What I "should" be doing...

....is updating my blog since I am at the cabin alone and really can't go or do anything.....but am I?
No!  Because I'm too busy wrapping Christmas gifts and being lazy!

So much for my goal of trying to write a blog each night to get caught up.  O-well.

Women of Faith

The first weekend in November, I took a short little trip with some ladies from church.  I had decided a year ago that I would go to the Women of Faith Conference in Greensboro, NC.   The conference itself was held at the Greensboro Coliseum.  I drove down after work on Thursday evening.  I met up with Connie, her sisters (Deb, Cheryl, and Vicki), Rita, Terri, and Jody.  

Connie, Rita, Jody & Terri

Connie and her sisters. (Deb, Shay niece, Vicki, and Deb)

We arose early Friday morning to get to ready, breakfast, all in time to get to get to the Coliseum so we'd be at the front of the line.  (the first session was General Admission -- so we wanted great seats.)

The conf started on Friday morning at 10am and was all day (with a 3 hour break between sessions) and the all day Saturday (it ended at 4pm.)  Being that this post will get super long if I allow myself to get carried away...I'm going to list the speakers/performances I was priveledged to hear and some photos.

Steve Arterburn is the founder of the Women of Faith Conferences.  Obviously he is a man, but he has really had a vision and has really pulled it together.  Starting out with about 12 people for the first conference, has balloned to the 13,000 we had at the Greensboro conference alone!  WOW!   (I don't have a good pic of Steve...sorry)

Marilyn Meburg was positively my FAVORITE speaker.  Luckily, we got to hear from her a couple different times throughout the conference.  I know that I had to take my "thoughts" back.  I must admit that the first time I saw her, I thought that she was going to be such a stick in the mud.  Boy was I wrong!  She was absolutely HYSTERICAL and really said some amazing and remarkable things that will definitely stick with me.

Sandi Patty sang some b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. music.  Wow.  She is like super soprano!  She also gave her testimony, which was amazing in and of itself.  She was great!

Patsy Clairmont is a petite little lady who kept me laughing the entire time!  She has written several different books.  Although I havent read any of them, I am hoping to purchase some soon.  She may be little but she really has a big message to deliver.

Lisa Whelchel "Blair" from the Facts of Life.  She is SOOO normal and down to earth.  She had an amazing testimony.  I couldn't imagine living away from my family at age 13 and having "guardians" coming and going until she was old enough to live on her own.  Crazy!

Sheila Walsh like several of the other speakers has several titles.  I, personally, had never heard of her before.  But I felt like she too was so normal after her testimony.  I am so eager to read her books as well.

Luci Swindoll I did not get to hear Luci b/c I headed out of the conf early in order to get back home at a decent time.  I hate I missed her b/c she is a phenomenal woman/speaker.  Maybe next time!

Mandisa W.O.W!  She is fabulous!  She gave her testimony which included her time on American Idol.  I wish she was my BFF!  And she is Gorgeous!!

Steven Curtis Chapman  was wonderful!  He too not only sang but gave his testimony.  he spoke of his family and the pain they have been going through, as well as his missions to other countries.  He was a delight.

Ok i believe that was everyone!  haha 

I highly recommend the Women of Faith conferences to any woman who is able to attend.  They have conferences all over the nation. I learned so much in such a short period of time but it was SOOOOO worth it!

Playing catch-up

I know I know!  I have so much to blog about but I tell you what, sometimes life doesn't allow a lot of time to blog.

Blogs I need to Post:
     *  Women of Faith Conference
     *  Girls Get-Away Trip with Natasha (SIL) and Mickey (BF)
     *  Trip to NYC!  (this will probably be like 3 different posts)
     *  Christmas Decorating

WHEW!  I've got a lot to catch the blog world up with!  Hopefully this week I'll be bale to post some of these blogs so I'll be caught up before the actual Christmas holiday.  However, with being at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts every night this week and through the beginning of next week....it might be a struggle...but I am aiming to get at least post done a night.  We'll see how that goes. haha

I'm still keeping up with everyone though as far as reading your posts.  I'll try to comment when I can. 

Happy Halloweenie 2009

Matt and I had a little gathering of friends for Halloween. 
We had a great time hanging out and eating yummy appetizers.
I thought I would share some of our photos.

"Cousin Eddie" (Christmas Vacation) and Sacagawea (aka SacagaDeidre)

Bless....

This just cracks me up....Matt played Cousin Eddie way too well.

The Good Witch, Sacagawea, Marilyn, and Morticia

Marilyn & Michael (as himself)

Mickey and the uber cool, uber sparkly skull

Mickey & Deidre

Barney as Donald Trump

The WINNER of our Costume Contest

The Addams Family

Clarissa & Travis