A Week In the Heart of Dixie

Well, it's been a little quiet around here...OK, really quiet. It seems as the kids get older and busier, so does mom. But I thought I'd post a little highlight of a trip we took in June. We traveled down south to visit the newest cousin who was born just before Mother's Day. I remember when my Little Miss was that tiny. Now she's a babysitter-in-training!

While we were in "the land of Dixie," we took advantage of the time and saw some of the sites around Birmingham. What's the point of a vacation if you can't share some of your pics when you return, right? So, here are a few snapshots from our trip for your viewing pleasure!

"The boys" enjoyed a Birmingham Barons game one day while "the girls" went shopping.

 

I love this picture...I don't know who was having more fun...PawPaw or Little Man.

 

 

I'm pretty sure we chose the hottest day of the week to visit the Birmingham Zoo. Yes, that's a dinosaur in the background. It was part of their Dino Discovery exhibit. (I love Little Miss's dramatic pose, and I can't imagine where she gets it! *sarcasm*)

While the animatronic dinosaurs were fairly cheesy, the rest of the exhibit...
and the zoo...more than made up for it!

 

Where else can you feed lorikeets by hand? (A phenomenon that
was less appealing in person than in concept, as we quickly discovered.)

 

Or get your groove on with some djembe drums?

 

Or get up-close-and-personal with a tiger? (Yes, that's a live tiger.
And yes, there is a glass between them...although my mama heart was pounding
and I was praying fervently that glass would hold!)

 

The next day we wised up and spent the day indoors at the McWane Science Center where you can do really cool things like...

 

pet a shark,

 

 

learn about weight distribution (on a bed of nails),

 

 

discover how pulleys work,

 

dig for dinosaur bones,

 

 

and other super-cool stuff.

 

 

Another reason it's been quiet here is that a lot of my brain power has been going into my other project, There Is Grace. If you haven't stopped by there in awhile, I'd love for you to drop in!

Happy Halloween!

It's been a crazy couple of months around here. (It seems I start more and more posts like that lately!). But all of the chaos has not kept us from enjoying the season (to whatever extent we can given all the sickness we seem to have passed around).

Tonight is our big October 31st Party at church, but the kids have already had opportunity to dress up and get a lot of candy (whatever will we do with it all!). Here are some pics from trick-or-treating at Hubby's work last week.

Little Miss Cowgirl 

 

"Bumblebee" (from Transformers)

A New Adventure (or Two)

While it seems there's never a dull moment around here, things are particularly chaotic lately. Here are just a couple of the reasons...

An Exciting Endeavor
I've been thinking and praying a lot lately (OK, a few months now) about pursuing new writing opportunities. I love blogging, but I've felt for some time that this blog has become rather "random." Originally, it started it as a place for creative exercises for myself and to keep up with far-away family and friends. I've gone through phases of posting mostly pics of the kids for our family and phases of posting some of the tougher spiritual struggles in our journey.

I knew that if I wanted to get "serious" about blogging, I needed a purpose. There's been no real purpose in this blog except whatever popped into my head on any given day. That would have to change. I thought and thought, brainstormed, and prayed and prayed, and I've decided to start a NEW blog!

I'll keep both for awhile, but this one will probably become more posts about our kids and things that only family and close friends would really care about (birthday parties, field trips, playdates, etc.). The new blog will be where I post my more in-depth writing: things about my faith, resources I've discovered, lessons I'm learning, random gripes and rumblings, etc. (along with the occasional recipe and craft idea I find along the way!)

A Challenging Detour
I was all set to pour my time and energy into my new writing "baby" when we had some unexpected news. In the two years since a 6-inch tumor was removed from my thigh, I've had regular check-ups and scans. All have come back clear...until a couple of months ago.

A small "suspicious" mass was noticed in the muscle of the same leg from which the original tumor was removed. Many more scans and multiple doctor visits later, and we still don't know much. We know it's a very small mass, so small in fact, that they can't get to it for a biopsy.

So, next Tuesday I will have another surgery to remove this mass for biopsy....major DETOUR. Or so I thought.

Then I realized this might be the perfect time to launch my new blog...a place where people can follow me on this new journey and hopefully stick with me once this little detour is finished.

So, if you've liked what you've read here on Chocolate Ink, I invite you to join me at
There Is Grace as I blog about my faith, family, and finding grace amidst it all.

Come on over...I'd love to have you!

40: My Blessed Life

(Photo source)

Well, this is it, my last 40-B4-40 post. Thank you for sharing the journey with me.

I made it to my fourth decade, and looking back, I have realized how incredibly blessed I am. I would love to share with you just a few (40, to be exact) of the many blessings in my life:

1. The Creator of the universe loves me and has a great plan for me.
2. I get to do life with my best friend.
3. We will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary next month.
4. I have an amazing daughter who is kind, thoughtful, and so very creative!
5. I have a wonderful son who is sweet and energetic and keeps me laughing!
6. My parents are now 40+ years in love and a great example of a godly marriage.
7. I have my dad's love for books and knowledge.
8. I have my mom's love for people and chocolate.
9. My sisters are two of my dearest friends (and are the only ones who truly understand how "unique" our family is!)
10. My two brothers-in-law (on my side) cherish my sisters and respect our parents.
11. My father- and mother-in-law are are also 40+ years in love.
12. I have been "thoroughly adopted" into my husband's family...parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins...etc. It's like I have an entire "second" family!
13. I have a very close (somewhat crazy) extended family whom I am blessed to see regularly.
14. I have three adorable nieces and three amazing nephews.
15. I was able to witness my nephew's miraculous journey of healing.
16. I still keep in touch with a lifelong family friend who consistently encourages me across the miles (and whose blog name I "borrowed" for this post...thanks, Lora! :))
17. I have an incredibly supportive group of friends.
18. We are blessed to go to a church where we are fed truth, challenged to grow, and enjoy community like nowhere else!
19. We have the best small group in the northern hemisphere (I really don't know much about the southern hemisphere...they might be the best there, too).
20. The same loyal, somewhat-spoiled dog has slept next to my bed every night for the last 11 years.
21. We live in a fantastic, family-centered community!
22. Our kids go to good schools where its evident the staff and administration care deeply about the students.
23. I am privileged to do what I love: 1) stay home to raise my kids and 2) write.
24. God has been faithful in the good times and the difficult times.
25. I have survived cancer.
26. God has given us our dream home.
27. At age 40, I weigh 30 lbs less than I did at age 20 (yes, it's true!)
28. At age 20, I could barely run .5 mile; two weeks ago I completed my third 5K!
29. I have two strong legs on which to run.
30. I have been privileged to meet, serve under, and be influenced by some amazing people.
31. I have had the privilege of serving and leading some pretty incredible kids who have grown into such impressive adults. (You know who you are, Reality Drama!)
32. I have co-authored a book.
33. I have had the opportunity to travel to 35 states and 4 other countries.
34. I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
35. I have hiked a mountain in Alaska.
36. I have a college degree.
37. It's almost my absolute favorite time of year...FALL!
38. I can read...and read...and read...and read...
39. I am living exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do at this season in my life.
40. The next 10 years are looking pretty exciting!

A Lego Party for My Little Man!

I can't believe my Little Man turned 5 on Wednesday! We celebrated last Saturday with a birthday party brimming with his favorite toys...LEGOs!!!

 

This party was so easy, and so much fun, I'd do it again every year!!

 

The decorations were simple and easy to make.

 

 

The games were fun, too, like the Lego Build Challenge

 

They really got into that!

 

There were even, real, live judges the kids had to present their Lego masterpieces to.

 

They even got to build their own snacks...just like Legos!

 

Of course, what's a party without a pinata?

 

  And then there were the presents: Lego set...

 

after Lego set...

 

 after Lego set.

 

Nine sets in all...plus birthday money to spend on, guess what? Yep, more Legos!

 

 And a couple of non-Lego gifts that were a hit, too.

Grandma & Grandpa came down for the party, too. That was a special treat!

 

 

Now, let the building begin!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!!

 

 

40-B4-40: Dead End or New Beginning?

 

**40-B4-40 is my 8-month journey in bidding adieu to my youth and embracing

the next chapter (a.k.a. decade). Thanks for joining me!**

 

 

photo credit

 

You know that scene in the movie When Harry Met Sally (don't judge me, it was the 80s, alright?) when Sally has just broken up with her long term boyfriend and Harry comes to console her? The one where she lists all the things that are wrong in her life through sobs and sniffles then ends with, "And I'm going to be 40!"

 

And Harry says, "When?"

 

And Sally says, "Someday! But it's just hanging out there like a big dead end!"

 

That scene was hilarious when I was 17...and 25...and even funnier when I was 35. But now that I'm 2 days from the big event, it's not so funny.

 

Yes, I know it's just a number.

 

Yes, I know you're only as old as you feel.

 

Yes, I know "40 is the new 30" (whatever that really means)

 

Yes, I know "40 is fabulous" (it is...on everyone else, but that doesn't mean it will be on me, does it?)

 

And yes, I've had several friends who have already "crossed over" and have done so with grace, dignity, and even enthusiasm. They've not only lived to tell about it, they've embraced it beautifully and have thrived in doing so.

 

I really didn't expect to feel this way about turning 40. I had no problem with 30 or 35, and I truly thought 40 would be the same. I started this year ready to meet 40 with my head held high. Alas, it isn't really working out that way.

 

Oh, it's not terrible. I'm not in depression or anything. I won't wear all black on Sunday in protest. I'm just having a difficult time because things aren't quite working out as I had planned (remember my perfectionism?): I had wanted to be a certain weight. I had wanted to have my career at a certain point. I had wanted to my health to be at a certain place...all by the time I was 40.

 

Yes, I can still do all of those things when I'm 40, or 41, or 45, or 50...you get the idea.

 

No, 40 is not a dead end.

 

In many ways, I see it as a new beginning: a new chapter of my life, a fresh, new decade to achieve new goals and try new things.

 

That's why on Sunday, I will post a retrospective of my many blessings at 40.

 

But today is not Sunday; today is Friday, and right now, I need to find some chocolate.

40-B4-40: So, I Run

**40-B4-40 is my 8-month journey in bidding adieu to my youth and embracing

the next chapter (a.k.a. decade). Thanks for joining me!**

 

 

 

I did it again...another 5K!

 

Last year I shared with you my story of cancer and the journey to my 5K celebration. Knowing I had completed not one, but two, 5Ks in the last year I was anxious to run the Cherish Kids race again. This year we made it a family affair; Hubby ran the 5K with me, and the kids did the Kids K (about 1/2 mile). I was so proud of them! Training for a year sure paid off (as opposed to the 2-month training I did last year). I felt much better this time around, and I came in almost 2 minutes under my time from last year!

 

Little Miss and Little Man with their medals from the Kids K!

 

Before you get too impressed with me...let me explain something: I run, yes, but I am not a runner. I've completed three 5Ks, and I run 4-6 miles a week on my treadmill, but I would not say I'm a runner. I know people who are runners. They love it, and they live for it. My sister is a runner; after a few days without running she literally gets "the shakes."

 

That is not me. I do not run because I love it...a lot of times I don't even particularly like it. As a matter of fact, I have to sort of "psyche" myself into it before I do it. So then, why do I run? 

 

The Top 10 Reasons I Run 

 10.  I like how I feel after I run.

9. It keeps my "bad" leg loose and flexible.

8. I know it's good for me.

7. I can eat more chocolate.

6. I have more energy when I run consistently.

5. I am setting a good example for my children.

4. I tend to eat healthier when I run routinely (with the exception of #7).

3. I can burn the most calories/get the best cardio for the least amount of time invested.

2. My clothes fit better (probably something to do with #4 and #3 together!)

 

And the #1 reason I run is...

As I come upon my 4th decade of life (next month...YIKES!), I WILL NOT GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!!!

 

And so....I RUN. :)

 

What good-for-you habit are you working to cultivate? Leave me a comment and let me know. I'd love to cheer you on!

 

 

 

Summertime Fun: Part 4, Cousins and Chicago

I know, I know...school has officially started, but that doesn't mean Summer is over yet, right? Our last "hoorah" of the summertime was a trip to Chicago to visit family. The kiddos had so much fun playing with cousins they don't see nearly enough. Plus, we took in some fun family activities while we were there:

Bouncing fun with the cousins

 Our first visit to Legoland!

 

 Little Man is hooked...he could have stayed all day!

 We visited a fun restaurant called Choo Choo in Des Plaines, IL. 

It's like stepping back in time 60 years. They had the BEST

shakes and malts (the burgers were good, too!). But the best part was

that the food comes to you on a train! The kids LOVED it!

 Waiting for the food train!

 

Little Conductor Man

We did a little swimming and a lot of hanging out and just having fun. We were also happy to celebrate a birthday with a very special little girl...thanks for sharing your birthday with us, Manda!

Back to School!

In the last two weeks, Little Miss and Little Man have both started school (not on the same day, mind you. That meant double the first-day-of-school traditions like special breakfast (pancakes for both), pictures with backpacks, walking them to class, long good-byes, etc. I'll be glad when they're both at the same school next year! :)

 Little Miss and her breakfast-of-choice: German pancakes

Ready for 2nd grade!

 

 Little Man with his special breakfast: "fluffy" pancakes

Lookout preschool...here I come!

 

No photo session is complete without an action shot of Little Man!

 

 Double trouble!

Summertime Fun, Part 3: Camp!

This was the first year Little Miss was old enough to go to church camp....overnight, sleep-away-from-home-for-2-nights church camp. I have attended many church camps in my lifetime in various roles: camper, counselor, kitchen staff, ministry group, etc. I'm just as comfortable in a camp dorm as the staff housing or the kitchen.

It's a different story altogether when you're preparing to put your firstborn on a bus full of children and send her two hours away for three days. It's an even bigger deal to do it when she's never slept away from home.

So, we arranged for friends to watch Little Man while Hubby was at work for a few days and Little Miss and I headed off to camp.

Getting ready to load up!

I'm not sure who was more nervous. While this was her first camp experience ever,  it was my first experience in more than 10 years! To be honest, I wasn't sure my body would ever forgive me.

I quickly realized I had nothing to worry about. If you've ever been to camp (and loved it...which I did!), it doesn't take long to fall in love with it all over again. I think Little Miss has fallen in love with it as well. From the cafeteria chants to the chapel services and even the Mud Games...she seemed to love it all. I think I see a new tradition in our future. (I reserve the right to feel differently in another 10 years!)

The Green Team...Go Ireland!

A very tired camper...glad to be home!