there's no place like gnome.

Are you ready to die of sweetness?

I received the largest, most beautiful bouquet of flowers I’ve ever received in my life today.

They were delivered to me, stem by stem, by the kids of Red Oak Grove during the children’s sermon.

When I called the kids forward for the children’s sermon, they walked down the aisle with their hands behind their back.  As each presented their stem of flowers to me, they said thank you to me.

Are you melting?  Because I did.  I’m a puddle just thinking about it.  It was hands down, seriously the best.

It was then announced that coffee hour would be in my honor because of pastor appreciation month and they showered me with cards and kind words.  Aww, shucks.   It’s not necessary but it certainly is nice to know one is appreciated.  So super sweet.  Thanks, Groovy Grovers.*

* Did I tell you? I heard a rumor that the people of Red Oak Grove used to be referred to as the Groovy Grovers.  We’re bringing it back.  Okay.  I’m bringing it back.  Still looking to get others on board.

I quilted with the ladies yesterday morning at church.  I tied quilts for much of the morning with them.  Here’s a story:

I was tying next to Dorothy.  [I figure her identity is still protected because, well, there are many Dorothy’s.]  Now, first, you need to know that I’ve taken to wearing a very large ring on my index finger of my left hand.  I receive many compliments on it when I wear it but – truth be told – it’s really cheap and has turned my finger a bit colored from the metal.  I feel I’m committed now; I wear the ring to cover the color.  It’s a perpetual cycle.

I was wearing this ring while quilting and Dorothy pointed to it.  Is that one ring or many? she asked.  It’s actually three, I answered.  Next, she took her hand and touched my ring finger.  You really should have a ring to wear on that finger, she said.  *wink, wink*

How I wanted to reply: [sarcasm] Really?  Attending three weddings of three friends in the last three weeks hadn’t made me think about that at all!

How I actually replied: [giggle]  Yeah …

Sigh.  The Dorothy meant well.  File this under the-odd-things-people-say-to-their-pastor-that-they’d-never-say-to-oh-their-doctor.

Remember this dresser I got for free from the church auction?

It now looks like this in my guest room –

First, I glued and clamped it back together.  There were lots of pieces that needed reconnecting and reenforcing.  Next, I stripped off the icky veneer that had begun to chip and peel from the top and the sides.  Some of the veneer got tricky; I couldn’t quite get it off with a putty knife.  I read some blogs about using water and the heat of an iron but I didn’t want to ruin an iron [or buy another one for this one purpose].  Then I remembered that I had a craft heat gun from my stamping days.  Worked like a charm to heat the glue under the veneer; it came right off.

Next there was some sanding and some painting.  A few new knobs and a trip into the guest room.  The only thing I’m missing are a couple of knobs for the bottom drawer.  I’d really like to find some funky doorknobs to use …  All in all, not bad for a free piece of furniture.  I like free.

A summary of the October wedding extravaganza: three weekends, three weddings.

First, it was my seminary friend and roommate, jeanette.  She married Mr. Dan in the chapel at Luther Seminary.  The ceremony was wonderful; intimate and lovely.  I met someone that evening; she was actually in the wedding, standing up on Mr. Dan’s side.  Former Grace intern Erika and I had much to talk about; gnomes, cardigans, and all.

Mr. Dan likes legos and that’s how he proposed to Jeanette. For cute.

A reception with fun games!

Jeanette and Mr.Dan were married one weekend and then had two more receptions to celebrate with congregations and other family/friends. I attended the marriage blessing and reception this past weekend at Jeanette’s church because … [next slide]

I made cakepops for the occasion!

Unlike most brides, Jeanette is getting her money’s worth out of her dress. Weekend #3.

Jeanette’s church always serves egg coffee. It was delicious. Egg coffee and I are having some sort of wrestling match for my taste buds.

Next was my BFF from my years at Trinity in Stillwater.  Sara and I met while working in the CYF department there and we bonded over taking inflatable monkeys to camp.  Sara married Mr. Josh, a very tall gentleman who makes me laugh.  I officiated the ceremony which was outside at sunset.  Romantical.  Then, after the cake was served, I had an emotional breakdown.  But we won’t talk about that.

Last but not least was my college friend, Kara.  Kara married Mr. Clint who is kinda of crazy in a fun way and collects clocks.  They actually were married at the courthouse many weeks ago but invited family and friends to celebrate with dinner and a reception this past weekend.

Receiving a blessing for their marriage.

Phew.  That’s a whole lot of love.  I think one of my favorite parts of my friends getting married is that I feel like I gain a new friend.  This month, I gained three.  Three stand-up guys who love my friends.  They’re all fun people and make my friends happy.  That’s lots to celebrate.