~ Serenity Now ~

Most folks will remember the catch phrase "Serenity Now" from an episode of Seinfeld. On one particular episode, I remember George's father Frank yelling it out everytime his blood pressure spiked, trying to bring peace to his soul... LOL! I don't think this is exactly the way serenity should be brought to your soul, but hey, if it worked for his character... good.
Well, good news folks! I've found my "serenity now" at a place I haven't visited in ages - Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/clne/main.php

Last Sunday, my parents, Danny, Lilli and I went to the park for a little nature hike and picnic. What a great afternoon we had... The scenery was breath-taking!!! All the leaves were changing colors and reflecting on the water. WOW! I want to go back this weekend & I want to go camping too!! Just call me nature girl!

Yes, I have found my new 'favorite spot'... and it's only 30 minutes from my house - almost in my backard.

PEACE - CALM - SERENITY NOW!

Wishing everyone a beautiful, peace-filled, serene weekend! ((HUGS))

......it's been a long, long time!

Sooooooo, I'll make no excuses. Nope. NA-DA... ZELCH!!  I'm just super lazy!! Sad, I know!
We had visitors a few weeks back (Becky & Hannah) and had a GREAT time visiting with them.... then we traveled to Mike's Farm (meeting Ronnie, Pat and Isabella) to pick pumpkins and eat way, WAY too much food!! If you're going to cheat on a diet --- that's the place to do it! I think I am Mike's Farm's biggest fan! Here are a few photos from our wonderful weekend with our China Family!!

BREAKFAST ON THE BOAT

C.S.S. Neuse II Fundraiser

Nature Center Planetarium & Park

"MIKE'S FARM"

Mommy, this one's heavy.... Can I keep her?

Hope everyone has been doing well... I'll make no promises when I'll blog again. Soon, I hope! ((HUGS))

Have a terrific Wednesday!!

Baking with my Nana

While helping my Mom remove photos from her digital camera, I found these precious pictures of Lilli 'baking' at my parent's house. Apparently, Lilli and Nana do alot of baking when they are together.

It certainly is strange to me, I NEVER saw ANY of those cookies!! I'd like to ask - WHAT'S UP WITH THAT??? Hahahahaha

Today, I am thankful for precious moments that my Mom spends with Lilli, like those pictured above. She will treasure these memories!! It's Thankful Thursday... what are you thankful for today?
Wishing everyone a terrific Thursday!!

P.S. - We are SO EXCITED!! Becky and Hannah are coming to see us this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, we are meeting the Casteen's at Mike's Farm for Pumpkin' Pickin'... dinner & FUDGE! Pictures to come soon!

Friday's Photos......

My little "poser" would like to wish everyone a super, spectacular, fantastic weekend! ((HUGS))

Thankful Thursday

Today, I'm thankful for friends that love my daughter so much and always want to see her happy! I have so many of them... not just a handful... it's a bit overwhelming at times!
Recently, some friend's from church, Jeff and Jennifer, found a outdoor playcenter disassembled on the side of the road in their neighborhood. They immediately thought of Lilli. They called and asked me would we like to have it, & if so, they would gather eveything up and carry it to their house. We have been thinking about buying one and having it put together, so God's timing was PERFECT! Danny hitched up his trailer...
Last weekend, our dear friend James came over to assist Danny with the playcenter's reconstruction. They had it up in no time... with no bluprints or photos!! Thank you James for lending us your time and "know-how".

The playcenter will be completed soon... the roof and two slides just need to be attached. Our girl is going to have so much fun playing on it!!
When I thanked James for helping us, he laughed and said, "Oh, I'm not doing it for you guys - I'm doing it for Lilli!" I love it --- my heart is so full!!
I promise to post lots of pictures with Lillibug playing on it, as soon as the slides and roof are attached!! Lilli can hardly wait! She is ANTSY with ANTICIPATION!!
So today, I am thankful for friends that dearly love my Lilli & always want to see her happy!! Again, thank you Jeff, Jennifer & James.
What are you thankful for on this 'Thankful Thursday'?
Have a terrific day everyone!! ((HUGS))

Moon Festival (belated!)

We celebrated Chinese Moon Festival a little late this year. It's supposed to be held on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month. Each year it falls on a different day. I have a hard time keeping up with the date... This year, Moon Festival landed on September 12th. Funny thing, I was looking for moon cake recipes on September 13th when I came across the date. Oooops!
Wanting Lilli to experience Moon Festival, I scheduled our celebration for a few days later... & don't cha' know, the evening we selected to have it - it was pouring down with rain! So we switched it to a few nights later... and don't cha' know, it was overcast. So we looked at the sky, knowing the moon was behind the clouds... somewhere!??!!??!

Enjoyed our evening with friends and neighbors, the Arnette family. They celebrated with us last year, so we have decided that we will make it our Moon Festival tradition to have them over for Moon Cakes every year!! FUN TIMES!!

I opted to make our own this year... ordered the silicone molds for them --- added a little pie crust, with chocolate chunk/chip cookie dough filling & we were in business. They were a hit!! DELISH!!!

BTW, many thanks to my good friend Jo Anne for helping me find a "Jenny-friendly recipe"! Hahahaha
Wishing everyone a wonderful Wednesday!

Way to go, Grandma!

Danny's Mom was inducted into the Lenoir Memorial Hospital's Hall of Honor at a recent reception. Approximately 10 years ago, the hospital began a tradition of honoring those with distinguished service. Danny's Mom has worked at the hospital for over 40 years... beginning as a pediatric nurse, and now working in Histology in the laboratory with the pathologist. Only a handful of hospital employees and doctors receive this honor each year.

To say we are proud of her, would a huge understatement. This award comes right after Claudette received the quarterly President's Service Award for Excellence. For the PSAE award, she was given a list of items from which to select. Claudette selected a beautiful strand of pearls that Danny & I will give Lilli on a special occasion when she is much older - 'from Grandma'!
She has struggled through her Stage 4 breast cancer treatments, but remains a very loyal employee to LMH. She had to cut her hours back to 20 hours per week, but dearly loves her job. What's more... she NEVER complains!  I truly believe her love for her job & Lilli keep her going everyday! They bring her so much joy!

Lilli was soooooooooo tickled when she was asked to receive Grandma's big award with her... what AWESOME memories for her!

Congratulations Grandma Claudette! We love you so much!

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Tuesday! ((HUGS))