A Chance with Clance

"Hi, I'm picking up a Cracker Barrel to-go order.  The name is Moody."

"Yes, seventy-five ninety-two."

"Dollars??? Excuse me???"

"Yep...wait, no.  That's your order number.  Your total is $17.25."

Clarification.  It's a good thing. That poor cashier was mortified, as was I.  Had I ordered dinner for my entire street?

Confusion runs in my family.  Need proof?  The other day my grandfather was adamant that Bi-Lo was the name of one of last year's American Idol judges.

"You know: Randy, Simon, and Bi-Lo..."

"No, Papa, that's J LO!"

Let's see what our representative from the meat department thought of that last performance.

Oh, the month of January...it usually drags on like a unwanted visitor.  This year that surprisingly hasn't been the case, perhaps because of some self orders to partake in various tasks.   I'll give you an example.

After what sounded like a jet landing in my driveway, I went outside one afternoon to find Ryan sawing and hanging peg boards in the garage.

"Perfect!" I thought, as I envisioned being able to hang up and organize all my jewelry.

But practical Ryan wanted to hang tools.  How boring.

I just don't think that wrench goes with my outfit.

I also decided to give my car a one of a kind (and probably last ever) interior cleaning.  I stocked up on overpriced car cleaning supplies from the nearest auto parts store and got to work.  I was particularly excited about the Invisible Glass spray.

And honey, it doesn't lie.  On more than one occasion I or an innocent drive thru worker almost stuck an arm right through the window. 

Want some shredded glass with those fries, honey?

I've been so engrossed in projects lately that I sometimes forget about the important things, like rescuing cookies from the oven before they roast for 40 minutes.

Lawd Jesus, it's a fire!

Referencing Sweet Brown never gets old.  Google her.  HILARIOUS!

January also brings sad goodbyes  I'll see you laters.  I always hate to see Jay go off for a few months, but alas, graduate school calls.  We had a final family soiree before he left.

It included lots of cooking (mostly by Jay of course)...

Lots of hanging around and giggling (by me)...

and a trip to see the incredible Les Mis.  At many of the movie's most crucial parts my mother was- without fail- shifting around in her seat, checking her watch because we had workmen coming to the house, coughing, or loudly opening candy.  At times these behaviors were simultaneous.

Nevertheless we enjoyed our time together, and perhaps I should have viewed it as a first hand lesson on focusing.  Why hasn't anyone invented cloth candy wrappers??

Another recent highlight was getting to watch Anna and Katelyn again at this year's basketball game against Robert E Lee Academy.

This was followed by a MOST delicious trip to Pizza Hut : D  I was cracking up about the massive bell pepper on the back of the wall.  You won't find a window cling like that at Wal-Mart, for sure...

Aside from Pizza, one of my favorite places to eat is at Sumo, a Japanese steakhouse in Columbia.  Over the weekend, Jamie, Daniela, our husbands and I all enjoyed a delicious meal.

I was stoked to meet Daniela, because Jamie has told me a lot about her.  I'm sure she, in turn, has heard stories about me, too.  Quite frankly, I'm surprised she didn't show up wearing protective gear.

But she is great fun, and we all had a fabulous dinner together!

On the way out I spotted the FUNNIEST license plate ever.  It actually said, "Mrs. Fat."  

Thanks a lot, camera flash.  You can take my word for it.

I was incredibly blessed at the end of December to have over a week and a half of vacation.  I LIVE for vacations!!!  One can imagine how many items I had to carry with me back to Columbia- practically an entire closet's worth.

Anyway, during my packing fury my Dad came upstairs and gave me a copy of the Baptist Courier.  He told me to look at the ad on the last page- apparently my Mom noticed it.  It was a flyer for the SC Citizens for Life rally- an event that was taking place just a few days later, on January 12th.

"You should try and contact them about your song," he said after scanning my tornado ridden room full of clothing articles, shaking his head, and then walking back downstairs.

My job daily requires talking to people I don't know over the phone, so after some googling (love that word) I found contact information for Holly Gatling, the Director of SC Citizens for Life and called her up.

In probably less than two minutes I'd told her my life story, my love for music, and the fact that I had a great desire to be involved with their organization.  Although they had all the speakers set up for the rally already (which takes outside on Main Street in Columbia) imagine my surprise when she called back a couple of days later and asked me to perform at their dinner the evening before the rally- an event for which Michael Clancy was the head speaker.  If you don't know about his captivating story of the photo he captured of an unborn baby during surgery, you need to look him up.

I had no idea how big or how small this event was going to be, only that I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my song.  After all, it was an opportunity I had prayed for.  When I arrived that afternoon for a sound check there were at least 300 chairs set up.  I remember wondering where I was going to sit so that I could a) not be visible when I inevitably spilled something, and b) so that I wouldn't have to run too far to the stage when I was called.  After all, each step increases your opportunity of tripping.  You can quote me on that.

Soon I learned that they intended for me to sit at the head table, and I happened to be right beside Michael.  We talked during the entire meal about everything from skydiving to Skittles, and he elaborated on many of his stories and the places he'd been in his life.  On the other side of Michael was Carol Tobias, President of the National Right to Life committee.   It was an incredible evening, and I didn't want to wake up. 

 I told Michael that he and I make a great team; I got one of his books, and he now has one of my Shine Like the Son CDs.

You can go to the SC Citizens for Life Facebook page or their twitter to show your support.  They already have over 2500 followers!  https://twitter.com/LIFEforSC

In my last post I mentioned that Caroline and I spent an afternoon singing together recently, and I finally finished the video editing.  Several people have asked me for a link, so it's now on YouTube. Copy and paste the link below to worship with us.  I LOVE singing with Caroline and can hardly wait to sing with her again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Cq5UaEIcjo

Here's hoping that your week will be as sweet as the chocolate dipped cone I got from Zesto recently.

Love in Him,

Three Screams for 2013!!!

Christmases with the Carlsons involve much laughter, spills, chaos, decking and UN decking the halls, etc.  This year was no different.  Here's a recap.

Christmas music requires much time and preparation.  Special thanks to George Hatcher for capturing this particular morning's vocal warm-up.  Enjoy.

Sunday, Dec 23rd was the annual Moody lunch at Granny Earl's.  

Granny Earl and her TEN grandsons.

The children.

All of Granny's "girls."

The classic Moody lunch consisted of a myriad of meats- ham, turkey, chicken, and a deliciously cut roast beef.  I got three slices of the delicacy, and they didn't last long.

The next day Ryan and I were in the car and I read aloud a text from Matt.  "Hey, Katharine- just wondering if you wanted any more deer tenderloin.  I'm going to make another..."

WAIT A MINUTE!!!   "DEER TENDERLOIN???"  I shrieked.

Who am I?  What am I???

Identity crisis

So that's why everyone was laughing when I told Matt how good his roast beef was.  Next year I'm going to be extra inquisitive.

That evening was the annual Christmas Communion service, one of my favorites of the year.

For the past several years a trip to Del Sol always follows.  As does MUCH laughter from this table in the restaurant.

And then there was...CHRISTMAS EVE!!!  On this day each year I am busier than a herd of ants at a picnic.  So many places to be, so many people to see, just non stop GOING.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Look who I ran into after the service : )

Next up: Christmas Eve dinner at Aunt Faye's.  And a shortage of pictures.  Not.

Organized chaos.

A slightly unsuccessful photo op with Hope & Faith. 

I ended Christmas Eve by baking cake truffles.

I should have remembered last year's Christmas morning at the Moodys and kindly suggested an alternative.  How quickly I forget.  After such an action packed Christmas Eve all I wanted to do was rest, but the Moodys continued the tradition of opening gifts at 5:30 am on December 25th.  People to whom I've told of this have gasped.  

Doesn't Santa visit just as easily at 10:00 am???

"Why, thank you," I stammer, as I wipe the crust out of my eyes.

Hey, Ryan, do you specialize in tightening loose screws??

Cupcake shoes!!!

Glenn Moody is now open for business at Pro Nails.  Call for your appointment today.

Ryan was so happy about his blower.  This contraption is so powerful that it could send you to the moon with a push of a button.  

There goes Katharine blowing leaves off of the driveway again.

If it's possible to appreciate Christmas even more, this is the one day of the year that the Moody's home is remotely messy.

Later that morning, along with the rest of the county and America, it was gift time at the Carlson's.

Daddy bought socks for Jay and me and thought it would be funny to purposely tag them incorrectly.  Imagine Jay's surprise when he opened the toe socks.

Jay made us a phenomenal Christmas lunch.  Sauteed green beans, carrots, pumpkin bread, potato soup, an avocado thing...etc. 

Welcome to Cracker Carlson Barrel.  Reservations only.

Joy and I went to King's for lunch the next day and snapped a picture with sweet little Audrey.  We couldn't believe that we were all wearing the same color!

Later that afternoon Nanny, Papa, & Uncle David rolled in!!!

"Wait, everyone!!! We can't take the group photo without Mama!  Where did she go???"

Fa la la la la.  She's shoveling dog poop out of the yard.

No lie. 

Merry Christmas from a bunch of flakes!  Ryan was sadly back at work already.

Our family time together included making gingerbread cookies, watching movies, and the usual confusion.

During our gift exchange I gave Papa a new pair of slippers from Ryan and me.  They were for men's sizes 9-11, so I was sure they'd fit.  

Papa had a little bit of difficulty putting them on but said that they were "fine."  Several hours later after watching him stumble around the house we realized that he still had pieces of cardboard and tissues in his shoes.  And bless his heart, he didn't want to complain.  We love you, Papa!

Then there was the INFAMOUS milk spill.  We were all seated in the dining room eating 

Christmas dinner (I wonder who has the Diet Mt. Dew?) when we heard an explosion from the kitchen.  

A HUGE gallon of milk fell from the top shelf and split, sending milk flying all OVER the place.

Because, you know, a HUGE gallon is bigger than a regular gallon, I suppose.  At least it gives emphasis to the story.

There was milk in drawers, on the wall, under the refrigerator, EVERYWHERE.

If was as if someone hooked a garden hose to a cow.

It is, in hindsight, absolutely hilarious.

No use crying over spilled milk, huh?  Tell that to my Dad, who was quite the unhappy camper that evening.

The remainder of my MUCH needed and incredibly appreciated break included non stop social events, such as:

An afternoon with Anna and Jordan (with Hibachi lunch and a trip around Dillon)

Sunday, December 30th included church and the annual Christmas play at Robert & Shirley Coleman's...

And also a graduation drop in for Katie!

Later that night I visited with Joy & her family.  Little Audrey is the newest member.

New Years Eve (day) included a King's trip (for the millionth time) and a ballgame outside with Dawson in the freezing weather.

While Ryan was in Florida for the Outback bowl I spent New Year's Eve with these awesome folks.  First Caroline and I had an AWESOMELY fun time that afternoon singing many songs together (what I would give to do that everyday!), and then we went to a movie.

I rang in 2013 with joy!  Actual Joy.  The person.  My puffy eyes are cracking me up in this picture.  I had been sneezing like a maniac for about an hour prior to this.

I cannot believe that 2013 is here.  That is just CRAZY.  I've already written 2012 on numerous important documents.  Oops.  One of my resolutions this year is to dive into the Bible and gain a much greater understanding of it.  And seeking the Lord's will daily.  I don't know what His plans are for me, but I am eagerly waiting to find out.

God bless you, and here's three screams for 2013!!!