"the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer"

Last week, we flew in for some family fun in Mississippi...special events, family and friends, blueberry pickin' and just good ole' fashion playtime has been occupying our days and nights.

Thankful for these fun and busy times with family and friends...more pictures and memories to share soon!

Recipe for Strawberry Bread

Strawberry Loaf

My mama has been baking this for a number of years. She orginally got the recipe from a cookbook in Tennessee. Quite a few years ago, she and daddy took a weekend trip to the Hippensteal Inn in Gatlinburg, TN and enjoyed this sweet bread over breakfast. When asking about it, the waiter told her of an old cookbook that had not only that recipe, but other favorites from the area. The problem was tracking it down...the very last shop she and daddy visited, before leaving the area, had a few sitting on their shelves!

Mama passed the recipe down to me and it is now one of my favorite "breads." I baked 15 loaves to pass out to each of our cookout guests a couple of weekends ago as a parting gift and a couple of extras for our neighbors. Parker's daycare staff also got to enjoy a loaf! Rest assured, this will be one of your favorite recipes to add to your collection!

"Strawberry Loaf"

Ingredients:
2 c sugar
3 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs cinnamon
4 eggs beaten
1 1/2 c cooking oil
2 c frozen strawberries thawed
1 1/4 c chopped pecans

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease two 9x5 pans (fill halfway)
In large bowl combine sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In separate bowl beat eggs and oil together. Add strawberries.
Stir strawberry mixture into dry mixture.
Add pecans. Stir just until blended. Pour into prepared pans.
Bake for 55-65 min. Test center.

*Before serving, add a touch of warm butter or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a perfect bite!

This bread is perfect for serving at a brunch or teatime...or for a midnight snack. ;)
Enjoy!

a sweet reminder about friendship

Documented Saturday, June 19, 2010
Conversation with Parker:
After playing for several hours with friends/neighbors, Alexia and McKenzie, Parker and I came home for a quick lunch and nap. He was sitting at the kitchen table as I was preparing our lunch. I asked him what his favorite thing was about playing at Alexia and McKenzie's.
His response: "Ummm, paying wif Lexie and Kensie." (sounds something like Lesee and Tensie)
I responded, "Well, what is your favorite thing to play when you go over there?"
Parker: "paying with Lesee and Tensie."
Me: "That's fun. Do you like to play with the lawn mower and help mow the grass?"
Parker: "Yes."
Me: "Did you have a good time playing in the pool?"
Parker: "Yup."
Carrie (thinking he didn't understand the original question): "So what is your very favorite thing to do at Alexia and McKenzie's?"
Parker (very confidently and matter of factly): "Umm, paying with Lesee and Tensie."

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I am such a fool sometimes. My two and a half year old had just reminded me of a very important lesson. Life should not be valued from your material possessions, but the relationships that you carry daily. Here I was trying to get him to understand and correctly answer my question by telling me his favorite thing about playing at his friends' house and he was stating the response all along..the simple, sweet and pure answer.
His favorite thing about playing at Alexia and McKenzie's house has nothing to do with things...it's simply being able to play with his friends. 

Thank you, Parker, for that sweet reminder.

Treasure in books...

Earlier this week during the morning hours, I walked in Parker's bedroom to see what my quiet little boy was getting himself into doing. When I peeked in, this is what I found...an empty Ritz cracker package that he had helped himself to from our pantry & practically all of his Little Golden Books poured onto the floor. He was happily flipping through each one of the bound stories, pointing to fun objects and stating very confidently what the particular characters were. I love that he loves books and hopes this continues throughout the rest of his years.
P.S. Notice the slight farmer's tan...ha ha!

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island."

-Walt Disney

Strawberry-Chicken Salad Appetizers and Mrs. Terry's Classic Homemade Chicken Salad

Strawberry-Chicken Salad Appetizers

This was one of the appetizers I served the other night at our cookout. I believe they were a hit because Clay said they were gone quickly (& I restocked them 3 times!). Also, I have to admit that when I tried one I could have easily consumed a dozen or more of those things! Sooo yummy!
Typed out below is the original recipe that I got out of an old Southern Living magazine. Below the original recipe, I will include the slight alterations I made to my batch.

Preparations:
Arrange 36 spinach leaves on a large serving platter.
Divide 1/2 pound deli chicken salad evenly among spinach leaves (about 1/2 tsp each).
Sprinkle evenly with 3 Tbsp. chopped, toasted pecans; 1/2 cup slivered strawberries; and freshly ground pepper to taste.


Makes 28 appetizer servings. Prep: 20 min
If desired, cover platter with plastic wrap, and chill for up to 30 min. Once removed from the refrigerator, serve within an hour.
To add a Southern touch and make them easier to manage, place each spinach leaf atop a cornbread cracker (we used Town House Bistro brand) and then serve within 1 hour.

**Carrie's alterations: Instead of buying deli chicken salad, I used my mama's homemade chicken salad recipe, which I honestly think makes the appetizer! I will include her delicious recipe at the bottom of this post. I prepared the chicken salad 2 days prior to the party; therefore, the evening of the cookout, all I had to do was put the ensemble together and add the strawberry slivers on top. It took less than 10 min! A simple but delicious and elegant touch for any gathering of friends!

Mrs. Terry's Classic Homemade Chicken Salad

Since I was a little girl, I have always been a fan of chicken salad and have tried it in many different states in many different ways. I have found a few variations from the classic chicken salad (ie. using pineapple, etc) that I really enjoy, but my mama's classic one is still to this day my very favorite. I hope you enjoy as well! This makes perfect summer sandwiches!

Mrs. Terry's Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe:
4 chicken breasts, boiled
2 eggs, boiled
celery - 2 or 3 stalks
grapes
salt & pepper
mayonnaise

Boil chicken and cut into small pieces. Boil eggs and chop small. Chop celery and cut grapes. Stir all together. Add mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Carrie's notes: In my mama's recipe, she doesn't specify amounts in salt, pepper, grapes or mayonnaise. She knew that everyone's tastes might be a little different so she says to "eye it and taste it to your satisfaction." Also, your measurements will differ depending on how many actual chicken breasts and ingredients you are using. For the recipe I made this last week, I included 5 large chicken breasts, 3 eggs, 3 celery stalks and a bunch of grapes. :) I believe I used about 4 (maybe 5..I can't remember) large spoonfuls of mayonnaise. I like the mayo to be ever so slightly thicker than my personal taste, because the consistency will change after stirring and setting in the fridge for awhile. I add a pinch of salt but a good bit of pepper.

This recipe will always be one of the cherished ones that is included in our family cookbook.

Happy 30th Birthday Clay!!!

Happy Happy 30th Birthday to my Baby!

I love you more and more every day that we are together & can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!

I love how you love being around people...I love how you miss your family & want everyone to be together all the time...I love how you will shave my corn off the cob because you know I won't eat it otherwise...I love watching you play with Parker...I love how into projects you get (especially when they're fixer-uppers or outdoor projects)...I love how you need me to remind you where everything is all the time (well, sometimes I love that!)...I love how you like to surprise Parker & me & even spoil us...I love how you & I enjoy traveling together...I love how you love to take me out to eat (just so I can't be multi-tasking at home while we're eating)...I love how you love sports & anything outdoors (I love watching you play sports!)...I love how you love to teach Parker new things...I love how much you love to talk about snowskiing & how you're ready to go again...I love & appreciate how hard you work for our family...I love how you call me several times a day (on the days you can!) when you're on trips...I love how much you know about so many things...I love how you love watching all those outdoor & history shows when you can (ie lumber something, whale watchers something, war shows, how things are made...if it's educational you love it!)...I love your cute behind --did I really just type that on this blog?!...I love your laugh & smile...I love how financially smart you are & how much you enjoy talking about finances...I love how you like things in order (to a certain degree!)...I love how you can pack 102 boxes in a space that fits 100 boxes & it actually look organized & better than if someone else threw in 86 (in other words, I love your spacial organization)...I love how you can fix & have a solution for anything & everything & you act like it's no big deal...I love so many different things about you...and continue to love even more about you every single day that we are together...

but mostly,

I love the way you love me & our family!!!!

Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart!

Love

Me

our week in summary & one fun summer cookout

This is a quick glimpse of our week: Monday-Friday

Furniture shopping (Parker didn't last long...perfect time to nap...when there are 100's of sofas available for tired little boys), hubby fixing up an old piece of furniture, sanding it down & spray painting it for me (thanks Clay!! This picture was taken around 2am! He's such a hard worker.), making chicken salad for lunches for the week, a morning trip to the zoo, some afternoon summer inspiration out on the deck, simple but fun playtime on the deck one sunny afternoon after naptime, 15 loaves of homemade strawberry bread made for guests at cookout Friday night, & Friday night Cookout!!!

Friday evening Clay flew in for a rest night from a 6 day trip. We jumped on the opportunity to have our Sunday School class over for a summer cookout. I wish we could have these once a month! What an amazing fellowship time we had with the 30 guests. The house was filled diaper bags, pack n play's...I LOVED it! I believe there were 5 or maybe 6 newborns in attendance...you can imagine who got all the attention that night... ;) Our original plan was to have everything outside. An extra table with chairs were going to sit out on the grass where a couple of the older kids could sit up, play, enjoy the grass, etc. Due to heavy rain earlier in the day, we kept it to the deck & inside the house. Although by the end of the evening when it hadn't rained anymore, the guys pulled out some yard game that they really got into for a good hour or so.

I do wish I had taken more pictures of people, but I was lucky to get the shots I did. The only downfall to hosting is that you can't spend 75% of the evening taking pictures of everything that's going on, because you're the one doing everything! Clay & I had a wonderful time visiting with our dear friends & are hoping that everyone had as good of a time as we did. Appetizers were served around 5:30...Strawberry chicken salad, chips & salsa, vegetables with Creamy Vegetable dip, and a simple cheeseball with crackers. On the dinner menu: Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, sweet corn & a delightful pasta salad. Desert was a surprise birthday cake for dear hubby who celebrates a big day this weekend!

Thanks to each of you who came to celebrate summer with us! And thanks to our dear neighbors, Jeff & Heather for letting us use your grill as a second cooking space. Oh, & thanks to other dear neighbor, Kat, for running an egg over to the house Thursday night (at 10:30pm...isn't she great!) when I ran out before my last batch of bread.

Me at 27

On Sunday I turned 27.

Me at 27:
I eat a piece of chocolate every day, 23 weeks pregnant with baby #2, happily married to my hubby of 4 1/2 yrs and loving each and every day that we are together, chasing after my busy 2 1/2 yr old 24/7, enjoying the everyday moments more & more, thankful for family & memories, blessed by my friends, loving the Lord & His grace, praying lots, happy trying new recipes in the kitchen frequently, I talk to my mama every day on the phone (usually multiple times), still stressing daily about the little things, promising myself (for the 12th year in a row) not to stress over the little things this next year, organizing and cleaning for fun more than as a chore, missing hubby more and more each time he leaves for trips, dreaming about upcoming projects to get my hands into (half of which have to do with scrapbooking/recording memories), excited about my first herb garden & having a backyard to play in this summer, looking forward to sippin' sweet lemonade & chocolate covered strawberries on our deck over the next several months, photography is just a small obsession, excited about new opportunities & adventures, looking for something to decorate &/or organize every day, a planner who has learned to have a little more flexibility... loving life to the fullest!!!

One of my girlfriends & I were chatting the other day about how funny it was that we used to think "30" was so old. Now, being only a few years from that point, I realize how mistaken we were!!! I will admit that when I go home & see kids I used to babysit for graduating highschool & starting college...that does make me feel old. It's fun to watch them though & remember back to that time of my life (well, for a short time anyway!)

I love my life & where I am at with it. Though every month & every year brings new challenges & some not so fun changes, I am thankful for the time & the experience of "getting older." I feel alive & happy. With each challenge brings a reward in the end. Whether those rewards are confidence, wisdom, lessons learned, closer relationships...they are indeed there. Some hidden maybe, but there for us if we will accept them.

So here's to another year! I can't wait to see what 27 has to offer. I plan to seize each opportunity, enjoy more simple, everyday moments & be thankful for everything that is in my life at the given moment.

Friends of ours at church had a celebration at their house following their daughter's baby dedication Sunday afternoon. Lauren & Jonathan are from the deep South as well, so it has been fun getting to know them these past couple of months. I have to say...Lauren entertains in true Southern fashion. Everything down to the smallest detail was planned out. She had a tent set up in the yard along with vintage fair games for the older children. Parker loved the Duck Pond where he could pick up & play with the many bright colored ducks. Although, after the rental game was turned into "Let's bob for apples!" he got confused as to what you were actually supposed to pick up with your mouth. We had to continously tell him that you're not supposed to bob for the ducks & to please place the little creatures back in the water. Ducks or apples, it didn't matter. He had a blast playing in the water & being a carefree little boy!

The pink & white decorations were exquisite...they matched Lauren & Eleanor's (Lauren's daughter) sweet personality perfectly!

Each of the moms posed for a quick picture with the sweet babes...Parker & I were the only ones not in it because he was too busy running off enjoying a cupcake that one of the kind ladies had offered him. :)

I love these girls & am so thankful for our Sunday School class; Clay & I have been blessed with many new friends this year that I know will be lifelong friends of ours.

(L to R: Yu Wen, Katie, Lauren, Stephanie & Katie)

All the guys had to get out in the yard & play baseball while the night was still young. My favorite was watching the kids' observations of the older guys out there tossing the ball around.

At the end of the evening celebration, Lauren handed out sparklers to each of the older children along with some fun candy. I think Parker's expression below says it all:

What a fun memory! I remember how excited I would get twirling around sparklers in the dark, night sky when I was younger (& actually still do!) so it was fun to experience this new wonderment with Parker.

It was a fun day getting to spend time with family & friends. The week has been a busy one...more on that tomorrow. Right now, I've got to go get my bread out of the oven. :) Have a good night!

A carefree boy

He makes his mama smile...

Beautiful sunrise

Picture taken by Clay via iphone while airborne in April at 6:33am

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:1

a delightful weekend spent outdoors

Here are a few of my favorites from the weekend! Although we had plenty of indoor time as well, we spent the majority of our days working out in the yard, visiting with neighbors, & enjoying grilling out. Parker was asking to ride his bike every 5 minutes, so although there are no pictures of him on the bike from this weekend, that was definitely one of his favorite pasttimes.
We had clouds & a little rain one day; the rest of the time was beautiful & sunny! I'll mention a couple of our simple yard projects in a later post with before & after's. Enjoy another delightful day!!! We plan on getting out in the yard a little more today & then working some indoors during the earlier part of the afternoon.

36 hrs in Mississippi

During our move week, Parker & I hopped on a plane for MS to attend a friend's wedding. I was a little stressed from the events & craziness of the week itself, but was hesitant for the flight as well because it was the first flight I was doing by myself without Parker's Travel Car Seat/Stroller. Clay & I had decided it was time to try out the travel straps/toddler seatbelt for Parker. I packed light & prayed for speedy legs (for me, not Parker) in case I had some running to do through the terminals.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The entire flight & time at the airports went terrific. Parker made me one proud mama that day. We left in plenty of time (30 min earlier than we typically would with me pushing him in the stroller) to allow for curiosity & dawdling little legs. :) I figured that with this complete newfound freedom of getting to walk from car to plane, Parker would enjoy full advantage of all the sights & experiences...I was right. We used the entire extra 30 minutes. It was completely stress free & might I even say...relaxing?! Well, maybe not totally relaxing, but as relaxing as traveling with a two year old can be!

Since the flight was immediately after lunch, we stopped for a special treat at McDonalds, so that tummies would be full during our "naptime" (which just happened to be flight time! :)) Not sure why, but I was in the mood to take pictures of Parker eating McD's. I took quite a few, to which my little man got a little exasperated with --as you can see by the picture below. I was thankful I messed up the order by ordering more than intended because not only did P enjoy his chicken nuggets, apple slices & juice, but he also devoured my extra cheeseburger & a few of my fries. Growth spurt? Nah, how about a look into my future and what I have to look forward to when cooking for boys.

When arriving at the terminal, we boarded practically immediately. Thankfully, I was one of the first coach passengers to board. It makes my life so much easier when I can get our bags put away, Parker's goodie bag/travel bag out & ready, & Parker & myself strapped in while everyone else is strolling onto the airplane with their one little carry-on. With that routine, we finish everything just perfectly & I don't feel as if I'm holding anyone else up (or the entire take-off for that matter).

I will never forget one of the times a not-so-friendly gate agent had me wait & be the last one on the airplane (even though I already had confirmed seats). The flight was already running a little behind schedule & you can imagine how flushed I was as we boarded the aircraft to approximately 150 anxious & ready-to-go, strapped-in-their-seats, individuals. The flight attendants were quite beyond ready to get off the ground as well, so all of that combined did not make for happy times. People just sat there & stared as I tried hopelessly to find a space for our carry-on bag (which we ended up having to put underneath the plane), get Parker's stroller folded down into the car seat & strapped in to the aircraft, help him as he was calling for his Nunu, his trucks & little animals, his blankee & his juice & get myself situated & buckled in. It was not the happiest of times. All that being said to say, I am extremely grateful for the polite & caring gate agents out there & I make sure to let them know how much I appreciate them when they so graciously allow us to board a little early. Happy mama's & happy babies on flights make for happy passengers & happy flight attendants.

On this particular trip to MS, Parker decided--just before drifting off to sleep for his naptime--to review the flight safety charts & ensure he was prepared in the case of an emergency.

Rassie and great-grandparents Mama Sam & Shorty were there to greet us at the Memphis airport. Parker enjoyed having "buddies" in the back seat with him for part of the car ride home. The highlight was the tickling of the toes between Memphis & Batesville.

This was a special trip in more ways than one as I got to meet sweet, precious Jack for the first time. One of my best friends recently had her first baby & was going to be in town that weekend. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that precious little boy. Terra was just radiant & Jack was even cuter than pictures portrayed. I am so happy for Terra & Allen on this new addition to their family!

I am so thankful that I was able to attend Mindy & Richard's wedding. Mindy is a childhood friend of mine back before even our preschool days. We always had such fun on our weekend sleepovers & playdates. She is one of the most genuine people one could ever hope to meet.

The day was a beautiful & special one & the couple just spilled happiness & joy from their smiles. I wish them blessings & happy memories in their future. Thank you for having me be a part of your special day, Mindy.

The reception was such fun in that I got to see sooo many friends & people that I knew & hadn't seen in awhile. Summer, one of my college roommates, was there with Virgil, her hubby & their two sweet girls. (They are actually related to the bride.) Ann, another college friend was there with Nick, her husband & their two children (also related to the bride.) It's always fun to catch up on lives & see how your friends are doing. I can't wait to see many of them again this summer since our visit was so short this time.

And of course it's always a joy to get to stay at mama's house when in town. A warm comfortable feeling when I walk in the front door, my bedroom with childhood remembrances, soft candles burning, daffodils displayed on the kitchen table, sweet smells drafting from the kitchen...mama's house. I love it so. :)

Though a rushed & quick trip, (less than 48 hrs actually) it was one with great memories & fun times with family & friends. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it so special, as you always do. We love each of you so very much.

happy weekend!

I hope that each of you enjoys the warm, sunny weekend & also experiences lots of simple moments with your family & friends!

We're planning on lots of outdoor family time, including cooking out on the grill, playing & working in the yard, running around barefoot in the grass & sippin' some sweet lemonade out on the deck.