background

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Mount St. Kitchen Table Volcano

A few weeks ago Will had an in-school field trip where a science fun place (I have no idea what to call them) came to his classroom and they did a few experiments. One of these experiments was a volcano.  Will came home dying to try it at home.

He wrote down what we needed:

IMG_1814[1]

 

My mad scientists get to work.

IMG_1811[1]

IMG_1812[1]

IMG_1813[1]

 

Next thing I know I hear screaming and squealing outside…..they (Matt) had taken the experiment to the next level and they were out exploding water bottles in the middle of the street!!!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

January 1st

We’ve made this neat little tradition the past few years to celebrate the new year and all the traditional foods with Aunt J and her ever expanding family.  For the record, her name is Jessica….Will and Avery don’t know that and whenever I refer to her as Jessica, they never know who I am talking about.

IMG_2712

2013             

2012

Matt and I headed back from CLT and were back in Raleigh around lunch. We got to work on the food, which included a Pinterest inspired chicken and pasta recipe that I had made before but was disastrous this time around, salad, collards, black-eyed peas (2 kinds) cornbread, fruit and brownies with ice cream.

This year was super cool because Baby Luke was here. Oh me don’t I love that little boy!! Unfortunately Uncle K was home getting his beauty sleep, as he had to work that night.

IMG_2701

 

Will loves a certain little guy too!

IMG_2704

IMG_2705

Who am I kidding?? Everyone loves Luke!

IMG_2708

Avery was too busy rolling in a bucket before dinner…..

IMG_2707

Will and Aunt J catching up on lost time with a nice Beyblade battle!

IMG_2699

Gifts time!

Luke getting some help opening his bath toys.

IMG_2720

Will got the crazy cups game. He’s going to be a pro soon!!

IMG_2721

Avery LOVED her sticker book!

IMG_2723

Happy New Year!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

New Year’s Eve 2013

Matthew and I rung in 2014 at one of my favorite places on earth with some of my favorite people on earth…..The Avett Brothers concert with the McLamb’s!!

20140101_003541_resized

Is it possible to photo bomb a picture you are already in, MATT?!?!?!

 

It’s no secret my heart lies with TAB (The Avett Brothers for all you non-fans out there) and we rung in 2013 with them as well. And since they will be in Raleigh for NYE 2014, well, guess where I will be then!! 

Matt and I arrived in Charlotte mid-afternoon after a quick stop at the outlets in Mebane. He is such a good husband….the stop was actually his idea!  We hung out in the room a bit…we were staying at a hotel directly beside the concert venue which was sooooooo nice…..No driving after the concert with all the crazies.

But speaking of crazies, there were people swimming in the outdoor pool. And not just once over the 24 hour period we were there. Sure, they were like 12. But still….it was COLD.

The concert wasn’t without craziness…..between the opening act and TAB, a GIANT disco ball fell from the “sky” and busted through the stage. Thank goodness no one was hurt and the show was able to go on. But it was crazy.  Although it did make for some cool lighting effects through out the show!

photo 2 (2)

Other drama included the 2 old people behind us who were mad as h*ll the entire show that we wouldn’t sit down during the concert and then the young girl in front of us who puked her brains out about 11PM. Thankfully not onto me!!

I was at an interesting crossroads that night…..being called a “drunk” by the old people behind me (I am/was most certainly NOT that).  And then being called “ma’am” by some of the younger folks beside us when they asked me to pick up something that had dropped near me. Ha!!! 

The obligatory grainy iPhone pic from too far away!

photo 1 (2)

All in all, I think the concert was good. It wasn’t great, and it certainly wasn’t a great NYE celebration. Last year’s show was a million times better. Not sure what was “off” or “missing” this year but something was. That being said, TAB always puts on an amazing performance and hearing their music live is just plain awesome.

Jon, me, Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s twin sister, Marsha. I love that girl too!

photo 3 (2)

It was actually sad to see 2013 slip away. It was the last year my father was alive. I am now officially in a year that he hasn’t been in. That is weird. But what do we do? We just march on. One day at a time. One foot in front of another. Each passing day presents new challenges and hurdles. But I’m one day stronger and one day wiser.

Hello, 2014.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2-0-1-3

I don't have a lot to say this year-end. No profound theme or parting words for 2013. 
Just some really fond memories and a whole lot of hope for the year to come.....

Memories like-

Experiencing the magic of Disney through the eyes of the four feet high set.....

College baseball World Series....

Will's first at bat in fall ball.....

Avery's first dance class....

Holding on tightly to my father as he slipped out of my earthly grasp....

The healing gift of the Christmas season.....

And Hope and Faith in God and what He has in store for us in 2014......

Much love to you all.

jgm