B&B ~ Day 3

Our last morning here . . . . totally bummed out that we are leaving so 'early' . . . even though, this is the LONGEST that we have been away from BOTH boys at the same time. . . it seemed like a minute!
We (as in I) got up around 8:30 (which is TOTALLY sleeping in for me!) and started to pack. Took another hot shower, put things away, tidyed up a bit, got Tim up, we finished packing and headed to breakfast.

This morning we enjoyed . . . . .
Chocolate Cherry Muffins
Herbed Scrambled Eggs with Tomato Basil Sauce
Stuffed Baked Cream French Toast with Roasted Pears
Hot Coffee
Cranberry Juice

DELICIOUS - again! Nothing short of it!

We had another wonderful conversation with Todd and Tanya, finishing in the parlor. Todd wanted to hear me play the piano, so they finished up packing and met us in the Main Hall. He told me some of his favorite Christian Contemporary songs and I would play them (as best as I could) and we just really got to enjoy each other's company.

We had to check-out at 11:00, but promised the Inn owners - as well as Todd and Tanya, that this would become an annual visit. It's only 2 1/2 hours away . . . we don't have to rent a car - the scenery was breathtaking and since they come THIS weekend, every year - we would be sure to visit with them again. We said our goodbyes and they took a picture of all 4 of us together (to come soon!) and then we exchanged information and promised to keep in touch.

Tim and I had a shorter ride home, mostly in silence. We were spent. I think more emotionally than physically, but it was a good 'spent'. Kind of like the one after a 'high' . . . . like a retreat or camp.

Here are some pictures of our stay at the White Oak Inn

Our Cabin:

Our Bedroom:

Our Tub:

Our Living Area:

The View from The Back Porch:

Our Bathroom/Closet/Hallway:

The Cabins:

More pictures around the Inn . . .

trust me - they don't do justice to the beautiful fall colored leaves . . they were stunning!

A couple pictures - just the tip of the iceberg - of our sights on the way home



Just a gorgeous house . . one, of many - we saw on our travels.

**By the way . . . Tim and I found out later, that the reason Todd and Tanya excused themselves from dinner, was because - after finding out that we were Christians - they went to the back, talked and prayed if this would be God's timing in them asking us to share our testimony to the other couple sitting with us. How cool is that!?! Turns out, it wasn't in His plan - but still so cool knowing that THAT was in their thoughts and prayers for this other couple!

Same Difference

Today, while eating lunch - Peter asked Tim what 'why not?' means?
And, the conversation went something like this. . . .

Peter: What does 'why not' mean, Dad?
Dad: Well, it's kind of like saying 'yes'
Peter: *silent*
Dad: It would be like you asking me something, like if you asked if I was your Dad, and I would say . . . . . um . . . . .

{dramatic pause . . and careful consideration of a GOOD example to give}

Dad:. . .It would be like if you asked me for something to drink, and I would say 'why not' - meaning 'yes'!

Christmas List . . part 1

Peter has recently become VERY excited for Christmas . . mostly due to his Mommy playing Christmas songs all day long, and also partly due to all of the local stores displaying and decorating for Christmas already.

The other day, he decided, on his own, that he really should start writing out his Christmas List out for Santa. Now, when I say 'writing out' - I actually mean 'drawing'. . it has taken us about 2 years to get this kid to draw something! NOT because he couldn't . . but because he never thought it looked good enough. For example - He would draw a face and then cry because it wasn't round enough! Oi . . . . it was interesting. But, FINALLY - he is now interested and loves to draw things, pictures and his own Christmas List.

This kid could SPELL WORDS before he had any interest in drawing! - something is WRONG with this picture!

So, here is ONE list (out of many, I'm sure - to come!):


If you look in the far left corner - what looks like a Bee - it is actually 'Bumble Bee' from Transformers.

Yes, yes . . my child who is afraid of COOLWHIP - saw and loved the Transformers movie.


(now, we didn't let him watch all parts of the movie - but he LOVED it!)

Fall Pancakes

As most of you may remember, Fall is my FAVORITE season of all!!!

The cool crisp air.

Hot cider.

Pumpkin pie.

Over sized Sweaters.

Warming up by a fireplace.

Pumpkins.

Leaves turning colors.

Last year, I posted a couple of recipes of some of my favorite 'fall' recipes. So, here we are again!

I made these this morning for my family - the kids ate them UP! (which is saying something, because they are picky eaters!)

~ Ginger Pancakes ~

2 C baking mix (like Bisquick)
1 1/2 t ground ginger
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground cloves
1 egg
1 1/2 c milk
1/4 c molasses

Mix all of dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk and molasses - whisk until well blended. Blend the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Pour, cook and enjoy!!!

My Ghetto Children

Tim and I made the kids look this way, on purpose . . . they have no cheeks behind them to hold their pants up, so we just elaborated a bit - and here's the outcome!

Peter: Today is THURSDAY!
Tim: That's right, Peter! Good job!
Peter: I'm REALLY smart!
Tim: You sure are!
Peter: That's because I've got a BIG brain in there!

Bible Verse Time!

Tim and I think it is very important for the boys to know, learn and memorize Scripture verses by heart. One way of them doing this is through our Church - Peter has been learning the first 5 verses of Psalm 1 in his Children's Church class, and I teach him other verses here at home as well.

This week, we re-learned (really, I re-learned, he knew it still) 1 Samual 12:24
"Only fear the LORD, and serve Him faithfully - for consider what great things He has done for you!"
Thankfully, he has been asking what parts of the verse mean - that he doesn't fully understand. What a great way of learning his own little way!
So, here is a conversation between Pete and I, while going through his memory verse. . . . .

Mom: Let's say 1 Samual 12:24 . . . .
(us): Only fear the LORD, and serve. . . . .
Peter: What does fear mean?
Mom: Fear means that you respect God and really want to do good so that we don't get punished.
Peter: OH!!!
(us): Only fear the LORD, and serve Him faithfully . . .
Peter: What does faithfully mean?
Mom: Faithfully means that you do something all of the time, like obeying the Lord everyday.
Peter: OHHHH!
(us): Only fear the LORD, and serve Him faithfully, for consider what . . . .
Peter: Mom, what does consider mean?
(Now, I'm starting to get a little bugged that he keeps interupting so often, but pleased that he really wants to know!)
Mom: Consider means to think about it a lot . . .
Peter: Oh, wow, Mom! You sure are smart! You know a LOT of things about this!!!
Mom: Thanks, bud!
(us): Only fear the LORD, and serve Him faithfully, for consider what great things He has done for you!
Peter: What does THAT mean?
Mom: Well, some great things he has done for you is He made you super cute, and really smart and He gave you LOTS of toys and things to play with!
Peter: OH! And, like He gave you pants and shirts to wear!
Mom: Yes, Peter. He did allow me to not be nude. (sarcasm)

Guess where I found James, today!?!?

YAY! We're all better!

After a whole week of the stomach bug - we are officially ALL BETTER!

We, desperately needed to get out of the house! So, Tim and I decided to take the kids to a local park - to get outside, use some of that (gradually-returning) energy - and, as I told my mom - we needed some fresh AIR!!!

Tim and I spent the week bleaching, cleaning, spraying, washing and sanitizing the house - so Tim and I were very tense and needing some OUT time too! It was the perfect weather and the perfect day to just get out!

Favorite Number

Recently, Peter has been using the number '100' A LOT! I don't know if it's because he can count to 100, or because he just really enjoys that number - but he's been using it - almost always - out of context, or improperly.

For Example:

"I'm better at puzzles than James . . . . I'm 100 BETTER!"

"I'm sorry 100, Mom"

"We are going on vacation in 100 weeks"

"I can count to 100!" . . . .oh, wait - that one WAS used in the right context!
. . .it's been very interesting - and a little entertaining - listening to his use of the number '100'!