Huntsville, Alabama Days 4-7

Day 4 - I needed a break and I felt like Evy did, too, so we stayed in the hotel and got some laundry done. Yes, laundry on our vacation. Evy enjoyed the opportunity to get her fill of Dora, Wonderpets, and Blues Clues on Nickelodeon which we don't get at home. Then that night we did one of the best parts: Galaxy of Lights at the Botanical Garden. It's a mile and a half long drive through of light displays like this:It was really neat. I'm not sure who loved it more, Reed, Evy, or me!

Then on Friday, I took her to Sci-Quest which is like a science version of a Children's Museum, and finally, there were other kids there! They were older, though, so we made our way to the "treehouse" that was for under age 7. They had this little kitchen that she loved...... and other areas made just for her! We built with blocks, played instruments, and after the school group left we went downstairs to try out the exhibits. Most of which were very interesting though over her head (and some were over Mommy's head!).

Day 5 was Saturday and I thought I'd take her to a little natural science museum that was one town over, but though we enjoyed travelling over the beautifully blue, very big Tennessee River to get there, once we did, there was a sign reading "Closed for lunch". Not wanting to wait around for an hour and a half, we drove the 15 miles back to Huntsville. As I tried exiting the freeway to return to our hotel, however, I found it blocked off by police and was forced to turn left. My frustration soon melted when I realized I was on a street I had been trying to locate because I'd read that it had a few interesting sounding local eateries. We did indeed find quite a gem with a killer chicken salad and the owner informed me that the exit was closed for the parade. "Parade?!!" I exclaimed. So we packed up our lunch and chocolate chip cookies, and headed out!

This is what we found! It was a beautiful day and the bands sounded great! I love a parade! We also saw this:

The General Lee (some of you older folk might remember that this was Bo and Luke Duke's ride back in the day!). It even played the Dixie tune for the horn! Very cool!

That night we went to a new outdoor mall that all of the locals had been raving about. It isn't finished we were told, but there's a waterway that will eventually have gondolas and a water taxi, and there's a movie cinema and (what sold us to take Evy)....

...a carousel. This girl can't turn away from a ride on a teacup or a pink pony!

On Sunday, Day 7, we went to the mall play place again to kill some time and eat lunch before we headed out to downtown historic Madison for the tour of homes. Some of them turned out to be a little disappointing (besides the one I already blogged about) and two of the homes were brand new builds!! Why you put brand new homes on a tour of historic homes I still haven't figured out...but it was fun nonetheless.

Monday was a flurry of packing, checking out and picking up Reed from work to take us to the airport. Wow, all I can say is that, once again, I found myself with new respect for single moms. Getting through security alone was enough to turn (more of) my hair gray!! But the flight was much smoother and I was just so delighted to be heading home, though it's missing a lot without my Puppy here. (I miss you, Sweetie, and can't wait until you're home with us!)

So, if you have kids, and want a place to go, Huntsville was really more fun than I had imagined. It's no DisneyWorld or anything, but the people were extremely friendly (and really do have that cute, funny southern drawl), the food was excellent, and the weather was fine! So, head on da-yown ta Huhnts-veeeeille, y'all, and tell 'em thuh Cutshawwwls sentcha!

Walking Through a Magazine

This is one of the most unbelievably beautiful houses I've personally seen! This afternoon we took the opportunity to go to downtown historic Madison, very near Huntsville, to tour some homes there sponsored by the Historic Society. It was built in the late 1800's and has now been decorated to a T! So, let's get to it, shall we?

This is in the front formal living space. There was also a great Christmas tree that I took some decorative, crafty notes from and a white slipcovered sofa with more beautiful pillows!

Look at this great frame filled with cork and little whatnots in it. Love it!

This is the master bedroom. There's a fantastic white old fireplace to our left and the entrance to the master bathroom behind us. They must have converted a room to accomodate it - it's huge and, as you can imagine, truly beautiful and cute! There were people all over, so I couldn't get a good shot of it. Besides, it had mirrors all over - and terrific art.

The dining room. There are french doors to our left and the entrance to the main hall to our right at the head of which is this:
Speechless. To the left is the kitchen. It was amazing!
Guest bath. My dream! Love the red toile wallpaper, the bureau sink, the sconces... there's white wainscoting surrounding the black tub to our left.

Never mind that I didn't/couldn't get pictures of the little girl's room, which was an absolute dream with it's silver tree filled with pink paper chain garland and pink ornaments, the white iron bed with an adoroble quilt. The little boy's room was equally perfect with it's cozy leather chair with a cowhide print blanket on it. Nor do I have pictures of the sunken real family room with brick floor and fireplace where we had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the home. She said she had moved in only six months prior and only had to paint. Ugh. I told her it was amazing. She then mentioned two other homes on the tour that we had yet to see. She said that they are brand new builds but after touring them, she said she found herself liking the grass on the other side. After touring those homes, I'd emphatically say that her grass is the greenest I've ever seen. Just about the shade of green from my envy!!

Huntsville, Alabama - Days 1-3

Having said what I did in my previous post, I actually handled our travelling pretty well. Due in large part to MaryEvyn handling everything like a CHAMP! Our flight was delayed about 20 minutes or so, but she was easily distracted in the busy terminal. Once on the flight I was worried she might be frightened by the noises and turbulence. No worries necessary (except for me who could be seen grabbing Reed's sleeve with each bump! In my defense, it's a lot scarier when you're on a plane with three to a row, 12 rows and 1 stewardess!). She watched her Charlie and Lola DVD and never gave a whimper or whine. As we landed around 9pm, we got our rental car to find that they had no record of our request for a car seat. But about 10 minutes later and several more to figure out how to work the dern thing, we were off. All in all, we finally were settled in our room by 11pm. Poor baby was soon out! I think she's still trying to sleep some of that off!

The next day I decided to take it easy and since our hotel was right in a mall parking lot, we went to their play place (after some Starbucks for Mama!). It was a super nice mall (better than Sugar Land - gasp!) especially with the family bathroom that had a perfect toddler sized toilet and sink - she was enthralled!

Day 2 we went to the Earlyworks Children's Museum. These gorgeous trees with their fall colors are everywhere, but especially brilliant in front of the museum. A picture doesn't do it justice! Anyway, inside, there is a strong emphasis on Alabama's history which is quite rich and interesting. There was a large talking tree and, Evy's favorite, a talking clock, a recreated general store, homestead, keel boat, and this great old buggy!

There was also a really fun, open toddler's play area with all kinds of pretend areas including this little "farmyard" and puppet show stage. There was absolutely no one there besides 3 other kids and their mommies so we had the run of the place and a lot of individual attention!
That evening we went to Santa's Village which is set up downtown in what is known as Constitution Village, where Alabama's state, yup, constitution was signed, anyone know the year? Cynthia, any guesses?! Anyway, these historic buildings which usually house artifacts that tell of their former uses were transformed into Christmas uses. For instance, the old print shop was now where you could write a letter to Santa, put it in the mailbox where elves picked it up and delivered it to the old post office. The homestead was made into Santa's home where we found none other than the jolly man himself receiving his visitors. Evy was hesitant at first, but after a little chat with the friendly old elf, and a candy cane, she warmed right up!What did she ask for, you wonder? Well, you'll just have to wait and see if he delivers! Also, in the print shop, Mrs. Claus, a retired sweet little teacher, read/told us a story by the warm fireplace - this was my personal favorite (I wonder why?). There were also two live reindeer (yes, there is such a thing) and some "snow" flurries. Throw in some cookie decorating in the old bakery, jingle bells from the blacksmith, and old wooden toys in the workshop and it was delightful! All put on by volunteers who just love children that much! Great fun!
Now to Day 3 - The Historic Huntsville Train Depot and my biggest disappointment because just the day before it had been crawling with people all there to welcome Barnum and Bailey's circus to town and unloading at that very depot! They paraded the elephants and everybody right up the street to the arena just outside our new hotel and we missed it! Ah well, we still had a fun time. We got to ride a trolley on tracks, explore the train depot with it's old graffiti on the third floor walls from confederate soldiers held as prisoners when the union army captured Huntsville. There was this 440 engine outside of a roundhouse on one of those turntable things (I don't know what they're called, do you, Gina?). Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool and we were told that when they have student groups, they actually turn the train around. That would be neat to see! There was also this old ladder firefighter truck - the first used in Huntsville that we could climb all over. We could even run the bell, siren and lights. It was very fun! If you look closely you can see Evy in the driver's seat.

Apparently I needed more accountability...

We're in Alabama this week (more on that later - although on my blog, I guess this one will appear after my next one...oh well!) and travelling, well, it's just not really my thing. My terrific two girlfriends love to travel. Overseas, even better. Me, I like my home. I like knowing where my chocolate is hidden (sorry, Babe) and the best way to get where I want to go. I know where a good restaurant is and I know the places to avoid. More than this, I love, love my bed. I have what I lovingly call my "squishy pillow" which is full of downy soft feathers and surrounded in a flannel case which I place beside me simply to give me a snuggled in feeling. I also have a stuffed rabbit called Lucy whose sole purpose is to allow me to hold her and keep my arm from falling asleep when I do. (Really, she's purely functional...no sentimental attachment!) Oh, and then, of course there's Reed, who laughingly says he enjoys his third of the bed!

Anyway, I divulge all of this so you know how thoroughly out of my element I am when I am on the road. Huntsville is actually truly lovely but there have been some bumps along the way. Some minor inconveniences. The kinds of things, among many, that we can choose to let upset our whole frame of mind, take our state of being from just peachy to mildly irritated to explode at any minute. In retrospect, the kinds of things that remind me that I am so very inclined, bent, to see the world revolving around me. To lose sight of the bigger picture.

Now, not to say that suddenly and inexplicably finding myself outside of my hotel room with an over-tired daughter and overloaded arms holding a room key that no longer will complete its function is a part of God's grander scheme (though, it very well could be)...but maybe the bigger picture is simply remembering what little is under my control, giving a sigh, and finding a way to make it "fun" for my sleepy little girl.

Instead, I vent a bit of my frustration, and this increasingly perceptive little girl takes the cue from her now annoyed mother and begins to screw up her face and vent as well. First the "Waaaaah!" of a cry, and then the whining, "Moooooommmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, I want to go insiiiiiiiiiiiiide! Why won't it opeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!?" Then more boohooing.

It hits me like Reed's alarm clock did this morning, I thought, "If my first reaction hadn't been one of frustration, or such as whatever it was, she wouldn't be doing this. As I've known all along, but now even more so, she is doing exactly as she's been taught to do by *gulp* me!"

I quickly steeled myself, dropped what I could there at the door and in my best oh-this-is-going-to-be-so-much-fun voice, I encouraged her to go with me back down the elevator to get our key reinstated. We did and by the time we made it back up to our room and I got her down for a rest, I was thanking God for another shadow of accountability - this little girl He gave me. He is wanting me to show her a better way. A way of selflessness and love. A positive, glorifying way of seeing our lives and the little inconveniences that come our way. It's worth it for Him, and, now, it's worth it for her.

Our Trip to the Deer Lease in Pictures

Harriet (my mother-in-law), Evy and I crashed Reed and his dad, Jim's, yearly hunting trip. Though I teasingly don't call it "hunting." It is, of their own admission, really just "shooting" or as Reed says, "harvesting" of deer. Whatever it may be, it takes place on a beautiful and calm ranch outside of Junction, Texas and was made more enticing to us womenfolk this year with the completion of the brand new house and hunter's quarters which are under the same roof, just attached over on the left of this picture. We had full access to the house with it's big screen tv which we never turned on, and pool table which Reed and I happily split two games!Much of the time we spent thus occupied:

which allowed Harriet, the most voracious reader, to finish two and a half books while Reed completed book 4 in the Harry Potter series and me to finish Mansfield Park. But don't be fooled we also read and did many other things outside. Evyn, for instance, spent much of her time with this:

and this:
making a gingerbread house with Gram (lick a little, decorate a little, lick a little more, see if Mommy's looking, pop a candy in your mouth...)

and this:

What more does a 3 year old need: Lovie, her tiara and a bunk bed! (Note that Mommy has already set up her sleeping arrangement below...I know, I'm such a party pooper!)

This ranch was truly inspiring and restful. The North Llano River runs across one side and there are some wonderful workers employed there who help Mr. W. keep his sheep, cows, goats, horses, hay, and pecans very happy! In return, Mr. W. makes them a hearty breakfast when he is in as he did for all of us on the first morning. Beer batter pancakes and runny eggs - a delight!

An overabundance of hay! I was not tempted to go any closer since we were introduced to a large rattlesnake hide tacked to a board that was found right in these bales only days earlier!

The pecan tree lined walk to the goats. The pecan orchard is to our left.A boy and his dog. This is Nody (it stands for Not Our Dog Yet, though, as you can see, he has now been fully adopted, but the name has stuck!)
The sweet and gentle horses. We got to pet them, but not ride.

The sheep in the newly harvested hay field. The goats were more than happy to follow us in the car for that's how they get fed, but stopped immediately when we were actual people and would not let us get close.
The cows and the horses in an enviably shady spot.

"Oooo, it's cold, Mama!"
Oh, and there was some hunting. Reed got an 11 point deer (that's huge, by the way), the biggest they'd seen on this ranch and then got a 7 point that evening. After that, they were done! (Happy deer!)
On the way home, we stopped to see a cousin in Boerne, Tx. and I was able to talk the family into a picnic downtown so that I could take in a few of the very numerous shops there!
Then it was a race to beat the cold front we could see coming across the sky. I'm happy to report we are home and happy and dirty clothes are in the wash as we speak!
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends, and if you need any venison, now you know who to ask!

There better be a good excuse!!

I know, I know...it's been a while. But (yup, here it comes) I have found myself short on blog-worthy topics in my busy (not hectic, though), sometimes mundane life. And I have things I want to show you, projects I'm working on, but they're just shy of being really completely done. But they're great projects and I'm thrilled with how they are shaping up!!
Here's the topic for the day: 6 years. I married my wonderful hubby 6 years ago on the 17th. Yes, that's tomorrow but we're celebrating today. (Note Holly wiping a tear in the picture above - that's why it's one of my favorites!) Year six has been great. We have been completely weirded out by those times when something happens or someone says something and we both have the EXACT same thought/reaction. Sometimes one of us will say it and the other will just exclaim, "That's exactly what I was thinking!" but the really weird times are when we both say the same response at the same time, same words and everything. Crazy.
We have come to know each other's strengths. Mine: spelling, identifying and working out conflict, decorating, cleaning. His: math, anything mechanical, cooking, thinking through problems - especially emotionally charged ones, listening (as long as it's before 9 pm). We have also learned each other's weaknesses and how to accept them, sometimes. I spout off at the first sign of annoyance (as little as a drop of water on my newly cleaned kitchen floor), I am forever late to everything, and I want everything done a certain way (okay, really just my way!). Reed is a major procrastinator and is quite lacking in the gift giving department. I won't go into the former except to say that I know he is working on that and I've seen improvement. But the latter I must explain. If you've ever read or are familiar with the five love languages, you will understand when I say that my major love language is gift giving. It doesn't really matter the cost of the gift, it's the thought behind it that conveys mountains of love to me. If one listens, really pays attention, I give LOTS of clues and talk all the time about what I like and want. I like surprises and such. Reed's pretty good about occasional flowers and I love that - he brought me a bouquet with MaryEvyn not long ago.
Now for our anniversary this weekend, as I said, things have been really busy and we have great vacation time coming up that we're looking forward to, so our celebration has been pushed to the back burner. For me, as well. As much as I want to show him how much I love him, well, it's just been hard. We have not gotten gifts for each other, as agreed, and much to the relief of Reed. It makes me feel guilty because that's how I show love, but as I said, probably just a load off for Reed! And it's really fine, except that it shows what so easily happens to us in our marriage. Life takes over. Dr. appointments, school, parties, play dates, meals, church, friends, family, birthdays, work... it never ends and we must fight this, fight our priorities to make each other a priority. I'm hoping this anniversary and holiday season will renew this real, present desire we have to show our love for each other. It's there and alive and healthy, but if we keep it to ourselves it won't be for long! I am renewing a determination to be a student of my hubby. What honors him? What shows him respect (which is love in man words)? What makes him feel loved? How is his relationship with God and how can I pray and encourage him in it? What else can I do to make his return home at the end of the day one he looks forward to and helps him relax and unwind? I intend to begin taking notes all over again!
I love you, Reed. Happy Anniversary, Puppy!

aDORAble!

Well, Halloween has come and, thankfully, gone. As I write this, my Dora is sugared up, bathed and tuckered out in bed. I will happily ship her off to preschool tomorrow and maybe take a nap! Three parties, y'all!

But here she is in all of her Dora glory! The parties were fun, but this one tonight was a lot to handle. Then I stepped in dog doo. Ugh. I tried to wipe it off on the grass but it still reeked. I had to stay down wind from everyone. Even little Ally was laughingly exclaiming, "Oooooh, poo-pooh! Somebody went poo-pooh!" Yes, thank you, that's me.

She had a great time, though, and was fascinated that all she had to do was ring a doorbell, say "Trick or treat" and they gave her candy! She was, as usual, sad (re: pitching a fit) to leave.

It was fun, but I'm glad it's over. Until next year....

Have you met the teams yet?

Okay, you guys know that I love the Race...The Amazing Race, that is. I love it so much that I put up with ridiculous comments, fighting racers and the obvious attempt for the dramatic by the teams they allow. For instance......
Have you met the teams online yet? Oh, man. 3 words: lesbian episcopal ministers.
Ugh.

Here we go!

Whew, the secret is finally out!
I got a call from Reed on Monday who had just gotten word from Chuck about the pledges for the building for our church. It was a "go". I was so happy, but then the dreaded words, "Don't tell anyone!" Oh, man!
So, I've waited and at times, I have had to hold my breath to keep from even broaching the subject! I did have one person come out and ask me if I knew...I just said, "Well, soon we all will!" Ugh...I wanted to spill it so badly!
So, let the boasting in the Lord begin! God spurred his people to pledge over our $1.5 million mark. I'm so excited to see God move through the various stages of this project and man, what a party we'll have when we meet there!
But even now, I know it's not the promised land. There will be a lot of work to be done. A lot of prayers to be prayed. We don't want to become complacent or think that when we move in we have somehow "arrived". May we not sit back on what we think "we've" done and turn in our hospitality/road crew/ministry/service badges so that we can sit and soak!
God's got more great work for Crossbridge to do and I can't wait to watch Him amaze us all. To Him be all the glory!

The Spirit of Aggieland

This weekend I had the enormous pleasure of going to the Texas A&M game with my dad. He is from the class of '67, Reed is the class of '96. Contrary to what most people think and as much as I hate admitting it, no, I did not attend A&M, but I was there every chance I got. I learned the songs and most of the traditions when I was young and became totally committed to the Spirit of Aggieland. Then, in college, many of my friends went there so I would go to as many games as I could and would even drive up for midnight yell practice (that's it over on the left) and then drive home. So I learned all of the yells. I love it and I miss it a lot. There is nothing like an A&M home game!

So my dad and I left after my nephew Kyle's football game (yep, he's named after Kyle Field, of course) and arrived early enough to watch the core march in for review. And guess who was in the reviewing stand? None other than George Bush, Sr. himself! We had already seen Barbara Bush as we were getting on the elevator (she was literally about 5 feet from us!) We had some supremely annoying fans behind us who seemed ignorant about the game, and we did end up losing, but Dad and I had a great time, anyway. The band was amazing as always and I loved reliving it all! Singing the songs, sawing varsity's horns off, yelling 'til your hoarse, kissing for every point scored, whooping for every first down, hissing for the bad calls (roughing the passer, puh-lease!). I tried to take pictures, but it just doesn't do it all justice. These pictures are all from http://www.aggieathletics.com/.

It's an amazing place with amazing people.

I love ol' Arm-ay!!

Gig 'em, Ags!

Well, Hello, again!

Hello old friends
There's really nothing new to say
But the old, old story bears repeating
And the plain old truth grows dearer every day
When you find something worth believing
Well, that's a joy that nothin' could take away.

"Hello, Old Friends", Rich Mullins

Happy to see you, too!
I've had a pretty great week. The weather went from horrifyingly humid to absolutely perfect overnight and we've been blessed by a terrific weekend! For many reasons...but I'm getting ahead of myself. I have many things to share about this past week, but I'd like to share the most dear with you now.
I have been making my way through the book of Isaiah and Tuesday found me in chapter 6, Isaiah's call. A difficult one. "Go and tell my people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes." How fun. No, let me do it, let me do it.... I want to preach to people who will not ever get it, please!! A little later in the chapter Isaiah understandably asks God, "For how long, O Lord?' And he answered: 'Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.' Oh, goodie. This message Isaiah receives immediately after seeing God enthroned and His robe (a metaphor for His glory, I have heard) fill the temple and having his lips cleansed by a live coal brought from an angel. I cannot imagine having seen such a sight and longing to share the beauty and reality of it with others only to know that they will receive it not.
This, unfortunately is the unmistakable end for those who refuse the forgiveness and restoration freely offered to them. Now, Isaiah is a tough book, I think, and I will not (nor can I)get into what all this calling means, but I do believe that God makes his gospel known to all in the past He used his prophets and now using us, his saints and that we are called to tell them the news of forgiveness even though some of them will reject it forever. The hard part is that it is all under God's sovereignty and He, alone, directs and permits that which lives and that which dies. We are simply called to go. To pray. To give ourselves to loving and serving others. Jesus died knowing that all of those he died for would not all trust him, not all accept the grace he was dying to give. But, that, also under God's sovereignty, is their choice. Huh? Yeah, I don't know. It's a mysterious blend of both.
What I know: I am called. I am to serve. I prayed this week for more humility in order to do that. My heart becomes so hard to others and to prayer and to the things God loves and it is because my pride begins to swell and I think I don't need Him. So I beg again for forgiveness and humility. I want to always remember who I am: nothing without Him. I reminded myself and read and preached to myself about areas where my pride roamed freely. I was brought back to those God loves: the forgotten, the lonely, the poor, the hurting, the hungry and if I do not see them, love them, then what am I? (try reading Isaiah 56)
So I listed some people that I know, that I love and some people that I need to know and love and some practical ways to serve them. I began by mowing the lawn for my hubby on Thursday and crafting little pumpkins for my daughter to paint (one of her favorite past times these days, that's the pumpkins in the picture up there). But I have more to do. I'll keep you "posted" (how many times has that blogger joke occured?)
Anyways, we are a beautiful church. Sure, we get messy, we get a little off track, we sometimes lose our way, but we are still His lovely bride and He faithfully calls us back to the story He is telling. Of a perfect, holy God who buys us back from the muck we have sold ourselves to and then gives us a glorious purpose to bring Him glory in our lives and to cause others to do the same. As I've served the people of my church communion and celebrated a new chapter of beginnings for where God's taking us, I have seen God at work in their lives. I see Him working now in some of their lives. And I look forward to the change He is going to bring to others' lives. It brought tears to my eyes. All for His glory. He is a great God. What a wonderful life He gives.

Fasting

Our church in renewing our steadfastness to our calling to glorify God and make Him known, is dedicating ourselves to fasting and prayer this week. We are committing one day to fast and seek Him. I have decided to participate in this but also feel led to do more. I'll be "fasting" from blogville for the week. So, you won't see me here until next weekend. Man, just think of all the time to spend with God without this. Makes ya wonder....
Anyway, I'm excited (and, honestly, a little bummed) but I know God will expand my thinking of Him and increase His glory and my joy. Have a wonderful week. Be His.