The McReeders

A Perfect Birthday

2011-04-06T06:17:00.001-07:00

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHAT?!

2011-04-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

Bennett's First Experience with the (cold) Ocean

2011-03-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Whyyyy? The humanity...who put these people in charge? All better.

Dear Grandpa Bill

2011-03-29T08:03:00.001-07:00

I would like a jet ski for my first birthday. Mommy says you will teach me how to jump the waves while she hides her eyes.

This one is for (uncle) Drew...

2011-03-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

I smell bacon. No, seriously, bacon-flavored milk? Anyone?

Surprise!

2011-03-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

We surprised Grandaddy for his 80th birthday!

Shower for Shana

2011-03-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to April for helping me throw a shower honoring Shana -- who is absolutely radiant! John Henry Corbin will be here before we know it and we can't wait to meet him. Shana and Blake - you will be amazing parents!We love you guys!

I Pooped my Pants...

2011-03-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

...(and had to wear my aunt's Calvin Klein t-shirt) what'd you do today?

Attitude is a little thing...

2011-03-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

...that makes a big difference. - Winston Churchill

Evidence...

2011-03-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

...that pregnancy brain...or post-partum brain....happens to men, too.

This is where Dan found the car keys after looking for them for 45 minutes.

I just informed Bennett...

2011-02-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

that it's Monday.

Dramatic, much?

2011-02-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

The time difference between these two pictures is literally seconds. Dramatic, much? Dan says Bennett comes by it naturally (from his mom, of course).

My Whole Heart

2011-02-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

is tied up in this little boy.

Three Months!

2011-02-13T06:38:00.001-08:00

Three months, Bennett. I can't believe how fast the time is going. You are the best thing that has ever happened to us and your smile brightens our day every day.
You made the transition to your crib and are loving sleeping through the night! We're so proud of you. The swaddle seems to be key in this -- no swaddle = no sleep. Doesn't this picture make it look like you love your crib? Usually, there's no crying -- and if there is crying when we put you down, it lasts about 45 seconds even though it feels like an hour to me.

We are working on tummy time, but you seemed a little relaxed about the whole process.

You love your time with daddy; and, you have one amazing dad.

You found your hand this month -- and it must be pretty tasty because you rarely let it leave your mouth.

Your cousins came to visit all the way from Pennsylvania!
Oh, did I mention that smile? We can't get enough of your sweetness.

Happy Three Month Birthday, Bennett!

Happy Two Month Birthday, Bennett!

2011-01-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's already been two months. We're so glad we're not trying to get to the hospital today! You sure have a way of bringing around the snow, big boy.
Munson is still trying to figure out what to do with you. We love you so much, Bennett -- happy two month birthday!

It's Been a While

2011-01-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my - how time is flying. Here's the last of the shower pics -- a wonderful couples/friends shower right before lil' man made his appearance.

We are blessed.

More blogging to come as time allows;).

At the Lily Pad

2010-10-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

We were blessed with another fabulous baby shower - this one with an adorable "frog" theme...right down to the location (on the lake) at the "Lily Pad!" It was hosted by a girlfriend that I went to first grade with, and, her wonderful mom as well as another longtime, amazing church friend.

The hostesses! They did a fabulous job incorporating frogs into every part of the decor, food, gifts, decorations, games - it was so cute!

There were so many life-long friends at this shower. It was so special to see the love and support I've felt for so long directed towards our baby. Our fellow youth counselors that we share Sunday nights with came, too - definitely some special people!

Cutest diaper cake!

These updates are short and sweet - but mostly because words can't describe how grateful Dan and I are for the love and support. It's really overwhelming!

Mary Martha Shower

2010-10-06T07:47:00.001-07:00

We have and continue to be blessed with amazingly generous displays of love and affection for baby Bennett. Words cannot express our gratitude or feelings of love for these special people in our lives!

We recently enjoyed a shower hosted by the Mary Martha Circle at our church. Both my mom and Dan's mom are members of this special group of ladies. A few of my favorite ACVB folks made it, too!

The hostess with the most-ess

Beautiful decor and yummy food!

A few of my favorite people!

Nursery!

2010-10-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of the nursery. Still a few finishing touches to be added...but you get the idea.

My favorite part is when Dan mentions "the pictures" as he points to an area with no pictures in sight.

Family Shower

2010-09-22T05:28:00.001-07:00

Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful shower celebrating with family Baby McReeder's impending arrival. What a cute idea - my baby pic on the left - Dan and me in the middle and sweet Dan on the right. The hostesses with the most-est thought of everything!
Check out the cute decorations...and all of my favorite food!

The fam....

Even the finger sandwiches were cut like onesies. So cute!!

My mom and sisters surprised me with the travel system. Now we can take our baby boy home! So exciting...and super generous of them!

The hostesses. My awesome aunts on the left and right and my incredible, amazing sis in the middle!
31 weeks and 35 weeks! We're getting there!!
The great grandmothers-to-be. All are having baby boy great grandsons arrive over the coming months!
The sisters!
A big thank you to everyone! The generosity and love shown towards our baby boy is overwhelming!

SoBe

2010-09-18T04:54:00.001-07:00

We took a few days off to get away as a couple one more time before baby McReeder's arrival. Our escape to South Beach was just what the doctor ordered: restful, beautiful, relaxing and gave us a chance to reminisce about our almost four years of marriage, the future and what it will be like to be parents (as if we have a clue what we're in for!).

Baby Shower!

2010-09-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had the most wonderful baby shower with my sister - who's four weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy. It was thrown by my sisters, Christine and Jessica, and included family on my dad and stepmom's side, as well as very special church and family friends. It's been a busy thirty weeks and with lots of personal and professional life changes, I haven't been much into the personal blogging thing - but I'm back - so get ready for pictures, pictures and more pictures. Enjoy....

So excited to be sharing this experience with my big sis'!

The sistas...

Beautiful invitations!

Check out the incredible cake - all edible except for the rattle. Amazing and delicious.

Belly bumps - 30 weeks and 34 weeks

So many generous, beautiful gifts - can't wait for baby boy McReeder's arrival! Many thanks to everyone who is making this time so special!

I'm Baaaaack

2010-04-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how long I'll stay. Life has been busier than ever lately. But, just thought I'd let you know the McReeders are still kickin'.

A February trip to the Atlantis helped us through what seemed like an extra cold winter. Even Munson had to break out the puffer jacket!

March was a bit of a blur. Oh, but there was an exciting announcement!

Did you catch that? I'm going to be an aunt, again, this October!
April brought a round of Easter excitement and birthday bliss! We celebrated in style with great friends at Seasons 52. Delicious and even better company!

Warm weather has me sneezing - but also inspired us to get busy in the yard. Not like that. I mean, busy working in the yard, planting plants, etc. Dan even built a raised bed so we have a little vegetable garden in the works: Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Strawberries (wait - those aren't veggies - nor do they need to be capitalized...), red peppers and tomatoes.I also started parsley and basil from seed, so we'll see how that goes... My mint,rosemary, oregano and thyme -- all transplants from friends, are thriving. If anyone needs mint or rosemary - let me know because if these two grow anymore they might take over our yard. What makes our yard extra special is that many of our plants are from family and friends. I love the community around gardening - because seeing everything in bloom makes me think of the people who made our yard what it is!

Oregano

Rosemary

Mint

Front Yard

Catmint

Vegetable Garden

Thyme

Backyard

And, since we don't seem to know how to sit still...hey, baby let's go to Vegas! Pictures to come soon!

Snow!!

2010-02-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

What is it about snow that is just so, well...awesome?! I think it's the beauty, complete impracticality and, as Dan says - "it's just awesome that God could have decided to make it rain ice pellets - but instead, chose snow flakes."

My New Obsession

2010-01-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

Many people know I am a little obsessed with healthy food. However...that's all out the window when it comes to this place. Run don't walk (literally run: you will want to burn off those calories) to the Dutch Monkey. Words won't do the homemade Buttered Maple Bacon doughnuts here justice, so take my word for it and just do it!

Thrashers!

2010-01-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

Jon Mann is the best for sharing his birthday present with Dan and me! We spent last Thursday at the Thrashers game, which solidifies hockey as my new favorite winter sport. And, there was a fight! Plus - the Thrasher logos that hang from the ceiling blow fire balls whenever we score a goal. I challenge you to find a better night out!

Hope for Haiti

2010-01-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

Visit this site! It's such a cute concept -- your donation to help Haiti enters you into a raffle to win all sorts of creative prizes - like a photography session, jewelry or a blog re-design. Not that you should give to get - but I think this is a great idea. And, then find another way to give, selflessly -- like through UMCOR.

Because, how convicting is this:
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

Looking Back, Forging Ahead

2010-01-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

As the post-holiday dust settles, I'm finally taking the time to reflect on 2009 and set goals for 2010. Last year could easily be deemed the year of travel since we "got away" no less than eleven times. Many of these trips were just 2-3 days long, but for Dan and me, traveling is our fine wine. Offered a night on the town at a five-star restaurant or the chance to hike a new mountain, I'd lace up my shoes any day.

With all the travel, you can imagine 2009 passed in a giddy blur. Which brings me to my mid-January resolution for 2010: truly be in the moment. Part of that, for me, is staying put - not literally as much as mentally. As a planner, I'm half way through the day before I've had my morning coffee. Which is probably why some days I would rather run a half marathon than hold a 30-second yoga pose. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) -- Can't we do that on the go, Lord?

Don't get me wrong. This mindset will save frustration and stress when it comes to preparation and getting things done. But, soul-wise, for me, quiet and calm leads to an open heart and the ability to hear God's direction.

So this year - if you find me in downward dog instead of another state..."it is well with my soul".

What's your resolution?

Boone, NC for New Years

Camp Glisson to chaperone the college mission trip.

The MastersNashville, TN for the Country Music Marathon
Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach, FL for a little R&R
New York City, NYDestin, Seaside, Grayton, etc., FL since, you know, we hadn't been to the beach.
Greenville, SC for the Clemson Game
Jeckyll Island, GA and Jacksonville, FL for the UGA/Florida Game
San Antonio, TX for the Half Marathon
New Smyrna Beach and Clearwater, FL for Thanksgiving

Gingerbread Extravaganza

2009-12-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

So...in the tradition of gathering friends in the name of sugar, we hosted the annual McReeder Gingerbread Extravaganza a couple of weeks ago. A couple of weeks ago?! you say. Where have I been? Why the late post? Well, I've been scrubbing sugar plums off my hardwoods for the past few weeks and have just recently emerged from a diabetic coma. And, so I present to you the glorious pictures which pretty much tell the story. Before the grahams, we all shared a ham!

Melanie and Drew look like fierce competition. Too bad my sister stole my idea to build a stadium. Jerk. (Just kidding...)
No Christmas party is complete without a tacky sweater. The cats make this one. And the fact that Katie is a teacher. Definitely creates the awkward moment of wondering...is she for real or do all teachers really end up getting sucked into the vortex of creepy sweaters?
The Gingerbread Party was all fun and games when it started four years ago. Now, our group of friends have joined the rank of professionals like...oh, say, aeronautical engineers, architects, accountants, pilots...etc. Let's just say that the college knowledge has raised the stakes of this friendly competition.

Which is why this year it was necessary to have a trophy.
Ready to see the real pictures, aren't you? We'll begin with Dan and mine's interpretation of the Tiger Woods estate, post-Thanksgiving. See the little guy in the driveway? The SUV off the side of the road? The ambulance with a livesaver on top? The sour patch kid with the golf club. Oh yes, we went there.This is an interpretation of the main road outside our house, courtesy of our neighbor (and friend, of course) Brett. I especially like that the owners of the trailer home have their priorities straight. Because, seriously, it just wouldn't be the same without the satellite dish. And, really, who doesn't wish they could throw their "coke bottles" on the roof? That's convenience, my friends!

And, my art-sy friend, Shana, had to take it to the next level with this interpretation of the three little pigs. We all know you're talented, Shana. No need to flaunt it.
Sweet Catherine had it going on with the pitched roof. For at least a solid five seconds before it caved. Have no fear friends -- this was only the beginning of Skittlemania.
I present to you (above) Skittlemania! I am pretty sure this is Dan's interpretation of heaven.

And for the pyro in all of us, Austin roasted his gummy bears. That's sweet! Now Karen has a future in gingerbread construction. Her Reindeer Stables towered above the competition!
Katie was all about the playboy mansion, complete with the Escalade out back.
I love that Kendra has her baby! Is now a good time to share with you I cried during that episode?
Hard at work.
Now here's where things go all wrong in my opinion. Did someone seriously bring a blue print to construct the Nautilus? Surely a sign we're hanging out with friends way out of our league. I mean, do I need to remind you to scroll up and look again at Dan and my masterpiece? (Should "my" be plural there? my's? can you say that? "hey guys look at my's masterpiece.")

Gummy Bear Resort courtesy of Bryan and Kim. Too cute for words!

Tim and Kam's Fun House. Clearly newly-weds.
Intense.
Notice again, Skittlemania before it collapased.

Blake was on a roll (no pun intended) until he added the "A". At which point he was burned at the stake by the pyro gingerbread men. Not in my house, Blake. Not in my house.

Beach shack. Where candy goes to hang out. Nice surfboard Zach.

Drew and Melanie's baseball stadium, complete with an Oreo Jumbo-tron in the back. Awesome even if they are idea-stealers.

Bryan's plane. So good. Even if you were channeling Amelia when the prop fell off.
Glorious!

Pong Penguins by Emily and Dave, aka "The Winners"!
The champs! Amazing!

Thanksgiving at the Beach

2009-12-07T07:42:00.001-08:00

We did things a little different this year...and instead of staying in town over Thanksgiving and visiting with our three families...we ventured to Florida with my dad...for turkey at the beach. Having been in Jacksonville for the Ga/Fl game, Clemson for the FSU game, San Antonio for the half marathon -- we figured we should probably get out of town for the fourth time since the end of October.It was a little difficult being away from some of our family over Thanksgiving. But one look at this and I am instantly reminded of God's ever present blessings. What a lot we have to be thankful for.We stayed at this beautiful house -- thanks to Dad and Michelle's generosity! It was perfect.

And, at the end of the trip, we drove from the east coast of the state to the west coast to see my grandparents and Dan's uncle. It was a wonderful getaway and a great reminder of all we have to be thankful for.

San Antonio is HOT, HOT, HOT

2009-12-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Except during our visit...it was ridiculously cold. Seriously. One day I wore almost everything I packed...at the same time! Besides conquering 13.1 miles ... Dan, Brett, Catherine and I remembered the Alamo while we were in San Antonio. Which, by the way, is all about a really sad story. Everybody dies. Like Marley and Me...but everybody dies. The River Walk definitely makes this city! Cute shops, restaurants and a river make a winning combination. Who knew? Just be careful because every year more than 200 people fall in the river. The river with very few guard rails. The river that is lined with margarita-serving restaurants. Go figure. It was my goal to see someone fall in during our trip, but no such luck. A return visit is definitely in order.
There is a ton of public art througout San Antonio. Everywhere you look beautiful architecture and art inspire. Like the mural below -- which is on the side of the conference center and includes colors (all except one) that are completely derived from nature. Cool, huh? Do these bells look familiar? A scene from Ms. Congeniality was filmed here. Now that I remember from the tour...sad.
Tower of the Americas at Hemisfair Park. Look it up. It's cool...and tall. We had cocktails in the restaurant at the top and watched the sun set.

Oldest cathedral in the United States. Except New Orleans thinks they have the oldest one, too. This was right outside our hotel.

Did I mention in addition to running 13.1 miles we walked...to the start line, back to our hotel from the finish line, to the river, to the shops....we walked and walked and walked...........

Beautiful bakery! The colors of the decorations are amazing.

San Antonio is a beautiful city and I definitely recommend a visit for a long weekend. I also suggest the Rock and Roll Marathon series for anyone wanting to run and run and run and run. The four of us ran the race...so there's no pics...because we were otherwise occupied...but it was beyond fun and a great way to see the city.

C-L-E-M-S-O-N

2009-11-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

We went to the Clemson/FSU game this weekend! It was fun to be back on an old stomping ground and even more fun to visit with Anne and Gene. The weather was perfect, a nice break from last week's broil-fest in Jacksonville. If you've never tailgated in Clemson, you need to -- Tiger fan or not. This may be the best tailgating in the Southeast -- there's just nothing like it.
We do it big here.

We can cover a country mile...or two.

The most exciting 30-seconds in college football!

Did I mention Anne and Gene have the cutest twin boys known to man?Check out Anne's blog for better pictures! Click HERE. And...beyond being a beautiful, amazing friend, awesome wife and perfect mom -- Anne sews the most adorable baby clothes you've ever seen. Check out her other blog here and get those Christmas orders in! Click HERE.

Aren't they the prettiest couple you've ever seen?!

Such a fun weekend! I'm thankful for such awesome friends! Thank you Anne and Gene for the tickets, good times and for being impeccable hosts!

Booing Gators and Other Things That Require An Extra Serving of Muscle Milk

2009-11-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

We took the annual trip to Jeckyll to hang out at the Clark's beach house before heading to Jacksonville to cheer on our Dawgs. Who totally stunk this year, by the way. Not the Clark's...they are awesome. The Dawgs. In fact, they don't even deserve a capital "d". They're the (stinkin') dawgs this year.

We managed to work in a costume party. Thanks to some super sweet friends, I could pretend I was sweet, too (dressed as an M&M). Those who know me, especially that one girl on the sidewalk in Jacksonville, would not be fooled by the costume.
Much sweeter than me...

Even Santa came for the show!
Who knew he was so friendly with Papa John?
Or that Papa John was dating a cat?
And, these cute girls were there, too.
Teen Wolf stopped by. Frankly, I find the facial hair terrifying.
We made friends with the neighbors. Our costumes were that great. Please click and enlarge this picture and enjoy the beauty in all its glory. Is that guy drooling and wearing shooting glasses?
Other costumes were omitted due to their inappropriateness. Although, creativity ranked high.

At the game, it was hotter than bare feet on a blacktop in August. In fact, that would have probably felt like sweet relief. But, true fans come for the game and stay for the game...or at least stay until your team is losing by thirty or more points.

We stopped by Savannah on the way home!

Sweet Baby Jacob!

2009-11-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

Sweet Baby Jacob turned one! Can you believe it? We had fun celebrating!

He got lots of toys!

A Georgia hoodie from Pastor Dee. Awesome!

A Florida shirt from my Grandma Betty. Boo.

Just in time for the UGA vs Florida game.
He loved his toy from Linda and Bill!

He wasn't too sure about the cupcake -- his very own gigantic, personal cake. My sister made it and it was beautiful!

I think it was so pretty Jacob didn't want to mess it up!

I made cupcakes for the rest of the crew. With cute "acorns" on top. Too bad they melted in the car. Double boo. There were pumpkin cupcakes, too. But, I could only handle posting one picture of the devastation.

It was such a fun party -- can't believe how fast they grow up! And that statement makes me sound like a total curmudgeon. Am I 80?

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-25T18:02:00.001-07:00

My sister, Jessica, and I trunk-or-treated with the fam at their church, Powers Ferry UMC, in Marietta. Kids go around from car to car and trick or treat. Every car has a theme -- our's was "Hippies" and Jess rocked the psychedelic outfit!

Tis the Season

2009-10-25T11:42:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, we soaked up all that autumn offers with a visit to Burt's Pumpkin Patch and a couple of apple orchards. It was FREEZING cold...but so fun! If you click on this pic to make it bigger you can see the look of pain on my face. Did I mention it was so COLD!? I have about 15 layers on, too. These pumpkins were HUGE and weighed a ton! Burt's is a seasonal must. And, totally worth the drive. Dan is such a cutie!
At the orchards...Rome Beauties were pretty much all that was left. We just baked warm apple crisp!

This is the entrance to Hillcrest. There were tons of activities like pig racing and petting zoos. We headed up the road to BJ's apple orchard...which was a little less crowded...but didn't have pig racing. Boo.
Giving my best wicked stepmother...or was it Wicked Witch...impression. Either way, where's Snow White?
Feeling pretty concerned about what's going to happen to all 'dem apples!
Beautiful views! I think it would be fun to live in the country if they started building malls out there! How lame am I?
It was a perfect weekend. If you haven't indulged in a fall activity, don't let the time pass you by. Seize the season!

Three of the Best Years of My Life

2009-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Happy anniversary to the love of my life. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. My best friend. You make me laugh and are there when I cry. You make me a better person and have opened my eyes to new experiences, opinions and ways of looking at the world. I know I am the luckiest girl in the world and I could not ask for more. You surpass every dream and expectation I prayed for in a husband. Thank you for making me excited to wake up next to you each day. I can't wait to savor the moments we have together for the next 60 + years.

I love you.

Today I Cleaned the Windows

2009-10-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

How often do you clean your windows? Is it sad I had to "Google" "how to clean windows"? We've lived in our house for almost three years now and the urge to wash the windows came on full force over the past few months. That's strange, isn't it? Who has an urge to clean windows? I think I have a problem!

It was a gradual build-up. I mentioned to that cute guy I live with that we should clean the windows. I think he mumbled something to Munson about me being crazy and continued whatever he was doing, probably playing Mafia Wars on Facebook.

But, I was determined. I went to Target and spent forty-five minutes determining what supplies to buy. Should I go with brand name cleaners, hard-core bleach or home-spun, organic, so-safe-you-can eat-it cleaner? I researched "cleaning" recipes -- like mix ammonia with water and a drop of dish soap (but don't add bleach -- did you know that mixing ammonia and bleach makes toxic fumes??...good thing I did my research!). I settled on a Swiffer 360 to dust the blinds. And, in the end, I went home-spun for the cleaning solution. Ammonia and hot water. Spray on, wipe off. And, I used a newspaper to wipe the actual window panes. Because newspaper won't leave streaks like paper towels do. How crazy is that??

I learned, apparently, you should dust your blinds more than once every three years. You would not believe how gleaming the windows, sills and blinds are! Or, maybe you would because maybe you clean your blinds a little more often. The view out of the windows is so crystal clear. I think the dirt must have come a little at a time over the past few years and I didn't realize how it was obstructing the light.

I'm pacing myself to clean all 27 windows in our house. It's a monotonous chore. I wonder to myself if it would be any easier a task had I stayed on top of cleaning the windows.

And, I can see the parallels this chore has to my life right now. How often do we let the dust settle so subtly in our lives that we don't realize how it's obstructing our view of His plans for us? How wonderful would it be to Swiffer away all the unimportant in the everyday so His light could come shining through? What if I did something every day to "stay on top of it" -- so that I don't wake up one day feeling like I am in darkness?

So, I pray. I spend time in devotion. I have Bible verses e-mailed to me so that His word will be written on my heart. And, when I find myself feeling in the dark, I remember to keep searching for the light.

What little thing do you do to keep clean the window of your soul?

And...p.s. -- what other chores literally...not figuratively...beyond the basic...dust, vacuum, etc. should I be doing more than once every couple of years?! Yikes!

I am linking this post over at "Chatting at the Sky" where the always-inspiring Emily is hosting "Tuesdays Unwrapped".

October's Bright Blue Weather

2009-09-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

My grandmother reminded me of this poem when Dan and I began planning our October wedding. Because, after all, " Love loveth best of all the year, October's bright blue weather". It comes to mind every year. Thank you, Gradmama!

October's Bright Blue Weather

O SUNS and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October's bright blue weather;

When loud the bumble-bee makes haste,
Belated, thriftless vagrant,
And Golden-Rod is dying fast,
And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When Gentians roll their fringes tight
To save them for the morning,
And chestnuts fall from satin burrs
Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie
In piles like jewels shining,
And redder still on old stone walls
Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things
Their white-winged seeds are sowing,
And in the fields, still green and fair,
Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,
In idle golden freighting,
Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush
Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,
By twos and twos together,
And count like misers, hour by hour,
October's bright blue weather.

O suns and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October's bright blue weather.

Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

How to Make Fabulous Curtains on the Cheap and Without a Stitch!

2009-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Inspired, of course, by The Nester!

I should have taken before pics...but that would have required a lot of forethought.

It's easy...just buy cheap 84" panels -- keep it under $10 a panel.

Find coordinating fabric at your local fabric store. I added a yard to each panel because I hung them at the ceiling and really wanted them to still puddle at the floor.

Hot glue the coordinating fabric (yep...hot glue!) to the panels, starting at the hemline of the panel.

Cover the seam with coordinating trim.

Find cheap drawer pulls. I found them for 50 cents and spray painted them black.

Screw drawer pulls into the wall. Hang curtains with drapery hooks.

Now...for some dining room furniture...

Voila!

The Anti-Labor Day

2009-09-09T19:08:00.001-07:00

We were feeling the need to just get away.

We landed here: (30-A, Seaside, Grayton, Watercolor and Miramar/San Destin)And, it was perfect!

Backsplash-a-rama

2009-09-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Dan and I put up a backsplash in our kitchen. Just woke up one Saturday morning with a burning desire to glue stuff to the wall. At least we found a productive way to manifest our fetish! I even got comfortable using the tile saw!

Here's our kitchen when we first bought the house. Check out the fab light fixtures above the table and island! Whew!
And, the after...with task lighting courtesy of Dan-o...plus paint, new fixtures and the backsplash.It has been easy, fun and pretty affordable to add our own touches...which makes this house a home -- and is my favorite part of living here!

Tobacco Road (Turns Out To Be a Long Road -- So Pack Snacks)

2009-08-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me, "You can't make a room the color you want it to be until you acknowledge you hate it's existing color." Basic advice, it seems. But, this person was alluding to the fact that we can't make major changes in our life before we realize we don't like our current situations.

I have taken the wisdom to a whole new level, albeit, a more basic one.

Inspired by The Nester, of course, and the impending arrival of Anne and Ellen, I was determined to update the furniture and paint in our builder beige guest room.

I went to Lowes, with the code for Tobacco Road -- a paint color that is no longer sold, but can be custom-mixed -- in hand. Back at home, I set up shop and went to town. From the very first stroke of paint, I'm thinking the color is way more brownie and far less snickerdoodle. Tobacco is nowhere in sight -- but who knows what tobacco is supposed to look like? Not one to easily admit I am wrong, I tarried on. I painted big lines. I trimmed out tiny corners. My back was aching. My craving for chocolate continually growing. But -- this is Tobacco Road I told myself. I did not just waste money on the wrong color.Finally, when the whole room was nearly complete, I decided maybe I should double-check the code for the paint color.

It was so not the right color.
Insert Dan smirking here.

No worries. Remember, I am woman, hear me roar? Same day I go back to Lowes. Yes, sir, I was just in here. But, I need more paint. No, not the color all over my clothes. A different one. Yes, for the same room. STOP judging me, sir. And, while you're at it, what aisle is primer on?

Same day. I prime the room. I go to church and volunteer with the youth. I come home and I paint the room (for the third time in one day) Tobacco Road. Dan says the color gives him a craving to light one up. I am just glad I don't want brownies anymore.

Mission complete.

Well, almost. I need white matelasse bedspreads. And, I would like to monogram the pillows. But those are just details, right?

Point being, before you can create the life you want, you have to acknowledge you bought the wrong color of paint.

So...

2009-08-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

So...
I, like many I know, have recently been thinking about why I blog. A little inspiration from HERE and HERE really brought the issue to the forefront of my mind. And, then (big, suspenseful pause), my cousin who blogs HERE, posted her thoughts on why she writes AND...you just won't believe this...but THE NESTER, who I--and several I know--tend to wait obsessively, er, anticipatingly (real word, I don't think so...but it sounds less stalker-ish)...to share her newest and most creative ideas--actually took the time to read and post her thoughts on Angela's blog. Isn't that just the end all, be all? Isn't that enough purpose right there? Not that Angela's blog isn't totally awesome in it's own right -- but, really, THE Nester??! Reports are that Angela is over-the-moon on this one! Mentor meets mentee via blogland. Inspiring, meet Inspired. Now, shake hands and do a happy dance because ain't technology grand?

So...
Back to the point. Purpose? What is mine, for my three readers? Blogging connects family and friends -- and we do have relatives across the nation -- so there is purpose. But, I think that's an added benefit. I think I write as an outlet. It's a way for me to show, in an image-focused world, where perfect homes and perfect people equal perfect lives, that I am human. Human in all its imperfect, messy glory. It's a leap of faith to make your goals known and go after them. It's encouraging to receive support from others. It's human to doubt, but God-inspired to persevere. It's humbling to achieve a goal and know something bigger than yourself is responsible. It's risky and raw (also, this) to write. And, where else, in day-to-day living, in the professionalism of a full-time job, in the tarry of bill-paying and dish-washing, can I gather my thoughts, mold them and shape them to share with others? Not that the two people who have read this far down the post are really dying to know what I am thinking. But in case you are reading this -- my purpose is to share the happiness in imperfection and the many, many blessings of a God who still loves me (and you, too!), even in the midst of a "fall-off-the-table-while-hanging-curtains, paint-the-room-the-wrong-color, messy, beautiful life."

So...
What's your purpose?

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

2009-08-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

I just had the most amazing weekend with two of the best ladies I know! We stayed up all night, drank margaritas, had our nails done, shopped, went to see The Ugly Truth, gabbed at Starbucks, toured the Southern Living design house in Dahlonega and rocked the Wii! Oh how I sometimes miss college so much! Anne and Ellen -- you are two of the most beautiful, amazing, funny, sweet, awesome people I know!

New Yawk Ci-tay!

2009-07-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

We just returned from an amazing getaway to visit my aunt and NYC. We had so much fun and my aunt, uncle and cousins are the ultimate hosts! Thanks for showning us around! Times Square

Princeton...nice place to go to school:)

NYC:

We went to the top of Rockefeller Center and could see for miles! Fun overview of everywhere we had been for the day!

New York-sized sweet tooth satisfaction.

Well, diamonds are a girl's best friend!

Sweet!

Statue of Liberty!

Amber! Love her! (the Crew's dog)

Fabulous shopping!

Pottery painting before our flight left!
We ran along the Delaware River each morning. You could run to the river from my aunt's house.

Update on Baby Jacob

2009-07-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe sweet baby Jacob is nine months old? He is so alert and fun to be around. He's perfected the army crawl and we all joke he may walk before he really crawls because he pulls himself up already! I think when he is 22 I will still be calling him sweet baby Jacob...but who can resist this face?

13.1

2009-07-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

I signed Dan up for a half marathon. I asked him to sign up with me only about 588 times and finally I broke him and he said "fine. just do it". Which, in my mind, sounded much more enthusiastic -- more like, "That sounds SUPER fun! I'll get new shoes and we can train together after work and this is just the GREATEST day of my life and if we're lucky, we can hold hands during miles 12 and 13 while hula hooping." You see, the thing about me is I often hear things differently -- or at least interpret them differently -- than people intend.

So I signed us up. Dan got new shoes and we've got plane tickets to San Antonio. We're running with our friends, Brett and Catherine, and it's November 15 -- just about a month after our third anniversary -- a great getaway to celebrate! Feel free to send Dan notes of encouragement (be sure to ask to see his new shoes, because he's super excited about them)...and we'll keep you posted on how the training goes.

Crafty Lil Thing

2009-07-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

So...I have, as of late, been totally inspired by the Nesting Place blog. It's always chock full of delicious and affordable decorating ideas. I recently copied the barn star look The Nester had on display in her house. And, while I agree with her in that barn stars can be cliche, they are still better than any alternative I could think of at the moment. And, I un-ashamedly love them. What do you think of this constellation?

Moving on to window mistreatments. I think my creativity and perfectionism are duking it out right about now. This has been an ongoing project that I am determined to finish. I think I missed the point in making these myself b/c I am sure they would have been far less expensive had I just bought valances. But - OH NO - I can do anything and I will not be proven wrong. Especially by the wary glances of a husband who thinks I am in over my head. Even if I do completely fall off the kitchen table trying to hang them, simultaneously putting a gash in my leg and the table. All while dusting the window sill with my left hand, mopping the floor with my right and preparing a delicious broiled fish dinner. I am woman, hear me roar.

And...if you have any suggestions on how to finish these, I would appreciate the help:).

When Life Gets in the Way of Blogging

2009-06-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

So -- I have been perfecting the art of slacker blogging lately and it just seems that life has gotten in the way! We celebrated Dan-o's 27th (whoa!) birthday on May 30th with lots of friends. The night ended in a game of...oh I don't remember the official name -- but it was some combination of baseball and tennis and we played until about 2 a.m. I was a major handicap to the team seeing as I had an eye infection that had me wearing my outdated prescription glasses. I had no depth perception or peripheral vision -- so actually catching a ball was out of the question. At least I was entertainment for the group. The night was so fun and we're more than blessed with amazing friends! Happy Birthday, Dan-o!

The following week was a wedding whirlwhind as Tim and Kamilah tied the knot. Dan and I had a blast hosting about 20 family members for a Thursday night BBQ at our house. It was fun to visit with relatives from all across the nation and I wish we could see each other more often. The next day included a bridesmaid luncheon while Dan played golf with the guys. We ended the evening with the rehearsal, a fun dinner, ping pong tournament at the Reeders and then saw a late showing of The Hangover. Super sick movie-- but you can't help but laugh if you go see it!And...then it was the weddding day! The ceremony was beautiful, the reception fun and the after-party ridiculous. We wrapped things up in a hotel suite on the top level of the Hilton around 4 a.m. -- a time of day I haven't seen in a while.

Following the wedding...Dan and I made a quick trip to the beach where my mom, stepdad and two sisters were staying in a house on Cocoa while my Dad, stepmom and other two sisters were staying in a house an hour away on New Smyrna. We had a blast going between houses, out to dinner, riding the waves, taking walks on the beach and visiting with family. We have that little thing called work, though, so while my families stayed the rest of the week at the beach, Dan, my sister's boyfriend, Drew and I headed back to Georgia -- leaving Florida around 8:30 pm on Tuesday and getting home around 4:30 am Wednesday morning. I was at work four hours later -- but wouldn't change a thing -- the beach is definitely worth being tired at work! So...hope you enjoyed a recap of our exciting past few weeks. Life just gets better everyday and I am so thankful to be enjoying it side by side with Dan the man! We are so blessed.

What a Weekend!

2009-05-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

So...we got back from the mission trip on Friday night and Dan headed straight into a Bachelor's weekend for Tim...less than 2 weeks til the big day! Here's some pics from their kayaking adventures. I spent time with a couple of my sisters...then had an awesome time visiting, eating and shopping at Lenox with Katie Bo (love you, girl!) Monday, Dan and I enjoyed iced coffees as we walked around the Avenue shopping mall and then made stops at my mom's house for a BBQ, two graduation low-country boil parties and Dan's parent's house! Dan's parents surprised hime with tickets to Kenny Chesney at the new outdoor ampitheatre in Alpharetta...this Thursday! We LOVE Kenny concerts and can't wait to celebrate! What a fun past few days...and so much more ahead between the concert, Dan's bday on Saturday and then wedding week extravaganza!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

College Mission Trip

2009-05-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Dan and I went as counselors on a college mission trip to Camp Glisson last week. Here's a sample of the fun we had. I can't tell you how much I LOVE these guys. We painted parking lots, cleared trails for a zip line and split wood for camp fires -- all to get the camp ready for the hundreds of kids who will worship God and have fun there this summer. It was an amazing way to enjoy a few days away from my job...even if it was stil HARD work!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kam's Getting Married!

2009-05-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Soon I will have another sister! My brother-in-law, Tim, is getting married to Kamilah on June 6 -- so the countdown and festivities have begun. Here's a few pics of Kamilah opening shower presents at a couple of recent celebrations...and one of me leading the ladies in a super fun shower game (if you can believe fun ones exist!)

Sweet Baby Jacob

2009-05-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I had the honor of hearing UGA's favorite water girl, Katharyn Richt, speak at the North Atlanta Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. She was so cute, funny and inspiring, one of the best speakers I have ever heard -- the kind that make you wish you were their best friend because then you would have someone cute, inspiring and funny around all the time! Katharyn spoke about being the wife of a major SEC coach, struggles with infertility and adopting two children from Croatia. You could definitely see how prayer and her relationship with God made a huge difference and continues to make a huge difference in her life.

(photo from UGA Sports Communications)

I was able to attend the breakfast because my work was sponsoring it and I feel so fortunate to work in an environment where we can openly share our faith and attend events like a prayer breakfast. And, it was amazing to join hundreds of other business people for a time of prayer and fellowship before we all headed to work Thursday morning. Let's never take lightly the freedoms we have in this country!

2009-05-04T05:54:00.001-07:00

Finally...here are some pics from the race and around Nashville and our stop on the way home at the Gaylord hotel!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Finish

2009-05-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

This Guy Has Way Too Much Energy!

2009-05-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

2009-05-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

We Survived Nash-Vegas!

2009-04-29T13:29:00.001-07:00

Our Nashville adventure began on Friday when we headed to the great city of music. Along with 100,000 + other people. First stop (besides the many on the way up...a girl's gotta get hydrated, yo) was the Expo...which is just a delightful pre-event fiasco that should be renamed "try to find a parking spot in our city and we might let you run here, too". Several hours after parking, walking to the convention center, picking up our numbers (omg am I really going to do this) and sampling all sorts of scary, health-crazed vita-chewy gonna make you run faster snacks, we were headed to our hotel.

Ahhh, Hotel Preston, you rascal. Best way to describe our home away from home is motel 6 meets art deco. Let me just tell you that when there is a race this big in town just about every hotel within a 50 mile radius sells out. So, if it weren't for Shana promising the sales manager she would name her first born Preston, trust me, we would have been in quite a pickle. There were all sorts of fun art pieces in and around the hotel, like the giant abstract chicken...pictures will be posted soon...and the "pink slip" made entirely of crayons and named for the hotel lounge/bar. Or, perhaps the bar was named for this piece of art. Either way, I digress. The hotel was lovely, with it's furry leopard elevators. And Aveda bath products. But...I just get the vibe that one day I might see it on a 20/20 special where they swab the carpet and find out the entire staff is infected with the swine flu. Just a feeling. You can't fool me, Hotel Preston.

After checking into our hotel and covering myself in Purell, we headed to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown. A place that, despite the near record temperatures, thought it was a valid explanation to say their A/C unit was controlled by corporate in Florida and there was nothing they could do to change the stifling temperature. Why did we not see the signs? The difficulty parking, the strange, furry hotel, the 100+ degree restaurant -- what were we thinking going ahead and running this race??

Here's a series of pictures from Hard Rock that could make a flip book for true love. First a sweet moment, then Dan moves in for a picture that I ruin with my flagrant immaturity and then, oh, gross...not a kiss!

Despite all the obstacles, we were up the next morning at 4:30, ready for our 5 am departure. My friend Katie was running the half and she ended up doing awesome!

Here we are saying farewell to Blake and Dan as they dropped us off at the start line. Shana is contemplating the fact that she has to name her first born Preston. I am wondering if my neck slept in or is just shy about pictures.

We spent the next hour or so before the race began making fun of everyone possible. Look at the shirtless guy's gut hanging out. Watch out chafing in corral number 18, etc., etc. This is not the best way to begin a race in which you will eventually be pleading with the Lord for sweet mercy. A better strategy may have been to help the elderly cross the road, volunteer to catch someone's pre-race jitters vomit or massage a Kenyan's feet. Anything but make fun of the people who will eventually pass you at mile 19.

Speaking of 19, we were in corral 19 out of about 32 and the corrals were released every two minutes beginning at 7 am. 25, 000 people ran the half marathon while 7,500 did the full marathon. So...it took us the better part of the first hour to even approach the starting line. Once we did...it was on. We ran strong for the first half, enjoying the bands and the never EVER ending hills. Where was my topographical map when I signed up for this nightmare? With every mile the temperatures rose, eventually closing in on 90 degrees -- the temps were 2 degrees off the record high. Water stations turned into salt stops where volunteers urged us to down packets of salt to keep our electrolytes balanced. On the back half, miles 15-17 were down a greenway in the middle of nowhere. I really thought buzzards were going to find my body. We stopped sweating around mile 18, which is a really terrifying thing if you've ever been on that side of a physical challenge and in that kind of heat.

But, we stayed side by side, praying and grunting. Dan and Blake found us throughout the run at different mile points while Shana's AWESOME sunday school friends cheered us on, too. Somehow we finished. I know God was with us and I finished the race sobbing -- just not comprehending what we had been through. We knew there was no other option than to finish and I am blessed to have run with a friend who saw it through to the end, though at times all we could hear on the course were ambulances. We even saw people passing out at mile 25...can you imagine being that close and not finishing? Here are some pics from the start of the race...more to come soon...but Dan had to go out of town for work and I think he took the camera with him!

Sweet Baby Ray!

2009-04-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished one of the best home-cooked meals of my married life. And, saying something is home-cooked is a big deal in the McReeder household where dinner often carries a color theme like the time we had orange Thursdays for awhile -- all you can eat cheez-its and carrots. But, one of the perks of my job is I get to attend cooking classes at the Publix Apron's Cooking School in Alpharetta -- the only of its kind in Georgia by the way. I recently took a travel writer to a class taught by the executive chef from Ray's on the River and tonight Dan and I tried a couple of the recipes at home. Here they are - but be warned, you will want to bathe yourself in this salad dressing and this is coming from a girl who generally despises salad dressing. And...I couldn't find orzo at the supermarket so we made the orzotto using mini alphabit pasta -- and truly, nothing sets off a deglazed wine sauce like biting into a capital J. Anyway you have it, these recipes spell Y-U-M.

Goat Cheese Vinaigrette

4 shallots, chopped

1/3 cup sugar

3/4 cup honey

1 1/3 cup cider vinegar

3/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/4 tsp black pepper

11 ounces goat cheese

2 1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup water

Method:

Combine vinegar, sugar, shallots, black pepper, and honey in a sauce pot. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by 1/2. Cool slightly and mix in goat cheese until well combined. Place ingredients in blender. While blending, slowly add 1/2 of the olive oil to begin emulsification. Then add the water, while continuing to blend. Add the remaining olive oil to finish the dresssing. Chill immediately.

This makes a vat...so the whole bathing thing really isn't out of the question. It will keep for two weeks in the fridge. I served it over spinach (Dan ate something green!) and it's also good with spinach, strawberries and candied pecans (how it was served at the school).

Vegetable Orzotto

2 spring vidalia onions, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 white wine

1 pound orzo (16 ounces)

1 qt chicken broth, warmed in a sauce pot

2 each fresh thyme sprigs, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

parmesan cheese

1/2 cup spring peas, blanched

Method:

Saute the spring onions and garlic in the olive oil until translucent. Add the orzo and saute (coating in the olive oil) on medium high heat for two minutes, stirring constantly. Deglaze the pan with the white wine. Saute until the wine evaporates (which should happen quickly). Slowly add the warm chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting the mixture absorb the stock until almost dry in between additions. After the orzotto is cooked (tender, but slightly chewy), remove from the heat and add the parmesan, blanch peas and/or other cooked vegetables of your choice. Serve immediately. Perfect with seafood!

The Masters!

2009-04-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

So...I am a couple weeks behind...but here's what's been going on.

I spent Good Friday with Dan and my parents at the Masters. My grandparents are patrons and go every year - a very fun family tradition. Unfortunately my grandaddy's feet are really bothering him this year and he would have had a hard time walking around the course all day. So...the gp's let us borrow their tickets and what a day we had! The weather was breathtakingly beautiful, the azaleas were in full bloom, and the golf was incredible. Dan had to hold me back because I kept trying to charge the green so I could roll around in the grass -- it's that pretty! There is no experience like the Masters and thank you so much, Nana and Grandaddy (and Mom and Doug) for the opportunity!
Nana and Grandaddy -- I found this cute tea towel and it's on its way to you! Hope you enjoy! Thank you for the Masters and tell Grandaddy to start feeling better!

Easter

2009-04-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

Easter is such a special holiday. The church service on Easter morning never fails to be uplifting and just as we are reminded we serve a living God -- everything outside seems to be coming back to life, too! Dan and I hosted Easter this year for 23 people and enjoyed every minute of it. Here are some highlights:

Our backyard was ready for some serious egg hunting!

The food was delicious!

The tables were set!

Happy First Easter Baby Jacob!

If You Can Run 20...

2009-04-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

...then 6.2 more miles shouldn't be too hard...right?! That's the philosophy Shana and I are embracing as we reach the home stretch for our marathon. We finished our last long run...20 miles on Friday afternoon...and the rest should be downhill...no pun intended. I can't wait to make it to the finish line. Katie Bo is running the half and so are some of Shana's friends...so hopefully we will all feel well enough to go out Saturday night in Nashville. Check out this video from 2008 and look here to see the super cute hotel we'll be bunking in!

The Latest Reeder Renovation

2009-04-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Geo-cache!

2009-04-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

If you have never geocached...you are totally missing out! It's basically like a modern-day treasure hunt using a GPS. I love to geocache during the summer at Lake Lanier because there are tons of "caches" hidden on the islands around the lake. Dan and I were talking it up to the youth kids who are home during spring break and they decided to create a cache...for my birthday! It was so cute and it should be registered soon as Katie's Cache in Johns Creek! If you don't know what geocaching is...check it out here.

Check out the YouTube video the interns at work made about geocaching...and don't hate on the one-star rating!

Victory!

A Different Kind of Run-away Bride!

2009-03-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

The friendships you build running x-country last forever -- and here's just one example. My super cute friend Jackie is getting hitched and to celebrate her engagement, Kendra, another super cute running friend, put together an awesome party. Since Jackie is short on time -- busy with planning her wedding and training for the ING (did I mention this girl is an amazing runner? She eats marathons for breakfast!) -- we celebrated her engagement by joining her on a long run... except I didn't exactly join her due to some incredibly fun shin splints. So...long story short, Dan and I placed signs for Jackie to find along her run -- while others joined her on the run and at lunch afterwards. Can you see our fun signs in the pics below?? You guys are just too cute and I'm so thankful to call you friends! Congrats, Jackie!

Fully Alive!

2009-03-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

My fam came over the other night to go to an art show in nearby Vickery Village. The artist, Blaine Watson, is the daughter of one of my mom's neighbors and her paintings are amazing! You have to take a gander at her fabulous work, a lot of which are religiously inspired. I am saving a spot in my house for most of her paintings -- she just doesn't know it yet! The picture below is of Fully Alive, an amazing painting! Here is a link to her Web site:http://www.artbyblaine.com/Site/BlaineWatson.html. Next time I have extra dinero -- I know how to spend it!

Fully Alive by Blaine Watson

Jacob and the boys stayed home and made dinner while we went to the show. And after dinner there was a serious Wii tournament. I think Jacob dominated!

Jennifer and Melanie are intense!

That's cute, Mel!

Andrew!

Jacob and Uncle Dan

The fam

Final scores! Who was Koopa Troopa??

Peace

2009-03-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

Training for an upcoming marathon has certainly been interesting. Running provides opportunity for reflection and the most beautiful place I have run so far was just off the Blue Ridge Parkway during a New Year's getaway to Boone with friends. Dan and I found a quiet lake at sunset with a trail that goes around the edge of the water. Lately I have been struggling through long runs with pain in my left shin and calf. It's so frustrating to train for something and not be able to control your body! These pictures, along with inspiration from Isaiah 40: 29-31, keep me going. I don't know if I'll see the finish line of 26.2 miles -- but so far the journey continues to be amazing!

"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40: 29-31

Bee-u-ti-full!

2009-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Friends of ours, the Machans, gave us Amaryllis bulbs for Christmas -- and just two months later -- look at these beauties! I love watching an Amaryllis grow -- you can literally see a change every day!

It's Electric!

2009-02-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

Why do I get an 80s song stuck in my head every time I'm around this kid? I think it's the big hair...

Rein it in, Rudolph!

2009-02-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know Christmas is more than over...but can we all pause a moment and take in the beauty of this amazing picture. Thanks to my friend Shana and her persistently-themed parties I have a multitude of entertaining images to share...so stay tuned.

Oh yes, I get to sop this up with a biscuit every day!

Clean Up on Aisle Three...Er, I Mean at the Altar

2009-02-20T09:50:00.001-08:00

Jacob was baptised recently -- and it was awesome. Almost thirty of my family attended the beautiful service and he was an angel!

I may be inherently evil, though, because I can't seem to stop laughing at the fact that my seventeen year old sister puked in front of the whole church in the middle of the baptism. Nothing beats a sudden onset of the stomach flu. And, yes, I know that makes me five -- but what are sisters for?

Sweet Baby Jacob!

2008-12-24T07:48:00.001-08:00

It's official. I am totally, completely in love with my nephew! Here are some recent pics...

He's like a little old man with his pants pulled up to his arm pits!

I was so not ready for what was in this diaper. I don't know how it's physically possible for one little baby to make such a mess!

I love this smirk -- like he knows something we don't know!

Annual Gingerbread House Competition

2008-12-24T06:55:00.001-08:00

An annual event in the McReeder household is the rounding up of friends, old and new, to build gingerbread houses. To us, there's nothing that says "Merry Christmas" as well as good-old fashioned competition, manifested in graham crackers and enormous amounts of sugar. Below, behold some of the masterpieces, which this year more than others, reflected inordinate creativity -- from the gummy bear pool party to the State Farm FEMA house with a blue tarp roof.

Makes Me Do a Happy Dance

2006-01-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Things that make me want to break out the jazz hands -- if only in my mind.

Traveling, family and friends:

This poem:

October's Bright Blue Weather

O SUNS and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October's bright blue weather;

When loud the bumble-bee makes haste,
Belated, thriftless vagrant,
And Golden-Rod is dying fast,
And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When Gentians roll their fringes tight
To save them for the morning,
And chestnuts fall from satin burrs
Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie
In piles like jewels shining,
And redder still on old stone walls
Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things
Their white-winged seeds are sowing,
And in the fields, still green and fair,
Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,
In idle golden freighting,
Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush
Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,
By twos and twos together,
And count like misers, hour by hour,
October's bright blue weather.

O suns and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October's bright blue weather.

Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

Flower pins.

People who can make a left or right hand turn without hitting the breaks 85 million times.
Mini coffee travel mugs that hold just the right amount of joe.

Sweet Baby Jacob!

The artist, Blaine Watson. Here is a link to her Web site. Next time I have extra dinero -- I know how to spend it!

Blessed Beyond Measure

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Finding the extraordinary in the every day. Musings of a Christ-inspired life.

How grateful I am to serve a loving God, who I believe provides joy in the ordinary and a reason to laugh when we want to cry!

A Mis-Understanding of Sorts!
To be honest, it was his idea. When we started some three years ago, I was in the midst of wedding planning. And...that can unfortunately be an all-consuming task. Sunday evenings were a "to do" on my list. God opened my heart. Now, spending time with the youth is a part of the week I crave. Time with those I love. Renewal for my soul in the form of loud, funny, worshipful fellowship.

Dan and I were supposed to lead our seventh grade group in a discussion of Jacob. Somewhere around Genesis 33. Dan read the 33 in the lesson plan as a 38. And promptly asked one of our seventh graders to start reading aloud at around verse 15. The reading was to be followed by discussion.

I'm giving Dan the "cut" gesture. Searching frantically for the lesson plan. Certainly we're not going to have a discussion with seventh graders about this!?

After the reading, silence. Blank faces. We clear our throats and Dan launches into reading Chapter 33. And, discussing Jacob.

And, if this doesn't prepare us for having our own children one day, I can't imagine what will.

Just Breathe

I'm linking this with Tuesday's Unwrapped over at Chatting at the Sky.

It sometimes feels like there is a heavy weight on my chest. Do you know this feeling?
There is an urgency in the day to day living -- the day to day needing...I need to...do laundry, clean the house, pay the bills, find ways to save money in our budget, blog, plan a baby shower, call a friend, do well at my job, touch base with my family, grocery shop, cook a healthy dinner, volunteer, walk the dog, work out, spend time in devotion, talk to Dan, decorate the house...and it all needs to be done now. And, perfectly.

Don't get me wrong -- there are plenty of days for feet up relaxing -- but these needs are just a bit much. Sleep-robbing and anxiety-producing.

And I wonder when desire turns to need. And what needs are really necessary.

Sometimes it takes just making a list to discover priorities.

And, I think the laundry may wait another day. The house might be a little dusty. And the pantry might have three flavors of Cheezits, but there is no real cheese in the house.

But I am going to spend more time here:

And with special friends:

And with him:

Because when the day is done, I can rest easy knowing: "...He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion." Phil 1:6

Perseverance
Training for an upcoming marathon has certainly been interesting. Running provides opportunity for reflection and the most beautiful place I have run so far was just off the Blue Ridge Parkway during a New Year's getaway to Boone with friends. Dan and I found a quiet lake at sunset with a trail that goes around the edge of the water. Lately I have been struggling through long runs with pain in my left shin and calf. It's so frustrating to train for something and not be able to control your body! These pictures, along with inspiration from Isaiah 40: 29-31, keep me going. I don't know if I'll see the finish line of 26.2 miles -- but so far the journey continues to be amazing!

Mission Possible
Dan and I went as counselors on a college mission trip to Camp Glisson last week. Here's a sample of the fun we had. I can't tell you how much I LOVE these guys. We painted parking lots, cleared trails for a zip line and split wood for camp fires -- all to get the camp ready for the hundreds of kids who will worship God and have fun there this summer. It was an amazing way to enjoy a few days away from my job...even if it was stil HARD work!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Finding Jesus in the Dirt

I'm pacing myself to clean all 27 windows in our house. It's a monotonous chore. I wonder to myself if it would be any easier a task had I stayed on top of cleaning the windows.

What little thing do you do to keep clean the window of your soul?

And...p.s. -- what other chores literally...not figuratively...beyond the basic...dust, vacuum, etc. should I be doing more than once every couple of years?! Yikes!

I am linking this post over at "Chatting at the Sky" where the always-inspiring Emily is hosting "Tuesdays Unwrapped".

Projects!

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Here's a sample of projects to inspire. Some turned out decent, most are done on a dime, all are done on a whim.

CURTAINS
Anyone can make custom curtains -- and using bold fabric is an easy way to jazz up an entire room, while unifying awkward spaces. My dining room/office was completely undefined until we created these easy, peesy panels.

I should have taken before pics...but that would have required a lot of forethought.

It's easy...just buy cheap 84" panels -- keep it under $10 a panel.

Find coordinating fabric at your local fabric store. I added a yard to each panel because I hung them at the ceiling and really wanted them to still puddle at the floor.

Hot glue the coordinating fabric (yep...hot glue!) to the panels, starting at the hemline of the panel.

Cover the seam with coordinating trim.

Find cheap drawer pulls. I found them for 50 cents and spray painted them black.

Screw drawer pulls into the wall. Hang curtains with drapery hooks.

Now...for some dining room furniture...

Voila!

MAJOR RENO - OH NO!

Think you can't handle tile work? Major renovation not in the budget? There are little things you can do to make a space your own. Here's how we conquered the kitchen.

Here's our kitchen when we first bought the house. Check out the fab light fixtures above the table and island! Whew!
And, the after...with task lighting courtesy of Dan-o...plus paint, new fixtures and the backsplash. We did everything ourselves. The new fixture over the dining table is courtesy of Craigslist. Troll the site and I know you can find something fabulous to fit your space at half price or less! The backsplash was done on whim...the actual work, that is. But, since the day we bought our house -- really even before we signed the final papers, we knew we wanted to put in a backsplash. What we didn't want was to pay a premium for the builder to put it in -- and then pay that premium over 30 years in a mortgage! So...we saved, we researched and we did the work ourselves. For about $300. That's not super cheap, but the research we did estimated the project as a $2,000 upgrade to the home value. If that's true, that's some serious ROI. If not, well, at least it looks pretty!That kitchen table? Free. From my amazing in-laws. A little TLC, a lot of sanding and repainting -- and it's perfect for us! I don't know if you can see it, but there's a metal trash can down there. You know, the kind that's like a $100 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. We paid $2. At a ritzy neighborhood's garage sale! I'm not above purchasing a used trash can! I'm not suggesting you lower your standards -- but if you're working with a limited budget, there's no reason your home can't still be fabulous. Get creative!

COLOR YOUR WORLD

Paint changes a room...that is, if you use the right color.

Many of you read about my paint debaucle HERE.The long story short version is -- even after painting the room three times over, the whole process was worth it. So, don't be afraid to color your world.

Check out the progress on making our bedroom a haven. It's taken a couple of years -- and we're still tweaking. Hopefully, you'll find inspiration to create the space you deserve!

We recently revamped our bedroom...which is still a work in progress...but I thought I would share some pics of the new paint and curtains. We started and finished the paint in one day...and making the stripe was easy using a laser level as the guide. Only the big wall behind our bed has the stripe...the rest are plain. I am totally not loving the curtain rod...but it was something I already had...so until I find something better...this is what it looks like!

TEN MINUTE CRAFTS

When you see something you like at a price that fits your budget, don't be afraid to take your treasure home -- even if it's not the right color or you don't know exactly where you'll use it. If you love something, there is always a place it work in your home, regardless of size, shape or style. Your home should be a representation of you. Which might mean I'm a bit cliche, given the popularity of barn stars and the amount I have on display in my home. But -- I love barn stars. I picked these up even though they were all hideous colors that wouldn't match a thing in my house. Then I repainted them with inspiration from The Nester - and found just the place for a constellation of sorts. All for about $10.