I've been away...

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I'm usually good about posting a picture or two every now and then. After all, that is what this blog is for...to keep the family and friends up to date on our daily life. But I haven't even picked up the camera in a few days. You see, I've been away on a journey. I've been to Forks, WA. Well not exactly but my mind has been there. I've been getting to know Edward and Bella. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry, I'm not going crazy. I've just gotten a little bit obsessive. I've been reading a book that has captured my attention. It's called Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I've just finished the 2nd book in the series and am about to pick up the third. Don't fret, I'm a fast reader and I will return from Forks soon, back to reality. I promise to pick up blogging where I left off.

Chris and I will celebrate our 7th anniversary this weekend. It's actually on the 20th but we're going out on Saturday because Logan's teacher has so graciously offered to watch the boys. What a treat! We do not go out often but we don't mind. We know that we will have our time soon enough and we want to enjoy the little boy years as much as we can.

The movie comes out 11-21-08 and I'm rounding up a few friends that have read the book to come with me on opening night. I can't believe how corny I am over this but whatever. Life's always fun when you've got a little bit of a thrill...even if it is just found in some pages....

Happy Birthday LOGAN!!!

Logan had a fun-filled day at Tarza Waterpark with his friend, Isabelle (and her mom, Meredith, sister, Jo-Jo, our newest little neighbor, Howie and his mom, Tori) and then we came back to have ice cream cake (shaped like a volcano) and presents. For dinner, he chose Jan-Z's by the sea for a beautiful sunset dinner complete with the local boonie dog as the smelly guard dog. He chased every motorcycle that went by which was plenty of entertainment for the boys.

Bumper tubes!

Jo-Jo

Howie
A pack of wild boars we saw on the way home.

Logan's (early) Birthday

We celebrated Logan's birthday early at his school. I made cupcakes and let them decorate their own "monsters". Logan got a new (to him!) camera from Mammaw and he had the opportunity to use it to document his day. Below is his very first slideshow. I can see a photographer in the making!

Eyes are the window to the soul

See here for an interesting study done last year.

My new hair...

For lots of beach pics, check out the web album!

She will be missed

Yesterday Logan and I were talking about his Great-Mamaw (Chris's mom's mom) and how she was in the hospital. I told him that she was very sick and we thought that she was going up to Heaven soon. He said, "Oh I already saw her go up to Heaven.I saw the clouds open up and angels carried her up. Jesus was looking down." Chris and I thought it was a nice story to share with his mom so he gave her a call last night. Just after he finished the story his mom received word that she had passed.

We love and miss you Mamaw. May you find rest in the arms of Jesus.

Me, Chris, Shelley & Mamaw

What's for dinner?

I'm not a fan of ground beef but all the boys like it and Chris is a huge fan of chili. He worked hard today mowing our lawn as well as two of our neighbor's lawns whose husbands are deployed. I wanted to make him something special to reward him for being so kind to others. So here's one of his favorites which just happens to be my sister-in-law's recipe.

Shelley's Chili

1.) Chop onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

2.) Cook beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender.

3.) Drain beef and add spices.

4.) Add remaining ingredients (I found a new home for the half can of organic whole tomatoes that I used earlier in the week!) to crockpot and stir well. Cook on low for 8 hours or high 3-4 hours.

5.) Serve up with some honey cornbread and add cheese if desired. Sour cream is also yummy. Another way that I like to eat mine that Shelley told me about is mixing some cream cheese in the chili and eating it with tortilla chips. So good!

6.) Kid-friendly version....serve with Fritos scoops so they can use them as little spoons!
Shelley's Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper (Chris likes it this way but I prefer it with less.)
2 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 small onion, diced
1 can kidney beans, undrained
2 sm cans tomato sauce

Brown beef and onions (and garlic if using fresh). Drain. Add seasonings. Transfer meat mixture to crockpot and add beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 8-10 hours. Serve with cheese, sour cream or cream cheese. Tortilla chips, fritos scoops and cornbread are also great accompaniments.

Friday/ClassDay

Today was a full day of Discovering Sign and Discovering Digital Photography. The first class was for Ryland and it's purpose is to help me communicate with him. I think that he'll pick it up in no time. He already does the sign for more and daddy. It's a great opportunity for us to do something together. We had a lot of fun and Ry's friend, Mia (and my friend, Dot....Happy Birthday DOT!!) attended the class with us. Little Miss Mia had a good time dancing. She was so cute. If Dot posts some pictures on her blog I'll snatch some and post them here. For once, I did not have my camera with me.

I rushed to bring Ryland to Meredith's house and then back to the class again for Digital Photography. I think I'm really going to like this class. I've got homework...I haven't had homework in years!

On a serious note, Chris's Mamaw is in the hospital in GA. His mom has rushed up there from FL to be with her because she had a stroke and is not doing well. Please keep them in your prayers. Mamaw is 92 years old and ready to go home to Jesus. She's been saying it for a long time now. If this is the Lord's will, please pray for peace for the family.