Meet me in St. Louis

The worst part of our day trip to St. Louis was forgetting my camera. The best parts of our day trip to St. Louis were...getting some alone time, seeing the famous Gateway Arch, annnndd...seeing our friends Joe and Jess Hall exchange their wedding vows! What an exciting day!

I unfortunately have NOT ONE picture of the wedding. We only had our phone to take pics and it just plain would not work indoors. However, I can attest to the fact that Jess looked absolutely lovely, the groom Joe was happy as ever, and there was a whole lot of fun to be had!

Between the ceremony and reception, we had quite a bit of time to hang out and putz around St. Louis. Since I had never been before, we decided to head on over to the Arch. So cool! I mean--not cool enough to spend the whole day there, or go to the top, but cool enough to say we've been there and get some good pictures. Here's a few!


That little figure at the bottom of the 4th picture is Bryce. Pretty cool huh?

Jess and Joe's wedding reception was really nice--good conversation, a crazy/awesome summer storm, and lots of dancing. What could be better?

What a great way to spend my first visit to the great St. Louis! Til next time...

Traveling with Toddlers: Tips for You

1.) Do pack 4 sets of back-up activities and snacks. You will go through at least 2 sets, so it's best to be double prepared.
2.) Do become friends with whoever you're seated next to on the airplane. That way, when your kid throws her puzzle piece at him, he will just smile and pick it up, instead of shooting you dirty looks.
3.) Change diapers BEFORE boarding the plane. Can you believe there are no changing tables anywhere on an airplane? Passengers think your kids are cute, until they poop. :)
4.) DON'T care what people think when your child is running full speed and screaming at the top of her lungs through the airport. If she doesn't get her energy out in the airport, she will decide she would rather climb under the seats of the plane than sit on your lap.
5.) Bring the favorite of all favorite books. Just pretend you don't know it by heart.
6.) Escalators in airports=the most exciting part of travel! Take them over and over again if possible.
7.) Don't get your hopes up about sleeping on the plane.
8.) Bring paper to color on. The flight attendant's don't think it's funny when they find crayon on the tray tables.


I hope you have enjoyed my flying with toddler tips. Thank you for flying Hewlett airways.

Homemade Granola..Mmm...

I must admit, I followed a recipe for this one, but I tweaked it so much I felt the need to re-type. Hope you try it--it's well worth it! :)

3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 cups raw nuts (I did almonds this time...delish)
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup dried fruit (optional)
2 tsp. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay out oats and seeds on a large baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes until slightly brown. While cooking...

Combing all other ingredients (except fruit) in a large bowl and mix well. If the mixture is very dry, add a little more cocunut oil. When oats/seeds are finished, add them to the mixture. Stir, then pour contents back on baking sheet. Put in oven for 10-12 minutes (until golden brown). Make sure to stir every 3-4 minutes until done and be careful not to keep them in too long!!

Stir in fruit.

Let pan cool completely, then store in air-tight container. Enjoy!

Come Alive

Last friday, our community was set to be graced by the presence of poet: Derrick Brown. Unfortunately, car trouble held Derrick off from getting to our little spot on the map, but my cell group spent some time looking at one of his poems. I haven't been able to get parts of it out of my head since we 'studied' it last week. I hope you enjoy. :)

Come Alive

Citizens of Narnia,
I must admit
I was a reluctant candidate for mayor.

I have shaken the hands and hooves of many
throughout this great land

And I must admit
for many, the beat inside has died.

A great sorrow overwhelms me
for even the drums in my chest are growing quieter each day.

When did we become a library of children,
shelved like great novels
no one has the time to read?

As mayor of Narnia
I declare that this day must be the day we come alive.
I will declare a day for dipping our hands in butter
so we can practice the art of letting go of what we were
and watch our hands emerge as telephones
so we can know our calling.

As mayor of Narnia,
I will declare a day of common sense
on behalf of waiters everywhere.
If you can't tip 15-20%,
then you don't get to go out to eat.

As mayor of Narnia
I declare a day for talking to the trees.
What are they saying? They're saying 'Climb me,
carve your future lover's initials into my spine,
sacrifice me for your books.
Every book, every page is my blood. I give this to you.
If it's a war for the lands of imagination, I am ready to die.

Go ahead-get young on this day.

Invite snow angels to a bonfire
and give them s'more-flavored popsicles.

Buy cereal with the worst nutritional value
but the biggest prize.
Go meet your prize.

Sing and misplace your keys.

Get a bad bowl-cut and love it.

See yourself dressing as a bull, waiting in arenas, armed
and rising from all fours
stabbing matadors
and saying, "Now how do you like it!
Set my brothers free!"

We're gonna fly kites in reverse
with the sail planted firmly in the soil
and our bodies on a string
sculpting clouds into the faces of people we miss.

We're gonna make thank-you cards
and rest them on soldiers' graves.

We're gonna raise a hand
in the back of the world classroom
and the answers we come up with
is to pull the night down
stare stars in the face
and reclaim lost wishes.

We're gonna capture the details.
We're gonna turn off machines.

We're not the dishes we pass.
We are the passion we dish.

If you've been away from Narnia for awhile, welcome back.

The kingdom is outside.
The kingdom is inside.
Today is the day we come alive.

The Best Game Ever

A cheek full of sunflower seeds. Curve balls. Stealing a base. The feel of a new bat.

These are just some of the MANY things I heard and witnessed the week before the big game. The line-up was set, the teams were practicing (and praying), and my husband was uncovering a childhood love: Baseball.

A few weeks ago, Bryce decided to put together a baseball team of 20-somethings from New Jersey (team FNA--you'll have to ask him about that) to challenge a team from West Philly.

It was warm and beautiful day, the boys were utterly excited (for real...I know 2 boys who barely slept the night before), and the game was set. Below is a small snapshot of the joy of baseball day.

Bryce is a good reminder to us all: we're not too old to play. :)

This is serious business.

Randy felt left out because he did not have a retro uniform. He wore a cape instead.

Daddy, whats up with the 80's mustache?

A Hit!

Team Huddle

Great work Team!

Gooooo Dad!

A little pooped out...