Started with a bang!

Ok, I am EXHAUSTED!!!! We are back from our camping excursion! Just wanted to write real quick, that we are home and unpacked. I started the trip with a bang! I woke up with a migraine Friday morning. It was the 2nd one in a week. I felt HORRIBLE!! I had no idea how I was going to do all the last minute things to get ready for our trip, much less how I was going to enjoy the weekend with a migraine. I finally got myself ready, took Nathan to VBS and ran a few errands. Along the way, I was getting worse. I finally called my chiropractor and they said to come right in. So, I was off. When I left his office, I felt better, but he said I had TMJ and it was causing it. I didn't know it was from TMJ. Didn't know I had TMJ. I didn't even touch that subject, I was just thinking.... "Okay, fix it. I want to feel better." Jason worked a half day, came home, helped me get things loaded and we were off. There will be more to come from our adventure. Stay tuned...... I'm off to bed.

I have lots to do tomorrow. My sister and her family are coming tomorrow evening! It'll be a busy week.

Misery Loves Company

Okay, so I am half kidding!! Here's the situation: we are going camping!! Yep, you heard me.... camping. So, any of you who know me, you know I'm not the "camping type." Ask several close friends and most know my previous camping stories. I haven't been but 4 times in my entire life, but none of them were extremely enjoyable. Let's recap...... Elementary school age, maybe 8 or 9, G.A.'s from church went on a camping trip. So all was well, until nightfall. That's when we were playing a "fun" game (in the dark) and um, well, I ended up tripping over a log and got the wind knocked out of me. That was scary!! Not only was I utterly embarrassed, I was not feeling too well, as you can imagine. So, later it was off to the tent for a bit. My childhood friend, Linda, decided that she was going to eat a chocolate bar. Of course the racoon nearby loved the smell and decided to try to get in our tent. OH, that was so NOT fun!! So that was camping trip #1.

Camping trip #2.... let's fast forward to college (yes, it took me that long to try again). Jason and I were dating (so I had to try again for him, right?) and a big group of friends decide that we are going to take a "fun" trip. We were to hike in 2 or 3 miles, sent up camp and hike another 2 or 3 miles back out. Ok, doesn't sound too bad, huh? Well, this Miami girl, had never really hiked a whole lot. There aren't even any real mountains in that part of the country, you know. The highest elevation I can think of was the "manmade hill" at my Elem. school. Well this particular trip started off with no maps of the state park. They were all out. Oh, and a storm had come through recently and knocked down all signs of the trails. I should have gone home then. But, no..... I was determined to have a good time! By the way... we had a former Smokey Mtn. Park Ranger with us and another guy who had backpacked the ???????? Anyway.... long story short..... we hiked in about 4 or 5 miles and set up camp. The next morning I was greeted with a delicious (not) breakfast that is now a "tradition" for all camping trip breakfasts. None other than the famous Breakfast Burritos. I know, I know.... lots of people like them, but I am NOT one of those people. I ate it, but BOY!! It was not great to have on your stomach as you started hiking back out. That's where we come to the part of the story when we get lost. Yes, and I mean LOST!!! The boy scouts were lost too! We finally sat on the side of the mountain while our 2 buddies went to find a way to get back to the cars. The sun was setting and I had to be back for student teaching the next day. I was ill, had blisters on my feet and wanted my bed and a shower!! Well, we found our way to the car before dark, but we hiked a total of about 12 or so miles. Remeber that.... hike 2 or 3 miles in and another 2 or 3 miles out.... HA!!

Camping trip # 3 was to be much better... Jason and I were now married and were going camping with another group of friends (our Park Ranger friend was in this group too). This trip wasn't too bad until nightfall. Some friends of ours stayed in our 2 room tent with us, but they also had their precious dog with them. Did I mention their dog had asthma??? Yes, and it had an attack in the middle of the night. It was miserable. The dog.... and us! Jason finally asked if the dog was going to Yak on us! (You say things you wouldn't normally say when you are tired and frustrated, right?) Anyway, they finally took the dog to the car to sleep the rest of the night, so we all could sleep too. The next morning, all the guys went for their mountain bike ride. While they were all gone riding, us women were cleaning and packing up to head home. That's when our friend realized her dog had gotten out of it's pen and was missing! She FREAKED!!! Imagine being in this huge state park trying to find a small Pomeranian. That's like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Well after much searching, fretting, praying and stopping every car we saw.... we miraculously found the needle in the haystack. The dog had tired out and sat down in the middle of the road and a car of Sorority girls found her. A bear hadn't eaten her like we had all imagined!


So... are you ready for camping trip #4? This time... we decided to camp with our close friends (the former Park Ranger) and thier 8 month old baby (and I was about 3 months pregnant). All was well, until nightfall. (Hmmm.... I'm beginning to see a pattern, are you?) So in the middle of the night, the "Bickerson family" showed up (that's what we nicknamed them). Because they woke us up bickering. Or friends' little one woke up and that was it.... the whole campground was up. Poor little guy! He couldn't get back to sleep with all the bickering. So his sweet parents tried EVERYTHING to get him back to sleep. Finally he went to sleep and the sun came up. So, up we were, for the traditional camp breakfast... my favorite, yucky breakfast burritos. And guess who was gone.... EVERYONE. The campground was empty. We blame it on the "Bickersons."

Well, all this to say.... I am giving it a try AGAIN (it's been about 7 1/2 years)! It will be the first camping trip for our 2 boys. They are SO excited! I am trying to be, but really I have no clue how to camp! Jason does, so I am in good hands, but the unknown can get to me. So..... we've asked some friends to join us becuase misery loves company!!


This trip will be much better though, right? Right??? Any tips from experienced campers? I am open to any suggestions! (Sallie, I got the low down from your recent trip. By the way... I have glow sticks for the kids. Thank you, Shelli for the idea.) Oh and most importantly.... I have the menu prepared for each meal and my grocery list is ready (don't laugh Andy). (Side note here: I always do the shopping/planning for Jason's annual moutntain bike/camping trip. The guys all give me a hard time for keeping them organized!!) Tomorrow I am off to get the rest of the stuff for this wonderful trip! (Thinkly postively here!) If nothing else... we will be organized!

Prayer for a local family

My heart has been so heavy for a local family (of 12) who lost their home in a fire last week. Through all their heartache and pain they are leaning on the Only One who can heal their wounds. Praise God.... all got out safely and no one was injured. I read the blog that the mom/wife has started about their roller coaster journey they've been on the past week. What a blessing their testimony is! As I sat here reading their blog, I cried and cried, for so many reasons (some happy, some sad). I know they are in the loving hands of my Heavenly Father and I am in awe of how He is working in their lives. I know I shouldn't be in awe, but He continues to amaze me more and more! The peace the family is feeling because they are in His hands is incredible. Don't get me wrong, they are having their emotional breakdowns, but all in all they are doing remarkably well. Will you please join me in praying for this Godly family? What a blessing they have been to me. Click here to read their blog. We have so much to be thankful for.


Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Blog News

Just in case you were wanting to know..... I started this blog 3 months ago yesterday. As of right now, we've had 670 visitors to our site! Wow!! We've enjoyed blogging and hope you are enjoying a glimpse into our life.

Two of my favorites rolled into one cookie!

I've mentioned to you before that I love a good cup of coffee. Another thing I love is a good chocolate chip cookie. Now, let me explain that a bit. I am not a big "sweets" eater and I am not a chocoholic like Jason, Nathan and my mom. I love to make cookies, but when I make them, I will eat 2 warm out of the oven and then that is it! Well.... I came across a recipe the other day for Latte Chocolate Chip Cookies. Ever since..... I've been waiting to have a moment (and all the indgredients) to make them. This afternoon, I got that chance. They are soooo yummy. Nathan agreed. They are like a typical chocolate chip cookie, with a twist. I like the twist actually. Maybe because I like coffee. If you'd like to give them a try.... here's the recipe. I didn't do the last fancy step of drizzling chocolate over them, but I am sure that would be good too. If you try them, let me know what you think.

Latte Chocolate Chip Cookies

5 t. instant coffee granules
2 t. pure vanilla extract
2 ½ c. flour
1 t. baking soda
¾ t. cinnamon
¼ t. salt
1 c. butter, softened
¾ c. light brown sugar
2 eggs
3 c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Dissolve the instant coffee in the vanilla extract. Set aside. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Add eggs and coffee mixture. Mix well. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix just until combined. Stir in 2 c. chocolate chips. Spoon by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart on cookie sheet. Bake 12 – 14 mins. Or until lightly browned. Cool completely. Melt remaining 1 c. of chocolate chips. Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate. Allow chocolate to set before storing.

I must be honest that I didn't really follow this recipe exactly. I used my usual chocolate chip cookie recipe that I've been using since I was 10, and just dissolved the instant coffee in the vanilla (amount listed above) and added the cinnamon.

By the way.... I don't ever put as much chocolate chips in my cookies as the recipe calls for.... I told you I am not a chocoholic. In this recipe I used about 1 cup, maybe a little more. I didn't really measure them.

Brands Hatch Race Report

Jason wrote:

The next to the last race in the series is at Brands Hatch in Kent, England. I've driven this circuit many times in other games, but this was the first in this series. This track is very rewarding when you get it right, but costly if you don't. Most of the turns are taken at fairly high speeds and all of them have a big consequence if you run off the outside. Either gravel traps that slow you WAY DOWN, or a wall which stops you rather abruptly and tends to bend things.

Practice earlier this week went well and I got the hang of the course. Turns 2 and 3 (known as Druids and Graham Hill, respectively) were giving me the hardest time. However, since those are two of the slowest on the course, you can afford to be a little slow there. Fortunately, three of the fastest corners that make up the back of the circuit, and most critical, I got very good at. These were Hawthorne Bend, Westfield Bend and Dingle Dell (Sorry, but as a guy, that's just funny. "Man, I was cruising through Dingle Dell!!").

Practice before the race went well also as I got even more comfortable. I thought I did well in qualifying, but 1.5 seconds was the difference between Pole Position and my 10th place start.

Race 1 started OK with me sticking to my "stay out of the fray" strategy and by the second lap I was gaining momentum and places. I was in a solid 9th and looking for an opportunity to move into 8th when it happened. Just as I braked for Dingle Dell (hee, hee), I was hit from behind and spun off the track into the wall. In an 11 lap race, there's just hardly any way to recover from that. Pulling back into the race, I tried to drive aggresively to catch back up to the field, but that resulted in an off at Westfield where I collied hard with the wall. Still trudging on, my car pulling badly to the right, I finished in last place.

A good run through Graham Hill

Starting dead last in Race 2, I was still hopeful. Again, patience paid off as the first lap mayhem ensured I picked up a couple of places just by staying out of the way. Halfway through, I was behind a group of cars when the one in front put 2 tires in the grass. This resulted in him spinning back across the track in front of everyone. Somehow I got through unscathed and picked up another 3 places. Consistent driving put me in 6th place where I finished. 3 more points!!

Whoa, Nellie!!!

Only one more race to go next Friday. Wow, has it been fun!! Thanks to Karen and the boys for allowing me a couple of hours on Friday nights to get as close as I probably will to fulfilling my dream of being a race car driver. I appreciate it guys.

Yard Sale - aka The Pau race report

Jason wrote:
First, a definition. "Yard sale" is a mountain biking term. It's used when someone crashes so hard, that bike, rider, water bottles, tools, etc. get scattered all over and down the trail so that it looks like a yard sale.


Well, as you might imagine, Pau turned out exactly like I thought it would. The first turn was a mess, but the second was REALLY bad. I didn't even finish the first race due to a punctured tire. I left my front bumper, both headlights and my hood on the track before it was all over. A program glitch caused me not to even be able to compete in the second race. No points here.


I won't go into the grisly details. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here's a shot of things before the first turn of the first lap. And, yes, that's me in the back with only 1 tire planted on terra firma. It only got worse after that.

Our Special Visit

This past Sunday we made a quick trip to visit Jason's grandparents. They love to see the boys and it'd been a while since we'd seen them. So we jumped in the car and headed off. Gigi (Jason's mom) and Aunt Carolyn were there too. Granny Mildred just loved watching the boys, sitting them in her lap, looking at their hands and listening to everything they had to say. Granddaddy AJ had to take a look around to see what he had to give the boys. He took them out to his shop and showed them around. Before long, each boy walked out with a hammer that Granddaddy AJ insisted they needed! He was talking about how they needed a tractor and wanted to know if we could fit his in our car. If so, it was ours! We assured him that the boys didn't need a tractor at home. So, instead of giving them the tractor he gave them a tractor ride. They even got to drive it themselves. Grandaddy loved riding the boys around. It was so hot outside, but he would have done it all day. They boys were thrilled! Jason was too, but for a different reason. He got the very last bag of peas from Granny and Granddaddy's garden. They've decided not to plant a garden anymore. We will cherish that pot of peas this week. We had a great visit and promised we would bring the boys back soon.

A yummy package!

Last week we got a package in the mail. The boys were so excited, until they saw that it was addressed to Jason and me. Once opened, they were excited again. It was nothing better than Granny Mildred's (Jason's Granny) homemade pound cake. We called Granny to thank her for it. She quickly informed us that it wasn't for us..... it was for the boys! Nathan and Ryan were REALLY excited then. She said she wished she could see them eat a bite. So, here they are. (We'll mail these pictures to Granny Mildred.) Let me tell you.... pound cake with fresh strawberries is soooo good! Just look how much the boys loved every bite!

High-Flying Birthday Fun!

Nathan was flying-high Saturday, at his birthday party. Yes, his birthday was in May, but we just had his party this past weekend. He finally settled on an Airplane themed party. This was a perfect theme for him especially since I find LOTS of paper airplanes laying around the house! Once the theme was finalized, I got to planning. He invited his best buddies to help him celebrate. Nathan and Ryan helped me plan and clean the house.... they were GREAT helpers!! I made the invitations and we turned our house into an "airport." As each child arrived, they received their boarding pass. Now.... I must tell you that the party was revamped because of the heat wave we had on Saturday. It was 92 degrees outside and I couldn't have all 10 boys passing out on me, so we moved most of the party inside. In doing this though, I had to change the format a little. Our house is not nearly big enough inside to do like I had planned outside. We were a little tight, but it all went well. Most importantly Nathan had a wonderful time. Seeing him enjoy the party so much made it all the more fun for me! I had a great time planning the party for him.

Here's what we did:

While waiting for everyone to arrive they colored airplane pictures. After that we showed them several different paper airplanes and how to make them. Once they were made they decorated them with crayons/marker/stickers, etc. Then it was outside for games. They played Around the World where they had to throw their planes through the target for different locations. The luggage relay was next. The boys were put into 2 teams. They ran to the chair that had a luggage bag sitting on it. On the ground was a pile of clothes and a pair of shoes. They were to pack the bag and run to a designated spot carrying the packed bag, run back to the chair, empty the bag and then run to the next person in line for them to take off. The first team to finish won! It was lots of fun! We were going to have an airplane flying contest, but I decided to nix that since it was soooo hot and they were all asking to have a drink. So, back inside we went. We sang happy birthday to Nathan and had cupcakes. Nathan of course wanted chocolate cupcakes. Keeping with the theme, I iced them with blue icing (to resemble clouds) and place a red and yellow chocolate shaped airplane on top! They were yummy! Next up was opening presents. I turned this into a little game too. Sitting in a circle, I gave each child a plate with a different city on their plate. We were supposed to have music, (downloading certain songs I had wanted),but that didn't happen....copyright laws !! So we improvised and they passed their plates in a circle. When I said, "Stop," they stopped passing the plates and I called out a city. Whoever was holding the plate with the city name I called, they walked to the pile of presents, found the one they brought for Nathan and took it over to him to open. We continued until everyone had a chance to give their present to Nathan. He got lots of cool things and his friends know him well!!!! Then we were off to play with edible tinker toys.... AKA pretzel sticks and marshmallows (we had mini marshmallows and large CHOCOLATE ones.... yep CHOCOLATE!) The boys made airplane, helicopter or anything that flies creations out of their edible tinker toys. They were very creative. The last game we played got a little messy in the house, but it was so windy outside we had to play it indoors. I had a large tub filled with Styrofoam peanuts (clouds). Hidden inside were small plastic airplanes. The boys had to rummage through the "clouds" to each find 2 airplanes that they got to keep. It was then about time for Nathan to say goodbye as parents came to pick them up. I clipped their boarding pass to the front of their "goody bag." Nathan thanked each friend for coming and we gave them their "goody bag" as they left. The goody bags contained: a wooden airplane kit that they could put together and paint, an airplane glider and launcher, a few balloon rockets and a straw, airhead candies, a solid dark chocolate airplane and their paper airplanes, plastic airplanes and coloring sheets from the party.

It was a great time of high-flying fun!

Love, Deuce, Game -- FLOP!

Okay, so I told you Jason and I have been playing tennis. Well, this week didn't go so well. I just couldn't get my head in the game. I had had a busy and somewhat frustrating day and was really looking forward to our tennis match. However, once there on the court, it was a flop..... for me. I think I had too much going on in my head and couldn't really focus on the fun time I was supposed to be having. So, we got the boys and went swimming. I hope the next match is better.

On a side note:

Jason took Nathan to play tennis last night while I had a girl's night out. Nathan had a really fun time and even wore my tennis visor ALL day in preparation for his BIG night. He wanted to wear it on the court, but forgot to put it back on after dinner. For his first time out, Jason said Nathan did well. Who knows.... maybe his sport will be tennis. We'll keep you posted!

Great book!

I am reading a wonderful book. If you haven't read The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian, I highly recommend it. I started reading it last week and didn't want to put it down. I read 7 chapters in just about an hour. It's one of those books that you will want to re-read. I plan to read the whole thing again when I am done and highlight the most important parts (that could very well be the whole book). Then I plan to read a chapter a day from there on out. It is just what I have been needing. Thanks for the awesome book, Susan!

We're still here!

I know some of you have wondered if we've fallen off the face of the earth! Nope.... we're still here. Last Thursday was my last day of PT work. I am taking off for the summer with the boys. We've been busy trying to plan Nathan's birthday party and get the house/yard in shape. My sweet hubby has been doing such a GREAT job. I am so thankful that he is such a big help to me!! He spent his Sat. painting the front porch! It looks great, but it was a much longer job than he anticipated. I spent Sat. planting flowers. I just love fresh new flowers in the yard, don't you? Well, until the rabbits decide they are for their meals!!! ARGH! At least this time I KNOW it's the rabbits and didn't chew out my hubby thinking it was him with the weed eater. (Have you heard that story?? If not, I'll tell you sometime. It's kinda comical, now!) Anyway.... It was a busy and lazy weekend. Lazy because I ended up with a horrible migraine on Sat. and it stayed thru Sunday. Praise the Lord, it went away!!



Oh... did I mention that Jason and I are playing tennis? We've been playing once a week for the past several weeks. I forgot how much I loved playing tennis. It has been a long time since we've played. Jason gave me some good tips and "lessons" and last week.... he thought I had just been playing dumb and was holding out on him. Seriously... I was just 'in the groove' last week. Don't let me fool you, I'm not great on the court, but I am enjoying myself! We are going to play tonight and probably on Thurs. too. We'll see how it goes.



Speaking of tennis.... Nathan has decided that he wants to learn to play too. So with some birthday money, he bought a tennis racquet. So, Thurs. we plan to let him try his hand at tennis.