S'Mores & shakin' that groove thang

Yeah, you can't go to the mountains and not roast marshmallows with graham crackers and Hershey's chocolate!

Crafting at the kitchen table was a hit. Paint, Cray-Pa's, tape, markers...they enjoyed all sitting down TOGETHER and it was a hoot to listen to their conversations (ages 3-9).

When you're with Mitch's crazy (yet absolutely wonderful) sister, you have to dance and shake your booty. We were thrilled to learn that Valerie brought the Wii along with her to our Thanksgiving vacation. She and Mitch has a "dance-off"....Valerie won, but not by much!

Wordless Wednesday

Babyland General

Once again, during our mountain stay in north Georgia over Thanksgiving, we took the kids out to spend some time seeing the typical FREE local tourist attractions. One such place is the mansion also known as Babyland General Hospital. Massive....that's all I have to say. 650 acres (not all developed) and a gorgeous backdrop of the Appalachian mountains.

Today, I'm not doll crazy but it was an experience that I hope my kids enjoyed. Abigail was fascinated with the dolls and took great care of the ones she chose to hold. We even got to watch three "babies" be born that morning during our visit.



I remember getting one of these dolls when I was a young girl. I was super excited when I opened the packaging on Christmas morning and saw that I had an Xavier Roberts' creation in my possession. I've still got that sweet doll (safe in my cedar chest)...thanks, Mom.


Yes, I think this concept is a bit ridiculous. I had a sad thought as I walked through the mansion....these dolls that sat with fake smiles and tummies full of stuffing had better housing than the souls of those living in tragedy stricken regions such as Haiti.

Tallulah Gorge

We made another trip to the gorge. This time, we took the kids. They loved being up high on the bridge over the waterfalls and rocky cliffs. They didn't like, however, the 345 steps down to the bridge and then back again. My quads and calves were so sore the next day!

There's hope

It's a busy time of year and my head is full of constant lists. I'm not so sure I like it that way. Being busy is a part of my personality but sometimes I feel like I'm just living for the next huge "thing" to be out of the way so I can move on to whatever lies ahead.

It's easier to be quiet.
It's easier to let things pass.
It's easier to pacify.
It's easier to be lazy.

I pray that I will take the narrow road.....a constant battle in this sinful heart of mine.

There's distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumors of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way

A well-lit way.....THE GOSPEL!

There's hope.

Jesus.

One of my favorite artists, Brooke Fraser

Click below to download one of her newest songs for free. You'll love it.

OK, this is just gross.....

Saw these pics today on Abraham's blog.

They are truly disgusting.....in an appropriate kind of way.

Wait....

Wordless Wednesday

A cabin and swings in the woods

Here is where we spent our Thanksgiving 2010. This cabin was a blessing! Our family, plus Mitch's side of the family, all spent a good bit of time together just relaxing, eating, fishing, shopping, and laughing.


The tree swings and hammock kept the kids (and adults) busy. I couldn't believe how high they went up into the trees. Indeed, I was nervous watching my kids play on these ropes.

Fishing on the river next to our cabin.

After our huge "turturkeykey" meal, we shared what we were thankful for and made a THANKFUL tree to hang near the kitchen table so we could see it all day. When asked what she was thankful for, Abigail immediately answered with great assurance, "Pigs". Yeah, she likes bacon. ALOT!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Maybe we'll see you in the Appalachians next fall.

They are remembering

As we pulled out the ornaments tonight to decorate the tree, I heard my boys say over and over, "Oh, I remember making this one! I know who gave me this ornament! Wow, I made that one a long time ago!". I was busy snapping pictures but hearing them reminisce made me tear up a little bit. They are growing up - yet they have some sweet memories of their short childhood thus far. Parenting is hard but it's so rewarding and such a gift from God!

Anna Ruby Falls

Hiking.....I love it. Climbing Anna Ruby Falls isn't exactly wilderness hiking but it's definitely a beautiful piece of Earth. The kids were super excited to climb to the "top" and see the huge waterfall that awaited. More importantly, we were able to climb this trail with our extended family.....making memories!

I especially enjoyed experiencing nature with these fellas and gal.

What beauty!

There were signs of caution everywhere along the path.

The kids really enjoyed listening to the water and observing the surrounding moss, trees, rocks, and leaves. We will be visiting this spot again in the future, especially since we discovered that our local library allows free state park passes with our membership (this is the case for any Georgia library system)! Now, I'm off to make a list of all the state parks we should visit!

Sneak Peek - Melton family

I know it's just a pic of their legs but they are saving the portrait shots for their Christmas card!

Oh, Atlanta

I've got a song stuck in my head. It's about a love of mine.



Yeah, I love living this close to Atlanta. Mitch and I always celebrate our anniversary there.

Coach Mitch

Soccer season is over but we sure did enjoy every practice and game. We had a great team and the parents were such fun to sit and chat with while watching from the sidelines. See you in the spring for baseball!