Sarah and Papa!

Sarah standing by Papa's side at Grandma Hammond's

pond. Sarah caught her 1st fish last Sunday at Grandma's pond.

She was so proud! She actually caught three that day!!! I always enjoyed feeding the fish in this pond growing up. I would walk along the bank with my Granddaddy and help him throw the fish food out. I absolutely treasured those moments with him. My father and his siblings hosted an 85th Birthday Picnic for their mother (Sarah and Elizabeth's great-grandmother) this past Sunday on her farm. When I get a chance I will tell you more about it and post more pictures for you to see. We are currently down at the coast visiting with family.

Blessings,

Until next time...

Three is the Number of the Day!

Today Sarah is 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days old. Pretty interesting, huh?

I learned this from the Lilypie marker towards the bottom of this blog. Lilypie.com provides really cute markers and baby tickers that you can design for almost any occasion. From baby and kid's birthdays to due dates to trying to conceive... I've enjoyed watching mine. You can add them to your emails, blogs, facebook page, or your desktop.




This morning we traveled to Morganton to a Birthday party for a little fellow in our playgroup. It was held at a really fun park called Martha's Park. Here, Sarah is enjoying the Water Spray portion of the park. She loved running around the outside of the spray area, just not through the water sprayer. Maybe next time! :)

As we left the party Sarah and Thomas left hand-in-hand! We better not show Daddy these
pictures! :)

Blessings,
Until next time...

A Day To Remember!

On Monday, July 21st, we traveled to Charlotte to visit the newly opened Billy Graham Library. I wish I could appropriately portray to you the beauty and tranquility felt by all as we walked up to the Library grounds. It was lovely in every way! The flower gardens were breathtaking and the sound of old hymns bellowed out amongst the landscape in every direction. It was truly a sight to behold! I believe we were all-stuck in wonder as we arrived at this glorious place. Graceful white crape myrtles were in bloom as well as red, white and pink begonias. Pink "knock-out" rose bushes were also in abundance.

Some of the attractions included the Graham Family Home, Bessie the Cow (Sarah's favorite), A Journey of Faith, Ruth's Attic, Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, and the Prayer Garden.

We began our tour at the foot of the cross which is a 40-foot cross standing at the entryway of the big brown barn. The brown barn is where the bulk of the tour is held. As we entered we were greeted by "Bessie" the cow. Bessie is a talking and moving cow that appears very "real" like. I was holding Sarah at the time we approached the cow and I could feel her legs tighten around me. I assured her that she was not real, but even I was pleasantly surprised at her "real-like" qualities. She was adorable and was quite a hit with both Sarah and Elizabeth! She told us about Billy Graham's life as a young boy growing up on a dairy farm which was just a few miles from where we were. His "growing up" years included milking cows every morning and every evening after school.

We then continued through the library/museum portion and learned many wonderful things and saw many interesting belongings of the Graham family. Throughout our experience the message of the gospel was spoken over and over. It was very obvious that the desire of the Graham family is to honor Christ foremost with this Library and not "Billy Graham" the man. I was touched by the purity of Billy and Ruth's lives and was very much renewed and challenged to continue in the faith.

After touring the "museum" portion we decided to have lunch at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar. Mike and I enjoyed "Mama Graham's" Chicken Salad Sandwiches on croissants and Sarah had a cheese sandwich. "Mama Graham" is referring to Billy's mother, Morrow Graham. The cheese and milk at the Dairy Bar was "out of this world" good!

I enjoyed visiting Ruth's Attic which is a lovely bookshop filled with many of her favorites as well as many written by many of the Graham family members. I purchased "It's My Turn" Life Lessons From the Wife of Billy Graham written by Ruth Bell Graham. She is a lady of such godly character through and through. I'm intrigued to read her words and learn from her principles of building a solid home and family.

Following lunch we toured the Graham Family Home. This was so exciting to me to actually step foot in the home where Billy Graham walked and talked and was raised. They informed us that the home has been moved twice and that each brick was numbered and put back in place each time they moved it. The home was moved in eight different sections and sits today just a few miles from where it was originally built.

Here are some pictures for you to see~

"Bessie" the cow! Isn't she amazing looking? The tent where he had his 1st Revival.

Ruth's childhood doll from China. She was born

in China to parents that were medical missionaries. Billy's preaching Bible.

Sarah and Mike at the Dairy Bar

Graham Family Home

The girls and me at lunch.

"Mama Graham's" kitchen and my favorite

room in the house. It displayed an airy

60's shabby chic style. Do you see the old fridge

on the left side of the picture and the ironing board

coming out from the wall?

Lastly, I wanted to share with you the details of the beautiful Prayer Garden. Ruth is buried there at the foot of the cross (a large brick cross walkway). Once again, here is a wonderful reminder of how Jesus instructs us to leave our cares/burdens at the foot of the cross. Billy Graham will one day be buried beside of her.

As we exited the barn we were each given a little card to take with us that reads:

The Salvation Poem
"Jesus, You died upon a cross
And rose again to save the lost
Forgive me now of all my sin
Come be my Saviour, Lord, and Friend
Change my life and make it new
And help me Lord,
to live for You."

The message of salvation was preached to us even as we walked out the door. What a remarkable call Billy Graham has answered and what a life he has lived well, not for himself to be glorified, but to He who has called him.
To God be the glory for what has been accomplished for the Kingdom!


"I've never known a man to receive Christ and regret it." -Billy Graham

Blessings,
Until next time...

Playgroup Pals

Sarah and her buddy Thomas at Playgroup last Friday.

Aren't they cute?

I also wanted to share this cute idea with you.
Below is a picture of our play date "calling cards". They are great to have and to hand out to friends. They are also fun to design and are free to print. Eight cards each print out on one sheet. Go to robeez. com and click on Playdate Cards which is located under the Robeez Playground section. They have many designs to choose from. We love the princess design but they also have a pirate, lion, dinosaur, crab, flower and butterfly. They even update them seasonally. I'm sorry I could not capture a great picture for you to see. Basically, they read; Let's Play!, our names, and contact info.
They're really adorable! Enjoy!



Yesterday, we traveled to Charlotte to visit the newly opened Billy Graham Library. Oh..., it was so wonderful in every way!!! I can't wait to share it with you!!!
Check back soon~

Blessings,
Until next time...

Elizabeth is Crawling!!!

And... She's off!!!

Yes, I am delighted to report that as of late this afternoon Elizabeth is now

"officially"crawling! Do you see Sarah in the background cheering her on? We were all cheering her on as she crawled her first few paces. I was taking her picture as she crawled and she looked up at me and was beaming with joy. I believe she sorta knew she was doing something pretty special!

Today is also the day, four years ago, when I first learned I was going to be a mother for the first time. What a good day this is!!

Thank You Lord for these two beautiful daughters!!!

I love them immensely!

Blessings,

Until next time...

Holly and Jamie A.T. Update

I spoke with Jamie this evening. It was wonderful to hear from him!!!
They are currently in New York and plan to head into Connecticut tomorrow putting them at Mile 1450!!! Jamie says this makes them 2/3 of the way done! Can you believe it? They hope to be finished sometime in September.
To date they have seen 15 bears and recently spotted a 600 pound bear. I know... just to type the words "600 pound bear" gives me the shakes!
One interesting story Jamie told me tonight was of their recent stay at the Mayor of Unionville, NY's home. They enjoyed a warm meal as well as spent the night IN DOORS for crying out loud!!! :) Just kidding! I'm sure they enjoyed the indoors for the night.
Jamie unbelievably doesn't sound the least bit tired or lonely. It's remarkable! However, I believe they are looking forward to their return to civilization in the near future. He did mention they are having dreams of sleeping in beds and getting up in the morning and fixing breakfast. He says they now think of these acts as ones of pure luxury! Isn't that a nice reminder!?! I know I take for granted the fact that I have a cozy bed to rest my head and a warm breakfast to enjoy if I choose.
I'm looking forward to hearing all the many life lessons I'm sure they are learning.
Thank you once again for your prayers regarding their safety! It sounds like with 600 pound bears walking around we better keep praying!

Happy Trails,
Blessings,
Until next time...

A Precious Pair!

Our Baby Elizabeth is 9 months old!

Today Elizabeth had her 1st taste of Cheerios. I believe she enjoyed picking them up with her fingers as much as she did eating them! Mike and I were both so amazed tonight to notice 3 new baby teeth coming in up top! She is growing so fast right before our eyes! She continues to be such a joy but a rather curious little thing at times! Not much gets past her, which truthfully, reminds me a little of myself. Sarah continues to be quite the BIG sister helping with feeding and bathing her baby, as she calls her! :)

Tomorrow morning we're off to the Science Center to meet our playgroup for playtime and a picnic on the lawn! I have no doubt Sarah will enjoy helping me put together our picnic lunch in the morning. Her favorite sandwich right now is peanut butter and honey, ummmm, mine too!! A crazy fact I read recently is that it takes 772 peanuts to make a 16.3 oz. jar of peanut butter. Amazing, huh!?! Our favorite peanut butter is Skippy Natural Creamy! It's wonderful if you haven't tried it! It won a Chef's Best Award for 2008 and thankfully has no hydrogenated oils. Sorry..., I'll stop at trying to sell it to you.:)

Check back soon for an update on Holly and Jamie's adventure!

As always,

Blessings, until next time...

"Hey There!"

Elizabeth made a huge stride tonight! I am so excited I just had to share it with you.
No..., it's not in her determination to crawl. Even though she is still working on it and doing wonderfully. Just any day now I expect she will be taking off.
Actually, what happened tonight was she waved at me!!!!!!
After dinner I was videotaping her and Sarah dancing. Mike was holding Elizabeth at the time. All of a sudden, Elizabeth looked at me, waved, and said, "Hey There". I was absolutely ecstatic!!!
We noticed her saying "Hey There" yesterday but today it seemed more understandable.
Her wave is precious too. Most babies tend to wave to themselves first, but not Elizabeth. She uses her whole arm and hand to wave! Not only does she share the Queen of England's name but also her wave!:) Wouldn't The Queen love to know that! :)
I'd better run... and have a taste of some Zucchini Bread before bed!

Blessings,
Until next time...

Zucchini Saturday!

This morning Sarah and I made some delicious Zucchini Bread and Zucchini Muffins!!! After Elizabeth was born a friend of mine had brought me a loaf and ever since then I have wanted to try and make her recipe. Here is the recipe! Enjoy!

Zucchini Nut Bread

3 eggs beaten
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup oil
3 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 - 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix 1st three ingredients together. Add the rest to wet ingredients and mix well. Pour 1/2 full into 2 greased bread loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350.
I baked the muffins for approx. 40-45 min.

Crazy For Crafts!

You know me and totes... :) I recently made this inexpensive one for Sarah to use at the library to carry her books. I thought you might enjoy seeing it and possibly trying it with your little ones.
It was very easy to make and a great summer project!
You just need a small canvas tote, foam letters, fabric glue and glitter glue if you choose. Different colored ribbon would also make a pretty embellishment.
It's lots of fun and a craft kids will enjoy making as well!

Happy Tote Making,
Until next time...

Sarah Loves A Good Party!

Last night I hosted a Pampered Chef party for a friend of mine. Unexpectedly, I had a pretty good turnout, especially for July. I had about 12 ladies come. So... yesterday our day mostly consisted of picking out fruit at the grocery store for an appetizer and cleaning the house. Just returning from vacation... there were several chores calling out! I know it sounds crazy but Sarah really enjoys helping me clean as well as assisting with any party details. I give her little assignments that I think she can handle and she does beautifully!

I think it is wonderful to see her help and take part in the details. She truly loves helping Mommy and is always asking if she can help. I realize she is learning a great deal from each of these little chores so I don't mind her helping even if it is in a small way. Plus, I believe it's important for every young lady to learn the skills of throwing a good party. I guess I've just got her in training, early! ;)

In the above picture she is cleaning one of our glass doors. This was always one of my favorite jobs as a child.

While we were grocery shopping yesterday I discovered these very adorable paper plates that I decided to use last night at the party. I know, I know... I shouldn't get all excited about paper plates, but I did! I confess!!! I took a picture of them so you could see them too. I found them at Lowe's Foods. They're made by Solo. Aren't they beautiful? Now..., who doesn't love a really charming paper plate, right?

During the party the consultant showed us all how to make these very tasty chicken squares. They are wonderful! But be aware, if you make these, you will not be able to stop eating them. They are that good!!! I promise!

Clubhouse Chicken Squares:

1 10-13 oz. can of chunk chicken
2 pkgs. refrigerated crescent rolls
8 oz. cream cheese
2 Tbs. mayo
2 small cucumbers/or one large
2 roma tomatoes
6 slices of bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar or colby jack blend cheese
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp. of dill (Can use Pampered Chef Dill- it's wonderful!)

Instructions:
Spread out crescent rolls into a bar pan and bake at 350 degrees for 17 min.
Mix cream cheese with 2 Tbs. mayo, 2 garlic cloves and 1 tsp. of dill. Spread over cooled crescent rolls, top with chicken, cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes and bacon.

Cut into squares.
Serve right away or refrigerate and serve later.

Lastly, I wanted to send a little note out to my #1 FAN (you know who you are)! I heard today that you were a little disappointed with me not posting anything this week. So... I dedicate this one to you!!! I would mention your nick-name... but... I think you know who you are!

Thank you for all your wonderful encouragement!!!

Blessings,

Until next time...

Fun On The Fourth!

Sarah and Elizabeth both had a wonderful July 4th! Early Friday morning we took Sarah to the always exciting Ocean Isle Beach Annual Parade. Here she is, in the above picture, taking it all in. And, what a lot it was! I believe she was most amazed at all the candy coming in every direction from the float riders throughout the parade! I wonder if she thought she had somehow slipped into Candy Land!?!

Despite the hot temps. our July 4th turned out to be a

firecracker blast!!!

Following the parade we enjoyed a fun family cook-out at Grandmommie and Papa's house. Granny Hill and Aunt Connie from Raleigh also joined us. Papa grilled the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs as well as the not so traditional shrimp and scallops. Grandma Hammond enjoyed a smoked sausage hot dog! That is her favorite! Sarah loved the fresh corn on the cob and Grandmommie's Blueberry Dessert Surprise!

During our cook-out Grandma Hammond reminded us all of a very important truth.

She said, "Even though our country is going through very tough times right now we are still the

most blessed nation on earth".

Sometimes, for me, I can get so wrapped up in all the negative going on in the world that I mistakenly overlook the many tremendous blessings we have around us everyday. Despite this, thank you Father for this great nation! What a privilege You have bestowed upon each of us to live and dwell here. May we never lose sight of this gift!

I hope you all enjoyed a blessed and fun fourth as well!

Oh,.. I can't forget to mention, today (July 5th) is our sweet dog's 9th Birthday! Happy Birthday Lucy!!! Lucy actually loves to sing the "Happy Birthday" song with us. She just howls along! :)

Blessings,

Until next time...

Me and Elizabeth on her 1st 4th of July!

Pictures of the July 4th Ocean Isle Beach Parade!

CrossFit Ocean Isle Beach!

This was so sweet, I just had to share it with you. Sarah is attempting to exercise with her Daddy. They are doing push-ups.
Mike has been participating in a pretty intense workout regimen in Hickory called CrossFit Hickory. He has been doing this every morning now for about 10 weeks and really seems to enjoy it! I have really been amazed with his dedication to this program.CrossFit Hickory offers a strength and conditioning program. Many police academies use the CrossFit method. CrossFit is a gym without machines. They offer Olympic style weight-lifting, bodyweight exercises, rowing, kettlebells, ropes and many other exercises. Mike, of course, didn't won't to miss a work out while he was away so here he is doing push-ups. I wish I was this motivated!
For anyone interested, I believe CrossFit Hickory has started a blog where they list a workout everyday.
The beautiful yard in the background belongs to my in-laws. They are quite the gardeners! They have a lovely home nestled on a canal at Ocean Isle Beach.

Blessings,
Until next time...

Provision Please!

One of our favorite things to do while at the beach is taking Granddaddy's boat to the Provision Company for lunch!!! This past Sunday we did just that! Here in the picture you can see where we dock our boat. They had a young gentleman helping us dock this time which made it quite easy. This particular Provision Company is located at Holden Beach on the mainland right off the Intracoastal Waterway. There is also one located at Southport. Some of their wonderful specialties are streamed shrimp, crabcakes, grilled tuna on a salad or sandwich(Mike's favorite), cheeseburgers... It's quite a treat! One of my favorites is their HUGE chocolate chip cookies for the boat ride back! Ummmmmm, a chocolate chip cookie basking in the hot sun!!! Does it get any better than that!?! :)
Actually, everything they serve is wonderful and the atmosphere isn't too bad either.

Elizabeth at the Provision Company!

After lunch we traveled to a nearby island before returning home. Here are some cute pictures of our "water baby" below taken while on the island.

Blessings,
Until next time...

Water Baby!

Elizabeth is "tickled pink" with the whole beach thing!

Granddaddy is standing close by while he watches Elizabeth play in the water.

Elizabeth can't get enough of splashing in the waves!

She loves to kick her little legs and pick up handfuls of sand!