Little did we know...

6 years ago today, our lives changed in the blink of an eye!  One email, a quick phone call with our adoption attorney, a few hours of waiting and then the words "get your nursery ready, you're about to have a baby" completely changed our lives!  We had NO CLUE the SPUNK this little one would bring to our lives.  The birthday week celebration began yesterday with peach milkshakes from Chick Fil A before dinner...who knows what today will have in store, but this little one is READY!

Monday's by the pool with your people

Today was another gorgeous day by the pool!  Aunt Tomi Jean and Grace joined us and therefore my girls' days was made!  My plan was to swim from 10:30-1.  We packed some boiled peanuts for a snack and would eat lunch at home.  Well the girls were 'starving' at 12:30.  I told them to dry off and we would head home...Aunt Tomi Jean offered to make lunch by the pool.  Of course, that is what they chose.  So we made sandwiches and continued to enjoy the pool until around 3.  What a fun day!!

The girls attempted to stack 3 on top but it didn't work...this is what I got!

Grace and Caroline discovered that Uncle Greg was correct...the swing turns into a bed.  They created a very nice shaded spot to rest and read.

Summer Living

We are SO VERY THANKFUL for Aunt Tomi Jean and Uncle Greg's pool!  We visit regularly...I told them they would most likely get tired of seeing us...Uncle Greg said "If we do, we will just close our eyes!" :-)  We've settled into our summer routine well...we arrive, put on sunscreen and check the pool drains while waiting for the sunscreen to dry.  The girls are always SO excited to find a toad or two...this particular day the toad road on a float with the girls.  I don't particularly care for the toad but they love it!  All for making memories!

YUMMY Blueberries

Miss Lori's blueberries are ready and they are SO good!!!!!!  The girls each picked a container of their own.  I had plans to make a cobbler or something...they had plans to enjoy right away!  We have laughed and said if Maggie begins turning blue we will know why! :-)  Caroline doesn't like store bought blueberries but LOVES them fresh from the bush. We will enjoy as many as she lets us have!

Reading with Maggie

I have heard wonderful things about BOB books but have never personally used them.  However, with the kindergarten year being cut short and Maggie heading into first grade in the fall, I have been a little worried that Maggie wasn't reading.  I know that they will learn when they are ready but I also know most first graders will be reading in the fall.  So I ordered these books for us to work on.  Maggie wants to read so very badly but would prefer to look at the pictures and memorize the story.  I have VERY vivid memories of sitting on my bed as a little girl reading with my daddy and doing exactly what Maggie is doing.  Rushing through and not actually reading...I hated reading as a kid but now it is my absolute FAVORITE hobby.  I pray that Maggie too will fall in love with reading!  And thanks to COVID we have an extra month to work on it before school starts!

Caroline's thoughts on Camp

Hello! This is Caroline. My mom asked me to write some things about the camp I went to, Camp Ridge Haven. When I first learned about Ridge Haven it was from my friend Josie. She went last year with her sister and thought that I would like to go with her. Of course I wanted to go but we still weren't sure if I could or not. Finally, after several weeks of waiting and my parents praying, I went. Ridge Haven is located in Brevard, NC. It took just under 4 hours to get there. I was so excited. Once I got there I met my counselor, Hannah, and met one of my first bunkmates, Selah.  Now, as soon as I told my parents about Selah, they started debating about what it ment. So, we asked Paul (The british male siri) and he said it was a "pause" used in The Psalms. Mom wins again! 

One of the first activities I did there was a thing called Quad Squad. It is made up of 4 activities. They include; Swimming (across the lake and back), Running (one mile), Scripture Memory (Philippians 2:5-11), and  Community Service. We couldn't do community service though. If you completed all four (or three in our case) you got to sign a Ridge Haven T-Shirt which later gets framed and hung in the Soda Shop. I got to sign the T-Shirt! After lots and lots of hard work I did it! I got to sign the shirt Saturday before I left. 

Another one of the things I liked was Session. It is like when you go to church, with singing and worship. Pastor Jay preached for us. He talked through Romans 8:1-4. He was a really good speaker. 

One of the best things about Ridge Haven is the food! They never have the same thing twice!!! So each morning, noon, and night we had to wait to see what we were having. The food was always good though, so, it didn't really matter what we were having. 

 

Another important thing about RH is the Soda Shop. It has an icecream bar along with the camp store. My favorite icecream there was Fly fishing Fudge. It was vanilla ice cream with caramel, chocolate chunks, cookie dough bites, and M&M's. It was soooo good. The camp store only allowed 3 people in it at a time so you had to wait. But once you are in you pick up a basket and LOOK around. You weren't allowed  to touch anything so once you knew what you wanted, you asked a lady and she would get everything for you. 

One of the things we did there was called Mission Impossible. The name suits it well! The staff members had to chase all the campers with orders. The campers had to try and and somehow get across the field and back  without getting tapped by a pool noodle or getting hit by a squirt gun. Another thing you could do was get in a group of 3, (me, Josie, and Selah) and you went through the woods. It was harder to see in there so the staff members could easily jump out from behind a tree. You had to blend in and once (without knowing) me and Selah hid in a small stream! No one caught us but we didn't get any orders signed and went back to our base. :-( But the important thing is that we had fun.  

The Barnyard Dance was also fun. We were sectioned off and then when Wesley (the leader) turned on a song sometimes, you had to do specific dances. The most serious dance was the chicken dance though. If you smiled Wesley would cry. We stayed there till 10:30 and then we sang around a campfire. It was 12:00 when we went to bed that night. 

The last thing I am going to talk about is the activities. Each day we walked to a field for activities. There was; Giant volleyball, archery, etc.. Each activity was fun in it's own way. 

I hope you enjoyed reading the things I did at Ridge Haven! 

Father's Day

Father's Day is tricky for our house.  We want to celebrate Andy but with both of our fathers gone, it can be a sad day.  Memories flood our thoughts.  Today at church we were reminded that our father's are in a better place, living their best life and they wouldn't come back for anything in this world, nor would we want them to!!

So today we celebrated the wonderful father in our house!  Andy leads us and loves us well!  We are so thankful for him.  We started the morning with a yummy, homemade cheese danish, his favorite.  For lunch we enjoyed delicious tomato sandwiches.  Then we headed to moms to visit, to pick up yummy bread she made for us and to celebrate Mr. Archie.  Bob and his family came over to visit.  Sadly Daniel was working.  The girls and I have Andy a personalized ice cream scoop for Father's Day.  So to use it, I made homemade peach ice cream for him.  (He wasn't sure I could do it but I did and it was delicious!)  We enjoyed sharing the yumminess with everyone. 

The girls fell asleep on the way home.  That is some good sleep right there!!

Camp Ridge Haven

Monday morning we left home around 9:30 AM to take Caroline to her first week long camp.  My emotions were ALL over the place.  It was hard enough that we were leaving our baby at camp for the first time but with all the 'issues' surrouding COVID-19, I was even more anxious.  We asked several medical professionals their advice.  Because Caroline is young and healthy, they felt she would be ok.  (I will be feel better when our 10 day period is over.)  Travel went well and before we knew it, we were pulling in to the entrance of Ridge Haven.  (Side note: I drove through the Green River Gorge which has terrified me since I was a little girl.  It's a scary section of mountain but I did it!  I was so PROUD of myself!)  I fought tears off and on during the trip and especially as we waited to unpack.  Caroline was a little quiet, said she was a little nervous but super excited! 

Because of COVID drop off was a little different.  They unloaded 3 cars at a time.  Before we could unload, they checked the temperature of everyone in the car.  Then someone loaded her luggage on a golf cart and took it to her cabin.  They came back, sanitized the cart before loading the next persons items.  They allowed us to check in with only 2 parents in the check in section.  Once we got her checked in, the photographer took our picture.  If you zoom in on this picture, you can tell I am bawling my eyes out even through the smile.  Caroline barely gave me a hug, I gave her a kiss and off she went with her counselor Hannah.  I got in the car and continued to cry as I drove down the mountain.  Andy asked if I was ok and if he needed to drive.  I said "NO, just pray for our girl!"

Each day the camp loaded pictures for parents to see.  I stalked that site like a crazy person.  I LOVED getting to see a glimpse of my sweet girl!  In every single picture she was smiling which made my heart happy.  Every night as we prepared for bed, we counted down how many more 'sleeps' we had until we picked her up!  You will notice that she has on a sweatshirt and leggings.  This week was extremely cool.  The temps at night were upper 50's and during the day, their warmest day was lower 70's.  For those of us who attended summer camp, I remember sweating during outside time...this sounded like a dream!  

One evening, they had mission impossible.  It was an obstacle course sort of thing at night.  They had to make it through the course without getting caught.  

This picture reminds me of a post card.  This was them waiting for their turn on the kayaks.  This was her cabin crew.

Morning worship on the side of the mountain!

Their final night included the barnyard dance  These pictures looked like so much fun!

So very thankful she got to experience camp with her best friend Josie!

Andy and I left home at 4:23 AM to get our girl.  We were so excited that it was pick up day!  Maggie got lucky once again to skip the trip.  She was living her best life with Aunt Tomi Jean and family.  I was SO happy to see the first glance of mountains...I knew I was close to hugging my baby again!

Traffic was great and we made it to camp at 8:35.  We were the second car in line, waiting for the gate to open.  I was SO thankful and giddy to see my girl come out from her "holding" place!!!!!  While waiting, we had several folks tell us what a joy it was to interact with Caroline this week.  Made my momma heart oh so happy!  This is a picture of her sweet counselor Hannah!  

Reunited and it FELT SO GOOD!!!!!!!!! 

She talked for about an hour about all of the different things they did.  The friends she made, the food they ate and how 'cold' it was!  She stayed awake about 3 hours before crashing.

I'm extremely thankful for this experience for Caroline.  It was a big milestone for all of us. I pray that if the Lord is willing, she will get to enjoy many more years at camp!!

Happy 17th Anniversary to US!!

What a blessing to celebrate 17 years of marriage...crazy!  The more we are blessed with years together, the more that I realize what a gift it is.  We see friends struggle through divorce, we see young families torn apart because of death, it isn't lost on us that even though life isn't easy, it's not to be taken lightly or for granted that we will get another year together.  

With our anniversary falling on Father's Day, we celebrated tonight. We dropped Maggie off early with Tomi Jean to spend the night.  We picked up dinner from a local Greek place and enjoyed a quiet night at home.  We had great conversation about the highs, the lows and things we look forward to in the upcoming year.  It was good to have honest conversation without interruptions. 

Here's to the next year!!

A Fun Week with Maggie

Andy and I have enjoyed our one on one time with Maggie this week.  She has been an absolute joy!  We've had movie nights, sleeping with us, eating her favorite foods and most of all, just being with her.  Leading up to Caroline going to camp, Maggie said she wouldn't miss her.   By Tuesday, she was missing her.  She said "Mommy, Charlie told me misses Caroline...I guess I do to!"  On Wednesday she said "I'm going to my room to do nothing...cause there is NOTHING to do!"  :-)  Poor girl!  She has enjoyed her time as an only child but she is also looking forward to having sissy home!

Playdate with Nori

Jill came to Maggie's rescue on Monday.  She saved her from a 8 1/2 plus hour ride in the car.  Maggie was thrilled to get to go to Nori's house for the entire day.  She was so excited!  She woke up asking was it time to go yet. She was waiting at the door for Jill to arrive!  All throughout the day, Jill sent me text of the kids having fun.  Needless to say, everyone slept well Monday night!

I did it!!! I'm half way there!

For those following my journey to get fit AND lose 40 pounds before my 40th birthday, I am halfway there!!  I honestly can't believe it!  I have tried for many years with ZERO results.  I truly believe that the quarantine and Caroline's daily PE class helped jump start my fitness goals. Sadly since school got out, I haven't been as good as I was about daily exercise.  Although I am aware and I'm trying hard not to let go of the good habits I have established thus far. I still have a long ways to go but I am proud of myself!  I feel better!  I have a sense of pride in myself, knowing that my hard work is paying off.  Now to continue...to truly make this a lifestyle change and not just change for the moment!

Maggie's random conversation

We laugh all the time at the random conversations that Maggie has.  This conversation with Jill is another example of her randomness.  

"My dad use to have a motorcycle, then Mom made him get rid of it.  You need to wear a helmet when you ride, most people don't,  I wear one on my bike. Mom does too unless it's a day she gets a haircut then she doesn't."

This is very true...momma doesn't mess up the beautiful hair Mrs. Jennifer fixed on haricut day! :-)

Reunited and it feels SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Well thanks to COVID, Jill and I didn't purchase a summer membership to the Y like we typically do.  We both commented how much we miss the Y.  We didn't realize that it is what made our summer...kept our kids off electronics and allowed us to enjoy 3 months of catching up! Thankfully for us, Aunt Tomi Jean and Uncle Greg have graciously allowed us to use their pool.  Today was our first day meeting at the pool.  Our kids were SO happy to see each other.  Other than 1 drive way visit, this is our first time together since all this mess started in March.  The kids play so well together and had so much fun!  I hope we will be able to continue these visits around the pool!  

Walking with Uncle Greg

One of my favorite things about vacation is my morning walks with Uncle Greg.  Typically it is just the two of us.  I get up, get dressed and wait for his text asking if I'm up and ready.  We walk to get the paper, take an extra loop and head back, long before any of the others in our crew wake up.  We talk about random things...mostly his life experiences, which are so interesting.  We typically get in about 3 miles each morning.  This year we were extremely blessed with beautiful weather.  I don't think we ever broke a sweat, which is not typical for our walks.  Just another reason I love time spent with Uncle Greg!

Oh Daddy, how can it be 14 years?

Earlier this week I was cutting up a cantaloupe for the girls.  (We go through several a week during the summer.)  As I tasted this one, I thought of how sweet it was.  Immediately, my mind went to sitting at the kitchen table with my daddy sharing a cantaloupe!  Mom would cut it in half, clean out the seeds and put it on a plate.  Daddy and I would add salt and pepper and enjoy!  I don't know if my mom ever joined us and I'm pretty sure my brothers never did.  But Daddy and I LOVED it.  I don't typically eat it with salt and pepper anymore but every once and a while I do...and when I do, I think of my daddy.  I took my cantaloupe outside and enjoyed the goodness while remembering my daddy.

I can't believe today marks 14 years since my Daddy went to be with Jesus.  I miss his dearly!  I grieve for the many memories he has missed out on.  I grieve that our time was cut short, according to my standards. But I am so thankful for the memories.  I will never forget 14 years ago someone told me "It wouldn't hurt so bad if the memories weren't so good!"  Here's to the memories Daddy, I love you and miss you oh so much!

But why I cucumbers????

So  I walked into the kitchen today to find this.  When I asked Caroline about it, she smiled and carefully explained.  She had to superglue a piece on the sole of her shoe.  She needed something to hold it in place while it dried.  I mean she gets a 10 for creativeness, effectiveness and problem solving but why did she have to use my cucumbers?????? 

Sweet memory!

About 2 weeks before the quarantine began, we took Spring Pictures at school.  As I watched Maggie stand there, I asked the photographer if I could jump in quickly for a picture with her.   This was her last school picture with me...Little did we know that our school year was going to be cut short...really short, really quickly.  We didn't get our official last day of school picture together but I am so thankful for this picture!!  It is a sweet reminder of our last days at school.

Today I registered this 'baby' for First Grade.  I'm not truly ready to let her go  but she on the other hand can't wait!

Oh no, this was a first!

We were heading out of town for our beach vacation and forgot something at the house.  I didn't want to leave Ms. Susan and the girls in the heat so I left the van running and went in through the garage.  As I was walking out, Caroline loudly but calmly said "There is a snake in over here" pointing to the front bushes.  I said "WHAT?"  She repeated and sure enough it was! YIKES! We have lived in this house almost 16 years and NEVER once had a snake in our yard. I certainly wasn't getting close and I prayed it moved on.  I did call our neighbor Neil to let him to know be on the lookout.  He got the closer picture...not me.  He determined it was a water snake and thankfully it was gone the next day.  

I must say that I it freaked me out a wee bit.  I love being outside and sitting on my porch.  I checked and double checked everytime I sat on my porch.  I think Andy and our neighbor Billy jinked us when we were working on the shutters.  Andy said "we have never seen a snake in all of our time here" and Billy was like "us either."  WRONG BOYS!  Thankful I didn't see this bad boy when I was in those very bushes.

Saturday when we were working in the yard, our back door neighbor came out.  She informed us that they found a Water Moccasin in their garage last week.  They killed it...so did the other neighbor who saw one on their evening walk.  YIKES!  Snakes, I don't like you but as long as you don't invade my space I won't hurt you...please stay in the creek, rivers, swamp, etc. 

We didn't want to leave

Originally when we looked at the forecast today had an 80% chance of rain.  However, we held out hope that it would pass and it did!  It was a little cloudy to start with and there were several times it looked like the bottom might fall out but it never did!  It was heavenly.  We all soaked up every ounce of sunshine, sand and waves that we could!  Crazy to think that next year, Lord willing, Jack and Grace will have just completed their first year of college.  That is nuts!!  It was a real blessing to enjoy this extra time with them before they head off to school.  SO thankful for them and their love for our girls!