Imagine Alyzabeth An... It's Easy If You Try

Mangia Monday and Meatless Creamy Soup

2012-01-30T02:00:00.018-05:00

I was looking through the crisper (sometimes called the "rotter"; that's a different story we stole from Jay Worley) and found fresh spinach, carrots and onions, all from last weekends trip to the farmers market.

So I searched the internet world and found a creamy soup to try. Click on link for full recipe. It was very simple with butter and onions, adding some flour, then the carrots, spinach, cream and broth (use homemade or what type you like best) and a little seasoning of nutmeg, salt and pepper. The finishing touch was some orange zest. I used the small food processor to chop the carrots and onions which made preparations very quick.

I am going to try her Lemon Salad Dressing soon, uses lemon juice and we have tons of that (from our ponderosa lemon tree)!
Check out the Iowa Housewife blog, lots of good cooking!

Remember to Enter to Win a Lemon!

2012-01-29T11:00:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: The winner of a perfectly delicious, extra large Ponderosa lemon is: Jim at planetruth and No Ordinary Family (hopefully he will share with Cora and daughter Chloe!). Now all I need is his mailing address!
Mixing up the 45 names:

Pulling Jim's name out of the hat! Funny that his name was chosen. He and Cora had a contest on their blog in 2010 and we won!!

OLD Message:
Enter now as the cut off time is Sunday at noon (EST). Can't wait to mail the winner a very LARGE ponderosa lemon!

Love Aunt Carolyn! Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-29T02:00:00.003-05:00

My cousin is visiting this weekend, which is always a treat. We had a fun afternoon running around town and then took a walk on the dock before the sun set. It was a beautiful day, with a slight chill in the air; in the sun it did reach 70 degrees today!
Auntie goofing around with AA on the dock:
Sitting pretty in the sun:
Love our family!
After seeing the jet plane overhead, AA began co-piloting her plane with Carolyn leading the way:
It's always fun to have a visit from AA's special Aunt!

AA's School Art Papers

2012-01-27T02:00:00.009-05:00

Everyone once in awhile I need to photograph AA's school work and art work. I can't save everything of hers, so many papers come home with her from school each day!
So here are a few of her recent works.
Thanksgiving turkey from her hand-print:
A clock, learning to tell time:
Lots of "L" words made into masks and puppets:
Her "abstract" art; AA told me it looked like fireworks:
This is on her "whiteboard" at home - she drew her path from home to school and the school playground; then a rainbow:
All papers relating to studying the letter "K" and "J":
AA loves everything about rainbows:
I am saving some artwork but will take pictures of most of it to save in our future printed blog books!

New Eye Glasses

2012-01-26T02:00:00.008-05:00

Our littlest daughter has new glasses.

You have seen her in her pink Skechers for about two years and now she has outgrown them. Her prescription did not change since her last eye doctor visit but new glasses were in order. Her pink ones rested on her nose; the new ones have the nose bridge pads; so we shall see how they work in the long term. She is excited as she says she looks more like the grown up girls, you know, those who are six years old!
Here's a few pictures during this past weekend of her wearing her new glasses! Hope they are as durable as the old Skechers!
BTW, her prescription sunglasses still fit so we will wait until next year to upgrade those.
Her new ones are:Lilly Pulitzer Eyeglasses Darcia

Lemon Tree - Do You Want A Lemon?

2012-01-24T02:00:00.014-05:00

We mail one of our home grown large Ponderosa Lemons to friends and family occasionally. I thought we posted about this amazing tree in our yard (we planted it ourselves about 12 years ago). Let's have a give-away. Anyone who leaves a comment here or on my Facebook page, we will draw a winner and mail you a huge lemon! A little of Florida can be sent your way (if it is legal to send to you; I am not sure about going outside the USA). I will randomly select a name on Sunday. Good luck!
(there aren't many on the tree as the season is about over; it is beginning to bloom for the next "crop")

Homemade Applesauce - Monday Meatless Mangia

2012-01-23T02:00:00.010-05:00

AA loves applesauce so I decided to make some homemade with her. She was surprised applesauce could be made by cooking apples - too funny! I showed her the recipe in FOOD magazine (yes, Martha Stweart's) and we selected the spice (cinnamon) and cranberry versions. Both yummy!
We didn't have any fresh or frozen cranberries so used some homemade cranberry chutney from Auntie Carolyn. Worked for us!

Sweet Trophy!

2012-01-22T02:00:00.003-05:00

AA has been taking golf lessons from the best coach in the world! It has been 10 months and she just loves to swing the clubs! Coach made a challenge that once she made five putts in a row, she would earn the trophy. And it happened. Finally, she did it!

Both all smiles with the Coach Doug Grand Trophy Award!

Dedicated wonderful, dear Hubby walking away, after the lesson is over, with daughter, back to the parking lot. So sweet. So simple. The love for this child is unbelievable!

Happy golfing!

Plants - Try, Try, Try Again...

2012-01-21T02:00:00.000-05:00

We are a family that loves basil; baked in quiches (savory pies), with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese (Caprese), in spaghetti and all other dishes Italian. So our son gave us a small leaf basil plant he grew himself (he has a green thumb) and then we bought the larger leaf basil at the local farmers market. The farmer said it would grow for years.
I watered it, put in in sunshine, when we had a cool spell I brought it inside..... Now I am embarrassed to say that I killed both plants. I really do not know what I did wrong.
I am determined to grow our own herbs so will try again! Gardening advise welcomed for NE Florida!
I only have a before picture..... once the plant was almost dead, we ate the last few good leaves!

Waiting for the Super Bowl! Daily Dose of AA

2012-01-19T02:00:00.003-05:00

These pictures were taken this past Sunday, 01/15/2012 while waiting for the two games to come on. We were practicing doing our touchdown dance! We will go into football withdrawal but in just a few more weeks, NASCAR Speed week at Daytona will be here! I think we will go to the Nationwide Race on Saturday afternoon, better suited for a five year old's routine!!
Of course the hair bow is from Sophia Jane's Boutique; take a visit and buy lots of bling for your favorite girl!

We are so FORTUNATE!

2012-01-17T02:00:00.002-05:00

We have a local family who gives us their daughter's clothes when she outgrows them. Their daughter, Bess, is about a size and a half ahead of AA so we get many wonderful clothes to put away for the following year. Bess and AA used to go to the same preschool and really loved playing together. I think when Bess left, this was one time where AA really missed a friend, so we look forward to our visits, even if infrequent. I need to make some play-dates so we can meet at a local playground in 2012!

This recent gift to us included many matched sets of tops and skorts, plus seven dresses! We are so lucky! Thank you!When AA outgrows her clothes they go to our youngest granddaughter or my littlest grand-niece in Maine. Lots of hand-me-downs with plenty of wear left in them.
Hope you have such a family to receive from too!

Recipe Tomato Onion Pie - Mangia Meatless Monday

2012-01-16T02:00:00.004-05:00

Dear Hubby made a new savory pie for our dinner. We can buy really fresh tomatoes at the market so we always have tomatoes each week (plus it is a favorite veggie of AA's). And with an abundance of local sweet onions, we also frequently have onions in most every meal. This recipe came out great, even though, as usual, Hubby rarely sticks strictly to the recipe. We loved it, so hope he makes it again! It would make a delicious brunch meal too.

Hubby substituted sweet fresh onion for the green onions and didn't prebake the pie crust, just baked it 20 minutes longer (tent the pie crust edge with tin foil to prevent over browning).
Here's the recipe courtesy of Paula Deen!

Gifts - Buying Local

2012-01-15T02:00:00.001-05:00

We did buy many Christmas gifts locally at our favorite market. We also gave gift certificates to small local restaurants that are family owned (only if they had great food too!).

I found wonderful recycle jewelery that used metal hardware and buttons. Since my Grandmother collected buttons, these were a bit sentimental too! I gave one necklace to my sister M. and this beautiful blue button bracelet and earring to my other sister, T.
We love finding quality crafts at the Riverside Arts Market (we have posted many times about).

My Hubby did some research and found a new restaurant we have never patronized in St. Augustine. There are so MANY great restaurants in St. Augustine, so we were surprised to read about the Back 40 Urban Cafe. It is located west of US Rt 1; on South Dixie Highway, just off US Rt 1 by the Showboat Car Wash.Hope you all continue to support locally-owned delicious restaurants and artisans!

AA's Chinese New Year Photo - 2012

2012-01-14T02:00:00.008-05:00

Last year was the first year we really began doing more to celebrate Chinese New Year; probably as AA was now understanding the different holidays.
We took a picture of her holding an orange from one of our trees and I made a small card from it to put in the red envelopes she handed out. Here are the best three photos we took for this year; so now to decide which one to use! Give your opinion!
Happy Chinese New Year!
Photo #1:
Photo #2:
Photo #3:

Friday Photo - December 31st - New Year's Eve

2012-01-13T02:00:00.000-05:00

Another post catching up on all our holiday fun:
We were in Okeechobee over the New Year's weekend, visiting with Hubby's Dad & Joy; my in-laws. It was beautiful weather, so spent alot of time outside! (in addition to drinking lots of champagne!)
The adult community has lots of public places, a club house, heated pool and outdoor games.
We bought a soda during our stroll, so AA gets to keep the quarter change for her piggy bank!
Happy Belated New Years!

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Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Christmas 2011 - Orange Park UMC Bell Choir

2012-01-11T02:00:00.005-05:00

Our County Library Headquarters is also the closet library to us and they have a variety of entertainment and speakers each month. We enjoyed hearing the Christmas music of the Bell Choirs; there were two, the beginners group (Wesley) which was very good and then the more advanced Chancel (experienced) group. AA was fascinated and helped get us into the Christmas spirit!

Since I am so late posting about our holidays, what are you planning on doing in 2012 to get ready for Christmas? Any new crafts, homemade gifts or other preparations? One thing I have not done is a photo Christmas card; let me know where you have had yours made and like the quality. Happy January!

Christmas 2011 - Brunch with Coach

2012-01-10T02:00:00.007-05:00

We went to brunch at Club Continental on December 11th, and enjoyed meeting "Mrs. Coach", Dana, having a great visit along with the beautiful river views and delicious food. AA loves to golf and it is because of her amazing "Coach"; thank you Coach Doug!
I took four pictures, the first two pictures are the best! Next time, I will ask the wait staff to take a group photo!

Christmas 2011 - Catching Up Post - AA's School

2012-01-09T02:00:00.001-05:00

AA's school is a wonderful place with so much individual attention while learning in a Christian environment. They held their Christmas Musical and each class had a role with a very International flair.
AA walking in with her class:
Much chaos at times:

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus:
Singing:

Picture with some of her class mates (there are nine in her class); the boys seem to have a different concept of "smile"!
AA and friend Ryder, they are always goofy together!
Love this school and the amazing teachers!

Christmas 2011 - Advent Calendar

2012-01-08T02:00:00.015-05:00

In the past, we used an Advent calendar that was very easy to use, to count down the days until Jesus' birth. All AA had to do was remove a magnet. Very cute, but unless you have separate Bible readings or activities planned, it just becomes a count down until Christmas.
This year, after reading many blogs and websites for kids on how to set up some homemade calender, I made a list for each day and stuffed the daily pocket of the L.L. Bean calendar that Nana from the North sent to AA.
Below is my list I printed and cut each day into a strip; along with other readings and sometimes a piece of candy, we really enjoyed seeing her get excited each day to see what was her daily message!

1 – Thursday – This week begins the church Advent season, four weeks before Christmas. We say a prayer at the beginning of each week. Matthew 1:23 - “Behold, Mary shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). What two Bible chapters describe Jesus’ birth? Matthew & Luke.

2 - Friday – Aunt Tiffany’s Birthday is today. Shall we call her and wish her a good day? What is on our front door? A Wreath. (included a sheet on why we hang wreaths and the connection to Jesus).

3 – Saturday – Evergreen tree - Let’s find a Christmas tree and buy it today! Why do we have a pine tree at Christmas time? A cedar or pine tree is an evergreen, everlasting, didn’t turn brown in the winter. Jesus Christ is everlasting, eternal savior to all, God’s creation (included a sheet on why we have a Christmas tree and the connection to Jesus).

4 – Sunday – Ornaments - Let’s decorate the Christmas tree today! Drink eggnog and Champagne (for adults) and be joyous! (included a sheet on why we hang ornaments on the tree and the connection to Jesus; included an ornament in the pocket).

5 – Monday – Bells - The Fleming Island Library is having a Choir of Bells tonight – Let’s go and listen to beautiful music! (included a sheet on why we ring bells and the connection to Jesus; also included a bell in the pocket).

6 – Tuesday – Stars - Is the nighttime sky bright and clear? Let’s go look at the stars. (included a sheet on stars and the connection to Jesus).

7 – Wednesday – Presents - Why do we exchange gifts on Christmas? Jesus’ birthday, the Wise Three Kings brought gifts. Gifts were also associated with St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra (in modern-day Turkey), who became famous for giving gifts to poor children; Sinter Klaas. Buy a toy and bring it to a fire station, Toys for Tots drop off boxes. (included a small gift for her to open).

8 – Thursday – Let’s sing a Christmas Carole with Leaa’s family. Find music to Silent Night to practice on the piano next Monday when you are baby sitting Dylan.

9 - Friday – Candy Cane - Ask your Teacher for school papers to do at condo next Monday & Tuesday; you will miss school while we babysit Dylan next week. The Orange Park Church is having a nativity scene, shall we go see it? It’s all about Jesus being born.

10 – Saturday – Candles - Niece Dylan’s Birthday. Let’s go to her party and take a present! She is two years old – will she have candles on her cake? We are happy to have a fun party to go to. And make sure Mommy has the Christmas cards for family and friends done and you have signed your name to some! Show your love! (included a sheet on candles and the connection to Jesus).

11 – Sunday – We are driving to Cousin Gloria’s condo to stay for two nights while you help babysit Dylan as Jesse is on a trip to play music. Sister Leaa needs your help while she goes to work. Doing a good deed each day keeps us focused on loving others.

12 – Monday – Angel - You’re an angel to be so good and help Daddy with babysitting Dylan. Please learn to play a Christmas Carole (song) on the piano. Mommy will miss you for the day as I deliver all the donated gifts to the Children's Home. (included a sheet on angels and the connection to Jesus, also gave her an angel ornament).

13 – Tuesday – Make paper snowflakes and decorate the windows. Do this with Livi. Scissors and white paper is all you need!

14 – Wednesday – Find one toy in your room that you don’t use or need and give to a needy child (drop off at Church or agency). Giving to others is important. It is better to give than to receive.

15 – Thursday – Fancy dress for dinnertime – Shall we go to the Club for a special dinner? We are thankful for our blessings of plentiful food!

16 - Friday – Let’s help the birds by making pine cone food treats for them (spread peanut butter and nuts or seeds on two cones and hang outside).

17 – Saturday – Thank you cards - why we send them. How can we thank God? (included a sheet on why we write thank you notes, what to write and being thankful).

18 – Sunday – Ribbons - Make homemade hot chocolate; make extras to reheat and take when we drive to see Christmas lights! Any presents to wrap? (included a sheet on ribbons/bows and the connection to Jesus).

19 – Monday – Christa’s Birthday - Go out for Chinese Food and talk about your first Christmas’ with your Mommy and Daddy. Time to bake some Christmas cookies too? Share special memories from 2011.

20 – Tuesday – Please do a good deed today – who can you help at home or school? What will you do that will make someone smile? “Simple Acts of Kindness Make Things Better One Deed at a Time.”

21 – Wednesday – Read the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas. Maybe Daddy knows of a Christmas movie you can watch together?

22 – Thursday – Grandma Cathy’s Birthday. Dr. Seuss and the Grinch: With his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more? Have you seen this movie?

23 - Friday – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round... as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.

24 – Saturday – Luke 2:9-12 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. The angel said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

25 – Sunday – Christmas is here! Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” We cherish our family and friends and are thankful for the many blessings we have! Write out ten (10) things we are thankful for and place somewhere we can read each day for one week. Let’s go to church!

I came across many Advent calendar ideas so here are a few to get you started: made from toilet paper cardboard rolls with each message wrapped in tissue paper - it's all about decorating each day; this is my favorite kids craft blog (and get the newsletter too), love how she has her own children demonstrate the craft; this home schooling site has many ideas for each day so you choose what fits best for your family; Catholic lesson plans for each day and last, check out Tip Junkie's ideas.
I also wanted to share this craft idea of using cut out hand prints to decorate a large cone to make a very personal Christmas tree decoration. A great family craft!
If you did an Advent calendar, what did you use for messages? I would love to have some new ideas for December 2012!

Christmas 2011 - Children's Home FUMCH Gifts

2012-01-07T02:00:00.021-05:00

We are not bashful about asking for donations to our Children's Home in Enterprise, Florida. It is supported by all United Methodist churches in the Florida District/Conference. This year, our church, Fleming Island UMC selected collecting new T-Shirts as one Christmas gift for each child. In the residential program (living at the Home) is about 90 children and then there are another 250 in the licensed foster care families. If you have any commodity that your child needs, the Home needs it too. Here's some pictures of the generosity of friends:

A slightly used boy's bike was donated by a family who was selling a girls bike on Craig's List that we bought for a needy child through the local YMCA program; after talking to my sweet Hubby, they donated a boy's bike for us to take to the Home - it is amazing how we get these wonderful surprise gifts from generous families that we do not know!
More used luggage collected from our September appeal for the Home:
Donated toothpaste samples from our church friends, the Allen's:
Lots of shirts, these from Southside UMC and friend S. Foshee:
New girls tops:
Lots of new "cool" shirts for boys and girls:
We collect new bed pillows year round, always have a dozen or more to take each trip, thank you to the WonderWorks Orange Park UMC for their support (and the students' parents who donated them!) of the Home this fall:
Thank you to all who support the children!

Baby Mila was born on November 28th! Friday Photos!

2012-01-06T02:00:00.014-05:00

How late can I be posting the family news? I am still catching up from November - December 2011!
We had a great visit seeing Mila for the first time, then throughout the Holidays. She is so small and adorable and cuddly and beautiful and ......

Mila's birth day with Mommy Nicole holding her in the hospital (11/28/11):
At Nicole and Jordan's home, our first visit to meet Mila:
Daughter Leaa holding her niece:
Poppy Ford holding Mila:
Precious is sleeping!
Congratulations!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Chinese New Year - January 23rd

2012-01-05T02:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year! Yes, I am early, but since we are getting ready now, thought I would share....
We will be celebrating by holding a special celebration in AA's classroom the end of January and going to our FCC Chapter's celebration on February 4th. The two week celebration is all about family and paying respect to elders, having a special meal with parents and grandparents. We enjoy putting together a gift bag for each child and hand out many red envelops to other children. We love going to P.F. Chang and learning a few more Chinese words.

Here are some links that will give you plenty of information about the Year of the Dragon.
Panda Express has a great offer you can't go wrong ordering.
And don't ever forget one of my favorite blogs and her great CNY lin ks - Our Little Tongginator!
And our prior posts.....we posted on where to get ideas for your celebration last year in 2011 and 2010.
This year, AA has outgrown all the outfits we purchased while in China in 2008. I found this two-piece dress on line and is very cute. I can't wait to have our annual family photo with her wearing it!

In the past, we have kept the celebration very close to the immediate family as we didn't want to "push" our new found holiday on others. I really feel I made a mistake. We want to invite as many family and friends who would like to attend the local FCC dinner with us (we need to make the RSVP/reservations in order to get the FCC discount as there is a price for the dinner, so let us know!). We have fun watching the traditional Chinese dances performed by many children (so far AA will not join in), doing a few crafts, seeing the newest Chinese children adopted and generally visiting with family and friends.

This is also a time to remember family who are no longer with us and didn't have a chance to come to one of our newest holiday celebrations. We love the annual family photo and wish many others could see the joy in our littlest daughter's face!

Hope you enjoy preparing for some family fun!

Christmas 2011 Gift - Games and Puzzle

2012-01-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

We are playing more games with AA (thank goodness she doesn't ask to play Candyland anymore!) and have many new ones from Christmas gifts. AA received card games, Uno, a Simon, Qwirkle (looks similar to Dominoes but match colors or shapes end to end), an Rbeez mood lamp, a ZhuZhu pet "Peachy", a kite, Shrinky Dinks, hula-hoop and more fun things to play with.
One gift for the adults was a 1000 piece puzzle of my home town waterfront map.
I remember in the wintertime, long ago, my parents would set up a puzzle to do over several days. I am sure they were very complicated but this new one we have is diabolical! Bright colors, each business noted is shown twice, all the border is the same with no variation.... Can you find any happy adults working on it?

AA and I were trying to find pieces to the lobster while cousin Carolyn worked on the border....

Maybe I will have a picture of the completed puzzle before 2012 ends! Thanks T&G!!

Christmas Eve 2011 - Catching Up Posts

2012-01-03T02:00:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful time at our grown kids Mom's house for Christmas Eve. Cathy and Werner always have wonderful gatherings around a home cooked meal.
First I will tell you that we "made" a craft that is questionable as to value and usefulness! If you have seen all the redneck wine glasses made from a Ball jar and a crystal candlestick, then you know how silly they look. We decided to make a few and gave one away at the gathering by drawing. Nicole won it and I know she will treasure it (smile)!
Family photos:
The girls playing with their new gift of a homemade hula-hoop! They did use them to try to knock oranges off the trees!
We didn't get a group family photo, but here is one of our two grown kids (both on the right) with daughter's hubby on the left:
Homemade New England Clam chowder - Yummy!
Hostesses:
More "catching up" posts to come! Happy 2012!

December 2011 Posts - Catching up! Dylan's Party

2012-01-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

We had a great time celebrating granddaughter #3's second birthday at a local park which has a carousel. After lots of pizza, cookie decorating, rides on the merry-go-round, running around, we were tired (and a little cold, the wind decided to put a chill on the day).
Happy Birthday Dylan!
The birthday girl being pushed by Grandpa Cruce:
Friend:
Yeah! Pizza time!
Granddaughter #2:
Lots of help with decorating cookies:
Our kissing photo (tried in black and white):
Lots of fun!
Fun time!

Christmas 2011 Tree Trimming - Belated Post

2012-01-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

This should be a Happy New Year post! Hope you have the best in 2012 - good health, prosperity, family love and joy!

Catching up on my lack of December 2011 posts: We picked a simple craft this year for AA to do; there are plenty of pine-cones in our neighborhood, all over the street and walkways. We painted them white, gave a few away as gifts and trimmed our tree with them. I really like pine-cones (of course, I did grow up int he Pine Tree State!). AA loves painting, so we had some fun family time too. Then we trimmed the small outdoor tree on our front porch and the live one in the living room.

Happy New Year 2012!

Christmas 2011 - Catching Up Post - Cookies

2011-12-31T02:00:00.011-05:00

We made and baked sugar cookies and always have fun decorating - it does make a mess! I made homemade icing (with powdered meringue) which worked very well (hardened nicely) but did not taste good! I saw one recipe that called for some almond flavoring. What flavoring do you use in sugar cookie icing? I bought one tube of red icing just in case the homemade didn't work, but never again. It was too thick and too hard for AA to use.
We had fun and Santa enjoyed his snack!

I do wish this one was a little clearer:

Happy New Year's Eve!

Merry Belated Christmas! Happy New Year! Favorite Photo and Best Shot!

2011-12-30T02:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday!
I needed a break from blogging for awhile; after posting many times a week for a few years now, like anything else there are times when life moves so fast that I didn't make the time to write about it (I can't believe we started our first blog over 6.5 years ago!).

We had a wonderful Christmas with AA and the grown kids and the Grands. Our family gathered at Grandparents Cathy & Werner's place for a Christmas Eve dinner and opening of gifts. We now look forward to 2012 and more fun with AA than anyone can imagine!
I will be back to posting next week and look forward to catching up on your blogs; we love seeing your families grow and reading about your adventures!

See you soon!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

2011-12-19T15:00:00.003-05:00

Last week in Nashville, our Son-In-Law Jesse, along with his fellow musician Lucio Rubino, who together make up the group Story Side B, performed O' Come, O Come Emmanuel as part of a Christmas Special for the Trinity Broadcast Network on the Praise The Lord program. It will be on again tonight, TBN at 7 pm (EST) so you know where we will be in a few minutes!

Jesse wrote the musical arrangement and played guitar (and a few back up vocals).
Check it out on You Tube:

O' Come Emmanuel

Merry Christmas!

Dylan Turns Two! Best and Favorite Shot Friday

2011-12-09T02:00:00.004-05:00

Our youngest granddaughter turns two this week. Happy Birthday Dylan!
I took these photos last week when we visited baby Mila. Dylan was occupied for a few minutes on the floor coloring when she wasn't trying to get into the play action with the two five year olds. My favorite photo is the last one when she looked up at me. She is so easy to photograph. Happy Friday!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

An Inspiring Christmas..... Christmas Songs

2011-12-08T02:00:00.005-05:00

We are so proud of our son-in-law, Jesse Cruce as he is part of a wonderful Christmas album that is recently released. He is credited with song number 20 on the album and composed, arranged, played or sang on four others (4, 7, 13 and 14).

Here's some links to articles about the new Christmas album: at Alpha Omega News, the Jesus Daily, and the 416 Project.
Go to iTunes and download some great Christmas music, enjoy!
Merry Christmas!

Fundraiser for Orphans - Giving

2011-11-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

Check out a wonderful give away and fund raiser for orphans which has begun.
Here's some of the information:
The more people who know about it, the more money will be raised for these very special children… and that’s a very good thing! If you’d like to help us in this effort and to keep in the spirit of “giving” this holiday season, read on – there just might be something special in it for you, too!

For a chance to win the item featured that day, all you need to do is leave a comment on that post and then click a button to donate $5 to the organization that we each represent: Lisa for Half The Sky, Diana for Pearl River Outreach and Stefanie for An Orphan’s Wish. Your donation will go directly to the charity featured, and we will be notified of all donations made. For every $5 donation you make, you will be entered to win the item posted.

Daily Dose of AA - Fall Neighborhood Walk

2011-11-25T02:00:00.006-05:00

We took a stroll the day before Thanksgiving while waiting for Nana and Grandpa Morgan to arrive. It was a beautiful day and we gathered a few leaves and pine-cones.

Hope everyone had a special Thanksgiving Day yesterday; we are celebrating today with family and friends.

Homestead Trip - Part #3 - Race Photos

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

We had fun at the last race of the NASCAR season. Here are a few of our pictures to remember the day!
Before the race began, we found former Mainers, Pam and Hubby (now live near St. Louis). My Mom read about their planned trip to the race and so we met at the track!

AA with her "no picture taking now!" sign language!

Rain delay:
Sleepy head rested for about ten minutes:

Carl Edwards was in first place most of the race, except where it counted, the last lap!
Some of these pictures are out of order - Darrel Waltrip was introduced (he's a NASCAR Hall of Famer).... Booggitty, Booggitty, let's go racing!
Carl Edwards getting the points leader flag for this race:
Let's go racing!
Lots more pictures from before the race:
It was very warm out (about 85 degrees) so took off AA's Carl Edwards t-shirt for awhile:

Infield pre-race stage:
Driver introductions:
Speed Channel Trackside show:
Once arriving at the Homestead race track, we saw the huge Ford car dealer displays - so many things to do and some free giveaways:

New headphones to block out the engine noise, so glad we bought them for AA as it was LOUD!!

Had a blast! Now to plan a trip to a different track in 2012!

Trip to Homestead (Part 2) Day #1 - Eggrolls and Chopsticks

2011-11-22T02:00:00.004-05:00

Day #1 continued - We love meeting up with long time blog friends and were so happy to have everything work out for a visit with the Cope family at their favorite Italian restaurant, Nunzio's in Miami.
We so enjoyed seeing Lily, Rosie and Alyzabeth get to know each other, talking, laughing and near the end of the visit, playing rambunctiously together. What a beautiful family. We need to plan regular Florida blog friend get togethers.

Meeting up with long time blogger (Eggrolls and Chopsticks) was a treat, especially when Lily was such a good friend to Alyzabeth, engaging her in conversations and then lots of laughs:

Daddy Cope with youngest daughter, Rosie (five months younger than AA):

The girls at the dinner table:

Lily was in a math competition this same afternoon and won first place!
Outside as we were leaving the restaurant, I had to photograph these precious girls again. To say Alyzabeth was completely spell-bound and adored Lily would be a major understatement! Watching the three of them chasing and playing with each other outside the restaurant was to witness pure joy... Kids and parents alike :)

So many smiles and hopefully more in the future.

Race Weekend - Day #1

2011-11-21T02:00:00.001-05:00

First - guess who won the NASCAR Sprint championship? We are so sad, it was such a bummer to come so close to a win and the season championship for Carl Edwards; which was not to be, so sad for the Carl Edward fans. Congratulations to Tony Stewart and his fans and sponsors, he proved to be the best driver winning five of the ten Chase races.

We did have an exciting race weekend even though our driver lost (second place is still being a loser - boo!), this was our first race in over four years! On Friday afternoon, we drove to Okeechobee first and stayed at Nana Joy and Grandpa's home (a B&B experience!). We always have a good visit, a good night sleep and a huge breakfast anytime we visit.
A photo right before we left for Homestead on Saturday morning:

Arriving at the race track - the towers/center of the race track as we approached it from the parking lot (free general parking - yahoo!):

At the Carl Edwards' souvenir trailer - we were looking for a child's ball cap, all sold out!

We did not buy tickets for the Nationwide race so strolled around, shopped and enjoyed the noise of the cars qualifying in the background. It was very windy, but sunny and warm - I think about 82 degrees as the (our) excitement built before the big race Sunday.

Ramblings from November 2011

2011-11-20T02:00:00.006-05:00

We are at the last NASCAR race today and as such I have put together a general post to catch up on some family news from November and included some pictures from the past few weeks.

We went to see and listen to our son-in-law's father play in his band, it was beach-side and a bit cool that evening. Grand Dylan wanted to hug her Grandpa while he was playing, she's so adorable!

AA debating about waking up; she would just as soon sit on our bed and cuddle on cool mornings, sipping her warmed chocolate soy milk (along with her trusty sidekick Elmo...)

We attended a birthday party for one of AA's school mates, which was for all three brothers in the family! AA saw her first pinata and even though it was broken open before she had a swing at it, she was wildly impressed and scored two handfuls of candy!! :)

The party was at a neighborhood playground so lots of running around and checking out the new toy backhoe. The family had lots of food, a large bouncy house and a hot dog stand - steamed cooked hotdogs with all the toppings!

The birthday boys (3) and parents:

We spent an afternoon at Nicole & Jordan's baking bread. Jordan, the future Daddy-to-be, was so good with the three girls. He baked cookies for them and was part of the singing and dancing entertainment!

Granddaughter Dylan looking a little guilty as she plays with the phone:

The finished bread:

We had one unpleasant event this month - one of our toilet tanks cracked, spilling water (clean, well water) all over the bathroom and the hallway which has wooden floors. Thankfully, it happened about an hour before we were up that morning so with a quick shut off of the source, and lots of towels, wet vacuuming by Hubby and lots of fans and blowers, all was dried. We survived! Just thinking of replacing all the flooring was making us sick, but after consulting with the pros, all is good. Whew!

Hope you are having a wonderful week preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday! We are so thankful for our family and friends!

Who Will it Be? Stewart or Edwards?

2011-11-19T02:00:00.003-05:00

Time for some smack talk!! We can't wait to see our favorite drive, Carl Edwards, win the championship! Or will it be Stewart?

(Update: Now that the race is over, I will post the results here - Tony Stewart won the race and the championship. It was the only time in NASCAR history that the points were tied and the tie breaker was number of races won, which Tony won five of the ten Chase races. Congrats to all the Tony fans! Now we have to wait until February 2012 to start over...... I know Carl will be in it to go for the Championship again)

Local - Biscotti's - Favorite Photo Friday - Best Shot!

2011-11-18T02:00:00.005-05:00

We stopped by our favorite local restaurant, Biscotti's (well, one of them, there are so many local favorites!) to celebrate Hubby's birthday. No family party this year, so as a treat, he selected this restaurant which is famous for their desserts. Two slices of their decadent cakes and we were more than satisfied! We took home half and enjoyed it the next day!
Of course the adults enjoyed a glass of wine with it!

Cheers to our family!

Here's my favorite and best shot of little daughter:

Another beautiful day!
Enjoy making the rounds to many great blogs!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Daily Dose of AA - Saturday the 12th

2011-11-16T02:00:00.001-05:00

Belated Halloween!

2011-11-15T02:00:00.005-05:00

I haven't been blogging lately, just a matter of time management! (or lack there of!).
We have made some significant decisions lately about our future, where we want to be and so forth. All a part of our changing world and families.
We are looking forward to Thanksgiving with most of our Florida family coming over to share a family meal; one thing about this family, is that we love each other and enjoy being around each other - that's a special family!

Here are a few pictures from Halloween, I hope you had fun with your little ones; I see many bloggers on Facebook and will continue to post a few pictures there. I still like the blog, documenting our family activities and keeping it as a photo book.
November is especially busy with Thanksgiving and the preparations for Christmas. We also have many family birthdays; wishing all a Happy Birthday - to my sweet Hubby, Christopher, George, Bill, Stephanie, Jan, Chris and Barbara. Also, Happy Anniversary to DD Leaa and Jesse, Jim and Cliffreda and Butch and Stephanie! One more will be joining us if Nicole delivers Mila by the end of the month!

First we went to Publix as they have some simple games to play plus always a sweet treat to decorate!You may not be able to see the little ball in flight - AA knocked down a stack of cans (all fallen behind the table) to win some candy!
Then we go to our little town's center neighborhood and walk a few streets. We went a little earlier this year and most were not out yet. As we were leaving (about 7:00 p.m.) the families were filling the streets!

We are so thankful for all that we have!
With Thanksgiving next week, what are you doing new or different?

More Photos From Bloggy Friends Meet-Up

2011-11-13T02:00:00.008-05:00

These are pictures from our time spent with Catherine (Catherine's Chatter), her daughter Hannah along with Don and daughter JMei. Lots of fun and a warm day to help with playing on the beach. As usual for these girls, taking pictures of them standing still is next to impossible, so their backside is their best side!
(these are in reverse time order, I somehow uploaded in wrong order and my time management inside voice says leave them that way!)
Catherine and Hannah enjoying a romp along the waves:
The "backsides":

This has become an annual meet up so look forward to next year. Maybe some of our other bloggy friends can make it?

Happy Birthday to Hubby!

2011-11-12T06:00:00.006-05:00

This is a BIG day for Hubby but alas he wishes to ignore it. He promises that at the next milestone in two years, we will celebrate. Last year AA and I baked him a cake and we went to see a live performance of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. Well, I look forward to the big bash in two years (hopefully in Key West)!
Here's a few un-posted pictures of Hubby from the past few months, he rarely gets in the photos!
Happy Birthday!

Bloggy Friends - Monday Visit

2011-11-08T02:00:00.002-05:00

We were so fortunate to be able to meet up with Canadian Bloggy friend, Catherine and her family. Along with Uncle Don and daughter JMei, we had lots of fun. The weather cooperated with sun and a breezy day for running on the beach. Read here to see our meeting last year and compare pictures of the girls a year later.

I have lots of photos of the girls in motion on the beach, mostly of their backsides! I am going to have to steal a few photos from the other paparazzi as I did not get a single photo of Miss H. alone or not moving. She was a whirlwind of motion! Here's the only picture I have of the three of them facing the camera. I will be stalking Don's and Catherine's photo albums for a few to add to my collection.I did get the two older girls to pose, first one is our AA and the second, Miss JMei!

More posts to follow as I go through all the photos! We had a great visit!

Nana Joy's Cornbread

2011-11-02T04:00:00.003-05:00

It ranks as one of life's simple but great pleasures. Nana Joy's cornbread. Then again, anything Nana Joy cooks can be called one of life's greatest pleasures.

It was this time last year when I thought I would "help out" and have the cornbread ready for when Nana Joy and Dad made their annual pilgrimage to our house for Thanksgiving. Nana Joy makes the famed oyster stuffing that Dad and I crave. To help do my part I made up some cornbread ahead of time for the stuffing. Let's just be blunt. It was bad. Very bad. I actually tried 3 different recipes and what I was left with was 3 different but consistently bad cornbreads.

Nana Joy to the rescue.

With her smile that is always just a breath away, Nana Joy swooped into the kitchen, grabbed my cast iron skillet and went to work. This time - I hawked her every move. "Ford, she told me, this recipe is very simple but very good". She didn't have to convince me of that as I've tasted her cornbread before. I wanted to learn. I wanted to taste that crunchy bottom.

Nana's cornbread was perfect.

I was thinking about that painful experience of three failed cornbreads as I whipped up Nana's cornbread to go with our chili the other night. What a pleasure. What a relief it is to make something you know is going to be good. Something you would serve to others and have confidence all would be well. I now have my go-to cornbread recipe permanently sealed in my recipe book. I don't even look for cornbread recipes any longer. Why would I, when I have the absolute best already.

Compliments of our Nana Joy...
peace
fm

Nana Joy’s Cornbread

Ingredients:

2 cups self-rising corn meal

2 eggs

2 Tbs bacon grease

Buttermilk (approximately 1/3 – 1/2 cup)

Directions:

Add 2 Tbs bacon grease to a 10” cast iron skillet

Place skillet in oven.

Preheat oven to 400F.

In medium size bowl, lightly whisk 2 eggs.

Add eggs to corn meal.

Stir gently to combine. Don't over stir.

Add buttermilk until just the right thickness forms while gently stiring, wet not soupy but not dry.

Spoon batter into the hot skillet.

Bake at 400F about 20 to 25 minutes

The Day Before Halloween

2011-10-31T04:00:00.004-05:00

Sunday was a fun day with plenty of sports to watch on TV and playtime with AA. We went to our church fall festival and enjoyed the crowded fun with food and games to play. Then we let AA stretch out her legs on her school's playground. I hadn't made a black and white photo in ages, so tried one to see the effect.
It was beautiful weather, mid 70's. Sorry to mention that fact to all of you in the frozen NE!
Happy Halloween!

Her latest favorite pose:

Daily Dose of AA - Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-30T02:00:00.007-05:00

I took these pictures yesterday (usually, I am a week behind with my posts) so this was the weather - cool and blustery. This was the first day we needed a light jacket in NE Florida. So AA and I jogged out to the end of the dock in the late afternoon to feel the full brunt of this windy weather. We didn't stay out long! Can you say we are wimpy? AA said her legs were cold and I agreed! So a few shots of her being silly and then we jogged back to the house!

Have a Happy Halloween tomorrow! I can't wait to see all your photos of the little ones; remember to update your blog, not just Facebook!

Another Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-29T02:00:00.007-05:00

This will be our last trip to buy a pumpkin. We decided to carve one so bought a medium sized one at OPUMC. I had to take a couple of pictures.
Soon it will be Halloween and AA is looking forward to it (she has a lady bug costume this year). There are so many free events this weekend for kids - at the library, the local grocery store, the World Golf Village, our church.... so much fun and hopefully, no evil spirits lurking about!

Favorite Friday Photo Best Shot - Other Scary Things

2011-10-28T02:00:00.009-05:00

Last weekend we were talking all about Halloween and the excitement leading up to it. But we hardly saw any decorations! So few daring souls anymore or maybe it is the economy. But then AA spied some pirates and this fellow outside a store. It was too funny when at first she was a bit timid (as usual) and then saw that the "hook" was a coat hanger!

A bit too much reflection in her glasses, not sure how to minimize that - it was a bright, sunny day. Enjoy making the rounds to many great blogs!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

St. Augustine Restaurant - Review

2011-10-27T02:00:00.001-05:00

It was very busy in St. Augustine last weekend; a pretty day with lots of sunshine and no "heat". Crowds shopping which is good for the city. We strolled for a long time then had a respite at Nonna's (2 Aviles Street; just west of A1A Alehouse, South of King Street). I couldn't find a web page for it but your can read reviews on Urban Spoon.
We love dry red wines and their house blend was very good. The food is good, great atmosphere, especially if you like to watch trolleys and horse-drawn carriages pass closely by. We enjoyed!

Sidewalk cafe style dining and chatting:

The Gift - Birdhouse

2011-10-26T02:00:00.005-05:00

One of AA's birthday gifts was a birdhouse; made of wood, ready to assemble and paint. Very cute gift.
AA was quite serious when deciding on the colors. First she said it had to match the picture on the box, but once she laid down the first color (yellow) she said she had other ideas as she wanted to use all the paint.
It is now drying, waiting for the finishing touches of flowers. Thank you Cathy & Werner!

Pumpkins!

2011-10-25T02:00:00.002-05:00

Love pumpkins in the fall.... outside on our picnic table.

We created this small gathering of AA's school Halloween papers and projects, a little color on a side table in the house.
We have also made pumpkin muffins and pumpkin cookies. Can't wait for pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving!
Happy Autumn and Halloween!

Sunday Snapshot - Daily Dose of AA - Sitting in a Tree

2011-10-23T02:00:00.004-05:00

We babysat Grand #3 at her parents home and was able to get a few photos of AA outside, sitting in the same tree where we had our family group photo taken two years ago. So many expressions.....

Best Photo Friday - Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-21T02:00:00.010-05:00

We finally bought some pumpkins at two of our United Methodist churches. We are members at one and our little AA goes to VPK at the other one. We love them both and love strolling around the lovely orange pumpkins!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Baby Shower - Last Post

2011-10-19T02:00:00.007-05:00

Lots of photos from the baby shower for Nicole; here are the last I will post here. Now for baby Mila to arrive!

She received a "cake" of baby diapers; still a favorite and creative gift:

Nicole was so happy to receive the crib bedding she selected - a pale pink and taupe leopard print:

Group photos; one of friends and the other of family:

Pumpkin Muffins or is that Cupcakes?

2011-10-17T02:00:00.010-05:00

Since this time of year is all about the abundance of pumpkins, AA and I decided to make pumpkin cupcakes. I thought better of the sweet treat which includes frosting so presented her with this recipe from The Happy Housewife which looked yummy (the recipe is part of her Oct. 15th post). With very little effort, since I used canned pumpkin (One-Pie from Maine), in about 20 minutes we had the kitchen smelling of Autumn!

My little helper!

Yummy, yummy!! Join others at Mangia Mondays and Melt in your Mouth Mondays!

More Baby Shower Photos - Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-16T02:00:00.007-05:00

We have so many wonderful photos from Nicole's baby shower, that I am going to post just my favorite ones of the mommy-to-be. Happy Sunday Snapshot!

A homemade baby mobile, color coordinated to the baby crib bedding (a wonderful craft project that is so sophisticated!):

Favorite Photo Friday

2011-10-14T04:00:00.004-05:00

These favorite photos were taken at last weeks baby shower. Alivia was all smiles! (thanks to Marsha who took two of these)
Also, a Happy Birthday to my sister! My family in Maine are all celebrating her birthday today AND my niece and her hubby are getting married today! Congratulations!

Check out all the photos at The Long Road to China:

Lots more favorite photos of the week here:

The Baby Shower - All About Mila

2011-10-13T02:00:00.024-05:00

We have a new baby soon to be born into this family, "Mila" - Nicole and Jordan are due the end of November. This past Saturday we celebrated by hosting a baby shower. It was beautiful and fun, great food with friends and family. It took five or six of us to plan, prepare, plan and prepare...... This was my first baby shower that I actually helped host.

Bought the letters and spray painted pink:

Printed from my home printer a "program/information sheet" about the baby shower:

As you came in the front door, I placed a baby scrapbook to use as the guest book. Guest were also to write a helpful note to Nicole; those notes are being added to the scrapbook along with photos from the shower:

Custom cake with Nicole's animal print (leopard, I think); it matches all the crib bedding:

Flowers from Marsha:

Decorating with lots of "onesies" in the windows: I spray painted small clothes pins pink and used pink yarn hung between the "3M Command wall hooks". I found all my decorating ideas on different blogs - just search on baby shower crafts and you will have lots of ideas to choose from!

Pink helium balloons always make a party festive. We used a baby box to house the napkins and small pink and brown cosmetic cases with the pink plastic utensils, all set up in front of the food tables:

The centerpiece on each table was a paper white dollies with five or six small water bottles decorated in the pink and brown/taupe motif (scrapbook paper cut to cover the label and hot glued on; I added a pink flower on the seam - and I did remove the paper water bottle label first). A bud vase with two dark pink roses added more color to the room (the tables and walls were all white). I printed labels with baby Mila's name on it and attached them to lots of chocolate bars.

Setting up one of the games - a baby bottle filled with small candy. There were ballots for everyone to submit a guess. The prizes for the games were from Bath & Body Works.

I selected five baby products and printed ballots for everyone to guess the price of each one:

The "chip and dip" table, all yummy!

The white pages for the scrapbook: everyone signed in!

The helpful baby hints were pinned to a bulletin board, so all could read and share:

And we had two little guests: our granddaughter #2 along with her best friend:

The next post will have pictures of the guests and gifts, plus hopefully show the joy we have for Nicole!

I Conveted an Iron

2011-10-12T02:00:00.007-05:00

I don't know how many people are like me (besides my Mom, since I got it from her); I iron almost everything. Yep, cannot stand wrinkles (well, until you wear the clothes, then that is okay).
So my story goes, we were visiting family in Missouri this past late July/early August and staying at my Hubby's brother's house. My sister-in-Law, Joan, has this wonderful iron. I don't think I told her how much I loved her iron. I loved it. I coveted it. Then I didn't think much of it except every week at home when I ironed our clothes and looked at my iron. It didn't get very hot, probably because of the many times I dropped it. It would spit at me. It would leak water on our clothes, where and when you didn't want water on the clothes. So without thinking, I was was at Walmart, thinking there is no way they would have such an iron like my SIL's. And there it was. I hesitated for a few minutes after discovering the price. Then, I thought, I am worth it! So now I have a wonderful, steamy, hot iron! I really do like to iron!

May you be able to have that small appliance that just makes your household chores seem a little brighter!

Monday Blues........ New Sneakers

2011-10-10T02:00:00.008-05:00

This past weekend was so blustery, gusty, rainy, dreary yet refreshing. Even with the rain, it seemed like the humidity was much lower; I am sure thanks to the 35 mph winds! We had a busy Saturday with Nicole's baby shower. I have lots of pictures on Picasa and Facebook, so please head over there if you wish to see them all. Some of the best photos will be posted here later this week.

The below photos are of last Monday, still AA's and my "girls day out". Now that she is in school five days a week, we hang out together on Monday afternoons and catch up on our chatter and errands. The weather was cool (OK, it was 82 degrees while we were at the park, but it did seem "cooler"!).

AND it was all about AA's first day "graduating" to a size 10 sneaker that her Nana gave her (yes, they are L.L. Bean's). They are perfect and AA thought the blue color so cool (we do have a pair of pink ones just like the "blues" in the closet, at a size 11). She loves knowing that she is growing, getting bigger. She told me she was not a little girl anymore, a "medium" one!

Frozen Treat - Rita's

2011-10-09T02:00:00.000-05:00

We heard about a frozen treat place called Rita's a few months ago, so finally tried it at the Orange Park Blanding store on Nana's last day visiting us. There were about a dozen flavors of Italian Ice plus frozen custard in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. AA chose cherry ice, where my Mom (Nana) chose the strawberry frozen custard twist with vanilla (with mini M&M's) and I had the chocolate twist with vanilla. All yummy!

It has been a very windy and rainy weekend but we had a wonderful family baby shower yesterday, so I can't wait to post all the photos. Happy Sunday to you all and may you have some rest, peace and a little adventure today too!

First Cool Day - October 1st - Favorite Photos

2011-10-07T02:00:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful day on the first of October - low humidity, sunny, in the 70's and the mosquitoes have gone! We enjoyed AA's golf lesson in the morning, then a bike ride and then the late afternoon sun on the dock. So thankful for our wonderful lives!

Enjoy many more favorite photos at one of our favorite blogs.

Last Few Days with Nana

2011-10-05T02:00:00.000-05:00

We went shopping last Saturday and then swimming on Sunday. Not much exciting going on, just normal life activities!
Sampling lots of different foods including olives, hummus, fruit juices and sweets, so much to see and buy at RAM!

Nana bought some "buckeyes" (peanut butter and chocolate bonbons!):
Leaving the market:
Swimming:

Meeting Carter!

2011-10-03T02:00:00.009-05:00

Our daughters "in-law" family were here for a long weekend visit so we stopped by to see the newest family member, K & B's Carter (our daughter and hubby's nephew).
I took a series of photos when Carter's sister had to get some attention from Uncle Jesse (our SIL) while he was feeding her baby brother.

My Mom took her turn entertaining the baby and he was very focused on all that attention:

We were missing my Mom who took the picture and Cara's beau (guess we need to work on the self-timer mode again!)

School Pals - Snapshot Sunday

2011-10-02T02:00:00.002-05:00

I was able to pick up AA from school and snapped many great photos of her in action at the school playground. Since I don't have permission to post photos of the two other girls, I snapped a few backside ones! On this particular day, a younger brother was chasing them, then boy-wonder R. joined the group of girls.
Nothing like running free and holding hands!

Favorite Family Photos Friday

2011-09-30T02:00:00.014-05:00

Finishing up posting pictures from AA's family birthday party, here are my favorites!

After an early dinner, presents and cake, the girls headed for the pool even though it was overcast.

Grand Dylan being her cute self:

All four in the kiddie pool:

AA having some play time after everyone left; she loves her ribbon wand, hula-hoop and purple fairy dress:

Busy Few Weeks - Catching Up

2011-09-29T02:00:00.002-05:00

We have taken alot of pictures over the past few weeks and I still have not taken the time to write up new posts, so I am back in the catch up mode! Lots coming for our family blog/photo album.

We didn't do much for the Mid-Autumn Moon festival; AA colored a picture I printed and we looked at the bright moon for several nights. Our local FCC group hosts a beach side gathering that is a bit of a drive for us so we didn't attend this year. I must be more prepared next year!

We went swimming: AA and her Nana.

Since we are United Methodists and there is one Florida UM Children's Home, you have heard many times how we love to respond to any needs they have. The word was put out that luggage or duffel bags were needs (and used is fine) as most children who enter the residential home program have very little and usually nothing to put their personal belongings in. The budget doesn't always have room for these "extras" that we would normally provide for our own children. So here's the photos of all the donated items which included 62 pieces of luggage, duffel bags, gym bags and personal tote bags plus 46 packages of new underwear (a total of 276 pieces of undies)! Thank you all!!

With my Mom here visiting, she has played with AA and taught her some new games including checkers and Slamwich (sort of like "war"):

Also brought a set of puzzles to do called Squzzle - Animal Babies (visit mindware on line). They were not the easiest to complete, but we did manage! Here's a picture of one completed puzzle - have fun if you attempt these!

And lastly, AA playing with Daddy's iPhone:

Hopefully, I am caught up with the blog, now off to catch up on snail mail and thank yous!

Pinegrove Market Deli

2011-09-28T02:00:00.006-05:00

You probably have one where you live. The foodie delight known by locals but seemingly hidden from those visiting or just passing through. These taste bud, stomach filling treasures are much like pirate booty, seemingly buried away with their whereabouts a carefully guarded secret so it would seem.
Least the likes of folks like you and I start showing up :)

One positive aspect of living close to the city is the opportunity to enjoy many of these local favorites for ourselves. Most cities are a composite of individual neighborhoods masquerading as one large metropolis. Each hosting their hidden gems of culinary diversity not to be limited to linen tablecloths and a wine price list that weaken the knees. Case in point, our most recent lunch came complete with paper napkins, plastic forks and catsup kept in the soda/beer cooler you fetched for yourself. Our (my) intended quest was to sample the best "burger" in Jacksonville which in turn led us to the eclectic neighborhood of Avondale and their "buried treasure" known as the Pinegrove Market Deli.

Menu
As you may have gathered from the pictures, our appetites came before the camera :)

The chicken salad sandwich, hummus, fries and burger all fresh and tastefully satisfying!

Today also happens to be a special day for our family.
Happy Birthday to our first daughter - may you have a wonderful day Leaa!
We love you so much...
peace
fm

Last 5th Birthday Gift

2011-09-27T02:00:00.003-05:00

AA's final gift was too large to take to the beach party, so she opened it up after our return home.
She did a good job of ripping off all the paper (I used lots of newspaper too):

"Helping" assemble the hoop:

Shooting Practice:

Success! (we need to raise up the pole one more notch!)

Sunday Snapshot

2011-09-25T02:00:00.004-05:00

I am joining the Sunday Snapshot over at Ni Hoa Y'all since I mostly post snapshots. Many of my long term bloggy adoption families post photos on Sunday and hopefully it will be a great way for me to catch up on everyone's news.

We celebrated Forever Family Day at P.F. Chang (and in 2010) and my Mom was here from Maine for her September visit. We are still in wonder that we climbed on a plane on 09/11/2008 to China just 30 days after our referral day and had our new little daughter on the 16th! Happy Three Years!

Weekend with "Auntie Carolyn" - Favorite Photo Friday

2011-09-23T02:00:00.004-05:00

Having Carolyn around is so nice; AA loves playing with her and that gives us some short breaks in our routine (and some mental rest too). They play school and enjoy having fun together. A perfect weekend! So here are some of our favorite photos from this visit!
Heading to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM - we have mentioned many times - our favorite place to buy veggies for the coming week).
In the butterfly cage area with Aunt Carolyn (I took pictures from the outside, looking through the screening):
Later in the afternoon, we walked the neighborhood, the weather has cooled a little and less humid - time to get back outdoors!
Hoping our cousin returns soon!
To see everyone's favorite photo, check out The Long Road to China.

Welcome to Primi Piatti!

2011-09-22T02:00:00.000-05:00

If you love Italian food in a warm and gracious atmosphere, you must try Primi Piatti!
We recently had an evening out as AA stayed at the church's "Parent's Night Out". They hold it once every few months and we have taken advantage of it as AA thinks she is just playing at her school.
This time, Sweet Hubby found an Italian restaurant we had not been to but is in our favorite area of Jacksonville - Riverside at 2722 Park Street.
Our experience was perfect. It was a bit quiet for a Friday evening, but we did dine early. The food was delicious and the service very nice. We had a server that we remembered from the now closed Blue Grotto (Fleming Island - Sarnelli family).

Overall, a very nice restaurant. For others opinions follow these links and decide for yourself!
At Urbanspoon and Yelp.

Maine Trip - Frisbee Lesson (Catching up on Maine Trip)

2011-09-21T02:00:00.001-05:00

Nana kept AA very busy during ourMaine trip. She took AA to play with Emily (lives at the top of her street and is also an adoptee from China) so they played on a trampoline, at the lake shore, on the playground, played softball and had lots of fun (I wasn't there, so no pictures). Later it was learning to play horse shoes and throw the Frisbee! Here's a few favorite pictures I caught of AA playing Frisbee with Nana.
Success!

Happy Birthday to Alyzabeth!

2011-09-20T17:00:00.002-05:00

We had a happy birthday party with family this past Sunday, but today is the real birthday for our little daughter. Happy 5th Birthday!

Self-Indulgence - Waterskiing (Catching up on Maine Trip)

2011-09-19T02:00:00.004-05:00

I grew up water skiing almost every day during our summers on Little Sebago Lake. And I mean most every day. We packed up and moved into the little "camp" on the lake the day after school was let out and didn't move back until the day before school started. So I LOVED water skiing.

I haven't skied much at all in the past 30 years (since moving away from Maine) and only once I believe in the past five years, so it was a wonderful time to be able to ski again. I was behind my Mom's Sea-Doo and using nephew's slalom ski (which was way too long for me). But I loved every minute. My old body isn't used to it anymore, so I didn't ski for long. But it felt good!

So, I am being very self-indulgent by posting these pictures to be part of our photo books. No need to look any further to see a 50+ trying to ski (and yes, I had to start out with two ski's because the Sea-Doo doesn't have enough horse power at take off so to speak).
Getting ready.....
So cool, so refreshing!

Best Friend (Catching up on Maine Trip photos)

2011-09-18T02:00:00.000-05:00

My best friend who has been around my family since birth, we attended the same schools and even took baton lessons together; we were able to have a longer than usual visit during my last trip home to Maine. Deb and I caught up on news while decorating for the High School Reunion event and then she and friend Rocky came for a visit next day at the lake. We had a great time, she is such a lovely person, easy going, friendly and sweet! Here's some photos of our visit, from eating, playing cards, water skiing, kayaking, etc....

At the High School Reunion (35 years!):

AA and Aunti-M (Catching Up on Maine Trip Photos)

2011-09-17T02:00:00.008-05:00

From my post with AA on the Sea-Doo with cousin Andrew, AA had many more rides while in Maine. She rode with me and Nana; and had fun with her Aunti-M!
We look forward to a longer visit next summer!

Forever Family Day - Three Years! Favorite Photo Friday

2011-09-16T02:00:00.006-05:00

Every Forever Family Day we take a few pictures of Mommy and daughter. We will be celebrating just as we have in the past, this is a special day but we don't want to make too much of a big deal of it. Hopefully, in the future, AA will let us know what she would like to do in memory of our family day.
Here's our posts from 2009 and 2010.

See many favorite photos at The Long Road to China:

On the Beach with Aunt-T!

2011-09-15T02:00:00.001-05:00

While my sister and hubby were visiting, they had some time with AA on the beach.....Great memories! Hope they can come back for a longer visit next time!

Sweet Datil

2011-09-14T02:00:00.013-05:00

It's not that I ever doubted him but I still hesitated before biting into the pepper. From an outward appearance it looked very similar to a Habanero, almost too similar but (thankfully) the taste test confirmed it was a Sweet Datil pepper just as our son had promised :)

Some months back Justin gave me what he claimed to be a Sweet Datil pepper plant. A sweet Datil was new to me but as the resident pepper expert in the family, I took Justin at his word. Until that is, it came time for the taste test.
I confess eying the freshly picked, shiny red globe with a healthy bit of apprehension but apprehension quickly gave way to (relief) a flavorful, "sweet" treat.

Datil Peppers are native to this region but appear to be growing in popularity. In the event you haven't tasted a Datil - fear not, the taste is pleasantly unique and even the "Hot" Datil is nothing like the intense heat you find in a Habanero. It's an easy grower and as with most pepper plants, the bugs have a tendency to leave them alone.
Like I almost did :)

Thank you Justin...
peace
fm

Getting Ready for AA's Birthday!

2011-09-13T02:00:00.000-05:00

Her birthday is soon upon us and Winnie the Pooh won out for the family party decorations.
Happy 5th to AA!

Back to Blogging! School - A Few Photos

2011-09-12T02:00:00.007-05:00

I have not been very good at updating our family blog since mid-August. Between two trips and work and life and family celebrations, etc... The blog was left behind. I am now catching up, so many posts will be of the past few weeks.
Cousin Carolyn was here a few weeks ago during AA's first few days of school, she took some pictures of Alyzabeth going and coming from school.

She loves school and her new friends this year!

The Family Fun Day!

2011-09-05T04:00:00.001-05:00

They arrived yesterday, had fun and visited with family and then left! Next stop for sister and BIL is the Keys!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-03T03:00:00.001-05:00

I am still not back to blogging on a regular basis..... still catching up and enjoying the summer weekends. These two pictures were taken at my Mom's, (before Stormy Irene came for a devastating visit!) from the Maine trip! Wish we were back there!

Happy Labor Day weekend! Enjoy!