Again another week has come and gone with me neglecting the blog. And while I love and treasure those who read this blog, I'm really kicking myself because there are so many things going on in my head that I want to remember and without tapping them out here, they'll escape my mind in no time.
To update you on what we've been doing... Bella went back to her mom on Wednesday. It was hard saying goodbye for five whole months. But we have faith in the Lord and His perfect plan, so we will trust in that. The fact that she gave her life to Christ while she was here this summer gives us hope for her relationship with God while she is away. We are so thankful for Claire, more than ever before and holding her especially close.
Work for both Luke and I is back in high gear and we are throwing ourselves in it while Bella is gone, so that we can enjoy the time with her again at Christmas. We also are getting back into the gym. I have ten more baby pounds to go and Luke is wanting to shed a few as well. Gold's Gym is just a few miles from our house and they have a great childcare facility, so we are trying to go four times week... starting next week of course.
I can't promise when I'll be abck to regular posting, but when I do I promise it will be full of amamzing pictures of those sweet angels! God is so good. Tell Him you love Him today!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pardon the Interuption
I don't know what to say. It's been a week since I've posted, and I have nothing to show for it. Work has been crazy, and I mean crazy where I barely have time to breathe. None of us have been feeling well, and we are trying to just enjoy our last week with Bella. She goes home Wednesday and we won't see her again until Christmas. Five months that I am not looking forward to.
In other news, I have a pinched nerve in my neck that is incredibly painful, but I am hopefully going to the doctor today. We had a great time at Matt and Kendall's wedding last weekend, with lots of pictures and a video of the infamous dance to come.
Sorry I punked out on Thankful on a Thursday this week, but it's all I can do not to scream. Prayers for peace and healing please. Love you all!
In other news, I have a pinched nerve in my neck that is incredibly painful, but I am hopefully going to the doctor today. We had a great time at Matt and Kendall's wedding last weekend, with lots of pictures and a video of the infamous dance to come.
Sorry I punked out on Thankful on a Thursday this week, but it's all I can do not to scream. Prayers for peace and healing please. Love you all!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thankful on a Thursday
Oh how I love Thursdays! I love sharing what we are so thankful for over here at the McGlothin Family Nest. I love reading all of your linked posts. I love the emails and comments from people that say "thanks for reminding us what's really important" or "this really puts things into perspective for me."
Don't forget the code for your sidebar badge is right there on teh left, and the code for the post badge is below.
51. Poofy Baby Dresses. I love that this dress my mom got for Claire is so poofy that I could barely buckle her carseat. And I'm thankful that Claire is such a good sport and lets me dress her up so much! 
52. Wednesday Night Church. I love Wednesday night services, even if we did miss a pretty big one. It's always a struggle to get there on time... pick up the girls, grab something to eat, load up the car, drive 25 minutes to the main campus, check-in at the nursery, check-in at Highlands Kids, drag self into auditorium. But when I finally make it, I am so glad that I did. It's always a message I needed to hear. I am so thankful for Wednesday night services.
53. Amazing Opportunities. My business trips take me to destinations near and far, and have also allowed me some amazing opportunities, for which I am so grateful. I know I haven't blogged about them very much because I'm still unsure where to draw the line between my personal blog and my professional career. I recently traveled through Rugby, North Dakota, which is the geographical center of North America.
54. Incredible Views. I took these pictures at the International Peace Tower. The top photo was taken with foot in North Dakota and one foot in Canada. It was so cool.
55. That He is Always With Me. God has really been messing with me lately, teaching me along the way. It is so comforting that He has a purpose for my life, and He knows what I need at all times. God knows the wants and desires of our heartx before prayer leaves our lips, and I am so thankful for that!
Don't forget to link up with us and share your Thankful on a Thursday posts!
Don't forget the code for your sidebar badge is right there on teh left, and the code for the post badge is below.
51. Poofy Baby Dresses. I love that this dress my mom got for Claire is so poofy that I could barely buckle her carseat. And I'm thankful that Claire is such a good sport and lets me dress her up so much!
52. Wednesday Night Church. I love Wednesday night services, even if we did miss a pretty big one. It's always a struggle to get there on time... pick up the girls, grab something to eat, load up the car, drive 25 minutes to the main campus, check-in at the nursery, check-in at Highlands Kids, drag self into auditorium. But when I finally make it, I am so glad that I did. It's always a message I needed to hear. I am so thankful for Wednesday night services.
53. Amazing Opportunities. My business trips take me to destinations near and far, and have also allowed me some amazing opportunities, for which I am so grateful. I know I haven't blogged about them very much because I'm still unsure where to draw the line between my personal blog and my professional career. I recently traveled through Rugby, North Dakota, which is the geographical center of North America.
54. Incredible Views. I took these pictures at the International Peace Tower. The top photo was taken with foot in North Dakota and one foot in Canada. It was so cool.
55. That He is Always With Me. God has really been messing with me lately, teaching me along the way. It is so comforting that He has a purpose for my life, and He knows what I need at all times. God knows the wants and desires of our heartx before prayer leaves our lips, and I am so thankful for that!
Don't forget to link up with us and share your Thankful on a Thursday posts!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My First Blog Award!
I have seen these "blog awards" here and there while making the rounds of mommy blogs I read. But this one is extra special for three reasons:
1. Well, first of all- it's my first bloggy award!
2. It's from my new friend over at Walkin' in High Cotton. She's a Christian mom rearing kids and shearing sheep, telling her tales of life on the farm. And I love reading her inspirational words followed always by scripture. What more can you ask for?
3. It's the Blog With Substance award. And that's awesome. I'm so glad someone has found substance to what I write. I think we have a good story to share, and it's encouraging that someone else thinks so too.
The rules for A Blog with Substance award are as follows:
1. I’ve gotta sum up my blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience in 5 words: Laughing, Living and Loving the Lord (ok it's six word if you want to get technical, so sue me)
2. I’ve gotta pass this award on to 10 other bloggers who I feel have A Blog with Substance.
Well…since we are basically on the same brain wave length, many of the mommy bloggers I would have awarded this to were included in last week's awards from Walkin' in High Cotton (Theta Mom, The Tarr Pit and The Outdoor Wife, to name a few.)
This could also be titled the "the post of a million links" so bear with me... Here goes...
1. Enjoying the Small Things. If you have never read Kelle Hampton's blog, you are missing a real treat. Her love of life and her girls are overwhelming, and she has really inspired me to take more time and remember what's important. (Bella has the same nightgown as Lainey!) And she is proof that you can have it all. She doubles as a photographer, so the pictures on her blog are a-maz-ing. Her little angel Nella has Downs Syndrome (not the mention the most beautiful birth story ever told), and Kelle has recently become a strong advocate for special needs families. I wish I could join her family on one of their outings just to soak in life- because she sure is doing it right!
2. The Heir to Blair. I know Blair can be "contraversial" in the world of mommy bloggers (if such a thing can exist), either you love her or you hate her. But me? I love her. I mean really love her. I even proposed an arranged marriage between her adorable Harrison and my sweet Claire. And we've neer met. (Although the pairing would produce the blondest grandchildren on the planet!) She is so honest about her life, her struggle with PPD/ PPA, her balancing act as a working wife and mother, her weight-loss battle, her rolls in the sac with her HOT husband, and she is Southern to the core- pearls and all.
3. Spilled Milk (and other attrocities). Law-Momma is awesome. That's all I can say- awesome. She balances work and home with grace. She suffers from severe sleep deprivation just like yours truly, only she has a way more important day job. You know, practicing law. Her stories on snot and poop are histerical. While she may appear to have it all together, she is not afraid to admit when it's all falling to sh!t. So authentic and true to the core is why I enjoy reading her tales day in and day out.
4. O My Family. Allison O is so cute, and I love how everything on her blog starts with O. And how O Baby is so cute. Cute.cute.cute. And I love cute. But this is about substance, and Allison has that too. And honesty. She loves being a mother, while acknowledging that parenthood is something so hard to prepare for. Allison O is proof that cute, funny, witty, honest and substantive can all be found in a single blog. And a blog I am so glad that I have found.
5. Breaking New Ground. I have only recently been blessed to find Shandell. She is a fellow daughter of Christ, stay-at-home mom and daycare provider, documenting the ups and downs of life through her blog. Shandell also loves Thankful on a Thursday to reflect on God's blessings. She and her husband just bought a house, making it a home, keeping it clean. And she was brave enough to go camping with her baby. Superwoman in my book.
6. Raising Madison. I don't even know where to begin with Joanna. She rocks my world. Just like she rocked cancer and her daughter's hip dysplasia. And if that weren't enough, the girl had been a newlywed for a whopping two months when she found herself growing a human. I've "known" Joanna (and those who aren't a part of this wonderful mommy blogging world are saying, how well can you really know someone you met on teh internet, but take my word for it, you can) since her days on The Bump as Pennylane, but it wasn't until recently that I really began to know her. This girl joined forces with other e-friends and strangers alike to raise nearly $2,000 for Keagan. And she's not afraid to learn life's lessons from a baby.
7. Mom-Nom. There are so many fan-damn-tastic things about Tiffany, I don't know where to start. (And that cussing without special characters babe- that's just for you!) She go knocked up young, but kept the Bubs. Then she had Bubette, although her pregnancy tests said otherwise. Then, she almost lost Bubs in an accident, but pulled it together only to get knocked down by another mommy blogger. But the result is Mom-Nom.com and I couldn't be happier for Tiffany and her adorable little family. Oh, and we share the same nemisis.
Due to the fact that I have no more time to link one more thing in this post, I'm only giving seven awards. My apologies to those whom this offends. Or you can say that my other three would have gone to Theta Mom, The Tarr Pit and The Outdoor Wife.
Thanks to my new friend at Walkin' in High Cotton for this great award. But please go check these ladies out and leave them some comment love!
1. Well, first of all- it's my first bloggy award!
2. It's from my new friend over at Walkin' in High Cotton. She's a Christian mom rearing kids and shearing sheep, telling her tales of life on the farm. And I love reading her inspirational words followed always by scripture. What more can you ask for?
3. It's the Blog With Substance award. And that's awesome. I'm so glad someone has found substance to what I write. I think we have a good story to share, and it's encouraging that someone else thinks so too.
The rules for A Blog with Substance award are as follows:
1. I’ve gotta sum up my blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience in 5 words: Laughing, Living and Loving the Lord (ok it's six word if you want to get technical, so sue me)
2. I’ve gotta pass this award on to 10 other bloggers who I feel have A Blog with Substance.
Well…since we are basically on the same brain wave length, many of the mommy bloggers I would have awarded this to were included in last week's awards from Walkin' in High Cotton (Theta Mom, The Tarr Pit and The Outdoor Wife, to name a few.)
This could also be titled the "the post of a million links" so bear with me... Here goes...
1. Enjoying the Small Things. If you have never read Kelle Hampton's blog, you are missing a real treat. Her love of life and her girls are overwhelming, and she has really inspired me to take more time and remember what's important. (Bella has the same nightgown as Lainey!) And she is proof that you can have it all. She doubles as a photographer, so the pictures on her blog are a-maz-ing. Her little angel Nella has Downs Syndrome (not the mention the most beautiful birth story ever told), and Kelle has recently become a strong advocate for special needs families. I wish I could join her family on one of their outings just to soak in life- because she sure is doing it right!
2. The Heir to Blair. I know Blair can be "contraversial" in the world of mommy bloggers (if such a thing can exist), either you love her or you hate her. But me? I love her. I mean really love her. I even proposed an arranged marriage between her adorable Harrison and my sweet Claire. And we've neer met. (Although the pairing would produce the blondest grandchildren on the planet!) She is so honest about her life, her struggle with PPD/ PPA, her balancing act as a working wife and mother, her weight-loss battle, her rolls in the sac with her HOT husband, and she is Southern to the core- pearls and all.
3. Spilled Milk (and other attrocities). Law-Momma is awesome. That's all I can say- awesome. She balances work and home with grace. She suffers from severe sleep deprivation just like yours truly, only she has a way more important day job. You know, practicing law. Her stories on snot and poop are histerical. While she may appear to have it all together, she is not afraid to admit when it's all falling to sh!t. So authentic and true to the core is why I enjoy reading her tales day in and day out.
4. O My Family. Allison O is so cute, and I love how everything on her blog starts with O. And how O Baby is so cute. Cute.cute.cute. And I love cute. But this is about substance, and Allison has that too. And honesty. She loves being a mother, while acknowledging that parenthood is something so hard to prepare for. Allison O is proof that cute, funny, witty, honest and substantive can all be found in a single blog. And a blog I am so glad that I have found.
5. Breaking New Ground. I have only recently been blessed to find Shandell. She is a fellow daughter of Christ, stay-at-home mom and daycare provider, documenting the ups and downs of life through her blog. Shandell also loves Thankful on a Thursday to reflect on God's blessings. She and her husband just bought a house, making it a home, keeping it clean. And she was brave enough to go camping with her baby. Superwoman in my book.
6. Raising Madison. I don't even know where to begin with Joanna. She rocks my world. Just like she rocked cancer and her daughter's hip dysplasia. And if that weren't enough, the girl had been a newlywed for a whopping two months when she found herself growing a human. I've "known" Joanna (and those who aren't a part of this wonderful mommy blogging world are saying, how well can you really know someone you met on teh internet, but take my word for it, you can) since her days on The Bump as Pennylane, but it wasn't until recently that I really began to know her. This girl joined forces with other e-friends and strangers alike to raise nearly $2,000 for Keagan. And she's not afraid to learn life's lessons from a baby.
7. Mom-Nom. There are so many fan-damn-tastic things about Tiffany, I don't know where to start. (And that cussing without special characters babe- that's just for you!) She go knocked up young, but kept the Bubs. Then she had Bubette, although her pregnancy tests said otherwise. Then, she almost lost Bubs in an accident, but pulled it together only to get knocked down by another mommy blogger. But the result is Mom-Nom.com and I couldn't be happier for Tiffany and her adorable little family. Oh, and we share the same nemisis.
Due to the fact that I have no more time to link one more thing in this post, I'm only giving seven awards. My apologies to those whom this offends. Or you can say that my other three would have gone to Theta Mom, The Tarr Pit and The Outdoor Wife.
Thanks to my new friend at Walkin' in High Cotton for this great award. But please go check these ladies out and leave them some comment love!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Nine Months
Three-quarters of a year? How is that possible? How is my baby girl this close to a year old? Time, we already had this discussion, but to no avail, Claire continues to grow faster and faster- right before my eyes.
And now I have had officially had a baby outside of my belly for as long as she was inside of my belly. That's a weird feeling.
She is crawling all over the place, to the point that we had to buy a gate. I always teased people that had these, saying I would never gate my child and that those things were for dogs, but after her first attempt to climb the stairs, I was in Target faster than you could say "I told you so."
Things she loves:
* Scrambled eggs. She would eat a whole pan of them if I would let her.
* Bella's "fruit salad" - which is actually a combination of every flavor puff we have in the house (and that's a lot)
* Bella's "soup" - which is actually oatmeal
* Trying to crawl off the bed. She thinks it hilarious to crawl to the edge of our bed and have us pull her back to the center, only to do it all over again.
* Eating grass. We have been doing some fun and exciting things in our backyard only to look over and see Claire eating grass. Oh well.
Things she is amazing me with:
* Crawling everywhere
* Pulling up on everything
* Standing on her own
* Walking behind her Step Start Walk and Ride
* Everything. She is constantly amazing me.
We are going to have Claire a mini-birthday party at the end of July before Bella leaves to go back to Hawaii, so that she can have her big sissy celebrate with her. And, since last Friday's post, we are also going to have a baby dedication at out home with close friends and family.
Happy Nine Months Claire! We love you sweet girl!
And now I have had officially had a baby outside of my belly for as long as she was inside of my belly. That's a weird feeling.
She is crawling all over the place, to the point that we had to buy a gate. I always teased people that had these, saying I would never gate my child and that those things were for dogs, but after her first attempt to climb the stairs, I was in Target faster than you could say "I told you so."
Things she loves:
* Scrambled eggs. She would eat a whole pan of them if I would let her.
* Bella's "fruit salad" - which is actually a combination of every flavor puff we have in the house (and that's a lot)
* Bella's "soup" - which is actually oatmeal
* Trying to crawl off the bed. She thinks it hilarious to crawl to the edge of our bed and have us pull her back to the center, only to do it all over again.
* Eating grass. We have been doing some fun and exciting things in our backyard only to look over and see Claire eating grass. Oh well.
Things she is amazing me with:
* Crawling everywhere
* Pulling up on everything
* Standing on her own
* Walking behind her Step Start Walk and Ride
* Everything. She is constantly amazing me.
We are going to have Claire a mini-birthday party at the end of July before Bella leaves to go back to Hawaii, so that she can have her big sissy celebrate with her. And, since last Friday's post, we are also going to have a baby dedication at out home with close friends and family.
Happy Nine Months Claire! We love you sweet girl!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Mommy Fail: Earthly vs. Eternal
I would like to be the kind of mom that always has everything together. We all would like to never forget the cupcakes for church small group, the team t-shirt for Highlands Kids, to bring a meal to the family with a new baby, and the list goes on. But I have come to find, that with two girls this Summer, I don't have my stuff together. I just don't. At least not as much as I would like to.
On the first Wednesday night of each month, Highlands does a baby dedication with the family of these new precious angels, giving and dedicating their lives to the Lord. I had been waiting for July 7th since Claire was born. It would be the only first Wednesday of the month that we would have Bella with us until Claire would be nearing 18 months old. We would go up on stage- as a family, the four of us- and dedicate Claire to Christ.
Well two nights ago I walked into the Wednesday night service, running late of course, to see that baby dedication taking place. Only, I was not on stage with my girls and their father. I was standing in the auditorium doorway sobbing. Mommy fail.
How could I forget? How could I let this slip my mind. I had remembered to pack flossing sticks for Bella because the string is too hard for her when she went to my in-laws the night before, but I had forgotten the night I had anticipated for nearly nine months!
I just.broke.down. Saying to myself that these girls deserve a mother who remembers these sorts of things. Not the one that remembers the Highlands Kids blue team is behind, needs every point they can get and remembers to grab the blue team t-shirt. But they deserve the kind of mother who doesn't forget the single day in a year when her family would be together for this oh-so important night.
Not the one who let her husband do the dishes because he knew it needed to be done despite the fact it would make us late. But the kind of mother who lets dirty dishes lie because some things (church included) are more important than clean sinks. Mommy fail.
If I would have remembered. If we would have been on time, we could have just joined the other new parents and babies up there at the last minute. I was sobbing. I have failed as a mother.
Luke had no idea what to do. He had no idea that this was the only first Wednesday of the month we would have Bella. I'm not even sure he knew baby dedications only took place on the first Wednesday night of the month or had calculated that this was the one and only for us this year to all be together. These are the things moms are supposed to know, and moms are supposed to remember. Mommy fail.
He just held me. Let me cry. And then an usher led us to two seats in the far-right upper balcony, because that's all that's left when you get there late. I cried through worship. I cried through prayer time. I'm about to cry just tapping this out. I will likely be dedicating my baby without her big sister. Mommy fail.
Alot of people have been telling me lately how "together" I have everything. Unpacking and repacking for all of these trips. Never letting the ball drop on a home-cooked meal or at work. Remembering birthdays, anniversaries, making all the appropriate phone calls and never forgetting to send a card.
Well, I don't have it together. Not where it counts, and that is about to change. Never again will I let Earthly things get in the way of Eternal things. Never.
So God, was this was the lesson you wanted to teach me? If so, well done Teacher. Mission accomplished. I get it now. Point taken.
I have been trying really hard lately to have it together. I mean, really! To maintain some semblance of a home, excel and move up at work, while finding time to watch my girls grow. But I have let the idea of having the Earthly things "together" take over, and that is not what's important.
Would I have loved to dedicate Claire to the Lord with her big sister there? Yes. Would I have loved Bella to be on stage in front of the church that has prayed so long and hard for her sweet, and recently saved, soul? Of course. Would I have liked to have been seen as the ideal family of four with a house and a dog and a mom who has it all together? Well, that doesn't seem so important anymore, does it?
No folks. It's the Eternal, not the Earthly.
It's okay to want Earthly things (though we've already talked about contentment). But go after the Eternal. Don't sob through worship- Raise you arms, clap your hands, sing louder than the person next to you. Don't sob through prayer time- Get you hiney down there, find a prayer team member, and let them believe with you in prayer, even if you're not sure what you actually need prayer for.
It was a Mommy Fail. I had failed my girls as a mom in teaching them the importance of the Eternal over the Earthly.
But I am back, realigned and refocused. And the devil should be scared!
PS. Thanks, God. I now know I needed that lesson. Even if the people sitting in front of us were a bit weirded out by my sobbing.
On the first Wednesday night of each month, Highlands does a baby dedication with the family of these new precious angels, giving and dedicating their lives to the Lord. I had been waiting for July 7th since Claire was born. It would be the only first Wednesday of the month that we would have Bella with us until Claire would be nearing 18 months old. We would go up on stage- as a family, the four of us- and dedicate Claire to Christ.
Well two nights ago I walked into the Wednesday night service, running late of course, to see that baby dedication taking place. Only, I was not on stage with my girls and their father. I was standing in the auditorium doorway sobbing. Mommy fail.
How could I forget? How could I let this slip my mind. I had remembered to pack flossing sticks for Bella because the string is too hard for her when she went to my in-laws the night before, but I had forgotten the night I had anticipated for nearly nine months!
I just.broke.down. Saying to myself that these girls deserve a mother who remembers these sorts of things. Not the one that remembers the Highlands Kids blue team is behind, needs every point they can get and remembers to grab the blue team t-shirt. But they deserve the kind of mother who doesn't forget the single day in a year when her family would be together for this oh-so important night.
Not the one who let her husband do the dishes because he knew it needed to be done despite the fact it would make us late. But the kind of mother who lets dirty dishes lie because some things (church included) are more important than clean sinks. Mommy fail.
If I would have remembered. If we would have been on time, we could have just joined the other new parents and babies up there at the last minute. I was sobbing. I have failed as a mother.
Luke had no idea what to do. He had no idea that this was the only first Wednesday of the month we would have Bella. I'm not even sure he knew baby dedications only took place on the first Wednesday night of the month or had calculated that this was the one and only for us this year to all be together. These are the things moms are supposed to know, and moms are supposed to remember. Mommy fail.
He just held me. Let me cry. And then an usher led us to two seats in the far-right upper balcony, because that's all that's left when you get there late. I cried through worship. I cried through prayer time. I'm about to cry just tapping this out. I will likely be dedicating my baby without her big sister. Mommy fail.
Alot of people have been telling me lately how "together" I have everything. Unpacking and repacking for all of these trips. Never letting the ball drop on a home-cooked meal or at work. Remembering birthdays, anniversaries, making all the appropriate phone calls and never forgetting to send a card.
Well, I don't have it together. Not where it counts, and that is about to change. Never again will I let Earthly things get in the way of Eternal things. Never.
So God, was this was the lesson you wanted to teach me? If so, well done Teacher. Mission accomplished. I get it now. Point taken.
I have been trying really hard lately to have it together. I mean, really! To maintain some semblance of a home, excel and move up at work, while finding time to watch my girls grow. But I have let the idea of having the Earthly things "together" take over, and that is not what's important.
Would I have loved to dedicate Claire to the Lord with her big sister there? Yes. Would I have loved Bella to be on stage in front of the church that has prayed so long and hard for her sweet, and recently saved, soul? Of course. Would I have liked to have been seen as the ideal family of four with a house and a dog and a mom who has it all together? Well, that doesn't seem so important anymore, does it?
No folks. It's the Eternal, not the Earthly.
It's okay to want Earthly things (though we've already talked about contentment). But go after the Eternal. Don't sob through worship- Raise you arms, clap your hands, sing louder than the person next to you. Don't sob through prayer time- Get you hiney down there, find a prayer team member, and let them believe with you in prayer, even if you're not sure what you actually need prayer for.
It was a Mommy Fail. I had failed my girls as a mom in teaching them the importance of the Eternal over the Earthly.
But I am back, realigned and refocused. And the devil should be scared!
PS. Thanks, God. I now know I needed that lesson. Even if the people sitting in front of us were a bit weirded out by my sobbing.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thankful on a Thursday: Vacation Edition
Oh, how I love vacations. I love how they can re-energize you, bring the family back together, and create life long memories with those that you love. Here is why I am thankful for vacations!
46. Family. Family. Family. I can't imagine a better way to reconnect with those you love than on vacation. After all of the packing craziness and menu planning has subsided, it's all about spending time with family. And we were lucky enough to have our first vacation with both Luke's and my family.
This is the best we could do with all of these people. My family was a bit smaller...
47. Piggy Back Rides. It just seems to be some kind of family tradition with us. There is always some piggy back riding going on.
48. More New Babies. Yes, there is another McGlothin coming in February! Actually, this is a Weathersby, but a McGlothin cousin nonetheless. Josh and Bethany are expecting their second child early next year. Looks like we'll need an even bigger cabin!
49. Uncle John. Since he spends his Summers with the Navigators, we rarely get to see him, but he did wrestle a few hours away from work to join us in Elkmont. He has such a way with kids (maybe because he's never really grown up) and they just adore him.
50. All-American Homemade Deliciousness. Honey and Bela sort of have this tradition of making flag cakes for Fourth of July. And why should a trek through the mountains be any different? Pop went store to store (which are not on every corner in remote parts of the Smokies) to find raspberries, and when there weren't quite enough, we compromised with strawberries.
And again, don't forget to link up with us! Happy Thursday!
46. Family. Family. Family. I can't imagine a better way to reconnect with those you love than on vacation. After all of the packing craziness and menu planning has subsided, it's all about spending time with family. And we were lucky enough to have our first vacation with both Luke's and my family.
This is the best we could do with all of these people. My family was a bit smaller...
47. Piggy Back Rides. It just seems to be some kind of family tradition with us. There is always some piggy back riding going on.
48. More New Babies. Yes, there is another McGlothin coming in February! Actually, this is a Weathersby, but a McGlothin cousin nonetheless. Josh and Bethany are expecting their second child early next year. Looks like we'll need an even bigger cabin!
49. Uncle John. Since he spends his Summers with the Navigators, we rarely get to see him, but he did wrestle a few hours away from work to join us in Elkmont. He has such a way with kids (maybe because he's never really grown up) and they just adore him.
50. All-American Homemade Deliciousness. Honey and Bela sort of have this tradition of making flag cakes for Fourth of July. And why should a trek through the mountains be any different? Pop went store to store (which are not on every corner in remote parts of the Smokies) to find raspberries, and when there weren't quite enough, we compromised with strawberries.
And again, don't forget to link up with us! Happy Thursday!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Happy Independence Day!
So we are back. Again. But this time for good. No more vacations for a while. I hope. Because I am exhausted. Don't get me wrong, we had a wonderful time, but I am wiped out. Between Grammie's funeral, my business trip, Atlanta and the Smokies, I am ready for the kind of R&R that takes place in my own bed!
But since you asked, here are some highlights from our Fourth of July trip to the mountains. We arrived so late on Thursday, that it was an hour from Friday, so that day does really count. Erin and her three kids (Dylan, Dalton and Rachel) along with my parents were already there.
But they were kind enough to give Luke and I the basement bedroom of the cabin (aka: no windows) so we unknowingly slept until almost 10:00am the first day. We both figured we'd get up when the baby did, forgetting that my parents wanted Claire in their room. So some sleep and lots of snuggling that first day.
After Erin's fabulous (and highly requested) homemade chicken salad for lunch, we met up with the rest of the family (who was staying in a nearby cabin because our group is just too big) at Elkmont. It is this great part of the Smoky Mountain National Park with old houses and this great old cemetery. I remember going to Luke's parents for the first time and seeing their picture on this bench at Elkmont, one each time they go, and ever since then, I have wanted Luke and I to do the same.
Claire was sleeping back at the cabin, so it was just the three of us...
There's also a little creek that runs off of the river at Elkmont where the babies were loving playing with the rocks. I am so blessed that Claire will be growing up so close to her cousins Liam and Camille.
Friday night my parents grilled pork chops and asparagus with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. After dinner, Luke and Erin took the kids to play putt putt and ride go carts. Saturday was tubing (where I forgot my camera, but I'm praying Erin and my parents took lots and lots) and then fishing in the creek near our cabin. Sunday was the Fourth of July and we went to the other cabin where the rest of Luke's family was staying for a little bar-b-que.
This is just a sneak peek, because there are more pictures to come in the Vacation Edition of Thankful on a Thursday. Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend with people you love.
But since you asked, here are some highlights from our Fourth of July trip to the mountains. We arrived so late on Thursday, that it was an hour from Friday, so that day does really count. Erin and her three kids (Dylan, Dalton and Rachel) along with my parents were already there.
But they were kind enough to give Luke and I the basement bedroom of the cabin (aka: no windows) so we unknowingly slept until almost 10:00am the first day. We both figured we'd get up when the baby did, forgetting that my parents wanted Claire in their room. So some sleep and lots of snuggling that first day.
After Erin's fabulous (and highly requested) homemade chicken salad for lunch, we met up with the rest of the family (who was staying in a nearby cabin because our group is just too big) at Elkmont. It is this great part of the Smoky Mountain National Park with old houses and this great old cemetery. I remember going to Luke's parents for the first time and seeing their picture on this bench at Elkmont, one each time they go, and ever since then, I have wanted Luke and I to do the same.
Claire was sleeping back at the cabin, so it was just the three of us...
There's also a little creek that runs off of the river at Elkmont where the babies were loving playing with the rocks. I am so blessed that Claire will be growing up so close to her cousins Liam and Camille.
Friday night my parents grilled pork chops and asparagus with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. After dinner, Luke and Erin took the kids to play putt putt and ride go carts. Saturday was tubing (where I forgot my camera, but I'm praying Erin and my parents took lots and lots) and then fishing in the creek near our cabin. Sunday was the Fourth of July and we went to the other cabin where the rest of Luke's family was staying for a little bar-b-que.
This is just a sneak peek, because there are more pictures to come in the Vacation Edition of Thankful on a Thursday. Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend with people you love.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thankful on a Thursday
These past few weeks have been crazy. I mean, really crazy. So I am going to sit down with a Diet Coke (but if you prefer a cup of coffee or sweet tea, you are welcome to stay as well) and tap out why I am so thankful for this craziness called life.
And don't forget to link up with us! I am certainly going to be making the rounds in full force this week since I have been so MIA lately. I can't wait to read your comments and see your beautiful thankful posts!
41. New Babies. One of my besties is expecting! I am so excited for Heather and Steve and their new bundle of joy coming in January! New life is one of God's greatest blessings.
42. Sweet Kisses. I know Father's Day was an eternity ago in bloggy years, but in Gini time, it was just yesterday and therefore completely appropriate to post pictures.
44. Matching Dresses. Another picture from Father's Day of the girls who love to celebrate their Dad. Matching dresses eight sizes apart are hard to come by, but Bella really likes to match Claire so I am always on the lookout. Thanks to mom for these sweet matching dresses from Belize!
44. Brother Bob Hodges. Pastor Chris's father has gone home to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer. He was a mighty servant of the Lord. He loved Church of the Highlands with everything he had. He would have radiation in the morning, and at his desk in the church office by lunchtime. A celebration of his life will take place at Highlands this afternoon. While we will miss him dearly, I am so thankful that he is finally at peace.
45. Vacation is finally here. I really need this vacation. And I had so much planned to do, but now I am thinking we'll just let the kids roam the woods while we take some R&R. I am thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with Luke, my parents, and my girls.
42. Sweet Kisses. I know Father's Day was an eternity ago in bloggy years, but in Gini time, it was just yesterday and therefore completely appropriate to post pictures.
44. Matching Dresses. Another picture from Father's Day of the girls who love to celebrate their Dad. Matching dresses eight sizes apart are hard to come by, but Bella really likes to match Claire so I am always on the lookout. Thanks to mom for these sweet matching dresses from Belize!
44. Brother Bob Hodges. Pastor Chris's father has gone home to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer. He was a mighty servant of the Lord. He loved Church of the Highlands with everything he had. He would have radiation in the morning, and at his desk in the church office by lunchtime. A celebration of his life will take place at Highlands this afternoon. While we will miss him dearly, I am so thankful that he is finally at peace.
45. Vacation is finally here. I really need this vacation. And I had so much planned to do, but now I am thinking we'll just let the kids roam the woods while we take some R&R. I am thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with Luke, my parents, and my girls.
And don't forget to link up with us! I am certainly going to be making the rounds in full force this week since I have been so MIA lately. I can't wait to read your comments and see your beautiful thankful posts!
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