Oh Gymboree! You've really got me!

I love Gymboree's clothing! I think the company makes quality, super-cute textiles for kids! Even though they are normally a bit pricey, you can work the clearance deals, use coupons, "Gymbucks" and such to make them very affordable.

Here's a pic of some of Gymboree's holiday garb. Fortunately, we picked up a super-cute yard sale dress to fill the holiday clothing void. :-)

This is where they get you. If you spend so much money during a certain time period, then you get "Gymbucks" to use later. They also send you reward certificates based on how much you spend and you can usually find a coupon for 20 to 30 percent off in a magazine or in the mail - just for you. It's such a vicious cycle! I feel trapped!
I recently bought fall clothes for Rebecca, accumulating $25 in "Gymbucks." So, today, I get an e-mail telling me I can use the "Gymbucks" early. Oh geez, I have to buy more clothes, I think. Rebecca needs a few more things anyway (this statement is debatable.) If I don't use the "Gymbucks," I lose them. So, I used them - this morning.
I know my savings certificate is on the way and I have a 20 percent off coupon in my stash. It won't be long before Gymboree beckons me once again.
I normally do not have a problem saying "no" to these sort of marketing ploys. I try to find a great deal and buy what I need and then leave it alone. But this is not the case with Gymboree.  They have made me feel like I am always getting a good deal (and I am.) Plus, they've hit a sensitive spot. It's for my kid! I can't say "no" to Gymboree because my kid is growing. She always needs something new to wear, right?!?!
Does anyone else share my addiction? Is there a way to overcome it?
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

August and everything after...

Since I've been so tardy in updating my blog, I'm certain I'm leaving out important events and interesting information. I just want to get caught up so I won't be delinquent anymore!

In early August, I took my mom to see Beth Moore at Rupp Arena for her 50th birthday. We were invited by my friend, Beth Ward. Beth Ward accompanied us to WONDERFUL two-day conference! We did not leave empty. We left fed with the Word and filled with the Spirit!

Later in the month, we held a surprise birthday party for my mom at her church. It was a great success! Mom was so surprised!

Here are a few pictures from the party:

Rebecca also attended a party for the conclusion of the library's summer reading program. Here are a couple pictures from that fun day:

 

Near the end of the month, my friends Courtney, Sarah and I saw Maroon 5 at Applebees Park. We were sitting in the stands, but Adam Levine, the lead singer, upgraded the whole stadium to floor level!!! What a great concert! Opening act V.V. Brown was awesome BTW! Kris Allen also did a great job! MIGGS = not so wonderful.
Here are some pictures I stole from Courtney :-) :

Sarah and I

I will finish this post with pictures of our cute offspring!:

I just had to share this!

I love, love this song!


“In Christ Alone”
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.

I like this particular version on YouTube:

I actually heard Travis Cottrell perform this at a Beth Moore conference this summer!

Bible Study

Some of my Louisville friends and I completed a Bible study by Kelly Minter on the book of Ruth. I had a great time gathering with friends and studying the Word. We are hoping to do a study in the fall as well! I can't wait!
Here's a pic of our group:

MN visit

Shortly after the weddings, Rebecca and I headed up to MN to visit family while John went out to Wyoming with his brother, dad and a family friend for their annual "hunting" trip.

Here are some pictures of our MN adventures:

Here come the brides...

Our good friend B.J. Rosacker wed Heather Ferguson on June 18th and my brother, Robert, married Jana Morgan on June 19th. What a super-busy, yet joyous, time!!!


BJ and Heather's Rehearsal and Wedding (in no particular order.)
































Robert and Jana's wedding (the professional pics are by Kim McKisson.)