The lake in the fall!



I think autumn just may be my favorite time of the year to be at the lake!  The colors were marvelous and I am loving a campfire!  The girls enjoyed some pumpkin muffins, butternut squash soup and pumpkin seeds.  Have I mentioned I LOVE FALL?

I love riding along the backroads and seeing fields of white cotton with folliage in the background.  Where else in America can you take in this view?  Not many places I've been!

Whatever the season, we are making memories we will always cherish as a family of four!  I love us. 

My first 1/2 marathon

Six months ago, I decided I was going to run a race.  Why not?  Why couldn't I do that?  This very question is why I do things like buy a motorcycle, THEN learn how to ride it.  I simply decide I'm going to try something and not finishing it isn't an option.  So, I signed up for a 1/2 marathon, then started training.  Making the commitment first, then trying it out seems backwards.  But not for me.  I knew my husband for 7 months before we got married.  I made the commitment, then got to know him.  This may sound risky to some.  And it would have been had I not known his character and devotion to the Lord.  Everything else (flaws, personality conflicts) was something we would overcome.  Because of our commitment.  Quitting isn't an option.  Like it or not.  I didn't care for the motorcycle and eventually sold it (once I mastered it, of course).  Fortunately, I happen to love running.  And my husband!  I trained by putting one foot in front of the other, as often as I could considering childcare restrictions.  No elaborate plan.  Simply collecting tidbits from seasoned runners along the way, and pushing myself a little farther each time. 

The day I ran 4 miles, I was beside myself.  Who would have ever thought?  One day I set out for 11 and just kept going.  I ran 13.1 miles that day. 

I knew I had what it took to run the whole race.  The best part of running is the community.  The worst is my newfound knee issue.  Race day was a great experience.  From waking up at 4am to hanging out with other crazies in the chilly darkness to watching the sun rise and anticipating the start of the final test.  Oh, while thousands cheer you on.  Very, very exhilarating experience.  I will be doing this again next year.

2005

2003

Happy Halloween!

I always look forward to this time of year!  I like the weather change, pumpkin recipes, folliage, and TRICK OR TREATERS!  There is something sweet and innocent about dressing up and allowing adults to indulge your cuteness with candy.  We can be hard on children.  No this, no that, learn, learn, learn.  On this night, we allow them many of their favorite things.  Dressing up, running around the neighborhood, asking for and GETTING candy and simply getting all kinds of adoration throughout the whole process.  I loved watching Laken use her perfect manners to receive the goodies.  "Yes, please!"  "Thank you!"  And of course observing every adult on the block "ooh and ahh" at her incredible adorableness! 

Poppel Farm

I love this time of the year! While Pennsylvania was digging themselves out of a pre-trick or treat snow storm, we were shedding our coats and hats by 2pm in Odum, GA.

 I enjoy showing the girls the wonders of each season and all that can be fully appreciated. Today it was hayrides, picking pumpkins and breaking out the cool fall wardrobe that I've been missing all summer. I love this time of the year! 

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Myrtle Beach

Every October, given we're all in good health and a residing on the east coast, we meet my parents at Myrtle Beach, SC.  Sometimes my sister gets to join us and typically Lynn and JoAnn and in the recent years, Jack and Betty.  The anticipation each year is 'what will the weather be like this time of year?', with the goal being 'better than where we're traveling from!'  This year we had decent luck with weather, unfortunately, the trip home involved a crash for my parents and sister.  Thank God no one was hurt.  I also lost my prescription sunglasses at McDonalds, but that pales in comparison to a wreck.  This was our first year as a family of four.  Granddad was eager to spoil those girls.

The week went way to fast.

Laken and Marielle enjoyed the Children's Museum, the beach, the boardwalk and our resort pool.  We're already planning staying longer next year!

What will I be when I grow up?

Raising children has been like observing a mystery unfolding before my eyes.  I am often surprised and in awe of all that has developed until this point.  The personality, facial expressions and physical features that have not been taught or passed down in our genes, rather are uniquely their own.  God's elaborate creation.  Her own person, different from me.  God-willing, BETTER than me.  You will have more opportunities than daddy and I had.  Just as we had more than our parents had.  So try on some different hats.  See which ones feel natural.  Do what you LOVE and you'll never work a day of your life.

A Pilot?

A Baker?

A Construction Worker?

A Mathmetician?

A Pediatrician?

A Vet?

DJ's visit

This weekend we were blessed with a visit from DJ!  We spent time enjoying nature in Savannah.
Wormsloe State Park

 Jeckyl Island

When we weren't wondering around, enjoying God's artwork, we were relaxing at home, drinking wine and getting pedicures.

DJ even supported my 1/2 marathon training by holding my water and GU while I ran my first 10 miles!  This is the trail on which I train every Saturday morning.  Company or no company...I need to get in shape for this race!

Dj and I took the jetski out and visited the Gift Wrap store.  We ate seafood at Pelican Point restaurant...one of my favorite buffets I must take all visitors!  I introduced her to Pinterest (my new addiction).  It was just so wonderful to catch up with DJ and enjoy conversation about God, relationships, art....  And having an extra set of hands with the girls during the day was nice too!  DJ is very special to our family of four.