Saturday, September 20, 2008

Meet the Newest Members of our Family...

Meet Miss Vivian. . .

a brand new cousin :0) and a real precious gif to our family! How absoulutely darling... I look forward to watching her grow! and BIJOU. . .
aka: Mr. Nut







After the passing of Mr. Furley, things just did not seem normal around the house without a dog. One spontanious and adventurous Saturday we ventured to Project Pet w/ Leah, Taylor and Ramsey and we came home w/ Bijou. He is 2 and very sweet, why anyone gave him up is beyond me! He can jump higher that I can on a trampoline and he loves being a loved member of the family! We have another dog who enjoys story time and being read to! (Furley's legacy lives on!) I am so thankful to have joy and laughter as part of our everyday lives and Bijou fits in perfectly with our family!
"The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eye;
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the Lord are true,
all of them just;
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb."
PSALM 19: 8-11

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Great Smokey Mountians


Ahh.... The cool, fresh air of the Great Smoky

Mountains! What a relief from the hot, hot, hot

summer in Columbia! It is truly amazing how

much cooler it is in the hills!



We headed for the hills On August 2nd, the day after my brand new niece, Vivian was born!


The national park was the place to be!!! See...





The mountains and waterfalls are always amazing! I am amazed at how little changes over the years. I was reminded of my summers as a camp counselor and of my years as a camper. I have had many life experiences in the Smokies and now I share it with my family!!!








The forest is a place for fairies and gnomes! Although Cedrick stayed at home in his garden, we adventured out to greet his relatives:0)
There was so much to be seen and discovered in the creeks and rivers. We found mayflies, dragonfly larvae, salamanders, snails and water bugs galore! The smallest of God's creatures were there for us to discover and enjoy!



CAMPING...
CAMPING...
CAMPING...











The busiest of bears finds a place to rest @ Smokemont Campground!________ CATCHING FIREFLIES @ DUSK. . .















"Our campsite on the Oconaluftee River is relaxing and refreshing!"


"DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?"
"I didn't know Santa went camping!"

"I see... Mr. and Mrs. Clause, wow they are camping across the river from us!"








How absolutely fabulous!


The river. . .
A wonderful place for napping, camping and tubing...



























What an adventure... Tubing down the river... fun...exciting...Caroline was "actually" rafting!



The Great Smoky Mountain Farm...@ Oconaluftee Visitors Center






The visitors center was a wonderful place! The animals were a treat and the artifacts were cool to see.









An "outhouse"... you better hold your nose and make it quick!!!






Although the farm was a museum, the rangers kept it in
working order. The gardens were lush and the animals were
well fed and happy! It was fun to see the chickens running
around and the hogs were so much fun to feed!



































Then God said, " Let the water teem with abundance of living creatures and on the earth let birds fly beneath the dome of the sky." And so it happened Genesis 1:20


















HIKING AND ADVENTURING OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS. . .






Ruby Falls was one of the many waterfalls we saw!
























Clingman's Dome, "The Top of Old Smoky!"



The highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park @ 6,643 feet above sea level.























































Fun Family Adventures with daddy, Kitty and Mommy!!!











Junior Ranger and "Not so Junior Ranger"...






The Junior Ranger programs were super cool! We learned
about the local critter and even got to pet a few. We learned
about the Cherokee Indians and made pottery. we
participated in story telling were Caroline played and old
man. Trash/ liter collection was another adventure to
earn the Junior Ranger Badge. We had lots of fun
participating in many of the Ranger led programs. The
coolest was learning how to play the hog fiddle. Our day in
Cade's Cove was an adventure in and of itself.











Learning to play the hog fiddle...


























"When I call out to the Lord, he answers me from his holy mountain. When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me." PSALM 3: 5-6


"For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; for Jew first, and then Greek. For it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written. "The one who is righteous by faith will live." Romans 1:16-17




"and the heavens declared the glory of God" Psalms 19:1











































































































































Friday, September 5, 2008

MYRTLE BEACH








What a wonderful feeling, the cold ocean water tickling your

toes and the sand supporting you! How I love the sand and

salt water!
























Hitting the surf w/ boogy board in hand! What fun!:0)









Peter is so much fun to play in the ocean with!





The much anticipated hair wrap!

It sure turned out cute, a rainbow of colors.





An evening of fishing @ the Cherry Grove Peer.
















We saw some interesting things @ the peer. Fishermen
catching sharks, random ocean fish and even a sea snake.
Yes, a sea snake! It was lime green with foam around it's
mouth! YUCK!!!


We are Family!!!


An evening @ Broadway at the Beach! It was
wonderful to see our family and to share in the
joy of summer! The evening was beautiful and
cool for a summer night. The kids enjoyed the
rides and excitment of being together! I wish we
had more time together. No matter how far, our
love is true! I love you FAMILY!!!




"I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise."
Psalms 138

















The joy of my life, is sharing my love. My love for my daughter, husband and family. I am truly thankful to share such wonderful life experiences with them! The beach is a magical place:0)



GRANDPARENTS!!! We enjoyed the pool @ Grandpa and Nana's hotel! WE LOVE to swim!
From the pool to the beach w/ Grandmommy! :0)












SUMMER, FUN, FAIMLY :)













"In the beginning when God created the heaven and the earth..." Genisis 1:1












The ocean is such a delight! I truly feel connected to God's
creation when I go to the beach. When I get to enjoy the
ocean with family and friends, I feel even more connected,
and oh so greatful!

The ocean view from the condo we stayed in! What a view to wake up to :0) Thanks for inviting us Grandmommy!