my St. Louis family

I've been really blessed to be a part of a wonderful church for four years now. I've been even more blessed to be a part of a thriving women's Bible study that has changed and adapted and grown for the past four years, as well.

We started as three ... three women who had been separated from another Bible study. But then we added ... and added ... and added to what has become more of a family than a Bible study. We've had people move away; we've had new people move in. We never stay the same for very long, and we love it.

We've had loss, and we've seen PLENTY of new life. Some are quiet. Some are crazy. Some make me laugh until I cry. Some always have deep and wise insight. We've been through really great times together and really hard times together. We truly are "doing life" together, and I couldn't be happier to be apart of their lives.

So - thanks. Thanks, God, for the blessing they are in my life. Thanks, ladies, for always be there and being awesome. Thanks, Brent, for pushing me into getting involved at church.



"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Acts 2:42-47

Showing My Age

At our FIRST white elephant party of the year, I got a taste of what "showing my age" feels like! We had the FCA kids over for our annual Christmas Party, and during the white elephant exchange someone opened up ... a season of PUNKY BREWSTER on DVD! The kids were laughing because they had NO idea who she was or what show it was, but Brent and I were dying to trade for it!

Obviously the kid was willing to give it up because he had never heard of it ... so we made out like bandits! We got rid of two BOXES of stuff (all my Paris themed decorations went to one person ... and a box of old cow themed stuff went to another) and gained a DVD, a toy for Giselle, and some Dora candy canes. AWESOME.

We are masters of this thing they call White Elephant.

Giselle vs. Cami

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Erin over at Shepards' Shananigans ...

Giselle's Diary (the Dog)

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - Licking the man's milk bowl! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - Geocaching in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Cookies! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard with the squarrels! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Dinner in front of the TV! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play with my fishy! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping under the woman's snuggie! My favorite thing!

Cami's Diary (the Cat)

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges.

She is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return.

She is obviously stupid.

an Exciting Discovery with Doritos & Twilight

The baby has started to kick now so that we can feel it, which is so fun. I can't believe it took almost 6 months to start really feeling it! Brent had only slightly felt it one time, but last night I was on the couch watching Eclipse ... and she started kicking in a big way! So I called Brent over, and he got to feel it too. We were both really excited.

He was excited because he felt it. I was excited because I think it means she likes Twilight. It can't be a coincidence. It's either that ... or the Spicy Doritos I was eating ... hm ... I hadn't thought about that.

Either way, she likes something I like!

Driving Brent Crazy

Below is a repertoire of Giselle's nicknames that I most frequently use:

Giselley Welly
Welly Bear
Welly Welly Wellington
Miss Wellington
Wezzle Wezzle M'Nezzle
Pickle Head
Little Pookie Pie
Silly little Pumpkin-belly
Schnoodle
Schnoodle Bear
the Queen

a Very Veggie Christmas

I'm starting the Christmas season by watching my favorite Veggie Tales Christmas episodes. I don't know why dancing vegetables get me in the holiday spirit - but they do! It's a fun way to teach big Christmas lessons!