Where I've Been

Wondering where I've been lately and why there haven't been any blog posts this whole summer?  Read this!

Columbus with the Coffeys

Last month we had a very special visit from my Aunt Terry and cousin Marianna [my mom's sister and her oldest daughter]. Marianna was in Bexley [just a few minutes from us] for an acting competition [or festival?] with her students [she's a teacher in Misissippi], so after she was finished, my Aunt Terry flew up and they stayed several days here in Columbus. It was their first time to visit us in Ohio.

We had a great time hanging out, playing games, eating delicious food, and seeing the sights in Columbus.  On Monday we went to Easton for some shopping, then on Tuesday we went to the North Market, the downtown library, and the Topiary Park.

Val, this one is for you - notice the sign behind Steph in the background

Update

I'm not so good at updates that are non-photo related, but for the sake of long-distance friends and family who would like to be able keep up with us better, I am going to try.  Here are a few snippets of things that have been happening lately.

Scott:
+ Just recently received a promotion at work, and is enjoying it so much.  I can't really explain what he does, but ask him, and he would be happy to tell you!  He comes home happy after work every day.  It's a blessing for him to have a job that he enjoys.

+ Was ordained last fall and is a deacon now at our church.  We've been so blessed and encouraged with the support and love we've received from the body of Christ at RBC!

+ Is teaching the young singles Sunday school class at RBC on Sunday mornings.  Right now we're in the midst of a chronological study through the books of the Old Testament.

+ Has had a lot of great opportunities to preach at church.  You can listen to some of his sermons here.

+ Spends his spare time fixing the car, fixing or renovating the house, and spending time with Emily.

Emily:
+ Is working as a secretary at RBC [our church] part-time two days a week, in addition to doing some part-time photography work for friends and family [see some of her work here, at her new blog].

+ Is attempting to plan a garden for this spring, summer, and fall.  Neither of us has planted a garden before [beyond a few pots of peppers and herbs], so it will be a challenging learning experience!  If you know anything about organic gardening, she would love your input.

+ Spends her spare time taking photos, babysitting for friends, working around the house, spending time with Scott, and doing whatever she can for people in the church [organizing class events, showers, etc.].

We:
+ Are playing and singing regularly on Sunday mornings in the worship service at RBC. Scott plays the guitar and Emily, the piano.

+ Just finished our taxes! [haha, who are we kidding? this should be under the "Scott" category]

+ Are preparing to participate in our church's annual community Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday [tomorrow!].  Please pray that the storms stay away, and that we will be able to reach out to many families from our community.

+ Just enjoyed our fist grilled meal of the year al fresco on the steps of the deck last night [proof above].

+ In our spare time together, we enjoy dressing up as Bonnie & Clyde.  [just kidding...that was for an April Fool's costume party we attended]

Alabama, the Beautiful [part 3]

On our last night in Alabama we got everyone together in an attempt to get some good group shots. Well, some worked, some didn't. :) But that's how it goes...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't!

Alabama, the Beautiful [part 2]

While we were in Alabama, Lawson, Amanda's little boy, turned 3.  He had a "Woody Bullseye" birthday party. [can I just say Toy Story is one of the most brilliant things for little boys?]   Here are a few photos from the party.

[notice the cakes . . . Amanda made them herself!]

Alabama, the Beautiful [part 1]

Last month I went to Alabama to visit one of my best friends from college, Amanda, and her family.  I went with another best friend [and former roommate], Stacey, and her two adorable boys.  Stacey lives in Louisville, so I drove to Louisville after work one day, then we made the 8-ish hour drive to Alabama the next morning.

All together I was gone about 10 days . . . it was such a nice l o n g visit. Incredibly fun and relaxing! While we were there it was beautiful [I guess now I know why the state's slogan is "Alabama, the Beautiful"] - I don't think it got below 65 degrees the whole time. So most of our time was spent playing outside.

New Year's Eve

This year we spent New Year's Eve at the Tornero family's annual party (I think this was the 12th year?). This was the first year to have a theme,  "black & white", and also the first year to have a live jazz band!

group shot - everyone in black & white

live band - they were great!

dancing

it was so warm outside, they had tables set up on the top deck for eating, 

and on the bottom deck there were lights and a bonfire

playing a fun game called "hedbandz"

Mrs. T & Anna ringing in the New Year

watching fireworks outside at the end of the evening (or maybe I should say, the beginning of the morning)

Many thanks to the Tornero fam for such a fun, special party.  After 10+ years, I can't imagine a New Year's Eve without it!