We met Chris Sanders

Last night we attended a recording of a local Christian tv network show. My brother got a group together because if you bring 50 people, the network donates $1,000 to your church/ministry/worthy cause. So the $ will go toward the adoption of Kerby and Kerlandy (from Haiti)... cool!

Anyway, we had never been to one of these and you know how you sometimes go into something with preconceived notions... The host was Jason Crabb (of the Crabb Family, a southern gospel singing group) and it was a Christmas themed show (to be aired in December). They started out talking with the Bowling Family (part of whom are Crabb Family folk). Back in the summer, their tour bus crashed into the back of a semi on an interstate in NC. Thankfully, everyone survived, but one of the gals was in a body cast for like three months and doctors didn't know if she'd ever walk again. There were others with injuries, including their little girl who had to have surgery, but everyone has recovered. Even after all that, they're still praisin' God and serving Him. They're going back on the road in January.

A guy who used to be with Gold City came out and sang and he had a great tenor voice (Steve Ladd). Then "Sisters" came out, which are the Ruppes, minus the mother. I'm obviously behind on the southern gospel scene. ;-) They had beautiful harmony and they sang "Your Presence" (a Christmas tune talking about needing God's presence in the midst of the holiday rush and things that don't matter and are not what Christmas is about, etc.). Definitely gotta get that soundtrack! Two of my gal pals may be summoned for a lil trio come Christmas time, but they don't know it yet.. hehe

Well, the biggest surprise of the night was when former Titans player Chris Sanders preached. Wow! He was awesome. I won't repreach his sermon here, but suffice it to say he had plenty to say and definitely had the crowd going (for God). There were several things he touched on in his message that I'll remember for a long time. He spoke from his heart with a passion for God and about reaching those who don't know Him.

After service, Chris hung out and talked with everyone. I got a pic of him with Anthony.

Happy anniversary (to us)

Saturday was our 11th anniversary. <3 We spent the weekend in Pigeon Forge to celebrate. A certain kitty thought she was going to sneak into the suitcase...

We did a lot of resting. I read two books and Anthony watched some football. We slept late every day and I think I squeezed in a nap or two (remember: "Judge not, lest ye be judged.") It was nice to just get away for a few days... here's kinda the rundown of our fun!

Friday night "Big Daddy's Pizzeria" caught our eye. And happy we were.... the menu said they were so serious about using only fresh ingredients, that you won't even find a freezer on the premises. Is your mouth watering yet? Cuz it should be. That pizza was delish! 

On Saturday night (our anniversary), we decided to go the Italian route and we tried a place called Carino's Italian Restaurant. I had a divine grilled chicken bowtie pasta "festival" dish (complete with asiago cheese sauce-smack me now!) and Anthony had what appeared to be a plate full of cheese. ha It was some kind of tortelloni with six cheeses (shouldn't that be illegal or something?!)... Anyway, it was a nice place and the food was very tasty. Our waiter nicely took our pic ~ for my scrapbook :-)

Sunday we decided to ride up the tramway to Ober Gatlinburg. Here's the view from the tram. It was so pretty. There was still so much color up there in the trees. We were also excited that we could see snow on the mountain tops (in the distance).
*I'll refrain from talking about what a chicken Anthony was in the tram. He is, after all, my sweet beloved...

When we came back down the mountain, we walked....and walked....and walked some more. Had to check out what was happenin' in the 'burg... we worked up an appetite and shared a foot long corn dog. MMMM!

Walkin' sure makes a body hawngry... I had a hankerin' for a fresh baked cookie. Well, let me tell ya - if ya want fudge, caramel corn, taffy, the 'burg has got it. But cookies? Not so much. We were referred to the Donut Friar (in the Village). Well bless his heart the Friar had cookies AND donuts...had me one of each, yes sirree. Will worry about the calories consumed later....eh, maybe...

Sometimes when ya go shopping, do you ever find a silly hat YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY ON?! This one did it for me. And don't think I didn't consider purchasing this little treasure. He's just adorable, isn't he?! (Are you doing your best Kermit THE frog impression right now? It's not easy bein' green!)

And that, my friends, is a summary of our anniversary weekend up in "the mountains." I'm very thankful to celebrate an 11th anniversary with this handsome fella who is my hubby. He makes me happy EVERY day and I love him more than just about anything.