InstaFriday: Hello Again.

A blast from my blogging past! An InstaFriday!

In case you've forgotten, an InstaFriday is a recap of a week in your life all captured by the lens of the cell phone. Oh, our cell phones. Do we live in a different world than we lived in say, 10 years ago, because of them or what! God, thank you for them, and help us be wise with them!

Our week started off with a ball…a fuzzy yellow ball! Mary Grace had a tennis tournament in Joplin, MO. So much fun watching that girl on the court. And so funny when you snap a picture clueless that a reflection snuck its way in.

Watch out for that backhand!!!!!!

And after the tourney, time for inspiration. We went to visit a long time friend who has suffered for years with Multiple Sclerosis. But in the middle of her suffering, she has shone hope, inspired others, and glorified God. And she was honored by being one of those chosen to carry the Olympic Torch as it made its way to Salt Lake City in 2002.

Lou, Robin Creemer, and Mary Grace, holding the torch Robin carried

Sunday, it was time for a little banquet of the Academic kind. These two knuckleheads make good grades and it makes this momma smile. I also smile whenever I open my phone and find it's been commandeered and photographic evidence has been left behind.

Mary Grace has got Elizabeth's back;)

Sunday afternoon was also a nice day! A biking day! The one nice day we've had all this long polar vortex kind of winter!!! It was the first day my Lou got to try out his Christmas present. Can you spot it?

The Go Pro is seriously fun

Our beautiful little park has a beautiful little pond that, despite the warmer temperatures, was still sporting ice thick enough for the ducks to waddle on. I don't remember ever seeing this before this polar vortex year.

I was about ready to shoot the messenger early this week, but a cooler, (and obviously, fatter) head prevailed. Its news was the push I needed to get my rear in gear and resurrect My Fitness Pal. Lou is doing his part to help my cause - he just made a pound cake. Appropriately named, don't you think?

Hanging in the lobby at Bolivar Family Care Center is this throw back of BFCC kids. Elizabeth appeased me by posing just so. My kiddos are in the red.

Her sweet young self is standing on the stairs

Elizabeth is also one to stand by her friends, even when they eat a goldfish just...because. If you see Kacie (or Emma Wall), ask to see the video of the gastric demise of two unsuspecting innocent fish.

Early morning drives to Springfield for violin have their perks. Glory, I get to see some beautiful sunrises! Here, Venus and a sliver of the moon are greeting the sun. God does amazing work!

Did I mention earlier that we are having a polar vortex kind of winter? Good thing my brother, Keith, gave me this hat for Christmas. Have you heard anybody talk about or have you seen anything on tv about some Olympic games about to begin? Good thing my brother, Keith, gave me this hat for Christmas.

Heart my hat. Heart my brother.

It's always fun to open the paper and see a beautiful picture of a happy couple. And when you know the couple like I know this couple, it's double fun.

Double fun (or double trouble) is what you get when these two get together. Elizabeth took this and Instagrammed it on Wednesday. Her grandmother was her WCW (Woman Crush Wednesday). I think they kind of like each other.

Good thing I started the day today by stacking this wood. The calories burned aren't more than the ones I just consumed in the 2 pieces of pound cake Lou just made, but they did cancel out the first bite, so that's something.

Lots of wood means we are enjoying cozy fires. I'm sitting by it as I finish this post. Hope you are surrounded by warmth wherever you are.

Blessings to you as you start your weekend!