Dear Aunt Mary...

Thank you so much for my rubber duckie! It is one of my new favorite toys! I have been wanting a rubber duckie for a while. I usually have it with me where ever I go. You are the best aunt ever! I love you!

Love, Hershey

It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood

It's always a great day when you get to spend it with friends...

This year, we were blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with our friends/neighbors, the Hepler family. Since all of us were unable to be with our families for Thanksgiving, we decided that we should spend it together. Poor Cody was on call the night before Thanksgiving, but I was thankful we at least got to spend part of the day together.

Elizabeth made part of the meal, and I made the other part, so neither of us had to slave in the kitchen all day long. We had a terrific meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean, sweet potato casserole, bread, pumpkin pie, and apple pie!

How thankful we are to have such great friends!

Target Commercial

I LOVE this commercial from Target! Just watch her face; it is too funny! Ahhh...the simple pleasures of life!

Click here to watch

Lots to be Thankful For...

My friends Nichole and Elizabeth made a list of things they were thankful for on their blogs. I thought it was such a good idea, I had to steal it! We so often focus on the things that we don't have and the things we want to have, that it's easy to take so many other blessings for granted. God has definitely blessed us in so many ways! I am listing 25 things I am thankful for, since Thanksgiving is on Nov. 25 this year.

I am thankful for...
1. God's master plan: It is so wonderful to know that our lives are held in the hands of someone so much bigger than us, someone who loves us and cares for us and wants the best for us.

2. My husband: I cannot say enough about how much my husband means to be. He has strong Christian values, and he works hard to provide for us. He always makes times for us, even with his busy schedule. I know I can always count on him to be there for me. I love you, baby!

3. Our family: Being four hours away from our family can be difficult, because don't get to see them much! We are grateful for the time that we are able to spend with them. They have influenced our lives in more ways they can imagine. We love you and miss you!

4. Hershey: I know I'm probably a little biased, but I think we have the cutest dog in the whole world! He can put a smile on your face, and he is always ready to play. He has a gentle and protective spirit. His mommy and daddy love him very much!

5. Our house: We are blessed to live in a nice, safe neighborhood. So many people don't have a place to call their own, much less a place to stay warm in the winter or cool in the summer. God has also blessed us with so many "things" to put inside our house.

6. Our church: When we first moved here and were looking for a church, our church seemed so huge and overwhelming. However, we have met so many friends and found so many ways to get involved. We have grown so much by going to our small group bible study. The worship style is perfect for us. God knew exactly what we needed!

7. Friends: We are blessed with some wonderful friends! Some live close by, and some live far away. It's great to be able to spend time with our friends, whether it is in person or not!

8. Seasons: I love each of the seasons for different reasons. I am thankful for the crisp weather and colors of fall--this makes me miss the mountains, though. I am thankful for snow in the winter to go play in. I am thankful for the new life in the spring, with all the trees getting back their leaves, baby ducks being born, and flowers blooming. I am thankful for the warm weather, long days, and time outside during the summer.

9. Our jobs: Many people have had trouble finding jobs during the recent economy crisis. Cody and I both are blessed to have jobs that provide us with what we need and more.

10. Holiday traditions: There is something comforting and sentimental of holiday traditions. I'm sitting here now watching the Thanksgiving day parade, remembering when I was young, sitting on the floor of our den, watching the Thanksgiving day parade--I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. I love decorating our house for Christmas with Cody. I love celebrating New Years by drinking sparkling grape juice and eating a port wine cheeseball with chicken-in-a-biscuit crackers.

11. Doctors: I didn't think I would ever say this (yes, even though my husband is a doctor, I still hate going to the doctor's office), but I am thankful for the knowledge of doctors. Over the past year, many members of our family have needed doctors for one reason or another. God has blessed these people with their ability to help so many people with their knowledge and skills.

12. Cozy sweaters and soft, warm blankets: I stay cold all the time, so I love being able to get all bundled up in something warm. Cody got me an electric blanket for my birthday this year, and I love that thing! I turn it on before I get into bed, so my sheets are nice and cozy when I crawl into bed.

13. The internet: How did we ever live without it? Haha! I use it so much throughout my day in one way or another. We watch missed tv shows on the internet, use it to stay connected with people, for our jobs, for shopping, to get coupons, to find an answer to just about any question. It has made our lives so much more convenient.

14. The Christian radio station: I love turning on the radio, knowing that I can listen to clean, uplifting, and upbeat music. I listen to it at work, driving in the car, and while cooking or cleaning.

15. Weekends: Although Cody is not always off on weekends, we usually get to spend more time together. Plus, it's time to get relaxed and refreshed from a crazy work week.

16. My dishwasher: I throw everything into my dishwasher! I hate to think how much time I would be spending at the sink washing and drying dishes if I didn't have one!

17. A bountiful of food in our panty: Our panty stays stocked with lots of good food. So many people struggle to find money to pay for enough food for just one meal, and we have enough food to last for weeks in our pantry. It is so easy to forgot how God provides for even our most basic needs...

18. Good books: I love to curl up with a good book and read. Reading on our front porch or out on the beach are some of my favorite things to do.

19. A good cup of coffee: The older I get, the more I am liking coffee. There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee first thing in the mornings at home on the weekends, or an occasional treat from Starbucks for an afternoon snack.

20. Sunrises and sunsets: I love watching the sun rise and set. The colors are amazing, and there is something about it that reminds you that you are just one small piece of this big world.

21: Our rocking chairs: We have two rocking chairs out on our front porch, which we have used a lot more than I expected we would. Often times, Cody and I will go sit on the front porch in the rocking chairs in the evenings, either reading, or just sitting and talking.

22. Plants: Although I'm probably not the best caretaker of houseplants, I love being surrounded by real plants in our house. It kind of brings the outdoors inside our house, and they bring me joy.

23. Our cars: I am thankful that we have 2 nice cars to get us to the places we need and want to go. We have reliable cars that can take us on a short trip to the grocery store, or on a long trip to see our family.

24. Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash: I'm really not a big soft drink drinker; my drink of choice is usually water. However, this is my favorite soft drink, and I wait all year for it to come out in stores around the holiday time.
Yummy!

25. Being comfortable with our finances: With the economy the way it is now, there are so many people who struggle to make ends meet. Although we definitely don't have money coming out our ears, we certainly have enough to where we can live comfortably. We can go out to eat dinner at a restaurant or buy a new shirt and still have money to pay our bills each month and put some in the bank.

I hope each of you realize how many things you have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

My friend, Ruth, came over this weekend to make wreaths together. I had an old Christmas wreath that had been weathered pretty badly over the past few years from being outside on our back door, so I took all the decorations off and reused the greenery part of the wreath, which was still in good shape. I decided to go non-traditional with my design and used silver, white, pink, blue, and lime green. It will match my colored Christmas lights that I put on my back deck, plus I can use it all winter. I bought my supplies at New River Pottery, and I had the bow made there as well. For my first wreath, I am pretty proud of my work!



Ruth is experienced in making wreaths, so she made two wreaths in the time it took me to make one! She chose holly berries (some with sparkles, of course) and pine cones from New River Pottery for her wreaths. She is going to add battery-operated candles to the middle of the wreath, which will shine so pretty when she hangs them in her windows.



We had a great time and hope to get together again soon to do something else "crafty!" Now I'm ready to decorate for Christmas!

A Hawaiian Halloween

Okay, I know this post is long overdue! Better late than never, right?

Each year, Cody and I host a pumpkin carving party at our house with our neighbors a few days before Halloween. Everyone brings their own pumpkin, and we all carve our pumpkins together. The past few years, we have had a special Halloween-style dinner before we get creative with our pumpkins--brains and eyeballs (spaghetti and meatballs)!

Eyeballs (made by Cody)


Mummy Cupcakes (made by Mel)


Our Frankenstein pumpkin (carved mostly by Cody)




For Halloween this year, we decided to dress up Hawaiian-style. I was a hula girl and Cody was a tribal man. Together, our costumes cost less than $10, so I was pretty proud of our budget costumes!


Hershey started out as a moose, but got too hot, so we had to take the costume off. He liked being a hawaiian dog better anyway!




We had around 30 kids come trick-or-treating this year, which I think was about the same as last year from what I can remember. Some of our favorite trick-or-treaters include:

The Hepler family, AKA Uncle Henry, Auntie Em, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy


The Terrell family, AKA Mom and Football player (Dad Rob was handing out candy)


The Austin family, AKA Ghost, Cat Lady, and Turtle

"I Have a Hope"

One of my favorite songs we sing at church:

"I Have a Hope" by Tommy Walker
I have a hope, I have a future
I have a destiny that is yet awaiting me
My life’s not over, a new beginning’s just begun
I have a hope, I have this hope

God has a plan, it’s not to harm me
But it’s to prosper me and to hear me when I call
He intercedes for me, working all things for my good
Though trials may come I have this hope

Chorus
I will yet praise Him, my great Redeemer
I will yet stand up and give Him glory with my life
He takes my darkness and He turns it into light
I will yet praise Him, my Lord my God

My God is for me, He’s not against me
So tell me whom then, tell me whom then shall I fear
He has prepared for me
Great works He’ll help me to complete
I have a hope, I have this hope

Goodness and mercy, they’re gonna follow me
And I’ll forever dwell in the house of my great King
No eye has ever seen all He’s preparing there for me
Though trials may come, I have this hope

There’s still hope for me today
‘Cause the God heaven loves me

Click here to listen

Alzheimer's Walk

The Alzheimer’s Walk on October 9th was a huge success! I walked in a team with 2 of my neighbors, who also have family members with Alzheimer’s. Our team raised a total of $720 to benefit Alzheimer's NC, Inc!

The day of the walk was beautiful! We had perfect fall weather, and there was a good turn-out for the walk. I would love to do the walk again next year to support a cause that is dear to my heart!

My Personal Mechanic

Considering my Accord is around 8 years old, it has held up really well. However, there were a couple things that needed to be fixed, and Cody did them himself in just one night, which saved us a lot of money.

The last time I got my oil changed at the Honda place, they said I would need a new air filter, which would run about $30, not including labor. Cody changed my air filter in no time (only $20 minus a $5 coupon).

Over the years, the headlights had become gray and cloudy, which really aged the car. The Honda place suggesting replacing the headlights, which I can only imagine how expensive that would have been. Cody worked hard on the headlights to refinish them with a Turtle Wax headlight refinishing kit (only $11). They look so much better now!

Notice the difference between the headlight on the left (not refinished yet) and the one on the right (already refinished).


Cody working hard...


My handsome mechanic proud of his finished product

A Beach Wedding and a "Day"cation

Ruth, one of my friends/co-workers from ECU Student Employment got married at Kitty Hawk on September 18 on the beach. Cody and I decided to spend the day there, sort of a vacation for a day. First we went to the Wright Brothers Memorial (Cody's pick). There was a mini museum, rock monuments showing where each flight landed, and a large memorial monument on a hill overlooking the sound and the coast.




After eating some lunch, we went to Tanger Outlets (my pick). Unfortunately, the Tanger there was not very big, so we were in and out in no time. Next, we went to the hotel for the wedding. The weather was beautiful, just a little windy, as a result of the tropical storm off the coast. This was the first beach wedding I have attended, and it was beautiful! What an amazing place to get married! Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Watermelon Goodness

Winterville held their annual watermelon festival a few weeks ago. It's kind of like a mini-fair (emphasis on the word mini), with rides, music, craft vendors, food vendors, and of course, free watermelon slices! This makes our second year attending, mainly for the watermelon and fair foods. After enjoying a slice of watermelon, we shared a funnel cake and homemade root beer. It was a great way to spend a laid back Saturday afternoon with my baby!

Walking for a Cause

I will be walking in the Alzheimer’s Walk, honoring two very special people, my granddaddy, Dan Teague, and my great uncle, Joe Teague. Unfortunately, this disease has struck hard in my family, but I know we will not forget the influence they have had on our lives.

Please join me in raising money for Alzheimers NC, Inc. by sponsoring me for this walk, which will take place in Greenville , NC , on October 9th. Any donation will be appreciated. If you wish to donate, please visit my website page by clicking here.

Also, if any of you are interested in walking with me, please let me know! I would love to have you walk with me!

With your help, I know we can make this a success!

Faux Chili's Carribean Salad

My favorite salad is the carribean salad at Chili's. It has chicken, lots of fruit, and a tangy citrus dressing. I decided to recreate the salad at home.

Faux Chili's Carribean Salad
romaine lettuce
pineapple chunks
mandarin oranges
dried cherries
black sesame seeds
grilled chicken (marinated in Newman's Own Light Lime dressing)
Newman's Own Light Lime dressing

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

My Baby Turned 5 Years Old

Hershey celebrated his 5th birthday on August 13! I can remember when he was just a little baby and we picked him up from the little doggie shelter in Lexington. He was so small, he fit into the palm of my hand, and now he is right at 30 lbs! He is still as sweet as ever though!

For his birthday, we got him a new travel bag from thirty-one, embroidered with his name on the front. He also got a special Beneful meal and banana pupcakes, made with love by mommy. He is so spoiled! Hershey was nice enough to share his banana pupcakes with his favorite doggie friends.

Cody's Birthday Weekend

Cody celebrated his 26th birthday on August 7! Happy birthday to my best friend, my forever love, my Heffalump!

Celebrations included:
Dinner at Chico's
Cody's loves Mexican food, which is not really my favorite, so we rarely go eat a Mexican restaurant. We always go out to eat for our birthdays, and this year he decided he wanted to go to Chico's to get fish tacos. (I ate my chicken caesar salad, as usual.) They even sang to him and brought him a free fried ice cream to celebrate his birthday!


A Night of Outdoor Fun
For Cody's birthday party, we decided to do outdoor games. (Little did he know that he would be getting a Cornhole game for his birthday.) We ate pound cake, made by Cody's mom, opened presents, and played Cornhole! The bugs were biting pretty bad, but we still had a great time!


















A Day at the Beach
Cody's mom, cousin, and his cousin's friend were all visiting for the weekend, so we packed up the Pilot with all of our beach gear, and set off for Atlantic Beach for the day. Unfortunately, it rained a little when we first got there, but by the end of the day, the sun was shining. We ended the day by stopping at Dairy Queen on our way back home.

Bowl-a-Thon

As part of Cody's birthday celebration/vacation from work, we went on a bowling date. We used a coupon to play for 2 hours, with unlimited games, and shoes were included, for only $6.99/person. We ended up playing 6 games--which will really wear you out. Who knew bowling could be such a workout? By game 4, I was bowling granny shots and throwing the ball backwards through my legs. Cody won all 6 games! I almost won the last game, but I let him win since it was almost his birthday. ;)

Getting ready for the big competition!


Why Cody calls me Twinkletoes...


Look at that form....this was a strike!


Love birds!


Might as well try something new since my score is already shot!


How did this happen?