The Best Day Trip!

I know if you live around the Piedmont Area, you probably have heard of Homeland Creamery. They are family owned and operated dairy farm located in Julian, NC. We have been learning a lot about farm animals this month, and so I thought it would be a great field trip to take with them. It was sooo fun! And let me say, WHAT A DEAL!!! For $18 (under 2 are free - $6 a person) Randy, River, Asher, Madison, and I got to enjoy...

livestock menagerie of turkeys, sheep, chickens, cows, cats, and dogs.

getting to "milk" a simulated cow.

the joy of petting and feeding a week old calf.

a hay ride tour of the farm (sorry i don't have a picture of that - i had a baby on my lap)

the yummiest homemade vanilla ice cream i've ever had!

It was a really sweet time, and enabled the kids to see first hand what it's like on a farm! Plus, that ice cream really was excellent! If you're local, I'd definitely make this a family outing!

Got Milk?

Broken

A few weeks ago I had a porcelain doll left beside our door. I didn't know when it had been placed there, and I didn't know who delivered it. But she was beautiful; all 18 inches of her. With her long brown silky locks and bright eyes smiling. She was dressed in a full winter white fur coat, complete with muff and matching hat, and of course the white lace up boots. I knew she must be for my daughter, but I just wasn't sure from whom she came.

Later on, my neighbor asked if I had gotten the gift that his friend had left. I realized then, that it was from my friend, who has lived in the house beside me for the past 3 years. He went on to say that she had left, and had taken the 12 hour bus ride to Connecticut to spend "some time" with her boys. Now, if you're familiar at all with how transient inner city lifestyles can be, you would know, that basically it meant, "She's gone."

As he told me, all I thought was, "I didn't get to say goodbye."

She is a beautiful woman, described by most people with words like "addict", "dirty", "ignorant", "prostitute". My kids just see her as a warm welcoming lady who doesn't always look happy, and sometimes acts a little strange. I know she used to be a dancer. I know she's a mother and a grandmother. I know she lived in a house without lights for almost a year. I know she doesn't like who she sees when she looks in the mirror. I know that she aches for healing, but has no clue how to have it. I know that she's broken and wants to be whole.

One of the last times I saw her, she was hunched over clinging to her knees, sitting at the end of my walkway, where it meets the sidewalk. Crying in desperation. Her two grandsons were with her, even though the hour was late. I walked up and put my hand on her back and started to pray for her. I could feel her bones aching for relief. After we prayed for a few minutes, she sat up. And what she was clinging to was what looked like a church's pew copy of the Holy Bible. I just thought, "I have no idea how broken and desperate she is." And I have no idea how God can free her from this hell that she lives in. But I know that He hears her. I know that He aches for her to know deliverance and redemption.

This song asks, "Did he do it to himself? Or was it done to him?" And I wonder that about my friend. She definitely has made choices that have kept her where she is, I'm not excusing her for her own decisions. But when you're brought into the cycle at such a young age, and have no idea how you're going to survive, unless you sell yourself so that you can eat. Or have a roof over your head. Did she do it to herself, or was it done to her? It doesn't really matter either way. What matters is that she is loved by One who is greater than this world. Greater than any addiction. Greater than any situation. Now that she's gone, I just pray that somehow she would choose to cling to the Great One. And that she would somehow be made whole.

I hope I get to see her again one day. And I hope that she looks so different that I barely recognize her. Please join me in praying that this would be a new life for her. That she would be set free, and that her life would be redeemed from the depths of the mire. I hope that she comes to believe that He is able to do incomparably more than we ask or imagine, and that she sees how beautiful she truly is.

Secrets of a Sassy Mama: "Back to School" Shopping

I always get excited about clothes in the Fall. Growing up, my parents would let me go "back to school clothes shopping", and I couldn't wait to see how much I could get with my allowed budget. It was always so fun to see new styles, and to be able to pick out new items. Even then, I loved putting outfits together. It must have stuck, because at the end of every summer, I start wondering about all the new Fall styles. What will they be and will they be cute on me? So, for this week's tip, I figured I would give a few pieces of advice with your own "back to school" shopping.

1. Don't wear frumpy clothes to try to hide your "problem" areas. I don't care how big you are - baggy, frumpy clothes are not flattering. Never. They make you look bigger than you are, and don't highlight any of your features. They just hide you...and if I can be so bold....they make you want to hide. Remember that YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that you can be confident about who you are. You don't have to be a size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 - whatever that "perfect" size for you would be - to be cute. You are! So don't HIDE! (Now, I'm the first to put on a sweatshirt at home and snuggle up, so don't take this out of context! I'm talking about when you're wanting to look cute!)

2. Don't get clothes that are too tight, just to fit into a size __ (you fill in the blank)! Just get what fits the best. Not clothes that squeeze you so much that your belly makes a "muffin top" (as my sis likes to say) or that your button down is almost popping the buttons off! Get things that will hold you in, but not that say, "I'm still trying to fit into those jeans I wore when I was 20." Just go get a pair that look great on you now! Our bodies change, and they're supposed to!

3. Keep your basics. You can have your regular jeans, if you don't like the skinny ones, you don't have to wear them! You can have your favorite sweaters and shirts that you look forward to wearing every Fall. It's ok to keep your style the same. But, what makes your wardrobe a little more fun are the little pops you put with it. Maybe it's a pair of cute flats from Target (which by the way are on sale right now). Or some big earrings to dangle. Or maybe some "I've got great boots" boots to wear with a skirt - just make sure you can walk in them. Try to challenge yourself with finding a little flare to add into your day. Just a little. It's really fun...just wait and see!

4. My stepmom always used to say to me, "If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it." Now I realize, sometimes with bodies changing, and going through fashion trends, you are going to keep things a little longer. Or just for sentimental reasons. But I do think she had a valid point. If there are things that you just pass by, season after season, and you really don't ever "choose" to put on your body, than just give them away. I love going through my closet every season and making a big pile of clothes to go to Goodwill. It feels so freeing to make space, and get rid of clutter! plus, you're making room for that new tunic you've had your eye on!

5. Go by the clearance rack at places like Kohls, Target, or Old Navy and I bet you you can find a cute something(s) to add into your mix. Clothes stores always get new seasons of clothes in before that season. So, you might find a couple new shirts that are Fall friendly, but not at the $$$ price of the brand new ones there. But that are still recent.

Ok, I'm not going to go on any longer. For one reason, I haven't done the dishes or the laundry. But for another, I want to see the last night of these cutie pies having fun.

More Than A Thousand

Today as I was reading a book to my daughter, I felt myself start to tear up.    Sometimes I can go for a long time without being sad about my Mom not being here.   It's been almost 9 years since she passed away, and most days I go through the day without shedding a tear at all about it.   But then there are other days, where the most random thing will make me have that scratchy place in my throat, then the misty eyes, and then, the totally choked up feeling where I know if I continue talking, I'm gonna cry.   Sometimes I continue; sometimes I don't.   This time, even though I was reading to River, I decided it was worth it to keep going, even if the tears came.

The book was about a girl who believed she was a ballerina.    She envisioned herself dancing up on stage, as a prima ballerina, even though she had never really taken lessons.    Her parents knew that she loved it, and so eventually they agreed to send her to lessons - and, no, this is not Angelina Ballerina.    It'd be pretty bad if some little mice made me cry.    The story goes on, and the little girl was going to be in a recital.   She wore her pretty costume, and had her fun make up on, and did great up on stage.   Of course, the story sounded familiar to one of my own, but that wasn't the part that made me sad.    The part that got me was this quote:

"After we were finished, Mom clapped and laughed and smiled her proud-of-you smile."

I think that's one of the things that I miss the most from my sweet Mama.   If I had to describe how she looked at me more times than not, it would be that look.   Where she clapped and laughed and smiled so proudly at me.   From the smallest of deeds to the greatest of accomplishments, she believed in me, and encouraged me in who I was completely.    From the time that I was little, and would mess up on a drawing, to when I was older and had real issues, I would go to her with my problem, and she would say to me, "You'll figure it out.   You'll find a way to make it work out."   She didn't tell me just what to do to smooth things over.  She didn't make me do the formulated "right" response.   She didn't do it for me.   She believed that I knew what to do, and allowed me to find out how to make it happen.   

There's a picture that one of my friends captured at my high school graduation of my mom looking at me with that expression.   I can't tell you how true it is, that a picture is worth much more than a thousand words.

As I continued after that statement in the book, even though I knew the tears were coming,  River looked up at me and said, "Are you crying?"

And I said, "Yeah.  I am."

"Why?" she asked.

"Because it makes me miss my Mama.   And how proud of me she always was.   With dancing, with everything.   But it's okay to be sad about it.   Sometimes it's good to be sad." I reassured.

"Let's not think about it anymore.   Let's read this book."  and she moved to the next book in the stack.

I laughed and said okay.   But someday, I'll have to teach her, that we can't always do that.   Believe me, I know.   That's what I've done my whole life.    But, not today.   And even though it only lasted about a minute, it was good to grieve for that minute.

A Ballerina, A Princess, and A Cowboy

What a combo - a ballerina, a princess, and a cowboy. These three are so much fun to be with. I love how River and Asher feel like they've been blessed with a little sister when Maddie is around. They include her and love on her like she's just part of the family. River likes being able to "mommy" her, and Asher thinks he's so much bigger than her, even though she's actually a little bit bigger than him! Both River and Asher try to help me, and whenever I'm going to change Maddie's diaper, they run to her diaper bag, to try to be the first to bring me a diaper. And we usually say "bottom" in reference to your rear end, and so River doesn't really know the word "butt". So she thinks Butt Paste is called Buck Paste. She'll say, "Do you need any Buck Paste?" Then River usually sits down beside Maddie's head and whispers encouragment to her. I think my favorites have been, "What a sweet little bottom!" And, "Maddie, a lullaby is here," as she was trying to calm her down one day. And Asher will go up and give her kisses when he thinks she's being really cute or funny. I think for babie's it really takes daily interaction for them to build a "friendship" with another baby. And these two are like little twins. It's really cute.

The past few weeks, we've so many fun things, but here are just a few highlights.

Behind the curtain at the door is a favorite hiding spot for these two. They like to play peek-a-boo there with each other.

Maddie's alltime favorite spot in our house is at the kids chairs. She loves climbing up on them, and then sit there and just watch and laugh at my kids doing silly stuff. Like River striking a pose.

Red Roosters and Antique Stores...Just the Thing I Needed

As I come to know myself more, I learn that there are somethings that I just can't get away from. Take for instance my love affair with the color red. The other day, I was in my room (which for many months has been the catch all room for some reason) and I noticed that I had not one, not two, not three, BUT FOUR lamps with red lampshades. They weren't supposed to all be in there, and weren't even all plugged in. But just to give you the picture, of how much I love the color red. Which is pretty funny because for the longest time I didn't. But then, the week before I graduated college, my friend, Blair and I went dress shopping, and I couldn't take my eyes off the red dresses. But, I tried to ignore it, because, you know, I didn't like red...especially not ON me. After holding it up and being told how great it would look, I eventually got talked into trying the red dresses on, and one thing lead to another, and well, here we are. With four red lamps in my room. I took two out, mind you, and tidied up a bit. Much better with only two, and with my window mistreatments finished after two years of only having half of it done.

After Randy and I had a wonderful night at The Baird House, which is a beautifully restored 1790 Farm House, we ate a delicious country breakfast (she must have known French Toast was my favorite), roamed around by the Watauga River for a bit, and then had a blast going shopping together without our two kids. We always like going to the Mast General Store because it's just such a fun place with lots of different things from shoes, to candy by the barrel, to vintage toys, home decor, to regular food on the shelves. So, I immediately fell in love with this huge red rooster, and it's now making quite a scene in my kitchen. Thus, the other thing that I'm coming to realize more and more. I definitely have some of my country roots left in me. I've never described my style as country. I think my Mom's farm animal trinkets left a bad taste in my mouth. But as I grow more into what my style is, I definitely see how much I love the cottage feel. And I don't mind saying "French Cottage" one bit. But, come on, who are we kidding. French Cottage IS country. So even though I won't ever hang ceramic white and blue cows in my windows, I do have a big red rooster waking me up every morning. I'm just glad it's not this one.

We also went to a few antique stores and boutiques in the Boone / Blowing Rock area. I love going to antique stores - not the ones that are totally overpriced and leave you feeling deflated. But the ones that you can find things for a deal and enjoy giving this old item a new life in your home. I feel like they have a story of their own, and could tell me many secrets of old, if only they could speak. There's something so fun and nostalgic about finding history in pieces of furniture or accessories. Probably why I can't walk away from vintage hats and shoes when I find them at Salvation Army. So, anyway, I found some great deals on some vintage trays and fabric, which later inspired me to make these cute aprons...

I haven't taken the time to make things for a while, so being inspired by all the beauty of Valley Crucis and the creativity of Blowing Rock was a nice boost. I definitely couldn't afford all the fancies of the boutiques, but I did come home and make a few things to add to our shop. Any little girls in need of a tutu?

I think these are the cutest ever, and I've been wanting to make some for a while. All it takes is just a little time and inspiration...and staying up WAYYY past my bedtime. ;)

We ended our time eating a fabulous dinner at The Bistro in Boone and headed back home to our babies. We loved having time for just the two of us. It is so needed in the rush of life and two children, to just take time to dream a little and to truly celebrate this life that the Lord has given us to share. I can't imagine a more perfect get away....well...maybe for our 10th next year, I could. France or Italy, maybe? Yeah, baby!!!

We've Come A Long Way, Baby

Today's our anniversary. NINE YEARS! I can't wait, because we're going away for a night together this weekend, but that's not till tomorrow. My man knows me well, and knows how I love to celebrate. So, it started at 12:01am this morning. He came over to me where I was on the couch and kissed me and said, "Happy Anniversary, Baby. It's 12:01." And then this morning when I first woke up and went into the bathroom, he said it again, and gave me a big hug. Then I walked into the kitchen and found these fun surprises.

He said, in his sweet sexy morning voice, "I wanted to make sure we celebrated a little on our actual day." And I'm left all weak in the knees with a big 'ol smile across my face.

Now, nine years ago, this would have been the scenario. I would have woke up wanting to hear those sweet words or see the flowers that he had secretly gotten and placed in a vase on the table, but would not have said anything about it. Then, I would have been kind of sad and disappointed that he hadn't done that. But, of course I wouldn't want to make him feel bad for NOT doing that, and so, again, would have not said anything. Then by the end of the day, if there were no plans to eat out or do anything special (mind you, we would have done that when we "celebrated over the weekend") I would have acted mad about something and gotten kind of quiet and irritated. And that would hopefully lead to him finally asking, "Baby, are you doing okay?" And then I would have burst into tears saying something like, "I know we're celebrating our anniversary this weekend, but it doesn't even feel like it's today!" I would look up and find a blank look of utter confusion.

We've come a long way in nine years. I can't believe it's been 9 years since I first knew how wonderful marriage to my husband would be. Nine years since I wore my long flowing white silk dress, nine years since I saw a tear in my dad's eye when he first laid eyes on me, nine years since I walked that long aisle, nine years from when I saw my sweet mama sitting on the front row like a little girl ready to open Christmas presents. Nine years since I said the words "I do." Nine years filled with tremendous joy and tremendous sorrow. Nine years filled with changes and challenges. Nine years of figuring out how to lay down our own pride and to love with Christ's love. Nine years of life....abundant life.

I remember one of our pastors said to Randy just before we got married, "If I had known how wonderful marriage would be, I wouldn't have been so scared!"

And it has been wonderful. But there have also been valleys that we have walked through, and valleys that I know the Lord carried us through to bring us this far. Without His grace and love, we would not be in the place where we are now. We both feel more in love now than ever. We both still can't wait to get to see each other at the end of the day. We love sitting and catching up after the kids go down. We love being able to care for our children together. We love living this life together. I'm so thankful to have been blessed with nine years. And even though I love seeing wedding gowns and cakes, and beautiful wedding pictures, and sometimes I even say, "I want to get married again!" But, really, I'm so glad to be where we are now.

Weekly Wednesday...

Ok, so a name...i have to have a name for these posts. Anyone who comes up with a fun "fashion" weekly tip name, will get a free sash. Which leads me to my weekly tip.

Tie on a Sash!!

Sashes are very fashionable and make excellent accessories. The best part? They're cheap! There is really no "wrong" way to wear them right now, which makes it fun to be creative. And you can pick them up anywhere, from department stores to Goodwill. Don't see one you like? Go by your local fabric store (or Walmart) and pick out a 1/4 a yard of some fabric you like. Once you tie it on, chances are you won't see the edges.

Just look at all the different ways you can use them -

-Make them into belts to add a fun accent to an outfit. Cute on dresses, long tops, pants, or jeans! Just tie into a simple knot on the side, or with dresses, make a wider sash and tie into a bow the back.

-Tie them around your neck to add a little business class to your style.

-With longer ones you can do the elegant ties that are now pretty trendy with blouses. (Look here for the look I'm talking about.)

-Tie it around your ponytail.

-Tie it around your purse.

- And my personal favorite is to put it in my hair. Turn your head upside down, pull it tightly onto your forehead, tie it at the nape of your neck (comfortably tight) and flip your head right side up. I love doing this when I'm tired of my regular hair look (plain old pony tail, or just having a not so good hair day.) It's fun with your hair down or back. It gives a little different look each way.

Ok, so what if you don't know how to tie a sash? You will after seeing this!

So go get all tied up! It definitely adds a fun little boost to your outfit, whichever way you tie it. ;)

Summertime Good Eats!

There are always recipes that I look forward to making every season.    If you couldn't tell by now, I really like categories, and food is definitely categorized (in my brain) by season.    And there are always those recipes that I forget about or don't remember to make until too late, and it's like I missed my chance.   Because, really, I mean who eats cucumber or tomato sandwiches in the winter?    Well, maybe my mom in law.  ;)  Maybe you do, too.   Or maybe you're thinking to yourself, "TOMATO SANDWICHES - that's just gross."   If you live above the Mason Dixon line, that might be your thought.   But take it from a southern girl, they are soooo good!   HOWEVER......

Today when I asked a college student if she was going on any more trips this summer, she said, "Well, I go back to school next week."    It gave me this race to the finish line feeling, that my window of opportunity to stuff all this yummy food into my mouth is almost gone!   So in response, today I made this:

7 Layer Salad  

(My mom used to make this and I always kind of forget about it.   But not this year!) 

layer in order in 8 x 8 (or however big you want to make it) and refrigerate.   serve chilled.

lettuce

celery (chopped)

red onion

cucumber (or green pepper)

peas (frozen works best)

mayo (sprinkled with sugar)

cheese

bacon

Here are some of my other summertime favs in no particular order:

- Peach Pie (my grandmothers recipe is the best in this entire WORLD)

- Rosemary Dill Potato Salad

- Chicken Salad Supreme (with bacon & pecans others pale in comparison!)

- South Sea Island Chicken Salad (so different, tropical and yummy!)

- Homemade Salsa with fresh cilantro

- Peaches and Cream

- Cantaloupe and Blueberries

- Seven Layer Salad

- Fried Chicken

- Pimento Cheese

- Tuna Salad

- Blackberry Cobbler

- Strawberry Shortcake

- Deviled Eggs

- Tomato Basil Tart

- Egg Salad

- Asian Slaw

- Lemon Squares

Anybody else have summer favorites that I should add to my list?   I'm glad I made my list....I have some that I still haven't gotten to.

Finding Common Ground in Nashville

The last few days have been long ones as my sweet husband has been working long, long days. 12-15 hour days. Trying to get some projects finished up. Now I know for some of you, this might be your normal life. You might spend many evenings putting your little ones to bed on your own, and then sit down to watch some TV. But usually that's not how our nights go.

So tonight, I'm home alone again. And there's been this yummy homemade apple pie staring at me all day. I sliced a piece of apple pie, and then that one looked too small. So I sliced another one (it was small) and warmed them up to enjoy to the maximum potential - my sweetie disagrees with me on this - he thinks it's best to eat apple pie cold. COLD! My goal is always to enjoy it as if it just came out of the oven.

Then I sat down at our tv, which I really seldom do. And began flipping through the channels having no idea what would be on.

10 minutes later I find myself, tears rolling down my face, an empty plate on my lap, and feet reclined on the coffee table (aka toy chest). I almost roll my eyes at myself. I mean, how can you sit down and immediately feel such empathy and celebration for another person. Someone I've never even seen before. Or heard her name or anything.

Maybe it's because she was a mother of small children. And they were all being held with her husband while cheering her on. Maybe it was the way she belted out a song probably not in her best voice ever, because of holding back all the tears. Maybe it's because I know it took a lot of courage to step down a path that could totally lead to rejection and hurt. Knowing that it could all go wrong. But it didn't. And that's why I cried.

I'm such a softy. Don't tell anyone. ;)

I Know You've Missed These...

I know that you've been dying to hear more yard sale tales. Since I've been traveling so much, I'm sure I've missed my fair share of goodies over these last few weeks. Hopefully, you've picked up where I left off, and found some goodies for yourself. Or maybe you've at least gotten some of these goodies on Saturday mornings.

I know you probably don't want to hear how I got oodles of lighted Christmas garland and self inflating mats for camping. And I won't bore you with telling you how I happened to find treasured books of old, new dress up clothes, and preschool games for my kids. Or that I found a little double breasted suit for Asher and cute winter hats for River. And how I got a bunch of fun comic books and 2 bird feeders that I've been wanting. And I definitely won't tell you that it only cost me about $35 for everything.

But I had to show you this...

Pretty sweet, huh? She can't wait to wear her "new" coat this winter.

Fashion Faux Pas...Or Not?

so i'm up late, am really hungry for some reason (even though i've already had dinner and 2 desserts), so I'm blogging instead of bee-lining it to that freezer for some Breyers coffee ice cream.      yummm....

ok, so not doing that.    right. 

the other day on our trip home from pennsylvania i saw something interesting (besides the rascal flatt semi) that had me thinking.    i was waiting in the car at starbucks before the baby woke up which FORCED me to go in and enjoy the atmosphere with my hubby and daughter.    and as i was people watching (one of my many favorite things to do) i noticed this mom and daughter get out of their car and go inside.

the girl was probably college age, getting ready to get settled into her dorm room or apartment at JMU, or maybe just a high schooler out with her mom.    she was in cute casual sweats, nothing fancy, but you know, youthful.    and her mom was in the everyday "mom" clothes - khaki pleated capris, floral button down, comfy sandals.     but i had the thought, and please don't hate me for thinking this...

"i hope i don't dress like that when i'm her age."   

isn't that awful!!??    but the thing that got me, was that, it wasn't this awful outfit - i mean, i have capris and button downs and...well...flip flops - not sandals...but my point was that she just needed a few things to help her out!    she needed her daughter to say,

"Here, Mom, wear this tank instead.   And put this bracelet on."    And she would have been as cute as pie!!

I went inside and made River (my 4 year old daughter) to promise me to not ever let me get in a rut of a clothes style where i limit it to the same thing every day.   and if i start looking drab, frumpy, and boring, to TAKE ME SHOPPING!     

one thing that has always encouraged me about being a mom, is that i can still be me - fun, youthful, sometimes trendy, but moreso, just cute (if i can be so bold) with my clothes and accessories, as to not grow into the typical "mom" look.   just because we're a little bit older doesn't mean we have to stop being cute!!    i've even had younger girls say to me that it encourages them that when they get older, they don't have to stop being cool and cute, just because they're a mom now.    now, let me tell you, i'm definitely no jessica simpson, haha, that makes me laugh just writing it.    there are many times that i'm in a t-shirt and jeans.   but usually i'll still have on my big sunglasses, hoop earrings, and flip flops.    i really like looking fun and stylish.    hate me?    maybe.    but wait....

i'm wondering if you all would be interested in tips.   i mean, maybe you've got it all down, and you love your style, and don't need any help at all.    but if you're like my sis, you might really like it.   i love taking my sister shopping, teaching her a little about what looks good on her, what is definitely a NO, and then going through her closet and saying things like, 

"Carrie, seriously?    Come on, this was out when we were in high school."  (actually if that were the case, it would probably be back in style now).    now, she can handle me saying things like that because i'm her sister and she has to love and accept me no matter what.    (haha.  don't you wish you were her?!)  but I would not typically say that to just anybody.    but I could definitely say it here!    when I don't have to see that i'm possibly offending you!    ;)  

now, i'm not saying you can't wear your classics, because i'm also all about looking classy.  and knowing your style.    but i'm just saying, sometimes we need a little lift to our look.   just like a room of our house.   sometimes it can get kind of stale and boring, and we just need to add some new pictures, or a new fun chair, or switch out some pillows, and pull in some fresh flowers!       same goes for our closets!

i love going to sale racks and picking out the cheap things that can really add something to an outfit, or getting a steal on clearance shoes at Target that you normally wouldn't get, or grabbing a $1 bracelet at Salvation Army to make an outfit a little more funky.   so what do you think - if there were a weekly tip on fashion and accessories, would it be helpful?   or offensive? or you don't know until you see it?   or, melissa, you're exhausted and not thinking clearly... but wait...look at all these cute things.  ;)

Traveling Man...and Woman

Ok, all in all, it was a pretty good trip! I forgot to mention that our AC isn't working right now - yet another fun thing for the long drive. And if I EVER, EVER say that I'm going to Philly again, make sure that I do not EVER take I 95 again. Seriously.

I 95 - my arch enemy. I 81 - my best friend. LOVE 81. HATE 95.

Going up we were stupid and thought 95 being the most direct route would be best, and since we weren't driving in normal "rush hour" times, that it would be ok. So stupid. Anyway, that's enough of my venting. Oh, the only thing I liked about 95 was I swear Paris Hilton was at the toll beside us with her little Chihuahua in a midnight blue Lexus SUV. any of you star buffs know if she has one of those? or if she was headed back to NYC on Saturday afternoon? b/c I sooooo soooo know it was her. with her beautiful face, hair, and perfect eyeliner - even from a toll over i could tell. And other star search news, on the way home today on 81 we kept passing Rascal Flatt's 18 wheeler of equipment stuff. But I never saw them. Just their big ol semi.

But really, it ended up being very fun. We had a great time with the fam, and the shower was a blast. As River said on the way home, "My favorite part was all of it, except the long drive home." I concur. We let them stay up late and play with cousins and friends each night, just like we always did, and they thought it was great. We ate good food and talked with lots of family. And laughed at fun baby games, and teared up as we said goodbye. As always.

We had about a million pitstops, but these were my favs:

Eileen's Bakery (my personal favorite from the trip up) - Historic Fredericksburg

Picnic on the way back at a rest area in Southern PA

Starbucks across from James Madison University

And out of like 22 hours of being in the car, my kids, I'm proud to say, only watched about 3 hours of movies. Which proves to me that we definitely can do this roadtrip thing better than I expected. It was definitely NOT like our horrible last trip with screaming and crying and... ....well, there were still traffic jams, but the crying just makes it a lot worse. So thanks for all your prayers and support. And, yes, my husband is still glad he married me. ;)

Ready to Go?

As I have mentioned here before, I love spending time with Randy's family.   They're so great, and we love getting together with them.   The only downside is...most of the extended family lives in Philadelphia.   The last time that we drove up to see them in Philly was Memorial Day Weekend, when Asher was 6 months old and River was 3.   Yeah, talk about wanting to jump out of a moving car.    On the freeway.     So, needless to say, in my rash and impatient mindset, I said, "We are NEVER doing this again."

What are we doing this weekend?  Driving to Philly.

I'm really looking forward to celebrating with Randy's sister as she's about to become a new mommy to a sweet little baby girl.   But I'm not looking forward to the drive.    I even went online to look at airplane tickets the other day.    Yeah, not happening.

So my attitude about the shower - great...I've been baking and making, and am very excited to be helping to host this fun event.    

Attitude about seeing family - so great.    Can't wait to be with them.   The last time we saw everyone was Christmas at the beach, so it will be really fun!

My attitude about the drive.   Not so great.   Here was my phone conversation with Randy yesterday.

Randy - "Hey sweetie!   How you doing?"

Me - "Fine.  How are you?"  (remember there are 3 children in the background)

Randy - "Good.  I'm excited about our trip tomorrow."

Me - "Well, that's good.  At least somebody is."

Randy - "I think stopping at a hotel will be fun."

Me - "I don't know why you think it will be fun.   We won't be able to do anything.   We'll get there late and the kids will have to go straight to be.  Then we'll get up and have to eat breakfast and leave immediately.   I don't know why you think it's gonna be fun.   We're not going to be able to go swimming or anything, or we won't even get to Philly until late afternoon."

Randy - "Ok, well, it's good talking to you sweetie."

Me - "Yeah, because I'm so uplifting to talk to right now?"

Randy - "Look forward to seeing you, baby."

Me - "I'm so sure."

Aren't you glad you're not married to me?    That was the extent of my temper tantrum.  I've got to have the sweetest husband known to mankind.   I'm sure you could argue with me, but I wouldn't believe you.    ;)     The thing that astounds me, is that he really meant what he said.   He was still looking forward to seeing me.   Which of course, as you can tell, I wouldn't believe.   'Wouldn't' is the word I choose, because I wasn't willing to choose to believe that he would still want to be with me after being such a....well, you know.     Because in my mind, who would want to see that person that was just acting like that?    I do that with the Lord, too.    When I've been stand-offish and angry about things, I do the same thing.   I say things like, "Oh, yeah, Lord, I'm so sure that You want to spend time with me right now.   Because I'm just living worship, aren't I?!    Yeah, I am so holy and blameless, huh?!"      I'm a bit of a piece of work.   Just ask Emily and Nester their favorite story about my earlier days of being married.    

We're leaving tonight sometime around dinner (which in our family means we'll probably be leaving about 8 o clock).   I'd appreciate prayers for our drive there and back.   That there would be lots of this going on.

But moreso for my attitude.   Who knows, maybe it will even be fun!    But before we can go anywhere, I need to get us packed up.    See where my priorities are - I'm blogging instead of packing.  Good start, Melissa.   Good start.    

Choked Out

I went outside yesterday for a minute to take the dog out and to pick a few flowers for our table. I went around to the side of the house, and was going to pick a few flowers off the Rose of Sharon bushes that we have. They're the only flowers that I can see from my kitchen windows, so I love it when they bloom.

When I saw them, I realized that they had all this excess greenery all over them. At first I just thought that they were really overgrown (after all, I'm no master gardener). But as I looked closer, I realized that they were being totally taken over by a very thin, but very strong weed. It didn't even look like a weed. It disguised itself so well, that I actually thought it might be part of the Rose of Sharon. But it had carefully entangled it's pretty vine all around my friend, so much so, that the she was completely bent over and tangled up. She was being choked out. Even though the Rose of Sharon was a very vigilant healthy bush, it still had a weed that was just clever enough to grow up around it, and take over the plant completely.

I went inside got my scissors, and went back out, and diligently cut off every part of the vine that I could. As I snipped the vine away, the Rose of Sharon began to bounce upward to the sun, as to say, "Thank you! Thank you! I'm free!" Now, I know plants can't really talk, but if you had seen how trapped down and entangled it had been, you would have heard it singing for joy, too.

As I cut away like a warrior for this lady of mine, I thought about the parable where Jesus is describing the different kinds of seeds sown.

“Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out.... "The one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. "

I know how easy it is to be totally rooted in truth and know the Lord is God, and yet still, have the cares, worries, and just normal distractions of life choke out my heart being free and in communion with the Lord. It doesn't just happen that I grow up in my faith and mature in my relationship with Him, without anything trying to come against me. And the sad thing is that we all have different kinds of discouragements, disappointments, fears, worries, and temptations that seek to keep us bent over and entangled. Unable to really stretch out and grow to be who God has us to be.

But the joy that I found in all of this, is that it's not just us fighting! He is fighting for us. Jesus wants to take those weeds off, and come to our rescue. I'm so glad that He doesn't just see us there struggling, and leave us as we are. He doesn't say, "You know, you really need to get yourself together, and get all that junk off you." No, He comes and cuts each vine and each weed away, until we're set free. He is our warrior, and He longs to fight for us and with us.

My Day in Numbers

Being back in town definitely has it's fair share of getting caught up. It's like vacation is paying you back. This week starts a fun new venture that we're beginning. We're going to be having a precious little girl named Madison come over each day and be a part of our lives. Our days will be fun and full!! River and Asher feel like they've gotten a new little baby sent down just for them to play with and love on. Even after Maddie left today, River played with her "Baby Maddie" late into the evening. This was my day in numbers.

2 cups of coffee to get me going

1 baby to snuggle

0 gallons of milk for cereal

4 bagels to fix

3 loads of laundry

2 heaping mounds of clean clothes still on the couch

3 bags to unpack from the beach

1 bag to repack for our upcoming trip

1 closet to straighten

3 things to hang in the bathroom

6 rooms to vacuum

1 gift to make

3 children to feed lunch to

2 babies napping

4 library books read

15 things put on the grocery list

4 butternut squash prepped for dinner

3 car seats in the car

4 windows down in our non AC car

3 scoops of ice cream

4 friends to see

9 kids playing in the fountain

2 grocery carts (mine and River's)

3 free cookies

2 balloons tied tightly

1 rotisserie chicken to have for dinner

and for the record...

0 phone calls (my phone has died)

The Last Few Days

so, i didn't really make the whole "blogging every day" commitment.    big surprise, i'm sure! not having wireless at the condo didn't help either.    ;)   but i did have a wonderful time with our family on vacation.   we're completely blessed to have family that owns a place at the beach, so we don't have to go into debt anymore when we take our beach vacation!    we always go down to Ocean Isle, and then travel over to Sunset to see the rest of the family that stays over there.    here were our favorite parts of the latter days of the trip:

- beachin it every day - at Sunset or Ocean Isle, the weather was just about perfect.    we all had a blast building sand castles, splashing in the waves, body surfing, rafting, seeing family that we hadn't seen in a while, getting covered in sand, and even catching a couple naps.   (i don't think i had done that since high school!)    

- Calabash Creamery - the other ice cream places down there just don't even compete - if you EVER are in the area, please please go get this homemade ice cream!   It's sooo good - especially in July when they make their famous homemade peach ice cream.    We love getting whatever flavor we're in the mooooood for (haha) and then rocking on the rocking chairs until it either drips all over us (if you're too small to lick fast enough) or it's all gone, and you're happily stuffed with the best homemade ice cream ever!

- going out on the raft - my dad always gets his big raft blown up (like a heavy duty boat kind of raft) and then he takes all the grandkids out on the waves for rides.    it's so fun to see them loving every minute of their time out in the water with grandaddy!    oh, and river let us know that she wants a "pink raft for her 5 birthday".   so if anyone sees one, let me know!    ;)

- Seafood Hut - now here's the best kept secret (maybe not anymore) in Calabash.   I would hyperlink, but they're too old school to have a website.   It's been there forever, and it's this little hole in the wall place that only has about 20 tables, and the same waitresses that have been there for probably 20 years or more.    But every night you'll see the line of people (starting at about 4:45 pm) wrapped around the building waiting to get their turn to eat the best seafood in the area.    It's fun to eat there, but this year we did it as take out and enjoyed it back at our place.    Still just as yummy as ever!

- Ocean Isle Pier - ok, so blast from the past - I used to walk up to the pier and check out the surfers, and hang out with friends/family, act like i was cool, etc.     randy decided he wanted to have a date with the kids one morning before anyone else was up, so he and river and asher went down to the pier and walked out to the end.   they even got to see a sand shark that someone had caught!    so then before we left today, we stopped by and went out all together.   it was really fun, and there were lots of kids out surfing.    it was fun.    they have a little diner now, so we grabbed some lunch there before heading back home.    "this is a fun new tradition", said randy as we were walking out on the pier.    he knows how i love some traditions!

- Once - we're quite a bit behind with our movie watching, and have wanted to see Once for a while.   We had netflixed it, and finally got a chance to watch it!   We thoroughly enjoyed it, and loved the soundtrack.

- Playing games - this is a must do for me at the beach.     we really like games, and this year it was particularly fun because my nephews are old enough to learn adult games, and actually be good at them.    We taught them how to play Pictionary and Yahtzee, and they taught us how to play Rubis.   So we had a good time winning and losing!

- DiDi's Kitchen - my mom in law makes the best big breakfast, and she pulled out her pots and pans a couple mornings while we were down there.   we decided her "restaurant" should be called DiDi's Kitchen.    she loves making it for all of us, and we love eating all of it!

- Sunsets on the Deck - it's so nice to be able to go out at sunset with a drink in hand, and just enjoy rocking on the back deck.   we would head out around 8 most nights, and stay sometimes until 10:30 just talking and hanging out.   the frogs start up their chorus right about the time the sun goes to bed, and we just enjoy the music that they bring.    

We had a great time and are glad to have such a fun family!    

The First Couple Days

Well, we arrived at the beach at 1:30 am on Friday night (well, really Sat.), but we were very thankful to not have to deal with the beach traffic Sat.    But we did forget our camera - and Randy's bathing suits.   Thankfully, my dad went by and picked up the suits, but we didn't remember to tell him about the camera.   Oh well.   I guess I could walk around with the laptop and take pictures, but you know, somehow that doesn't really sound that fun.    So, I haven't been as inclined to blog, simply because trip highlights aren't really the same without the pics to go with the update. But, I will tell a few things that have been fun so far.

Pop Pop took us all crabbing on Saturday afternoon and while I pulled up the first crab, and Randy pulled up the next two (as a pair), our little first time crabber, River, caught 14 crabs and 2 fish in the net.    It was her first time, and like everything she does, she was exceptional at it.   She had so much fun, and stayed behind with Pop Pop another couple hours to crab and play "boat restaurant" where the pretend boats would come up to the dock and she would serve crabs and pretzels to all the boaters.

Randy and I had a fun date on Saturday night while the grandparents had the kids.   We went to Giggling Mackerel and had delicious food and fun atmosphere.   We chose to sit at the non-smoking bar instead of waiting 45 min. for a table, but it was still great.    We adopted my friend Kelly's scale of grading and decided we would give it an A for atmosphere, A for food, and A for service.   I got the yummy crab cake sandwich, and Randy got the delicious Blackened Tuna Sandwich.   I kind of wished that I had gotten his, but he let me have a couple bites.   ;)  

The weather has been beautiful, and the ocean perfect.  The water has been calm enough to go far out in the ocean while holding the kids and jump the waves.   I loved going way out when I was a kid.    We would have so much fun with my dad and my uncles and cousins.   My grandad would always swim under and come up from out of nowhere and tickle our legs and feet.   It was just a time every year that we had to be able to bond with family that we didn't usually get to see very often.   Last night at sunset, Randy and I sat out on the balcony and watched another family playing a fun game of wiffle ball, and thought how fun it will be to play games like that as the kids get older and have more cousins and family around.   But for now, I love being able to snuggle them at bedtime, rock as I read them books, enjoy their new phrases, and treasure their first time experiences.    

There's just something about being on vacation with grandparents there, that make it more relaxing!    Hmmm...I wonder why - four adults to two young kids is a pretty good ratio!  We have a lot of fun with Randy's parents and always look forward to being down here with them.

We're all excited because my sister and her boys are on their way down as I type, and we can't wait to have everyone here!     

Summer Halftime Report

I feel like I haven't done a very good job at narrating about our summer thus far.   And it's like halfway over already!    So even if it's only for my peace of mind to have it recorded somewhere, I figured now was a good time to catch up.

Well, we started out thinking this summer would be full of packing, raising support, and moving across the country.   However, the Lord definitely surprised us with a change of plans, and we have spent the last couple months adjusting mentally and emotionally to staying right where we are.     It still doesn't all make sense, but we're choosing to trust that where God leads we will follow.   And right now, His leading is to stay put.   So we've been working hard on the business, and having lots of fun not stressing about packing up our lives right now.

One thing in the beginning of the summer that we were doing was reading stories out on the front porch in the evenings.   It was really fun to be able to sit out there as a family and read together on our steps.   Sometimes we would rock, or have ice cream, or talk with passer-bys, but mainly it was just our storytime on the steps.   We only did it for a couple weeks, but I think we need to start up again.   We stopped when we got all the rain for like days on end. Which I'm not complaining about!

We had the chance to head down to the beach with my sweet mom-in-law and two of my closest friends.  One with her baby, and one with her baby on the way!    So it was full of good hang out time, yummy meal times, watching plenty of So You Think You Can Dance, and just being together on the beach.     The first day we were there, we decided to go visit the aquarium.    We even took the ferry over, which made for a fun but long day.   ;)

It was also the first time that Asher really took to the ocean.   He's always loved the beach, by walking all around, or playing in the sand, but the ocean was just more of the background.    This past time, he would go and lay down in the water, where it was coming up, and get it all over him.   Lay down in the tidal pools, splash in the surf, and even wade out to try to keep standing when the waves would start to crash on him.    He.....loved......it.

Then we ventured back to the Boro, for Vacation Bible School.   It was the first year that River really got to do the whole VBS program.    She loved it.   And of course we finished the week up with the traditional shirt signing, 

and pictures with the favorite leader (you know how you always have a favorite camp counselor that you would get lots of pics with?  Well, this was River's crew leader, and she was definitely the chosen one!)   River had a great time learning new songs and stories.

I think one of my favorite things from this summer thus far has been seeing my 2 kids really begin to bond.    I had an older sister growing up, and then when I was 13 I was blessed to be a big sister myself to my twin brother and sister.   But I didn't really "grow up" with a brother.   I was practically out of the house by the time we could really play together.    So, in my mind, I've always wondered how close could a brother and sister really be?    I am so close to my older sister, that it almost seems impossible to be able to be that close with a brother.   But I'm wrong, right?    We probably won't have any more kids, and so I just really want them to have the closeness that I've been blessed with.    All that to say, I've begun to see this start to come out and I love it.   They've also been bickering a bit more, which always makes things nice and exciting around here.    He's always the chaser, and she's always being chased.   He hits....she screams.   You know, your typical boy girl relationship.     And she definitely wants to grow up and marry him. 

Or her favorite cousin, that you can see her sipping hot chocolate with.

This is from the Black Water Loft in Floyd, VA over the weekend of the fourth.   We had a great time camping up at my aunt's farm with my sister and her kids, and then a couple other families.    Floyd is such a fun town to visit, not to mention the exceptional family we get the priveledge of stopping in for blueberry muffins and coffee.   Not exactly roughing it.   But being out under the stars (or thunderstorms) was definitely a needed get away for our family.    Our camera wasn't out very much, so this is basically the only shot from the entire weekend.    Sad, I know.

And last week, I got to go and meet this cute little bundle of a boy named Logan.   Isn't he precious!?    When your baby is almost 2, it's always good to go and get your baby fix for a while.   He's just 8 weeks old, and simply adorable.   And he's practically sleeping through the night, those lucky dogs.   He belongs to my sweet friend, Heather, who I've known since 1st grade, so he will definitely know me as "Aunt Melissa"!     I've already bribed him with presents and lots of bottles.   ;)    It was really fun to see Heather and her husband doing such a great job with their first baby.   Not to mention how much fun I had just snuggling with this little angel!

Well, going from visit to visit, somewhere over the last couple weeks, I've managed to break the LCD on our camera, so hopefully, this next week at the beach, we'll get a few pictures.   Even if they're off center and blurry.    Maybe I'll even take on the commitment to blog every day next week, like my friend Kari has been doing this summer.      But mind you, IF I do, it will only be for the week.   ;)

Oh, and the other thing I've been doing this summer that I LOVE, is the Beth Moore Believing God study.   And if I don't stop typing right now, I'm going to be late to Bible study!!!

So How's Your Last Decade Been?

This wasn't one of the questions asked, but certainly could have been, as I gathered together with a bunch of sweet ladies this past week.      I hadn't seen most of them since high school, almost 12 years ago, but it was easy to pick back up where we left off.     

I think the thing that I loved the most, was that we were all still us.    I couldn't really remember going into our time together, what each of us had done over the last decade and more.   But I knew that most of us had gone to college, gotten married, moved at least once, had children, lost children, lost family, gained family, had struggles, had victories.   They still laugh the same, they still hug the same, they still cry the same, they still talk the same.   They might have a baby in their arms, and maybe shorter hair, a newer car, an important job, but they were still the friends I loved.

Even though I never see these women, and hardly ever talk to most of them, they all are still important people in my life.     And I was glad to be able to see them again....all grown up.    

Egypt

I think that its hard to live by faith.

Even though it's the best way to live.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for,

And certain of what we do not see.

How can we be certain we do not see?

If we can't see it, than how can we trust it's there?

Faith.

Living by faith is more painful, 

And more challenging,

But also the safest place that you can reside.

I've many times wanted to go back to Egypt.

Even though I know I don't want to live in the bondage that I'm fighting to be free from.

And I am free.

Free indeed.

For Christ has set me free.

The song playing, by Keith Green, always helps to remind me that just like the people of Israel, God is wanting to always take us on to something better.   To deepen our walk with Him.   To know His goodness more.   And to trust Him.   Even when we can't see the place He's leading us.   I was listening to a speaker the other day talking about how the Israelites were never "wandering", for the cloud was guiding them by day, and the pillar of fire by night.   He was always leading them.   Even if it felt like it was in circles.   He knew that He had a plan, even when it wasn't clear to them.

Only in Him do I have the power to have faith to follow.