Stink bugs and fairy tales....

Remember when last summer everyone was all in a panic over these guys?

Remember how we all thought that they would die off in the winter?

And remember when we heard that they do not mate INSIDE?

Me too.

It was lies....

all lies.

They are still here.

They have formed an army, 

 are multiplying by the second

and have decided they are not leaving our house.

But, that's not all...around here the Stinkbug's cousin also resides.  

We call her Ms. Box Elder.  

Her ancestor's have lived in this house for generations.

but that doesn't mean I like them.

Let me prove my point...

look who just walked across my computer screen...

sigh...

I hate them all.

I was 12 the summer these two tied the knot. 

 My sister and I waited in great anticipation for the wedding day to arrive.  

We spent the night at our grandmother's house so that she could get up early and watch the ceremony with us.  We sat in our jammies and dreamed of a storybook life just like Diana had. 

We were mesmerized and obsessed with all things Diana.  

Years later the whole world discovered  that Prince Charming doesn't always guarantee 

Happily Ever After

but even so, we don't really believe it and continue to be mesmerized by the idea.

There's a new Prince in town these days.  

And he's found himself a princess,

and again, all the world is watching...

every little girl wishing to be just like her.

 and so...one woman has designed a way to give every little girl her chance. 

If you happen to be in the neighborhood of London, you could wait in line to see what it feels like

 to hang on the arm of Prince William.

see that tiny little dot hanging out on the right arm of William?

That's a replica of the Princess ring...

and if you'd like, you can slip your ring finger through it and pretend for just a moment

 to be a Princess on the arm of her wax Prince.

I just find that funny...

I'm a fan of weddings...

but my

Happily Ever After

looks like this...

"You'll get a brand-new name
   straight from the mouth of God.
You'll be a stunning crown in the palm of God's hand,
   a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God.
No more will anyone call you Rejected,
   and your country will no more be called Ruined.
You'll be called Hephzibah (My Delight),
   and your land Beulah (Married),
Because God delights in you
   and your land will be like a wedding celebration.
For as a young man marries his virgin bride,
   so your builder marries you,
And as a bridegroom is happy in his bride,
   so your God is happy with you."

Isaiah 62

I'm sorry, but that's just a whole lot better than

 a Prince made of wax holding a fake ring.