Five Days

Well I had another birthday.  I’m now the grand age of 44 years.  Russell decided that since life has been quite the whirl lately to take me away to Sedona for the day.  So we had a relaxing drive, set up our tent on Oak Creek Canyon and headed out to look for a restaurant. We have found a wonderful Italian pizza restaurant in Sedona but I was wanting something different. Unfortunately, I’ve been disappointed several times with my dining experiences in Sedona. The food usually is mediocre. So we went on a hunt, searching for that place that would give the perfect dining experience.  (You know how nothing can be said, but you kind of think you know what your husband is feeling?  I think Russ thought I was being a little too persnickety.  He’s the kind of guy that once he finds something he likes, he doesn’t mind going to the same place over and over. Ahem… I’m just not that way.  I like variety!) So we cruised. 🙂   Going east, then turning around and heading west. “There!  Let’s try that one.” Lo, and behold the “Barking Frog Grille” had caught my eye. “An American restaurant with a southwest bark.”  Dim lighting and indoor and outdoor fireplaces burning – it was quite inviting. You may think after my last post about eating that frog that I was attracted to the restaurant because of its name (Barking Frog) but let me assure you this was not the case. 🙂 Promise. The food was delish. Not only did the menu description sound good and the food presented beautifully, it tasted scrumptious.  But really, how can one go wrong with Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon by day and camping by night.

The next day Russ took me to Montezuma Well.  I had never been before but I thoroughly enjoyed our time spent there.

1.2 million gallons a day flows into the well and is consistently about 72°F.

Indian dwellings (oh, be still my heart)

Canals the Indians dug to irrigate their crops.

My kind and patient husband and his food loving wife.

  Thank you, Lord for your blessings on me.

We arrived home to a group of young people playing walleyball out at the house.  But business must carry on and books had to be shipped so we recruited a few book lovers to help with the job.   Then we were off to rehearsal and a late night.

Of course, the wedding day couldn’t come quick enough for the bride-to-be (my niece). She was so excited!

  I didn’t get very good pictures unfortunately.

Seth made one of his rustic wooden signs for the couple.  This is his 4th one to make but this time he branched out and instead of just making a pointing arrow, made an actual arrow going through a heart.

The backdrop for the head table was galvanized metal that had been doused with something to give it a rusted look.

Cake was served but if you wanted to have a cookie instead, here was the place to go.  So cute.

  It was a beautiful wedding with plenty of touches paying homage to the groom’s background of farming.

My niece was a beautiful and happy bride.

and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law have now gained a grand total of 3 sons-in-laws.

The happy couple was sent on their away amidst a shower of sparklers. (I have a story about those sparklers that I just might share with you… but not today. :))

  By Sunday I was tired. Four hours of sleep at night just doesn’t work for me. 🙁  After a luncheon that my mother-in-law prepared for 120 people (an amazing lady) we had a houseful once again of energetic young people.  But I so enjoyed it.  I sat out by the campfire and got to visit with a special lady while the kids did their thing.

Monday morning dawned and brought us another batch of visitors for breakfast. (There’s my fantastic helper, Serenity.)

It was a special time for our family.  Friends that are walking this same journey – having their share of ups and downs but still trusting in God to direct their course.

Have a listen at some beautiful singing everyone did in the walleyball court. I don’t know how people feel about their pictures being on the Internet, so I’ve put the music to pictures of our farm.