Our Family Celebration

September 6 was a very fun day! We took this day to mark our 10th anniversary, renew our wedding vows ans dedicate Elisha to God. We had a wonderful time. Here are some of the details:

As with our wedding, my dad presided over the vow renewal. He also did Elisha's dedication. Both were held outside under an arbor on the waterfront of Drake's Creek which is an offshoot of Old Hickory Lake. It was a beautiful day.

After that we went inside to continue our party. Thad and I danced our "next dance" to "Walking Her Home" by one of our favorite Christian artists, Mark Schultz. Our dance instructor, Dana from DanceQuest, LLC, choreographed a routine for us that was perfect for us and the song.

Dancing helped us work up an appetite which was taken care of with some FANTASTIC food from our venue, Latham's Lighthouse Events Center. Mr. Latham provided us with an amazing spread. We had tenderloin, chicken breast, corn with chipotle and garlic butters, green beans, crostini with three toppings including the best spinach and artichoke dip ever! We also had three cakes from The French Confection, golden butter, strawberry, and Jack Daniels double chocolate chip - all covered in dark chocolate ganache!

We played the music of our youth - a compilation of essential 80s and 90s music. All in all it was a fabulous day. Our centerpieces were adorned with lovely hot pink Gerbera daisies and carnations from Flower Express. We enjoyed the company of the friends and family that were able to be with us and missed those who weren't.

If you would like to see the photographs that our photographer, Jon Warren, you can click here to go to our Shutterfly album. Once there you can order the photos of your choice.

Kid Updates

Wow it seems like forever since I posted anything on either of my blogs. I know you all are wanting more kids updates so here is the latest.

Thomas is 5 and in 1st grade now! He is still doing 3 days at Family Christian Academy and 2 days at home. Fridays are "Fine Arts Fridays." He has art, Spanish, science fun, and music. He is doing well. He is very happy to be staying all day instead of leaving after lunch. He is reading very well though he doesn't want to sometimes. He prefers history and science to English and literature.

Lilianna has just turned 2. She has also just finished potty training. She loves her big girl clean, dry panties! She wakes up dry but still has an accident every couple of days. That's mostly because we can't get her to a potty quick enough. She can count to 14 and say her ABC's though she won't do either if you ask. You have to catch her in the act. She talks and talks and talks. Not like a baby but in full, clear sentences as part of a conversation! I'm with her all the time and even I'm amazed sometimes.

Elisha is growing wonderfully! He was 22 inches at birth and at 2 months he had grown to 24 1/2 inches! He almost has full control of his head and pushes up well when laying on his belly. Elisha was recently dedicated back to God at our Family Celebration on September 6. Did I mention that he sleeps through the night? WOOHOO!

Long Live the Shoppong Cart Surfers

Last week I was walking through the parking lot on my way into Aldi. Just then an older gentleman that I would describe as distinguished was coming out. He looked intellectual, structured, staid, and serious. He was pushing his cart with purpose toward his car not as if he were out on a leisurely Sunday shopping trip.

I smiled at him in greeting which he returned with a half grin. As he did this he placed one foot on the bottom bar of the cart, hopped up, and gave two swift pushes with the other foot. He surfed his cart past me with a wide grin that replaced the half one. His eyes were lit with a glee that spoke to me. He still enjoyed his life. Perhaps we all would if we surfed on our shopping carts more often.

*Please note that I am well aware of the dangers here. Sometimes we need to do things anyway! An adventure without a little danger is a poor remedy for the ordinary!