More Than I Expected - Billy Graham Library

For those of you who are new here you might not know that I was raised fiercely religious.

As in Jimmy Swaggart, Assembly of God religious.

In case you aren't familiar with either, Google them.

You'll learn real quick.

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In saying that, when I heard about the Billy Graham Library opening here in Charlotte I wasn't overly excited to visit.

In fact, it's been open for several years and I had never visited until this past weekend.

It's not that I don't respect and admire Billy Graham, I just didn't feel like going and being bombarded by volunteers and such.

Well, I'm here to tell you.

It's nothing like I expected.

I left being uplifted, and respecting Billy Graham more than I ever thought I would.

He isn't just a money grubbing evangelist like a lot of people might think.

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The Billy Graham organization is first class all the way.

AND...

AGAIN, that's coming from someone who is VERY JADED, when it comes to televangelists.

In fact, I would take more visitors here when visiting Charlotte.

So, enough gabbing and onto the photo tour.

As you may have read in my last post me, Shelby, Mom and my Aunt Jane went.

On the grounds is the library.

Garden to die for.

And, Billy's childhood home that originally sat on Park Road here in Charlotte.

We toured through the home first.

There were very few things original to the home but it was still neat to see.

Aunt Jane loved all of this!

Shelby?

Well, it was her first tour ever and I think she liked it too!

Then we toured the library which was WAY MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE than I ever dreamed!!!!

It was free to get in(donations accepted) and it wasn't just 1 or 2 rooms but 13 exhibits!!

The museum took you in a time capsule of sorts.

A camp meeting held way back when in LA.

The museum showed you Rev. Graham's scope in radio.

And, television.

As one of our friends said.

No matter your faith, it's still pretty amazing to see the impact the Graham organization has had (and still does)

 He's met with Presidents.

 A check from President Nixon, repaying a $5 loan.

 To me one of the most moving parts of the library, was the exhibit where Rev. Graham's speech and prayer to the nation after 9/11 aired.

WOW!

I was in tears.

 Especially, giving the events of this past week.

His words were powerful.

God has really used Rev. Graham to the fullest.

 A true man of God.

As was his wife, Ruth and his children are.

They are continuing the Graham legacy to this day. 

 Did you know that Rev. Graham has visited nearly every nation spreading the Gospel?

 Really Remarkable!

 If you're ever in Charlotte I suggest you visit.

I can't wait to go back at Christmas time!

Cupcakes! Perfect Mid-day treat!?

I work in Uptown or technically what is Downtown Charlotte and enjoy seeing the different vendors they have on the Square when I take a mid-day walk.

On some days there is a Farmer's Market set up, flower vendors, more recently a taco truck.

And...as of this week??

A cupcake truck!!!

I noticed it a couple of days ago and today I couldn't resist so I stopped.

They're very new and don't even have a website yet but City Cupcakes is open for business at Trade and Tryon in Charlotte!

This cream horn was calling my name for a mear $3.

YUM!!

All of the delectable treats are made by local bakeries ranging from Suarez to Tizzerts.

I'm not going to lie.

I'm in love with this concept and am glad someone finally did it!

That's why I'm sharing, NOT because I'm being paid!

We'll just see what the general consensus is and if they can hold their own and stay in Uptown.

Because after all, who doesn't need a pumpkin crumble cupcake as a mid-day treat in the Fall.

Right??!!

Weekend Schmeekend

Our weekend was spent here in town being 'Charlotteans'.

We went 'out on the town' both nights, which is rare for us!

Even BEFORE I got pregnant!!!

We tend to enjoy cooking at home and having people over.

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I promised a better bump picture for 22-weeks and here it is.

The first one I've actually had Brad take.

I told ya'll that I'm bigger than that last picture lead on.

Sorry for the trash can and dog bowls in the back.

 Friday night we did an last minute dinner out with our neighbors.

I was the 'DD' and we got to use our 3rd row seat for the first time!

 We went to Paco's Tacos for dinner.
Brad, Keith and Brian from the Wandering Gourmand blog.

Shannan, LuLu, from Looks Like LuLu and myself.

Their food is always delish!

Everyone came back to the house after dinner to watch the Olympics, which I am OBSESSED with.

Saturday we spent the day shopping since it was tax free weekend then we went out for my SIL, Robyn's birthday.

We went to BlackFinn in the Epicenter.

The place was PACKED out after 10pm with SEVEN bachelorette parties in there.

We all laughed each time another one walked through the door.

Always fun to see our friends Rob and Trish.

And, Tess.

Robyn and I are the same age.. only a few weeks apart.

My birthday is at the end of the month.

Hers is actually the week.

Happy Birthday RaRa!

Fun to get out on a Saturday night!

And, that pretty much sums up our weekend.

I'm just getting things ready to leave town for Arkansas later in the week.

Getting excited to see my family!!

Happy Sunday!!

Saturday Night Bowling

Bowling was something I remember doing a lot as a child.

Mainly with the church youth group, then in high school and I even took a bowling class while in college at LSU.

But, even with all of that I am NOT a good bowler.

I'm lucky to knock down pins each time.

If you've been reading this blog for long you might remember we were part of a bowling league a year or so ago.

UGH..

I think I might have enjoyed it more if it had not started at 9:30pm on Thursday nights.

I'm just too old to be out bowling until 12am on a school night.

Anyway, I have not been bowling since our league ended until this weekend.

And, guess what?!

The bowling alley we always went to got a MAJOR face lift!!

New ownership, new look, new food, NEW EVERYTHING!!

Pappas Lanes is now Ten Park Lanes.

 I could have taken a lot more pictures but I felt people staring at me.

Of course they didn't know I was a blogger! 

HA!!

 They even expanded and added decks, a porch, and an outside bar.

Brilliant!

We ordered food.

I enjoyed their fried pickles and jalapenos. 

HOT! but good!

And, their pork sliders were delish as well.

 We met up with Josh and Katie for our Saturday night adventure.

I had to get the usual picture of them.

And, one of us.. 

1st picture.

(Guy in the background)

 Take 2.

Much better.

 It was the Grand Re-opening of Park Lanes so the bowling was free.

We had to wait an hour or so, but no big deal.

 Katie and I traded in our cowboy boots...

 For our bowling shoes...

 Good times!

 Brad is 'Mr. Competitive' with everything.

He won all three games.

Redic! 

And, of course he had to have a little fun with the names on our score board.

 A very good time!

 The new owners of Ten Park Lanes did an awesome job with the Grand Re-opening.

They had live music outside, beer and moonshine tastings, and food galore.

I didn't get pictures of all of it but take my word for it... a great way to spend a Saturday evening out.

I can't wait to go bowling again.

Even though I SUCK!!

HAHA!!

Happy Sunday!