Theme Parties Are All The Rage

Tonight we attended a 40th b-day party for a friend. Not just any run of the mill party, mind you, this was an 80's party. So, Manny and I hit Goodwill to see if we could find some hip threads. We could have stopped by Target seeing as fashion has come full circle and we can once again pay full price for stirrup leggings and leg warmers but I figured, "Why not be authentic?" Besides, the current trends are cheap imitations of the glory days.

Our commitment to authenticity paid off big time. Manny and I not only found coordinating outfits but something magical. When we put on our outfits it was as if the previous owner's persona had remained in the nylon/poly/cotton blend. We were transformed into Guido & Francesca, the Sicilian couple from New York. Baddabing!

We even found the perfect gift for the birthday girl: VHS copies (remember those?) of Miami Vice and ET. SCORE!

It was a fun night which had me reminiscing, as Cindy Lauper played in the background, about my pre-teen days with big bangs, Revlon Silver City Pink lipstick, tube socks, jelly shoes, and press-on nails. Those were the days...

Guido & Francesca

I've still got the teased bang skills thanks to Aquanet!

Worship Conference

Last weekend the worship team headed up to CC Stone Mountain for the annual "Deep South Worship Conference". It was some much needed hang out time for the team as well as good time of refueling for ministry. I taught a workshop on background vocals entitled "Every Worship Leader's Dream Vocalist". I had to hit the books to make sure I'd be giving them good and accurate tips in vocal training since I'm a little rusty on technique! Props to all the BGV's out there-it's a lot harder to sing good backup than lead!

I also got to sing with Scott Cunnigham which was "the bomb" (as my husband would say). The guy's got pipes and pen! I'd never heard him live before but he is definitely anointed of God. Josh Blevins is our local Psalmist at CCSM and we got to hear some of his new songs, too. Rich stuff!

To quote Dillon, "I love my ladies!"

Bass & Drums like Steak & Potatoes: they're better together

A Magic Carpet Ride

Manny dropped by the middle school to join Li'l Manny for lunch today. He brought a whole pizza earning him points with the table that Li'l Manny is assigned to eat lunch at. During the visit, Li'l Manny informed dad, in his very restrained, self-conscious, pubescent, Kip-like voice (which he uses often these days to conceal any signs of overt excitement) that he got the lead in Aladdin.

We're proud of you, Manny!

The Great Outdoors

Jonathan has his friend, Colton, spending the night. They decided to set up the tent and rough it ten feet from the back door of the house. We'll see if they make it through the night out there especially after daddy's story about "The Legend of the Suburban Grizzly".

Proper Church Attire

Here is Isaac Sagraves, the newest member of our church sportin' his designer threads (compliments on Shaye-Marie Designs). Too cute!

A Whole New World...

Since Jonathan has been in the spotlight lately with football, it's time to shift to the firstborn...

Speaking of spotlight, Manny might have one on him coming up in February. His music appreciation teacher heard him singing and suggested he try out for the school play (She is also the chorus teacher and director of the musical). That was all the encouragement he needed. He tried out for the school production of "Aladdin" this afternoon. He's got his sights on the lead role.

Manny quickly informed Dad and I that we would be allowed to attend the production (if he makes the cut) but would be required to maintain covert status at all times. No "atta boys". No banners stating, "Manny Is the Best!". And definitely no ear piercing whistles that Dad is notorious for. We've officially reached "uncool" status.

Hats off to the new thesbian! Should I mention to him that he gets that dramatic streak from me? After all, I was a two-headed alien in my 7th grade summer school play. Nah.

Auburn Vs. Virginia Tech

The Hoakies were a virtual Philistine Army against the Tigers tonight with Auburn players dropping like flies. The night was a blur of bruises and limping as the Hoakies defense steamrolled over our offense. Our star QB was taken out of the game due to injury as well as 2 other players. At least 6 of the opponent's players were head & shoulders above ours. After the game the boys nursed their wounds and as Jonathan walked towards me holding his back and favoring one leg, he belted out for all to hear, "Mom, I think that team was on steroids!"

Despite the 21-0 whoopin', our defense did manage to make a few tackles in which Jonathan assisted.

Doin' Our Part To Conserve

Those Chick-Fil-A cows are really persuasive when it comes to encouraging people to "Eat mor Chikin". So, in order lower our bovine consumption and make this earth a safer place for our mammal brothers, we had chicken sandwiches for lunch on Labor Day. It was a stormy day with the residual effects of all the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast so we spent it indoors window shopping and people watching at the local mall.