Wednesday, July 29, 2009

PIG ROAST AT THE MIZE'S

The week at the river ended on a great note. We attended a party at the Mize's.
They throw an annual Pig Roast and this year I was lucky enough to be able to go.

On our way to the Pig Roast
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What an entrance to a beautiful home!!!
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This is the view from their observation deck on the roof. AMAZING!
But I do admit, I was a little dizzy up there.
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The kids sat and waited for the band to finish setting up
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I was really nervous about how Tucker would react to the pig, after the whole
"Thanksgiving-Lola" incident. But I explained everything to him before we went.

Tucker checking out the pig.
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After a few questions about the pig and finally trying some (he loved it
by the way), Tucker then told me to chop off the pigs face. I guess he
got over the whole pig being on the grill and not on the farm!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

HEAVEN SENT ME THE PIONEER WOMAN"S INDIVIDUAL COBBLERS!

I kid you not people. Check this out:


Heaven just touched down to earth in my mouth. Did I mention I converted them to be Gluten Free? Simple:
* just substitute All Purpose Flour, for Bob's Red Mill All Purpose GF Flour
*add 3/4 tsp Xanthum Gum
*Add 2 tsp Baking Powder

And finish the recipe as is. It is literally the EASIEST Recipe in the world that has everyone hiding in their pantries shoving them in their mouths. Try them out.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

RIVER PICS '09 PART 1

Tucker and Daddy taking the jet ski for a ride
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Nana and Carter enjoying their time together
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Pop-Up even took Carter out on the jet ski
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Carter knew perfectly well that I wanted him to look and smile for a picture.
Do you see how he cut his eyes over?
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That's more like it!
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May-Make and Tucker
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There was a huge water slide that every kid but Carter enjoyed.
Can you guess his feelings on the subject?
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Saved by GG, Nana, and Poppy
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Some of the kids of the "Rivah" in the treehouse
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This is one of my favs...Sally and Katie are best friends!
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Do you see what I see? No, not that Carter is on the jet ski...take a closer look
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It happened every time we took him on the jet ski. Out like a light!
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Monday, July 20, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JEFF...

Yesterday we celebrated Jeff's 32nd Birthday with his family. We had a funny start (weather wise) but it ended up being beautiful. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, cheesy potatoes, and all of the backyard BBQ fixings.

To end on a sweet note, we had yummy Gluten Free Lemon Iced Cupcakes and Amanda made some great Black Raspberry Ice Cream.

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Can you see the anticipation in Tucker's face?
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Carter liked the icing the best.
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Gluten Free Lemon Iced Cupcakes:

Did you know that Betty Crocker has gone GF? Neither did I. Thanks to Trish for
letting me know.

So prepare Betty Crocker GF Yellow Cake Cupcakes as instructed on box. For the
icing whip 1 container of any GF Lemon Icing with 1 container of Cool Whip. It is
a very easy recipe with yummy results.

Friday, July 17, 2009

JUST A FEW...

Here are a few samples of photos that I took of the boys during our "Rivah" Photo Shoot.

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This one is obviously not of the boys, but how could I have passed
this shot of the sun shining through the Drumheller's flag.
(side note to those who actually read the captions: The Drumheller's
are the family that live in the front cottage. It is their flag.)
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN

They only walked with us for a short time, but they left footprints on our heart.

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Today is a very sad day for us even though we are celebrating life, we are grieving death. Parker Bryant Morris and Grace Lee Morris are our twins that were born at 22 weeks. They were born holding each other while we watched helpless. I got to hold my babies until they took their last breath and joined Jesus in heaven. Today is their birthday in heaven. There are no words to describe the pain that we still carry with us everyday, there are no actions that could've been done to prevent what happened, and there is always going to be a piece of us missing. I struggle to understand why this happened and wonder what I did to deserve this. But I remind myself that while this is incredibly painful...I was blessed with two beautiful babies that no one else has. I alone got the opportunity to grow these souls for God. While I only held them for a short time, their memories will stay with me for a lifetime.

I want to share this poem with you that I came across not that long ago. While I still can't read it without tearing up, it helps me get through the rough days. It reminds me that they are with me and watching over me.

I thought of you and closed my eyes,
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother,
And I know I heard him say:
A mother has a baby,
This we know is true.
But, God, can you be a mother,
When your baby's not with you?
Yes, you can he replied,
With confidence in his voice.
I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay.
I just don't understand this God,
I want my baby here.
He took a breath and cleared his throat,
And then I saw a tear.
I wish that I could show you,
What your child is doing today,
If you could see your child smile,
With other children who say:
We go to earth and learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear.
My mommy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a mom,
Who had so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My mommy set me free.
I miss my mommy oh so much,
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow's where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear.
"Mommy don't be sad today, I'm your baby and I'm here."
So you see my dear sweet one,
Your children are Ok.
Your babies are here in My home,
They'll be at heavens gate for you.
So now you see what makes a mother.
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of,
Right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realize you are a mother,
until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day,
And you'll know that you're the best one!
-Author Unknown

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Thank you to all of our friends and family that have supported us through the past 3 years. We could not have made it with out you.


Sunday, July 12, 2009

JUST AN INDICATION....

This post is being done in a hurry between unpacking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and taking care of a sick child. Yes, we just got back from vacation on the Rappahanock River. I grew up on the Rappahanock River as did my Mom. We had an absolutely wonderful 2nd half of the week (explanation of the 1st half to come in a later post). We had a great time, but are happy to be home.

Tucker made huge River Rat strides this week. No time for editing, so I will let a few pictures tell the wonderful tale.

This is just an indication of how much FUN we had this week!!

Are you just as nervous as he was? Yep...he's getting ready to water ski!
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Here he goes...
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Up
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Up
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And away! I can't believe my little baby boy is skiing. You should've seen me.
I was a wreck. Smiles and tears!
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He's already a pro!
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Unbelievable! He has now been dubbed a true "Rappahanock River Rat"


Thursday, July 9, 2009

WHILE ON VACATION...

Dear Loyal Blog Followers,

Just checking in with my very limited internet access. I am having a hard time uploading photos this week. But I have over 300 already. As a matter of fact, the boys had a photo shoot this morning. We took pictures in their cute little outfits all over the yard, beach, boat, you name it, we snapped it. I will have to do editing, uploading, and blogging when I get home. I hope you are all having a wonderful week and we will catch up when we return.

Yours Truly,


River Rat

Thursday, July 2, 2009

WELL I WAS WRONG

As it turns out I am a pro at packing. I didn't even use my usual spreadsheet lists for each member of the family and check the box when an item is packed. I have done this a few times you know. I started packing 2 days ago and all I had to do today was run a few errands, have lunch with Jeff, clean the house, and finish up some last minute packing. So I found a few minutes to off load the pictures on my point and shoot camera from the last week. I didn't use the Nikon because I left it at home and the point and shoot is always in the diaper bag (we mustn't miss a thing you know). So the quality of pictures aren't as good as usual, but they are just as cute!

Tucker found some rollerblades in the garage and felt the need to try it out. Who would've thought he's a natural!!! And he loves it!!!

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Last week my friend Gretchen and I took the kids strawberry picking. This is
the only picture of Larry and Tucker because 20 minutes after we got there
the sky opened up and it poured.

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Jeff and I took the boys for a walk this past weekend at the park.
It was a beautiful day for a walk...but Tucker just wanted to
HANG around.

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The park was a bit crowded, we were unaware that it was

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Oh look! Mom does exist!

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Later that night we had a little fire in the backyard for Tucker.
It was his first Marshmallow Roasting experience.

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They were so yummy!

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He even invited his new friend Sarah over for marshmallows. But
it wasn't long before they came down from their
sugar high.

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Hope to keep you updated on vacation. If not...see ya in a week!!!


Wednesday, July 1, 2009

NO TIME TO SAY HELLO, GOODBYE, I'M LATE I'M LATE I'M LATE!

Okay so I'm not as hurried as the mono-chromatic hair, but I'm busy packing for our trip to Virginia. Tucker is on summer break (which is great of course) but it's harder to get things accomplished. Just when I can get in gear and start major packing, Carter goes down for a nap...then Tucker starts in! "Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom". Oh for Pete's sake, "Call me Courtney, anything but Mom". I feel for the kid. He is used to non-stop action at school all day, now he is lucky to go out and blow bubbles. (it not really that boring) He just misses his friends. So we have made friends with our neighbors. Sarah is 4 and completely and utterly in love with Tucker. So today (against my better packing judgement) we had a play date. She just lives 2 doors down so spontaneous play dates are going to be a summer hit. Well, we had a blast! And her mom told me to send Tucker over tomorrow while Carter naps so I can get some last minute things done. Sounds like a plan to me!

So no time to post pictures this week. But I am going to try to blog while on vacation, WiFi permitting. Have a great week! See ya on the flip-side!