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi008k6S20D_ZVAt7FFUgH7iuM_eW2ytP5OTpe3w87UOZjZspjWd_5wmNNQMPo_pp0SLwFI-aL_FkBd5X4mZwwcQegzzvFPjr9lT-n2hr2CapTEmnjg6XHBhz2yY6c9HZy-UPpYs4mhKx524nejOmCToF0CNfKiuvLARnasn-1r7oJFBIymuIrOugoxOVkn/s1080/tacobell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi008k6S20D_ZVAt7FFUgH7iuM_eW2ytP5OTpe3w87UOZjZspjWd_5wmNNQMPo_pp0SLwFI-aL_FkBd5X4mZwwcQegzzvFPjr9lT-n2hr2CapTEmnjg6XHBhz2yY6c9HZy-UPpYs4mhKx524nejOmCToF0CNfKiuvLARnasn-1r7oJFBIymuIrOugoxOVkn/w300-h400/tacobell.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Somebody wants to know if this is legal in a carry-on for his business trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNj_GT3_u-HvKDEKuGyvbCCf3W6ea6turE6uJxBwn8NUL8Fax9SreMvIwsGU4_Am8CvX-HHBmBRUA4rBr8ESxaumL0-7TtbYNd1TIMkzO7AyrUQsD8Q4_0CtDzDgEQj1LhlY_pShy9Y325xx5leYJFJW7cLWleZ8HAXj1k0uJ2HLk28r7vYdJDPuQaT9w/s1247/steamer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNj_GT3_u-HvKDEKuGyvbCCf3W6ea6turE6uJxBwn8NUL8Fax9SreMvIwsGU4_Am8CvX-HHBmBRUA4rBr8ESxaumL0-7TtbYNd1TIMkzO7AyrUQsD8Q4_0CtDzDgEQj1LhlY_pShy9Y325xx5leYJFJW7cLWleZ8HAXj1k0uJ2HLk28r7vYdJDPuQaT9w/w295-h400/steamer.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Somebody cut his hand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggcop3ehR3XsdFzXdanja7opmPA6YKq8Q4LFlEWdDHwp6qpNGuac7R_e9a_zqur8In3eayPIMzVVObef5hR7ep5kPY04aAcB91nQPd6PQoHQ7B_CeRLBv2_AdYjKVYP5m4bctFsQmDoLkKIFgMhTIpxptgzMymIPV-xeQr1NknrMY1dtqN-WpL1sR5bAj/s1080/hand.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggcop3ehR3XsdFzXdanja7opmPA6YKq8Q4LFlEWdDHwp6qpNGuac7R_e9a_zqur8In3eayPIMzVVObef5hR7ep5kPY04aAcB91nQPd6PQoHQ7B_CeRLBv2_AdYjKVYP5m4bctFsQmDoLkKIFgMhTIpxptgzMymIPV-xeQr1NknrMY1dtqN-WpL1sR5bAj/w300-h400/hand.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Somebody got a new washer and dryer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflKCUcEVNerCMDZdhmfKftsIYOYZORKZ4VAvBGR2jIrMWctWToJ-kgHRyZZ_TbsS7k7a88Y6LuRb_zk1wcH8-MPoUhMFieClh3h3PSwpyrrgnsqzFV42nEaSMQsjp3JN4cjjkvt6xr92qCbvm0_PEveXmO4qNZvvvswgCLTd_3iMThGQovXL8PRowzYJ7/s1091/washerdryer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1091" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflKCUcEVNerCMDZdhmfKftsIYOYZORKZ4VAvBGR2jIrMWctWToJ-kgHRyZZ_TbsS7k7a88Y6LuRb_zk1wcH8-MPoUhMFieClh3h3PSwpyrrgnsqzFV42nEaSMQsjp3JN4cjjkvt6xr92qCbvm0_PEveXmO4qNZvvvswgCLTd_3iMThGQovXL8PRowzYJ7/w400-h324/washerdryer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Someone ate pizza.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs6O9YLlgAnOoUfnCY5VOyv_oRrVefxjirPHd7y-R0bGqrgNExSKnEJtrzwqwDeyQMz6Wm-CR3mUw4Ketu0wQCrsKFPyt3WfDC6Wt4nNBclnD-6XSukEZp9EAvuvugBw8faj7K6H5Irgyp3NtWfWiJgupUrTGqu7bheRROikO6gmJSmFLOChHODRSSGNL/s1080/pizza.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs6O9YLlgAnOoUfnCY5VOyv_oRrVefxjirPHd7y-R0bGqrgNExSKnEJtrzwqwDeyQMz6Wm-CR3mUw4Ketu0wQCrsKFPyt3WfDC6Wt4nNBclnD-6XSukEZp9EAvuvugBw8faj7K6H5Irgyp3NtWfWiJgupUrTGqu7bheRROikO6gmJSmFLOChHODRSSGNL/w300-h400/pizza.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Thank God for Merrill who will send me a picture of Kyle's face every once in awhile even if he does act a fool every time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Lnrc7SzTZKWRC6A0O67mbfnx62PP1EPEWdf2TjXor1M5fC5qtbjC1qEaekvVk2kdcjEOycaVgybJcEhSVpTt0QlYubpkNZJH2mC8VlZySGnXkvi74gI64g-Dc1H4H-bQm-YR0-5EO0vfziozY6t-NYiBJikZesyD_1gJXYv5mBPvmFwHvR6U9yhL_U_/s1104/kylemerrill24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="621" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Lnrc7SzTZKWRC6A0O67mbfnx62PP1EPEWdf2TjXor1M5fC5qtbjC1qEaekvVk2kdcjEOycaVgybJcEhSVpTt0QlYubpkNZJH2mC8VlZySGnXkvi74gI64g-Dc1H4H-bQm-YR0-5EO0vfziozY6t-NYiBJikZesyD_1gJXYv5mBPvmFwHvR6U9yhL_U_/w225-h400/kylemerrill24.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We take what we can get. Life is not always glamorous or exciting, but it is a gift.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend, Friends.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-78233907017509756472024-02-16T08:55:00.002-05:002024-02-16T08:56:03.671-05:005 Friday Favorites: February 16, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;">Hello and Happy Friday. Man, this week flew by. I hope everyone enjoyed all the Super Bowl Shenanigans, Valentine's Day, Ash Wednesday, pancakes and what not. We had a pretty boring week around here, but boring can be a blessing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are some of my favorites from this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. How to Stay Married</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMfd1zRK18dcW4CLkEzSuxGAnIZM7QaD9Iq71eXVVxu2quFkaM4Jwz8E37vMc3OiiG0TmDJUOGAFScG3xwrUf52kcZ1Zm9h2zkmt6z7-SwfP-KQ1hQ9XhEtZ4Ozuo32HU8JF6g0hyphenhyphenRB6WJBHMNu7kzGDZiCS1FyRGf5J3F8Z-ryxz7qz8a863XSf1uBya/s218/howtostaymarried.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMfd1zRK18dcW4CLkEzSuxGAnIZM7QaD9Iq71eXVVxu2quFkaM4Jwz8E37vMc3OiiG0TmDJUOGAFScG3xwrUf52kcZ1Zm9h2zkmt6z7-SwfP-KQ1hQ9XhEtZ4Ozuo32HU8JF6g0hyphenhyphenRB6WJBHMNu7kzGDZiCS1FyRGf5J3F8Z-ryxz7qz8a863XSf1uBya/w320-h320/howtostaymarried.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I just finished the book, <a href="https://amzn.to/3UGH5Ny">How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told</a> by Harrison Scott Key and it was so so so good. It's vulnerable, hilarious, sad and hopeful. All the things. Key has an amazing way of infusing humor into tragedy and there is nothing I am here for more than laughing in the middle of a meltdown. He also has some really profound statements to make about marriage and faith including these gems:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>"The human heart is a terrain that cannot be mapped by reason alone. Virtue cannot solve the riddle of marriage. All I really know is this: the most powerful force in the universe is love and the strangest is forgiveness. I will never fully understand either, but then I still don't know exactly how elevators work and I enjoy elevators all the time."</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>"Maybe I let bad things happen because for many years I had the emotional intelligence of a potted succulent. Maybe so. There are a lot of maybes in this book. Sometimes maybe is all you have to hold on to. That's all faith is, an enthusiastic maybe. A passionate probably. A hopeful hopefully."</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Suits on Netflix</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJi83ivTEhofCnkdaEB0wl_fmCwEHBzIlH54iJF1vTCdzMwa-ZvTV-N1KQAd_Anj3Ub2VSjyV7c4Hwjz1mzaZHKUQTKsZRXxFC0tY2aWACkUH1n_m0HpxBq0zQ62-5A_ArnxwgWKDA16biEfelK5JBblm75N2mrUyxE9-JQsej8__p3uvF_SjgI8J3aklM/s1581/suits2.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1581" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJi83ivTEhofCnkdaEB0wl_fmCwEHBzIlH54iJF1vTCdzMwa-ZvTV-N1KQAd_Anj3Ub2VSjyV7c4Hwjz1mzaZHKUQTKsZRXxFC0tY2aWACkUH1n_m0HpxBq0zQ62-5A_ArnxwgWKDA16biEfelK5JBblm75N2mrUyxE9-JQsej8__p3uvF_SjgI8J3aklM/w400-h266/suits2.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Is this the best show I've ever seen? No. Is Meghan Markle a good actress. No. Am I enjoying this show? Yes. It's February. Everything is boring. The bar is low. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Whole 30 Chicken & Mushroom Soup</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX77w7pX0eRqBkrIMh63_e-9Ni83mAW5p-ZhnCf4WmY4T5LygHmCsS7_Qlg_oercRXBEP7CzV0Pa_-i2_fHg7Z5A186POBlRYGknZrkGvblPUg0NLRvn2wKcOM5GULIUwTAH2LC_-fl0TQ42QHG7Tt3G4ikwwuzRH_wXd9YGKgoDj4_F-ndW7iPkMn92_Y/s1080/w30chickenmusroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX77w7pX0eRqBkrIMh63_e-9Ni83mAW5p-ZhnCf4WmY4T5LygHmCsS7_Qlg_oercRXBEP7CzV0Pa_-i2_fHg7Z5A186POBlRYGknZrkGvblPUg0NLRvn2wKcOM5GULIUwTAH2LC_-fl0TQ42QHG7Tt3G4ikwwuzRH_wXd9YGKgoDj4_F-ndW7iPkMn92_Y/w300-h400/w30chickenmusroom.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: The Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Steve was out of town last week so I thought I'd do something really crazy . . .just throw caution to the wind and be my own independent woman doing whatever the heck I wanted. So, what I did was I made Whole 30 Chicken and Mushroom Soup from<a href="https://amzn.to/3UOgAGl"> this cookbook</a>. You see, because he won't eat mushrooms. Listen, we all need to sow our wild oats once in awhile. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>2 slices of Whole30 compliant bacon, chopped</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>1 package of (8 oz,) fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>1/2 cup chopped onion</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>2 cloves garlic, minced</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>1/2 tsp salt</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>1/8 tsp red pepper flakes</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>4 cups of Whole30 compliant chicken broth</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>3 cups of chopped cooked chicken</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Cook bacon in large pot of medium heat, stirring frequently until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Heat the bacon drippings in the pot over medium heat. Add mushrooms, garlic, onion, salt and pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender, 4-5 minutes. Stir in broth and sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat. Simmer covered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the chicken and thyme and heat through, about 1 minute. Top servings with bacon.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Wishbone Earrings</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFrcXz7oCvD7RZC84Aa1V4qYwsF-70RZdbJuXPLFxaf7GPRcOOc6ow_JDROMlpxZLcPArf3ltGHxxd9OllsPA65tLx_pilcA4EqDr8a0gVJdprvrMQlzD2HtTdTOm0SzAOjFrkNHxWBWfRNoy8ECAjDRV5yzy7kHW4Z3PvSIR3ZXH5lj06la-5D7bu2hj/s701/wishbone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFrcXz7oCvD7RZC84Aa1V4qYwsF-70RZdbJuXPLFxaf7GPRcOOc6ow_JDROMlpxZLcPArf3ltGHxxd9OllsPA65tLx_pilcA4EqDr8a0gVJdprvrMQlzD2HtTdTOm0SzAOjFrkNHxWBWfRNoy8ECAjDRV5yzy7kHW4Z3PvSIR3ZXH5lj06la-5D7bu2hj/w300-h400/wishbone.jpg" width="300" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">These <a href="https://parklanejewelry.com/store/product/wishbone-earrings"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Wishbone earrings</span></a> from Park Lane's newest collection are my favorite to wear lately. They are so cute, the perfect size, and very lightweight. They come in gold or silver and are only $36. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>5. The Baseball, The Children Who Become Grown Men, & The Very, Very Good God</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI62QVw1I3Azj5Bh_N8ELfoZxWRdQ5v5pamYwYqjUS9ZEkODL97545zjgIQqqGc79_OxUTUgcwRcms8GQ1PjlwRkShWFakoJRvyFbJCm28j89D7yfuyfSCD29wntvO6XEErqy-VsZiuegrfmzxSap0kmHujQq5Xwg_18X6uZeh0gM5U4fSv3z2W32zhpwR/s1613/DREW021023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI62QVw1I3Azj5Bh_N8ELfoZxWRdQ5v5pamYwYqjUS9ZEkODL97545zjgIQqqGc79_OxUTUgcwRcms8GQ1PjlwRkShWFakoJRvyFbJCm28j89D7yfuyfSCD29wntvO6XEErqy-VsZiuegrfmzxSap0kmHujQq5Xwg_18X6uZeh0gM5U4fSv3z2W32zhpwR/w429-h640/DREW021023.jpg" width="429" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We had so much fun getting to see Drew play in his first college game last weekend in Brevard, North Carolina. As you can see, the kid still really has a hard time enjoying the game. The photo above is seconds after he got hit in the head with a pitch. Mama gasped. He, instead, smiled, looked toward his teammates in the dugout, stuck out his tongue, and took his base. Some things never change.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As a bonus, we also got to see his buddy and roommate, Maddox, who he has played with on and off since he was 7 years old. It is such a blessing that they ended up at the same school on the same team. I have often mentioned how blessed we have been by the friends we have met through this game. So, when I peeked into the dugout and saw the boys/men there, it took everything I had not to lie down in the grass outside the dugout and cry like a maniac. Because five minutes ago, this was Drew and Maddox:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBuAkpiyiVwuBWKetwJbTC-7RpmCS2hJhviIMI8c7FVuF3rZCAzAsx7DpsOu-tEoraE2lIbTPpHWF95zoHKX2U3P9Mw6EABfLYh2KH4tW33anyE5HGzaUhu1bphprDzLTmIoeAy-8m8khWvNa-PgecYzABF63bRKdO8Yg2aRtTZY8RnPkSpu12wPeqUxd/s1080/DSMJ15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBuAkpiyiVwuBWKetwJbTC-7RpmCS2hJhviIMI8c7FVuF3rZCAzAsx7DpsOu-tEoraE2lIbTPpHWF95zoHKX2U3P9Mw6EABfLYh2KH4tW33anyE5HGzaUhu1bphprDzLTmIoeAy-8m8khWvNa-PgecYzABF63bRKdO8Yg2aRtTZY8RnPkSpu12wPeqUxd/w426-h640/DSMJ15.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">And now this is Drew and Maddox:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MLa582xAgJlkA-YKZ-bdMuGa04rjHo1cuHosZJ1fR6lHNqBYG-Um4bteVsSeU34HZaLYYcxUA3bLu84vYnAQggSN0P4BFaPc4lyMuBuUKBjZ6-OdKQOeSHckOAeYnflX3Nvm3AXWHOvsmLQggTrHCbqb7-D0Et4iNBCa6ff2jmNryPJdcIO3tLSRDkjC/s1080/DSMJ24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MLa582xAgJlkA-YKZ-bdMuGa04rjHo1cuHosZJ1fR6lHNqBYG-Um4bteVsSeU34HZaLYYcxUA3bLu84vYnAQggSN0P4BFaPc4lyMuBuUKBjZ6-OdKQOeSHckOAeYnflX3Nvm3AXWHOvsmLQggTrHCbqb7-D0Et4iNBCa6ff2jmNryPJdcIO3tLSRDkjC/w640-h480/DSMJ24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I don't even know what to say. It annoys the fire out of me when moms tell younger moms who are in the trenches, "Don't blink." I don't think it's helpful when you're covered in baby vomit, can't go to the bathroom alone and eat leftover chicken nuggets every night for dinner. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So all I will say is that it appears that I did, indeed, blink. And here we are. But do not let your heart be troubled, young Mama. When you open your eyes, it can be startling, but it is still a beautiful, blessed adventure. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful weekend!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></p><p></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-59152485978806371302024-02-09T07:54:00.005-05:002024-02-09T07:57:32.754-05:005 Friday Favorites: February 9, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span></p></div><p>Happy Friday! Happy Super Bowl! Happy Taylor & Travis Extravaganza! Happy first weekend of College Baseball for my kid! I have to scoot because games start soon, so let's get to my favorites from this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. The Promise by Tracy Chapman</span></b></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/cQ0kh3k0LKE?si=l3sWsQzaYM9jBD7n" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cQ0kh3k0LKE/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></p><p>When Tracy Chapman was on the Grammys the other night I suddenly remembered one of my favorite songs of all time. I probably hadn't heard in in 25 years. The Promise is one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard and I don't think it's just romantic love. When I looked it up this week, I listened to it three times in a row. Get your tissues ready. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Zesica Knitted Chunky Pullover</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aKOKHK1wISY_Cmm-ahC6Q73EG9hZ_DBNG_oYsDHPD8-wpBzwWFvVgKDRFMV7WgyHleiAPfKy9JRyEt6PdF51N_OwsACV0E7tx59Yqk9KhGW2hzTkDEyFeKkAMPq6ZkAn4GLG5x4DiRRgmmSn5vavAKJ0TOdTSHugX17VI56_b3e1GvAtNuNKrGRxhZe8/s500/red.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="362" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aKOKHK1wISY_Cmm-ahC6Q73EG9hZ_DBNG_oYsDHPD8-wpBzwWFvVgKDRFMV7WgyHleiAPfKy9JRyEt6PdF51N_OwsACV0E7tx59Yqk9KhGW2hzTkDEyFeKkAMPq6ZkAn4GLG5x4DiRRgmmSn5vavAKJ0TOdTSHugX17VI56_b3e1GvAtNuNKrGRxhZe8/w290-h400/red.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>There is no need for me to suggest another Quarter Zip Pullover from Amazon that goes great with leggings is there? But here we are. <a href="https://amzn.to/49tJiQz">This one </a>comes in a ton of colors. I bought it in red which is way out of my comfort zone, but I've worn it so many times. It's soft and comfortable Five stars.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Cities of the Future</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYTQCFnSCUm31uGXcZKiVmzax6oGiLGyHuwmhywRvzUaS1YYaPRJ2rm8vOpGIWSDo1A9nlRWFbDvSVRrWS4oqsaKDqJFCZHj7KP-Cr2DCXSe9WCoxGqW6_s3pKM7-KxWfGKivbzTVZXx5XOV5vhU3SYGbV96CIzCt8Tf0q0pNvu6OPjWS1wPPE93VLMdB/s1599/cities.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYTQCFnSCUm31uGXcZKiVmzax6oGiLGyHuwmhywRvzUaS1YYaPRJ2rm8vOpGIWSDo1A9nlRWFbDvSVRrWS4oqsaKDqJFCZHj7KP-Cr2DCXSe9WCoxGqW6_s3pKM7-KxWfGKivbzTVZXx5XOV5vhU3SYGbV96CIzCt8Tf0q0pNvu6OPjWS1wPPE93VLMdB/w270-h400/cities.png" width="270" /></a></div><p>For the past several years, I've done some freelance writing for a Marketing/PR firm. Recently the firm has been working with the creators of a film called<i> Cities of the Future </i>which releases on February 16th in select IMAX theaters. Because I am a person who has read People Magazine pretty much every week since 1980, for me, the most exciting thing about this was to find out that John Krasinski narrates the film. (And he's married to Emily Blunt, who is fantastic. And they're friends with Matt Damon, who is my favorite actor of all time)</p><p>I digress. A really close second to the most exciting thing is that this film allows audiences an inside look at engineering and scientific innovations that will transform our cities to meet the challenges of the future. It celebrates human ingenuity and visionaries of all ages. In fact, what's really cool - I mean besides listening to Jim from The Office, of course - is that the film highlights the <i>Future Cities Competition</i>, an annual contest where 60,000 middle school students compete to create a model future city. Kids with interests in science and technology will be inspired to see how they can affect meaningful change for their communities.</p><p>This is where I point out that the Skinner boys were creating piles of smelly cleats and collections of Axe Body Spray in middle school. We all have our own journeys. It's fine. </p><p><a href="https://citiesofthefuturefilm.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Go here to see if Cities off the Future is playing near you. </span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Rose Velvet</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVprtWEkS3IUMbdOLYokpAQAGiyZJ5bUmYvfS28ZnlyobfkDa3a4b9QVKwN-LHf_dUDdJP20Sot_6QcUu5P8Rg7_4a6xUhU2qKUYDutQswtrM6xSq-L1_i4hbgbkFkQhXdGMPoL6S0Y2p_wDogcny813EurLvEB1LnUowo9Lt3zFRSLhFSZi72Et2qvfO/s425/rosevelvet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVprtWEkS3IUMbdOLYokpAQAGiyZJ5bUmYvfS28ZnlyobfkDa3a4b9QVKwN-LHf_dUDdJP20Sot_6QcUu5P8Rg7_4a6xUhU2qKUYDutQswtrM6xSq-L1_i4hbgbkFkQhXdGMPoL6S0Y2p_wDogcny813EurLvEB1LnUowo9Lt3zFRSLhFSZi72Et2qvfO/w320-h320/rosevelvet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When I was at my parents' house in January getting some of my mom's stuff cleaned out, I came upon some of her makeup. There is probably nothing a Texas woman would rather pass down to her daughter than her lipstick and hair products, so I grabbed quite a few things. I found this <a href="https://amzn.to/3uj2uBY">Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rose Velvet</a> and I love the color so much. It was almost gone, so I found a new one on Amazon. One of my mom's top tips whenever I was feeling down was "Take a deep breath and count to 10. Then put on a little rouge and lipstick and you'll feel much better." It actually kinda works. Thanks for taking care of me even from heaven, Mom.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. <i>Chicago</i> by the students at Woodlawn High School</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvsfTh7gI8BqP0ZfamET19G_b3suP-uXbh_HLVSMXFhtj5lsBWdL3xiz7wklSn4Dc6swUaQ9npSoXr7gYxH3qp9qPMRmbTXIpkZtY1c4U6x9fb5fn_jW310EzP6lO9v-2H7CBAO6OdpmEdWGgwhD8OWY_uiPgmo_dlc9EPdmAcvEK2WeWv1KKhIqzjo4n/s784/charlotte.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="784" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvsfTh7gI8BqP0ZfamET19G_b3suP-uXbh_HLVSMXFhtj5lsBWdL3xiz7wklSn4Dc6swUaQ9npSoXr7gYxH3qp9qPMRmbTXIpkZtY1c4U6x9fb5fn_jW310EzP6lO9v-2H7CBAO6OdpmEdWGgwhD8OWY_uiPgmo_dlc9EPdmAcvEK2WeWv1KKhIqzjo4n/w400-h339/charlotte.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: George Laumann</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Last Friday night we went to see my niece in her high school's production of <i>Chicago </i>and it was fabulous.<i> Chicago</i> is my favorite musical ever and to see these kids do it so well was amazing. My niece was Matron "Mama" Morton and she blew me away with her talent. My very gifted nephew was also in the orchestra which was really fun to see or hear, I suppose. Goodness gracioius does it fire me up watching kids doing the things they love to do. It makes my heart want to burst out of my chest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Vwd0GkWJ4PJbDmfn9WNEhZ6vFGl5Kq0BfkizP3cjYzIPRmXuucXsRLBaLaQJvXVTq0eF_hEqyhOs00mZkp969DkYoinEMPrkJ9QNiR9aTGx0gtc2eJmyi44ohIzBMqkGLVAMEP082XG83KCGX_pFcjS2EbNHKhU6R16uKn2900Go688Hlp0N10CoVa9p/s1080/charlotte2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Vwd0GkWJ4PJbDmfn9WNEhZ6vFGl5Kq0BfkizP3cjYzIPRmXuucXsRLBaLaQJvXVTq0eF_hEqyhOs00mZkp969DkYoinEMPrkJ9QNiR9aTGx0gtc2eJmyi44ohIzBMqkGLVAMEP082XG83KCGX_pFcjS2EbNHKhU6R16uKn2900Go688Hlp0N10CoVa9p/w400-h300/charlotte2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">BONUS FAVORITE: Baseball's Return</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoTauCsensAvlevh7Z0JZwAmZT16AEnPU2fX6LxKGzTZYvJ7KVLgtmBRHXr1RGTkiijwaVTVVgOYkR9lEqWE9GClnsN6Cxd-0sYI_z1UOwmiTlhfUDVmwE0l-7UyZNPHSeKQxNS2u60_-uV0tphva6n4AdmI0wzHl4uSSP4VWbCjdU7z5Dg5uo6bzmqgj/s1262/DrewAverett4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoTauCsensAvlevh7Z0JZwAmZT16AEnPU2fX6LxKGzTZYvJ7KVLgtmBRHXr1RGTkiijwaVTVVgOYkR9lEqWE9GClnsN6Cxd-0sYI_z1UOwmiTlhfUDVmwE0l-7UyZNPHSeKQxNS2u60_-uV0tphva6n4AdmI0wzHl4uSSP4VWbCjdU7z5Dg5uo6bzmqgj/w343-h400/DrewAverett4.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><p></p><p>Well, here we go. A brand new baseball season. A new uniform. A new number. A new group of kids to cheer for. Who knows how much he'll play? Who knows how many wins or losses? Who knows how many strike outs or base hits or walks? The only thing I know is that today there's a kid named <i>Skinner</i> on the roster. I'm so incredibly blessed to catch the view from behind home plate again.</p><p>Have a great weekend, Friends!</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-84212998591146394342024-02-02T09:37:00.003-05:002024-02-02T09:39:58.758-05:005 Friday Favorites: February 2, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;">Hello and happy Friday! I missed publishing favorites last week because I was really sick, so a lot of my favorites from the last week or so all were things I enjoyed while being in my bed. I actually should list "My Bed" as my number 1 favorite thing. I love it an irrational amount. My husband makes fun of how happy I am when it's time to go to sleep. I used to try to blame it on winter. Maybe I'm like a bear who likes to hibernate and the deep devotion I have to my bed is just seasonal. Come to find out this is an outright lie. Being in my bed is a delight to me. I saw this earlier this week and I felt it deep in my soul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV65gBzJh2kVNICtYkJyf3n5BMew7dhVe9-RuQsx51Q5hXxsKy-DoXyMtEVXfwfMFG7UXXa4a7wp1KLaTxfKbebPZ7iCxHOwMfYaMdir6M35DWqS7VHz30ndbQPLOY6IEmx9MCkmRBPCrauSDLOq02MEiWOQ6VCnXmeNnx2DSsLFVgWdSEJEh6Ur2bi9S/s700/bed.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="700" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV65gBzJh2kVNICtYkJyf3n5BMew7dhVe9-RuQsx51Q5hXxsKy-DoXyMtEVXfwfMFG7UXXa4a7wp1KLaTxfKbebPZ7iCxHOwMfYaMdir6M35DWqS7VHz30ndbQPLOY6IEmx9MCkmRBPCrauSDLOq02MEiWOQ6VCnXmeNnx2DSsLFVgWdSEJEh6Ur2bi9S/w640-h347/bed.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Now that we've established what an absolute blast it is to hang out with me, let's see what else is on my favorites list this week.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Eye Pillow</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPxQEHNwCyT1nTY-KnDtszSe3DanKG_OB1JecxxqT_ug50g7piwRKS8NmOutCNP8pKUIbO9ITP4dPm2i3nhEywfcGFSjCBKznirRxQj6QyQw0p1OiOCXJnZhYSMOsvZYCBwmT_ve8vyvCM6922KuOwttuGKpR5RdfiCYUnsQfhSn5JK27GYS1B6qAZE3L/s569/eyepillow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="569" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPxQEHNwCyT1nTY-KnDtszSe3DanKG_OB1JecxxqT_ug50g7piwRKS8NmOutCNP8pKUIbO9ITP4dPm2i3nhEywfcGFSjCBKznirRxQj6QyQw0p1OiOCXJnZhYSMOsvZYCBwmT_ve8vyvCM6922KuOwttuGKpR5RdfiCYUnsQfhSn5JK27GYS1B6qAZE3L/w400-h318/eyepillow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This seems like a good place to start. I first experienced the relaxation magic of an eye pillow over 20 years ago in a yoga class. Since then I've never been without one on my bedside table which means mine was getting pretty nasty. I bought <a href="https://amzn.to/3HGMOLK">this one</a> on Amazon and it's so great. It is filled with flax seed and smells like lavender. It's perfect for calming eye strain, alleviating headaches and for blocking out light if the person who shares your bed with you is reading or watching the Celtics at 11 pm.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. The Kominsky Method on Netflix</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe17_CPkAZeIpXxqbxKLZoCBv9WvL1O0Szs5DyEhD80VsPnrJKITPT9i8cZBfnGv89sIkrq92a-lX-EGNfhWZGtuZnp-reaMD3ObHksQqB2RSap-tn-NQSt79nbE69Nz-Oh3EFevtodIGOkNZBP8-8rgrhHfl8QL67Gl0dv8LhOhQiFUQDTAR6x0fnn0G/s480/koninsky.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe17_CPkAZeIpXxqbxKLZoCBv9WvL1O0Szs5DyEhD80VsPnrJKITPT9i8cZBfnGv89sIkrq92a-lX-EGNfhWZGtuZnp-reaMD3ObHksQqB2RSap-tn-NQSt79nbE69Nz-Oh3EFevtodIGOkNZBP8-8rgrhHfl8QL67Gl0dv8LhOhQiFUQDTAR6x0fnn0G/w400-h225/koninsky.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>My dad told me that he was watching this show on Netflix. He told me it was really resonating with him with some of what our family has been going through and yet he was finding it really funny and charming. It is so good. The friendship between Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin is hiliarous and sweet. I finished the whole first season in my beloved bed while I was sick. I cried, I laughed and I truly, truly loved it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Tommy John PJs</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7seA3NiuINfBU7x1g-PK_XFMocVPwjXDsk1diLkIlZj2-0N5CTZA7AShSrAUgVYDWeO3keihsPm1r11Ucc0D5mxfatGZd0cmpIqZlLr5cg3PVSH-01C6FVTTqccQ0e7GMxcqR5ZoLntQERX_dC91sWFRJ8Alip1E4JoEHUUudaW9oiUXU2hd3bVMqUPY/s1253/tommyjohn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7seA3NiuINfBU7x1g-PK_XFMocVPwjXDsk1diLkIlZj2-0N5CTZA7AShSrAUgVYDWeO3keihsPm1r11Ucc0D5mxfatGZd0cmpIqZlLr5cg3PVSH-01C6FVTTqccQ0e7GMxcqR5ZoLntQERX_dC91sWFRJ8Alip1E4JoEHUUudaW9oiUXU2hd3bVMqUPY/s320/tommyjohn.jpg" width="276" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>If there is anything that I am an expert in, it is pajamas. Perhaps this does not surprise you based on my undying commitment to my bed. I've tried Jcrew and Target and Old Navy and various Amazon brands. You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince and my prince is named Tommy John. They aren't the cheapest, but they are worth it. I mean, definitely, if you tend to put your pjs on at 4 pm. Steve got me the <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.tommyjohn.com/products/women-s-power-nap-tank-pant-set?color=black"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Power Nap Tank and Pant Set</span></a> </span>for my birthday and I love them more than is reasonable. I am even considering wearing this set out of the house. I'm not saying I should. I'm saying I might. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Prada Perfume Dupe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQQYHKypZwjHktUMK8gNz-AnYlWyibsIiiAgfGPLnJaudb0jykAGFM313Ur6b8N_huU3xVxKIBKTh_ibzHo7mrAwmmG-Zwltdza26_ug7iY-cKqZVCCOf0hh4ExxLBK8TicwgM6fRouZDUCdoat67lWpNF0A8fJ4uFxtm-FU6wR4xzBHjSp-ZqWXqNzeX/s845/nudebouquet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="563" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQQYHKypZwjHktUMK8gNz-AnYlWyibsIiiAgfGPLnJaudb0jykAGFM313Ur6b8N_huU3xVxKIBKTh_ibzHo7mrAwmmG-Zwltdza26_ug7iY-cKqZVCCOf0hh4ExxLBK8TicwgM6fRouZDUCdoat67lWpNF0A8fJ4uFxtm-FU6wR4xzBHjSp-ZqWXqNzeX/w266-h400/nudebouquet.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>A couple of weeks ago I mentioned how much I loved the sample of the Prada Paradox perfume I got from Sephora. I also mentioned that it has a bananas-crazy-pants price tag. After reading my blog Kyle's girlfriend. Merrill, texted me right away like some sort of superhero to let me know that Zara had <a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/nude-bouquet-100-ml-p20130190.html?v1=311307361"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">a "dupe" perfume</span></a> that costs a whole lot less. So I ordered it. So moms of girls: is this the kind of solid gold information you get on the regular? What a life. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Trying to Trust . . . Again and Again and Again</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcJQSuhR17WK6Yz1bqGFh3JJhXVrn-ozjoGycSI8jXmnq3ZlGFPqInW57_KMe37FQPyLxQDvo63r4_frzoQlqIGVlXjBiFXxCzRt5k51g19yQ6AL2uH9BCPN5FSoAbiNY7BExEO8INLEDwlV7RfnGjAZ9cisZMBgWY1cufEpSzYtaqUf0oOlYdaF2IPm1/s1080/sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcJQSuhR17WK6Yz1bqGFh3JJhXVrn-ozjoGycSI8jXmnq3ZlGFPqInW57_KMe37FQPyLxQDvo63r4_frzoQlqIGVlXjBiFXxCzRt5k51g19yQ6AL2uH9BCPN5FSoAbiNY7BExEO8INLEDwlV7RfnGjAZ9cisZMBgWY1cufEpSzYtaqUf0oOlYdaF2IPm1/w400-h400/sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p>Just about every single week in Bible Study we go around the room and each person can ask for something they need, People ask for "patience", "focus", "peace", "joy" "health". Just about every week of 2023 my word was "trust". </p><p>Why oh why oh why is it so hard to trust God? With our health, with our children, with our parents, with our purpose, with our dreams and our futures? I wish I could find the answer.</p><p>I've had my head in a Bible for years. I've learned from the testimonies of family members and friends who have relayed experiences proving how fully and completely the Lord protects His people. I've experienced this protection myself. He has been incredibly good to me for my entire life. Too good to me. And still I have so many days when it such a struggle to trust. Days when I have to fight tooth and nail to clear my head enough to rest in the sovereignty of God. It's exhausting. . .perhaps this is why I love my bed so much? ;-) </p><p>Anyway, all I have today is this sunrise and this verse:</p><p><i>"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love. For I have put my trust in You."</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Psalm 143:8a</i></p><p>I will put my trust in Him this morning. And I'll have to do it again this afternoon and tonight and again tomorrow morning. His love WILL NOT fail. </p><p>Have a great weekend, Friends.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-77735607507396154842024-01-19T09:38:00.007-05:002024-01-19T09:53:48.626-05:005 Friday Favorites: January 19, 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span></p></div><p>Good morning. It's snowing like crazy here and I actually love it. Everything looks so pretty and peaceful. Pretty and peaceful is a vibe I'm into right now.</p><p>Here are some other favorite things from this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Dream Pairs Mid Calf Snow Boots</span></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhvSL8ah_NdPVKOUupgBF0AbfFWdcM2hEjZWJ4jx9gE0VkLvsYS5TknYq9A6hA7E7n5YpOt7-0S9ZwGJoUPctwPGu_NIK6hL7ixxZYQHoHkMdD2ysBhTHbNw-K_YSBZLtbeWtmAbX6epJWRqHvxKmL0TAatxyLySKPI52LD0wtPBVBDZ3jWOQkH_TCnHZ/s625/snowboots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="568" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhvSL8ah_NdPVKOUupgBF0AbfFWdcM2hEjZWJ4jx9gE0VkLvsYS5TknYq9A6hA7E7n5YpOt7-0S9ZwGJoUPctwPGu_NIK6hL7ixxZYQHoHkMdD2ysBhTHbNw-K_YSBZLtbeWtmAbX6epJWRqHvxKmL0TAatxyLySKPI52LD0wtPBVBDZ3jWOQkH_TCnHZ/w364-h400/snowboots.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">I bought<a href="https://amzn.to/47G2gCf"> these snow boots</a> a few years ago and they have come in handy this week as we've had quite a few snow days. They come in lots of colors and are super comfortable.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Under Pressure: The Women's World Cup Soccer Team</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4cqw58l1qpTSVVcsywmeZ4mOc7rGIzUFDF_b5o0JqrpN3zp0XMhIk6RMuCxWoGfW1eIG7SV29U7BwpcB_gq2m5Xt2taavb0yKsGdpbMZJi9tHIm7gdqVEDg2nPOWWMplV4hqEYW5Ea-eba6eOJLZWr-ioyNfBbtLof5UtiXLp_0ezMQFB-Q2-Znjsogy/s2222/UnderpressureSoccerdocposterTW1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4cqw58l1qpTSVVcsywmeZ4mOc7rGIzUFDF_b5o0JqrpN3zp0XMhIk6RMuCxWoGfW1eIG7SV29U7BwpcB_gq2m5Xt2taavb0yKsGdpbMZJi9tHIm7gdqVEDg2nPOWWMplV4hqEYW5Ea-eba6eOJLZWr-ioyNfBbtLof5UtiXLp_0ezMQFB-Q2-Znjsogy/w270-h400/UnderpressureSoccerdocposterTW1.webp" width="270" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">It appears that I'm on a soccer kick. . .ha. . .get it? Last week was <i>Beckham</i> and this week was <i>Under Pressure</i> about the Women's National Team's effort to win the 2023 World Cup. I was a little preoccupied last summer and really didn't watch the World Cup. I do remember them getting blasted in the press for not performing as usual. I'm looking forward to watching many of these athletes compete in the Olympics this year. They're all so talented - whether they win or not - they're fun to watch. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "I LOVE THE SPORTS."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Chocolate Peppermint Cashew Milk</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkxgFhsvYZDCBmJfjI2F_qtq_7L9ttjvjvJ4g2Z4CGsw3PO5SdY1cUynOSGcIFiLOwixNWKuEiNe0i99IGlGK52qXitCOzURe8EGPDnjoBDZqf_aI4r5xdh0wUIKZuDZ8EyQCUzDNSLzLr0pvEcDrJweYLc36kYxiPTJnDSdW99RoutVZOhwyfOFpFucq/s1080/chocpep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkxgFhsvYZDCBmJfjI2F_qtq_7L9ttjvjvJ4g2Z4CGsw3PO5SdY1cUynOSGcIFiLOwixNWKuEiNe0i99IGlGK52qXitCOzURe8EGPDnjoBDZqf_aI4r5xdh0wUIKZuDZ8EyQCUzDNSLzLr0pvEcDrJweYLc36kYxiPTJnDSdW99RoutVZOhwyfOFpFucq/w300-h400/chocpep.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Pretty much every weekend if Steve and I work out together we hit the <a href="https://www.greenheartjuiceshop.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Greenheart Juice Shop</span></a> in Aldie, Virginia afterwards. If you are local you should absolutely visit one of their locations for acai bowls, smoothies, juices and my new discovery, Cashew Milk. Last week was my birthday so I thought instead of hitting the Chick Fil A for a milkshake and throwing myself into a lactose intolerant hell-hole, I would treat myself to the Chocolate Peppermint Cashew Milk. I have little to zero idea what most of these ingredients do to benefit you or if there is any benefit at all. Don't ask me what makes a cashew "activated". In any event, there was no hell-hold situation after I drank it and it was truly delicious. Two thumbs up from me. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Pill Organizer</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-EBTjByAmsEC0W7M-z5JPKfboMgWTJLIhXZOveqXfcfbTRimbz5BwPbgLInsSTD30gwTrBKOMKP1ArUu3Q8TsRf1pcdmGmUFMUJ8P5Xy4nHpsBabQecyE4MKPWcmTRrj-BCaXhzZB9Z_0GZm-6h39bzez3V5OiAzQQMU7_xgh0X6T0-jbXWggyusBO8w/s1183/pillbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1183" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-EBTjByAmsEC0W7M-z5JPKfboMgWTJLIhXZOveqXfcfbTRimbz5BwPbgLInsSTD30gwTrBKOMKP1ArUu3Q8TsRf1pcdmGmUFMUJ8P5Xy4nHpsBabQecyE4MKPWcmTRrj-BCaXhzZB9Z_0GZm-6h39bzez3V5OiAzQQMU7_xgh0X6T0-jbXWggyusBO8w/w400-h265/pillbox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Insert sad trombone playing. Well, friends. We have come to the portion of Friday Favorites which we call "Maw-Maw's Favorites". We have been pushing my dad to get one of these pill boxes to manage his medications for awhile to be sure he remembers to take them correctly. He was really resistant for awhile and it was frustrating me. Then the other night as I was trying to remember if I had taken my Vitamin D and/or my Calcium and/or my Nutrafol hair strengthening BS pills or not, I said to myself: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9CvmGNKIJXfqjyI1Y5_dcldUyhFje0Jvkb9Nibxo9IeOdkVCIHOOb7kkuCkSoWgopdGwfmF6fDZ-kO8qrzZ2_2larQR_X34krSijw18sa_ov96uYIQpv-kn14LDq5cBy-Pp3ESdE8vtN2c3GY7yQ1i8tIZPAVuLCika34WdW2G4vt4kBzgT5a2dkE1PG/s400/kettle.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9CvmGNKIJXfqjyI1Y5_dcldUyhFje0Jvkb9Nibxo9IeOdkVCIHOOb7kkuCkSoWgopdGwfmF6fDZ-kO8qrzZ2_2larQR_X34krSijw18sa_ov96uYIQpv-kn14LDq5cBy-Pp3ESdE8vtN2c3GY7yQ1i8tIZPAVuLCika34WdW2G4vt4kBzgT5a2dkE1PG/s320/kettle.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">So, it is what it is. I officially became a person in her mid-50s last week and perimenopause brain fog is a real thing. But LOOK HOW CUTE <a href="https://amzn.to/3S7XvM2">my pill organizer</a> is! All colorful and bright! Insert another sad trombone.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. The Gift of Flowers (and a true blue friendship) in the Winter</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvxNoRCFGQmAkHv1picGBbkb4ZlFs3K-PB2GroZXPrd7c3oGzvO9KZanPFIQtWLD5Q6q07Awxvi1I8mEbO02b0wd3c0aODtT5G_KCiFkErQumuAgfafXs3pOQmbUjMshWPV__kffqlujGXHz1Fqdso6ICuR5sy4z0y7qpdroXFtLCfE8yia0kS2pmm-i5/s1080/flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1080" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvxNoRCFGQmAkHv1picGBbkb4ZlFs3K-PB2GroZXPrd7c3oGzvO9KZanPFIQtWLD5Q6q07Awxvi1I8mEbO02b0wd3c0aODtT5G_KCiFkErQumuAgfafXs3pOQmbUjMshWPV__kffqlujGXHz1Fqdso6ICuR5sy4z0y7qpdroXFtLCfE8yia0kS2pmm-i5/w400-h383/flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It was my birthday last week. The first without my mom to call and sing to me and tell me about the day I was born - how I had so much dark hair and the cutest little nose. I guess there are only a few of these "first without my mom" days coming. I'm sure I'll mention all of them here. Apologies from Debbie Downer. </p><p style="text-align: left;">January birthdays are more often than not, rather gloomy and grey and cold. This one was, too. Which is fine. I've been tired from all the activity and travel of the last month. Anyway, I had told Steve that all I wanted for my birthday was to make zero decisions. So he made great decisions for me for the entire weekend. We went shopping and to dinner and even saw a movie at the actual theater which I haven't done in forever. It was great. </p><p style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite things though was when the doorbell rang and I was delivered the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. I usually never get flowers except from my mom. My sweet friend, Mindy, who is a brand new friend sent me the most beautiful bouquet of orange and white flowers. (She's a Longhorn nut job fan just like me). And that little gesture just took me out. It made me cry and laugh all at the same time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm not a great gift giver. I overthink gifts and end up paralyzed by options. Mindy, I have found in the short time I've known her, is a 5 Star Gift Giver. Even more, she is a 5 Star Friend. So pro tip: don't overthink it. Especially in the middle of a grey winter, when in doubt, send flowers. And if they're orange and white? Even better.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Blessings and warmth to you this weekend!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-61079778780359645142024-01-12T08:25:00.002-05:002024-01-12T08:27:35.216-05:005 Friday Favorites: January 12, 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span></p></div></div><br />Happy Friday. I am so happy to be back home and in Virginia. I love Texas. An obnoxious amount. I buy into all the hype that we have created for ourselves. But Virginia is a beautiful gift to me. And I'm so grateful for the comfort and peace of home this week. I slept for about three days after I got back, so the energy and go-get-'em-ness I usually have during a new year is a bit delayed.<p></p><p>Here are some of my favorite things from last week - in addition to sleeping.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Beckham</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd4AUZrqb6vDvc5ssS8DubJNyn52pv_n3m793TNrCYgoVviSBJwp9hGm0hrDnDHCA5WtTlnglxDCNFPiSg9cwMr2oN0-VdKYU8m70p7cVAq1AEtIDmjsS8mD67Dbh8vYXMO7V2FeZ69QydMFDwjP6XnHbX38AtbmRRXvvS1ViDfi9XfoiUgOh1BR_hxmf/s285/beckham.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="285" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd4AUZrqb6vDvc5ssS8DubJNyn52pv_n3m793TNrCYgoVviSBJwp9hGm0hrDnDHCA5WtTlnglxDCNFPiSg9cwMr2oN0-VdKYU8m70p7cVAq1AEtIDmjsS8mD67Dbh8vYXMO7V2FeZ69QydMFDwjP6XnHbX38AtbmRRXvvS1ViDfi9XfoiUgOh1BR_hxmf/w400-h400/beckham.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p>The Beckham documentary on Netflix is so darn good. I don't know what I was doing in the late 90s, but I wasn't fully in tune with the whole David and Victoria thing. Which is weird because I read People magazine every blasted week. The great thing about this documentary for me was of course, that I'm all in for the drama of sports, competition, leadership on a field or court or pitch - all that stuff fires me up. Also, I didn't have any recollection of whether or not Beckham's teams were going to win or lose, so I was totally on the edge of my seat. The 2nd best thing is that David Beckham is awfully pretty to look at. About half way through Episode 3, Steve said, "Um, so I guess the women were kinda into Beckham?" I shrugged. "Um. Yes. Kinda. I think so."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPIHaI1uKH6Wya8Q_TJRjyGvJ1LA30yTAsqZ0C4c6I_vxZVXcnuAMzsBv9aXvubccnvgQDRKmY7pc07NyqzRkNG16mhq1hkpzP04HRv5OEkLZED3fdw1KhQrV0a0YtSpfHGsj28-hGlyqmMwCp3eLgMgvXUOHFhjFut8GED3GyHLGcgu8r8Xh-eyMxStc/s400/mhm.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPIHaI1uKH6Wya8Q_TJRjyGvJ1LA30yTAsqZ0C4c6I_vxZVXcnuAMzsBv9aXvubccnvgQDRKmY7pc07NyqzRkNG16mhq1hkpzP04HRv5OEkLZED3fdw1KhQrV0a0YtSpfHGsj28-hGlyqmMwCp3eLgMgvXUOHFhjFut8GED3GyHLGcgu8r8Xh-eyMxStc/w400-h400/mhm.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Amazon Half-Zip Sweatshirt</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPl1GD0n5CpOs7BWc_Bg_hsSAK4XW3FQSpip3dL5iyvsv4JJx4IXECQUi7gIA_RTMtUpRLRnK0Znb8DxXQcDNOOh_fGVeM4bnWYJ-WpgIzH_9phwr5GvdWWFNMUGfk28jHkcHkGB1_rmISlC-Q5rxDUvqC2MHBH0hZSc3ADEu11S54rIoV7QnLVNioQRN/s741/amazonhalfzipwhite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="517" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPl1GD0n5CpOs7BWc_Bg_hsSAK4XW3FQSpip3dL5iyvsv4JJx4IXECQUi7gIA_RTMtUpRLRnK0Znb8DxXQcDNOOh_fGVeM4bnWYJ-WpgIzH_9phwr5GvdWWFNMUGfk28jHkcHkGB1_rmISlC-Q5rxDUvqC2MHBH0hZSc3ADEu11S54rIoV7QnLVNioQRN/w279-h400/amazonhalfzipwhite.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the first month of 2024 it appears my main goals revolve around comfort and ease. I realize that since I spent most of 2023 in overalls and/or rompers, this is not exactly a major change that I am making. However, I have found <a href="https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/bottoms/leggings/offline-by-aerie-real-me-high-waisted-legging/0491_5089_618?utm_campaign=operational&utm_content=AE_Email_190419_6&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ae"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">my favorite leggings in all the world </span></a>and now all I want is sweatshirts and or tunics to cover my rear end. <a href="https://amzn.to/3NYAhH0">This Half-Zip sweatshirt</a> feels a bit fancier than a regular sweatshirt. Alright, it's not close to fancy, but let's just go with it. The white as well as some other colors are on sale today for only $23ish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Sweater Set</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_66nLgMFiJukDB7PAKRJUsM-q7o1KgxHkyqRPHCtRfx9EIayTva19JT70i3rCaPGupN5nQuaHJpg6F8AuckJfaPN6zGVI-tPfy2Bva4ZiWxc4YKLznwL0mZUOaD7GpKbIRkNUpxrRqSxM9E49FewOg40JOU4QPT8bLoCFWQpz966xKnv3Fv5o1gExHGn/s741/sweaterset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_66nLgMFiJukDB7PAKRJUsM-q7o1KgxHkyqRPHCtRfx9EIayTva19JT70i3rCaPGupN5nQuaHJpg6F8AuckJfaPN6zGVI-tPfy2Bva4ZiWxc4YKLznwL0mZUOaD7GpKbIRkNUpxrRqSxM9E49FewOg40JOU4QPT8bLoCFWQpz966xKnv3Fv5o1gExHGn/w163-h400/sweaterset.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This<a href="https://amzn.to/48MdOoD"> sweater set</a> looks like it's directly in the center of God's will for my life in 2024. My discernment skills might not be accurate right now, but I'm thinking this is what He wants for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Prada Paradoxe Perfume</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiqhf52qyrq6Sn-BKT8JY3z8ybxujT13kSkHho1X09QxDpY3_nfshI0NYXzdIR9i2TOCgMHTEs2R8s69U7aY-ln-LE9Z_fFYdojyWWVU5lqoKgburfz9rFc1aBUGEoNr66FXLncJ_wU6AVYAWv6cfEQdsPmSnNENajVvF1FE5aTFQL5o6F1E62kYb8yxn/s2000/prada.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiqhf52qyrq6Sn-BKT8JY3z8ybxujT13kSkHho1X09QxDpY3_nfshI0NYXzdIR9i2TOCgMHTEs2R8s69U7aY-ln-LE9Z_fFYdojyWWVU5lqoKgburfz9rFc1aBUGEoNr66FXLncJ_wU6AVYAWv6cfEQdsPmSnNENajVvF1FE5aTFQL5o6F1E62kYb8yxn/w400-h400/prada.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will not be buying <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/paradoxe-eau-de-parfum-P501198?skuId=2608768&icid2=products%20grid:p501198:product"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this perfume</span></a> because it's crazy expensive, but I got a sample of it in Sephora recently and it smells amazing. If you are up for treating yourself, go for it. Otherwise, I'm planning on seeing how I can grab another sample or ten next time I'm there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Kate Olivia Rhodes</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBzTaRBVwroi3nSzUFhCYw5FpXQieRmGnppOwsmnvvYZJRtEhWWVSoesyIKdoThXa5-4jvGQ5TJSBI1T4gpzFpVeVqXNDmxnltsaqzF_gs0aKe-jnEDXLwyRB0gH-QWrgHLfypY6HC0CNrV5mMPIBUwfYA74P5hru-RYS6PT25LTs5IAK9xNk5TINVgT0/s767/KOR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="767" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBzTaRBVwroi3nSzUFhCYw5FpXQieRmGnppOwsmnvvYZJRtEhWWVSoesyIKdoThXa5-4jvGQ5TJSBI1T4gpzFpVeVqXNDmxnltsaqzF_gs0aKe-jnEDXLwyRB0gH-QWrgHLfypY6HC0CNrV5mMPIBUwfYA74P5hru-RYS6PT25LTs5IAK9xNk5TINVgT0/w400-h400/KOR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kate Rhodes passed away at the age of four after battling leukemia on this day in 2016. <a href="http://www.kyleskamp.org/blog/wrestling-with-what-ifs"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I wrote about that here</span></a>. And later <a href="https://viewfrombehindhomeplate.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-wild-and-precious-life-kate-rhoades.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">here</span></a>. I will forever be changed by her story. In equal measure, I will forever be changed by the writing of her mother, Lindsay. In my estimation, Lindsay Rhodes is one of the best writers of all time. I say that without a hint of exaggeration. Her writings on grief have made more impact on me in the past year than perhaps any other. There are those of us who, against all reason, will always hold tight to the hope that there are glimpses of beauty in the ashes to be found. Today, in particular, for Kate's people, the air will be so thick with dust and ash that it will threaten to blind them. Please pray today that the light will find its way through to Kate's family some how, some way. Please.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a blessed weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span></span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-56233027474787233352024-01-05T15:02:00.004-05:002024-01-05T16:00:38.217-05:00Friday Favorites: 1987 edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick</i></span></p></div><p>Happy Friday. I have been in Texas again this week because my brother, sister and I are in the process of helping my Dad move, so not a lot of favorites to share. However, of course, I have to mention the Texas Longhorns. </p><p>I was all smiles before the game started.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa9jhQIsPREyo5P2G52rfqRj_Pub8XIJhHTr6b2eGpJ9PhoAAp_qoLf3otupfKQwDx9FO9pMMQP1J1CDiCGw1rs3QgXWd2GCE7s_Q_M74EwHJ4m26FkhaU_RZtjNHNrbGZqZxnTL9e1NQ8G8EqsdChwlht067gDoUFlKFYsKohoQjQrP9ng3ZglJXsFjS/s1080/hornssemime.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa9jhQIsPREyo5P2G52rfqRj_Pub8XIJhHTr6b2eGpJ9PhoAAp_qoLf3otupfKQwDx9FO9pMMQP1J1CDiCGw1rs3QgXWd2GCE7s_Q_M74EwHJ4m26FkhaU_RZtjNHNrbGZqZxnTL9e1NQ8G8EqsdChwlht067gDoUFlKFYsKohoQjQrP9ng3ZglJXsFjS/w300-h400/hornssemime.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately, they lost in a closer-than-it-should-have-been game. We almost stole a win and missed the championship in the last second. Washington absolutely outplayed us and Michael Penix Jr. is some sort of superhuman. It was a great season and I was proud of my team. </p><p>I know you are confused by the mature, rational response I am having to the loss. No one is more surprised than me. Also, I feel like a delayed reaction is forthcoming. Please buckle your seatbelts for a full meltdown come Monday night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwrq48J08iH_K0rs1k42H6XH5Ho9Bqgz9amaDOYnX_c2i67L0f3f1_1tCqP_UGcSYADSCu2aloTTc3li114kMQPIX4aRhCQpnTadG6AtgwDwjdwywN2djHPvjLq2xzikadmsYKUWGEf1nYbJEul1unqk7dA8hpxQQCLY_4uQUy3n-IAyoqO7LPUfW8YBI/s1080/hornssemi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwrq48J08iH_K0rs1k42H6XH5Ho9Bqgz9amaDOYnX_c2i67L0f3f1_1tCqP_UGcSYADSCu2aloTTc3li114kMQPIX4aRhCQpnTadG6AtgwDwjdwywN2djHPvjLq2xzikadmsYKUWGEf1nYbJEul1unqk7dA8hpxQQCLY_4uQUy3n-IAyoqO7LPUfW8YBI/w640-h426/hornssemi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">If I could I would invite each and every one of the guys over to my house and make them a grilled cheese sandwich and then tell them to all go take a nap because they worked so hard all season. They were such a bright light in the darknesss for me this year. I'm grateful to every last one of those young men.</p><p>This week of going through my parents' house has been pretty emotional and stressful, but being with my siblings is always a good time. We find ourselves to be the funniest people alive. I am certain most people would disagree, but this is not our concern. </p><p>We found some cute pictures of our 1970s photo shoots:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaea2KCcV4WL8eapM3rrSoqbQkNphrQjfINoZ2Cr8ANh1j11IBB88LMNvpmGAicfP-OH0xR3_QoZT29W23InOhWjOJUOkd8KX1LynefXpLMcAysgS9N6dsElcEpQStnkaOliesnkfEPkrOcuVVPVDEYVSN8E4MTDaCGcWS8Lim7nCFv0l7Rt-SJefyVsWg/s1080/prattkids1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaea2KCcV4WL8eapM3rrSoqbQkNphrQjfINoZ2Cr8ANh1j11IBB88LMNvpmGAicfP-OH0xR3_QoZT29W23InOhWjOJUOkd8KX1LynefXpLMcAysgS9N6dsElcEpQStnkaOliesnkfEPkrOcuVVPVDEYVSN8E4MTDaCGcWS8Lim7nCFv0l7Rt-SJefyVsWg/w480-h640/prattkids1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Well, I guess it's cute if you're referring to my sister. It appears my mom was going for a Carol Brady shag with my 4 year old hair and she failed miserably. </span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUnCw3lORNMLd9yLfya2L2PYjeZhGGgh77uHXxIJNlwYjUvxOvDkQR02PSTpeiBleujo9kCjNq1ym__Muozyxae-tLA9Zs47a4UUdTGe7igE6EMHcrQVepkrshtgOYdj4VqIZRWCgvW_W2d1jU-r5w7DAVAWyNNuqPMAyb60C6LK0GkAmZv-dTRxnSo0V/s1080/prattkids2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUnCw3lORNMLd9yLfya2L2PYjeZhGGgh77uHXxIJNlwYjUvxOvDkQR02PSTpeiBleujo9kCjNq1ym__Muozyxae-tLA9Zs47a4UUdTGe7igE6EMHcrQVepkrshtgOYdj4VqIZRWCgvW_W2d1jU-r5w7DAVAWyNNuqPMAyb60C6LK0GkAmZv-dTRxnSo0V/w480-h640/prattkids2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later Mom figured out my hair and my brother moved into a 'fit that Jack Tripper and Larry Dallas would have proudly sported at the Regal Beagle.</div><p></p><p>And now, please allow me to entertain you with my high school senior photos. Tell me you graduated in 1987 without telling me you graduated in 1987. </p><p>Bless my heart and what the hell?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd3zVokkV2QdQxjZzdvijp2mbZvmBM3xlKK3glrdoG4irbYfR9jS0qp8CcqG8brqUyuxNZtI99kUSxemQjbPEwoRp3s-goUKH5rWhaFxWKMJqqg0FBQ6N_Wcuybdq8Tg2GwV2wTPBh044hVRGqhxsXiCeVEX0-BtkACtM5ieLSLwUMs79LTy4LhmCtQPx/s1080/senior3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd3zVokkV2QdQxjZzdvijp2mbZvmBM3xlKK3glrdoG4irbYfR9jS0qp8CcqG8brqUyuxNZtI99kUSxemQjbPEwoRp3s-goUKH5rWhaFxWKMJqqg0FBQ6N_Wcuybdq8Tg2GwV2wTPBh044hVRGqhxsXiCeVEX0-BtkACtM5ieLSLwUMs79LTy4LhmCtQPx/w480-h640/senior3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I clearly enjoyed a popped collar. And I loved the fire out of that striped rugby shirt. Fun fact: I wore this shirt to my first Bon Jovi concert. This was not the normal attire for teens at the Bon Jovi concert and I'm shocked that I didn't get my ass kicked by the cool chicks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAOF-dKbYV0XR4qL7Wm1EyUwmPZI1JwXMmO-lgKQY36DuYUXxgI40Rs_OWUkClEkvb-ZtE4l6kWvtUBF-dYB_r0WQjwgvS0xf99qaNIdNNA7WTPF3O7RB19GmNgWgexaiEiuR3_Oq16bZ0aMMY50Y6KTZoUclxfuFVkbG-uyhBtacs7zrPlnBe4UHIYZR/s1080/senior2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAOF-dKbYV0XR4qL7Wm1EyUwmPZI1JwXMmO-lgKQY36DuYUXxgI40Rs_OWUkClEkvb-ZtE4l6kWvtUBF-dYB_r0WQjwgvS0xf99qaNIdNNA7WTPF3O7RB19GmNgWgexaiEiuR3_Oq16bZ0aMMY50Y6KTZoUclxfuFVkbG-uyhBtacs7zrPlnBe4UHIYZR/w480-h640/senior2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Apparently, I really needed you to notice how serious I was about the popped collar. And also the banana clip was near and dear to my heart. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkbBHl6pUlxF5SLnksftLij2L-VEarq2-XcBWd-Vpym1mINuCUfArbD-s59uSVa20aF_0z68rIpuxuDBoPY0J2kHpkTTm1scOl37ZC1guVpk3-wzlPn15DfgcuwAL9rIrTAKbSn5q5NbL0e7Hf73YqKrWO0EgpF3VMS4hSgV_0k4Ze7CUGWYUZGXgZ9Dl/s1080/senior1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkbBHl6pUlxF5SLnksftLij2L-VEarq2-XcBWd-Vpym1mINuCUfArbD-s59uSVa20aF_0z68rIpuxuDBoPY0J2kHpkTTm1scOl37ZC1guVpk3-wzlPn15DfgcuwAL9rIrTAKbSn5q5NbL0e7Hf73YqKrWO0EgpF3VMS4hSgV_0k4Ze7CUGWYUZGXgZ9Dl/w480-h640/senior1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please applaud my effort to match my socks to my sweater. God gives us different gifts and this was mine. Don't be jealous. We all must work together for the Kingdom. We can't all be blessed in the same way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3UYEG0tT-q9xeY4iuN8G60butkYS9Ox7i4khWuFD1SlstZ2g4Y4lYVshby7wHcO5K5CJa7qDEwnjjf3MKV7wHL1E13McDHXQrpAdX5FqiKf_Ws5TcOaHPz-EOuSUOgkxJGphReMK7Tn9X8nY51kZFkJqIAL6ZHIK6qwkQmtLuUHf3bYrubj2cKjtEfgm/s1080/senior4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3UYEG0tT-q9xeY4iuN8G60butkYS9Ox7i4khWuFD1SlstZ2g4Y4lYVshby7wHcO5K5CJa7qDEwnjjf3MKV7wHL1E13McDHXQrpAdX5FqiKf_Ws5TcOaHPz-EOuSUOgkxJGphReMK7Tn9X8nY51kZFkJqIAL6ZHIK6qwkQmtLuUHf3bYrubj2cKjtEfgm/w480-h640/senior4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Friends, the answer to your quesiton is "I don't know." Who owned this Teddy Bear? I don't know. Why am I holding it for a photo? I don't know. How many seniors did this photographer convince to hold this Teddy Bear? And why? Let's not think too long about that. None of us will know the answer to these questions on this side of heaven. There are things we aren't meant to understand.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I have to go pack up some more stuff. I hope to be back here next week with some really fun favorites which will include neither a creepy stuffed animal nor an unfortunate collar situation.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Happy New Year.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-66969234825395642392023-12-22T10:47:00.002-05:002023-12-22T10:48:09.218-05:003 Days 'til Christmas = 1 Friday Favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGjgY7xkCmBXkoCEgNANkfvCWAtvuU0EbWQ9kPRsP9Rnj-JNeHnKHgkChccF312wjNLvAqKtyCeRlMveBzUwGw_MKeoThzRmugitsQUMZM802HZ_VAAaJP9cxSNKRSTbvL7OnSlx5CE3QF9YkXlkDiYefRK-6ebUavNiuBL8NfLPnkGLg6kbz44MsII0T/s1080/christmas22a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGjgY7xkCmBXkoCEgNANkfvCWAtvuU0EbWQ9kPRsP9Rnj-JNeHnKHgkChccF312wjNLvAqKtyCeRlMveBzUwGw_MKeoThzRmugitsQUMZM802HZ_VAAaJP9cxSNKRSTbvL7OnSlx5CE3QF9YkXlkDiYefRK-6ebUavNiuBL8NfLPnkGLg6kbz44MsII0T/w640-h480/christmas22a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This is my family last year at Christmas. It seems like a million years ago because I had no idea what 2023 would bring. Not that I ever have any idea what a new year has in store, of course. I have learned so much this year - a lot that I haven't quite fully worked out in my head. I imagine in the next many months, I might work a lot of that out here. Beware, if you find your way back to this space. ;-) It might get real heavy before it gets light. It seems that I have to keep looking for the littlest bits of light in the midst of these huge bouts of darkness to remember that God is there. </p><p>I suppose that's exactly what that first Christmas day was like as well. The weary, dark, heavy world - full of enormous sadness - was saved by the tiniest little creature. Who woulda thunk it? Perhaps He cried out strong and loud as He entered the world, but maybe not. Maybe in a mere whimper - a barely audible newborn sigh that we would miss if we didn't put our face up closely to His sweet baby cheeks - He made His intention known. </p><p><i>"I have come to save you. To make your soul know it's worth. To defy death and fear and grief, but You have to pay close attention. Listen intently for my still small voice. Look steadily into my inky blinking eyes and know. I have come for you. And I will never ever leave."</i></p><p>My one Friday Favorite for you today is <a href="https://www.catholicherald.com/article/columns/elizabeth-foss/christmas-pressure/?fbclid=IwAR1hQz4XzX_kefns_g7nFYb2YiLzkMvCfWZbcBzjN6u8Po6AGQA5SOdQD6c"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this article by my friend, Elizabeth Foss</span></a>. She is so very wise and her words and her voice have ministered to me for almost 20 years. Read carefully. </p><p>God bless and keep you and Merry Christmas, Friends.</p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-33191636123225000682023-12-15T10:26:00.006-05:002023-12-18T18:38:11.098-05:005 Friday Favorites: December 15, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p>I've been in Texas this week because I have to attend my fourth funeral this year. My mom's brother, my wonderful, funny, generous and gracious Uncle Tom, passed away. We are here to celebrate his amazing life. It will be a beautiful time to be with my family once again, but still, this is what I have to say to 2023:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqqbOZX1NPjhMjCgi01py5zUsbVSJIhPQ6zdu1WSf5cthgS-i5BkleApqD1zvAfxMSEYZ4I-Xq6JXugh0NNcNvo1Vwdr4C8Dh3oYrM7YFQ4c1OyRod67mnbKtm2eLI1gJhJHh0uM7NJU5s9_f9-fwtpW_NN_BLpdXO8izgvI9xOq4sDjLvAGNILdF6y2x/s500/jerk.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="500" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqqbOZX1NPjhMjCgi01py5zUsbVSJIhPQ6zdu1WSf5cthgS-i5BkleApqD1zvAfxMSEYZ4I-Xq6JXugh0NNcNvo1Vwdr4C8Dh3oYrM7YFQ4c1OyRod67mnbKtm2eLI1gJhJHh0uM7NJU5s9_f9-fwtpW_NN_BLpdXO8izgvI9xOq4sDjLvAGNILdF6y2x/w640-h378/jerk.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I guess there are always some things that aren't the absolute worst and I had to try really hard this week, but I got some. Here we go.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Fine'ry Body Mist in Sun Phoria</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfY1IdnUfZmZaQWhYeTAEcB-AMwIE3fqBxgxPz36AfgSsl212CTQ-X2hhBCJYf_uF4QS3lLNnXzr5rcYwKB4CYss4SfAwcbiDIGQK5E2T2IZ_paPlFyXfD19iPvwmO1Z1RrcPOH-qYKvQbQ6tZBe1FwRCuZrC6D0IbDUH6dlTekbYXri1WD03jgIcNuWf/s1200/finery.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfY1IdnUfZmZaQWhYeTAEcB-AMwIE3fqBxgxPz36AfgSsl212CTQ-X2hhBCJYf_uF4QS3lLNnXzr5rcYwKB4CYss4SfAwcbiDIGQK5E2T2IZ_paPlFyXfD19iPvwmO1Z1RrcPOH-qYKvQbQ6tZBe1FwRCuZrC6D0IbDUH6dlTekbYXri1WD03jgIcNuWf/w400-h400/finery.webp" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p>I've spent the entire week with my sister which is a major bonus and she had <a href="https://www.target.com/p/fine-39-ry-body-mist-fragrance-spray-sun-phoria-5-fl-oz/-/A-86809883#lnk=sametab"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this body mist fragrance spray</span></a> which I have hijacked from her. It's from Target, is only $15ish and smells amazing. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Margaritas from Velvet Taco</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXq0TKaWgiR3kiAwfRXj3rL4ORkEow3uNQ-UIatLodIxRMTn9MjzYanTxi7MPj2WeEMORYNMnGTVihyphenhyphenRAWNn0qZck-87joMubirckH8HJ80NnSYPRkV46rLJbLFKY5CMxqkRrtPkQPyOmiZvz0IdGsuzo_woGp64xbw7MwJVlhV530h4X-DWoHHQXK8Vo/s1080/margarits.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXq0TKaWgiR3kiAwfRXj3rL4ORkEow3uNQ-UIatLodIxRMTn9MjzYanTxi7MPj2WeEMORYNMnGTVihyphenhyphenRAWNn0qZck-87joMubirckH8HJ80NnSYPRkV46rLJbLFKY5CMxqkRrtPkQPyOmiZvz0IdGsuzo_woGp64xbw7MwJVlhV530h4X-DWoHHQXK8Vo/w300-h400/margarits.jpg" width="300" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>I had never heard of<a href="https://www.velvettaco.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Velvet Taco</span></a>, but my sister and I grabbed dinner from there the other night and the margaritas were FIRE. In full disclosure, we thought we would just split one, but then we went back for two more. We also recommend the Flank Steak tacos.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. I've Always Loved You by Third Day</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Q8675QKC0KQ?si=GfPyd16OCk0xYsz4" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was having a hard time believing Jesus was paying attention to me the other day, so my husband sent me this song which he knows is one of my favorite songs by the Christian rock band, Third Day. It's the truest thing and I needed the reminder. He has always loved me. Even before there was time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. The Joy of Funerals by Alix Strauss</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3Povs3ZxvaSn4biYOJpGx4TwIEDG1GRzkY6y7SfZMcGtVU9XmwKBPEYxUw6JfgwZ1ZaCf4h2tCQF72t5l1fmZHlMnDSdQZ5dLT5xyivMuooJkIiFt9PmqGURKFDH2aCUMR9udPrhUWxwNvZF4auVRcFXioUDg-gcaXhOrN-yk1bpQB8-2_k4h9EkYXUn/s1360/JoyofFunerals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3Povs3ZxvaSn4biYOJpGx4TwIEDG1GRzkY6y7SfZMcGtVU9XmwKBPEYxUw6JfgwZ1ZaCf4h2tCQF72t5l1fmZHlMnDSdQZ5dLT5xyivMuooJkIiFt9PmqGURKFDH2aCUMR9udPrhUWxwNvZF4auVRcFXioUDg-gcaXhOrN-yk1bpQB8-2_k4h9EkYXUn/w259-h400/JoyofFunerals.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I heard Kelly Corrigan read a passage from <a href="https://amzn.to/480gnDq">this book</a> on her podcast the day I heard that my uncle had passed away. This passage is from a story of a woman who attends funerals of people she does not know in an effort to find connection. Sounds weird, but I suppose if I'm going to go to so many, I should try to find out what God might be trying to teach me through each one. This quote from the passage got me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Mostly I'm envious of sisters who sit so close together, they look as if they are trying to become one body - a mush of memories and history congealed like a thin strand of popcorn hung purposely on a Christmas tree."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I will sit by my sister again this weekend and mush our memories together. There is always beauty in the ashes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Another Quote that I found Helpful</span></b></div><p>I feel very ill-equipped and quite shocked at the load that this season of my life has required me to bear. It's a little foolish of me. And I suppose, fairly selfish. Everyone warns you how hard it is to manage the onslaught of needs that come with aging parents just as your kids leave home. I keep reminding myself that so many others have and are doing this. I was not adequately prepared for it. And I'm fumbling around trying to make sense of everything with this look on my face most of the time:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYiaOBn8XyhvbYXXeCWkx8jUMBGju1HRaQwrb46RUrYe0BAHtWFZx1C3woZct87tC5_qdnYGXJEqUpoEpUYFJnuwEadRGVaUCg6wCCiqF9RZkLkemFLdVXZI8J7_mSpaxyY-P9gwbTwaTooygzkNrdUXXRLIG20G0zv-OHODcF9hH3wQ51JF8Dx7XQHus/s480/whatisthisfarrell.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="480" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYiaOBn8XyhvbYXXeCWkx8jUMBGju1HRaQwrb46RUrYe0BAHtWFZx1C3woZct87tC5_qdnYGXJEqUpoEpUYFJnuwEadRGVaUCg6wCCiqF9RZkLkemFLdVXZI8J7_mSpaxyY-P9gwbTwaTooygzkNrdUXXRLIG20G0zv-OHODcF9hH3wQ51JF8Dx7XQHus/w640-h272/whatisthisfarrell.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>There is some deep and highly delusional thought in my head that makes me think I should be able to go back in time and/or leap over this season of life and avoid all the pain and anxiety it is causing. I feel like I'm consistently whispering/yelling "God, I cannot do this. I am not capable of this. I don't know how You think I can do this. If You could have consulted me first, I would have told You a better way, 'kay?" </p><p>Then just recently I came across a quote. I don't know where it was - could've been TikTok or Instagram or maybe someone said it to me? Anyway it was this:</p><p><i>"Sometimes the most skillful thing to do is to recognize that this is just how it is right now."</i></p><p>It's not very heartwarming or encouraging, but it is the truth. I can't escape hardship. Jesus told me straight up that in this world I would have trouble. So I guess I'll keep walking forward trying to remember that He does not end with those words. The entirety of the verse from The Message translation says this:</p><p><i><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><b>J</b></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">esus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”</span></i></p><p>Have a blessed weekend, friends. Take heart.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as wel</span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-41984681367158432162023-12-01T08:47:00.003-05:002023-12-01T11:03:25.497-05:005 Friday Favorites: December 1, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p>Hello! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I took the week off from Friday Favorites because I forgot it was Friday last week since I was caught up in watching football, eating, watching football and eating. I had all of my boys here - although Joe was only here for about 36 hours - and I did not remember to take any pictures mainly because I've only got two hands and they were occupied with a fork in one and a spoon in the other.</p><p>Also, I know I haven't mentioned the Texas Longhorns in a few weeks. They just keep winning - the one and only loss being the one game I attended all year. I have spent countless hours listening to College Football radio, poring over the tweets of sports analysts, and going through all the play-off scenarios with my guys over text messages. There have been speculations and calculations and "if this, then that" theories in abundance. At the end of the day, I have determined that all I can do is to wear the <a href="https://amzn.to/3SZvJUe">undefeated orange Amazon romper </a>on Saturdays. After that:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2TFdS5HHPaZF038a3JVUy_Lb3EWct5YBoZB91nw8koMM-mwlRht-Eu5raDgfooRwnsAYW0xe36yVJBtpfppdUeUFDhwMy8ol_SVJR-nmGoc5odmfzzglPSYyvMZnjMYzAWUYujtjsv5qfJMoPGBzqwVK_xX550NMB84KF0FZRoJTvMiuPKExf4qKSOF0/s480/lordshands.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="480" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2TFdS5HHPaZF038a3JVUy_Lb3EWct5YBoZB91nw8koMM-mwlRht-Eu5raDgfooRwnsAYW0xe36yVJBtpfppdUeUFDhwMy8ol_SVJR-nmGoc5odmfzzglPSYyvMZnjMYzAWUYujtjsv5qfJMoPGBzqwVK_xX550NMB84KF0FZRoJTvMiuPKExf4qKSOF0/w640-h356/lordshands.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Except, if Florida State and Michigan could lose this weekend that would be great, too. Please and thank you, Jesus.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is are some other favorites from the week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Spiced Apple Toddy Candle</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_oaRU6Brh0QplbcW77pFG6O_ErJutGl4c2Bgo6FAkKufqgs0kV9mfl2JzFX5rMaokdqeOl0kVY9iWZ9cfzdbEWAxzlo0h3M2223NPrmGmrObL7EqGzS1-pe6mlP6PV6P8LK10ikxgpG54hI0IkdVjGAvy0FMY6dNxFXU10bwtBfr8aIe2Y26S0EKaLlk/s471/spicedappletoddy.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_oaRU6Brh0QplbcW77pFG6O_ErJutGl4c2Bgo6FAkKufqgs0kV9mfl2JzFX5rMaokdqeOl0kVY9iWZ9cfzdbEWAxzlo0h3M2223NPrmGmrObL7EqGzS1-pe6mlP6PV6P8LK10ikxgpG54hI0IkdVjGAvy0FMY6dNxFXU10bwtBfr8aIe2Y26S0EKaLlk/w298-h400/spicedappletoddy.webp" width="298" /></a></div><p>I generally try to stay away from candles that smell like food. I can't stand a Gingerbread or a Pumpkin or a Hot Cocoa candle. Gross. I usually prefer more of a woodsy, campfirey or pine scented candle. However, I love this <a href="https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/spiced-apple-toddy-3-wick-candle-026736805.html?cgid=3-wick-candles#start=34"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Spiced Apple Toddy candle</span></a> from Bath and Body Works. Yes, it is named after a drink, but it smells amazing and doesn't make me feel like I need to brush my teeth after it's been burning for awhile.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Corduroy Jumper</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLph8dSPW61W6sKPZHcP2v_GKC-K5I93EnhMa5JkFBqo-tEGeKk-0OpNRmWrILx_L6uEI9-HlvSmHpP5Gk43iMZ1HwqSo38TcUCmVOI0gSMztj-Y-0zt-hifVKnamedUibPxw9CulzKbqyJbct9k0sMlLTnoVBOFAfBFWh0fPfut6aLsB0_UKqTCE18QOW/s741/cordjumper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="373" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLph8dSPW61W6sKPZHcP2v_GKC-K5I93EnhMa5JkFBqo-tEGeKk-0OpNRmWrILx_L6uEI9-HlvSmHpP5Gk43iMZ1HwqSo38TcUCmVOI0gSMztj-Y-0zt-hifVKnamedUibPxw9CulzKbqyJbct9k0sMlLTnoVBOFAfBFWh0fPfut6aLsB0_UKqTCE18QOW/w201-h400/cordjumper.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I had a brown suede jumper very similar to<a href="https://amzn.to/4159JsT"> this corduroy one</a> back in 1996 that I wore all the time. The fact that at that time I was 27 years old, had not given birth to a single child and still talked on a landline phone might be the first indication that I should click away from this and go put some retinol on my face. If it's not too short though, I think it would be really cute as well as comfortable which, of course, is my top priority. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0B3zXuulQSfMXXay9zgF61qtD8ZopPvoYQOb8FoNbFr1QE_T_A0iCi-gxKTpQ9LElmqSNTy6VVrN2Oo-vG0pPBSeiIujdrZbGt_fxHTLE9_3OCOBj00BKV7qoDKpRqnS0F7Avp0WXpBrG24EHavGkRwdE8gW5nTKG_q55jlJpwOPzvTkJOWLU8kZjb_e3/s389/oldman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="389" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0B3zXuulQSfMXXay9zgF61qtD8ZopPvoYQOb8FoNbFr1QE_T_A0iCi-gxKTpQ9LElmqSNTy6VVrN2Oo-vG0pPBSeiIujdrZbGt_fxHTLE9_3OCOBj00BKV7qoDKpRqnS0F7Avp0WXpBrG24EHavGkRwdE8gW5nTKG_q55jlJpwOPzvTkJOWLU8kZjb_e3/w640-h212/oldman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I have been watching a lot of stand up comedy specials lately. I had never heard of Mike Birbiglia, but I watched this one anyway. This is different than any other special I have watched. He is very funny, but also gets pretty deep talking about coming to terms with aging, a medical diagnosis, and mortality. I laughed and thought a lot and I even got teary-eyed a few times. I think that's really my favorite kind of comedy.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Holiday Cheesy Bread</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSL6fdjayk0ZDiP7A_E9WdiUzRq7bS37Y8FZYw_dJrGDYgnRtS-jmGwE6qcvWgrk__-pIRaMEEU9s4LctJjHW1Nw4xDurIWMo02bJBQvySP_LC2-0n2gQtiIEjfclZ9mNx6WXxzCK9pTAbB_TafQ1SiCfGaffjUiDp5MBPPZJ_rLjBSFCL28GeqJfvGgu/s1536/christmas-tree-breadNEW-1-of-1-8-1024x1536.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSL6fdjayk0ZDiP7A_E9WdiUzRq7bS37Y8FZYw_dJrGDYgnRtS-jmGwE6qcvWgrk__-pIRaMEEU9s4LctJjHW1Nw4xDurIWMo02bJBQvySP_LC2-0n2gQtiIEjfclZ9mNx6WXxzCK9pTAbB_TafQ1SiCfGaffjUiDp5MBPPZJ_rLjBSFCL28GeqJfvGgu/w266-h400/christmas-tree-breadNEW-1-of-1-8-1024x1536.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">healthylittlepeach.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;">This <a href="https://healthylittlepeach.com/pull-apart-cheesy-garlic-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Christmas Tree Pull Apart Cheesy Bread</span></a> is perhaps a bridge too far for a person who really doesn't love spending time in the kitchen, but I think my guys would go crazy for this. I mean, the bread and cheese part of it. If I do pull it off, there's a 100% chance it will be like when I get a new haircut and they won't even notice the Christmas Tree part of the whole thing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. The Guys</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKrrlxqhJNJTUhOMc7KMe1uRYPbaUJce_OQ7IsWYqMxDuczIb8fKxc4omFehQxG_SXafrBq-U8Xpu-oEnzA_1qZP2_vCtGGEh1ZyCZhFg5s7VhqKoClSoKweMPeJoOXxz6wzprat_f1SToKYgvmi8Qxf1ODlDNXSAJcXv1gZylO_K6Jt5YzK-sFd1ipkN/s1440/thgivin23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKrrlxqhJNJTUhOMc7KMe1uRYPbaUJce_OQ7IsWYqMxDuczIb8fKxc4omFehQxG_SXafrBq-U8Xpu-oEnzA_1qZP2_vCtGGEh1ZyCZhFg5s7VhqKoClSoKweMPeJoOXxz6wzprat_f1SToKYgvmi8Qxf1ODlDNXSAJcXv1gZylO_K6Jt5YzK-sFd1ipkN/w480-h640/thgivin23.jpg" width="480" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ok. I did take one picture of some of my favorite people over Thanksgiving. However, three of these boys are not mine and Joe is missing. Having the boys' high school buddies show up in my kitchen again over the holidays always makes my favorite things list. They're the best of the best.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But by far my favorite thing of the entire week was when I went to bed before everyone else on Thursday night listening to my three boys' laughter float up the staircase as they cracked each other right up during the 324th football watching event of the day. To some degree each of their distinct giggles has not changed since they were little bitty boys. Lying there in my bed, picking out which laughter belongs to which boy is perhaps my favorite thing in all the world. Maybe when I get to heaven there will be angels singing or maybe I'll hear the sound of the Skinner boys in a fit of giggles. That's what I'm hoping for.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend, friends. And Hook 'em Horns.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-69033987203244071072023-11-17T08:58:00.008-05:002023-12-18T18:44:30.821-05:005 Friday Favorites: November 17, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p>Hello and Happy Friday. I'm off to visit my littlest big boy to watch him play in some scrimmages this weekend and I'm so excited. It's been a really crazy busy week and I'm happy that baseball will come to rescue me from my muddled up brain for a few hours as it has always done so well.</p><p>We'll get all the boys home for Thanksgiving for various periods of time and I cannot wait to have them all here. I know there will be all kinds of carbs and chaos and I am here for every bit of it. I especially look forward to all the smack talk and foolishness that will happen during the football watching portion of our Thanksgiving week. It's going to be heaven.</p><p>Here are some favorite things from the week.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Romantic Comedy</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWVfessEwBTM8AYss-xMo-UK14cjLvalDrKAHC-SuXaHvQnlP2cwN8so_iRdjt-xSxm0wrIizd6Gvuq9LE-rJh7uNxMroQ45DBfGL7e2heod54h7WkcZptTFjPcQfo5e35EoLSNdCnAhSR-QBAgfIMuk_7M3tpknIDOqT45QHcqvqpXJAi95bVGy7lkPo/s500/romanticcomedy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWVfessEwBTM8AYss-xMo-UK14cjLvalDrKAHC-SuXaHvQnlP2cwN8so_iRdjt-xSxm0wrIizd6Gvuq9LE-rJh7uNxMroQ45DBfGL7e2heod54h7WkcZptTFjPcQfo5e35EoLSNdCnAhSR-QBAgfIMuk_7M3tpknIDOqT45QHcqvqpXJAi95bVGy7lkPo/s320/romanticcomedy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">One of my very favorite fiction books ever was <u>American Wife</u> by Curtis Sittenfeld. <a href="https://amzn.to/3uayjMR">This</a> is not that book. :( However, I am enjoying this story about a comedy writer on a SNL-type tv show. It's an easy read and not too heavy which is great to read at the end of a much too heavy day.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Aunt Marilyn's Cream of Mushroom Soup </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewZzbNlVZ9Ty3nbOYVTsNSQjNLlzXtbvZGLEj0hfOMi2rDShAUOQw_RabFn4uk5FSgpQjujjts3hl_SmYJowW_Ga35VUM4llGnbT9AP4GEG3vlgh-gA2b8xcix8y71rU3521JiBmQIKSCG_4VJ6j-jNp4WoBwqkVOWjuRomdIvdYiSO2g9-frHzO7XmZh/s400/soupmode.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewZzbNlVZ9Ty3nbOYVTsNSQjNLlzXtbvZGLEj0hfOMi2rDShAUOQw_RabFn4uk5FSgpQjujjts3hl_SmYJowW_Ga35VUM4llGnbT9AP4GEG3vlgh-gA2b8xcix8y71rU3521JiBmQIKSCG_4VJ6j-jNp4WoBwqkVOWjuRomdIvdYiSO2g9-frHzO7XmZh/w400-h300/soupmode.gif" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>I believe I mentioned last week the big news that I purchased <a href="https://amzn.to/47sLLtM">new soup bowls </a>for Steve and me. Well, you can just imagine the excitement that has been happening since then. I've got tons of ideas of soups I want to eat out of my new bowls. The thing that's tripping me up with all the recipes is the part where you have to buy the ingredients, chop some of them and then actually make the soup. This seems to be a stumbling block for me. So this Cream of Mushroom Soup is not necessarily a favorite from this week, but I did intend to make it so the thought of making it was a favorite. This is a recipe from my Aunt Marilyn who is one of the best cooks in the entire world. After Thanksgiving I plan to follow through on this favorite. </p><p>1/4 cup of butter</p><p>3/4 cup of chopped green onions</p><p>2 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms</p><p>2 T flour</p><p>1 cup of half & half</p><p>1 cup chicken broth</p><p>1/4 tsp salt</p><p>1/8 tsp pepper</p><p>In large skillet, cook green onions in butter over low heat for five minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for two minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring for three minutes. Remove pan from heatj, add chicken broth and 1/2 & 1/2 in steady stream, whisking continuously. Bring soup to boil over moderate heat. Simmer for five minutes - stirring. Add salt and pepper to taste. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Long Cardigan Vest</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhDb3wMbUdJ8S1WxmiS_0upmu8Z9apfghDvgDe_oYDvxX-js296OyiJlbp22kvLcwQFk8Q7bt3Vcs2LEQR5ipTZeynjh4RaVcQtG8v6FN6dDfXEQMCpW4DR6TCdXkQ4WC0EcjpCucAbQiBu9yeMRF6-jUWct75oIXo0lHlpn1OYnH73uiN10kibdWv8r9/s741/longcardigan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="361" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhDb3wMbUdJ8S1WxmiS_0upmu8Z9apfghDvgDe_oYDvxX-js296OyiJlbp22kvLcwQFk8Q7bt3Vcs2LEQR5ipTZeynjh4RaVcQtG8v6FN6dDfXEQMCpW4DR6TCdXkQ4WC0EcjpCucAbQiBu9yeMRF6-jUWct75oIXo0lHlpn1OYnH73uiN10kibdWv8r9/w195-h400/longcardigan.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><p>I saw this <a href="https://amzn.to/40EEZil">long open front cardigan vest </a>on the BigMamaBlog and I loved the color so I ordered it. I didn't have high hopes for it to look okay because I was worried I would be too short, but I love it. The green is so pretty, the material isn't at all heavy or itchy and the length was great. It comes in a ton of colors and is great to wear over leggings which are my pants of choice lately because NO BUTTONS is one of the Lord's greatest gifts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Aerie Leggings</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRWzHk3cz737ocJ_EQ_7roC1HWyBr01MynmiJJTx8sDd_UGs5gfnG9satA81neExaZrOig9qg7JTSajSBSqZeh5e_XqNATzY5TV5y_TClUUr0-UX178jAyFWP7X0c9ADu3mJdKVd-vFhbhGeWYf06Vt7TMK18JFXFDJdQ2g4CnkPJrDcl2ziTQna0S_ba/s751/aerie.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="563" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRWzHk3cz737ocJ_EQ_7roC1HWyBr01MynmiJJTx8sDd_UGs5gfnG9satA81neExaZrOig9qg7JTSajSBSqZeh5e_XqNATzY5TV5y_TClUUr0-UX178jAyFWP7X0c9ADu3mJdKVd-vFhbhGeWYf06Vt7TMK18JFXFDJdQ2g4CnkPJrDcl2ziTQna0S_ba/w300-h400/aerie.webp" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Speaking of leggings, I've mentioned these <a href="https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/bottoms/leggings/offline-by-aerie-real-me-high-waisted-legging/0491_5089_073?menu=cat1090003"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Aerie High Waist Real Me Leggings </span></a>before, but they are by far my favorite leggings. I know everyone loves Lululemons, blah, blah, blah. Honestly, the Lulu ones I have make me so much hotter when I'm working out that it takes every thing in my power not to rip them off in the middle of Orange Theory. And somehow I feel like that would be frowned upon. I looked yesterday to see if I could grab a couple of new pair and found that they are 30% off right now. A big discount on a pair of leggings that I can stand to wear throughout my entire workout seems like it's a win-win for everyone. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. In Memory of Mathias</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghPh4T-401Yk9zyAjrWjsz2kxTEUwHm8sFOxntXyFIlGgWQQ7m0QHbcFzWF_9kCkq7SDIW1b9H1KCf2cHyYInIcKs8H4Ksl_-wpQIw8ZQhubgSi-V7eBKTbot9Elo2AfxUaLpKnQaTXFYm-ahX9c4H8NlrLX8FKOc4_MVQD6HktFLx9uCoJoE-irDXfOO/s960/mathias.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghPh4T-401Yk9zyAjrWjsz2kxTEUwHm8sFOxntXyFIlGgWQQ7m0QHbcFzWF_9kCkq7SDIW1b9H1KCf2cHyYInIcKs8H4Ksl_-wpQIw8ZQhubgSi-V7eBKTbot9Elo2AfxUaLpKnQaTXFYm-ahX9c4H8NlrLX8FKOc4_MVQD6HktFLx9uCoJoE-irDXfOO/w204-h400/mathias.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><p>Many of you readers know that I voluteered in the pediatric cancer community for many years. I have written here countless times over the years about the many children and families I met who were and are involved in the fight against cancer. These children are among the most courageous people I have ever known and likely ever will know. One of those special children was Mathias Giordano who I met in the fall of 2013. I wrote about Mathias<a href="https://viewfrombehindhomeplate.blogspot.com/2014/12/come-as-you-are-then-go-like-mathias.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> here</span></a> and<a href="https://viewfrombehindhomeplate.blogspot.com/2015/12/missing-mathias.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> here</span></a> and probably a bunch of other places. </p><p>Mathias was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and fought for 29 months until he passed away on December 7, 2014 at the age of 13. He endured multiple rounds of chemo and numerous surgeries including the amputation of his leg. Despite all of his hardships, every time I ran into Mathias whether it was at the hospital or at a fundraising event or just somewhere in the community, he always had a smile on his face, a joke or funny video to share, and the most extraordinary way of making people on the other side of the interaction with him feel comfortable and hopeful. </p><p>His family started Team Mathias in his honor. It is an organization dedicated to supporting families as they fight against cancer. Some of the many ways they do this include delivering care packages to newly diagnosed patients. Mathias was insistent that these care packages include special gifts for the siblings of cancer patients as well because his younger brother was so special to him and was by his side throughout his treatment. They offer assistance with medical, utility and healthcare costs, deliver monthly meals to the hospital to feed staff and patients, and tirelessly raise awareness for the need for blood drives and increased funding into research of childhood cancers.</p><p>When I started with Park Lane Jewelry, I was thrilled to learn about their very generous fundraising program. Park Lane gives 50% of all sales for a non-profit 501c3 fundraiser to the organization. If you would like to partner with Park Lane and me to support Team Mathias through a purchase of jewelry on the link below, I would be ever so grateful that those of you who visit here each week honored the memory of my friend, Mathias, while supporting families continuing the battle against childhood cancer. The link is below to shop. (update: you'll need to copy and paste it into your browser.)</p><p>https://parklanejewelry.com/f/3320</p><p>I am also including one of my favorite pictures of Mathias when he joined our Freedom High School baseball team as a special guest just seven months before he passed. He lit up the dugout with his smile, threw out the first pitch, helped line the field, and stayed until the very last out. We miss him so much.</p><p>Thank you all for stopping by. I am incredibly grateful that you read my rambling and often chaotic words, especially this year since it has been one full of so much upheaval, change, and grief for me. My favorite theologian and writer Frederick Buechner says that "writing is really quite simple. All you have to do is sit down at your typewriter open a vein". That is what writing has always felt like for me, this year more than any other. This space to write is healing for me whether anyone reads or not. The fact that there are those who show up here for my mess each week brings me comfort, peace and connection. I appreciate you.</p><p>Happy Thanksgiving week, friends.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-90784116538802724592023-11-03T09:33:00.004-04:002023-11-03T10:12:36.147-04:005 Friday Favorites: November 3, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. White Luggage Set</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA2Oxs0Phox5Sb8HBMpRc__RLyGakrhiB20mx98oLVB7AHS31tkW_ISgWntLLoVo3Jq-i8Bh6ugREvfQ9gLWsVti0hFZAXfIhf7fHAuwwihfcI01MghjXovKnqwCfkoFd7NvVKkkDVOPj1W991AHfqNWW10eeSyx9Wp0gLWbiLPESeFqFEjmyYwZrimsW/s679/luggageset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="679" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA2Oxs0Phox5Sb8HBMpRc__RLyGakrhiB20mx98oLVB7AHS31tkW_ISgWntLLoVo3Jq-i8Bh6ugREvfQ9gLWsVti0hFZAXfIhf7fHAuwwihfcI01MghjXovKnqwCfkoFd7NvVKkkDVOPj1W991AHfqNWW10eeSyx9Wp0gLWbiLPESeFqFEjmyYwZrimsW/s320/luggageset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We've been traveling so much and I really want a <a href="https://amzn.to/3sfIJtW">white luggage set</a>. I feel like this is impractical. I feel like my mom would talk me out of it. I still want it. This set is on sale and has good reviews. It comes in lots of other colors which is probably a more reasonable way to go. You can get $20 off today.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. KooK Soup Crocks</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr5wemX0010W8HmVx_BIs_tve2kFXneKWToniF3Eui8kOvZShMW4UDhCf0IcF4q6mLCyasmkYzbid3mdmc9n9ZonOq13H7Uvl5FiEm3xXNmFkFCXVWZGs1aIuNrSDvq7iUQlqxGO_IWHQ1EosaNaKLgz2DKNBNd89foZ-SRHQGDHsIw_mVFrSNbbbbbcw/s300/soup.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="300" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr5wemX0010W8HmVx_BIs_tve2kFXneKWToniF3Eui8kOvZShMW4UDhCf0IcF4q6mLCyasmkYzbid3mdmc9n9ZonOq13H7Uvl5FiEm3xXNmFkFCXVWZGs1aIuNrSDvq7iUQlqxGO_IWHQ1EosaNaKLgz2DKNBNd89foZ-SRHQGDHsIw_mVFrSNbbbbbcw/w400-h380/soup.webp" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p>Last weekend it was 80 degrees here and today it's 30 degrees. So it's soup season around here. Steve and I have had the same soup bowls which I think belonged to his grandmother since we got married. So after almost 29 years, I decided to get us some more soup bowls. Don't be jealous of our Empty Nester life. It's crazy exciting around here. Anyway, I think <a href="https://amzn.to/3MszsFU">these</a> are cute and they come in lots of colors. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Chicken Tortilla Soup</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNW5bnlBUtQn4oXOOQaDNqbqiVOhQUx6TkZVoOb6sbh0HEPBTf3g4wY75g16ximF2BZoLbcZm0eBme-0zpTI6-F4Cvy_dTbpoq9GSAIm48e7CO43twaU2IlLij6NjSZgLY5-igErsFNJzz77JbYi2FQn42ity2ZY1L6WQibYEGTJ4az9enxLEKfkumMkW/s1350/thetagirls2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNW5bnlBUtQn4oXOOQaDNqbqiVOhQUx6TkZVoOb6sbh0HEPBTf3g4wY75g16ximF2BZoLbcZm0eBme-0zpTI6-F4Cvy_dTbpoq9GSAIm48e7CO43twaU2IlLij6NjSZgLY5-igErsFNJzz77JbYi2FQn42ity2ZY1L6WQibYEGTJ4az9enxLEKfkumMkW/w320-h400/thetagirls2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">This is not a picture of Tortilla Soup. It's a picture of my sorority sisters because we ate this soup every Wednesday at the Kappa Alpha Theta house at the University of Texas. I'm pretty sure that I've listed it in Friday Favorites before but it's my favorite in the world. Also perfect to have while you're watching the Longhorns beat Kansas State tomorrow. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">2 pounds cooked chicken, cut in to bite size pieces</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 onion, diced</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">2 cloves of garlic, minced</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">2 Tablespoons of oil</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 can diced tomatoes</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 can tomato soup</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 can beef broth</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 can chicken broth</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 1/2 cup water</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 teaspoon ground cumin</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 teaspoon chili powder</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 teaspoon salt</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">1-2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">grated cheddar cheese</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;">Saute onion, jalapeno, and garlic in oil in large stew/soup pot. Add chicken, tomatoes, soups, water, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer covered for 1 hour. Add tortillas and simmer for 15 more minutes. Top with cheese when serving.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>4. Cropped Shacket</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIhBVGmxQsogD1cJE_dKkUVaTpnUVuVgGtDOSdiTNZf_UCeuFKy5U6RQPjD-CTKlohrOr9blfBZClXd3ihBWwSCgObhguY-P6u5W2pqRu0PRF_y83jhVkiuG0PnvdGV3zAAbTfyskAUPIVtCLUf5lnlpWBJOlb8u83sEsQnZAP3CCUc4S4H4Cemly-NHt/s677/shacketcrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="522" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIhBVGmxQsogD1cJE_dKkUVaTpnUVuVgGtDOSdiTNZf_UCeuFKy5U6RQPjD-CTKlohrOr9blfBZClXd3ihBWwSCgObhguY-P6u5W2pqRu0PRF_y83jhVkiuG0PnvdGV3zAAbTfyskAUPIVtCLUf5lnlpWBJOlb8u83sEsQnZAP3CCUc4S4H4Cemly-NHt/w309-h400/shacketcrop.jpg" width="309" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Well, it's that time again. It's Shacket Season. I love a shacket even though I said I would never use the word, "shacket". And yet, here I am caught up in the shackets. I found <a href="https://amzn.to/3QIc9Kz">this cute cropped shacket</a> which seems to be a new version of the shacket. I'm not sure the cropped shacket is for me, so I'll probably stay with the longer shacket. But I thought I would share in case this meets your particular shacket needs.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. New Team, New Uniform, Same Favorite Catcher</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekcbpWtVD4Qib4Hze15HNxOOCurUlKZ6A8orxGyT4L3A2KTVdLQvyo-Sj4yShRvysQ3ko-fqJggSL1JzCfI0atBQbHKatpGa6tsZBQRkYlskiGBcf4hGr9kcNdgr_-z4AFhtC1RFrs__vYNPFC5N7-Jfa1GVyZFoO-CnJVGmMCV5QtB7uI79zkaIRgyJ5/s526/Drewcougars3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="526" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekcbpWtVD4Qib4Hze15HNxOOCurUlKZ6A8orxGyT4L3A2KTVdLQvyo-Sj4yShRvysQ3ko-fqJggSL1JzCfI0atBQbHKatpGa6tsZBQRkYlskiGBcf4hGr9kcNdgr_-z4AFhtC1RFrs__vYNPFC5N7-Jfa1GVyZFoO-CnJVGmMCV5QtB7uI79zkaIRgyJ5/w400-h398/Drewcougars3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I got to see my favorite catcher play in his first college scrimmage last week and I was so excited, I could barely wait to park before I swung the car door open and had to keep myself from sprinting to the field. It was a beautiful day and it was so fun to be back at the ballpark. Despite the fact that Drew took a pitch to the helmet in his first college at-bat (yikes), I loved seeing him on the field again. Baseball continues to be a stablizing force for my heart and my soul and I'm so grateful to have the chance to keep it in my life for a little longer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbJl2rUYyrCQUdAinGz2_vBTk1VwsQyXzThwVYO5i0dlORBSzoM9Yiovf4-dxU71_tS5dhPEsfzAreX6uBoGOsMm2JiyD431B8Rk9I1BnGKXc_UEviZ9FqSlXdGN4db78Zuw1x60Hhum1Jeb4uDWzGf53Ekv7vRk5emSxPEe_6CtTlV6Zrqpj5S7M1YG-/s2048/Drewcougars2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2048" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbJl2rUYyrCQUdAinGz2_vBTk1VwsQyXzThwVYO5i0dlORBSzoM9Yiovf4-dxU71_tS5dhPEsfzAreX6uBoGOsMm2JiyD431B8Rk9I1BnGKXc_UEviZ9FqSlXdGN4db78Zuw1x60Hhum1Jeb4uDWzGf53Ekv7vRk5emSxPEe_6CtTlV6Zrqpj5S7M1YG-/w400-h329/Drewcougars2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9SMnnH5AzI5xJZusjgNdHdGxts2aJideZPig-tfGLRLJ1B4o_0PMO_dtb6MNbNiZ8NZHcgh9ce5_-nstUBanvQKNCuYQ-qOgQNWIc03JC4YkPt2do1We1xvFYU1B98o2GNxMHRqrkWDIJK9Jzn4X_vp3UnKJxqff_ZoKwG4UoWKHQYA6UDWBqRFSqRjF/s2048/DrewCougars1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9SMnnH5AzI5xJZusjgNdHdGxts2aJideZPig-tfGLRLJ1B4o_0PMO_dtb6MNbNiZ8NZHcgh9ce5_-nstUBanvQKNCuYQ-qOgQNWIc03JC4YkPt2do1We1xvFYU1B98o2GNxMHRqrkWDIJK9Jzn4X_vp3UnKJxqff_ZoKwG4UoWKHQYA6UDWBqRFSqRjF/w291-h400/DrewCougars1.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Go Cougars. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Aunt Cindy, as usual, for capturing the great photos of my boy. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a blessed weekend, Friends.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-80960217092478577102023-10-27T09:33:00.011-04:002023-10-28T09:28:09.621-04:001 Friday Favorite on Sorrow: October 27, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M8oblNzJzGl7pFt5VkofrOJuIEpTSom03Wx9dUFRendNZO3eSNhJeXp-0HHTnFZtEGky6P1rLJCxIQc64xPG_40VGMYC6uHvyYDe5YSGtShB5uVMEOR8kLjGPtHeTSr31aqQZlvlGZbBe7suaf9_66c7ePdqWvnfjJMfQmNbjuvrvZsEZy7hjq7kosyg/s1080/lakeannaoct23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M8oblNzJzGl7pFt5VkofrOJuIEpTSom03Wx9dUFRendNZO3eSNhJeXp-0HHTnFZtEGky6P1rLJCxIQc64xPG_40VGMYC6uHvyYDe5YSGtShB5uVMEOR8kLjGPtHeTSr31aqQZlvlGZbBe7suaf9_66c7ePdqWvnfjJMfQmNbjuvrvZsEZy7hjq7kosyg/w640-h480/lakeannaoct23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It has been seven months since my mom passed away and I have done a bang-up job of pushing sorrow aside by distracting myself. Some of those distractions came just by virtue of the fact that she died exactly at the beginning of Drew's last high school baseball season and a furious run to try to repeat a State Championship, his senior year and graduation, Kyle's graduation from the Univerity of Tennessee and his starting a job in Nashville and Joe's getting a graduate degree and starting a job in Spartanburg, South Carolina. All glorious, wonderful distractions. The vocation I chose to be the most important in my life was and is the raising of these boys. It is what my mom modeled so well. My sister and my aunt were in my ear these months constantly reminding me not to miss these moments - imploring me to recognize that they were worthy of celebration. It is what my mom would have said, too.</p><p>As we moved into our first fall without school and sports schedules, Steve and I found ourselves filling our calendar with all manner road trips and flights in just a span of a few months. We went to two concerts, flew to Boston and Texas and road tripped to South Carolina and Tennessee. </p><p>I have celebrated. I have laughed. I have danced at Nashville bars and sung at the top of my lungs at concerts. I have cheered in the stands of college football stadiums packed with fans. And I have deep gratitude for the way God has sprinkled true joy into this season of loss and change. </p><p>There have been moments in between- even hours maybe - when sorrow shows up. It will hit me like a truck. It feels like a literal blow to the gut when I least expect it. And sometimes - rarely - I will sit with it for awhile. I will try to pray. I will try to feel my mom. But most of the time, I push it away. I distract myself with work or podcasts or books or exercise or chips and salsa or netflix. </p><p>During one of those moments recently as I was listening to a podcast, the guest recited a poem by Mary Oliver. Oliver humanizes Sorrow. She imagines Sorrow as a little girl. And it occurs to me that Sorrow has been at all the celebrations with me. She has been at the concerts and the football games and the family dinners. She has stood beside me as I hung pictures on the walls of Kyle's apartment and made Drew's bed in his dorm room and filled Joe's new kitchen with silverware and dishes. And she lay in the bed and cried with me on the morning of Drew's graduation party when I didn't want to do it without being able to send my mom photos of the boys. And then she kicked me out of the bed and took all the grief upon her and I sucked it up and washed my face and re-applied my make up and went downstairs to greet the guests and celebrate.</p><p>Sorrow won't leave me. She is waiting for me and perhaps it's time I acknowledge her for more than just a few moments at a time. I am at Lake Anna this weekend and woke up to the most beautiful view this morning. It is a place where I have found joy and celebration and peace for almost two decades. Often with my mom. Sorrow waits for me here, too. I think she and I will spend some time by the water today. Have a blessed weekend, friends.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Mary Oliver: Love Sorrow</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17.85px; line-height: 30.345px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Love sorrow. She is yours now, and you must<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />take care of what has been<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />given. Brush her hair, help her<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />into her little coat, hold her hand,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />especially when crossing a street. For, think,</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17.85px; line-height: 30.345px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">what if you should lose her? Then you would be<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />sorrow yourself; her drawn face, her sleeplessness<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />would be yours. Take care, touch<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />her forehead that she feel herself not so</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17.85px; line-height: 30.345px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">utterly alone. And smile, that she does not<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />altogether forget the world before the lesson.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Have patience in abundance. And do not<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />ever lie or ever leave her even for a moment</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17.85px; line-height: 30.345px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">by herself, which is to say, possibly, again,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />abandoned. She is strange, mute, difficult,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />sometimes unmanageable but, remember, she is a child.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />And amazing things can happen. And you may see,</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17.85px; line-height: 30.345px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">as the two of you go<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />walking together in the morning light, how<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />little by little she relaxes; she looks about her;<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />she begins to grow.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17.85px; line-height: 30.345px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Mary Oliver, from <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807068934" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #ca2017; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Red Bird</a></em></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-74237925428715585672023-10-20T10:15:00.005-04:002023-10-20T10:21:14.629-04:005 Friday Favorites: October 20, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p>Happy Friday, Friends. It's been a really relaxing week around here because I've finally been in my own home for a week straight. Steve was out of town for a few days so I spent a lot of the week completely alone. Turns out Myself and I get along really well. We like the same sleep schedule, food, podcasts and tv shows - like she'll watch multiple episodes of Jeopardy with me without complaint - so it works out just fine. </p><p>Perhaps based on that paragraph, it's a good thing Steve came home. Anyway, here are some of the things Myself and I enjoyed this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Carrie Soto is Back</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUnf2dKPJ9GQFRo2LyMkzTl1pSJVAqpcvlaj0aVeAwB07IKbU2Dgmp5rWY5VO6BKs_3h63iFnEuqWy1j69bOzTDGW0ts4IoVA-tWoBNx6ZkSynHivk2w517SpwLfO_xZgl3edG2Znesioam820DfhRTjQzdHTCh_FYnXsIptuxY2-phIGep9f_p7gNnmF/s500/soto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUnf2dKPJ9GQFRo2LyMkzTl1pSJVAqpcvlaj0aVeAwB07IKbU2Dgmp5rWY5VO6BKs_3h63iFnEuqWy1j69bOzTDGW0ts4IoVA-tWoBNx6ZkSynHivk2w517SpwLfO_xZgl3edG2Znesioam820DfhRTjQzdHTCh_FYnXsIptuxY2-phIGep9f_p7gNnmF/s320/soto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We read <a href="https://amzn.to/3QiNg71">Carrie Soto is Back</a> for our book club and I liked it a lot. I grew up loving tennis so I'm not sure if that's a requirement to like the story, but I was all in on that aspect of it. It also has a sweet storyline involving Carrie and her dad, who is also her coach. This is not winning any awards, but it was an easy read which was nice after finishing <a href="https://amzn.to/45zoIw5">The Nightingale </a>which was pretty heavy.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Heather McMahan: Son I Never Had plus a Few Other Comedy Specials</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmnlygaK2JVwj5-95eEMgNBYwzFjJoVkgm4kIxr3pt8vvLA8dq5QmB4nNDaq0CU0uv1yzpleXmF0wAtGBBY8gneCmz8X1xwyJ54yBBJghWQVtXS_zu5h3tCbthkSwLwE9LJEU_Z6S09A5o3qbIkJCr3CRvcAOWSvbq93svCjN4b8szHuLbORmHoSyhvns/s1100/heather.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmnlygaK2JVwj5-95eEMgNBYwzFjJoVkgm4kIxr3pt8vvLA8dq5QmB4nNDaq0CU0uv1yzpleXmF0wAtGBBY8gneCmz8X1xwyJ54yBBJghWQVtXS_zu5h3tCbthkSwLwE9LJEU_Z6S09A5o3qbIkJCr3CRvcAOWSvbq93svCjN4b8szHuLbORmHoSyhvns/w400-h225/heather.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Since Steve was out of town this week and I had to pause on the shows we watch together, I went on a comedy special binge on Netflix. Being funny is one of the character traits I value most in humans. I have followed Heather McMahan on Instagram for awhile and she's hilarious, so when I saw that she had a new special, I jumped on that one first. Then I watched <i>Taylor Tomlinson: Look at You</i> and <i>Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact</i>. Y'all. I'm telling you straight: the language in all three of these specials is terrible. TERR. I. BLE. The subject matter is highly inappropriate. If this type of comedy is not in your lane, just skip it. I respect your opinion. As for me and my house (which, thank goodness, was empty), this type of humor was exactly what I was needed this week and I laughed so hard I cried.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Pumpkin Patch PJs</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBV9wcmnqV2lnokGVTtN2-tomtHP7dHul0yKUt_TnEl8EXK-J5mvG_V7mwRIWs1dJEPeyz6zmo5uYHVrKyFM53BbewEl3QWZd5NJ7VXie0Jk-IFUjdpTNtwIfKNyf5m4DID2jMmfOoVXgDZuqRTdWqtBMAgNLvTD1GYg21XMC-avG6AH-4XslAvZ8LBEy/s679/pumpkinpjs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="679" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBV9wcmnqV2lnokGVTtN2-tomtHP7dHul0yKUt_TnEl8EXK-J5mvG_V7mwRIWs1dJEPeyz6zmo5uYHVrKyFM53BbewEl3QWZd5NJ7VXie0Jk-IFUjdpTNtwIfKNyf5m4DID2jMmfOoVXgDZuqRTdWqtBMAgNLvTD1GYg21XMC-avG6AH-4XslAvZ8LBEy/s320/pumpkinpjs.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I always feel like mid-October is just about the time that the mamas start to really miss the college freshman and the college freshman start to really miss the mamas. I saw<a href="https://amzn.to/470R8jH"> these pumpkin pjs </a>on Amazon and I thought they'd make a really cute gift to send your college girl to let her know you're thinking about her. Or to send to yourself so you can wear them while you pass out Halloween candy to all the precious little neighborhood kids and cry because it seems like yesterday you were dressing your baby up in a princess costume. *sigh* I don't think Drew would appreciate these pjs, but he asked that I send him some protein powder. I find this request rather boring, but if you're living that same boy-athlete-mom life, too, <a href="https://amzn.to/3tMcGC1">this</a> is the one he likes.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Trader Joe's Honey Hydration Day & Night Cream Duo</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6JVj-23fvZhQOLBiUNbPJe5VPiWfznxbZStGayugqXhJbGJ9uv9YoDSH76JtUGvDLMzwvd-4Af9ur8zXWCMiKiHN3M3yTYPyEBUGamQarAZa08iOtKy4Xg23R0KFo6HK1mIEU5aBEH5d7cdrOCmVDE5Y49wZtGYpBzhmo3ZM9f26H7GHzzJ9J3smWtDy/s908/Trader-Joes-Honey-Hydration-Day-Night-Cream-set.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="738" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6JVj-23fvZhQOLBiUNbPJe5VPiWfznxbZStGayugqXhJbGJ9uv9YoDSH76JtUGvDLMzwvd-4Af9ur8zXWCMiKiHN3M3yTYPyEBUGamQarAZa08iOtKy4Xg23R0KFo6HK1mIEU5aBEH5d7cdrOCmVDE5Y49wZtGYpBzhmo3ZM9f26H7GHzzJ9J3smWtDy/w520-h640/Trader-Joes-Honey-Hydration-Day-Night-Cream-set.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">I ran out of my expensive fancy-pants nighttime moisturizer and haven't had the heart or wallet to replace it, so I was really happy to stumble on this Trader Joe's Moisturizer Set when I was there last week. It smells like honey, has a good, thick consistency, and the price didn't give me an eye twitch. Apparently, it's a dupe for a Farmacy brand cream which is sold at Sephora and is much more expensive. SCORE. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. My Kid on the Radio</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSklGVOp28zZFGTboBzcVzPNdZmeB_FlV1frbvAxuPDBI8uLfi-aXsTIY2n8Pr-sIrzitKpmSoK_sCE8addWa91hxaeOyEOuzsgrCsgpZbD_k6ucyXwWIuB-GcfJsLPhwQrwxQa6UFsecaFOP368StNXFF0chVQfHXXbopfk_dPa4z0vO_H3F28P5MQgq/s498/joeskinner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="498" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSklGVOp28zZFGTboBzcVzPNdZmeB_FlV1frbvAxuPDBI8uLfi-aXsTIY2n8Pr-sIrzitKpmSoK_sCE8addWa91hxaeOyEOuzsgrCsgpZbD_k6ucyXwWIuB-GcfJsLPhwQrwxQa6UFsecaFOP368StNXFF0chVQfHXXbopfk_dPa4z0vO_H3F28P5MQgq/w640-h640/joeskinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you can swing it I highly recommend having your kid get a job on the radio so that you can hear his voice everyday. Joe just started a job at a <a href="https://spartanburgsportsradio.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fox Sports Radio 98.3 FM </span></a>in Spartanburg, South Carolina and I'm so proud that I could bust. He's also moonlighting as a freelance play-by-play broadcaster at numerous colleges in the area. I am biased, of course, and think he is incredibly talented, but more impressive to me is that he works his tail off and keeps moving forward in an industry that is not easy to navigate. It's a heck of a lot of fun to watch (or listen to) someone pursue a dream. It also takes a lot of prayer and a lot of faith. The Lord has been good to us. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Dream hard, work hard, pray harder, kiddo. I'm so proud to be your mom. And if you ever say a negative word about the Texas Longhorns on your show, please watch out for "Jenn From South Riding" on Line 2 because it won't be pretty.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Y'all have the best weekend.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-44438342941895738242023-10-13T15:13:00.005-04:002023-10-13T16:15:54.651-04:005 Friday Favorites: October 13, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p></div><p style="text-align: left;">Long time no write, Friends! I've been trying to avoid the reality of Empty Nesting by traveling to all the places to see all my kids. We've visited Tennessee and Texas in the past couple of weeks where we cheered for two different teams who wear orange with some mixed results. In Knoxville, we partied like it was 1989 with some of the college kids, ate some amazing food, and watched the Vols take down the South Carolina Gamecocks. A few days later, we flew to Dallas to visit my dad. I spent a week in my hometown and three of my four guys plus Kyle's girlfriend, Merrill, were able to join for the weekend. The highlight was introducing my people to the heaven on Earth that is the State Fair of Texas. We ate Fletcher's Corny Dogs at 8 am, yelled Texas Fight with all of our fellow Longhorn Brethern and Sisteren, played Carnival Games and cheered our little lungs out until there was 0:00 on the clock. Sadly, we came up short and the Sooners handed us our first loss of the season.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As you might expect, I did not take the loss well and spent most of the car ride back to my Dad's house like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU0kTUWAIJcYyBTHkQf5ojvc6H8d_Ipq125YQqTfhdq_JAETw-H-raihIJvFYsRv-5-122DxncLqJSK1muWuWssTstcEE0YWXrwRpE-5XindhYEyliLhQHqnEOuI5_2Txd3Ouge8OdMbMFYU7wyT5Xqc0dSpdRBSczBcip-ckv20PR02omtUS3sHKfKB5/s480/car-window-drive.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU0kTUWAIJcYyBTHkQf5ojvc6H8d_Ipq125YQqTfhdq_JAETw-H-raihIJvFYsRv-5-122DxncLqJSK1muWuWssTstcEE0YWXrwRpE-5XindhYEyliLhQHqnEOuI5_2Txd3Ouge8OdMbMFYU7wyT5Xqc0dSpdRBSczBcip-ckv20PR02omtUS3sHKfKB5/w640-h360/car-window-drive.gif" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">However, I rebounded and tried to remember that the universe was not actually out to make 2023 the dumpster fire I keep thinking it is and in the end found myself counting all of my blessings because most of them were sitting right there in the car with me - each of them wearing burnt orange and reminding me that the Big 12 Championship in December was still in play and that we would likely meet Oklahoma again to avenge the loss. They were trying so hard to bring me out of the pit, so I tried with all my might to look on the bright side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi250yTl7bP5jxl24K7vEwDfNIfLTUmj5w3auWZt7Z-fLeUzQxxUXuYsqvMfWJ36yXPbaCqusmVo5MJ9absRqRJmg_bSKccNpuzJ3j4qmLpq9SJbl00GYdNxcZA-pYPin3PyhYBVBN9i7CpW9oash-3U2F7_L3iu2ONmxHF_XkV6l_gA9wI5uXuAhQtjWJt/s500/leslie2.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi250yTl7bP5jxl24K7vEwDfNIfLTUmj5w3auWZt7Z-fLeUzQxxUXuYsqvMfWJ36yXPbaCqusmVo5MJ9absRqRJmg_bSKccNpuzJ3j4qmLpq9SJbl00GYdNxcZA-pYPin3PyhYBVBN9i7CpW9oash-3U2F7_L3iu2ONmxHF_XkV6l_gA9wI5uXuAhQtjWJt/w640-h360/leslie2.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was a "Fake it 'til you make it" situation, if I'm being honest.<div><br /></div><div>Here are some other favorite things from the last couple of weeks. Mostly these include the Game Day Outfit that took a lot of planning and ended up being super cute but also a giant bust because apparently it wasn't good luck. And for some reason it was freezing in Dallas, Texas on Saturday morning so I had to buy a sweatshirt as soon as I walked in to the State Fair grounds. I apologize for my part in the loss, Longhorn Nation. I am heartily sorry for these my misdoings. Perhaps I should have jumped on the field to tackle Dillion Gabriel instead of worrying about my "fit". I have regrets.<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Denim Top</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpsbIbWgEK0N4asc1S6V6T73jBDoO0EfQzJsK2pWIcHnqanrwBBLIoH-z2-2LheE33SF1uLAxgR4Xzdmt8RCbfRnrcQT-bwH0xdzFqZmb6yACFH2I5mq02DE3tJGg8tr6J6kj0rq01nRw5P5XhbgfP1BzvpJIoMIzp3pIvWlMtARSn-O0ix8Lel_5QU8K/s969/denimshirt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="679" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpsbIbWgEK0N4asc1S6V6T73jBDoO0EfQzJsK2pWIcHnqanrwBBLIoH-z2-2LheE33SF1uLAxgR4Xzdmt8RCbfRnrcQT-bwH0xdzFqZmb6yACFH2I5mq02DE3tJGg8tr6J6kj0rq01nRw5P5XhbgfP1BzvpJIoMIzp3pIvWlMtARSn-O0ix8Lel_5QU8K/w280-h400/denimshirt.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Up until the Oklahoma game, I wore <a href="https://amzn.to/3MnP39J">this romper</a> to watch every game. We won all five of those games. For this game, I decided to switch it up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHV4-XMwIbNXBZaYyDfRdV422QuY5u6zvzOMm3xe5hgQQdXKRRIUYhutgZwyQ5rdFQGqxDJhvLmlY0rYfBgHWEByU9ji7aa307bbxCvGRhyT_PR0-wd6CvvZCTLFuQ_yZlZ4L9z3vAi_psHlTQwCVglx6UsisYPibfbdE0roAt5s1aiyfrhlwSJ5Wqqkq/s245/why.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="245" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHV4-XMwIbNXBZaYyDfRdV422QuY5u6zvzOMm3xe5hgQQdXKRRIUYhutgZwyQ5rdFQGqxDJhvLmlY0rYfBgHWEByU9ji7aa307bbxCvGRhyT_PR0-wd6CvvZCTLFuQ_yZlZ4L9z3vAi_psHlTQwCVglx6UsisYPibfbdE0roAt5s1aiyfrhlwSJ5Wqqkq/w640-h392/why.gif" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I wore this <a href="https://amzn.to/3RXqbJf">short sleeve button down denim top </a>to the game. So cute and versatile. I love it. I can wear it again with shorts, joggers, jeans or a skirt. I will not, however, wear it to watch the Longhorns ever again.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Bandana Satin Scarf</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiZzQ2XfbvJi6tQFxJoran8ui6-FPwys6KFvRM20cZntV5pZhLCPo1gINLir8oqva4MJ0cWLqSQZuYvNN0mMsYiBzcy-seiNdLCMQO_TUBKCXDtGRjst5vAkFSkAtepK51Ij9632cRYceHtWtdblRkkyLoT8bKF6QImTKUSrF3kZ4qIJW6P-WlzvvG8fK/s741/satinscarf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="407" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiZzQ2XfbvJi6tQFxJoran8ui6-FPwys6KFvRM20cZntV5pZhLCPo1gINLir8oqva4MJ0cWLqSQZuYvNN0mMsYiBzcy-seiNdLCMQO_TUBKCXDtGRjst5vAkFSkAtepK51Ij9632cRYceHtWtdblRkkyLoT8bKF6QImTKUSrF3kZ4qIJW6P-WlzvvG8fK/w220-h400/satinscarf.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I wore <a href="https://amzn.to/3tFn5zm">this scarf </a>around my neck. I saw a silk scarf on an Instagram post of a boutique I follow and it was $78. So I said, "No. thanks" and went to Amazon and found this one for only $9.99. It's a bargain, super cute, can be worn with all manner of tops and comes in a bazillion colors. It is also, apparently, cursed.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Le Tigre Midtown Platform Sneakers</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiGcMmB0tf1UcFps4BctQIwhbsHhPyj5JL8DH37MVUR8nZPzrXwLggO2utjNilk709w-LpoOSSOE3khNC0Zpu_MXRThvZ6v-0mfX0me4lb9U3uWnSzTPi_fTYliNu5Z5UBh67i4WMD90KJEGvFjjJIkUUOUBh0H7kvvOLg8iMydxrcQxCWgSalV_ZyEqs/s1011/letigre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1011" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiGcMmB0tf1UcFps4BctQIwhbsHhPyj5JL8DH37MVUR8nZPzrXwLggO2utjNilk709w-LpoOSSOE3khNC0Zpu_MXRThvZ6v-0mfX0me4lb9U3uWnSzTPi_fTYliNu5Z5UBh67i4WMD90KJEGvFjjJIkUUOUBh0H7kvvOLg8iMydxrcQxCWgSalV_ZyEqs/w400-h363/letigre.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p>I found <a href="https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/le-tigre-midtown-platform-sneaker---womens/560679?activeColor=114"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">these </span></a>at DSW. They were 25% off and I also had a $10 coupon. I thought all the stars were aligned. They're burnt orange and white. They fit perfectly. I love them. We lost so I can't wear them again on Game Day. This makes me sad. They also come in a version with Tennessee orange accents and one with Oregon/Baylor/George Mason/whatever other green school is out there green accents. Go forth and believe in your new shoes, friends. Perhaps they won't let you down.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Game Day Necklaces</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeWmtJHvfggk-yoYFOyQZM1J3mZKuZ9H7oWcXnsI8ppG1JBhuqLgyPKbSaoqY_zgM8BSlRE819wYCduzLqx81CnT-gzx7E7Muf7zl6LfGuq0AHg03cMivVGkXzVD_utTFAcHFVBfa8oE7_-FrfMbXJ02bPDNxjACf7wCartDEXqGsuF9cSHANG9sv5DYJ/s1084/impressionneckall2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeWmtJHvfggk-yoYFOyQZM1J3mZKuZ9H7oWcXnsI8ppG1JBhuqLgyPKbSaoqY_zgM8BSlRE819wYCduzLqx81CnT-gzx7E7Muf7zl6LfGuq0AHg03cMivVGkXzVD_utTFAcHFVBfa8oE7_-FrfMbXJ02bPDNxjACf7wCartDEXqGsuF9cSHANG9sv5DYJ/w399-h400/impressionneckall2.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Park Lane Jewelry came out with <a href="https://parklanejewelry.com/p/impression-necklace"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">these Impression Necklaces</span></a> that are only $32 and come in just about any color you might need for your Game Day jewelry (Sapphire Blue, Orange, Red, Green, Purple and Black) Also, if you need yellow, search "Camo" and for a dark blue, search "Indigo Blue". I wore the orange one to the Tennessee game and the Vols won. I did not wear it to the Texas game because of my dumb, cute scarf. Who knows if our QB might have thrown that Hail Mary in the last 15 seconds for the win if I would have worn the necklace. It will remain a mystery, won't it? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. All the Fun Times Before We Lost to Oklahoma</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0xkoj9ayP9wLiX13dkqkGWF3WC_ZbiIlaDgeFRdcEz2R5spFDcdsPB3PVnOUttrsggymxX0RHJ6OuNYUXIrwHgiMHXMeV_vmOldbr9BFsyGEjB31OMMWpPPZ3n7K5qtFGzGNd47e-YcEGPKtr4HiR6yWfRLhGfmfSw_HYzci_zuriYqGmG4OAIPv499r/s1080/TXOU23a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0xkoj9ayP9wLiX13dkqkGWF3WC_ZbiIlaDgeFRdcEz2R5spFDcdsPB3PVnOUttrsggymxX0RHJ6OuNYUXIrwHgiMHXMeV_vmOldbr9BFsyGEjB31OMMWpPPZ3n7K5qtFGzGNd47e-YcEGPKtr4HiR6yWfRLhGfmfSw_HYzci_zuriYqGmG4OAIPv499r/w480-h640/TXOU23a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & The Kid Full of Idealism</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Please enjoy the sparkle of hope in my eyes and the dreams of an undefeated season in my heart. It was the most fun experience with my people. And even after the time ran out on the clock, I knew I was the luckiest loser in the world.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6_n1BuekU8Zni3GN22y4DUQNo7q_G0rdjiY7GYSwyuRkuWOg50IqphYtQgzYHE6OEGpESm4lFU_D4hGA5MBIpx18dZrgXjNCqCkczMt4X_1Fv7XcLaHyKvh25uGmKtGPWTgExwRRCsMAkG2wXjNUg6PSkZKw8LLmapOyTvSXM5dbFVrkcnlvgo2pYh08/s1024/TNSC23a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1024" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6_n1BuekU8Zni3GN22y4DUQNo7q_G0rdjiY7GYSwyuRkuWOg50IqphYtQgzYHE6OEGpESm4lFU_D4hGA5MBIpx18dZrgXjNCqCkczMt4X_1Fv7XcLaHyKvh25uGmKtGPWTgExwRRCsMAkG2wXjNUg6PSkZKw8LLmapOyTvSXM5dbFVrkcnlvgo2pYh08/w640-h482/TNSC23a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to cheer on the Vols to victory</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSOLsyyfihTMdmrQMvMSHdmGmMvKAuxm5WnEHIEUBemAvuzC_4CrSuaIbi-JVneHq5pMX_sUTLyqog5-o2g1LIwduXNPeqbSfYPhNb-RfnwoznNqtAxM6n7rSSe5HXZaQbSg7RLZP5Nt1GsNSRIE-GyY_rWUadYKLWV0VzDX2sT4SkvLTKD62if0XEKbU/s1440/TNSC23b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSOLsyyfihTMdmrQMvMSHdmGmMvKAuxm5WnEHIEUBemAvuzC_4CrSuaIbi-JVneHq5pMX_sUTLyqog5-o2g1LIwduXNPeqbSfYPhNb-RfnwoznNqtAxM6n7rSSe5HXZaQbSg7RLZP5Nt1GsNSRIE-GyY_rWUadYKLWV0VzDX2sT4SkvLTKD62if0XEKbU/w480-h640/TNSC23b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squished in Neyland Stadim </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyuhur7O4fe1-autaw7cGRGv0pNVGyMTUyXCv5mpKQdNFQK3Dg0BiC4-_NQxte12IQakiE1HXLTOtUAmWwjVAShXobz5FNbNYR_RpAQyC7DCTegOshYxDoeaWCuKxWCSq3qiu6yFZXDtoQdbTU43nWPDMD83Hwf6n5c7w9YsdbR3Zl-q8D6WfTWiTpWwf/s1155/TNSC23c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyuhur7O4fe1-autaw7cGRGv0pNVGyMTUyXCv5mpKQdNFQK3Dg0BiC4-_NQxte12IQakiE1HXLTOtUAmWwjVAShXobz5FNbNYR_RpAQyC7DCTegOshYxDoeaWCuKxWCSq3qiu6yFZXDtoQdbTU43nWPDMD83Hwf6n5c7w9YsdbR3Zl-q8D6WfTWiTpWwf/w598-h640/TNSC23c.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew & College Friends Show up In Knoxville</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJp8suLKcGFX2vHJ-QIKe7fV6l90NKfX3mhSw6223jC0r2seA1bxEJqeJONHJqlL3BvHmZ6EhAo6mwijIbjwJf9s_zTROLFCdA5C3TNBYsl1hdCg6ZwokJzQNCbGU-X9R6drntFElpxihGHimu-sNdEKwcolnz8my6mV5T06B0Xu99uvEpREgkoWBTAe6/s1440/TXCULP23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJp8suLKcGFX2vHJ-QIKe7fV6l90NKfX3mhSw6223jC0r2seA1bxEJqeJONHJqlL3BvHmZ6EhAo6mwijIbjwJf9s_zTROLFCdA5C3TNBYsl1hdCg6ZwokJzQNCbGU-X9R6drntFElpxihGHimu-sNdEKwcolnz8my6mV5T06B0Xu99uvEpREgkoWBTAe6/w480-h640/TXCULP23.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with Dad at Culpepper's Steakhouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOf5UXJnClSdMndbPN6uM3uq3ZbkiIhiiHzGm9xRb-BrkRzw_Efjdd2P-8AFFgdHhGcVkcEd55RxdGSkfv2YeDzf2lTm5NDAba7fGKSKHAlzzeEaLOvEZQ62g161Nn7hFlaGsg2hgjh4kabMHxVVqvbLh2dq5gk2KKF1r8H56UvnUChZcv8V7ZwVH1wBz/s1080/TXSQUARE23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOf5UXJnClSdMndbPN6uM3uq3ZbkiIhiiHzGm9xRb-BrkRzw_Efjdd2P-8AFFgdHhGcVkcEd55RxdGSkfv2YeDzf2lTm5NDAba7fGKSKHAlzzeEaLOvEZQ62g161Nn7hFlaGsg2hgjh4kabMHxVVqvbLh2dq5gk2KKF1r8H56UvnUChZcv8V7ZwVH1wBz/w480-h640/TXSQUARE23.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the kids the old Courthouse on the Square in Rockwall, TX</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn2dj6yVx5IHswhJmy3PqC9wb_BG2UQTd35OLYqOUcIDHzW5frsgmkog69p9RmZ1bTmBgVvimrCwYFsX2IlPFPFvuTF1TGghQ8RwJc8t_DjSC5PZobLZ9eL_dvQ5lR_nVlTeB5i8MCP_6zHDxB9HBv80bumk1paJ_PsA8X76IZt1m0soB8TZo4QmxrhxA/s1080/TXOU23d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn2dj6yVx5IHswhJmy3PqC9wb_BG2UQTd35OLYqOUcIDHzW5frsgmkog69p9RmZ1bTmBgVvimrCwYFsX2IlPFPFvuTF1TGghQ8RwJc8t_DjSC5PZobLZ9eL_dvQ5lR_nVlTeB5i8MCP_6zHDxB9HBv80bumk1paJ_PsA8X76IZt1m0soB8TZo4QmxrhxA/w480-h640/TXOU23d.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Skinners have arrived at the State Fair of Texas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XOqMBd2Q-LtG9PM6qL_uN2TwkhpoidItvlhyvw8l7z9kwR3TM686VIxXDRGbbxJ_wPYkpJhALBQCZmOhMQMxX19ReSqHwSYmrk1CejS7aVVABwHyUxFbp3FHOSNoNvjPzyzcD0ogizk64Ictaf8wr19kKNeYSor08kzENMktpnoXkgIZeHXAJJFL0orY/s1080/TXOU23b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XOqMBd2Q-LtG9PM6qL_uN2TwkhpoidItvlhyvw8l7z9kwR3TM686VIxXDRGbbxJ_wPYkpJhALBQCZmOhMQMxX19ReSqHwSYmrk1CejS7aVVABwHyUxFbp3FHOSNoNvjPzyzcD0ogizk64Ictaf8wr19kKNeYSor08kzENMktpnoXkgIZeHXAJJFL0orY/w480-h640/TXOU23b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mind if I do eat a Corny Dog at 8 am</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnojPhFOhFDNLQg-Ah4PNuIl9hlbS2PebtP5iCdPz369gQygUXdWHbvZjDEWof6MgTbu4637Fm6R4pTRDgtFq-p3RlwE-wyaWUMYArEogbonyPMPj93zABi9yDL0lWo53_ZBrylahigCmuubb_IbF8YqYCiSYsCfVUxuM5tfLvQU6OUFF9dH_NaRX5Q86k/s1168/TXOU23e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnojPhFOhFDNLQg-Ah4PNuIl9hlbS2PebtP5iCdPz369gQygUXdWHbvZjDEWof6MgTbu4637Fm6R4pTRDgtFq-p3RlwE-wyaWUMYArEogbonyPMPj93zABi9yDL0lWo53_ZBrylahigCmuubb_IbF8YqYCiSYsCfVUxuM5tfLvQU6OUFF9dH_NaRX5Q86k/w592-h640/TXOU23e.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">. . .and a Bloody Mary, too.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMe7LS45a_JFRckw5hY5G3VNpkGYSYSl8sx9bMu3GltvJFXcUUjJirogr6nIWCypkujPGRhBezmC4M6PyPRFNiy_7CQa8z07hUjfpNSy2DqfYID6IOWizeCHCtiQSv95NgNY9vfGQaahI1gM7RkJjArqueDQgMmKnnzlkiypr9oT_3hBDa3YA2v4dJ8aY/s1080/TXOU23c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMe7LS45a_JFRckw5hY5G3VNpkGYSYSl8sx9bMu3GltvJFXcUUjJirogr6nIWCypkujPGRhBezmC4M6PyPRFNiy_7CQa8z07hUjfpNSy2DqfYID6IOWizeCHCtiQSv95NgNY9vfGQaahI1gM7RkJjArqueDQgMmKnnzlkiypr9oT_3hBDa3YA2v4dJ8aY/w480-h640/TXOU23c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Tex & My People</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Y'all have a great weekend. The Horns are off this weekend, so your girl will play it fast and loose with her wardrobe tomorrow throwing all caution to the wind. If your team is playing, I wish you all the best. May your shoes be good luck and if things start going badly, don't be afraid to switch shirts with your neighbor.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-7670773367069884372023-09-22T11:05:00.003-04:002023-09-22T11:06:44.857-04:005 Friday Favorites: September 22, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Good morning. The Texas Longhorns are 3-0 for the first time since 2012. Let's just carry on as if everything is totally normal.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was the most beautiful week here. Virginia is her best self in September. I don't think the sky is ever as blue as it is during this month. I don't think the air smells as good. And despite every imperfect, worriesome thing that might happen, despite all manner of news or burdens that might show up during a week to threaten peace and joy, I am always able to tap into hope more quickly when I walk outside in September. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are some other favorite things from this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. Queen Charlotte</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcvWQQcMhITHygB9K2qy10Yp_6cf9Qex7V2AXsBgWTbeYfTPwlaXgWUbN03vU6hkrpZd_RU7hNAemAisrpuuORo5s42bwQFH0AL6dQyBUHu3v8QpV-zouYjlS_ukSENfzfS_hM1oss5PSLHM-07Xxp3KFuS0_2gNLevxv08OBvtc8imsN9N1Fi-xyGFz6/s900/Queen-Charlotte-900x506.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcvWQQcMhITHygB9K2qy10Yp_6cf9Qex7V2AXsBgWTbeYfTPwlaXgWUbN03vU6hkrpZd_RU7hNAemAisrpuuORo5s42bwQFH0AL6dQyBUHu3v8QpV-zouYjlS_ukSENfzfS_hM1oss5PSLHM-07Xxp3KFuS0_2gNLevxv08OBvtc8imsN9N1Fi-xyGFz6/w400-h225/Queen-Charlotte-900x506.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This show might be my very favorite I have watched since<i> Bad Sisters</i>. FYI: it's pretty spicy. Lots easier to watch when your three sons live out of the house and won't walk in. The acting is brilliant. The storyline is really interesting and keeps you on your toes. I watched the whole thing in three days. I never watched Bridgerton, so that is not a requirement. <i>Queen Charlotte</i> is perfection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHL4KGRbkW3KtRa9DLk61WYImpKcw6YlwbMFNsERB9vF68b-6PT7ACJDJrZXARmvLYh5WkFOCMGwyEs8jKDbBFY3gwlOxp3TFnAN1LeEBsyCD6-HDZHm2ygeiCjcmWgMDZoeadDL8JpTPrxhq0XBuhH_8uPWqiYzfd57GJZ7MrK8RzDdDqIDdwm9iKIUE/s425/greta2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="276" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHL4KGRbkW3KtRa9DLk61WYImpKcw6YlwbMFNsERB9vF68b-6PT7ACJDJrZXARmvLYh5WkFOCMGwyEs8jKDbBFY3gwlOxp3TFnAN1LeEBsyCD6-HDZHm2ygeiCjcmWgMDZoeadDL8JpTPrxhq0XBuhH_8uPWqiYzfd57GJZ7MrK8RzDdDqIDdwm9iKIUE/w260-h400/greta2.jpg" width="260" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I almost closed<a href="https://amzn.to/3LwdBgc"> this book</a> within the first few chapters when I realized that it was the story of a girl grieving the death of her mother. In March. Suddenly. No, thank you. Too close for comfort. But, in the end it was good for me and I liked it. It is a sweet story of the way a father and daughter deal with past misunderstandings and how they process such a significant loss. I'm not shouting about it from the rooftops, but I liked it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Trying to Imitate a Cava Bowl</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAgGR4YKGsjkEOQDTgLi-qbjNCHswZofKJxl1jVcxRMiCHNRL_Ql3WOFIyWHRQ6BcddBLwCfl9d3BqWsWNVpavu4A4kVOadLrLcggmDgGRcoTXNhzKAFeV-t3IY-HdAxt2vCesYSNcny9IDLTGzkfxuNKScLK2-shw_GOOCPdwxjOYcDM1VghikE5SGGz/s225/cavabowl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAgGR4YKGsjkEOQDTgLi-qbjNCHswZofKJxl1jVcxRMiCHNRL_Ql3WOFIyWHRQ6BcddBLwCfl9d3BqWsWNVpavu4A4kVOadLrLcggmDgGRcoTXNhzKAFeV-t3IY-HdAxt2vCesYSNcny9IDLTGzkfxuNKScLK2-shw_GOOCPdwxjOYcDM1VghikE5SGGz/w400-h400/cavabowl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: This is a legit Cava Bowl from Cava. Mine is not this pretty</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Steve and I love<a href="https://cava.com/menu?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=cava&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw3cLwcpszu9DPq5Pre8mW3OfrMZT2TsYeNhNhYW9ZVGkkQC0IlxMzkaAlMUEALw_wcB"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Cava</span></a> and this week we were so excited to try to recreate one of the bowls we get there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please stay tuned for more examples of lame things to get really excited about when your kids are gone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway this is what we did. We found the Cava Hummus and the Cava Tzatziki at our local grocery store. I found a copycat recipe for their <a href="https://chefjanetk.com/cava-lemon-herb-tahini-dressing/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lemon Herb Tahini dressing</span></a> and for their <a href="https://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/creamy-feta-dip/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Crazy Feta</span></a>. Then we bought this <a href="https://amzn.to/3Zvlf0c"><span>Garlic Herb Right Rice </span></a>blend at our local grocery store and I could eat it all by itself. I like olives and tomatoes but Steve isn't having any of that. I baked some chicken thighs and chopped them up and then we added all the stuff to a bowl and now I feel a little bit sad that this is one of my Friday Favorites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR5yuyUQ_o2Ro05-ARb5vuGDRm8k4hKlB1WG-6uH29R2rasfFsonWjdnceUPGH2KtVfNXdGVuPS-w4mIlr5YsFf6IovXmmWrXrip1KJt_5Fjj76j2VQ_QetZ_3RJjeFV5dydUpP_G42upOfbNms2j6B1LEvwb7k8YPi7OemakF6r9AGgCgKLf0bIxBGw6/s498/what.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR5yuyUQ_o2Ro05-ARb5vuGDRm8k4hKlB1WG-6uH29R2rasfFsonWjdnceUPGH2KtVfNXdGVuPS-w4mIlr5YsFf6IovXmmWrXrip1KJt_5Fjj76j2VQ_QetZ_3RJjeFV5dydUpP_G42upOfbNms2j6B1LEvwb7k8YPi7OemakF6r9AGgCgKLf0bIxBGw6/s320/what.gif" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everything's fine. We totally have a handle on this empty nest thing. We're killin' it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Hope Necklace </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsPzRGjz-phwspcq-qeRZN1yMe-rZnXgHV78Kx6cDj_WC_KJol75241GpgJLQDNoT4672Xzj9-s_x0lEJBWc6yVpyrY-qqMDn3wXFzoaUO4pWJ51YushuWOQgWJps7Qsv54yWjSBIHYzT7LHBhQtztytz0ByfAm_I38MI7e6sscFHQKRFPnnnAg-MoinT/s1080/hope1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsPzRGjz-phwspcq-qeRZN1yMe-rZnXgHV78Kx6cDj_WC_KJol75241GpgJLQDNoT4672Xzj9-s_x0lEJBWc6yVpyrY-qqMDn3wXFzoaUO4pWJ51YushuWOQgWJps7Qsv54yWjSBIHYzT7LHBhQtztytz0ByfAm_I38MI7e6sscFHQKRFPnnnAg-MoinT/w400-h400/hope1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we get closer to October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, <a href="https://parklanejewelry.com/store?rep_id=74340&show_id=636973-9"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Park Lane Jewelry</span></a> is donating proceeds from the sale of this <a href="https://parklanejewelry.com/p/hope-necklace-14599"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">sweet pink stone "Hope" necklace</span></a> with a tiny awareness ribbon on the chain to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. It's $20 with any purchase. Might make a nice gift for someone in treatment right now or for someone in memory of a loved one. (FYI: photo below shown with Roo and Prayer Necklaces)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5A_UvNWHj_bkS2ItPvtQVskmoGGb5Iem-GpsaxTA3aQQFzvxmHB9a_pzzyeNYySrV4yjb1B4svsWnB-_8h0oh9xtj4lPEw8hbGfyzIxA31at93TW0dXgmXbpjmaQzcRF5K_FkfM5pP95R27Ie4KcrRAINCCHNVnRgrA1_ZORIGkMbORAlEyhUu-cczRj1/s1080/hope2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5A_UvNWHj_bkS2ItPvtQVskmoGGb5Iem-GpsaxTA3aQQFzvxmHB9a_pzzyeNYySrV4yjb1B4svsWnB-_8h0oh9xtj4lPEw8hbGfyzIxA31at93TW0dXgmXbpjmaQzcRF5K_FkfM5pP95R27Ie4KcrRAINCCHNVnRgrA1_ZORIGkMbORAlEyhUu-cczRj1/w400-h400/hope2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. My Siblings</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG4I8_5-KUQms3JcJOdzV_KOZra8QuyfaRrSuyb15Ie5lvfI-rXaIdSSLfzA8te64aqpnRVrTjhXaWMNmPr-R3uNECUKAYKNVWf3QZ3npSyr5lqojkrRCNMIIZ4PplMG4-3w6BE-HJ0CDbgQWd7ibjbZtDRf8xax3k9EMKQCwE7k-V1tuF37oxX3BwdDx/s1080/sibs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1080" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG4I8_5-KUQms3JcJOdzV_KOZra8QuyfaRrSuyb15Ie5lvfI-rXaIdSSLfzA8te64aqpnRVrTjhXaWMNmPr-R3uNECUKAYKNVWf3QZ3npSyr5lqojkrRCNMIIZ4PplMG4-3w6BE-HJ0CDbgQWd7ibjbZtDRf8xax3k9EMKQCwE7k-V1tuF37oxX3BwdDx/w400-h389/sibs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is absolutely no chance I could have gotten through the last six months without these people. We are on the phone together countless times a day. We make each other laugh in the midst of worry and uncertainty. My parents gave me many gifts. Far and away, above anything, the greatest gift they gave me was these two. They top the list as my very favorite today. I cannot thank God enough for them. Two of the most solid people I know and they are mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a beautiful weekend, friends.</div><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-53216260785522442242023-09-15T08:59:00.005-04:002023-09-15T20:29:09.593-04:005 Friday Favorites: September 15, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p>Hello. </p><p>Texas beat Alabama. Thank you for stopping by today. That is all.</p><p>Good-bye. </p><p>Just kidding. Here are a few more favorites from the week.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Automet Two Piece Lounge Set</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitndmbukLlYvOeYHyC7L50i9CKbsa7hhfmtxDNXhRNRS1XI8G8r9_s4vb1XA-cuaKFEY5cNImF_hPnCuCTM-wPbOqTKUMVr4OV_ELp8xfhh040wsHaMHIeU5b3erDJn0aHwGOb0VVKFaKwAELWRxz31Uh9SDtW_JAPmvyU0j1-EhcYOGjEEiUvP8dWtr0E/s741/automet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="291" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitndmbukLlYvOeYHyC7L50i9CKbsa7hhfmtxDNXhRNRS1XI8G8r9_s4vb1XA-cuaKFEY5cNImF_hPnCuCTM-wPbOqTKUMVr4OV_ELp8xfhh040wsHaMHIeU5b3erDJn0aHwGOb0VVKFaKwAELWRxz31Uh9SDtW_JAPmvyU0j1-EhcYOGjEEiUvP8dWtr0E/w252-h640/automet.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I bought the shorts version of <a href="https://amzn.to/44Nrs8J">this two piece lounge set </a>this summer and I love it. I saw the wide leg pants and think this would be such a good fall travel outfit - either for road trips or on a plane. You could wear a denim jacket with it as it gets cooler.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Swamp Kings</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv4bFBKnmX8qkP0q1VI7pU8L1V9DYK_Ul_3ut9fywlZidcF4eHvF_g5uyE-BFqYXQ1FtTLgn8cDKc2cEDcy2LoZL5Wm19HFPvrbaVayE-y5Ouevi0qmDqSasq--EKXqfLiVb1Y4qkiAddVs6q3gQrAnZDWtayQBCuZ1QpzDS-Lvbc3CQYTsOP8bg3I6P8/s1000/swampkings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv4bFBKnmX8qkP0q1VI7pU8L1V9DYK_Ul_3ut9fywlZidcF4eHvF_g5uyE-BFqYXQ1FtTLgn8cDKc2cEDcy2LoZL5Wm19HFPvrbaVayE-y5Ouevi0qmDqSasq--EKXqfLiVb1Y4qkiAddVs6q3gQrAnZDWtayQBCuZ1QpzDS-Lvbc3CQYTsOP8bg3I6P8/w400-h300/swampkings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Have I mentioned anything about College Football on this blog? I'm kinda into it. Kyle told me that he was watching <i>Swamp Kings </i>about the University of Florida football team in the 2000s on Netflix and that he thought we'd like it. Then Steve mentioned it, so I said, "I'm in." We watched it last week. Really interesting dynamics between the players including Tim Tebow and the coaches. I really enjoyed it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. A Gift for Your College Boy's Room</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6n2Ao7X6u9giwmTnYgdVQ9XNINhli33tmpiJIRPfL72kracM4P6vBy5mQ_fZ5ReAY-oNMGDX5X8lxnQ7yoYZPmxHXXel3zPO3KPQEIdq7W_AEMcWhzxMt9WokbOAcrrELvyx-jWp6FOhBeE831Gnz7NHmg6ruhIZPpEQWMPVBOWCKeMY2L6oIaP-_-t_/s1500/diffuser.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6n2Ao7X6u9giwmTnYgdVQ9XNINhli33tmpiJIRPfL72kracM4P6vBy5mQ_fZ5ReAY-oNMGDX5X8lxnQ7yoYZPmxHXXel3zPO3KPQEIdq7W_AEMcWhzxMt9WokbOAcrrELvyx-jWp6FOhBeE831Gnz7NHmg6ruhIZPpEQWMPVBOWCKeMY2L6oIaP-_-t_/w266-h400/diffuser.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are only two things Drew has asked me to send him since he left. Protein bars and <a href="https://amzn.to/45Ux0j8">a diffuser</a> to make his room smell better. Apparently there is some recognition that his momma kept things smelling good around here. I decided to order him a new one along with <a href="https://amzn.to/44SupEQ"> these very manly scents.</a> FYI: to the residents of a dorm at Averett University: Drew and Maddox are about to transform their room from one that reeked of baseball cleats to one where you wouldn't be surprised to find the Marlboro Man working on some leather goods next to a cedar tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7RhSKV7cGH9dG6kUE4ha9mNshAvfoDbileO_VpT_0Gy9dAiUWYICh6cgb7j3xhTthqZQ-VlFFpZyqyGO-7-f1Nml9Dx250yoNd69okWdgeYuGT13ZX4Ls8_W-jSaMI9DO_SInKOt4hoY1mmI426_UzgBscQWKdKS_e8jE_m45AV8aBjUbFnpgyEte0y1/s1492/oil.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1492" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7RhSKV7cGH9dG6kUE4ha9mNshAvfoDbileO_VpT_0Gy9dAiUWYICh6cgb7j3xhTthqZQ-VlFFpZyqyGO-7-f1Nml9Dx250yoNd69okWdgeYuGT13ZX4Ls8_W-jSaMI9DO_SInKOt4hoY1mmI426_UzgBscQWKdKS_e8jE_m45AV8aBjUbFnpgyEte0y1/w400-h321/oil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Paul Rudd Dancing to September</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/FsaR0UCRh5Y?si=66hKwgXh_TQopkwK" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FsaR0UCRh5Y/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There will never be a time that this video of Paul Rudd dancing with Earth, Wind & Fire's September as a backdrop won't feel exactly like a shot of pure happiness to my soul. I keep the tab saved in case of emergency. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. The Game</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLh9X7WaqVeq_DD3jG_Fx27YXZLU97nXe_5Y2QAN07WoSh-MucdHNB609zkd_exUpKOOxRzLSwOcI3-ZjMAbBZez7wDTNioiXnOGjdxnKCLR5EXe5Fh4k60jSdX80O30CB9g0Z9hhn1T-fbZSzCm2hxWCso_rv2F2UsKgIxkkQBfT_NyDfEWFv7lEACA6/s1337/bamascore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLh9X7WaqVeq_DD3jG_Fx27YXZLU97nXe_5Y2QAN07WoSh-MucdHNB609zkd_exUpKOOxRzLSwOcI3-ZjMAbBZez7wDTNioiXnOGjdxnKCLR5EXe5Fh4k60jSdX80O30CB9g0Z9hhn1T-fbZSzCm2hxWCso_rv2F2UsKgIxkkQBfT_NyDfEWFv7lEACA6/w323-h400/bamascore.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>If you roll your eyes at people who put too much of their emotional well being into the sports, you might want to click away right now. However, I can't imagine you would have shown up here in the first place if that was the case.</p><p>It was amazing. Although I didn't enjoy it because I'm a weirdo who couldn't relax. I should go back and watch it again so I can enjoy it and breathe normal breaths as I do. It didn't feel like a fluke. It actually felt like we were a good football team. Our quarterback was on fire. Our O-Line did a bang up job of protecting him. Our defense was incredible. There were some ridiculously great receptions. They looked confident and I could have run through a brick wall, I was so excited. </p><p>Our family group text was blowing up the entire game. Y'all, we're an absolute mess. But we are all a mess together so I guess that's good. </p><p>Dear Reader, you might not want to jump into our family dynamics. Because of our special brand of crazy, I just feel compelled to save these texts somewhere for future generations of our family to more deeply understand from whence their sports madness comes. You know some people have a Family Tree or a Family Bible. We have the text chain from the Texas - Bama game of 2023. </p><p>Dear Grandchildren: This is who we are.</p><p><i>Some advice for Drew from Kyle & Mom (please forgive the language. That ship has sailed during intense sporting events. Mama tried.)</i>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbiJvNj4cZdmxY-KwdpwMbqopVQlZcCZ_nsys6fvxBxi-fniU6qi7vITnvq5YmOX0QTqfL9s53emO36iFlihr0tpS1P3Y7nWXar8LI_edS6A8dqKORl8mHC2UCGqkoLJfuYddKkDACfzbso30g6IQ_et5pomJMT5ekisOUewVphN-4EOsPNSuJp8oAvlA/s1652/bamaadvice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbiJvNj4cZdmxY-KwdpwMbqopVQlZcCZ_nsys6fvxBxi-fniU6qi7vITnvq5YmOX0QTqfL9s53emO36iFlihr0tpS1P3Y7nWXar8LI_edS6A8dqKORl8mHC2UCGqkoLJfuYddKkDACfzbso30g6IQ_et5pomJMT5ekisOUewVphN-4EOsPNSuJp8oAvlA/w261-h400/bamaadvice.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvo8YV4L-5P8hwHfwwgsEEtQZnmUH7BPrLc7DvIoEvGTzj6L0onvvyeKW2XX3BEZfsdOuQvgxPuBgNtx-6b8MNQj1aXZykk3YD5NlBqFjWmktUv2N9NlgiOAqVtm5flhgyuk5k15IMVmIq2LVGF3hlRAW4d3mDsuiYlsWhJ1OjFowSkKcMCpeMJNSJkoU/s1159/bamadvice2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvo8YV4L-5P8hwHfwwgsEEtQZnmUH7BPrLc7DvIoEvGTzj6L0onvvyeKW2XX3BEZfsdOuQvgxPuBgNtx-6b8MNQj1aXZykk3YD5NlBqFjWmktUv2N9NlgiOAqVtm5flhgyuk5k15IMVmIq2LVGF3hlRAW4d3mDsuiYlsWhJ1OjFowSkKcMCpeMJNSJkoU/s320/bamadvice2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Much discussion about how we might pull this win out from four people who have never played football and one who played one season when he was 9 years old with a team that never won a game. Bonus: Kyle decides to play the "Tennessee beat Alabama last year so I am a veteran of this battle" card. FYI: Joe is not having it.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifX4M0yzdYiNci0hyPtBAJfjzjz6uNhayw955tI7Md6KQZoLiKilZ1M43I59pdCvbYSGfWgptvMbQ0qHLfNnMZUDisG3ybEtmKjQjGDQ1pYTNWjsZyXOk_QRpr-WRkdwhwB1KNEdEOqkh_v0JH9pbRCKPoZgv3JDU6cZ7GuDqtVUXxI3XR6pNhjYFoDL6/s1675/bamak1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1675" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifX4M0yzdYiNci0hyPtBAJfjzjz6uNhayw955tI7Md6KQZoLiKilZ1M43I59pdCvbYSGfWgptvMbQ0qHLfNnMZUDisG3ybEtmKjQjGDQ1pYTNWjsZyXOk_QRpr-WRkdwhwB1KNEdEOqkh_v0JH9pbRCKPoZgv3JDU6cZ7GuDqtVUXxI3XR6pNhjYFoDL6/w258-h400/bamak1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJGVklXw3rAHFpSPOeytn0PYDEI09UH4hFStESwogeflFzg_PqddIK5-YufwXs1WxDSmVYLJ8-HJpLsi0AqX24ObdHo0Iun5D_EICuy6IWm8t64bbeyPaERmYcED5SSBY0Ni6tukMOPmr5qAfDfqQAwoxsi9BRpONKf3LEDfIL60vBosIjKkHcnvzSrgS/s1170/bamak.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1170" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJGVklXw3rAHFpSPOeytn0PYDEI09UH4hFStESwogeflFzg_PqddIK5-YufwXs1WxDSmVYLJ8-HJpLsi0AqX24ObdHo0Iun5D_EICuy6IWm8t64bbeyPaERmYcED5SSBY0Ni6tukMOPmr5qAfDfqQAwoxsi9BRpONKf3LEDfIL60vBosIjKkHcnvzSrgS/w400-h300/bamak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>There's a bogus call against us under review. It's panic time for the Skinners recalling last year's game when there was an obvious tackle of Bryce Young in the endzone for a safety which was not, in fact, called a safety. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49XC19kWrkxrFYrA__B0c4mI07juwi3XUMRmHgat_4ApS8O8__XokgsYcXDJYPBk1Kj9xpop0iEzQurTDnKYE0YxGHHTMb9GVmGiZiANGnt-5opgnHdmJRUXuCTjdWvDpj-IBVSBhah_ga_-xyVFkEPl4DiFxRvBAVqfxkK44igq1VI_FVTjMKgbFX8p1/s1856/bamapenalty.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49XC19kWrkxrFYrA__B0c4mI07juwi3XUMRmHgat_4ApS8O8__XokgsYcXDJYPBk1Kj9xpop0iEzQurTDnKYE0YxGHHTMb9GVmGiZiANGnt-5opgnHdmJRUXuCTjdWvDpj-IBVSBhah_ga_-xyVFkEPl4DiFxRvBAVqfxkK44igq1VI_FVTjMKgbFX8p1/w233-h400/bamapenalty.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Call goes our way. I react in a very gentile and lady-like fashion.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSFhpKhEZL4WPlNinIYeDgFPyovepzF_FXrkpxUCgLyuN4fANlFw7zYgqIuFXb5ETc-Txlan8iRPKq0SJcrtSog-W8n2vkl2cEZdS-Q2wTdkgtwNRSvEouvfzBzyxq4d26wAf70zP5sDHj9jCE3dG_jI2RUFWwJpf6jMB4bj68Se7-1xQ2AwpltG8TfSJ/s1545/bamapenalty2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSFhpKhEZL4WPlNinIYeDgFPyovepzF_FXrkpxUCgLyuN4fANlFw7zYgqIuFXb5ETc-Txlan8iRPKq0SJcrtSog-W8n2vkl2cEZdS-Q2wTdkgtwNRSvEouvfzBzyxq4d26wAf70zP5sDHj9jCE3dG_jI2RUFWwJpf6jMB4bj68Se7-1xQ2AwpltG8TfSJ/w280-h400/bamapenalty2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>It's starting to look like we could win this, but we're not buying in yet.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUHJgEb_Wik74gVuNisbmCO_YIMq_wsr4hPomOyt4p9nAqdGi8Q4QGtQzLECxeUSBqeyCmBTuCaSP7OqlaXv6OpJuYWlFb28ZAxOyEbE8uwMX_7YbFMYVyVrvaTLG_-K0NONY3xc1bbu1Ji4QRimLhmMVNkdfTB2EGPLWIKHnIwAZkXtXnOhv53qun4-3/s1112/bamaend.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUHJgEb_Wik74gVuNisbmCO_YIMq_wsr4hPomOyt4p9nAqdGi8Q4QGtQzLECxeUSBqeyCmBTuCaSP7OqlaXv6OpJuYWlFb28ZAxOyEbE8uwMX_7YbFMYVyVrvaTLG_-K0NONY3xc1bbu1Ji4QRimLhmMVNkdfTB2EGPLWIKHnIwAZkXtXnOhv53qun4-3/s320/bamaend.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Joe goes off topic to give his review of the newest Chick-Fil-A sandwich. This is a mistake on his part.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BrPQcN8w4E4lWtMl2qqmW0GxnPA_VJVAxyXUgOnAA_D3l5NIb8FCZ6DnY_kylvTzXP551DES6zaoA77kBgz_XOhF43SUX9O_iSvALzMgHLchnPWN1fzsFpPPE7olYLYgknr59B8gIWiKJ-tVuY7asG5HoWgPVwtFtw40AZzrD0d1vDazFzIYfpH_fWCY/s1877/bamacfa.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1877" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BrPQcN8w4E4lWtMl2qqmW0GxnPA_VJVAxyXUgOnAA_D3l5NIb8FCZ6DnY_kylvTzXP551DES6zaoA77kBgz_XOhF43SUX9O_iSvALzMgHLchnPWN1fzsFpPPE7olYLYgknr59B8gIWiKJ-tVuY7asG5HoWgPVwtFtw40AZzrD0d1vDazFzIYfpH_fWCY/w230-h400/bamacfa.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>A couple of us are ready to celebrate. A couple of us are protecting our hearts because IT'S BAMA.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH5YL01GJkm3CTaYoMo0gJdPxws_1VvuzQgM03fsG3KVeq6P3oyqmBy7z9frQr4XZBmBLDhyPKnlcJxVvhPSHmFePvCbowswDeUkPApo21w81RXojfIoKBwgCNTUt6qtFd1vCwve2YpAwEHFtfvqTGz-6ME-DPcw_HG0Rb0PP80cK82reN91uyIrX7v9G/s1609/bamaend2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH5YL01GJkm3CTaYoMo0gJdPxws_1VvuzQgM03fsG3KVeq6P3oyqmBy7z9frQr4XZBmBLDhyPKnlcJxVvhPSHmFePvCbowswDeUkPApo21w81RXojfIoKBwgCNTUt6qtFd1vCwve2YpAwEHFtfvqTGz-6ME-DPcw_HG0Rb0PP80cK82reN91uyIrX7v9G/w269-h400/bamaend2.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DNMi8HF3sK7SP9-Py4hiVJKU_VUMHvkyJkeokWx0JH27b8vJTZUHHEr0rofJigRC5_eJp87PzMPlvTGKQSukMNteqjC55Didc-WdDiRlrujlGZ5JpGfRxo62EqdpMpbnWelZiAgdsiLJgdeIUf85TUQ0_RLAhaGqkPk34CQgnLzF4Koq3rKlMGbd4W4N/s1882/bamaend3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1882" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DNMi8HF3sK7SP9-Py4hiVJKU_VUMHvkyJkeokWx0JH27b8vJTZUHHEr0rofJigRC5_eJp87PzMPlvTGKQSukMNteqjC55Didc-WdDiRlrujlGZ5JpGfRxo62EqdpMpbnWelZiAgdsiLJgdeIUf85TUQ0_RLAhaGqkPk34CQgnLzF4Koq3rKlMGbd4W4N/w230-h400/bamaend3.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Clock is at 0:00. We won. THE END.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplymDzHLOou5FfVlLHq2-ZEuJl7waWWmq6GJtRqFh-dXb-obfDZCN8s83QN-tloz5nsZUVDuhGjrmESf7_bqDN89azquYqgJBS48i0gAVNBBEAlZd23CF3WSTU4aXXC7_lLy4nurpOEf603whoYaR8ohvPE4ANPyf1uHO5mhzY36R36fR_G5VA6VYLy8o/s1668/BamaTX23pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplymDzHLOou5FfVlLHq2-ZEuJl7waWWmq6GJtRqFh-dXb-obfDZCN8s83QN-tloz5nsZUVDuhGjrmESf7_bqDN89azquYqgJBS48i0gAVNBBEAlZd23CF3WSTU4aXXC7_lLy4nurpOEf603whoYaR8ohvPE4ANPyf1uHO5mhzY36R36fR_G5VA6VYLy8o/w414-h640/BamaTX23pic.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Thank you for your time, friends. Please send us all your mental health counseling recommendations.<div>Have a great weekend and Hook Em Horns.</div><div><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-53224324732082594402023-09-08T15:20:00.011-04:002023-09-08T17:44:57.040-04:005 Friday Favorites: September 8, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span> </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Maple Street Biscuit Company</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde2vOAbA3ReBZU48Htfg3ZeBRVzPUQI1-EXjmvGR11WOel9y43IJxwsPaxE72GVEauyzLK5FSeGror83cwcH6ESbvqRHCIoFmnqiWDOUYth0XVhak0XzKkG_ETcAlQyUE_6WMcb3OxllLFf7uyUJ7XMsSueEQFBqPBhqP0O2APLUBBPE__3dNnxz5cgWA/s1434/nashville23d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde2vOAbA3ReBZU48Htfg3ZeBRVzPUQI1-EXjmvGR11WOel9y43IJxwsPaxE72GVEauyzLK5FSeGror83cwcH6ESbvqRHCIoFmnqiWDOUYth0XVhak0XzKkG_ETcAlQyUE_6WMcb3OxllLFf7uyUJ7XMsSueEQFBqPBhqP0O2APLUBBPE__3dNnxz5cgWA/w301-h400/nashville23d.jpg" width="301" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Since Steve and I got home from all of our road trips to visit our boys and help get them settled into their new lives, we are going to need to embark on a serious detox from all the road trip food. While we were in Nashville, Steve decided he was going to get a jump start on it and wanted to find an acai bowl for breakfast. We found a place, but then Kyle and I spotted a <a href="https://www.maplestreetbiscuits.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Maple Street Biscuit Company</span></a> in the same shopping center, so we were like, "We respect your choices, but we will not be participating in your berries and yogurt, sir." and made a beeline for the biscuits and gravy. If you can find a Maple Street near you, Kyle and I completely support you and recommend the Five & Dime: Fried Chicken, Bacon, Egg, Cheddar and Sausage Gravy on a biscuit.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Travel Fan</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFtvZjH9sPl3clRbyXydUGS3SqboPv2x-sRl61OanwV1mwbNUt_4SRGKHqDFkKSo6dKUAiHqEJDvTtLbUPB_VKIg7tzb-CuhGQ9IyWdzzpZEd0Jc2aK_pi8xeA9smEIKFPkUlXREK6RwX1rO4EuJXhfbHRMF5ezxoeS68LYUffFvR-UYLxllfQePyqcU9/s1497/fan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="1199" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFtvZjH9sPl3clRbyXydUGS3SqboPv2x-sRl61OanwV1mwbNUt_4SRGKHqDFkKSo6dKUAiHqEJDvTtLbUPB_VKIg7tzb-CuhGQ9IyWdzzpZEd0Jc2aK_pi8xeA9smEIKFPkUlXREK6RwX1rO4EuJXhfbHRMF5ezxoeS68LYUffFvR-UYLxllfQePyqcU9/w320-h400/fan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Women Friends of a Certain Age who are so dang hot all the dang time, lend me your ears: This <a href="https://amzn.to/462q6b7">little fan </a>has saved my life in hotels all along the East Coast in the past few weeks. I cannot sleep without air moving so I bought this fan to take with me and plug in next to my big dumb hot face so that it blows air at me all night long and then Steve doesn't have to whine about me turning the air conditioning down to 65 degrees in the hotel room. Also, it's rechargeable so you can just grab it at anytime and blast it at yourself whenever you're just sitting there having a fine day and then out of no where you feel certain that you are actually on fire. You're welcome, friends. Godspeed.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzVj-R5KYohhcQX43C_U1W0Z4VHm76IVuRkJeWSLJQsBlQQJTqspWdE-tZgACtua3ixpkuVnSdy0DN0zPjoSyL5q2Rgsu3Ce5Gztz_3eP_zrTB64_cECPcxg9i6-1bzq6VhHPmWeGHQ5Dhj6Rttsk4CCVvPaLIs9rfX-TLV67GwNkD97yxKbT8ZfBG-t4/s863/bagsmart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="679" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzVj-R5KYohhcQX43C_U1W0Z4VHm76IVuRkJeWSLJQsBlQQJTqspWdE-tZgACtua3ixpkuVnSdy0DN0zPjoSyL5q2Rgsu3Ce5Gztz_3eP_zrTB64_cECPcxg9i6-1bzq6VhHPmWeGHQ5Dhj6Rttsk4CCVvPaLIs9rfX-TLV67GwNkD97yxKbT8ZfBG-t4/w315-h400/bagsmart.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I feel like I've mentioned this <a href="https://amzn.to/3Exrneq">BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag</a> at least twice before, but it is legitimately one of my favorite things of the last three weeks and it is on sale today! You can cram so much stuff in this bag. The fact that it can be hung up is a game changer because it's so easy to see everything and you don't have to go digging around in the depths of a huge bag. It comes in a bunch of colors. Gosh, I love this thing an unreasonable amount.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Easel Mineral Wash Wide Leg Pants</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkAzdi4yrlQcliWtqBh8o02tVDx6loTpPz0dz9sGd5frFbS8x_WN2mnTb92ZySfEfLTxufnQDmQpOphfUj4kUSYlwjSfhXDZbEFqHG7sBWSlY5_bfxxjPdTH4YITZR_RXEa6IL6iPcRj2v7cmO6O9RMtZzaj44XwOFf27oNHsDGea7gX2EiEqk3yVthA1/s1452/merrill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkAzdi4yrlQcliWtqBh8o02tVDx6loTpPz0dz9sGd5frFbS8x_WN2mnTb92ZySfEfLTxufnQDmQpOphfUj4kUSYlwjSfhXDZbEFqHG7sBWSlY5_bfxxjPdTH4YITZR_RXEa6IL6iPcRj2v7cmO6O9RMtZzaj44XwOFf27oNHsDGea7gX2EiEqk3yVthA1/w477-h640/merrill.jpg" width="477" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Y'all. Buckle up because this is the weirdest story Also, it might be like someone telling you about the dream they had, so beware and scroll down if need be.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So Kyle's adorable girlfriend, Merrill, works at a shop in Nashville called <a href="https://www.vinnielouise.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Vinnie Louise</span></a>. Often, she takes over their Instagram account and shows her favorite things from the store. I saw her wearing these pants and I loved them so much. Now, is it smart for a 54 year old woman to think she should wear the same pants as a recent college graduate? Probably not, but I am who I am. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Merrill tried to find me the green in her shop, but they were out so I figured this was the Lord's way of saying, "Ma'am. Step back. These are not for you," But THEN, I was listening to<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-boo-cast/id262921699"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> the BigBooCast</span></a> the very next week and Sophie mentioned these exact pants! I could not believe it and I felt like the Lord said, "Try again, sister." So I found them in my size in green at <a href="https://shopbellanow.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this boutique online</span></a>! And I got them! And I love them so much. And perhaps my discernment skills for hearing the Lord's voice accurately could be called into question, but here we are and I'm walking in my purpose in my green mineral wash wide leg pants today. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Having a kid get a job in Nashville</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EQqlHicwpwZ6YMYV8e1U_D7mdo_Xi2mjZqsT4lC7EXqlhIXcVkJWxlDsSV0IJmHLe97s2ce1-YgLUwCXKe-uRaFmRmaeFn185rSFJnFgq-X0jkF3sC0etUOIK4tSu6c7e2PQoy-gDNHYlkoDAtyhq34NtBnPiz5Zghq82-zGYX4fujOCvIuQ-ob6thSx/s1080/Nashville23a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EQqlHicwpwZ6YMYV8e1U_D7mdo_Xi2mjZqsT4lC7EXqlhIXcVkJWxlDsSV0IJmHLe97s2ce1-YgLUwCXKe-uRaFmRmaeFn185rSFJnFgq-X0jkF3sC0etUOIK4tSu6c7e2PQoy-gDNHYlkoDAtyhq34NtBnPiz5Zghq82-zGYX4fujOCvIuQ-ob6thSx/w480-h640/Nashville23a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Steve and I have been big fans of Nashville since we visited there for his 50th birthday a few years ago. Since then we've been there about five times, so when Kyle got a job there after he graduated from UT Knoxville, we were thrilled. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">We had the best time with him and Me<span style="text-align: center;">rrill eating all the biscuits and gravy, shopping, getting his apartment set up by hanging some curtains, restocking the fridge and doing a couple of Target runs.Then we headed to Broadway to see some live music. I will say that Steve and I </span><span style="text-align: center;">did our very best to hang in there with the 20somethings and were pretty impressed with ourselves. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH68yEkhlQ88URekLuhx0h82_KFkLGXh2nU_XBEdIWBfYVZ68_X8X09zNgLBHgxex7MkX-4cBd-wcKQuh_49qP4gzREGaUdVc_p3eoe_WnIEbvk1wOZwyjAIbXha3S5Rxz4Z-3EkarHFL5BsJjyY0N0tengQSnrAi9ngDSw6cTBXmE6hhTiByq4cLW1BCi/s1080/Nashville23c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH68yEkhlQ88URekLuhx0h82_KFkLGXh2nU_XBEdIWBfYVZ68_X8X09zNgLBHgxex7MkX-4cBd-wcKQuh_49qP4gzREGaUdVc_p3eoe_WnIEbvk1wOZwyjAIbXha3S5Rxz4Z-3EkarHFL5BsJjyY0N0tengQSnrAi9ngDSw6cTBXmE6hhTiByq4cLW1BCi/w640-h480/Nashville23c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you visit Nashville we highly recommend seeking out the band, <a href="https://monteandthemonsters.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Monte and the Monsters</span></a>. Their drummer is a brother of a good friend of Kyle and Merrill and he was so incredibly talented. We had a blast. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmil_bqIQxF-ALfkauWUC4MK6aemIXQG-GVKCoKRGSJfjLT4uFVT_7EScbu_8pb_Izd89pykWYlRnGMpWxoJLeUzE7ZYUTQVA8Oy6coxE6aEg9OubKciJBvIwgyC6-OBtq4hEVSOzQTFW8kwW-Wv_k6qDO_LAML1IKhInT4X-QBgFxDzwJZKGjFF_PZs-/s1440/Nashville23b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmil_bqIQxF-ALfkauWUC4MK6aemIXQG-GVKCoKRGSJfjLT4uFVT_7EScbu_8pb_Izd89pykWYlRnGMpWxoJLeUzE7ZYUTQVA8Oy6coxE6aEg9OubKciJBvIwgyC6-OBtq4hEVSOzQTFW8kwW-Wv_k6qDO_LAML1IKhInT4X-QBgFxDzwJZKGjFF_PZs-/w480-h640/Nashville23b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I've mentioned it so many times - too many times - but the last five months have brought so much grief and worry and difficult change into my life. In the middle of chaos it is even more important to seek out the joyful moments and hold on tight. My brother reminded me a few months ago that the grief will always be there and that we are allowed to be happy when we find the chance. We can always return to the grief. I'm so grateful for the many moments of happiness that have come in the past few weeks whether it was watching my kids embark on new adventures, singing along with friends at a concert, or sharing fries with my husband in the car on our 5th hour of a road trip. The Lord is good. All the time.</p><p>I hope y'all have the best weekend! And HOOK 'EM HORNS! </p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-44967152523679320252023-09-01T07:37:00.005-04:002023-09-01T08:00:05.909-04:005 Friday Favorites: September 1, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOOzZAB9Ha3CcTq-U_UR8q5x8U1PNmgbWZQHRh8uS3YUQ8x9Z-jBeLSjoLLTG0wEGtbQpi1IWcnk3NCW4pWTlmzCu15gC3UUceQ37A0sdgk8EG6ABNSHX1r1ELv4nbSfD5qUq7yBA52dK-lD28StTK5QYnKfODWBUemeZYHBGGpx0lOjw8Bjp2GV3wY4j/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span></p><p>Hey, Is this thing on?? I missed posting two weeks in a row because it's been EmptyNesterPalooza around here. Actually, it's been The Road to Empty Nest Palooza because we are only officially Empty Nesters as of three days ago. In the last two weeks, we dropped Drew off at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, flew to Boston with friends for a few days to see the Morgan Wallen concert at Fenway Park, drove to Spartanburg, South Carolina to help Joe move into an apartment and then to Nashville to check in on Kyle and help get his apartment set up. Today we're headed to Lake Anna for the Labor Day weekend. It's been a busy and really fun couple of weeks. I find myself deeply, deeply grateful for the opportunities my children have been given. The best part is I've been too busy to feel anything but happy to be home in my empty nest. No time to be sad yet. Right now it's glorious. I have not tripped over one shoe in the past three days.</p><p>Here are some of my favorite things from life lately.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. The Nightingale</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIKA28fi7ihzxPUYOyonqZRyOuVPAzkEFJUZ1SqUUPaNUkxB5W2wpMgdjJ8GYpAG581Sdl1VUAvU2iSlnN9GkE4WnGSBRtvx86p7zqy7IeHm_LFIbv9LCsXDXxXP-VfqEIIJ8pLIRNxPy-7PXVFHRPJCxkMZmYnBaeKHo8mElQLNUAG2Rs08zLZbg5_5j/s500/nightingale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIKA28fi7ihzxPUYOyonqZRyOuVPAzkEFJUZ1SqUUPaNUkxB5W2wpMgdjJ8GYpAG581Sdl1VUAvU2iSlnN9GkE4WnGSBRtvx86p7zqy7IeHm_LFIbv9LCsXDXxXP-VfqEIIJ8pLIRNxPy-7PXVFHRPJCxkMZmYnBaeKHo8mElQLNUAG2Rs08zLZbg5_5j/w400-h400/nightingale.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>I know I am the last person on Earth to read <a href="https://amzn.to/45zHPGU">this book</a>, but better late than never. I have read so many books about World War II that I thought I needed a break, but this one sucked me right back in. If you slept on The Nightingale like I did, go get it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Morgan Wallen: One Thing at a Time</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/S-OKqDu8YmA?si=Zx52S3zJjx3y1iwL" width="480"></iframe></p><div>The Morgan Wallen concert at Fenway Park was pure joy. It was so fun to see cowboy boots and hats all over Boston. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUcrbLCYFulNSZ1lPlGtD4o-5mMITAQdZm96pGd0HOUFfEWS5RZqn33Brd0WHKAAD00sXIZDo9yY4wTd3IcfLbxMGxrefRcFQO95GxY4I2J_uJRYYQjM66opUW0SyPRHrYr1J7JjMoqzv-lLtC25AL9RCbO-dWT_g8YLYTKmPlfASory2-7e_sr4Pl3hv/s1440/morganwallen1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUcrbLCYFulNSZ1lPlGtD4o-5mMITAQdZm96pGd0HOUFfEWS5RZqn33Brd0WHKAAD00sXIZDo9yY4wTd3IcfLbxMGxrefRcFQO95GxY4I2J_uJRYYQjM66opUW0SyPRHrYr1J7JjMoqzv-lLtC25AL9RCbO-dWT_g8YLYTKmPlfASory2-7e_sr4Pl3hv/w480-h640/morganwallen1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My friend, Lori, said that she had never been to a concert where every person knew every single word to every single song and I agreed. One of my favorite things was a group of kids about Drew's age behind us with their arms wrapped around each other singing their lungs out. They were adorable and respectful and sweet. Just so happy to be there. Gosh, I loved it so much. One Thing at a Time is my new favorite song of Wallen's for this minute. Later today it will be something else. I could listen to him all day long.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrc36WIGUXNv0ZuOgLiVQMaNcK9T70DkgV78-LqwyKlZ4e0QTBpE2PMfVrhVXfGBsKmsUGWFrKrlapxfY2qnCen4uXUrAsCLxTG6IG6iHYzMHNU_60qIvxBS74tIFoNKpjOZ_f3ytiBI7TptirHLFdEquyqKec1pXmNEZ3Kh4y89sG9D4ptcgVeLFPp2o/s1080/morganwallen2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1080" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrc36WIGUXNv0ZuOgLiVQMaNcK9T70DkgV78-LqwyKlZ4e0QTBpE2PMfVrhVXfGBsKmsUGWFrKrlapxfY2qnCen4uXUrAsCLxTG6IG6iHYzMHNU_60qIvxBS74tIFoNKpjOZ_f3ytiBI7TptirHLFdEquyqKec1pXmNEZ3Kh4y89sG9D4ptcgVeLFPp2o/w640-h454/morganwallen2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Beacon Hill Books & Cafe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhsn24RnHskCTJIZu_orDofs5ObiHbYd2FzanUObRF3t0syo5HhhUkQ1RQ8r8RRMU26xH2gZJYBHboLw-xr9wlJokoy1ABlbsqe-6G7GOsfpC-Odm-EGwJmeuBwFavNOTSrhAXESwBOW8mHKzpsl_dheA--cjwGSWwAlDVJYBWnrW3I14EjqSML5Ez6tL/s1440/Beacon2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhsn24RnHskCTJIZu_orDofs5ObiHbYd2FzanUObRF3t0syo5HhhUkQ1RQ8r8RRMU26xH2gZJYBHboLw-xr9wlJokoy1ABlbsqe-6G7GOsfpC-Odm-EGwJmeuBwFavNOTSrhAXESwBOW8mHKzpsl_dheA--cjwGSWwAlDVJYBWnrW3I14EjqSML5Ez6tL/w480-h640/Beacon2.jpg" width="480" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>Boston is by far one of my very favorite cities in the entire world. I find the city to be very clean, the people to be warm and friendly and the food and shopping to be the best. This is probably my fifth or sixth time to visit, but the first time I visited <a href="https://www.bhbooks.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Beacon Hill Books & Cafe</span></a> because I heard<a href="https://www.boomama.net/"> Sophie </a>and <a href="https://thebigmamablog.com/">Melanie</a> recommend it on their podcast. It was adorable. It boasts three or four floors of floor to ceiling bookshelves and a cafe in the bottom floor. I could've stayed there for hours. Highly recommend visiting it if you are in Boston. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu1RZnCPUSRVJhkOBtHEqbowC6Mp3XWqYYBIS9PqPwRY_n7Tbn6oX9s1rIY-H0GQO14mAvYp-wWPAxidaApmGdlOy09tyQSkn1Pmdo3jXFSamHj-RaaUviENaoSKv59D40wdLbt-E1BAoCOL1IJXzaWVgolgm3tFKMWdR0uAdkFBCzjSIp9a30vZejqw3/s1080/Beacon1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu1RZnCPUSRVJhkOBtHEqbowC6Mp3XWqYYBIS9PqPwRY_n7Tbn6oX9s1rIY-H0GQO14mAvYp-wWPAxidaApmGdlOy09tyQSkn1Pmdo3jXFSamHj-RaaUviENaoSKv59D40wdLbt-E1BAoCOL1IJXzaWVgolgm3tFKMWdR0uAdkFBCzjSIp9a30vZejqw3/w640-h480/Beacon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMhVOP9XqPvIeTDZKhdUsRCtbVxKwtVjFgC9-xNBMUS--XnHwMEH1R40IGX5xHqTQKbB93JYN7QxR1mRBu5W5zOvuvuf5QliT2dw_uJFlPYCX3cnDjcKNmk5B8j5xNj2ncBIUVeWKrpZ6QmYigBIq9rgQoD03HcAMORo21z8E94fb7LsG5CpcU2BnXatz/s1080/Beacon3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMhVOP9XqPvIeTDZKhdUsRCtbVxKwtVjFgC9-xNBMUS--XnHwMEH1R40IGX5xHqTQKbB93JYN7QxR1mRBu5W5zOvuvuf5QliT2dw_uJFlPYCX3cnDjcKNmk5B8j5xNj2ncBIUVeWKrpZ6QmYigBIq9rgQoD03HcAMORo21z8E94fb7LsG5CpcU2BnXatz/w480-h640/Beacon3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firm Eye</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xwT-9IDSjQsdubLDWm59vbhNuIrNnI0rgXkUj0FWEykGd2t9RM4rtWFdNhusn5sbaBAucDM5SUeDJBdw_6uf0q0D3BuBoN7Rz0xpKIcVB-QGFqJ1OEGM7kouMasWpEyxWuGMkEzJFfZRQ2_0tKGNbZoMMXI7T9WNIRLUmpjFtkaTTaepMFd4eOw_QdmY/s1500/ptr1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xwT-9IDSjQsdubLDWm59vbhNuIrNnI0rgXkUj0FWEykGd2t9RM4rtWFdNhusn5sbaBAucDM5SUeDJBdw_6uf0q0D3BuBoN7Rz0xpKIcVB-QGFqJ1OEGM7kouMasWpEyxWuGMkEzJFfZRQ2_0tKGNbZoMMXI7T9WNIRLUmpjFtkaTTaepMFd4eOw_QdmY/w266-h640/ptr1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I heard about<a href="https://amzn.to/3stVeBI"> this eye gel </a>from beauty expert, Kathleen Jennings, and I'm a sucker for a new product. I tried it yesterday. I think I really saw a difference. Maybe this weekend after I eat a bunch of chips and salsa while I yell at the Texas Longhorns I'll really put it to the test. Stay tuned.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. The Kid is in College</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeOlnUGSMT0Q2skLgWZ-YrdYqa1cZr95TivXZP2qCK003fRHlaKFZzmxYHvcjfRkBPLqYwxfTEUXTeIL1odNzAVjR6lmaZxJTEMdp_olyyONM70rE6YYrn3k1sr_lK4KkEzUWWGRauPFnCXddKw8Gapo5tsntjtwja21P-aJLBdY2zkJ3ji7EsbfksNez/s1080/drewaverett2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1080" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeOlnUGSMT0Q2skLgWZ-YrdYqa1cZr95TivXZP2qCK003fRHlaKFZzmxYHvcjfRkBPLqYwxfTEUXTeIL1odNzAVjR6lmaZxJTEMdp_olyyONM70rE6YYrn3k1sr_lK4KkEzUWWGRauPFnCXddKw8Gapo5tsntjtwja21P-aJLBdY2zkJ3ji7EsbfksNez/w640-h424/drewaverett2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Not ready to talk about it, much less write about it, but I will say that I shed about three tears after I left him. Nobody was more shocked by this than me. I'm sure the meltdown is forthcoming, but so far so good.</p><p>He's happy. I'm happy. But I know that happiness - although it's what every parent wants for their children - really is not the ultimate goal. The fact is that he won't always be happy. This I know for sure. But I hope he'll always feel worthy and loved and able and hopeful. And most of all, I hope he will know from where his hope comes.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, my soul, find rest in God;</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>My hope comes from Him.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Truly He is my rock and my salvation;</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Psalm 62:5-6</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFU8EI9KsFNnBl2-pp-pU-G0WsQVuYl_0VjugDGaPaps2EtgCOHmck9zzEMr6sEeHkhH-xXIn-2VXhjDyIcB9AtPTLAjDfeacd5APPQWFgl4N5KE26LXBPvktBp7TVIOxLHpXwGqzirGp5kLV8fxp8DvLlB7Zv4MGgSOpU1mRgYtcRylP7ELCahAjAcp3/s1080/drewaverett1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFU8EI9KsFNnBl2-pp-pU-G0WsQVuYl_0VjugDGaPaps2EtgCOHmck9zzEMr6sEeHkhH-xXIn-2VXhjDyIcB9AtPTLAjDfeacd5APPQWFgl4N5KE26LXBPvktBp7TVIOxLHpXwGqzirGp5kLV8fxp8DvLlB7Zv4MGgSOpU1mRgYtcRylP7ELCahAjAcp3/w640-h480/drewaverett1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">PS Perhaps the reason I didn't cry was because Joe yelled out "STAGED!", when he snapped these pictures. It's pretty hard to have an emotional moment with these jokers around.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p><br /></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-39094967408299173192023-08-11T20:23:00.012-04:002023-08-20T08:36:25.500-04:00Here we go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcM1S74brgQLL1rvFNKodPCQIUdZeovnH5LpHRtM7BvuWuqA2pfsJb3S4fSGU1R3MR9j0IcXh1hr1RrwcvyACRiBXWiLhxi-Xq8X2W2pOEz5jKFK69dM9bQpml4PIIhTtT-a7hm-In26HYIzg1RgQCTJeIlG0TvFksJT058zJb8ovXDYO8mjz3Spq_CX7/s320/drewme10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcM1S74brgQLL1rvFNKodPCQIUdZeovnH5LpHRtM7BvuWuqA2pfsJb3S4fSGU1R3MR9j0IcXh1hr1RrwcvyACRiBXWiLhxi-Xq8X2W2pOEz5jKFK69dM9bQpml4PIIhTtT-a7hm-In26HYIzg1RgQCTJeIlG0TvFksJT058zJb8ovXDYO8mjz3Spq_CX7/w640-h480/drewme10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Hey, Little Boy.</p><p>Here you go. Well, actually here <i>we</i> go. It's time. It seems exactly right and also impossibly wrong. </p><p>Who am I to hold you here? To wish back time? Who am I to wring my hands? Who am I to oppose or even to endorse <i>your</i> path from here on out? Is your one wild and precious life even any of my business anymore?</p><p>This life. Meant for you. Created for you. It is a life meant and created for you <i>apart</i> from me. On certain days I find this to be a terrible plan. It's infuriating, frankly. But on other days, I know better. There's a popular saying that having a child is like having your heart walk around outside your body. I understand the feeling. But feelings aren't truth. The truth is that you are not me. You are you - on your own - uniquely individual. We've known that from the jump, kid.</p><p>Those little chubby fingers that I held so tight are meant to be wrestled away. </p><p>"I do it myself," you would say.</p><p>So now, you will. </p><p>And so will I. I will have to pull my hand away from yours. I've been working on it for awhile now. Your big brothers helped set me up for this. But this time is different. Sorry, man. While there are a lot of advantages to being the last one, I guess you drew the short straw in this case. Tomorrow is a big day for you. And as it turns out, it's a pretty big day for me, too.</p><p>I have so many images of you in my mind. Curled up on the sofa watching <i>Curious George</i>. Pushing the kitchen table chairs to the counter so you could climb up. Throwing tantrums the likes of which I had never seen. Stomping around in your brother's three sizes-too-big-for-you baseball cleats.</p><p>But the image that came to me this morning was when I looked over at you in the passenger seat of my car last fall. We were driving home from a baseball tournament. We were ticking those weekend tournaments off one by one - after years and years of them there were only a few more road trips and fast food stops and musty hotel rooms and game delays and washing uniforms in the bathtub left for the two of us. You had fallen asleep and I could barely make out the chubby freckled baby cheeks under the grown man's face that slumped toward the window. The song <i>Landslide</i> came on the radio and since I'm apparently a glutton for punishment, I didn't change the station.</p><p><i>I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you.</i></p><p>It's not very "2023" for a woman to admit that she built her life around her children. You know, Girl Power and all that. We are supposed to have bigger dreams than having a mess of babies, cooking dinners, managing laundry, attending Back to School Nights, reading <i>The Hungry Caterpillar</i> seventeen times in a row and signing up for working in the concession stand on Game Day.</p><p>But you? You and your brothers and your dad? This life I've built around the four of you is <i>the</i> dream come true. There was nothing in the whole world I wanted more than this. That's the entire truth and I don't have a shred of regret or shame about it. </p><p>I have had and do have other dreams. Writing and traveling and serving and speaking and maybe some dreams that I haven't even come up with yet. For both of us, new dreams will keep coming if we allow ourselves to listen and look for them. If we remember that God woke us up today on purpose, for purpose, then there's always something more He wants us to do. So now we stand at the end of one season and wait to see what the next one requires of us.</p><p>And listen, I'm gonna try real hard not to be a complete disaster tomorrow. I mean, odds are good that it could be totally fine. You've done a bang-up job of getting on my nerves this week. Leaving your crap everywhere. Staying out too late. Telling me even after I just got back from the grocery store, "Ma, there's no food in the crib". Texting me from your bedroom to ask if I could change your laundry. Nice strategy, bud. </p><p>But even as I write all of this, another image of you comes to mind and it's not of the frustrating, messy teenager that I rolled my eyes at all week. </p><p>I always said that you came to complete our family. That God knew we needed <i>this</i> one more boy. And it turns out, that it is you who I needed specifically in the hardest moment of my life. </p><p>When I got the phone call that Grammy had died on that Monday morning in March, Dad. Joe and Kyle were all out of town. But you were there. You were mere minutes from walking out the door to school, but you hadn't left yet. And I'm certain you wish that one of the other guys would have been there to at least shoulder some of that burden with you. </p><p>But you, my littlest boy. You didn't falter. It was you. You, who ran to my side as I sunk to the floor. You, who knelt down and wrapped your strong arms around me as I screamed and sobbed into your shoulder. I remember the navy sleeves of your tee shirt. I remember your steady breath in my ear. I remember the powerful grip you kept on me to hold me upright. </p><p>I've thought back to those moments many times in the last four months, wishing that I could have spared you that scene. But in the end, it is clear to me that it is you who God meant to be with me on that morning. I suppose He knew it all along. And I think you learned something about yourself that day. In the last few years you've been incredibly disciplined to work out every single day to become stronger. And that day you were as steady and strong as any grown man could be - both physically and emotionally. While I was certainly overwhelmed by sorrow and pain that morning, at the same time I distinctly remember feeling enormous gratitude and pride in the man God had made you to be . . .a man of character and of more compassion than I ever could have prayed for.</p><p>I wish that these two seasons - the painful one of losing my mom and the exciting one of your graduation and going off to college to study and play baseball - didn't have to happen at the same time. Maybe I won't always link the two together, but it seems that this is how life works. Triumph and tragedy don't always line up their schedules conveniently. Oftentimes they show up at the same time. I guess that's as good a lesson to learn as any other. So here we go, off to meet triumph and tragedy, grief and gratitude and whatever else this beautiful, brutal life has to hand to us.</p><p> <i>Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?</i></p><p>You and me? We got this. Let's keep sailing through. I think the sun coming up on the horizon for both of us is gonna be pretty bright. I love you, Drew Christopher Skinner.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00crdenVr1gAqwEU1fGrINRCDQ14SeXp9FMcIYCO398zflLQxqJCZ5MzB1D7oJT_BPU9nrSiI680nVxZdYe-CovUvzLaJ1IZ5qPehB80Xm4v9cUX55RQCPjYHraao6CXDLiEXh1sQO5f5yP4n-aymvqBXQxSf4WwMvDolXSrwvKF4fXARtkSGCfk2waJK/s640/mama.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00crdenVr1gAqwEU1fGrINRCDQ14SeXp9FMcIYCO398zflLQxqJCZ5MzB1D7oJT_BPU9nrSiI680nVxZdYe-CovUvzLaJ1IZ5qPehB80Xm4v9cUX55RQCPjYHraao6CXDLiEXh1sQO5f5yP4n-aymvqBXQxSf4WwMvDolXSrwvKF4fXARtkSGCfk2waJK/w480-h640/mama.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-6141970209646338242023-08-04T09:12:00.009-04:002023-08-04T09:40:45.404-04:005 Friday Favorites: August 4, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAeuQPFMQolaJRIr-Ta56inqO6lyBQ06hRe_0WrLYKq3UCyYHhRZoQ6zk5P1Nl31shJ_M2NoUiTTm2zX69ANi1DW8Z2vqPrlLaqHsMTa8JvKUfLzzN6qpzb5yC23onCbugaYBVTQprXi3AXTda8e5C-ADJknxsB9sLIy2hXPFpQSjbPe1CKdJ-o5zA/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAeuQPFMQolaJRIr-Ta56inqO6lyBQ06hRe_0WrLYKq3UCyYHhRZoQ6zk5P1Nl31shJ_M2NoUiTTm2zX69ANi1DW8Z2vqPrlLaqHsMTa8JvKUfLzzN6qpzb5yC23onCbugaYBVTQprXi3AXTda8e5C-ADJknxsB9sLIy2hXPFpQSjbPe1CKdJ-o5zA/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span></p><p>Hello and Happy Weekend. The weather cooled way down this week and it's been delightful. Please forgive me for mentioning it, Texas peeps, because I saw that it was 107 degrees there yesterday. Godspeed, y'all.</p><p>Here are some other favorites from this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5tRh9LEbmytvEo8ufxTunWbitpLOHipt7VXMCMxLDK-Zm4BwDG2pHFz0Fliy7i576FM8jWMAHF71aV3t2XazVzhEb8daD7LiF838IlTkbg_yTDgwj0i_KD5GfnYlDuAK12SzC3LXDcj4-iiDJP5LW_RSawepGHSbvSprl0tUz7qqEBYNB9Idk3VEZenO/s218/minka.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5tRh9LEbmytvEo8ufxTunWbitpLOHipt7VXMCMxLDK-Zm4BwDG2pHFz0Fliy7i576FM8jWMAHF71aV3t2XazVzhEb8daD7LiF838IlTkbg_yTDgwj0i_KD5GfnYlDuAK12SzC3LXDcj4-iiDJP5LW_RSawepGHSbvSprl0tUz7qqEBYNB9Idk3VEZenO/w400-h400/minka.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><i>Friday Night Lights</i> is by far my favorite TV show of all time. I even listen to the recap podcast every single week. I heard Minka Kelly, who played Lyla Garrity, on another podcast talking about her very difficult childhood and the book, <a href="https://amzn.to/3OELwVJ">Tell Me Everything</a>, that she had released recently. I love a memoir, so I downloaded it immediately. Her story is fascinating. I'm mid-way through it and am stunned at what children can endure. The human spirit is somethin' else. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKwbFE2p3y1wKXF6t2sVNndwl9meexb_gUWmLnrZ0f9jC_Sf1gP51zcmI_tddbRmGkRXXICXtTTadH39lMd1fMhQh3Vr7VZ3AmZMOrh4rikNFipDr8bZPpU5WOS0u0s1KdF0FmdBi5BLDDm2GaXky0gfYjZYRL3JevoSNjkMQne-sXiuqHnQ0HxXfDBJU/s1581/cookie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKwbFE2p3y1wKXF6t2sVNndwl9meexb_gUWmLnrZ0f9jC_Sf1gP51zcmI_tddbRmGkRXXICXtTTadH39lMd1fMhQh3Vr7VZ3AmZMOrh4rikNFipDr8bZPpU5WOS0u0s1KdF0FmdBi5BLDDm2GaXky0gfYjZYRL3JevoSNjkMQne-sXiuqHnQ0HxXfDBJU/w274-h400/cookie.jpg" width="274" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">My friend, Jen, brought these cookies to my house last week. She got the recipe off of Tik Tok because she's totally cool and hip like that. This is hands-down the best cookie I've ever eaten in my life. I'm not exaggerating.</p><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup butter<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 cup light brown sugar<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/4 cup white sugar<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 egg<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 egg yolk<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 Tbsp vanilla<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 3/4 cup flour<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3/4 tsp baking soda<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 tsp salt<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2 cups (10oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Melt butter on low heat on stove until it bubbles and then turns golden brown. Pour into large bowl. Add brown sugar and white sugar. Mix. Add 1 egg yolk,1 whole egg, and vanilla. Mix. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix. Add chocolate chips.<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Roll into 2 oz balls. Chill for at least 30 minutes.<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bake at 350 for 11-12 minutes. <br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Top with sea salt.<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. The Bear Season 2</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINWS1Nh4t1SLfUaO7zvw2cbbh3UPS5zJB_G1mZwiLmFaUL3lUbkche8WsW_Hq4nn_pOTrGFXecq2gjLPs3G9YocveixpnJz3gYJULF2Tod2L3N4jnKyTjrMKqiAh9irC8w8fq5gTDndRqwWgz5z3n942URs8uPB7pXduWTtbUhJiC6ZbxHVzBS5Nsjqur/s300/thebear2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINWS1Nh4t1SLfUaO7zvw2cbbh3UPS5zJB_G1mZwiLmFaUL3lUbkche8WsW_Hq4nn_pOTrGFXecq2gjLPs3G9YocveixpnJz3gYJULF2Tod2L3N4jnKyTjrMKqiAh9irC8w8fq5gTDndRqwWgz5z3n942URs8uPB7pXduWTtbUhJiC6ZbxHVzBS5Nsjqur/w400-h400/thebear2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I really liked the first season of <i>The Bear</i>, but I LOVED the second season. It took me awhile to appreciate each of characters and now I love every single one of them. Especially Richie. I mean, especially Sydney. I mean, Sydney's dad. And Claire. And Carmy. Oh and Jamie Lee Curtis because she steals one of the episodes right out from under everyone and is amazing. Gah. I love all of them so much. This is brilliant television and I also want to put potato chips on an omelet now.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. A Romper I Do Not Need</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJkKvxqDrrwR87xCRq_LkkjXx4F-cfjJ1yrxpt3dCN_wxwIxGPiQynQeIEy6Ff8MWJ5CT9O7Ur1lXRMjX25sKoWH2bm7UGiUOUkXTsp_-bvU-8QR64fNTDRVLA9_-3Ez_hkas6i5azwMFhT7NAI8WXttPuROYiyXCNQOLx7RgcUGdY1ct687vfDRqMVVX/s741/burntorangeromper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="298" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJkKvxqDrrwR87xCRq_LkkjXx4F-cfjJ1yrxpt3dCN_wxwIxGPiQynQeIEy6Ff8MWJ5CT9O7Ur1lXRMjX25sKoWH2bm7UGiUOUkXTsp_-bvU-8QR64fNTDRVLA9_-3Ez_hkas6i5azwMFhT7NAI8WXttPuROYiyXCNQOLx7RgcUGdY1ct687vfDRqMVVX/w161-h400/burntorangeromper.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Except<a href="https://amzn.to/44Z59xO"> it's burnt orange</a>. And there are only 29 days until Texas Longhorn Football starts. We are undefeated in the fall of 2023 for at least 29 more days. Add to cart. PS There are other colors if you are interested in purchasing a romper you don't need as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. One More Week Until Drop Off</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLDehVK0RG324Gned4JGM7B66zasESPLBZI-KatRdW_GK3jiY-T7KJ5cr5BceOCNWq-gt6Y5XzNfTeYG3kmKQocE49vbRmRoz9ajxAL168xcQbay6aZEB5JhGcOdxn0JoHCAg7rIitq1YdhQLkkrjLc5mD8RwKXSD4HfmJX_VRb8qFpCn1kjJ1A36_ouf/s1322/DrewMelasthomegame.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLDehVK0RG324Gned4JGM7B66zasESPLBZI-KatRdW_GK3jiY-T7KJ5cr5BceOCNWq-gt6Y5XzNfTeYG3kmKQocE49vbRmRoz9ajxAL168xcQbay6aZEB5JhGcOdxn0JoHCAg7rIitq1YdhQLkkrjLc5mD8RwKXSD4HfmJX_VRb8qFpCn1kjJ1A36_ouf/w326-h400/DrewMelasthomegame.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">This is the last weekend before we move Drew to college. Someone asked me how I was feeling about it and the short answer is "I don't know." "I don't know" seems to be my answer quite often lately. One day, I'm thinking that it is absolutely time for this kid to get the heck outta here and the next day I'm crying in the "Dorm Essentials" aisle at Target. Even though it's my third rodeo, it still seems impossible to me.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A few days before Joe left for college six years ago, I read a quote from my friend Elizabeth Foss that has stuck with me since. I didn't know then how many times I would refer back to it. At that time, dropping Joe off at college seemed impossible. I remember thinking that day how incredible it was that we couldn't get back yesterday. We couldn't get back the beginning of his senior year or Little League games or 1999 when all of my days were just the two of us fumbling through the world together. I know that seems so ridiculous - even a bit insane. But this absolute inability to go back in time struck me as wildly unfair.</p><p style="text-align: left;">For a few minutes that day, I felt like a toddler filled with the rage of a full blow tantrum screaming, "I don't want to do this!" Even though I knew it was right and good. Feeling and knowing can be worlds apart. Then when I had to do the whole thing again with Kyle? It seemed equally impossible. Most recently, as Steve dropped me off at the airport to fly home after my mom died, I remember looking at him and saying specifically, "I don't want to do this and I can't do this. I want to go back to yesterday. This is impossible." And as I stood in the security line, the words of Elizabeth came back to me again. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>"This life - the one for which we were created - requires that we do the thing we couldn't possibly do if not for knowing that Jesus is there, ready and waiting to give us grace and strength sufficient."</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">To tell you the honest truth, I have had a hard time feeling that Jesus is there lately. But like I said, feeling and knowing don't often line up. I know He has been there for every instance of my life that seemed impossible. Somehow I did all those things I didn't want to do and didn't think I could do. So I'll just have to believe in my head - even if it isn't reaching my heart quite yet - that Jesus will be ready and waiting again next weekend. He has perfect attendance so far. I suppose the odds are pretty good that the two of us will do the impossible together yet again.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend, y'all.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-1343744112645438312023-07-21T08:57:00.007-04:002023-07-21T11:07:11.958-04:005 Friday Favorites: July 21, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAeuQPFMQolaJRIr-Ta56inqO6lyBQ06hRe_0WrLYKq3UCyYHhRZoQ6zk5P1Nl31shJ_M2NoUiTTm2zX69ANi1DW8Z2vqPrlLaqHsMTa8JvKUfLzzN6qpzb5yC23onCbugaYBVTQprXi3AXTda8e5C-ADJknxsB9sLIy2hXPFpQSjbPe1CKdJ-o5zA/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAeuQPFMQolaJRIr-Ta56inqO6lyBQ06hRe_0WrLYKq3UCyYHhRZoQ6zk5P1Nl31shJ_M2NoUiTTm2zX69ANi1DW8Z2vqPrlLaqHsMTa8JvKUfLzzN6qpzb5yC23onCbugaYBVTQprXi3AXTda8e5C-ADJknxsB9sLIy2hXPFpQSjbPe1CKdJ-o5zA/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span></p><p>Hello and happy Friday. My favorite thing is air conditioning. The end. Just kidding. Here are some more things from the week that I liked - all less than air conditioning.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Pretty Baby Brooke Shields Documentary</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl46AdJ9VJk56hscpK_VQUGVCbvulkeSAEGfsGR45lLKpfDo2NDdX7AmLXAWp01o3aOtcxb2vQs_1K-FACyxyYOgh7o-4vkgf3DdGzlWnqhClUyxVgpBZROumoK2qBm17QsuhJm6WDjF-gxEBaqhFPAxhAF44mJGYvKm2CzB9kuCdVKD6o044RWIeaJHww/s1280/prettybaby1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl46AdJ9VJk56hscpK_VQUGVCbvulkeSAEGfsGR45lLKpfDo2NDdX7AmLXAWp01o3aOtcxb2vQs_1K-FACyxyYOgh7o-4vkgf3DdGzlWnqhClUyxVgpBZROumoK2qBm17QsuhJm6WDjF-gxEBaqhFPAxhAF44mJGYvKm2CzB9kuCdVKD6o044RWIeaJHww/w400-h225/prettybaby1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I watched <a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/pretty-baby-brooke-shields-057789b3-86e3-47a1-93f3-c66ccab44a9c"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this documentary</span></a> this week. The main word that came to my mind was "infuriating". The way Brooke Shields was treated by the industry, filmmakers, photographers, the people who interviewed her, the media in general, her own mother and even by the public - and I include myself there - is infuriating. She was just a child. Ugh. As disturbing as parts of this are, it is a really great watch. She's an impressive person - and the 80s were whack, y'all.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Truth I'm Standing On - Leanna Crawford</span></b></div><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mQq1zEBk41E" width="480"></iframe></p><div><br /></div><div>I heard this the other day. I had been praying for my own grieving heart, for someone whose child is suffering from addiction, someone going through a divorce, someone grieving the loss of a young wife and mother, someone dealing with job stress, someone fighting depression and someone struggling with health issues that no one seems to be able to figure out. Some weeks the list of "someones" is so darn long. This is a beautiful song and a beautiful reminder that God's promises are true, even if you're having a hard time believing it.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Baked Sweet Potato Cubes</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvguifmaFFBIVpFie-ArkYxlIWKYSchTgGtQ5d5E_d78ldEv-IBVCY_G3-Gp7YQUFU5-A6PAp1MkK-jirSWJDG9_us4x1pbB1SCEqnNh5A0dxU2UrvquUNxZnSJKq0RGj6Bl950tjrssIdmNsT_hCgVfOpGhl8lznAYuzfXDMujMu4HQP4aHhiPUNij9kL/s1200/sweet-potato-cubes-resize-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvguifmaFFBIVpFie-ArkYxlIWKYSchTgGtQ5d5E_d78ldEv-IBVCY_G3-Gp7YQUFU5-A6PAp1MkK-jirSWJDG9_us4x1pbB1SCEqnNh5A0dxU2UrvquUNxZnSJKq0RGj6Bl950tjrssIdmNsT_hCgVfOpGhl8lznAYuzfXDMujMu4HQP4aHhiPUNij9kL/w400-h400/sweet-potato-cubes-resize-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I continue to have to figure out what to feed all the people in this house. This week Drew suggested sweet potatoes, so I found<a href="https://lilluna.com/baked-parmesan-sweet-potatoes/#wprm-recipe-container-103327"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> this recipe</span></a>. Everyone liked it and it was really easy. Especially because I found a container of cubed sweet potatoes at the grocery store. A girl cannot possibly be expected to cut up a sweet potato into cubes in the middle of the summer. Or winter. Or ever. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Dorm Stuff</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt_yy93xBRv9mfzZy7a4ekieiqGhJJDOmysAv183TPTcz5gsf_KjsJ6jRC-1-GswIdrvP3pprx1TczC85PTBvYAsSduXiOTPuDxix23DtYpc58dLv_Sa5FXB-hF-M7UWWuJUyY-Gmkus9vMdmQaRp9IFumbzK_LJefViir28hnCtka0VPS78qSfvNCdKz/s894/callyourmom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="894" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt_yy93xBRv9mfzZy7a4ekieiqGhJJDOmysAv183TPTcz5gsf_KjsJ6jRC-1-GswIdrvP3pprx1TczC85PTBvYAsSduXiOTPuDxix23DtYpc58dLv_Sa5FXB-hF-M7UWWuJUyY-Gmkus9vMdmQaRp9IFumbzK_LJefViir28hnCtka0VPS78qSfvNCdKz/w400-h366/callyourmom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Drew leaves for college in less than a month and I have not purchased a single item for his dorm room. Neither a sheet nor towel. Nada. Tell me this is your third kid without telling me this is your third kid. Yesterday I thought I would start searching Amazon and decided that t<a href="https://amzn.to/43vSq3T">his will be my first purchase</a>. I also like <a href="https://amzn.to/3K7Fiv7">this one</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Talk to you later</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4TsZUtlqYrC21l7wZ75pW8ptHYw2XvQct7iilljcgzHaQp_BK14mRNyHYbfDtrjZU_pgSmWxl2Fc5hJUPgMYWSKoyQzgEOESeFGBFhR9yT8MfbD195b80VOU2E6lRnvwegHnk4IEMtOiRMMRox0w-ZM82v-0zgKFTBvktMWLEzco9Ixkw5X3_Fb3rpr0/s1170/mommeCA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1170" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4TsZUtlqYrC21l7wZ75pW8ptHYw2XvQct7iilljcgzHaQp_BK14mRNyHYbfDtrjZU_pgSmWxl2Fc5hJUPgMYWSKoyQzgEOESeFGBFhR9yT8MfbD195b80VOU2E6lRnvwegHnk4IEMtOiRMMRox0w-ZM82v-0zgKFTBvktMWLEzco9Ixkw5X3_Fb3rpr0/w400-h293/mommeCA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I don't want this space to turn into Debbie Downer's Grief Journal. But I guess I've always made #5 a deeper thought than something I found on Amazon. Truthfully, I'm not thinking many deep thoughts lately. Most of the week I try to avoid deep thoughts, actually. I'm still distracting myself with books and tv and podcasts and baseball games and busy-ness. Or maybe I'm just living life. This weekend I listened to some voice mails saved on my phone from my mom. They didn't make me cry. They didn't launch me into despair. They were not difficult to listen to. They just made me confused again that she's really not there to call back. When does this seem real? I think I hope it's never.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Just got off my Zoom call from Bible Study. Call me back. I'm not going anywhere. Love ya." </i></div><div><i>"Hi. On my way home from bridge. I had so much fun. I had the BEST cards. Call me back. Love ya." "Well, I missed your call. Going to the grocery store. We have no food. Talk to you later. Love ya."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I still have so much to tell you, Mom. Questions to ask. Mundane life details to share. I can never remember exactly how to boil eggs correctly. We have to discuss the Jeopardy questions. Did you get that one right? I need you to tell me when I worry that "this too shall pass" or "to take a deep breath and count to 10" or "put on some blush and lipstick, you'll feel better". I need to tell you what book I just read and ask you what you're reading. I need to tell you that hilarious thing Joe said that made me laugh for 20 minutes and what Kyle did in Nashville this weekend and how Drew made a great play at the plate yesterday. When I get all spun out about the wide open future for my boys and all the "what ifs" that I create in this muddled up mind? I need you to ask me again like you always did, "Honey, do you trust Him or not?"</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm trying to trust Him. I'm trying so hard. Talk to you later, Mom. Love ya.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872404900727553707.post-46845527006412111322023-07-14T09:24:00.002-04:002023-07-14T09:25:23.344-04:005 Friday Favorites: July 14, 2023<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAeuQPFMQolaJRIr-Ta56inqO6lyBQ06hRe_0WrLYKq3UCyYHhRZoQ6zk5P1Nl31shJ_M2NoUiTTm2zX69ANi1DW8Z2vqPrlLaqHsMTa8JvKUfLzzN6qpzb5yC23onCbugaYBVTQprXi3AXTda8e5C-ADJknxsB9sLIy2hXPFpQSjbPe1CKdJ-o5zA/s1600/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAeuQPFMQolaJRIr-Ta56inqO6lyBQ06hRe_0WrLYKq3UCyYHhRZoQ6zk5P1Nl31shJ_M2NoUiTTm2zX69ANi1DW8Z2vqPrlLaqHsMTa8JvKUfLzzN6qpzb5yC23onCbugaYBVTQprXi3AXTda8e5C-ADJknxsB9sLIy2hXPFpQSjbPe1CKdJ-o5zA/w400-h171/FridayFavoritesUpdated.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <i style="font-family: "times new roman";">It<span>'s time for my Friday link up with</span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">A Little Bit of Everything</span></a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Momfessionals</span></a><span>. </span></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>in a tube of lipstick.</i></span></p><p>Hello and Happy Friday! I was away last week with my family at Lake Anna so I wasn't able to post Friday Favorites. I hope everyone had a great 4th of July and that your a/c is doing some of its best work these days. Goodness, it is hateful outside.</p><p>Here are some favorite things from this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Pullover Top</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjySpxXVNxXsFut3DUpU1TTqhvbkIBNtMTC8hOpj4GVPjEF9wBZmziHfkA5dK-mHO4R1kk-AZYh3k2RxFRzlNFhr3xl2R_WhavOlRRaBGXG5h8KYRUkWCKlYwYbx9wFbKzhNAc763bvPtqQy0v2u1CJPoief0OPW5rN4DPV5NkAdEaQLXCsnPcpbmQ7foS/s1297/pullover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjySpxXVNxXsFut3DUpU1TTqhvbkIBNtMTC8hOpj4GVPjEF9wBZmziHfkA5dK-mHO4R1kk-AZYh3k2RxFRzlNFhr3xl2R_WhavOlRRaBGXG5h8KYRUkWCKlYwYbx9wFbKzhNAc763bvPtqQy0v2u1CJPoief0OPW5rN4DPV5NkAdEaQLXCsnPcpbmQ7foS/w333-h400/pullover.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><p>I had a top similar to this from Madewell that I wore for about seven years straight until all the buttons broke off. I suppose I could sew some new buttons on it, but that seems like a bridge too far for me. Let's blame it on the heat. Also, I'm lazy. I found<a href="https://amzn.to/451KlFx"> this simple pullover top</a> on Amazon and it looks pretty close. It comes in a bunch of colors and is a cotton/linen blend. Click the box for 10% off.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Supergoop Glow Screen</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWX68DSKhsCL4l-DkOqeqxKYlvoG7bUzvFG-Pdq5xnIdDrEKwtCkXJYSApMetnbfmxoZ5fWMMKBrg0oseJxl4UyCsFKF9V1NctAH0XIbB884KEO01CRnxNa99Z74I767iNRIj0nOqnquiUmw6C9obToWSeva9Ru0hDH8fk-5iOeLrdn_xvOMsWzorS0hr/s1500/supergoop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWX68DSKhsCL4l-DkOqeqxKYlvoG7bUzvFG-Pdq5xnIdDrEKwtCkXJYSApMetnbfmxoZ5fWMMKBrg0oseJxl4UyCsFKF9V1NctAH0XIbB884KEO01CRnxNa99Z74I767iNRIj0nOqnquiUmw6C9obToWSeva9Ru0hDH8fk-5iOeLrdn_xvOMsWzorS0hr/s320/supergoop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My sister introduced me to this <a href="https://amzn.to/3rwzip2">SuperGoop Glow Screen</a>. It's 40 SPF facial sunscreen with some subtle shimmer in it. I used hers while we were at the lake and I really liked it. It's also got Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and Niacinamide in it. I don't know what any of those things do exactly, but sign me up because I'm a sucker for all the science-y words.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXGtMkB-pR4C7adGWCq4EfjRdpnwY0VQr7ePL772WvWU5YDAFXSp1395e2tl-PpfuQkjDn0-8fM8kWGtJUX4yTsPqvNPaTl3-bRJua2rnw_P1dxpIHbxn1Qnyd5s3l1zn7-Va8geS3V0AD0ZPzcI4LAwUXIv_JWmL_oohpVJ5Jh_fgVw3_Z95RrpNrEc-/s900/Lemon-Garlic-Parmesan-Pasta-Pic-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXGtMkB-pR4C7adGWCq4EfjRdpnwY0VQr7ePL772WvWU5YDAFXSp1395e2tl-PpfuQkjDn0-8fM8kWGtJUX4yTsPqvNPaTl3-bRJua2rnw_P1dxpIHbxn1Qnyd5s3l1zn7-Va8geS3V0AD0ZPzcI4LAwUXIv_JWmL_oohpVJ5Jh_fgVw3_Z95RrpNrEc-/w266-h400/Lemon-Garlic-Parmesan-Pasta-Pic-2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">joyousapron.com</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's a struggle for me to find the motivation to cook in general, but in the summer it's even worse. Add to that the fact that the grocery store is my least favorite place on Earth and that means there are some hungry people around here. I found this <a href="https://www.joyousapron.com/lemon-garlic-parmesan-pasta/#recipe">Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta</a> recipe that had all the things I needed in a recipe. I had everything it required in my kitchen already, it seemed summer-y and it was easy. I added some roasted broccoli to it as well as some sliced sausage because my people don't think that a meal without meat as a real thing. It was a hit.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Ulta Summer Sale</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpMQGLELBBkGp0Zrj4sK-gm2vItTxaooCEXxyje_VMlgc2La-mllI52EjB4uV3ofnmIXygSBGoKz2kk8puYrb7gLjTThOfOY9IXKcr5Q-VMiFHgcthOyjbM9-DAJHvjy1Fv2BOCLZRmXX_F1L0opsq1-adHx_p6SIEafXjQm-ty4lLqfEw-l8Q2yH9N3e/s2667/2520-tartelette-tubing-mascara-MAIN2-0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpMQGLELBBkGp0Zrj4sK-gm2vItTxaooCEXxyje_VMlgc2La-mllI52EjB4uV3ofnmIXygSBGoKz2kk8puYrb7gLjTThOfOY9IXKcr5Q-VMiFHgcthOyjbM9-DAJHvjy1Fv2BOCLZRmXX_F1L0opsq1-adHx_p6SIEafXjQm-ty4lLqfEw-l8Q2yH9N3e/w300-h400/2520-tartelette-tubing-mascara-MAIN2-0.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p>Ulta is having a big sale through tomorrow and has 40% off on select mascaras. Since the mascara journey is a lifelong one for me, I'm thinking of trying this <a href="https://www.ulta.com/p/tartelette-tubing-mascara-pimprod2033171?sku=2596644"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara</span></a> because <a href="https://kathleenjenningsbeauty.com/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Kathleen Jennings</span></a> told me to. They also have <a href="https://www.ulta.com/p/definicils-defining-lengthening-mascara-xlsImpprod3650090?sku=2235634"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lancome Definicils Mascara</span></a> in the sale and it's one of my all time favorites.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. A Week at the Lake</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl8d4Uyofq450NFlIShm3Ru7PrWBSuq1lDV9h1WuNgfkHM4kPF433ei6a4KRy3fMcqYbtpRF-qQNm16SJwP4iQOecgYM4l98SQEuEidBvL6AnoD99foyk1LjIUrHTK6jta2dF5QN3KCtw7ZyFtSNCP8UKALWFclhRBwJpN4Kwzc7KBOwIj5yGcg4pykaN/s1080/Lakeanna23a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl8d4Uyofq450NFlIShm3Ru7PrWBSuq1lDV9h1WuNgfkHM4kPF433ei6a4KRy3fMcqYbtpRF-qQNm16SJwP4iQOecgYM4l98SQEuEidBvL6AnoD99foyk1LjIUrHTK6jta2dF5QN3KCtw7ZyFtSNCP8UKALWFclhRBwJpN4Kwzc7KBOwIj5yGcg4pykaN/w640-h480/Lakeanna23a.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">My dad and my sister and her family came to Virginia for the 4th of July week and we had an amazing time at Lake Anna. We missed my brother and his family who weren't able to make it. More than anything, we missed my mom whose absence I felt every minute. I didn't take many pictures. I'm not sure if that was part of it. We really had so much fun even if there were tears mixed in. I'm still not able to write much about her. Or our experiences without her. I guess because it still makes no sense to me - this life without her. But I know that God is good and He is holding our family up. We are still standing, still laughing, still loving. I am grateful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElcxfonsrQhL80-svSk3TD9sjItcXBW36ccvQgpxVfpqWdQo8PyKcVKzsMvB-s7LISQzvaGzdmOmQSQQcEbDdk6eRAq3T1k4Th5zolIK6TKi3aMX26_-fJAUoouSu_b_uTyAvKd84Zg2_vYQpDOp1hgZUxPn4c_UKUiSmiJ1772Dcf72EM6KSvtAVtM5I/s1080/Lakeanna23b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElcxfonsrQhL80-svSk3TD9sjItcXBW36ccvQgpxVfpqWdQo8PyKcVKzsMvB-s7LISQzvaGzdmOmQSQQcEbDdk6eRAq3T1k4Th5zolIK6TKi3aMX26_-fJAUoouSu_b_uTyAvKd84Zg2_vYQpDOp1hgZUxPn4c_UKUiSmiJ1772Dcf72EM6KSvtAVtM5I/w640-h480/Lakeanna23b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful weekend, friends.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Disclosure: The View From Behind Home Plate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn small fees by linking to amazon.com. Post might contain other affiliate links as well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484335935897003075noreply@blogger.com0