Tuesday Ten

I've missed a few weeks (because we've been biz-E), but Tuesday Ten is baaaack!  Here's a glimpse at what we've been up to lately. 

{ONE}

We had some Labor Day Weekend fun with one last hoorah of summer at the river.  Of course, these two river rats just wanted to play in a mud puddle. 

{TWO}

We've been seeing an awful lot of these 'round our property lately, which only means it's time for...

putting out some "yella a-kerns" and...

brushing up on bow skills. 

{THREE}

It's not officially fall yet, but we have a few days of bee-you-tiful Florida-style fall weather this past week (highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 60s -- oh yeah), so that meant it had to be time to get out some fall decor.  I added something new to my fireplace mantle after seeing this idea from Pinterest.  A few yards of cheap burlap got me this "Give Thanks" banner, an embellished table runner for the dining room table and plenty of burlap leftover for a rainy day. 

{FOUR}

One of my favorite things about this season is the return of Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte.  The other day, I was browsing Pinterest -- yet again -- and came across this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes and knew I had to try them...and soon.  I decided to bake these up for our Thursday night small group to enjoy, but since a few don't care for coffee, I omitted the coffee from the batter.  They were still oh so good.  Being the coffee lover that I am, next time I will definitely be including that.  The recipe also called for true whipped cream as the frosting.  Like the kind where you beat heavy cream and powdered sugar.  I short-cutted (not sure if that's a word) here and used the kind from a can that you shake.  They still tasted great, but the kind in the can melts rather quickly.  All around, a total crowd pleaser.  AND the recipe made nearly 3 dozen cupcakes, so I took half to my small group gals and stowed half in the freezer, which later made an appearance at Saturday morning's MOPS meeting.

{FIVE}

It's no secret that we heart Sunday afternoons...well, actually, we heart Sunday's in general.  The last Tuesday Ten showed you one way that a couple-a country boys spend a Sunday afternoon.  But, oh there is so much more -- naps being a personal favorite.  Or, of course, you could drive a remote-controlled boat in the pond...

or just goof off like this guy...

{SIX}

I've been reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst on my beloved little eReader for a few weeks now.  To be honest, it's been so hard for me to get into.  I keep trudging on, hoping something will grab me, but nothing yet.  I originally bought it because I had heard great reviews and the subject matter (replacing your craving for food with a crave for Christ) hits home for me.  I'm a big fan of Lysa TerKeurst's blog, Proverbs 31 Ministries too.  I still plan to finish it regardless, but it's been a doozy.

{SEVEN}

My cousins and I (who I rarely see and wish could get together with more often) threw a little baby shower last weekend to welcome my new nephew, pending his arrival sometime in the next month or so.  And, naturally, I had fun monogramming a few goodies and shopping for teeny tiny little boy things.  Hard to believe my critters were that little once upon a time. 

(My cousin Elizabeth, my sister Leslie, my cousin Whitney and me)

{EIGHT}

My dear friend Kristi grabbed a few pair of "Armor of God" pajamas for the boys.  Brig's are a bit too big, but Harrison's fit just right.  And he was so excited to bust them out that first time.  They're adapted from Ephesians 6:13-17:  "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

{NINE}

Curious about what a Friday night looks like 'round here?  It's pretty quiet, actually.  A perfect Friday night looks like this:  The house is clean (because I have this starting-the-weekend-off-with-a-clean-house "rule"), a bag of popcorn and the always-entertaining Tom & Jerry is in the DVD player. 

{TEN}

Our local highschool's football season kicked off this past Friday, and Channel 4 News out of Jacksonville were in town for Football Friday, where they highlight a particular high school football game in the area.  Our own Superintendent of Schools showed off her serious school spirit during The Morning Show with a baton routine and finishing out with a split.  It was hilarious! 

Check out the video here:  http://www.news4jax.com/video/29129212/index.html

Have a blessed Tuesday!