Monday, January 31, 2011
New York...here I come!
I am leaving for NYC this Thursday morning, rain or snow! I am celebrating my 40th birthday by meeting my sister in the Big Apple for a weekend of good food and good shows and lots of walking to see all the sights! I am so excited!! The problem now is how to stuff all my stuff in this one suitcase!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Family Time
I love having family time, mainly because I love my family!! I grew up with a family that valued time together and we are trying in our family to do the same. But last weekend I received a rare treat that makes me value my family even more. I had the whole weekend to myself! Dave and Nathan went on a father-son retreat and Camden got to spend the weekend at my parents. I spent the weekend scrapbooking, watching sappy movies while scrapbooking, and ordering take-out. Who knew you could order Outback cheese fries online, pull into their parking lot, and they will bring it out to your car without you getting out! It was lovely!
I had some nice me time, and just about the time I started missing my boys, they returned. Dave and Nathan got home first, then Nathan and I drove to meet my parents and retrieve Camden. We decided to meet at the Francis Beidler Forest since I had a pass to get in for free for all of us. After exploring the swamp, we inquired about a restaurant nearby where we could get supper together before heading home. Seeing that we were in Harleyville, the choices were slim. The restaurant they recommended was actually in a gas station right by 95. Although the food was decent, it was still a gas station. Dad went up to pay and I told him that he wasn't paying for ours, to which my mom replied "Happy Birthday. In case we don't see you again before your birthday, this is your birthday dinner." Yeah!
Our family has many such memories. Growing up we were sometimes "forced" to have family time. Especially when we were in high school and didn't always want to hang out with our parents. My dad at that time owned a ServiceMaster business and would often have contracts that involved cleaning businesses after hours. One family night involved all of us cleaning a church together. That may be a fun memory now, but at the time we, my sister and I, were not too excited. That was a little like a birthday dinner at a gas station! But my parents did not disappoint and came down the next Sunday to go on a birthday lunch at Carabba's. Much better atmosphere! And another good family memory!
I had some nice me time, and just about the time I started missing my boys, they returned. Dave and Nathan got home first, then Nathan and I drove to meet my parents and retrieve Camden. We decided to meet at the Francis Beidler Forest since I had a pass to get in for free for all of us. After exploring the swamp, we inquired about a restaurant nearby where we could get supper together before heading home. Seeing that we were in Harleyville, the choices were slim. The restaurant they recommended was actually in a gas station right by 95. Although the food was decent, it was still a gas station. Dad went up to pay and I told him that he wasn't paying for ours, to which my mom replied "Happy Birthday. In case we don't see you again before your birthday, this is your birthday dinner." Yeah!
Our family has many such memories. Growing up we were sometimes "forced" to have family time. Especially when we were in high school and didn't always want to hang out with our parents. My dad at that time owned a ServiceMaster business and would often have contracts that involved cleaning businesses after hours. One family night involved all of us cleaning a church together. That may be a fun memory now, but at the time we, my sister and I, were not too excited. That was a little like a birthday dinner at a gas station! But my parents did not disappoint and came down the next Sunday to go on a birthday lunch at Carabba's. Much better atmosphere! And another good family memory!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Charlestowne Landing
We bought a tourist in your own town pass this year which gives us an opportunity to visit lots of different places in Charleston during the month of January. Camden and I visited Charlestowne Landing one afternoon after I picked him up from preschool. We had a great time looking at the animals, and then taking the walk to see the "pirate" ship. Although it really wasn't a pirate ship, that is what Camden called it since he is really into the Veggietales pirate movie right now. It is always fun to explore places and learn about our history, but the most fun I had today was walking beside my four year old and holding his little hand in mine.
Getting close to a black bear.
What a big Indian head!
Hanging out on the "pirate" ship
This is what happens to little boys who are too cute!
Who knew there were oranges in SC!?!
Friday, January 7, 2011
The last day of Chirstmas
Our last Christmas celebration was in Memphis, TN, the week after Christmas. Since Dave had no more vacation time, I drove the boys to Memphis with my mom and we spent the week there with my sister's family. The kids had a blast playing with their new toys. Paper jam guitars introduced them to KISS and pillow pets and snuggies kept them comfie at night.
Camden and Josiah had great fun together!
My sister, me and my mom
Camden and Ashton
Declan
I want to rock and roll all night...
We also had fun eating BBQ, fried chicken, catfish, and fondue. We went shopping with and without the kids (Ann Taylor with them is not too fun though!). And of course we had to take them to get their picture taken! (This is getting easier at least as they get older.)
Mom with all of her grandchildren
Ashton and Nathan
Our after picture taking picture taking!! It is an addiction!
We also went to the zoo to go ice skating. And since it is not an ice skating rink with a few animals around it, as the lady at the front gate told us, and we had to pay zoo admission, we walked around the zoo in the rain to see whatever animals were out.
Camden's new favorite pose!
All in all we had a fun filled week! It was a great way to finish out the Christmas time of year!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How to make a long trip longer!
Just add snow!
I live in Charleston, SC and I do not see snow much. I grew up seeing snow a few times a year, most years, but have lived here for 15+ years so I am in snow withdrawal. So the day after Christmas, when snow was forecasted in Charleston, I hit the road with Nathan and Camden to make the long 12 hour drive to Memphis.
We were about 30 minutes out of Charleston when the snow started! We stopped at the first rest stop we could in order to see the flurries because I thought that would be the best we could see.
But then the snow kept coming! It was great! So we stopped again...
and again...
and we even stopped on the side of the road to make snow angels. The snow was not a problem for the roads, but the trees on the sides of the roads kept getting prettier with leftover snow from the previous day.
And then I noticed the signs for Spartanburg!! I am not supposed to go to Spartanburg! I am supposed to take 20 from Columbia. I was so distracted by the snow that I totally drove past my exit without thinking. I knew how to get to Atlanta from there, but I had added 1.5 hours to the trip! But we saw snow!! And lots of it! The trip was long, but the snow made it fun. On the way home we made it in 12 hours, but with the rain, it seemed longer. I would take the snow any day!!
I live in Charleston, SC and I do not see snow much. I grew up seeing snow a few times a year, most years, but have lived here for 15+ years so I am in snow withdrawal. So the day after Christmas, when snow was forecasted in Charleston, I hit the road with Nathan and Camden to make the long 12 hour drive to Memphis.
We were about 30 minutes out of Charleston when the snow started! We stopped at the first rest stop we could in order to see the flurries because I thought that would be the best we could see.
But then the snow kept coming! It was great! So we stopped again...
and again...
and we even stopped on the side of the road to make snow angels. The snow was not a problem for the roads, but the trees on the sides of the roads kept getting prettier with leftover snow from the previous day.
And then I noticed the signs for Spartanburg!! I am not supposed to go to Spartanburg! I am supposed to take 20 from Columbia. I was so distracted by the snow that I totally drove past my exit without thinking. I knew how to get to Atlanta from there, but I had added 1.5 hours to the trip! But we saw snow!! And lots of it! The trip was long, but the snow made it fun. On the way home we made it in 12 hours, but with the rain, it seemed longer. I would take the snow any day!!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
A Shirley Christmas
Our Christmas is much like most people's with lots of traditions we adhere to each year. But in addition to traditions, I also like to try new things and maybe through this, start new traditions.
One thing we like to do is do something special on Christmas Eve. This year we were fortunate that Dave was off on Christmas Eve so he could be involved! So we went to see the 4-D Polar Express Experience. I would highly recommend this! It was really neat. That night we went to our church's candlelight service and then tried something new for dinner; we went out to Outback! I really liked this new venture!
Going home after dinner we read the Night before Christmas; did our Advent activities; and got the kids to bed. We did not and never will break the tradition of waiting until Christmas morning to open our presents. Nathan wants to open one gift on Christmas, but this will not be happening. The boys get PJ's, but that is it! No gifts until after Santa visits.
So after the boys got in bed and were asleep, we got busy getting ready for Santa. First there is the scavenger hunt throughout the house looking for hidden, well, objects. Then the last minute wrapping (thank goodness that Santa does not wrap his gifts!). And the putting together of things. Then off to bed to await the arrival of Mr. Claus. This year he forgot to read the instructions on Nathan's gift which said his Pocket Rocket had to charge 18 hours before riding it for the first time! Uh-oh!
The next morning we got to sleep until about 7:30 before Nathan woke us up. He is not allowed down the hallway until we check and make sure Santa really came and turn on the tree and get the cameras ready! Nathan isn't too thrilled about this rule either! But we are not going to miss the excitement that will all too soon be gone as the years go by.
The boys waiting to go into the living room
The toys that made Camden much more excited than his bike!
The bike that made Nathan yell with joy!
Finally paying attention to his big boy bike!
Dave gave Amy an Ipod
Amy gave Dave a GPS
Present opening involved one new thing. We have always talked about the true meaning of Christmas, but this year we bought a present for Jesus. We bought him a chicken! (World Vision gifts)
Nathan is my giver in the family. Camden may grow up to be as giving, but for now, it is all Nathan. He wrote a list of all the gifts he wanted to buy or make for people and made sure all the family members were covered. (didn't matter that we drew names; he had to also get everyone something!) He made Camden a blanket; gave Dave a Wii fishing game; and gave me a set of books.
He also gave me a little figurine of Big Baby from Toy Story. This was a joke, but Camden had other ideas. We have a Precious Moments nativity set that is missing a Baby Jesus. Not anymore! Now we have a scary looking Jesus with a tattoo! Real nice!
Camden learning to ride his bike
This year we went to Dave's parents for lunch and gift exchange. The kids had fun playing with their cousins and I had fun not having to cook dinner!
Dave with his mom and brother
Nathan and Camden with their cousins
Nathan made his Gramma a blanket also
It was a fun Christmas! Now to get to bed so I can drive to Memphis to celebrate one more Christmas with my sister's family!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
One thing we like to do is do something special on Christmas Eve. This year we were fortunate that Dave was off on Christmas Eve so he could be involved! So we went to see the 4-D Polar Express Experience. I would highly recommend this! It was really neat. That night we went to our church's candlelight service and then tried something new for dinner; we went out to Outback! I really liked this new venture!
Going home after dinner we read the Night before Christmas; did our Advent activities; and got the kids to bed. We did not and never will break the tradition of waiting until Christmas morning to open our presents. Nathan wants to open one gift on Christmas, but this will not be happening. The boys get PJ's, but that is it! No gifts until after Santa visits.
So after the boys got in bed and were asleep, we got busy getting ready for Santa. First there is the scavenger hunt throughout the house looking for hidden, well, objects. Then the last minute wrapping (thank goodness that Santa does not wrap his gifts!). And the putting together of things. Then off to bed to await the arrival of Mr. Claus. This year he forgot to read the instructions on Nathan's gift which said his Pocket Rocket had to charge 18 hours before riding it for the first time! Uh-oh!
The next morning we got to sleep until about 7:30 before Nathan woke us up. He is not allowed down the hallway until we check and make sure Santa really came and turn on the tree and get the cameras ready! Nathan isn't too thrilled about this rule either! But we are not going to miss the excitement that will all too soon be gone as the years go by.
The boys waiting to go into the living room
The toys that made Camden much more excited than his bike!
The bike that made Nathan yell with joy!
Finally paying attention to his big boy bike!
Dave gave Amy an Ipod
Amy gave Dave a GPS
Present opening involved one new thing. We have always talked about the true meaning of Christmas, but this year we bought a present for Jesus. We bought him a chicken! (World Vision gifts)
Nathan is my giver in the family. Camden may grow up to be as giving, but for now, it is all Nathan. He wrote a list of all the gifts he wanted to buy or make for people and made sure all the family members were covered. (didn't matter that we drew names; he had to also get everyone something!) He made Camden a blanket; gave Dave a Wii fishing game; and gave me a set of books.
He also gave me a little figurine of Big Baby from Toy Story. This was a joke, but Camden had other ideas. We have a Precious Moments nativity set that is missing a Baby Jesus. Not anymore! Now we have a scary looking Jesus with a tattoo! Real nice!
Camden learning to ride his bike
This year we went to Dave's parents for lunch and gift exchange. The kids had fun playing with their cousins and I had fun not having to cook dinner!
Dave with his mom and brother
Nathan and Camden with their cousins
Nathan made his Gramma a blanket also
It was a fun Christmas! Now to get to bed so I can drive to Memphis to celebrate one more Christmas with my sister's family!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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