Lucky Number 7

This picture was taken 7 years ago at approximately 10 PM. I had chocolate cake down my dress (not on purpose--I had made threats against such acts of ridiculousness), and I'm fairly certain both of our faces were hurting from this day of delirious happiness at such a rabble-rousing Baptist party, if such can be had. (Oh, it can.)

Seven years of learning, seven years of playing, seven years of shared heartache and success, seven years of serving the Lord together, and seven years of a lasting and infinitely growing love. Life is much more fun when you're living it with your best friend.

Happy anniversary, Mr. Gentry.

(I am fairly certain that I took care of the cake wrapped up in that picnic basket before we were out of the city limits.)

Decorating the Mantle

I'm linking up with Kelly's blog today to show my mantle decor. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! You can see more of my home here: the living room, the kitchen, the dining area, and Jack's room.

Confession: my mantle stayed bare and empty for probably at least 2 of the 5 years we've lived in this house. I had a hard time finding something that I liked, and I'd rather things (walls, mantles, etc.) be left empty until I find what I want.

Here is how she looks on a normal day like today.

Here is how she looked last weekend for a wedding shower.

For Jack's little man birthday

And here it was a couple of years ago during Fall.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Weekend Happenings.

The scene at our breakfast table this morning.

We kicked off our weekend in grand fashion today. Being out of milk, waffles, and really nothing but cereal in the pantry that we didn't want, we headed out to none other than the Chick-fil-a drive thru for some chicken minis. And if that kid didn't demolish an entire order on his own, then I don't know what.

Our grocery shopping lady will be getting a strong talking to because who runs out of milk and waffles?

On our agenda for the weekend: naps, a baby shower, grocery shopping, and observing the Sabbath with more naps. Hope your weekend is full of rest.

Scenes from a bridal shower.

We threw a bridal shower for one of the student ministry associates at our church last Sunday. We've been enjoying leftover punch for the past couple of days. The fruit punch, pineapple juice, and ginger ale kind. Yum.

It was a fun morning for a super sweet girl!

The entry table.

I have since lost the source where I found this idea
for the pinwheel letter, but my friend Ashley put it together.
It turned out so cute!

I bought that lace tablecloth on a cruise to Mexico when
I was a junior in college, and I think this was my very
first time to use it. Sad, huh? It's so pretty!

Cupcakes were from Central Market, and I cut the cupcake cups with my Silhouette.
Next to it are some brie and strawberry pastries made using this Eat Yourself Skinny recipe.

One of the other ladies made the beautiful the floral arrangements,
and the table was layered with a tablecloth, a runner, and doilies.
The R was just a craft letter I bought at JoAnn's and wrapped with a spool of lace ribbon.

The beautiful bride, of course!

I'm here. Somewhere.

My sweet, pensive boy on his 2nd 4th of July. He loved the fireworks.
One would think that having a mid-week holiday would mean that I was completely rested and on top of things all last week. One would be absolutely wrong. I'm not sure exactly where or which day I got behind on (possibly Monday) and even an extra day off for Independence Day didn't help. In fact, I even took Friday off to try and get caught up. (That's code for I cleaned my house. I perform all my own stunts around here. I'm talking squeaky scrubbed-with-a-toothbrush showers for all.)

Some of my running around was for a wedding shower in my home last Saturday. It was absolutely lovely due to the fantastic help of the ladies in my church. So after that, plus a 3 hour nap (!!!) on Saturday, I spent most of Sunday getting myself back in line. Discipline! That's what I need. Laundry done, fancy serving pieces back in their places, and my hidden junk back in plain view where I can't forget about it. And catching up on Bible study and blogging.

I'm thankful that God's mercies are new every morning. Today marks a fresh start to the week. Here's hoping your Monday rings fresh and new as well.