Security

On September 12th our life took an unexpected detour when our house was broken in to while I was at the gym. The day before the incident the Hubs and I were discussing our plans for the future. Initially we never intended on staying in the rental home for very long...but one year quickly became two and we were feeling pretty comfortable there. We had just discussed that we would both like to stay one more year and then begin looking for our next home to purchase. In fact, on the morning of September 12th, I discussed this plan with the ladies that watch Lo in the gym nursery. 

My class got out early that morning and I distinctly remember feeling like I should take my time driving back home, which I did. Shortly after that I arrived home to find that our house had been broken in to. This isn't the first time I have been robbed, my childhood home was broken in to on a few different occasions and I was robbed while working as a bank teller back in 2001. I knew all of the emotions I would go through in the following days but what I didn't anticipate was how the mother in me would react. I was panic stricken, I didn't want to stay in that house another second! 

I tried to remain calm for Lo because I know that littles can sense those kinds of things, but she pretty much immediately broke out with hives herself. That was so, so sad. We tried to stay at the house the first night to prove to ourselves that we could do it and feel safe again. The only drawback was that none of us slept a wink, not even the baby. So, that morning I packed as much clothing/valuables as I could fit in my vehicle and I headed to my parents house.

Hubby went out of town on a previously planned work trip and all the while we both tried to figure out if/when we would go back home. To make an already long story longer, the home was attempted to be broken in to 2 more times before there was another successful break in leaving our total at 4 times as of today. After the second time we both decided we weren't going back, how could I with a little one to keep safe? So, for the time being all of our stuff is in storage and we are shacking up with my parents while we look for our next home to purchase. Funny how things can change in an instant, huh?

These were the last 2 pictures that I had of us at our rental home. One of Lo acting a fool running around inside and one out in the yard before a bike ride. What sickens me is that someone watched us and knew our routines. They knew I would be at the gym that morning and the window of time they had. To think of us riding the streets in that neighborhood on our family bike rides while some creep watched us makes me ill. Oh well, accept the things you can't change...right?

Apple Festival 2013

We decided to go with my brother's family to the Apple Festival over Labor Day weekend. We attended last year for the first time as part of our "B" family vacation and loved being in the Hendersonville area. 

We hit up the festival- ate fresh apple pie, had apple slushies and apple sippers. Lou and Lo rode some rides (Lo's first experience with rides) and bought some apples at one of the vendors tents.

 Afterwards we went to a nearby local steakhouse that we remembered liking last year and it didn't disappoint this year. Then we went to an apple orchard (Stepp orchard, same as last year) where we picked our own apples. We were bummed that the tractor driver for the hayride that we liked was at the festival so we didn't get to ride this year. We brought back lots of fresh honey crisp, Jonah gold and Granny Smith apples though. Mimi had promised homemade applesauce out if the loot.

 On the way out we stopped by a shop that we went to last year because Nell had regretted not buying some serve ware that they sold when we were there in 2012. We happily went back because a year is a long time to regret not buying something you wanted! And one last important stop before heading home- Dunkin Donuts for our frozen hot chocolate and doughnut fix! We have our priorities. :) 

We were smooth sailing back home until I realized that Lo was finger painting in poop from her diaper. Gross! So we barely made it to an off ramp where we quickly got her out of her seat, stripped her down, wiped her and her carseat off and got back on the road. Good times!

Lo and Lou on Lo's first ever carnival ride "the caterpillar". Lo loved it and clapped every time it came around. The ride lasted over 4 minutes and she did great for being 17 months old. After this, I took her on a hot air balloon carnival ride that goes in a circle and the hot air balloons that you sit in go up and down...not a fan! She never cried but she was physically shaking because of the stomach flipping sensation that happened when the ride went up and down...it was too sad. Luckily I was riding it with her so I applied some pressure on her little belly with my hand to help her feel more comfortable and held her little hand. Bless her heart!

My two loves.

Cousins enjoying fresh apple sippers together. All of the grand kids love these cups and use them all year.

I love how Lo is looking at Lou in this picture, makes me laugh.

The apple of my eye at Stepp Orchard.

Someone didn't want to cooperate!

Pooped! Literally, she didn't nap all day until she had the blow out on the way home and then she had a nice little snooze. Seriously, nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby...especially mine!

Pioneer Trek 2013

The Hubs and I had the privilege of being advisors on the trek for the youth this year. Our Bishop asked us a few months ago if we would be willing to go and after much consideration we agreed that it was an opportunity that we couldn't pass up. We were nervous about leaving the baby for 3 days and 2 nights but she was in good hands with Bab, Roc and their gang.

The trek was held out in Blythewood on a horse farm that belongs to a member of the church and her generous neighbor. We hiked a total of 18 miles over be 3 day period and slept outside covered by nothing but a tarp. We were responsible for 2 handcarts of youth totaling 15 people. We had the greatest kids and had the best time with them. It was physically challenging as most would expect. Luckily, we weren't allowed to help with the 400+ pound handcarts unless necessary. I helped during the women's pull and that was all that was needed.

Each of our family units were given a baby that was to be carried and treated like a real baby for he duration. Each  baby came with a name and a story of a real pioneer and we didn't find out until the last day if our "baby" made it to the valley or not. Our leaders gave us the rest of the baby's story on the morning of he last day and both of our people made it and had long healthy, happy lives. Coincidentally, one of the babies that we assigned to one of our groups was the story of our bishop's great-grandmother...so that was pretty special.

After we read the outcome of our babies stories we gathered for a funeral service to bury the babies that didn't survive...talk about heart wrenching! One of the youth stood up on the hi behind our crowd of youth and softly played "Come, Come Ye Saints" on her violin...there wasn't a dry eye! It was really a neat experience and definitely an emotional one. It was neat to see that the youth finally understood the sacrifices that the pioneers  made for their religion.

Going on the trek as an adult was an exercise in patience in many ways...but at the same time, it gave me a greater appreciation for the youth of the church. These kids are strong and it gives me hope. 

Some other tidbits worth noting- we got to have Jose (Bab and Roc's bonus kid) come on our trek and be a part of one of the families that we were responsible for. I also got to have one of my cousin's kids in my group which was neat. We ate good, were privy to portable potties (thank heaven!), were super hot, got sunburned and eaten up by bugs. Got to see the youth really shine...they had to dig deep sometimes but they never let us down. It was an amazing experience that I would do again in a heart beat.

On our way

Our babies

Hubby helped design this temple that the kids  built

E's Christmas Concert

We had the privilege of attending E's band concert at his middle school one evening.  This is his first time playing in the band and his first year playing the trumpet.  It was really fun being able to see what he's been practicing for since the start of the school year.  It's pretty amazing what these kids learn in such a short amount of time.

Color Me Rad

I had the fabulous opportunity to participate in a 5K this weekend, it was so much fun!  Seriously,if it comes close to home again I would love to go time and time again.  Basically, you get "bombed" with color throughout the course.  Some bombing stations were dry and others were wet, you start with a clean slate and end up doused in color.

My BFF (if ya know what I mean) got the crazy idea to do it and invited/forced people to do it with her.  There ended up being 6 of us, our team name was Color Theory so we all dressed as part of the good ole ROYGBV. (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet for those of you who don't speak color wheel!)  Somehow, we never got in order for the pictures!

Before and After

The aftermath

Glamour Shot!

BFFs before the 5K

4 out of 6 at the start line

In the beginning it was uphill and I was thinking "what did I just get myself into", but then it leveled out.  All of my "training" has been just walking/jogging around my neighborhood with Lo.  Very laid back, but I do around 2 miles many times a week, sometimes twice a day.  What I didn't take into consideration was that my neighborhood is completely flat.  At the very end there was a super steep climb, but you could get through it because you knew it was almost over. There were tons of families out there with young children, it was very family friendly.  All in all, it was an absolute blast to be at!

Mountain Retreat

We had the most fabulous trip to the mountains last week.  It was so much fun and so relaxing- it was a perfect balance of go and do & rest and relax.

The first day was spent in Asheville where we saw a man riding a gigantic tricycle wearing a nun costume- just doing his best to "keep Asheville weird".The highlight of mine and Heath's day was the stop into Miss Kim's wig shop where we found fantastic earrings for 50 cents.  So, we dumped the contents of the earring basket out and loaded up on ear bling.  We all enjoyed all of the local art, Japanese food at a sushi bar and gelato.

The second day was spent in Cherokee where we fell into many tourist traps!  My goal for the day was buying Lo a sweet pair of moccasin booties to rock out with her leggings this fall/winter...but alas, my child refuses to uncurl her toes making it impossible to put any shoes on her feet.  I guess I can't have it all!  One day she'll beg me to buy her shoes, one day.  We were able to load up on local honey, fresh apples, pottery.  Heck, we even bought locally made pork rinds and I found an amazing huge shell for sale that I brought home to hold random jewelry on my nightstand.  We also climbed the 9 story tower to look out over the mountains in Maggie Valley which is where our cabin was located.

The third day was spent in Waynesville,NC.  We had the most delicious Thai food there.  I think I'll day dream of my curry dish for a few weeks!  We antiqued, browsed all of the little shops in the adorable downtown area and Hubby racked up on emergency essentials.  Waynesville was one of my favorite parts of the trip,it was such a neat little town.  I loved how centrally located everything was and how you could walk to everything. The latter part of the day was spent in Maggie Valley buying more local goods, specifically fudge!  Oh, we had an amazing dinner at this fabulous bakery.  Hubby got the biggest prime rib of his life and Heath and I enjoyed our shrimp and grits.



Our adorable cottage "13 Moons".  It was completely redone inside- had a fireplace that we used daily, 2 beds and 2 baths, a separate loft for TV watching. We have vowed to go back to this place as often as possible.

A path around the house.  I just loved the leaves everywhere and the crisp mornings...so fallish!

An adorable Lo cuddling her Daddy by the fire. She was a little under the weather but such a champ!  The girl is quite the traveler, she loves a good adventure.

The fam before the 9 flight trek up the observation tower in Maggie Valley, NC.  Apparently the entire town is competetive about their fall decorations.  Thank heaven for our fantastic Maggie Valley expert/travel companion,  Heath.

Our view at the half way point.

Who is that super model sassing up Maggie Valley?!

No words are needed.

2 little indians

There was even a bear sighting in Maggie Valley.

An artistic photo by Hubby of the leaves on our balcony on a rainy morning.

The fam in Greenville enjoying the outdoors at Reedy Falls Park.

At a store in downtown Greenville- These gorgeous things are called "witch balls".  I would like to have a window full of them like the store display- alas, I didn't win the lottery!  Heath did take one of these gems home though.

We loved the Nutmeg Cafe so much that we made reservations for brunch on our final day.  It did not disappoint!  We spent the rest of the day in Greenville where we got to enjoy more outdoor time at the Reedy Falls Park before coming home. What a great trip!

Weekend In Review

Friday night we had the opportunity to hang out with some of our friends.  I just cannot say enough about having good friends.  It doesn't matter what we do, where we are or what we wear...we just like being together.

Saturday morning began with trip to Phipps Farm to scout out the set up for the fall festival that my Dad is in charge of.  All of the grand girls,Hubby,Bab, Pappy and myself all went out and had such a good time on the farm.  We picked and ate pears and figs,saw the quail and chickens, the girls took home a quail egg and Pappy took home some regular eggs.  We also got to see Phipps farmhouse that he built himself, it was so cool.  While we were inside he serenaded us on his guitar, he is such a sweet man.

After the farm we had worked up an appetite- for Italian food so we went to the Italian Festival downtown. We had a blast there, everyone was there from our family except for Babs boys who were camping.  We had some really good gelato, Italian ice, Italian soda and Hubs raved about his sausage and pepper sandwich. Yum!  We got to see a gondola, the girls got balloon hats made just for them,played on the bounce house/slide, stomped grapes and did a little shopping at the different booths that were there.

For some reason my photos uploaded backwards-

Hubby and Lo at the festival

Lo loved playing with and popping her hat.

Munchie stomping grapes.  And, Gigi in the background in Lo's stroller...her shoes were rubbing a blister.

Silly!  Munch got attacked by ants on the farm so Hubby gave her a lift. She immediately went from crying to laughing hysterically.

All of the grand girls showing off their quail eggs that they named and carried around like babies.

Bab trying to interest Lo in looking at the chickens...I think she was more interested in her Daddy.

My boy scout, always prepared!  The grand girls wanted to eat the pears that they picked but wanted them peeled so it was Hubby and his pocket knife to the rescue.

Lo enjoyed gnawing on a pear too!

Italian Festival 2012
All of the girls in their balloon hats.

On Sunday we went to church where I was overloaded with cub scout information, someone say a prayer for me!  After church we went to see Nana with Mimi and Pappy where we skyped with Aunt B all the way in Montana.

Baby's First Trip To The Zoo

We are fortunate enough to have an amazing zoo so close to where we live.  It has always been a favorite place to go...when it's not during the summer months!  Lo enjoyed her first trip.  She could not have cared less about the actual animals but she loves being outside so it was right up her alley.

Lo and her Aunt are too cool for school!

She loved the aquarium.  I think she liked that it sounded like her white noise machine and it was nice and dark.

I actually saw the zebra run for the first time in my life.

Bab trying to refresh Lo with the cold water from the fountain.

We were able to go early in the afternoon on Wednesday while the Hubs was on a business trip with Bab and the kidlets, they had early release.

A Bushel And A Peck

While on our vacation we had the opportunity to go to an apple orchard to pick apples.

This was the variety that Lo got to try.  There were SO many types of apples.

 The orchard was beautiful.

 Little Miss trying her first apple, she enjoyed licking it!

 Stepp Farms

 Checking out the scenery.

 The fam picking apples.

 Hanging out.

 We went on a hayride to see the farm, Lo was unimpressed with waiting for other people to load up so she watched some Curious George to pass the time.

 A cow!

 Pappy and his mini me.  E is showing off the marshmallow gun that he and

J Man bought at the Apple Festival.

 Munch and Lou being buddies on the ride.

 Our little fam

 Pappy and Mimi

 Nell and Jas

 Roc and Bab

 I thought this apple was so sweet I took it home!

When I look at this picture all I can think of is how my milky white skin is sizzling in the sun.  I made sure that Lo was protected from the sun at all times and failed to protect my own.  I'm far too pale to go out sans sunscreen!

Apple picking was probably the highlight of our trip.  We are already planning another trip to pick apples.  Mimi came home and made Lo some chunky applesauce with the fresh apples that we picked.