Random Things

So here are some random things that don't necessary go together but didn't want to write an entire blog for each but wanted to share! As you know back in January I wrote as a new years resolution to cook more often. Well it has taken me until the end of April to finally just step out there and do it. I am going to be honest with you I really do not or did not know how to cook. Some of it I can blame on confidence and fear and some on not being prepared (planning) for an entire meal. Well I think that I am overcoming the fear of cooking. I finally told myself that if it wasn't good then I always had cereal that I could eat for the night!!! If you have any easy and good recipes feel free to pass them along!

First of all excuse the paper plate! I hate washing dishes so I prefer the plates that you can throw away! I cooked fried pork chops, fresh cabbage (from strawberry 903 farm), corn bread, and macaroni and cheese. I really should have posted this on my proud blog because I could not believe that I didn't burn the house down in the process! I have actually cooked two other times since this meal as well! WOO HOO!

When I was washing bottles the other afternoon I noticed the sun shining really bright across my front yard. Of course I quickly picked up my camera in hopes to take a different picture. I think the sunset turned out pretty good

Silhouette of a tree in our back yard

So this is what Little Luke Allen is up to these days. He loves to nap in his car seat. He still wants to eat about every 3 hours and will sometimes go a little longer if he is riding around with his mommy. I think I wear him out. We call him our little grunt because when he drinks his bottle or is trying to go to sleep he makes all kind of grunting noises. They are too cute! I am still waiting on that big smile that I know I created. I have seen a few smiles that I'm pretty sure the angels have created but not a big Mommy smile yet. Over all he is a great baby!!

Strawberries on 903

This past Saturday Me, Landon, Casey, and Peyton took a trip to Strawberries on 903 farm to pick some strawberries. Casey wanted strawberries to make her strawberry jam specialty and me Landon and Peyton went along to pick strawberries to eat! I didn't realize how much this little farm had to offer for kids (and adults) until after we arrived. Here is our day after picking strawberries. Next we headed over to the homemade ice cream stand. Landon and Peyton had vanilla, Casey had strawberry, and I had peach on a waffle cone. We set out on the pick nick tables and enjoyed our cones. It was delicious!! After ice cream we took a tour through their barns that had fun information about honey bees. Did you know that bees had 5 eyes?? I didn't?? Then we headed to the chicken pins where you could see eggs being laid. I so wanted to see one drop but it never happened. Last we walked over to their little farm. And on this farm they had some goats, pig, rabbits, and my favorite the peacock. When we walked up, the peacock had his feathers spread so that you could see all the beautiful colors and designs on them. I never knew that they spread out so BIG! One of the baby goats got out of the cage to graze on some fresh grass and Landon and Peyton had a chance to rub him. He didn't mind at all! Here are some pictures of our day. Here is the sign as you are entering the farm

On the way out we stopped by the big strawberry to take a quick picture!

Me and Landon picked all of these strawberries. He could have picked another whole bucket if you had let him.

Is this one red enough Mommy?

Landon was working so hard. He wanted to find the best of the bunch for his Mommy's pile

This was the icecream stand. Casey said this was a perfect old timey picture with the girl hanging out of the stand and the old lady sitting out front with her apron on.

Landon petting the baby goat

There were two baby goats. They were so cute!

This is the best picture that I could get through the wiring of the peacock. He would shake his feathers and make a really a loud noise to try and show off his masculine side to the female birds. Pretty cool!

Im Feeling Proud Today!

I love going walking in the mornings by myself sometimes. It is a great time to reflect and talk to God about whatever is on my mind. He always reminds me that I don't go to him often enough with my prayers, concerns, accomplishments, proud moments, etc. Well this morning I went walking for about 30 minutes before taking on the challenge to try and run with Blake and Irma on my once normal running route. This week will make 7 weeks since little Luke Allen came into this world so I thought it was time to start some kind of exercising. Mainly to feel better physically, mentally, spiritually, and so that I can fit in my pants when I go back to work!! During my walk with God I was feeling very proud of myself for just getting up and walking out the door. What a privilege it is just to be able to do those things that we dread so much! As I kept walking, different things just kept popping in my mind that I was proud of. I wanted to share some of those things with you.

I am proud that I went walking/running this morning


I am proud that this month is Bobby's best selling month and he praises God for it each day


I am proud that Casey and Adam are having a little girl in August (they are going to be the best and cutest parents)


I am proud that Michelle and Mama are going to Weight Watchers and have lost weight doing so


I am proud that Elizabeth trained and ran her 1st half marathon race (you definitely crossed my mind this morning when I couldn't hardly make it a half a mile!!! I need your determination)


I am proud that my Mom and Dad raised her three girls up right!


I am proud of Landon for being my T-ball star! He is gonna be good when he grows up.


I am proud of Landon for being the best big brother that I could have ever imagined


I am proud of Luke for sleeping four hours straight for the first time two nights ago (after that he stayed up from 1am-6am...baby steps!


I am proud that I have God sent family and friends that I know that I can always count on.


My list could go on and on............


What are you proud of today?

Relay for Life

Saturday night Me, the boys, Michelle, Casey, Peyton and Mama headed out to South Central to Pitt County's Relay for Life event. Shame on me but I have never attended one of these events. I was so amazed at the number of people attending, the activities that were going on to raise money to fight Cancer, and the humbleness that I felt as I passed each paper bags that outlined the football field. Each one of these bags represented a person who had died from the horrible disease, Cancer. (Did I mention that there were 100's of them) They were all lit with a candle that showed right through the white thin bags. This light seemed to serve the purpose of making the name on each one of these bags shine forever. People were walking lap after lap all hours of the night just to raise money and awareness of Cancer. I don't know about you but I alone can fill up both hands (+) with those who have suffered, is suffering, or has pasted away with the dreaded disease of Cancer. I can't think of a better way to celebrate those who have survived, those who have passed, and those who are fighting to survive than the Relay for Life event. Please pray for all of those who are fighting Cancer and their families. Lord give them the strength to continue to live for you! I ask special prayer for Guy Carraway (my uncle) that I love so very much and Pat Adams, high school friend's mom. Follow Mrs. Adams courageous battle with cancer at her blog http://porkchopqueen.blogspot.com/

Here are some pictures of our night! Here is one of the bags that represented each Cancer victim

I tried to capture how the bags were placed around the field

I loved the way they placed bags in the stands to spell HOPE. The other side spelled out CURE!

Landon and Casey having fun at one of the booths!

Landon really enjoyed himself. Casey bought him a mask from some little girls walking around trying to raise money.

What a cute idea! One of the booths allowed you to make your own cupcake from different flavors and toppings! You know Landon loved that.

Landon's finished product. It was gone in about 20 seconds!

Luke Allen's Photo Shoot

Thought I would share a few pictures of Luke Allen after he got out of the bathtub. Luke Allen doesn't like bath time very much. He always cries when he touches the water and usually doesn't stop until he is cuddled up in his towel next to his Mommy. Once he is out and covered up with his towel he becomes very alert. He loves looking around at everything in his room. Sometimes he catches a glimpse of his Mommy and just stares me down. I can't wait until I can make you smile and giggle!

Luke Allen looking towards the window

Don't you just love those wrinkles in his arms!

Two clean boys ready for bed. Landon wanted to hold Luke Allen for a minute before heading to bed. I think Luke likes his big brother holding him!

Easter Blessings

Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time to reflect and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time to remember that God so graciously sent his only son to die for our sins so that we could LIVE today. I also love family time and we often spend time with family on Easter Sunday! We started our Easter morning at Covenant with an awesome sermon and then headed to Jimmy and Kim's for lunch. Kim is an awesome cook and loves to share her home with her family and friends. I can't even begin to tell you all that she had to serve for lunch. All I can remember is that I enjoyed everything on my plate! After filling our bellies at the Evan's we headed to my Aunt Kay and Guy's house to eat some more and enjoy my Dad's side of the family. Once again it was great to see everyone because I love my family!!!!! Thank you Jesus for the awesome family and friends that we have in our lives! Most of my family had not seen Little Luke Allen yet. He was so comfortable in my Aunt Kim's arms while he got all her kisses!

Kayley was the first to hold Luke Allen. She absolutley loves all the cousins so its no wonder that she wanted to be the first to hold him. I wished she lived because she would be a wonderful babysitter!

Just taking all this attention in! Cousin Kelly had to get some of Luke's sugar too!

Cristan, Grandma Shirley, and Grandma Josie all admiring Luke Allen!

Bobby and Landon playing on the bean bag while waiting on lunch to be served! We all joined hands and Bobby said a wonderful easter blessing before we ate.

Family picture time! We are always in 100 different directions so I thought it would be great to get a snap shot of the entire family. I think we look pretty good!!

Ashlyn got this new swingset for Easter. She not quite big enough to climb on her own yet so Cristan was there to help!!

Ashlyn giving a big smile when she made it to the top! She is adorable

Luke Allen 1 Month Old Today

Well I am so behind on my blogs. I've got a list full that I need to post and the dates have already came and gone . I have had trouble getting pictures to download like they should and it has been frustrating! So I have decided to move forward from today and add the other posts as I can. I didn't want to miss Luke Allen's 1 month old Birthday blog! Can you believe it Luke Allen is already 30 days old. I had a great time with my camera today shooting some shots of Luke Allen and Landon. He already looks more growny don't you think?

Play time with Mama after my bath. He was wide awake and alert for over an hour tonight


Luke Allen already can turn over on his side by himself. Looks like he is just about to go over on his belly but his arm is in the way.


Me, Landon, and Luke Allen went for a walk around the neighborhood. Luke Allen fell asleep as soon as the stroller was in motion


Me and Landon dressed Luke Allen up for our walk. Landon thought this hat on Luke was hilarious

Luke Allen playing on his play mat before bedtime

To Grandmother's House We Go

Last week Me, Luke Allen, & Casey hopped in the car to take a road trip to Hickory, NC to pick up a changing table for "Girl Beaman's" nursery that matched her crib. On the way back we stopped in Burlington for Luke Allen's first visit to see great grandma and grandpa (Mamaw & Pawpaw) and a added bonus the Black's. Mamaw was so excited to be able to hold another great grandchild and Luke Allen felt right at home on Mamaw's chest. Millie (puppy) was a little curious and a little jealous that Mamaw was sharing her love with someone else but over time I think he just found another friend in Luke Allen! Here are some pictures of our fun day! Mamaw, Luke Allen, and Millie rocking in the rocking chair
Millie licking Luke Allen!

Aunt Patti getting some of Luke Allen's sugarLuke Allen relaxed in Mamaw's lap. He was awake the entire time that we were there.