The more votes the Betta!

That title is for Cherish who says I'm a dork.

So here's the deal. We have a new fish. And first let me say...long pause...R.I.P. Catherine. And the other Catherine. And Phil, our very first Betta (who happened to be named after Phil McMichael for those who may be interested.)

Phil was a fighter--very aggressive--and red in color, which was fitting for him with his temper and all. He was spunky and we liked him because of it. (Which reminds me of our affection for Elle...) Anyway, he lived for a year and a half and he was awesome. Then came Catherine, our blue Betta. She didn't fare so well...about 6 months. Then came the next one, also named Catherine, who was blue as well and sickly, giving us several scares. I once confirmed her dead, only to find her quietly swimming around her bowl the next morning. But a few days ago, I confirmed it again. And I was right this time.

Side note: I was all prepared for my children to be sad about Catherine's passing. They were at Grandma's when it happened but I waited until they got back to break the news and have the toilet ceremony. I expected at least a bit of sorrow and silence, but Anna Kate's all "Hey, Elle! Mom's about to flush Catherine down the potty! Cool!" And Elle rushes in..."OOOooo...maybe she'll see my poop down there." Big giggles from both girls and a smirk from their dad. I, on the other hand, was a bit taken aback and disturbed by the lack of sensitivity to the situation. (Maybe it's because Catherine #2 was my favorite.)

Well, we have a new Betta who is yet to be named. That's where you guys come in.

Anna Kate first offered "Petunia." And Rafe said, "Uh, no, it's a boy." And then she said, "Bobby." And I said, "Um...let's keep thinking..."

So, she's got 3 names that have passed our approval but she can't decide. She thinks it's the coolest idea to get my friends to pick a name by voting. These are the choices, nominated by Anna Kate:

1. Bob (short for Bobby)
2. Joe (inspired, I'm sure, by her Kindergarten crush. This whole idea of her liking boys already is so not cool to me, but the name is fine, and Joe's a sweet kid. And cute, too.)
3. Rex (this one came to her this morning while staring into the fishbowl, chin in hands. "Hmmm...he looks like a 'Rex.'" Funny, because that's our pastor's name. But she wasn't ready to give up "Bob" or "Joe.")

So humor us by voting for the name you think works. Bob/Joe/Rex looks a lot like this: But redder, almost magenta. And prettier. This new one is actually quite beautiful. And he's more active and aggressive than our last two. All he lacks is the right name...

Ch-Chang's!

O.M.G.(oodness.) How can a national chain restaurant be this totally awesome? We happened to be making two trips to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex last week and managed to eat at P.F. Chang's not once, not twice, but three times and, oh my, that food is so yummy. Plus, the atmosphere is perfecto. I love the contemporary lighting (esp. the big circles on the ceiling) contrasted with the classical Chinese murals they always have above the bar area. And it's dark and orange-y and inviting. Just right.
Tuesday, Rafe and I made a day trip to take our friend Gabe Gatlin to the airport (the crazy huge entity that is DFW) for his flight back to Minneapolis. Afterward, we ate lunch at P.F.'s in Northpark Center. ('Cause you can't go to Dallas and not eat at the Chang's.) Then Friday we drove to Fort Worth to prepare for Micah's 30th birthday festivities taking place on Saturday. So Friday night, we ate up at the P.F.'s in downtown Fort Worth and then, Saturday evening while going home, we couldn't resist driving south on 75 one last time for a little more Almond and Cashew Chicken and the ever-popular Lettuce Wraps. A little overboard perhaps, but why gamble with an unfamiliar eatery when you're guaranteed the satisfaction that is gourmet Chinese food?P.F. Chang's is definitely in my top five restaurants. And since we're on the subject, here's the rest:

Destin CHOPS Don't let the logo fool you. This place is swanky...shirt and shoes definitely required. Complete with an a la carte menu and only the best USDA aged prime beef. I still don't know what that means really (although "aged" beef doesn't sound like a good thing) but no matter...just taste the steak at this place. It is otherworldly, melt-in-your-mouth--like nothing else I've ever tasted. I mean it. Oh, and their creme brulee...perfection.

Belle Arti in Hot Springs This is more of a sentimental favorite, but, indeed, the food is the bomb. Small restaurant with a sophisticated, artsy dining room...just right for a date night. (If you're ever in Hot Springs.)

Louisiana Lagniappe Three words: Parchment-baked Grouper...glorious. This one's only for the seafood lovers.

Superior Grill I'm not saying it's my number 1, but it is my most frequented. Close to home and close to my heart. And certainly deee-lish. The best Mexican food I've ever eaten. No need to compare.

Oh, one more. I can't leave out Boudro's on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Not at all what it sounds like--much more upscale, with THE best guacamole, made at your table. Though not necessarily Mexican...kind of a mix...of everything totally pleasing to the palate. YUM!

Rafe's randoms

I'm happy to get to post something here without having to write it myself. (This one comes courtesy of a guest writer.) I'm even happier that it's about Rafe. He hasn't been mentioned on The Dashboard enough (though from this blogger's perspective, he's been silently spun throughout every post. And, indeed, his name is right over there on the top left.)

These observations were written not by Rafe himself, but by his close friend, with whom he exchanged 8 random facts. So thanks to Arthur Jackson, who apologized for the lengthiness, but in his not sparing of words, has produced 8+ brilliant, dead on observations about my wonderful husband.

To be acquainted with Rafe is to be most likely humored, probably perplexed, perhaps even put off (haha), or maybe just indifferent. But to really know him is to... well, love him. The fortunate among us know him well.

1. It is not enough to say that Rafe is good in social situations. Rafe is so gifted socially that he enables society among those who would otherwise not speak two words together. His socially dysfunctionate friends (myself included, although I am by no means alone) require and learn to request his presence as a social crutch. This is why Rex Blankenship, quite socially challenged, takes him on road trips to pick up foreign missionaries he does not know. This is why Rex and I refuse to interview a prospective music minister over lunch when Rafe cannot come along. This is why Rafe feels a very real obligation to not miss his grad school classes...his professors (one in particular) know very well that the class is frustratingly aloof when Rafe is absent. Take Rafe out of any society, no matter how well or po0rly it is functioning, and it immediately worsens. He is "the life" of parties in much the same way that the Spirit is the life of the church--he allows fellowship between individuals and groups who would, bereft of his presence, have nothing to do with one another.
2. Rafe is in awe of the relationships God has made possible between man and beast, especially dogs. One of the things he appreciates most about dogs (or regrets in poorly trained dogs) is their ability (or lack thereof) to socially perform. His dog, Rhoda, pleases him most when she relates well to house guests or to people (or dogs) she does not know. Rafe's desires to extend his social prowess to his dog are mirrored in similar desires for his children. It is surprising to learn how much thought he puts into discerning how to free them to relate to people with all aspects of their personalities. When his kids, for example, are shy (they are becoming less so), he is disappointed because so much of their real selves is not being made available to those wishing to relate to them.
3. Rafe is not a big TV watcher but he never misses the sports portion of his late local news. He knows it comes on at 10:23 PM and is aggravated when I call at this time. But his favorite television program is, by far, "Judge Mathis." He would watch it daily if it came on at a more convenient time. There have been stretches where he has, for months on end, gone home for lunch everyday so that he can watch it.
4. Rafe has a strange habit (I've been told he gets it from his father) of purposefully mispronouncing the names of people (often celebrities) that he knows good and well how to pronounce. He, then, waits/asks for you to correct him. He does this primarily when he is the one bringing them up in conversation. "Seinfield," "Bono" with long o's, (I cannot properly convey his mispronunciations of "Beyonce"). These are not great examples, but his mispronunciations are so random (how could you mispronounce that name?!) that they are difficult to remember. He has now passed this on to his older daughter, who just the other day told my wife that she had just seen her cousin Amy at the library...she pronounced "Amy"--this is ridiculous--with a short "a" (like in ham). She did this despite just telling me the same story and pronouncing "Amy" correctly. Note: Not all of Rafe's mispronunciations are on purpose.
5. Rafe is certain that he is spiritually ready for God to grant him a lot of money.
6. Rafe loves preying harmlessly on the fears and insecurities of his friends. He most often does this with lies. Tell Rafe you are afraid of something and he will instantly make up a story that reinforces your fears (he loves to do this to my wife.) Betray to him a social insecurity and he will instantly make up things that will make you feel even more awkward (he loves to do this to Jeff Miller.) There is an almost undetectable change in his demeanor when he is lying in this way (I always know when he's doing it), but I cannot place what it is.
7. Rafe is extraordinarily cool. There is not much that staggers him. There is no topic you can bring up that will throw him. He will say anything, and he will admit things about himself that no one else would ever admit. He is absolutely unembarrassable. Even when Rafe is heavily displaced or stressed, no one can tell.
8. Rafe thinks that his wife has never been better looking than last Sunday. "Mark the date: June 9, 2007." I have been out of town this week so this fact may now be a little dated. [This one's embarrassing to post. But he did say something like that when we were leaving church Sunday:) Thanks, dear, for helping me cope with turning 30. You don't look so bad yourself.]

8+ Rafe is compulsively clean. He flosses every day. He is constantly grooming his nails (he has a kit for this purpose in his desk at work.) He will not tolerate pee on the toilet. He washes his car more than anyone I know. He has immaculate chap sticks (there is, to him, only one proper way to apply chap stick, btw.)

8++ Rafe and art: Rafe is profoundly emotionally affected by art. He does not enjoy how long a powerful movie can affect his mood. His primary complaint against a certain painting that Lauren likes is that it "depresses him." Nevertheless, Rafe's taste in art is very good and objective, although not as catholic as I would like. He loves a good book but he does not enjoy reading. He loves a good movie but despises movie theatres (see 8+). Above all art, Rafe loves music. He appreciates great albums and refuses to listen to songs out of the context of the album they are on. He dislikes ipods because they make listening to single after single all too easy.

So there you have it. 8+ things you may not have known about THE best husband and dad in the world. (Happy Father's Day!)

Heard and Overheard, volume 2

Since the writers here at Photographs on the Dashboard often feel completely unoriginal and even downright boring, we figured we could exploit the children that roam around our house in hopes of entertaining you, our faithful visitors and sometime-lurkers. So here you go--real-life, actual-factual quotes from the ever-amusing Anna Kate and Elle. Enjoy.
....................................................................................................................................................

Little Boy to Elle in the pool in Florida: "We went out to eat last night. We went to Destin Seafood." Elle: "Yeah, we went to Arby's on the way here!"

Anna Kate: "I want Joe to be my boyfriend 'cause I bet he'll grow up to be a silly man. Ohhh, he's hilarious."

Elle: "Mom, if I sing Rhoda a yellowby, will she go to sleep?"

Anna Kate, matter-of-factly: "Mom, I would really like a golden tooth."

Elle, walking past a dead squirrel on the road: "Awwww...does he want his mama squirrel?"

Anna Kate, humbly: "I'm sorry you're in a grumpy mood, Mama...Um, you may not know this, but you're being a leetle bossy to me."

Elle: "You're my sweeeet little Mama...my best friend."

Anna Kate: "What does hunting Easter eggs have to do with Jesus? Whoever came up with that must have a little brain."

Me: "Elle, do you know where you got your curly hair?" Elle: "Target."

Anna Kate: "Whoa. Elle just coughed like she meant it!"

Elle, running from a bug, terrified: "That fly's gonna suck my blood!"

Anna Kate: "Paula's a lot nicer than Simon and Larry."

Oh, how I love Jesus

AK and Caroline singing during Kidz Praz (that would be Kid's Praise).


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tag lag

I'm late responding, but here goes my 8 very random facts. You already know the rules, but the rules say I have to post them here again so:

No obligation, but you've been "tagged." Read the info below and join in on the fun on your blog if you want:
1. Each tagged "player" starts with 8 random facts/habits about herself.
2. A tagged person must write a blog entry about her 8 things and post these rules.
3. At the end of the blog, the tagged person must include 8 people to get tagged, and list their names.
4. Leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I'm addicted to q-tips. I don't smoke them, but I clean my ears about 4-5 times a day. That's an average 9 q-tips every 24 hours. Though I actually prefer the generic brand so let's say *cotton swabs.* Don't tell me this is an unhealthy habit because I know and don't care.
2. Coming up, I loved pickles (Kosher dill are the best.) My family and college roommates can attest to this. But since my pregnancy with Anna Kate, my cravings for them actually have gone away. I still really like them, but nothing like I used to.
   
3. I love lamps.
4. My favorite flavor is cherry, unless we're talking icees then it's Coke. i don't like blue raspberry anything.
   
5. I'm very particular about my writing instruments. When writing a letter, it must be a Sharpie extra-fine tip.
6. My dream job is to be the person on Trading Spaces that builds all the furniture.
7. I've never mown grass in my life.
8. I don't get the sudoku craze. I love word puzzles.
   

8+ I tend to procrastinate. (But I work well under pressure.)

8++ I sometimes break the rules and I'm not tagging anybody :)

vacation

greetings from ft. walton beach

slide show coming soon...

half of three scores and ten

Rafe, shown here with his "I hate to take pictures" face, turned 35 this weekend! For his b-day, we went to Dallas to see the Mavericks play the Jazz. He got to see his boy Paul Millsap, who now plays for Utah:

I got to see (live-in-action!) 7-foot German Maverick Dirk Nowitzki, soon to be MVP:

A great time was had by both. (Other celeb spottings included: Mark Cuban, Bill Bellamy, Joel McHale of The Soup, Raven Simone, and Brandon Routh of Superman Returns. You take what you can get.)

easter egg hunt (blah, blah, blah)

the easter mama brought them baskets (yes, that's what i told them)yay! paintbrushes!

the thrill of the hunt
she's happy here
elle and rhoda
my mom's azaleas
stopping to assess the situation...poor strategy, my childelle and egg
my boy Logan
baby girltrying to keep that sweater on...at least we didn't get snow like shannon

...and they must find something to cry about...
...both at the same time!

Oooh, I'm just like them. A whining, crying little girl with a complaining heart. And because I'm just like them, we've been butting heads like nobody's business. Especially the 6-year-old and me. I have so little patience with her right now, probably because I see myself in her over and over again and I can't stand it. So maybe pray for Anna Kate and her mother if we come to mind.

As for the blah, blah, blah, (a little a-hrefing for you AD fans) that's how I've felt the past few days. Generally discontented and blah. Ugh. Not exactly thrilled with the occupation I've been given. That's just the truth, folks. I have seen my utter selfishness in whole new lights and it hurts. I hate it. And joy just feels a bit elusive today. I've never been more aware that in every detail of my life, I am at the mercy of the One who made me. I love these two girls so much and lately I have not been the kind of mother I would hope for them...I want to love them as the ultimate Parent loves me. And I can't do it. Unless...
God, please help me...again have mercy....

I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow my foot to slip; He who keeps me will not slumber...The Lord is my keeper; the Lord is the shade on my right hand. The sun will not smite me by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect me from all evil; He will keep my soul. The Lord will guard my going out and my coming in from this time forth and forever.

This I call to mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is His faithfulness.And thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ... 2Cor 2:14