Happy Birthday to MY Man

Happy Birthday to THE best husband and father on the planet. It is so nice to not be traveling on T's birthday. So we have steak and potatoes planned for the grill. Strawberry cake AND strawberry ice cream. I won't be partaking of that. But what a guy wants for his birthday, he gets. Just too much strawberry for me. I love you!!!!!

Love One Another

We have been in an incredible series at church called Jesus Freak. Today Pastor Mike talked about loving one another, loving EVERYBODY!!! We must............
1. Live in harmony with one another (John 13:34-35), (I Peter 1:22)

2. Accept one another (I Corinthians 1:10), (I Peter 3:8) Wow, this is huge isn't it??!!! How many times do we judge someone based on their background, how they look, where they live, mistakes they have made, the list could go on and on.

3. Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21) "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." So many times we want to be right or have our way.

4. Serve one another (Galatians 5:13), (I Peter 4:9) This is huge too!!! In fact our life group just got finished completely refurbishing an elderly person's bathroom. She didn't think it would actually get done. In fact she told our life group leader that he could come out an take a look but other people had done the same and never followed through. Now it's complete!!! A new floor (she could have fallen through that thing), a new shower (she couldn't get in the tub), a new, higher toilet. I wonder what must be going through her mind.

5. Encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25), (Hebrews 3;13)......encourage one another daily

6. Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32), (Colossians 3:13)...I think we all have had forgiveness and bitterness issues on our life. And to get over that bitterness, pray for the person, bless them (think of something good to say), and find something good to do for that person.

Wow, what an incredible sermon!!!

My Star Spangled Babies

We had a fun-filled day yesterday. Troutman had their annual Independence Day parade. This is the first time since before Braxton that we have been home around the 4th. And before that we were always working the fireworks booth in Charleston. The first several floats were vets from all the wars. I easily get emotional at things like that so I was very teary eyed. I love the 4th of July and everything it stands for. What a sacrifice the men and women of this country and their families have made. America can't thank you enough. Tug and Nor enjoyed the parade and got tons of candy. We missed the fireworks but we will see some on the 4th for sure.

Congratulations to the Kuhns

Last night were able to attend one of the most beautiful weddings we have been to in a long time. Our friends April and Greg got married!!! The food was fabulous and the wedding cake was the best tasting I think I have ever had. And I have been to several weddings. Have fun on your cruise!!!

Chick-ill-lay

I never really thought Nor-Nor was addicted to Chick-ill-lay aka Chick-fil-a until the trip to PA. She asked for it everyday. And of course there are no Chick-fil-a's in PA, at least not within 100 miles of where we were. We are home now and had a bunch of errands to run. I decided to take Tug and Nor to Chick-ill-lay.

Nor-Nor immediately saw Mr. Cow when we went in. Ran up to him, gave him a big hug and he even picked her up. Later he came by and she said, "I lub (love) you." Well, we know the way to Nor's heart is chicken I guess. Another thing you cannot get in PA is Mexican. So we are off to the cheese dip store (El Cerro) this evening for a little pre-birthday celebration for T.

Hunting for Bear Prints

This isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. Last summer when we were visiting a bear came down off the mountain top and bent the pole holding the bird feeder clear to the ground. Dad was able to bend it back so they can still use it, but it sure was a sight to see. That same night deer came into the yard and ate the leaves off of all of Gramp's little trees. So Tug-Tug and Nor-Nor are looking for some bear paws. We haven't had any activity on this trip yet.

Rosie's Farm

This was a trip to Rosie's Farm. Okay, not really. Rosie and her family live across the street from my grandparents. I have known her my whole life. In fact I can remember when her two boys were born and her youngest just graduated from high school. Time marches on whether we want it to or not. Anyway, Rosie has about 40 chickens and just got two sheep. They are not your average sheep, in fact I thought they were goats on first inspection. Their names are Lily and Bobo. Nor-Nor is petting Rusty, the dog, in the bottom picture.

The Best Porch in the World

Even though it was a bit chilly yesterday we still managed to spend an hour or so outside on the porch. I love this porch!!! I cannot tell you the countless hours we have spent on this porch, both while we were growing up and now when we visit. It's so peaceful at Gram and Gramp's house. I don't think we will make a trip down to the creek this visit. It's just too cold. But I love this house too!!! It always smells the same and that is so comforting. I can't imagine a time when that won't be. But we are enjoying our visit.

Some Pennsylvania Shots

Notice what the children are dressed in, that's right. Winter clothes. The high yesterday was 60. Today it's a little warmer. We are sitting in McDonald's and they are about ready to go outside and play. We just got finished visiting Barb. The best hair dresser in the world and Gramma Donna's best friend.

We're Going on a Trip

Actually we are on a trip. Traveling through the mountains of West Virginia right now. We are on the way to visit Gram and Gramp in upstate Pennsylvania. The trip hasn't been too bad thus far. Nor-Nor has gotten a little antsy, however we stopped both times and she was better. Tug-Tug is all about the Scooby-Doo pirate movie playing right now. It's on its second time around. I better get this computer turned off before it runs out of juice. Pictures to follow very soon!!! And I hope we don't freeze, the highs this week are around 60!!!!

7 Years and Still Going Strong

Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful husband on the planet!!! It has been an amazing 7 years, 11 years total. It just doesn't seem that long. And it's funny that we can't really remember life pre-children. This is a picture of a picture but it turned out okay. It's one of my favorites and has been sitting in my jewelry box for quite some time. We had the brilliant idea of getting a dog shortly after we got married and she chewed this picture up. The story of a dog is for a whole other post. Anyway we had a great wedding and an awesome reception. We are off this evening to the tried and true Olive Garden. We decided to never try a new place on special occasions. It always ends up being a bad experience. So excited to see what the next 7+ years old.

Mommy's Little Helpers

Tug and Nor love helping me getting the place spic and span. Nor loves the swiffer and so do I. Whoever invented that thing is a genius. Tug loves to vacuum. I guess he gets that from his dad. They both actually get very upset when I don't let them help. Oh and Nor smiles on cue whenever the camera comes around. We didn't train her to do this, I promise.

SHS Prom

I no longer work at Salisbury High, but I did want to post this picture. I am not very photogenic, but this is one of the better photos I have taken. These are two of my 4th period students and I know you are not supposed to have favorite classes, but my 4th period was by far my favorite. Taylor, on the left, even went so far to to help me move boxes from my classroom all of this past week in the scorching heat. There was no air conditioning in the building. The entire unit went out and the district does't expect it to be fixed until the end of this month. Brutal. My years (4) at Salisbury were great. This year, well.......there just aren't words for this year but I did have wonderful students. T and I had a great time at the prom!!!

Tug Turns 4

Tug turned 4 on May 19th and we had a party on the 24th. The two boys pictured with him are friends from school. B and E got a swing set for some summer fun. They have enjoyed it thoroughly. I just can't seem to bring myself to terms with the fact that B is growing up and becoming quite the young man. I don't have 'babies' anymore.

My New Obsession

My friend Amanda told me that I could probably figure out how to make hair bows. Both she and I have little girls and those things are so incredibly expensive. So here it is. I love making them and even figured out a way to keep them organized. I will share this with anyone who asks. So now I have two hobbies, hairbow making and scrapbooking.

Life Change

It seems ours lives are constantly changing. I have a ton of pictures I want to share on this blog including hair bows I have just started. I think I am a little addicted. So as soon as I figure that out I will be well on my way to getting this blog thing figured out. I am on a journey to begin teaching at another school a little closer to home. Frankly, I am terrified because if you know me, you know I hate change. People say change is a good thing and I believe that too. It's just hard to make the leap sometimes. T has been asked to consider a new position as director recruitment and rentention after just taking over a principalship in January. And he is starting his Ph.D in the fall. Wheeeewwwww!!! Just breath.

FINALLY

Wow!!! I have finally gotten around to getting a blog page created. This way we can let all our family and friends, both near and far, know what we are up to. And see some pictures of our two precious ones. This is a great accomplishment for me considering the fact that I can be afraid of computers. However, I better get over that quickly since I will be the yearbook advisor at WIHS next year. What have I gotten myself into???