Bake Me A Cheesecake As Fast As You Can....

I figured out not long after meeting Jonathan that this guy loves cheesecake. Me...I could (most of the time) take it or leave it, but he really looooves it.  So, in this house we make cheesecake :) 

The day before Thanksgiving we spent what felt like most of the day in the kitchen making these. But I'd say our efforts were well worth it ;)

Mr. & Mrs. Rodgers

He says that She:

• is an introvert
• needs her coffee
• has a trench coat fixation
• is a great cook
• is in her natural element around him and her family but outside of that she may appear socially awkward
• is the best encourager
• makes him expect the unexpected because she has random spurts of goofiness
• doesn't read a chapter, this girl inhales a book in one setting

She says that He:

• is NOT a morning person
• is quiet in public, but not because he's shy. he's just an observer
• gives the best hugs 
• speaks fluent sarcasm, but don't take him seriously. he's just having fun 
• is the best listener. ever
• likes a little coffee with his creamer
• has great compassion for others
• can fix just about anything

Together They:

• are both introverted
• are shameless 'Phineas and Ferb' fans
• can fall asleep anywhere, buses, airports, restaurants, couches, you name it. 
• are dog people
• hate being late
• are professional photographers in training
• are in love. deep, silly, crazy, rock-solid kinda love. it's a forever thing 

Monday is Saturday?

Because of the schedule Jonathan works our 'weekends' come at odd times, like today. While everyone else is headed back to work, we'll most likely be sleeping in. And the rest of the day will probably be pretty laid back too, although there might be some Christmas decorations going up around here after we all get rested up ;)

Have a happy Monday everyone!

Sunny Side Up

My sister and her husband live in a sweet cottage under the shadow of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. They were kind enough to let us (and Sadie) stay there for this past visit and we loved it! They were great hosts :)

And I was able to photograph this frost laden morning as it gave way to the gold smile of the sun in such a lovely way. It was worth the freezing cold.....see for yourself. 

Thank You, Jesus for sweet sunlight and how beautiful You make it. May you shine on in to my heart this morning as well. 

And thanks Jason and Melissa for making us feel welcome and letting us enjoy your lovely home! Once again, Sadie is sorry she barked and kept you up........

Giving Thanks

Wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving on this day. I hope you're day is filled with laughter, family time, and good food. 

I could list all of what I'm thankful for this day, but I don't think either of have that kind of time. To say I've been blessed is quite the understatement. 

I'll just end this post by asking all of you to go read the first chapter of Ephesians  with the spirit of this holiday in mind. And if you are an adopted one in Christ like me it will definitely have you giving thanks, not just today, but everyday. 

And if you're not, I pray that you repent now and accept the forgiveness of your sins through the blood of Jesus. Only then can you truly give up the sacrifice of thanksgiving with Him. 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Rodgers :) 

The Thankful Tree

This was a little something I took down to Tennessee for our early Thanksgiving with them. I didn't come up with idea myself, I'm not that gifted. I had seen different versions of it in a couple of different places on the internet, but here's my version and how it turned out. 

It's called the Thankful Tree.

It's so simple to make. Probably the most complicated part was cutting out the circles from scrapbook paper and punching holes in them so they could be hung on the branches. 

Once we were in TN we set it up and asked everyone to write down what they were thankful for and hang it on the tree. 

Make one for your Thanksgiving, it's so easy! Get creative and personalize for you and your family.

It's just a little way to represent how much we appreciate all God's blessings on us.

"And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of His deeds in songs of 

joy!"

Psalm 107:22

Home Again

Well, we're home now. And this morning when I had breakfast I was thinking how very blessed we are in the family department. Both sides are so welcoming (not without the normal issues) but truly loving. 

I loved this past week down in Tennessee.And what a week it was! So chock-full of memories, laughter and good food. 

Being with my family is a bit like being at a ball game, a theatrical production and a Greek wedding all at once. Always loud, never boring and just a bit stressful. Oh, but I love it :) 

Pictures will be up soon as we get the time to edit them. 

  Look for pictures of...

• My niece (these will be in abundance)
• Horribly tacky sweaters 
• Tennessee sunlight 
• And three sisters in their wedding dresses all at the same time!

Thank You Jesus for sweet family time.

Happy Thanksgiving?

Once again we're packing up our red luggage and heading back to Tennessee. 

Because of a crazy work schedule, (and a very understanding family) we worked it out to go down to celebrate Thanksgiving a bit early with my side of the family this week. 

I'm beyond excited to see everyone. All the siblings together in one place. (That's 12 altogether, counting spouses) This hasn't happened since Mel and Jay got married! Wow....

And I would be lying if I said I wasn't extra, extra excited to get some time with my amazing niece too. I seriously can't get enough time with that child ;)

If you think about it, say a prayer for all us kids traveling to Mom and Dad's these next few days. We could use it!

And a very happy (early) Thanksgiving to all! 

More Of Tennessee

A few more shots from our last trip to the beautiful Tennessee....

....And we'll be going back very soon. Can't wait! 

Three On, Three Off

Autumn is still clinging on even though November has stripped the trees of most of their bright leaves, but (maybe this is just me) I kinda like seeing all the branches. It's a new kind of beauty around here.

And as much as I love Fall, I'm always ready for the season to change.

These past three days have been good. Why? Well, you see....my husband works a crazy schedule. 

Three days on, three days off. And then alternating between days and nights. 

But we've learned to roll with it. 

And we really, really like having three days off in a row together :) 

  We've spent the past few days getting some house projects done, sleeping in, playing with our Sadie pup, and enjoying the slightly warmer weather. 

Life with my love is sweet, indeed. 

He's the kinda guy that stops the van on the way home at the best place to get a picture of the sunset just 'cause his wife is a bit shutter happy ;) 

I love that it's him I get to share all this with. 

Couldn't be no one else.

ps. I'm also really excited to say that we're working on a project that I hope I can say more about in the near future. But for now here's a picture that gives you hardly any clue about it! Hurray! 

Christi's Senior Pictures

"You need not be sorry for her. She was one of the kind that likes to grow up. In the end she grew up of her own free will a day quicker than the other girls."

-J.M Barrie, Peter Pan

 I remember her as the little sister with the afro of white curls, a mischievous gleam in her eye and a talent flair for the dramatic. Not a whole lot has changed ;)

Except now, I see so much strength, diligence and passion in this young woman that I'm proud to call my sister. 

When did she become so grown up, beautiful and stunning?

God has big things planned for you Christi, I just know it.

 May you let Him use you for His glory.