Celebrate: Palmer Turns 3!

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!  Dakota celebrated her buddy Palmer's 3rd birthday on August 30 at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.  It was such a cute idea for a little ice cream party.  Palmer's mommy is one of my good friends and she never ceases to amaze me.  Let it be known that less than 24 hours later Tracy was at the hospital for a scheduled c-section for the birth of her 4th little girl!  Only Tracy could throw a party one day and have a baby the next :).

"Hmm...sprinkles or no sprinkles.  What a silly question!"

Palmer & her Gigi ready to blow out the candle.

I make the same face when I eat Ben & Jerry's. 

Something about ice cream makes your face light up!

No ice cream for this little man yet but at least he enjoyed Dakota's hat!

Congratulations on another beautiful girl Tracy & Ryan! 

I hope you don't mind I stole this picture off of your blog :).

Gardening: Cilantro & Cabbage Start

We've started gardening at the Cartner Lodge (That's what we're calling the house.  When you have a 10 12 (I stand corrected) point elk over your fireplace it only seems appropriate!).  Jacob and I have dreamed about gardening for years but kept waiting until we had the perfect space.  We now have the space and are enjoying this new hobby.  Jacob LOVES working in the yard.  I must admit though; I'm not so fond of it and I never really have been.  Gardening seems different because you get to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables and herbs) of your labor and it's quite rewarding.  First, we planted some cilantro and cabbage plants (shown below).  Then, this past weekend we planted some lettuce and broccoli seeds and also purchased a few basil plants.  We've already enjoyed making some salsa with our cilantro and our friend Lauren made us mozzarella, tomato and basil hors d'oeuvres.  Although Jacob did most of the work:  built the beds, prepared the soil, planted the plants/seeds (with a little help from Dakota), I have been pretty good about composting and watering the plants.  I imagine I'll be doing much more of the work when the harvests come in...canning, freezing, cooking, etc.  So it all evens out right?? :)  Anyway, we'll keep you updated on this new hobby of ours and hopefully we can learn to be less dependant on Kroger and more dependant on what is in our own backyard.

Thankful for little helpers with the watering!

Memphis Fun: Delta State Fair

To say Dakota had fun at the fair would be an understatement.  I really don't remember the last time I have been to the fair...or if I've ever been for that matter.  I really wanted to go this year because I knew that Dakota would have a blast.  Although Jacob wasn't quite as thrilled as I was (seeing as it cost about $50 in the first 10 minutes) his attitude quickly changed.  Dakota's face brightened on her very first ride and her excitement and smiles were quite contagious.  We bought her a pass where she could ride any of the rides as much as she wanted and we were so proud of her for getting on them by herself and trying things that she never would have tried a year ago.  My only disappointed was that we missed the dogs with monkeys on their backs...oh well, there is always next year! 

The Lord's Prayer

I couldn't decide which video to post because they are all so stinkin' cute.  Although she can say the whole Lord's Prayer without missing a line, we were unable to get it on video.  I'm so proud of Jacob for working with her on her memorization.  I think it's hilarious that she draws out her words and there is no denying that she is a southern girl when she says, "AyyyMan".  Love that little girl.

Dakota - Lord's Prayer Take 1
Dakota - Lord's Prayer Take 2
Dakota - Lord's Prayer Take 3
Dakota - Lord's Prayer Take 4
Dakota - Lord's Prayer Take 5

If those don't make you smile, I'm not sure what will!  Have a Happy Day!

Crafting: For the Birds

One thing we love in our house is crafting.  I've enjoyed putting things together since I was first introduced to macaroni noodles and glue.  I'm happy that my little girl (and my husband) takes after this love and it is something we do quite frequently.  Some of the crafts we make I pull out of my head, some are classics and some are inspired by another source.  We try to make crafts that can be displayed in a nice manner in our house or could be given as a present to a loved one.  I'm going to start sharing them on the blog so that you can enjoy them too. 

First up...Birdseed Pine Cones.  This is a classic.  We're loving the weather right now and we're loving our property so I thought that doing something outdoors that would beautify our yard would be a winner.  The birds will appreciate it too!

Supplies
Pine Cones
Peanut Butter
Bird Seed

Twine

1)  String a piece of twine between two trees so that it will be ready to hang the pine cones as you finish them. 

2)  Tie a piece of twine (approx. 12") around each of the pine cones before you get them all sticky.

3)  Spread peanut butter on the pine cone to act as glue.

4)  Roll the peanut buttered pine cone in the birdseed which you have poured on a plate or small box lid.

5)  Tie your finished pine cone on the twine you previously hung.

6)  Wait for the birds to enjoy their treat!

Celebrate: Peabody Elementary 100th

Peabody Elementary School has been teaching the Cooper Young Community for 100 years!  Our Church, Union Avenue Baptist Church, serves as neighborhood adopter to Peabody Elementary which has allowed us to minister to them and reach out to them in various ways...school supply drives, teacher breakfasts, career day, etc.  To celebrate the school's 100th birthday, UABC held a block party for the neighborhood which was attended by hundreds of people.  Dakota especially had a great time and was pooped at the end of the event. 

Adventure: Corban's First Camping Trip

This particular post should have been made months ago but since it took place during our period without internet it never got blogged.  It was an important trip so I don't want to forget it.

Those of you who have followed us for some time know that Dakota was just an itty bitty little thing when we took her on her first camping trip.  Less than 8 weeks to be exact.  Unfortunately for Corban, he was born in the fall so we had to wait until it warmed up enough to get him in a tent.  Jacob was anxiously awaiting the day that he could take his boy out to the woods for the first time.  He even bought a family tent for us since we have outgrown our little 2-man.  We decided to go to Albert Pike Recreation Area for our second annual Memorial Day Weekend camping trip.  It was really a great trip and Corban was a natural in the great outdoors.  Remember last years?  I can't believe how much Dakota has changed!

Some things I want to remember about this trip:

1)  Dakota's first Geocache.  This is something Jacob and I used to do a lot of when we lived in South Carolina and it's even how he proposed to me.  It was such a fun experience to watch Dakota find her first "treasure" and pick out her prize.

2)  Always filter your water!  Sounds obvious enough right?  Jacob and I are experienced backpackers and always use caution when it comes to our drinking water...except for this one time.  We had planned on staying at a campground with potable water so we didn't pack our filter.  Since it was Memorial Day Weekend and the campground was first come, first serve we were not able to get a site.  We ended up hiking a few miles down the river and found a site.  We knew it was stupid to drink unfiltered water but we said, "It will probably be fine."  Famous last words right??  When we got home Monday evening I was so achy and tired.  I kept saying, "Man, I sure am getting old for this sleeping on the ground business."  It sort of became a joke.  Tuesday I was so lethargic and would have to rest between every chore I did.  That evening I played in our church softball game but by the time I got home I was miserable.  I had a 102 temp.  By 10:30 it was 104.  It stayed that way all night.  I have never had a fever like that in my life and it was awful.  The next morning I had no energy and told Jacob he needed to stay home because there was no way I could take care of the kids.  He did and I went to a doctor to see what was up.  They tested it all...blood, urine, poop, snot.  Nothing came back that day except for me being dehydrated.  I continued to battle this for the next few days.  On Friday I got the call with the rest of my test results:  Campylobacter.  It was terrible and I would highly recommend that you not get it.  So filter your water...no matter how clean it looks.  Oh, and a PRAISE is that God protected the babies and Jacob from this yukkiness.  I'm just not sure their little bodies could have handled it.  I know God kept it away from them.

3)  I'm sure some of you heard about the terrible floods in Arkansas in early June.  The very place we laid our heads was wiped away exactly a week after we were there.  The river we camped along rose suddenly 20' in the middle of the night while people were sleeping in their tents.  The death toll was almost 20 people, the youngest being 2 years old and 60+ people had to be rescued.  I struggled with this news knowing that it could have easily been us had we gone a week later.  Thank you Jesus for continuous protection for my family and for reminding me that you still have work for me to do on this Earth.  Thank you for giving me more time with my husband and children.

Adventure: Birthday Trip to AZ & NV

Jacob broke the rules.  We bought a new house on March 27.  His birthday is March 12.  My birthday is April 17.  Our agreement was that we wouldn't be doing birthday presents since we were buying a new house.  Makes sense right?  Jacob got a bag full of repaired clothes that he had been piling up by my sewing machine (new buttons, patched holes, etc.).  This is what I got...

When I opened it I thought, "Oh, that's sweet.  He made me a collage of all of the things we like to do."  Then he said, "Get it?" and it clicked that we were leaving Memphis on a plane to Las Vegas to see Boundary Peak, the Grand Canyon and Humphreys Peak.  He had already purchased the plane tickets and reserved his mom for the week to come out and watch the kids.  That gave me 4 months to stock my freezer with milk for Corban and emotionally prepare myself for leaving my little ones for almost a week.  We have been looking forward to it since April.  So...this is how the trip went:

Wednesday, August 18

We left super early in the morning and flew to Las Vegas, NV.  The flights were thankfully uneventful which is a rarity these days.  Side Note:  American Airlines now makes you pay for a blanket if you want one.  It was freezing on the airplane which I'm pretty sure was conspiracy so you'd buy a blanket.  I needed one but refused to give in to such ridiculousness.  Anyway, I resume.  We got our rental car, ate lunch at a YUMMY Greek Restaurant and then drove about 4 hours to the trail head for Boundary Peak, the highest point in Nevada.  Since we still had several hours of daylight we decided to shorten the forthcoming day's hike of 14 miles by knocking out a few miles that evening.  We hiked about 4 miles up, up and up to 12,000 feet.  It was very tiring on me since I was not acclimated but we set up camp in the saddle of two mountains and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset.  At about 3 in the morning we both woke up and Jacob happened to look out the tent.  He told me to look out and I was taken aback by one of the most gorgeous things I have ever experienced.  EVERY single star was in the sky and since we were so high some of them appeared to be below us.  There was no way for us to capture it on camera (we tried).  I felt like God sprinkled those stars out there just for us to enjoy together that morning.  I couldn't help but sing "Indescribable, Uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name...You are AMAZING God."

Thursday, August 19

We overslept by about 30 minutes and got up around 6 to a beautiful sunrise.  We continued our hike up Boundary Peak and never saw a soul.  It was like the mountain was all ours on such a glorious day.  We reached the top after a steep rock scramble, enjoyed a snack and headed back down.  We did eventually see 2 other people but that was it.  We were in the middle of NOWHERE!  We picked up our tent and packs where we camped the night before and headed to the car.  We drove 7 hours to a campground just outside of the Grand Canyon so we would be ready for the next day.  Praise the Lord for safety during the 14 mile hike on Boundary Peak, high point #44 at 13,140' above sea level.  "You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."  Psalm 18:36.

Friday, August 20

We were able to sleep in a little since we had no set schedule but to enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon.  Side Note:  I use the term "sleep in" loosely as I believe we got up around 7 which was late compared to the day before and the day to come.  Anyway, I resume.  We spent most of the day walking along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon marveling at such an amazing creation.  I think these words describe the Grand Canyon perfectly: "The SPLENDOR of the King, clothed in MAJESTY.  Let ALL the Earth rejoice."  The GC was draped in God's splendor just as a mighty king might be covered in a beautiful robe.  Jacob and I kept saying that we just don't understand how one could look out at something so incredible and not see Creator God's fingerprints all over it.

We even got to enjoy some unique architecture designed by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, a pioneer in women's architecture.  Pictures of Hopi House and Lookout Studio shown.

After we finished enjoying what we could of the Grand Canyon, in the time we had (obviously we could have spent a week just exploring this one area but we had other places to be), we drove to Hart's Prairie a nice place to set up a tent and sleep before our next big hike. 

Saturday, August 21

We woke up at 5:00 as planned and had a 30 minute drive to the trail head of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, arriving there right before 6 am.  Praise the Lord that he yanked us out of bed(?) because there was a sign that read, "Road Closed 6am-11am".  There was a huge cancer walk about to take place on the road that led up to the mountain and they were not letting any cars on it.  It was God's protection that we got there before they closed the road.  Side Note:  There was a BIG Outback Steakhouse truck at the trail head as part of the cancer walk.  All I could think about the entire time I was hiking is how great it would be if they were waiting for me with a sirloin in their hands when we finished hiking.  They were still there when we finished but so were several thousand other people who participated in the event so we stayed away.  Anyway, I resume.  This part of Arizona was NOTHING like what I would have expected.  The mountain was gorgeous and lush, full of tall aspens and open meadows.  I would have thought it would have been dry and arid.  Not the case.  Our climb was refreshing and since we were now acclimated I could tell that all of my running was paying off.  There were several people on the summit enjoying the 360 degree views.  We are thankful for God's protection during the 10.4 mile hike on Humphreys Peak, high point #45 at 12,633' above sea level.

After we finished our hike and dined at Bun Huggers in Flagstaff we drove to Sedona, Arizona.  I had heard great things about Sedona and the red rocks of the area.  It was as beautiful as I hoped it would be and we enjoyed being a tourist in their town...even partaking in their $3 a scoop! ice cream in honor of Papa's birthday.  That evening we grabbed a bucket of chicken and found a forest service road where we could camp.  Another perfect day.

Sunday, August 22

We didn't have much planned for Sunday other than eating and heading back to Vegas for our first shower (yea, we smelled gooood) and sleeping in a king sized, fluffy bed at a Marriott.  And that's pretty much all we did.  We did stop by the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on the drive and marveled at such an immense engineering feat.  It was pretty impressive but the $7 parking and the pending shower kept us moving along.  We enjoyed a drive by of the Las Vegas strip so I could say,  "been there, done that" and slept a good night's sleep. 

Monday, August 23

We woke up our earliest yet, 4:30am, to return our rental car and board our plane to Memphis.  We had an amazing trip but there were 2 really special little people that I was DYING to see so getting up that early was not too bad.  Thankfully the flights home went smooth and we arrived home on time.  We got home during nap time but I couldn't wait any longer...I had to hold my babies so I woke them up :).

Conclusion

I am thankful for God's creation and the financial and physical ability to be able to experience what he has made.  God truly does reveal and show himself to us on our many excursions in ways that we never could experience at home.  I am thankful for the husband God has given me...a husband who will never stop being adventurous or never stop challenging me to try new things.  I am thankful for family who supports us, even when they are sometimes fearful of the things we do.  They support us by praying for us and helping out with the kids and sometimes travelling with us...THANK YOU SO MUCH SALLY for enduring a physically hard week yourself with endless hours of playing pretend and play dough and changing poopy diapers.  I am thankful for beautiful children...a daughter who answered the phone each day with "I LOVE YOU MOMMY" and a son that I could hear banging pots and pans together in the background.  I am thankful for friends and a church body who listen to (or read) our stories and live vicariously through them.  I am truly a blessed woman...God is TOO good.

Hmmm...So what's next?  We've started talking Mt. Hood & Mt. Rainier for summer 2011 which will require lots of training, lots of saving and lots of planning.  "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:21  I'll keep you updated!

Classic: Baby LOVES Spaghetti

Classic: Baby LOVES Water

Celebrate: Critterbug Turns 3!

Dakota You are a priceless gem.  You make our faces smile and our hearts beam.  You are a burst of energy, fun and sunshine.  You are a helper and a servant.  You are kind and compassionate.  You have a desire to learn and have your daddy's love of books.  You amaze us with your thoughts and insights.  You are tough yet gentle.  You are already questioning who Jesus is and that makes us thankful.  You love fruit snacks and gummy bears.  Your name means "Friend" and you are such a good one.  Thank you for the past 3 amazing years.  Thank you for teaching mommy and daddy to love in a new way.  Thank you for making us laugh so much and thank you for bringing tears of joy to our eyes so many times.  We love you.  We love you.  We love you. 

HAPPY 3rd Birthday!!

August 5, 2010

French toast with whipped cream and sprinkles!

We are so thankful that family could come in town to celebrate our little girl's 3rd birthday.  Now that we have more space we were able to have everybody spend the night with us in the house and it was so fun.  I so appreciate all of the help that was given to pulling off a fun "BUG BASH" and Dakota does too.  We went with a bug theme this year and it was really fun.  I don't know that I've ever seen a little girl more excited than when Dakota woke up from her nap and said, "Is it time for my birthday party now?" and we could finally say, "YES!"  She had been waiting for months for her celebration and we are so glad she had such a fun time with her friends.  The day ended with her coming up to me and hugging me and saying, "Thank you for my birthday party Mommy...Goodnight."  I love her thankful spirit.  She teaches me daily.

RHS Class of 2000 - Reunited

It's cliche but time sure has flown by!  I can't believe I just celebrated my 10 year high school reunion.  I loved high school.  Some people are glad to get out of high school and never look back.  I know at the time I was ready to go to college (especially because a certain boy was already there!) but I look back on my days at Riverside and miss some of the great times we had.  Here are some of the things I loved about high school:

Playing soccer almost everyday.  First Priority.  Giving the teachers a hard time (I know they enjoyed it too!).  Escorting my friends to and from school.  Socializing.  Before school breakfasts at Waffle House and Broadway Bagels.  BCBC youth group (choir tours, retreats, mission trips).

I wasn't going to attend my reunion because it's an 8 hour drive back home and the week prior I had the opportunity to re-roof a house for a lady with our church.  We weren't supposed to be done with the house until Friday so it seemed silly to drive home Saturday.  Once I realized we were going to finish the house on Thursday I started rethinking my idea.  I knew I would regret missing this reconnection with old friends (although thanks to Facebook I still keep in touch with my favorites) so I decided to make the trek across the mid-south with the kiddos for the weekend.  It was so great to see all of the people that walked through some of the hardest days of my life with me (losing mom my freshman year) and to hear about their kids and families and jobs.  I'm looking forward to the next one...maybe we'll have a 15?

I've added a few comparisons for you...enjoy!

1987 - Kindergarten at Creative World of Learning. 

I've known Rebecca Burns longer than anybody else at the reunion.  We have fun memories of slumber parties as little girls, eating cheese toast and my mom trying to calm her down so she'd actually stay the whole night :). 

So sad that Danielle and I didn't get a good picture together at the reunion.  Danielle became one of my best friends as we braved Doc Moser's Algebra I honors class and she prayed me through the loss of my mom.  She was my cohort in crime in Mrs. Hannah's biology class and is still such a precious friend to me.  Danielle and I carpooled for a good part of high school and it only seemed fitting for her and Will to pick me up on the way to the reunion.  Love you GB (only you are not really a GB any longer...what happened???).

These girls are such sweet friends.  Lindsay and Cindy and I played soccer together for many years.  Senior year of high school the four of us had Service Learning together.  Once a week we got to eat out for lunch and then head to a local nursing home.  Lauren and I headed to Clemson and continued our weekly meals.  By the time we graduated college all 4 of us were at Clemson and still tried to get together weekly for dinner.  In the past 6 years that I've lived in Memphis we have still tried to get together when I return to Greenville.

Couldn't leave you without a prom picture of me and Jacob!! :)