Women's Retreat 2012: Day 1

After work today I met a group of friends at the Women's Retreat.  Just after we arrived, the beautiful, clear skies that had been out (and that had been forecast) clouded up and just a little bit of sprinkling rain came down.  All of the sudden we could see a rainbow-the whole thing.  Unfortunately, it was so big I couldn't get a picture of the complete rainbow in just 1 camera shot.  I knew it was a good sign!

Very shortly after that, we entered the auditorium where we were seated at large tables together.  Here was our centerpiece.

After a warm welcome, the band entered the stage and performed an amazing worship set.  What a wonderful way to lead us into His presence!

Next comedian Dorie McLemore joined the stage and kept us laughing the entire time.  What a fun night!

Thankfully, by the time we were dismissed the sky had cleared up and it was nice once again outside.  There was still much fun waiting for us-including a fire where we could roast s'mores.

After that, we got to ride the Tilt-O-Wirl!

There was also a carousel to ride.

Such a fun evening!  I am looking forward to the continuation tomorrow!

Writing A Research Paper

One of the first blogs I started following was one that belongs to Pam, In My World...  Pam is a fellow letterboxer.  She blogs about letterboxing, scrapbooking, and her life in Canada.  A while back, she did a giveaway for a book called Writing A Great Research Paper.  I left a comment and was the winner!

I received the book in the mail a few days ago!  While I have no need for this book (let's face it when was the last time I had to write a research paper?), I passed it along to my son who is constantly writing papers.  Thanks Pam!

Wordless Wednesday: Remembering Jimmy

Some Days You Just Need Coffee

Today was one of those days...especially after spilling my first cup of coffee.

Wordless Wednesday: Foggy Run

State Fair of Texas

Don't you just love visiting the State Fair?  Every time we go, the first thing we look for is a Fletcher's corn dog.  Yum!

Yes, random I know, but I couldn't resist taking this picture-it is a golf cart with longhorns on the front.  Once upon a time when I was going to get a golf cart (I don't have a use for one anymore), it was going to be pink with longhorns on the front just for fun.  How neat to see one similar to the way I wanted mine!

The State Fair wouldn't be what it is without all the fried food options they have.  Tonight I enjoyed funnel cake fries,

and my hubby and the boys ate the fried Samoas (Girls Scout cookies).  My family said they tasted good, but I had no desire to eat anything with coconut on it.

I tried some of my hubby's fried grilled cheese (excellent, by the way),

 and he also enjoyed a hamburger slider,

while I enjoyed a barbecue slider.

Since I am in the market for a car right now, we spent quite a bit of time looking at all the cars on display, and we also checked out a bunch of vendors before riding any rides.  Every year I want to ride the ferris wheel-it is so huge you can see it for miles, but I never have, so this year was my year!  I snapped this shot before getting on-and couldn't even get a picture of half of it.

To ride, we got in a car like this one.

Don't they look so happy to ride?

There was a great view of Dallas from the top.

Next we checked out the bumper cars,

And then the played a few games

What a fun night!  I am already looking forward to next year!

Visiting

My husband's uncle passed away this weekend after suffering from cancer for many years.  We went down to see my in-laws, and help with the funeral arrangements today.  While there, my father-in-law asked my husband to preach.  While the circumstances were not the best, it was good to see so many people have not seen in a while.  I couldn't help but take a picture of one of the hymns we sang while there.