Things change.

You know you are getting old when your requests and desires in life are not the same as they used to be. It is funny, some years ago I said I wouldn't EVER ask for an appliance or household need for my birthday or anniversary. That simply wouldn't be practical, would it? I also said that I didn't want my birthday and anniversary presents combined! That was a "rule" I gave to my husband when we first got married. (Anniversary is Oct 21st and birthday is October 27) That was me as a 20-something in a perfect world.

However, things have changed! On Saturday I was given my anniversary/birthday present a little early. (not actually given...I went and got it myself---but that is another story) I will add for my husband here...that he hasn't ever chosen on his own to break this "rule"---it is ALWAYS my choice and it has happened to be broken more than once!

Now I am the proud new owner of a PINK Dyson vacuum cleaner. Yes, it was a combo gift and Yes, I chose this gift. It was what I ASKED for!! I couldn't be more excited!! It is fun to have a household product that is cute. And it works well. I am anxious to get it out and use it again. I am quite sure that the pink part of it makes it all the more usable, but it is an added bonus that it is a nice vacuum!!

You know, time (or age) does change things. And not always in the way that you expected. But, it doesn't have to be negative. I like how my life is now. Sure, I would LOVE to have the funds to get really great anniversary and birthday presents every year. And I would love to be able to save the practical stuff for just random purchases. But, that isn't the lot I have in life right now, and I am OK with it. Life isn't perfect and sometimes it is more important to be practical!! This is where God put me and I am happy and thankful that He uses life experiences and time to mold us into what HE desires for us!!

I Am From

I got this idea from my dear friend, Jennifer's blog, and I LOVED hers. Maybe it is because I grew up with her and could relate to it. But, I decided to try one for myself.


I am from Afghan blankets made with love, from Members Only jackets and Speghetti o's.

I am from the church parsonage down the street and slightly outdated.

I am from the yard of dozens of tall pines taken down by Hugo, and the weeping willow planted by me.

I am from traveling to SC every holiday and crooked pinky fingers, from Bob and Marcia and Robert and Daisy.

I am from stubbornness and creativity. From tender-heartedness that brings tears when needed.

From "listen and listen good" and "I said so that is why".

I am from back-row Baptist. Grounded firmly in faith that spans generations.

I'm from Asheville, NC only to move down the mountain and grow real roots in home-town America where everyone had kin but me.

I am from the homemade barbeque of Cousin Peanut and Tom's treats in abundance from Granddaddy's truck.


From where is the convention this year? To trips to the lake. Topped off with many youth beach retreats.

I am from Christmas plays and Vacation Bible School. From walking to church to being first in line at another covered dish.

I am from homemade meals every night with sweet tea and rice n gravy. From supper is the night-time meal and dinner is served in the afternoon.

I am from the pictures on the side board changing all the time. From mama's art work and daddy's wood work displayed with pride. From homemade clothes and braided hair that only got angry once.

I am from living and loving and laughing and crying. From generous hands that taught me the value of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.








*Here's the link for the poem format.

I have been tagged!

Six Unspectacular Quirks...



I was tagged a few days ago by Faith with this "quirky" meme.



Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag six fellow bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the six blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.


Okay, here goes. I know I have tons of quirks...but they are so "normal" to me that I had a hard time coming up with anything...and I think I will refuse to share some of them. And I am sure most of my friends already know my quirks.

1. I hug my dog. Adam thinks this is weird...as he isn't a dog person like I am, but I love my little friend and he needs hugs too. (although I am not sure he agrees)

2. I also sing to my dog. Not just songs in general, but songs that I make up about him. It is fun. I also do the same thing with my children and they love it. I am pretty sure I got this quirk from my daddy!

3. I love ketchup. I even like to dip steak in it. But really, I love a lot of condiments and have even found a new one in recent days that I enjoy. It is the new Chick-fli-a sauce.

4. I HAVE to wash my face every night before going to bed. I will not sleep with make-up on. Even when I am sick or accidentally fall asleep...I wake up and clean my face. I was told way back when that if I slept in make-up, it would age me 7 days every time...and I sure do not need any help in that category!

5. I only wear Mickey Mouse watches. I haven't worn a different kind of watch in almost 20 years...and I have a LARGE collection to choose from.

6. I sleep with a fan (or two) on all year around. Not necessarily for the breeze, but for the soothing humming noise. And, a ceiling fan just won't work for me. And yes, my children sleep with a fan on as well. (White noise sure helps children sleep!!!)

I think most everyone I know has done this...so if anyone else wants to play along, consider yourself tagged!!

Are you ready for some football???

It is football season once again and my family LOVES Wolfpack football! I do believe this is my dear husband's favorite time of the year.


So, today after Tropical Storm Hanna passed, we loaded up and went to the NCState vs. William and Mary football game with all our tailgating friends.









The boys were so excited. We got all dressed up in our red.

I went for the friends and food at the tailgate...and had every intention of leaving before the game started. As, you see, I don't have a ticket this year. I decided before the baby was born that it was a good year to send the boys to the game. I figured it would be good bonding time with baby. However, our friends, Jeremy and Lisa, have an extra ticket and they handed it to me just before they left to go to the game....so I put Erin Hope in the Baby Bjorn and headed in for kickoff! The boys were really happy that I was joining them, but it didn't last long. Erin Hope HATED all the noise! She began crying when the jets flew over (military thing) and the fireworks didn't help anything. So, we left pretty much right after kickoff! (and to think we thought she had a hearing problem just after she was born!!--obviously NO problem there!)


I guess the boys had their boy's night afterall. And, the girls...well, we headed home for our planned bonding! She (Erin Hope) was very thankful!! At least she looked cute in her red!?

"Heart's Desire"

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

31 years ago my parents were given a special thing from the Lord. He made it possible for them to purchase their first house. A cabin really. In Lake Lure, NC. They decided back then to name it "Heart's Desire". I now understand why they named it that. And I know that God knew just how many hearts would be touched by the place.

It isn't much. And we all know it. But, they have worked hard to make it a quaint little cabin. My daddy has poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the old place. And I couldn't be more proud.

I have spent time there every summer since they purchased it. And I love it more and more every time I go. We spent the weekend there. And had such a nice time. We were all sad to leave. And my boys have already asked to go back. They enjoy every moment they spend there. It is known to them as "Papa Bob's Lake".

I love Lake Lure. But, you know what, it isn't really Lake Lure that I love. It is my parents. I love them and the time and attention that they give. Not JUST to the lake house. But to my brothers and me. AND to our families now. My dad works himself silly trying to keep the house in a condition that is livable. And he dreams of ways to make it better. And my mom also works like crazy feeding us all. AND anyone that dreams of visiting.

We have lots of special memories there at Lake Lure. And I hope that we have MANY, MANY more.

Thanks Mama and Daddy for sharing the place with us and all of our friends all of these years. Thanks for the hard work and money that you have spent. But thanks most of all for loving your children enough to take time out for us and spend time with us!!! I know that being with us is your REAL "Heart's Desire".

Play Ball with Bull Durham

Summer time activities are so much fun. And many of our summer fun is spent doing activities that are annual traditions.

One of those annual activities is going to the Durham Bulls baseball games. This is something that my husband and his family has done for many years. It is a fond childhood memory for him. And now it has become a fond activity of my boys.

Nate and Andy LOVE going to the "Wool E. Bull" games. They have enjoyed every trip made to Durham this year and were sad to see our last game of the year come and go. It is so much a part of their lives that they play baseball games in the back yard frequently. They even take turns on who is going to be Wool E. Andy can imitate almost every action that Wool E. takes in a game.

Erin Hope also got in on the action a couple of games. But as you can see from the picture she was much more interested in her cousin Anya than those sweaty ole' baseball players!! ;o) I guess someday that will change!

We are thankful that Popi and Mimi are willing to share this with us. It is a special part of summer for our family.

School Days for Evans Grandchildren

My parents have 7 grandchildren. And in the past week 4 of them have started new chapters in their lives.

So, let me share.

Kortnie, the oldest, started college last week. I simply am having a hard time wrapping my brain around that. I was 17 when she was born and was so thrilled to have her here! And now she is older than I was when she was born! She spent one night with me in my college dorm room, so I tried to prepare her. However, she cried a lot that night...so I hope her experience is going much better this time! (she was 2 when she stayed with me)

Nate, as you know, started kindergarten.

And Justin and Josh, my twin 14-year-old nephews, started HIGH SCHOOL today. They are at the same high school my brothers and I attended. I talked to Justin and he was disappointed in the amount of homework he already has. And he said he got lost. But, I know they will adjust well and leave more legacy of Evans @ SCHS.


My mom thought it was quite interesting that 4 out of 7 were starting new schools. Next year, Baker and Andy will have to share that role.


Here is a picture of the 7 Evans Grandchildren.