I'm Baaaaack

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!!

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

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!

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

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

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

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!