Rainy Day Fun

We spent Memorial Day at the North Carolina Zoo with our friends, the Tuttle Family plus "Mimi" Chris' mom.  Chris and Dan spent several college summers on staff at Montreat Conference Center.  They've been friends ever since.  We consider them family.  It's been such a treat to live just a few hours away from each other while we're in N. Carolina.  We've gotten to enjoy some really fun times together. On our way to Ashboro, look what pulled onto the interstate from the Charlotte Motor Speedway...Graham was so tickled to see a NASCAR car carrier!

It was sunny and very warm when we arrived.  About an hour into our time there, a cool breeze kicked up, the clouds rolled in and it started to rain.  Not just a little.  A lot of rain.  Fortunately, we were on our way to see the chimpanzees when it started sprinkling, and there was a nice covered area there.  The kids LOVED it!  They were just running around with the chimps (who also happen to love playing in the rain)! 

These huge glass panels were all that separated "us" from "them".

Resourceful Aunt Carrie just happened to have crayons and paper, score! The kiddos enjoyed coloring in between running around in the rain.

Hannah Reece just could not help herself.  :)  She tells me she would love to paint her hair black like Gabriella Montez on High School Musical.  I haven't told her yet that there are millions of women (like her momma!) who spend way too much money trying to have hair the color of hers! 

 

The kiddos making their best chimp faces in the mirror

It was such a great day.  :)  We will really miss these dear friends.

December Daily: Days 12-14

Friends, food and fun pretty much sums up the last few days. :)

Three of Dan's buddies from high school youth group and their (adorable!) families came over to play on Saturday night. When you mix pizza, brownies, old friends and their silly kiddos you get this:
While the wives sit and eat pizza and brownies like civilized humans...see!? ;)

These are the times I look most forward to during the Christmas holidays!


Sunday was a day for rest and re-grouping...starting to think about packing for our travels, plus preparing our home and my list for the busy week ahead. We went to church in the morning, and though it was SO hard to get going because the weather was wet and cold....we would've missed out on an awesome time of worship and reflection if we'd stayed in our jammies! So we went, came home, got back into our warm jammies :) and took LONG naps.


Today, Hannah Reece and I went to a cookie decorating party with some sweet ladies from church and their little ones. Look at this lovely spread!


And my sweet girl creating one of many delicious masterpieces (she had such a good time!):


Tonight we drove to this cute little town to look at lights. Our tradition began two years ago: bundle the kiddos up in their jammies, pile into the car with hot chocolate and a snack (popcorn last year, Dunkin' donut this year) and drive around listening to Christmas music while we "ooohhh and aaaaahh" at all of the beautiful lights.

I hope to post a Christmas home tour later in the week...stay tuned! :)

A tricky day...that started with a treat!

After a day like yesterday, I've just gotta VENT! Shoot- that blasted dog (cute as she may be) is about to be homeless if she poops on my floor AGAIN! AAAAggghhh!

I miss my hubby....did I say that already? He's working at church in Florida this weekend. Yesterday was a day that I would like to qualify as "a character building experience". Mom, aren't you proud of me for sayin' that and not something else? Graham talked about wanting to go to trunk or treat (which is a tradition at our church in FL) ALL DAY LONG.

If you've ever watched Seinfeld, you'll appreciate what I'm about to say. Living in Bonita Springs is a little like living in Del Boca Vista (the retirement community where Jerry's parents live) Gated community after gated community. So...my kids have never really had a "typical" trick or treat experience going from house to house begging for goodies. Instead, our wonderful church there hosts this carnival/trunk or treat where the kiddos walk up and down the ailes of parked cars, lavishly decorated trunks open wide with wonderful people that we know (I love that part) passing out candy to the kids. It is so much fun.

Now, back to my sob story. :) Coupled with the fact that we're all missing Daddy, it was POURING rain (so we had to go to the mall), Hannah Reece has diarrhea, and that when I picked up Reecie earlier in the day-I pulled a muscle in my belly....well, you get the picture! The day was shaping up to be a rough one. Oh! Not to mention the fact that we got to the mall, I whipped out my camera to get pics of my darling High Sch**l Music*l Cheerleader and Clone Tro*per and the screen said...[no memory card] my response..."perfect!" You know, it was just the poop-flavored cherry on top! Anyway, I hope you're laughing right now because I am!

Just so you don't feel TOO sorry for me-there was ONE redeeming part of our day...my treat. ;) Earlier that morning I hit The Nester's rockin' yard sale! Yup, I was one of the lucky ones, I told her I was even gonna brag about it right here on my blog ;) she was so gracious and kind-she even let me take my picture with her...I'm telling y'all-this lady is a blogging celebrity!

And my bargain-huntin' sidekicks (can you tell it was early?)

As someone with VERY little (or no) decorating budget, her clever, thrifty ideas on how to dress-up our little nest have been an encouragement to me. My all time favorite thing she does is show many ways to "mistreat" your windows.

Here are some of our fun finds for the day: (thanks for the awesome deals Nester!)

Hannah Reece picked out this flower arrangement for the girls' room-usually I don't go for "silks" but this one was very cute; A giant mirror (so many places I could put this!); and some cute throw pillows...Reecie is displaying a bristly, fish ball thingy that she found at the sale.
Some lovely Matelasse euro-shams for the living room; mirrored candlesticks for our bedroom; and a giant MESS of pinkie ribbons that I'm sure will come in handy!

Graham helped me with this pile ;) : A red fleece for me; two DVD's for the kiddos and my first baby girl item...a burp cloth hand made by the Nester with this cute black and white toile scene stitched in pink! (Not pictured a Nascar book and hat just for Graham :)

I'm hoping my kiddos will agree to dress up again today, maybe I'll have pics of them all decked out after all, or not. :)

One last thing, can you believe how GORGEOUS this tree is? I had to bust a u-turn to get a shot of this autumn glory. No matter how pretty I try to dress my nest, reminds me that God is concerned about me seeking him (and focusing on eternal things), and he will meet my needs abundantly. Thank you, Lord. Perfect timing.

Luke 12:
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

The comfort of a Familiar Face

I was so happy to hear from my friend, Ms. Katie, who would be traveling to NC to visit her grandchildren for the week. We had a wonderful time visiting together while the kids played in the awesome playroom. Hannah Reece LOVED riding the big 'ol pony! Lately, she is showing an affinity for all things equine. Graham had a ball on the Big Wheel outside-that brought back a flood of memories of the neighborhood Big Wheel races when I was a little girl!

Look at these rose bushes in the yard! So, so pretty, and the clouds actually cleared for a while, we've had a lot of rain around these parts.

This move has been an adventure. As much as I look forward to meeting new people and scouting out new places-building relationships does take plenty of time and effort. During this season, nothing is as comforting as a hug around the neck from a dear, familiar friend-one who knows me well. It's as refreshing and enjoyable as a tall glass of sweet tea on a warm Carolina day! I'm so grateful for you, Ms. Katie!

Speaking of familiar faces....my momma and daddy (aka Nana and Papa) will be here tomorrow...WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! The question of the day around here: "Is it Wednesday, now?"

Spring is in the Air!

Pictured: 1) Our neighbor has Iris', aren't they gorgeous? 2) Graham calls these little pods on the huge tree in the front yard, "wigglers". 3) Thanks to the T*rg*t $1 section we scored some fun kid-sized garden tools and wildflower seeds to replace the weeds in our pots out front. Hopefully I'll have pictures of those later his summer! 4) Caterpillar examination 5) Reecie in her "pink fwowas". They are her favorite, our flower beds are full of them...anyone know their name?

Spring has sprung! Hannah Reece and Graham prefer to be outside in the yard or going for a walk or a bike ride on the sidewalk. And when we're in...they'd rather be out! I'll admit, being able to just walk out the back door without descending 3 flights of stairs or an elevator ride down is pretty wonderful! The weather is cool in the morning and just right all day long. Graham's favorite outdoor activities include his auto-pitch t-ball thingy, playing lightsabers on the deck, digging in the dirt, riding the scooter and playing hopscotch. Hannah Reece prefers picking flowers, playing baseball, laying in the grass on a blanket, "playing princess" (spinning around in her dress in the grass) and riding her tricycle. These days, Roly-polys and caterpillars are our favorite source of entertainment!

Changes...

For the last five years, Dan has successfully managed to balance family life, vocational ministry, and graduate studies that include bi-monthly trips to Charlotte for class. God has used this time to stretch and refine us in so many ways....and His faithfulness has held us up through it all. We have been absolutely amazed at his provisions for rest, encouragement, and for everything we have needed to persevere in this journey. The Lord has patiently and lovingly revealed his plan every step of the way.

This is officially Dan's "last year" of seminary at Gordon Conwell. He will graduate (Lord willing!) May, 2010.

Last month, on our monthly pilgrimage, Dan and I started to explore the possibility of reversing our current situation: 3-4 weeks in Bonita Springs/ 1 week in Charlotte, to the opposite, so that Dan could be present, and on campus for his demanding 15-credit-hour schedule this semester. He will return to Bonita Springs for one week, two Sundays a month to fulfill his role and responsibilities at church. (Along with lots of technology to communicate the rest of the month!)

We are grateful that the church leadership has been so supportive of this plan, and have enthusiastically expressed their support and encouragement for Dan to pursue this calling.

All that said, pending session approval on March 19th, we'll be moving to Charlotte on April 1st!

We look forward to Dan having the opportunity to fully immerse himself in his education this last year...he'll have access to the seminary library and all of the other wonderful resources that will only be a short drive from our new front door.

Here's a photo of our new abode...complete with a yard and sidewalks (a huge blessing for a five year old boy and two year old girl with more energy than this little condo can handle!) The back yard has a little hill that meets up with the neighbors back yard, and Graham already has big plans for that hill--thinkin' I'd better figure out where the nearest hospital is located! I'm thankful, excited, and quickly realizing that between moving and traveling back-and-forth regularly, this year is going to be a busy one!

Fun times...

(pictured top row L-R): Nichole, Paeton, Matt, Dan, Graham, Tom, Jen, Emma (in the pouch), Nancy, Sarah
(bottom row L-R): Raeghan, Hannah Reece, Colton, Taylor, Jacob, Roger, Logan


...just returned from a trip to Sea World with the WHOLE Oedy family this weekend...the kids had an absolute blast hanging out, caravaning to Orlando, and being at the hotel together. In fact, they woke up this morning fussing about how they missed the cousins and wanted to ride in Uncle Tom's bus (van) again! Dan and I did not grow up around extended family, and feel very thankful to enjoy these times where our children view their nine (age 8 and under) cousins as their closest friends and preferred playmates.

Now I'm downloading and organizing photos (check the link at the right for new albums in the photo collection), looking around at my house that is a growing disaster area since we've returned, and trying to regroup for the next trip! WHEW!

We're in quarantine this week...hoping to stay healthy so we can visit the Tuttle's this weekend on our way up to Charlotte. Looking forward to the moment when we will rejoice with the Tuttles in person for this miracle that God has worked for Heath, as he continues to make steady progress.

Dan's getting in gear to spend the week in class at Gordon Conwell. I'm looking forward to relaxing at the Lodge...with plenty of opportunities for some quality time with Graham and Hannah Reece while Dan's in class. Simple pleasures will fill our days... I look forward to preparing a meal with Dan, then sitting down as a family for dinner...bundling up outside in the rocking chairs...cuddling up for a movie after the kids hop into their bunks. Did I mention-no internet access at the Lodge? As much fun as it is to be connected....I think this could be a welcomed break.

The last month turned out to be a flurry of activity. Honestly-I long for ordinary days of laundry (did I seriously just type that???) & chores, with intermittent story-times, lego building, car races, and dress-up. I'm realizing that these days with Graham and Reece, all to myself, are QUICKLY FLEETING. They're growing up so quickly... and that flurry of activity is gonna last for much more than a month! So on Thursday, we'll drive....and I intend to make the most every single minute of the journey.